Fun With Smallies And Camera

[joeD]

The MDC sells 18" sticker rulers that you can put on your canoe, either on a gunwale or the side. Honestly though, the only time I measure a fish nowadays, is when I think it might go 20 inches. I've caught enough 16 17 and 18 inch fish to know what they look like. However, if a bar tab is on the line for the biggest fish, then of course I would measure...

[Stoneroller]

true joe, but keep in mind we are talking about relative size for pictures. and eric your fish was all of 16 with it's mouth closed. i like the paddle idea, it's also easy to get wet. I've seen some nets that also have measuring marks along them, but they of course suffer from the issue of not being on the same plane as the subject. holding a ruler 6 inches above the fish and taking a picture will obviously skew the relative size and most nets are deeper than 6 inches.

[Smalliebigs]

Aw, Al come on now I only hit that creek a couple times a year!!!! I will tell you this I love that creek it's gem and I love the creek it flows into as well. Incidently Al, did you notice the amount of silver carp in there???? Last time I was there it had way more carp than I remember in the past, I know it flows into a large tributary but man!!!! Is this from high water thus allowing them to come up stream for refuge??? And the hole at the first bridge is very deep compared to years past, lots of big Gar. All in all it's a beautiful piece of water but more industrial looking than in the past. The scolding you gave me was well deserved, mums the word.

Also, joeD you are the man if you only feel the need to measure fish that are 20 inches, that must suck to not get that excited about 16,17 and 18 inch smallies.

[eric1978]

Also, joeD you are the man if you only feel the need to measure fish that are 20 inches, that must suck to not get that excited about 16,17 and 18 inch smallies.

I guess that's what happens when the river's in your backyard. You better watch it SB, you're next with all the time you spend out there.

[Smalliebigs]

I guess that's what happens when the river's in your backyard. You better watch it SB, you're next with all the time you spend out there.

never, E I get excited just seeing a smallie not matter how big or small. I have caught plenty of big fish but they are ALL amazing from 11 inches to 21. I'm ready to go...just give me the word

[joeD]

Smalliebigs, I get excited just waking up in the morning, let alone fishing, trust me. Your friendly sarcasm is duly noted and enjoyed. I absolutely love stream fishing for smallies. Just because I don't measure all the time, doesn't mean I don't get excited about catching fish. As you age, your wants and needs change, in this case, with regard to fishing. They become more refined and focused. Its what I want out of it, everything else is secondary. I fish the way I want to fish. That's it. It's not right, it's not wrong, it's just the way it is. (Sorry Bruce Hornsby). You'll see.

[Smalliebigs]

Joe, I totally agree with you there, just getting these old bones to get moving is an accomplishment for me....way to much baseball in my youth. Hey, I'm just jealous of you, I heard about your set up...kudos to you man!!! It sounds like your living the dream down there

[joeD]

"my set up" ?? I have a wife and three self-centered teenagers, it's a nightmare down here. Why do you think I escape any chance I get? I'm joking of course. I think.

[Smalliebigs]

"my set up" ?? I have a wife and three self-centered teenagers, it's a nightmare down here. Why do you think I escape any chance I get? I'm joking of course. I think.

nice!!! lol..... I'll be there in about 13 years, we just had our first baby 7 months ago. I'm an idiot I waited until I am 41 to have my first kid!!! I'm crunching the numbers in head all the time and it scares the crap out of me.

[rps]

If you are lucky, and if you can stay with the same woman, it can get even better. Together 40 years now, we have two grown girls who both have masters and jobs, we enjoy our own jobs, and we live in a house on a lake in the Ozarks.

I know that for unknown reasons, I have been blessed.

Did anyone want to bless me with the name of the creek? Just kidding.