Jerry,I had my medial meniscus removed due to a bucket handle tear in 98.I was off work for 2 weeks ,then right back at it and I am on my feet and up and down stairs most of the day. I was also told that I would need an artificial knee in 7-10 years. Well it's been 10 years and only lately have I been getting a little pain now and then[I think it's the weather though] I was told to just work on straightening my leg on my own after surgery and it was fine. I was also told if I had went for surgery right away they would have been able to repair it. How about you? Good luck with the knee and also up in Craig. I would wear one of the neoprene supports while your fishing..... Rod