FYI, even though you said you're not into 182's, my TR182 has a Robertson STOL and at my recent BFR, my instructor and I were consistenly seeing 34 KT IAS stall speeds at the 10 and 20 degree flap settings. On the short field landing we did, it could have easily been stopped within 500 feet. And with 20 degree flaps, it doesn't take long to get in the air on takeoff.

It is also a good cruising machine with 160-165 KTS TAS (depending on the temps you're comfortable with) in the mid teens at around 14-15 GPH fuel burn. And the range easily exceeds my bladder endurance.

The possible downside for unimproved strips are the smaller, high pressure (70 psi mains and 50 psi nose) tires.

I love the R182, but its one downside is that it needs very firm ground to operate on. Field conditions that would make you say "That's a tad soft" in any fixed gear plane will get a 182 stuck. I learned that lesson the hard way.

Still won't fit in his shop, though. Jeff, I think we're figuring out that you need to build a new barn for the new plane

If I built a new barn that would fit a Cessna, I’d be going after a 180. The 182 is an extremely capable plane, and probably the right choice, but the old taildraggers are just cool. I’m really wondering if something like the RV8 would be a good compromise. It can’t do aggressive snaps and tumble like a Pitts, but it’s still a 6G plane that can do most sportsman positive g maneuvers, as well as travel. The Pitts is made for local dedicated aerobatic flying, and is definitely not a go fishing plane. An acquaintance of mine has a partnership in a RV8. I need to go see him and find out if a standard load of fishing stuff would fit. I really don’t need a 4 seat. We’re going to be empty nesters soon and my wife really has no interest in riding in a little plane. She’d ride occasionally for the 2 hr flight to Gaston’s for a weekend getaway or hop down to Norman to have lunch with the kids, but that’s about it. I’m open to a sporty 2 seat (I’d definitely go play upside down on a nice day, but can’t see myself just wanting to go fly around), but the more STOL dedicated 2 seats like a husky can get pricy. For that kind of money, the Maule starts looking good again.

Piper Pacer with 150-160HP is a performer. STC’s for bigger engines are available. Think: budget Maule

Jeff to get the speed and grass you are looking for my memory only comes up with RV's. Yep you need an expert/craftsman to have built it and check it out before purchase but if two seats are good it is an excellent plane whether tandem or side by side. May have to talk to one of the owners about fitting your fishing gear inside it. Have fun with the hunt. It's the cheapest part of the process...

the 180-185's will not get your speed desired unless close is acceptable and you find it with a 550 in it. $$

The Maules, 180-185’s won’t give me the speed, but they’re specifically built to handle off pavement. I’m going to look more into the RV line. I don’t want to land on a river sandbar or do any hardcore bush flying, but anything kept here would need to be durable enough to handle basically a mowed Bermuda pasture. The RV is attractive because it is a compromise between aerobatics and travel. Best case would be a new hangar, a nice 180, and a Pitts S-1, but that’s ridiculous money.

F4U Corsair with it's twist wings might fit in your existing hangar?
Good on grass, aerobatics and if the poopy hits the fan it won't matter if your
neighbor has an AR, yours is bigger.....

Sorry I was thinking about the new planes that the wings fold and looked up how slow they
were. Soo I went dreaming WWII and a P51 or P47 just won't fit. All have enough speed for you OP though.

back to topic, sorry....

I have a travel air and fly into a grass strip a few times/ month with no issues. Ive been into gastons a few times before however not with travel air however would not be an issue. Great airplane for the money and would fit your mission perfect in my opinion.

Thanks for all of the replies. I need to go out and arrange some rides when things start moving again and see what I like, and don’t like. Many options look good on paper, but it just depends on what fits. A friend was convinced that he was getting a 36 bonanza until he sat in one. He thought that it was a great plane, but he didn’t really fit. He ended up in a newer 210 and loves it.

How much fishing gear and baggage do you want to haul?

Not that much really. A set of chest waders, a couple of fly rods broken down and in storage tubes (about 36” long), tackle vest, small net, and several days of clothes. I have loaded up motorcycle saddle bags with clothes, strapped the rods across the seat, and used the top case for the waders. It’s not ideal, but it was a fun experiment. It kind of gives you an idea of the small amount of gear that you need. Something bigger like the Maule or 180 type plane would give me extra seats if I needed them, but I’m questioning how much I’d need that room since the bulk of my flights would be solo 260 NM trips to Gaston’s for a 3-4 days. I’m questioning twins for the same reason. I really like them, but is that the right choice for my mission? I was lining up instruction in a Pitts before COVID changed things. I later began to question buying a dedicated aerobatic plane since it isn’t something to go somewhere in. A utility plane like the Cessna or Maule would be a travel machine only. I’d never just go fly unless I could do aerobatics. That is one thing intriguing about the RV line. They are pretty good at both. A Pitts is a much better aerobatic platform, the bonanza is a much better instrument platform, but a RV8 is a pretty good at both. It can do basic to intermediate aerobatics, and it has the ability to travel too. I really only want to use instruments to punch through a layer on the way up, or down. If it’s solid low IFR I’d most likely not go in anything.

A C195 hits most of your buttons, carries more, tailwheel, draws a crowd and is about 140-145kts at altitude. Has a heater.

Those are beautiful. A Beech model 17 would be appreciated too. Those are 2 planes that I would just go fly around. Some machines are just a useful tool, some are works of art.

I wouldn’t compromise on the airplane over the cost of a hangar. Suggest you price out a T hangar. Even a pole building with sliding doors and a 3” concrete floor. Keep it cheap.

You’ll never enjoy a plane as much as if it’s in your back yard. I fly a 185 from an airport just two miles down a rural road. For the price of a Skywagon you could own a 170 or a 182 and have money left over for a frugal hangar.

I’m biased but there’s nothing like a Cessna for short field performance and reasonable speed. 180 182 or 185.

You would be well served with a P-Ponked 180, and a Pitts S1S that can very well fit under the 'Wagon's wing. The overall cool factor of both taildraggers may well play a significant part in your decision. The 180 will take you around the world, as proven by Jerrie Mock. A Pitts Special gives you a high place in the recognition ladder among your pilot acquaintances.
I keep the back seat out of mine, and carry my folding Montague bike, camping and fishing gear, and everything needed to live out of the airplane for two week's time.
Good hunting.

TN