Travis

makes me want to be right there.

Yep a very easy and affordable DIY project.. looks like it'll work.

W.O.W. was cancelled. Rockfest cancelled. Man, those that enjoy the ice have taken a big hit. Let's cross our fingers for at least one more cold front to get out.

Good point, I have heard that replicas are expensive. John, no damage to the skin, flaking etc? I heard this is common. Dana, you're going to do your own? What steps are you taking to practice.

A lot of people here might be very anti-mount. Especially with a organization that strives for conservation. With that said, have you considered a replica? They tend to look very well, last longer and a lot of people who done both will not go back to a taxidermy once they have seen the difference.

Nice read. When people see such a difference in the water it is a not a mistake. I hope you can spread the news quickly.

Look into Mirror Lake. It is near Devils/Dells, you can end up kayaking both.

Just went to Gander in Geneva last night. Dirt cheap bulk flies.

I would at least try the one with a bead. They, flies in general, are so lite that the bead will help it go down a little faster and give a different and I feel better presentation. Also, I can soak a fly all day under a float and get some hits, but the second I twitch the rod it seems to get attacked. At the right place I could easily average a pan fish every minute with that simple twitch to excite them. Try gander in geneva, awhile ago that had a crazy low deals on loose flies. Orvis is in lombard if you want a place a little smaller to support.

Did you know you can make your own for clothes? I'll find it....

Number 6 octopus, medium roach, under a bobber is deadly. That is your best chance to at least getting some thing. Don't under estimate cut bait with a heavy sinker either for cats and other fish swimming by. Pack a lunch and maybe bring a net for them to scope up minnows and such. It'll keep them busy from boredom. Good luck.

At that price you will not a find a "great" kayak. But you can find one. Check out Dicks Sporting Goods... I think they have a few new ones at that range.

Sounds interesting Norm.

Honestly, I am not sure. I have owned a lot of different brands that have them. John I belive the stankx line is both salt and garlic. I expose the hook with these out from the tentacles, midway, and use a long shank. They tend to attract heavy strikers.

I have gotten great Smallies with a garlic sent, my buddy pulled out a 20 inch small mouth on a plastic stankx frog last year with a garlic scent, a beast of a fish. I'll try to find the picture...