WILLIAM C.

Thanks for the advice Ben and Terry, like I said- trying to get the hang of this.

A few clips I put together from my Go Pro, still trying to get the bugs out. The camera is slow to respond so the short clips get even shorter in editing. I should have my act together by mid- season when I have more to work with. I allowed You-Tube to correct some of the shakey stuff and now notice that it's not as clear a video as the one I have on my computer. https://youtu.be/LxyJ5TNf3PM

With the smallmouths nesting I thought it would be a good time to try my Go Pro underwater. I put the camera on a small tripod and backed away, it only took about two minutes for the fish to return. I rigged a jig/ worm with a barbless crimped hook to see the fishes reaction, he responded quicker than I thought. On some of the other beds the smallmouths were already pairing up. You can tell by the algae where this video was taken. If you have the sound turned up you can hear the jig worm entering the water. No fish were hooked or harmed. https://youtu.be/v3UqjFPHNgw

You guys will just have to pick up the slack, get out there and fish. Maybe Norm will start putting up pictures.

Saw a kayak across the river that appeared to be anchored. Actually it was caught in a crossfire with the strong wind blowing one way and the current going the other way. Since I wasn't wearing waders I crossed over the bridge and pulled it to shore by throwing a rattle trap across it's bow and hooking something. It is in good condition but appears it was kept outdoors, scupper plugs missing and filled in with new tree buds. I'm guessing it's a homeowners that was kept near the water and somehow went adrift. No water usage sticker or any other items in or on the kayak. I have no use for it so I pulled it well away from the water. If you here of anyone that may have lost it send me a message. If I don't hear anything in the next few days it's up for grabs just P.M. me. It probably won't stay there very long, it's a busy area.

Scott, I'm available to work 9 till 1pm. on Saturday.

See you on Friday

I rinse mine off after every use and just put them back with my fishing stuff, they rarely get a chance to fully dry till about November. On average my boots will last up to three years I don't think I have ever had a pair last four years same with my waders.

Right now put me down for 4 days, I'm sure Dick will chime in when he hears about this.

You know I'm in, I'll give you a $100 right now to hold my spot. My first choice would be August but it's not a deal breaker. That cabin is just a stones throw from where I got my first Menominee 20inch smallie. Float or wade I don't care.

Traveling to a fishing destination in Colorado I came across this place called Caribou Ranch. Many famous recording artists have used this place of solitude to create albums. Not in use anymore, many items have been donated to the music hall of fame. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caribou_Ranch

I have probably tried 5 or 6 different brands over the years and they all will eventually leak. The most important thing is the warranty or store policy on returns and exchanges. So far Cabela's has exchanged leaky waders twice at no cost to me. My latest pair of Cabelas and favorite has held up for over two years and going strong. If I get three years I consider myself lucky considering the amount of time in the river.

Does anyone know where to get those rod holders for carrying extra rods while wading? A friend of mine is looking for one.

Good condition hardly ever used - w/ carry case $30. SOLD

On my calendar, looking forward to it.

Here's a few more pictures. Due to poor planning we spent more time driving than fishing trying to explore new access points to some small rivers. We had planned on hitting it hard on Monday but the cold front moved in sooner than expected and we pretty much got rained out. We got a few decent fish but nothing photo worthy.

Got mine Monday from Dick's in Tinley Park, it's helpful to have your DNR number from your fishing license with you.

Norm, if you look close you can see where that buzzard took a swipe at my nose.

Count me in.

After that great lunch and superb entertainment provided by Terry Dick G. and I fished downstream for a couple of hours with limited results.As Dick said "this was the only photo worthy fish,we have to post something".Tough day fishing but the picnic was great.

Dick was thinking we could use some bottled water so we will bring a couple of cases.

Add two more to the mix,Dick G. and I will be there. One of the few times either of us is available on a weekend,looking forward to this.

Thanks for all the info everyone.I do have a back up pair of waders that are in good conditon and I found the leak in the other. Hopefully the patch will last a couple of weeks.I'm sure I will find a pair of wader boots in the next few days.

Thanks for the responces,always an interesting topic but I was just looking for a coupon or sale since I no longer have a pair that I could even use.As far as durability of my past waders and boots my wife put it all in perspective when she said "if you figure the price of waders plus boots divided by days in the river it comes to about $1.50 a trip".

Anybody know if Bass Pro Shops or Cabelas have coupons going on right now,I'm desperate after a complete failure at what is supposed to be quality equipment.My replacement pair of Simms boots didn't last any longer than the first pair and my worn out back up pair of Cabelas failed on the same trip not to mention my White River waders.I have come to realize that the life expectency is about one to two years.Thank goodness Dick G. and I caught a lot of big fish,post to come later when I find time.