Missouri Smallmouth Slam

[Ozarks Euro]

I have been torn about this slam the whole time.  I fish everyone of these areas.  In my opinion most people do not go to these areas like people think, and since some are "backwoods" they are sometimes hard to cover and manage for the state.  Most offenders of breaking the law, poaching, and massive trash left, I have witnessed to predominantly locals.  I really doubt one person in this fine group would offend any of our precious resources.  Whichever side you're on of agreeing with this or not, there is no way I believe the people like you caring anglers, have ever been an offender.

Yet we see it happen....we have to call....we have to continually pick up trash....we have to continually do everything we can to educate, care for species and special Ozark places.

It is each one of our responsibilities as public landowners, to truly help educate the masses that are now fishing after our pandemic years.  Its is estimated there are 8 million new fly fishers over 2 years, and that doesn't count conventional tackle.

I respect every legal method and hope this can at least bring us all together to step up for protection, education, and conservation.

I personally challenge everyone, whichever side you agree with, to take this as an oppurtunity to say "How can I help this be an amazing program and fishery? How can I share my love for these places and fish, with others who will care and protect as well, to make this a world class fishery, while we see all the beginners that need help."

I remember my first tank of a smallmouth, it was years ago, I will never forget that fish.  I thought I had something so massive and fighting so hard, I wasn't even sure what it was.  Then I landed it, I praised its beauty, and I released it to catch another day.  I will never forget that day 30 years ago, I hope everyone gets to experience that joy.

Chris Miller

[snagged in outlet 3]

50 minutes ago, Ozarks Euro said:

In my opinion most people do not go to these areas like people think

With all due respect the Meramec, huzzah, both Pineys and the Gasconade get a lot of traffic.  A whole lot!

[Devan S.]

As one of the positive lone voices on this thread here is my take:

Many were negative about the trout slam at the beginning. However there has only been 200 some odd completers of any level for the trout side in 2+ years. Not exactly a number to write home about but not over running even the smallest of creeks. Even if we triple that number to 600 people it works out to 2 people per day. I know the math doesn't necessarily work that way but the smallest and hardest 2 streams on the trout side should at least be able to support that for catch and release angling for those kind of numbers. All the locations are already posted on MDC for both slams so the only real difference is someone like me looking to check a box at least for the smaller streams. 

The reality however is someone like "me" who is actually interested in this isn't going back to the blue springs creek or the barren fork. We just wont.....its not easy....its a notch in my belt been there done that and would be surprised if I go back in the next 30 years. Heck I probably wouldn't go if it was closer to me. There is far better places to go....If I am being totally realistic I haven't been to any blue ribbon trout stream since, including Crane which is just down the road. Why would I? I have better options in Taney and Beaver TW and I literally cannot imagine someone making those small locations a destination for anything other than the slam. FWIW isn't there a full blown resort of Blue Springs?

I might go back to the 11 pt. or NFOW or maybe even the current river but all of them have additional draw. Well above and beyond the checking the box of the slam. In fact, in some form or fashion they were all on my list prior to the slam. It was just the rock I tripped over to get there. Crane is closest to me and I'll probably go back but it wont be yearly and may not be ever considering I have better options elsewhere. 

To add additional spin, most of the Smallmouth slam streams are larger and thus add some additional options as far as user base(Canoes, rafts, guides, ect.)

 

[Ozarks Euro]

2 hours ago, snagged in outlet 3 said:

With all due respect the Meramec, huzzah, both Pineys and the Gasconade get a lot of traffic.  A whole lot!

You are correct, I was referring to the more unused back areas.