John Gillio

This is a far cry from the nice kayaks that have been posted as of late. I have a canoe that has gotten some solid use over the past 30 years but at 67 pounds plus seats, gear , etc. it is a bit heavy for low water times on my favorite little stream. My Pelican Patomac at $199.oo and 37 pounds, plus a little customizing with a circular tackle box, two rod holders, two paddle clips, two swim noodles, some outdoor two sided tape, velcro, rope, and a cushy seat at a total of $50.00 is suiting me just fine. It was a bit tipy on the first outing . That's where the noodles came in. It looks a little funky, but it is now very stable and tracks quite well. It should portage easily and pulls easily through the shallows. It seems just right for how it is used. It has been on 4 outings to date. All were successful outings.Today was the first outing of this year. The water was quite low but it allowed me to reach some spots that I wouldn't have reached just by wading. It just so happened that those were the spots that held fish on each outing.

Looks great Jim. Same reason I picked one up.

The Moken 10 is a cool looking yak. I like the wheel in the keel idea too. More friendly price also. How does it track?

This chupacabra was photographed in a friends back yard. It was rather small. Surely a fox with mange.

Check out the new Diablo Chupacabra Kayak. It's only 56 pounds and looks very stable......................................I want one. Way out of my price range though.

Great fish Scott. I like the plain ones best also. They catch everything and don't break the bank. As Phil points out ,the squirrel tail ones can be fished much slower if there would be a need to do so.

I've been using the size 0 - 3 Aglias for most of my life and find that using a good ball bearing swivel makes a world of difference when it comes to line twist on a mono line. I'm told a good braid cuts back on twist too. The Mepps inline spinner is a great lure for all types of fish.

This is a nice fishing truck though I prefer bronze to green.

A friend is wondering if anyone could identify this fly rod. The emblem is hard to read. Anyone out there have any idea?

Steve, I was also at this mornings ceremony. It is nice to see the river open again. I was also at a meeting with the DNR about the work being done near the ED Hand bridge. This is a mine reclamation project and there are no plans for the DNR to put in an area for canoe or raft takeout. The city of Oglesby at one time had plans to put in a boat ramp, parking lot and shelter in this area but that went by the wayside. It appears that the DNR will leave the area in shape for such a project to be resurrected , but it is up to the city to complete if and when it decides to do so. When the Mayor was asked about further development of the area he said that there were other projects that had to be finished before anything could be done there. The area will be seeded soon and the DNR's work there will be done. It would be nice if the city could find the funding to revisit their past plans.

I just left a meeting that took place along the Vermilion river near Lowell. The river was declared open by IDNR director Marc Miller this morning at 10:41 am. The river is open to rafting, canoeing, and kayaking. I talked to Mr. Miller after the meeting and learned that even though the river is open there has been no portage rights granted by the property owners (Buzzi Unicem) at the wildcats or the dam at the mill. All watercraft are to pass through the opening on the right hand side of the dam as you are traveling downstream. There are signs posted at the Lowell put in that explain restricted areas around the dam and signage is in place at the dam also. River shoreline and Buzzi property are off limits and would be considered trespassing, so stay on the water if you are planning on using this resource. I would like to thank the many groups and individuals that were involved in the reopening of this river. It is a great asset to the people of Illinois and the little town of Oglesby. Treating this lease agreement between Buzzi Unicem and the state with respect is crucial to keeping the river open. Buzzi has the right to break the agreement at any time......... Float safely.

Thanks Scott, on a job well done.

Good tie Ryan. Stripers are great fun. Hope you have a blast.

Glad you are back!

The Hildebrandt spinner was the first artificial I ever used. It is a great lure and can be thrown with a fly rod.

The flyshop would be Shannon's in Califon NJ.

The lower Raritan river is known for it's smallies. The Ken Lockwood Gorge ,on the Raritan, northwest of Somerville, New Jersey is a fantastic and scenic trout stream. It has great access and holds brookies, bows, and browns. Some can be quite large. There is also a nice fly shop nearby, but I can't think of it's name. I'll get back to you with that.

I will be looking for a line for a split cane and a fiberglass flyrod. I think I read somewhere that these rods cast better with a level or a double taper line. Does anyone in the know have an opinion on this ? Thanks in advance.

I wish I could make it, but it won't happen this year.

Thanks for the healing words. Nice Fishing Eric. I got out for a couple of hours on the Illinois and Vermilion rivers Mon. afternoon. Had no fish but did have some good conversations with a few other sauger fishermen roaming the shoreline in hopes of finding some shoreline sauger. Saw a few eagles, hawks, and turkey. Felt good to get out.

Someone say something fishy. The silence is killing me. I haven't seen a post in over a week !

Cool idea. Could be great for sauger too.

White belly Clouser. Favorite back: white, charteuse, yellow, orange, blue, or purple. Haven't tried much else . Rob,did you get your trip in Sat., and was it worth the drive?

You do exceptional rod work Colt.

I hope to be up with a carload next year. We were quite disappointed we didn't make it this year.