Bill Butts

[Bill Butts]

Greetings!

My name is Bill Butts and I live in Springfield MO with my wife of 28 years, two children and the Boss (our Silky Terrier). I acquired my first fly rod 37 years ago after using one of my dad's old oversized and overweight outfits for bass and panfish at our neighborhood lakes. I remember how heavy it was and how old the line was, but there was just something mesmerizing about the casting that grabbed my attention and has never ceased to hold my enthusiasm. Today, I have a number of fly rods, but don't own a single spinning or casting outfit.

Besides the lakes in my neighborhood, I probably spent more time fishing at Bennett Spring the first several years than any other place.

As my dad got back into fly fishing, we ventured to Montauk, the White River, and of course Taneycomo. I very clearly recall the first fall we fished at Taneycomo below the dam. It was 1971 and that was during the "glory days" of Taneycomo. It was all rainbows at that time, and it was unbelievable how many large specimens congregated in the upper river in the fall each year.

Our interests broadened and we traveled to Yellowstone, Montana and Idaho seeking the fish we read about in many fishing magazines. When I was 17 and just out of high school, Dave Whitlock (with whom I'd become friends through a mutual friend) helped me get a summer job at a fly shop on the Henry's Fork in Idaho. The summers spent in the West provided many new friends and acquaintances from all over the country for this hillbilly.

Upon college graduation at SMSU, and getting married the following week, I took a job managing a great fly shop in San Jose CA. Those years provided my introduction to fresh and saltwater Stripers and Salmon, and a lot more fly fishing friendships. After moving back to the Ozarks, I worked for Bass Pro Shops and helped them establish their first fly fishing tackle selection. It was very small. There were about two pages of fly tackle and they also added 3 pages of camo clothing that year. My, how things have changed and grown. They didn't even have a retail store at that time.

I've been out of the professional realm of the industry since then and moved on to other pursuits, but still enjoy keeping in touch with many friends that allows me to keep kind of a pulse on the industry.

It has been enjoyable to begin seeing so many personal introductions on this forum. Like many others have stated, Phil is doing a great job facilitating this for the good of the group. He and I have been friends for about 20 years, originally through the rebirth of the Friends of Taneycomo conservation group in the Branson area. I've enjoyed and valued from his efforts for several years to keep informed with fishing reports, fishery news and events in his area.

Though Taneycomo is one of my favorite year-round home waters, I have become infatuated with hunting and catching members of the Striper Family (Stripers, Hybrids and Whites) for 30 years. It is because of this passion that I've become involved in this Forum.

Phil and I began discussing the addition of Striper Family forum topics some time back, so I've agreed to moderate them to at least get it started. It is my hope to share helpful and timely information and encourage many Forum participants to do the same to expand the popularity, understanding and respect for these great fish.

Fish On!!!

[Brian K. Shaffer]

Welcome Bill!

I enjoyed reading your BIO and will keep my eye on the Striper Forum for fishing updates.

Did you happen to catch any whites (was it last year, 2 years ago >?) when they had the gates open at Taney ? That was crazy fun for a few days.

Once again, welcome.

best fishes - Brian Shaffer

[Bill Butts]

Welcome Bill!

I enjoyed reading your BIO and will keep my eye on the Striper Forum for fishing updates.

Did you happen to catch any whites (was it last year, 2 years ago >?) when they had the gates open at Taney ? That was crazy fun for a few days.

Once again, welcome.

best fishes - Brian Shaffer

Brian,

Thanks for your reply.

I've enjoyed reading your posts, too.

I didn't get in on the whites below TRock, but a buddy of mine did C&R a 30" Walleye at night during that time frame.

Keep in touch.

BB

[Brian K. Shaffer]

You talking about Stubby ?

brian

[Bill Butts]

You talking about Stubby ?

brian

Yes, Gary Kyle aka Stubby.

He is a cousin to my wife, but we just met about 3 yr ago.

The Kyle clan is from Ozark Co.

Stubby hasn't fished much the past year or two.

You might know his son, Michael, who bought Backcountry Outfitters Fly Shop in Springfield.

BB

[Phil Lilley]

Sure- Michael. Hey Bill- if you have any inroads with Michael, I've been trying to get him on the forum since I started it but... he says he's having computer troubles. I'd fix it for him just to get him here cause he'd be a great asset- and I think it would help his business- exposure.

[Bill Butts]

Sure- Michael. Hey Bill- if you have any inroads with Michael, I've been trying to get him on the forum since I started it but... he says he's having computer troubles. I'd fix it for him just to get him here cause he'd be a great asset- and I think it would help his business- exposure.

Phil,

The "computer trouble" he has is that he is not much of a computer person.

I think you're exactly right that he would be a good info source and his business would benefit, too.

He relies on his only other employee, Jim Murphy, and someone else I don't know for sending out announcements for his shop, etc.

Bill