A Crash Course in Smallmouth Alliance Outings

by Dan Kreher

If you really want to learn how and where to fish for Missouri Smallmouths you need to attend one of the Smallmouth Alliance outings. This is one of the great things about being a member of the Alliance - how valuable smallmouth bass fishing knowledge is shared among the group. Oftentimes, the fish stories told around the campfire in the evening are just as entertaining as the actual fishing. But if you are new to the chapter you may have some questions about our outings. Like, what do I bring? What if I don't have a canoe or a fishing partner? What do you do for food? Where do I sleep? All are valid questions which may be keeping you from attending. Here are a few answers.

Many SMA anglers have their own canoes and boats, but a good number do not. By holding our outings on rivers and streams serviced by numerous canoe liveries, anglers are able to either arrange vehicle shuttles or rent canoes from the outfitter. Shuttle costs typically run from $10-$30 per private canoe with daily canoe rental rates of between $25-$35. Depending on the number of attendees, SMA members usually attempt to arrange to float different sections of a stream in such a way as to assist each other with their own shuttles. It is recommended that certainly no more than two fishermen occupy each canoe in the interest of safety and comfort.

If you need a canoe partner, call the coordinator for the event as indicated in the SMA calendar and they will try to arrange it. Some experienced Ozark floaters have little trouble going solo in a canoe with a little extra weight thrown in the bow of the boat.

For those anglers who prefer wading, our outing destinations usually provide ample opportunity to find a quiet stretch of suitable water to either fly or spin fish. At our group outing, SMA members will point out good put-ins and top smallmouth stretches using detailed maps and will discuss lures and angling techniques with those in attendance.

For overnight trips, sleeping arrangements vary from pop-up campers and vans to roughing it in a tent. Again, give the outing coordinator a call if you need to bunk in someone else's tent for the weekend. Many of our outing regulars also have extra tents which they could set-up for additional accommodations. One thing you probably want to bring is an air matress, sleeping bag, or blankets and a pillow. Showers, flush toilets and laundry facilities are usually available in the campground.

Hungry? For meals, each participant is generally responsible for providing their own grub, cooking utensils and method of preparation. Breakfasts can be quick and washed down with hot coffee; lunches of sandwiches and chips are typically eaten on-stream often followed by a good cigar; while campsite dinners take on many forms like BBQ, fried chicken and other dishes. If you're lucky, Hank Reifeiss may treat the group to his famous nachos for dessert. Bring along a lawn or folding chair to rest your weary bones during the bull session which ensues until the campfire burns down and the eyes get too heavy. Then it's ``up and at `em" for the next day's fishing.

Fishing equipment is, of course, angler's choice. But call the outing coordinator for tips on lures, tackle, etc. Better yet, to brush up on your smallmouth skills or to learn of some hot new lures, plan to attend the seminars put on by the SMAduring our monthly meetings.

Other gear to remember:

• Camera & film
• Sunscreen
• Hat & Polaroid glasses
• Cooler for ice, beverages & food
• Extra clothes
• Rain suit
• River shoes

I know I probably missed an essential item, but it wouldn't be a fishing trip without forgetting something.

As far as travel to a SMA outing is concerned, since most outings are within two or three hours drive of St. Louis, most members drive their own vehicles. But if you need a ride contact the outing coordinator . For longer trips like Sylvania in Michigan, for example, car pooling is more appropriate.

Well, that should just about cover it. Again, for more detailed information concerning a particular trip, please contact the outing coordinator. I hope to see more of you out on the stream this summer. Good fishing, Dan Kreher

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