Yes, L&D 14 is worth the drive. I shoot with an 800mm on a full frame body there and do lose a few pictures from being too close. I also own a 500 a have used that a few time as well. It really just depends on how close they are fishing at one particular time. I would say anything 400 or above is plenty there.
As yes the locals, Burt, Larry, and others add a great deal to the fun of going there!
