[redg8r]

Good to see you back Phil.

Looks like everyone made it back with the exception of Pete, I know he's traveling for a couple more weeks.

Everyone who took photos, try & get em to me when you get the chance.
tu@tackleunderground.com or those of you who have my personal email, that works too.

Thanks again, all of you.

[Lincoya]

Well, I've been home for a few days now and I have read all of your posts. I'm like Phil. What else can I say other than I had a great time!! I made some new friends and met some great people, not to mention that I got to see old friends again. Oh, and I learned some stuff, too!

When I look back at the "first" TU get-together I remember it was just 4 of us; Coley, Charlie Mitchell, and Jack Long. Coley & Charlie & I still keep in touch regularly and have become good friends.

The second TU gathering was three years ago at Nathan's house. We had 7 or 8 people that showed up then. At that meeting I finally met Nathan in person. He and I had known each other since the days of Tacklemaking. He and I have also become good friends thanks to Tackleunderground. A plus to this is that our wives have also become friends.

The third get-together was two years ago, again at Nathan's. And now, our fourth meeting. The number of participants just keeps growing.

I guess, what I'm trying to say is, that over the years we have all made friends thru TU but there are none more special than those that we actually get to shake hands with. Personalities show through on the forum but true personalities can only be seen when you met someone face-to-face.

Nathan is already planning the event for next year. I know it will be bigger and better than the last one. I'd like to see more of you show up next year. If it's too far, plan one that would be closer but, do yourself a favor and attend one somewhere. It will be an experience that you will never forget.

BTW, Pete (Hazmail) should be arriving here sometime tomorrow.


Gene

[philB]

Originally Posted by Spike-A-Pike

Phil,

How was the fishing on Truman Res and the trip to Bass Pro? Any problems with customs? It was great getting to meet and I hope to see you again at future meets.

Hi Bruce

We fished Lake Pomme de Terre. We didnt have any fish off the lake but moved onto the river and up one of the inlets to the river that you guys call creeks and I managed to catch my first small mouth bass, so that is my second new fish under the belt . I did hope for Muskie from the lake but it was never really on the cards as the lake was not in true form with all the water and colour to it, 'Coach' our guide really did his best to put us onto fish and next time it may be different, I can recommend Jim as a guide, a top guy. However when pulling into the creek I did spot a very big Muskie laid in the margins which slowly glided into the depths as we arrived so although I didnt catch one I did see one which was a treat.

I tested your muskie spinners and they work well, I am sure on the day they will catch, no problem.

Nice to have met you at the meet and hopefully it will not be to long before we can meet up again.

Bass Pro was a real experience and an alladins cave for a die hard angler like me, we spent all day there and I loaded up with shed loads of gear which is hard to come by here in the Uk. What made the whole trip even better was that I was in the excellent company of Pete who was a real good and funny guy.

[Spike-A-Pike]

Phil,

Your fishing trip sounds terrific. I'm glad you got to watch Esox Masquinongy in his environment. Some of the larger ones get so broad across the back and deliver so much power when they decide to finally attack their prey that my mouth just kind of hangs there for a few minutes while I get my heart pumping again. I was surprised to learn the UK Esox Lucius weren't more aggressive in their natural setting.

I know what you mean about Pete being excellent company, we walked half way around the pond together. He has a refreshing outlook and I'm positive he's a genius. Vman told me to razz Pete a bit for him, but I didn't know where to start.

I can just imagine the two of you at Bass Pro. Did you and Pete get a chance to see the fish in the aquariums? I know they have a feeding show, but I don't know the schedule or other particulars. You had mentioned that you were looking for an ultra-light rod & reel, any luck?

Well Phil, I hope this won't be the last time you make it across the pond and I look forward to seeing you again.

[ChampionBoatGuy]

Man, hearing all these stories about things that happened after I left makes me regret not going for a second day! Phil, I'm glad you got to stop by Bass Pro. They opened one in Olathe, about 25 mins from my house, and I've never quite been the same since...as if you couldn't have known by all the BPS clothing I was showing off at the meet. Maybe next year I'll drag my bass boat down and a few of us can hit Truman Lake.

[hazmail]

Trying to post on a borrowed lap top sucks. I am back in Clinton to do some day trips, and leave on the 21st, and will try and catch up with Nathan again. I will do a 'proper post' when I get MY computer back. Thank's for all your generosity and unbelievable hospitality. pete

[philB]

Originally Posted by ChampionBoatGuy

Man, hearing all these stories about things that happened after I left makes me regret not going for a second day! Phil, I'm glad you got to stop by Bass Pro. They opened one in Olathe, about 25 mins from my house, and I've never quite been the same since...as if you couldn't have known by all the BPS clothing I was showing off at the meet. Maybe next year I'll drag my bass boat down and a few of us can hit Truman Lake.

Sounds good to me . Just hope I will be able to make it.

[hazmail]

Just heard on the radio there is a BIG civil war thing going on in Kansas City this weekend- might have to drive up and have a look. I was lucky enough to have Gene take me along to a small demo in Tennessee a few weeks back, saw some really interesting stuff there- hope you all will excuse my enthusiasm, we don't often get to see this stuff, where I come from.pete

[Lincoya]

Pete,
Good to hear from you again! How's your head?


Gene

[King Bait Co.]

Were is the 09 Tu meet going to be at. I may have to go to one they sound like a blast.