John Gillio

Nicely done! Very realistic.

Impressive looking bug. I would say, that should catch fish.

Sorry to see this. To many people out there seem to care less about conservation issues and the work people put in to bring areas like Rock Creek to the public. To go out of the way to destroy these signs is a shameful act.

On 7/18/2020 at 2:46 AM, Gene Fisher said:

I use a cheap extendable hiking pole tethered to my wader belt by a 550 cord, kind of dangerous. It floats behind me while not needed and close to hand when moving through sketchy areas.  Cord can get really jammed up with piles of eelgrass sometimes. I like John’s wooden cane idea, multi purpose and a bit safer.

Attaching a carabiners ( spring snap link ) to your belt, belt loop, tackle bag, etc, allows you to easily slide the cane in and out and keep it out of the way when not in use. Or just slide it under your belt. Works for me anyway.

I have seen quite a few smallies over the yrs with a hunched back and or a twisted or rippled spine. Not sure what the cause of this actually is.

Nicely done Frank.

I hate when the rod sections separate like that. Nice report.

I've used these shoes a number of times now. Tightening the laces and wearing neoprene socks keeps the sand to a minimum even though the tongue is not bellowed. They are holding up well so far. I do agree with John about protection against chunks of rock above the sole. Not much there. Not good on algae covered rock either. Still, a comfy shoe. I see that Orvis has come out with their Pro series wet wade shoe. Looking at it's reviews, it could be fairly good option too. Grip may be better, sounds like neoprene socks are a must to keep debris out, lightweight.

1 minute ago, eugene f collins said:

Will the Asian Carp be able to advance? 

Sorry.

I understand dam removal. I like dam removal. 

Start the debate. Asian Carp can fill the fish fillet quota for all fast fat food they we eat.

 

It's a low head dam which has somewhat of a fish ladder. It had not prevented the carp from advancing nor has  the Wildcat rapids upstream from it. The carp have advanced all the way to the Steator dam,  which is high enough to stop any fish from advancing beyond. I feel that the Streator dam should stay in place to contain the carp to the waters below it. The dam at Oglesby should go, even though it is the most productive fishing spot on the river. It has been off limits to most for the last 20-30 yrs, and to all the last 11, except trespassers. It is dangerous to those who float the river and don't pay attention to the warning signs

It doesn't hurt my feelings when I clean an Asian carp . Your right,  they are probably much better for us than the fast foods we eat. Heavy harvesting of the carp would be a blessing.

The IDNR has announced a proposal to remove the Vermilion River dam at Oglesby.  The timeline has the dam fully removed by May, 2021. The dam will be let in early Nov, 2020. 

The dam is now on state property designated to be an expansion of Sarved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks. I think this may be one step toward getting the new parkland ready for opening. It is still off limits for the public. The IDNR states the reason for removal is to promote public  safety, for ecosystem benefits, and to improve recreation. It has been the most dangerous spot on the river for those floating it.

Nice!

For some reason your reply on Bart's post an hour ago came up as a notification. This reply did not, nor did your reply to John Shenk. 🤔

Thanks Kevin, no luck with that either. I also tried just moving a bunch from junk to the inbox, in hope's that it would get the idea. No positive results. 

All ISA stuff is going directly to junk mail. Not able to figurie out how to prevent that.

6 hours ago, Kev-mo said:

shoot meant to reply to this.... i only have it set up for new topics. maybe undo all your following and then redo?

did you figure it out?

Not yet. Yesterday morning I changed it to get notifications for everything. Still nothing.

2 hours ago, Frank said:

Even though there are no official celebrations because of the Covid-19 please take some time today and remember those that gave so much for are great country!  

Watched a program last night. Tough to watch, but a strong reminder of what those who protect us go through and have gone through to keep us and our nation safe.

Must just be me. Still can't figure out what is wrong.

👍

Is anyone else having trouble with getting notifications for new topics,  topics you have posted, or topics you are following? It has been a problem for me the last week or so. I have to go directly to the forum topics page to look up things I may have missed. I've checked my settings and all seem to be in order. 

Wow! Very nice. Wish mine looked that good.

6 hours ago, rich mc said:

i swapped some f;ies with john and i can say the 2nd fly is a bluegill slayer.we caught 20 to 9 inches and fly still looks great       iput it on my fly rod caught a few and grandson said let me try that.. never got it back . 

Glad it catches fish. Can't wait to try it myself, as well as yours.

H

Thanks Rich, that's nice to know.

Thanks for the kind words guys.

Tom, not knowing what it is called, I'll show a photo of the feather used. It is the small piece of feather that is attached to each of these pheasant feathers.                                                               

I placed the beads on the hook, then tied in a piece of this feather on to the right and left side of the fly.  The belly of the fly looks like the back. The hellgi is on a size 4 sproat hook the other is tied on a size 8 hook. I may tie some beaded ones on a size 4. I have had some channel cats hit other hellgrammite patterns on a size 2. The beads are glass. Smallies like hellgies too, but I haven't targeted them with it yet.

Sounds good rich. I would guess that along with the extra length you would get some enhanced motion.