John Gillio

Sorry about your loss Terry. I think about my dad every time I'm on the Vermilion. Nice photo.

Zebra Mussel? l

Spinning: Twisters Cranks Poppers Paddle Tails Zonker Strip Jigs Flies: Clousers Crawfish Patterns Seaducers Poppers Foxy Craw

We have quite a variety here. JJ's glass switch rod sounds like a fun approach. A big bass on Timothy's 6 wt bamboo would surely be a blast. While bass fishing my 7 wt has of late been reserved for times when I am targeting big fish while throwing big flies or on windy days. Like Rob, my 5 wt holds a 6 wt line and can handle most things I throw at a bass. It's also more fun landing the average fish with the 5 wt. My very favorite rod is a 3 wt but it is seldom used on the river because it doesn't handle a heavy fly well, which is often needed in faster flows. I love it on small creeks with low water conditions and no wind. It handles a large fish fairly well and the much more frequent 9 inchers are a blast. Thank you all for the input. Anyone else is welcome to share their ideas on this.

To all bass fishermen using the fly rod: what weight is your most often used rod while fishing for green or bronze bass in the lakes or rivers of Illinois? I used to use a 9' seven weight most often but now find myself preferring a 9' 5 weight. Just wondering what other members are using.

From shore the fishing has been hit and miss the past two weeks. The boat guys may be doing better as they can fish the deep pools when the fish drop back off the shore. When they are on, most are running from 14"-20". Even had some males in the 18"-19"range. Seem to be more walleye in the river too. Maybe one out of every 10 fish or so. Haven't seen any eyes over the 20" mark. Water has risen and dirtied some with the recent rain but is still in good condition. Showers and maybe severe weather predicted for Tuesday. Glad you guys enjoyed the sunsets. They have been exceptional as of late.

Nice looking worm. A worm with some bling is sure to tempt some bass.

Thanks guys, I missed a great shot of about 9 geese in V formation flying in low between the trees. It's still a vivid picture in my mind. I also missed a large flock of pelicans circling above the river. They drifted off before I could dig out the camera. At one time there were about ten vultures circling also. Lots of gulls flying buy, and a couple of kingfishers too. Didn't see an eagle. That is unusual for this spot. They are usually around. Rob, I believe it was Bucky Beaver. There was a large beaver swimming around upstream not long before I took this shot downstream. The mammal in the photo was way to big to be a 'skrat.

Very nice green Rob. Were you getting those in the river?

Thank you Mike, for the very informative post. Being that I am amused by both you and the Robster, I myself mustn't be inflicted with the Witzelsucht disorder. And, being that a few extra cotter pins in the boat could well be a pro for the use of this fly, I will give Rob the benefit of the doubt and consider his case short of full blown.

The fishing was fair tonight. The sunset was fantastic.

May I ask, what would be the benefit of using a cotter pin?

Way cool spun deer hair flies. Nicely done!

Old lure retied feathers? I retie some of mine.

Thanks Rob. Those I've seen in the river have run 2"-3" in length. Many times when you disturb them they ball up and roll downstream. I haven't looked for them for some years now, but in the Vermilion I remember them as being the colors you described.

Rob, what size hook did you use on the hellgrammites. They are fairly common in the Vermilion. I may give your pattern a try. I have only fished hellgrammite patterns a few times, having luck catching a few channel cats. I know the real thing works great for smallies and cats. Drifting a hellgrammite pattern through some of the deeper holes may just help me pull a bruiser out of it's lair.

Very nice Tom!

I like the hellgies too. Did you just tie a bugger then trim it ?

They look good to me Colt. Cool Daddy!

Yes, congratulations.

Thanks Mike, I remember that post. I do not recall ever catching a common carp or a sucker on a spinner, though I have done well with spinners while fishing for grass carp in the river. Dan Gapen mentions on the video in Norm's post that the Spin Bee works well on carp and suckers. I may give them a try.

I haven't read any of his books, but plan on picking up his guide to small stream fly fishing. It has very good reviews. Rob, nice article in the Bronzeback Magazine about the simple bunny leach. I was just thinking about tying something similar.Your article inspired me to get it done. I just used your simple instructions. As you said,"Simple can be better".

Well said Mike, though there is something to be said about a good selective harvest and a few fish on the table at times.

Mike, don't get us started on that again . I have been to Dan's booth at past sport shows. You could ask that about a number of his lures. How did the Flap Doodle work on rough fish? I would like to find a good lure/fly pattern for carp and suckers. You and Dan may be on to something.

Cool discovery. A couple of my favorite reads were Dan's books on river and creek fishing from the early 1980s and 90s. Thanks for sharing.