Taking Boys to Bennett Spirngs--Questions??

[NoLuck]

Each person need their own stringer.  Same as anywhere else really. Each persons fish is supposed to be kept separate and identifiable.  So if you leave your stringer sitting tied up close to the bank you're supposed to have something on that stringer with some way  to identify it at all times. Even after those fish are cleaned and in the cooler.  

Trust me on this. I've seen people ticketed for it. 

[brittsnbirds]

Just a dig upstream!! I'm the grumpy one for sure (there I said it first step in rehab).

 

As far as the stringer goes, one stringer per tag.  No you cannot share a stringer they have to be separate.  If you leave your stringer attached to a root or a rock at the side of the stream the stringer has to be identified (name, phone number etc).  Just keep it attached to the person who has it and you'll be golden.

 

As far as storage, after you clean them a zip lock jumbo or large bag, 4 fish per with the tag attached/inside no more than 8 per angler.  Cannot fish if your maxed out so short yourself to 3 and 7 you will be able to continue to fish past 2 days.   Large cooler with plenty of ice.  If your staying at Larry's or one of the others they may have a freezer that you can use to freeze the fish.    That should keep you out of trouble.

 

BTW keep an eye on the 12 yoa boy, sometimes there are some female species down there.  I know at that age I would be distracted.

 

Have fun!!

[doosanman]

Ok, a couple of my boys have Zebco 33 type reels with 10 pound test.   That is a good all around here for catfish, crappie, bass and whatever.   So it would be a good idea to set them up with something lighter?

[NoLuck]

If you feel like you can put 3lb test line on those reels and the rod will cast the lures or bait then have at it. But....... Light or Ultra light is the way to go. If you are scared of the kids using an open face spinning reel, look at some of the smaller closed face ultra light reels. Zebco still makes them if I'm not mistaken.

 Stop by Weavers and just look around and ask questions. They'll be happy to help you. 

[brittsnbirds]

Dang, too bad we're not down there.  I would be willing to help out.  You know me I'm always giving away fly's.

[ALLSTAR1]

you might want to go down to the public access area along the river and try minnows as well as worms in the Niangua. You need a trout stamp to keep trout (not sure about the young ns) but you can catch other species which will also keep them interested.

[JestersHK]

Curious to see how you guys did.  My buddies were down and said it was a decent weekend all around.

[brittsnbirds]

Me too. 

[doosanman]

Ok, just arrived home.   Friday we fished most of day.  Everyone was saying the fish were not very active and it was slow.   We did not have a good day as far as fishing goes and had somewhat of a learning curve as we had never fished for trout before.  Went a lot better this morning, my youngest boy actually limited out.   So the freezer has some trout in it now.  We had a great time.  The scenery was great down there and we did some hiking and toured the hatchery.  We were a little taken back by all the many many fisherman thought.  Despite that, everyone had a good time and is talking of next year already.