John Loebach

Dick, you just described the classic down & across drift with a weighted fly. First the fly gets to depth then swings faster as it straightens & finally lifts as it comes to a stop on a straight line downstream. The speed up thru current produces many strikes as it "escapes" the following smallie. But you are not done until you wait at the end for up to a minute before a couple of strips then recasting. Many days you can pick off one after another on the pause - it feels like bait fishing sometimes.

Mike C. - What you suggest sounds very promising. I'll talk to you about details soon.

Mike, Your conclusions are wrong. We routinely share patterns and reports amongst the bassbuggers. Reports should be under region fishing reports but are not restricted from the bassbugger forum. Joseph hit the nail on the head about pics from tying, I'm working on it and hope to have better reporting soon. I don't want to leave anyone with the impression that there is an inner circle or some unwritten rule about what is shared on any of these forums. That notion is inaccurate and NOT policy so please do not speculate or represent your opinion unless qulified as such. I try very hard in all facets of ISA activity to ENCOURAGE participation and rumblings about "the way things are " on these sites has the opposite effect. Hope to see you at the next outing or meeting. John

What Dick said. I canoe as well as kayak & my stiff joints find the yak more comfortable, most models can benefit from a seat cushion with back.

I've been there once last spring & will definatly return when I can. Spots, Shoalies & stripers with the season almost year around. Spring starts in early March down that way. You should share some of your local waters & prime times to visit. Its nice to fish north as well.

You said it better than I could. Yes.

There is a problem with funding part of the cost of gauges. It is an annual repeated burden which I would argue against our grant program paying for. This type of cost has a limited benefit & would tie up funding in the future restricting the clubs ability to choose to have impact on changing conditions. Eqipment on a one time basis would be entirely different & deserves a look.

Tim, what is being done regarding nutrient abatement? Studies & measurements - any possibility of volunteer involvement as in stream monitoring? Willow planting will only be reqired on the middle fox for a couple of years when the prime habitat with public access will have been done. In this urban habitat we need to pay attention to this underlying problem or this springs Dupage fish kill will become a frequent event. John

Don, imagine if that was your first & only impression of the fishing on the Apple. Timing is (almost) everything. Small rivers & creeks cool down quickly & those canyons keep the sun from heating it back up. At least you weren't guiding that day.

Large weighted compact flys don't require a open loop to turn over completely. Depends on what you like, the clouser rod will throw anything well but does better controlling big lite wind resistant bass bugs than faster rods. I prefer faster action to handle clouser minnows or hairy fodders especially if distance is a necessity & the faster rod will cast better into a stiff wind.

Moderate action thows larger loops- old bass rods were from 7-9" to 9' based on taper but were 8 or 9 wt. for big hair bugs & poppers, which is what that rod is designed for. I have one which you could try sometime, I think you will like it.

Mike, some of what you describe, the commercial interest in growth, is a fact of life but not necessarily a bad thing. Isa has its place and perspective & industry groups have theirs. the desirable goal is to support common cause such as promoting fishing when possible or we will not have a future audience to bring to the next level of appreciation. Even if sales are a prime motivation for the recreational equipment industry they can have a positive effect in spreading the word and getting young people to notice outdoor activies. We need to resist the urge to not support common goals and continue to do what we do.

Rich, Stan Z. called today to see if we are doing it. I don't know if I will make it down, possibly on Sunday but you might want to ask Stan when he can help. John

Sounds like a good time for a pond. Bring that Scott rod to the October cast & compare outing, I'd like to try it. Water levels may have us fishing ponds awhile --- but not downstate at this point. This saturday's central outing looks good, any last minute interest from chicagoland just post on events board. You have to let us know you are coming & there is still room.John

Ken, Good to hear you got a break & worked in some time on the water. About 1/2 of the season left - hope to see you on the water. If time permits maybe a weeknight pond outing for the Bassbuggers?

Doesn't ripping pvc on a table saw make you a little jumpy? Looks great, good idea - nothing like improving a good thing!