I have been out a couple of times on the local river and caught my first smallmouth (truly small), not to mention several trees and bushes. The fact that I also found some morels has been making the trips more encouraging.

I purchased a set of hip boots as they were the only thing I could find locally, and while they serve a purpose I am not very impressed. It has become obvious that waist and chest waders are worth the investment. What are you using? Do you use the separate boots?

I am looking forward to that first smallie of size.....