John Gillio

Thanks Bart, that was fun.

I would have to agree with Rob about rod wt, fish size, and fighting a fish. I understand where phaaker is coming from when talking about stressing a fish. I feel that much of landing a fish quickly is in the fisherman's ability to do so regardless of rod size. An experienced or inexperienced angler will land a large fish faster on a heavier rod, though it may lengthen the learning curve on how to quickly land a fish if it were to be caught on lighter gear. I grew up using a light power spin rod.Then, when I finally could afford to do so, I bought an ultralight. Most of the larger fish I was catching in my youth were carp and bowfin. I guess I learned at an early age how to land a big fish with small gear, but I do not recall ever having to revive a black bass if it was kept in the water or instantly returned after a quick photo shot, unless it was badly hooked. That's just my take on things. That being said. I think it is probably easier to learn to cast with a heavier fly rod such as a 7 wt. I must say, I was a slow learner when it came to casting a fly rod.

You can see more input from a post called " Weighing In" in the gear and techniques forum.

I prefer a fast action 5 wt for smallies. When I first started however, a moderate action 7 wt was much easier to use with some of the larger flies I throw. It seems I saw a survey some time back and most members were throwing a 7 wt for smallies.

I agree with Rob and Mike. The first graphite rod I built was from a kit. Do some research, watch some videos, and don't be afraid to ask questions here on the forums. Often times the outlet you purchase your materials from is very knowledgeable and willing to help. With a kit the process is fairly easy if you take your time and read through the directions a time or two. As rob said, the first attempt may not be as aesthetically pleasing as you would like but it will most likely function just fine and it will be something you built. That first smallie on a rod that you built will feel that much more special. Don't be surprised if it becomes a winter hobby.

"I Fish; Therefore, I Am and Other Observations" was entertaining.

He says price is negotiable.

Those are cool!

Hang your vest next to it., add a few ketchup stains to both, and you could tell a pretty believable story.

Thanks Mark, that will go into the arsenal.

A fellow I know is selling a half mount of a tiger shark. He is asking $450 for it. PM me if you have an interest and I'll pass along his name and number. It is approximately 60" long and 51" from the top of the dorsal fin to the lowest point of the pectoral.

Wishing the best to all.

Nice Terry. Looks like it treated you well this year. Maybe the river gods know how well you have treated it. I never fished Kilbuck but hope to someday.

I was wondering how things are going there. I cannot remember a Kilbuck smallmouth photo from you in quite some time. Maybe after the meeting you could fill in those of us that cannot make it.

Very nice colorful fly. As far as eyes go I like those buggy, bulgy, doll eyes for poppers like that.

I just thought I would throw this out there to stir the pot. http://www.iflscience.com/plants-and-animals/fish-are-smarter-you-think/ I have observed fish in captivity for years. I cannot say why they do the things they do, but they can be rather interesting. Ex.: 1. A tank full of different minnow species, and a small sunfish. Whenever I approached the tank the fish moved to the surface seemingly expecting to be fed. I was the feeder of the fish. Whenever my wife would move to the tank she would be ignored by all except for the sunfish which would move toward her and follow her every movement. Is the fish curious, does he like her, is she more pleasant to look at than I, is it an instinct for this type of fish to be attracted to dark haired ,blue eyed, Italian girls (or is that just me)? 2. A large tank full of native game and prey fish. Different people feeding them each week. No reaction from fish when people move by tank unless the lid is open. Then they seem to get ready for feeding time. This is always the case unless you are Billy. His approach put fish into a frenzy to hide. This leads me to believe Billy has terrorized these fish at times when I am not present. Are all the fish actually scared of him or is it just one or a few that panic and the rest react? Maybe they are programmed to hide from boys named Billy? 3. Tanks similar to above. A few gamefish with emerald shiners and fathead minnows. Emerald shiners always first to be eaten. They were much more common to the system the fish were from. Were they programmed to eat them first? Were the shiners easier prey? Were the shiners a tastier treat? Are they more nutritious than fatheads?... Lots more examples like these. Do fish move to current seams when they are hungry out of instinct or because they know food could be floating by and it is a more productive area to hunt? Hard to say, but it is something that fish do. I believe good fishermen know how fish react to situations and know what they do. Someday we may learn why they react instinctively or decide to do what they do. Will this make us better fishermen? I would guess so.

I feel eyes are in order.

Look good to me, I especially like that shad.

I've seen that one. Real cool video. Thanks for sharing.

I was reading the latest issue of "Eastern Fly Fishing" magazine. It was neat to see Rich McElligot's Ultimate Worm pictured in an article about bass flies. Glad to see it continue to get recognition.

Nice flies and fish Collin!

Nicely done.

Thanks Ron, we've both heard that before . That being said, yes studs may be the way to go.Thanks Steve, I was also wondering if the stickies are any better in mud than felt soles are? Also with studs, do you skrew them right into the felt?

As long as we are talking boots. I have a question too. What are the sticky rubber soles like? I love the felt soles in the streams I fish until I need to skirt a deep hole that has a muddy shoreline. Then I long for my lug sole boots, as the felt soles are more slippery than snot on a doorknob. I was looking at a pair of Hodgeman's in the Cabela's catalog.

Thanks for all you do Rich. Looking forward to new and innovative fly patterns and materials.