Eric

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Off-topic a bit here, but last night I was researching some steelheading sites looking for advice on how to make lug sole neoprenes have more traction for winter wading. I never knew they made river crampons to affix to any wading boot. I haven't looked too far into it yet, but I checked out the ones made by Patagonia ... which was linked to from the steelheading site / article. Problem is, the set is $199!!! Holy crap ... expensive! http://www.patagonia.com/product/ultralight-river-crampons/79196.html They kinda remind me of the old roller skates I had as a kid, minus the wheels.

I haven't had any issues with BOA closure at all, and won't go back to laces on wading boots, even if I switch from L.L.Bean to another brand.

I wear studded LL Bean Gray Ghosts with the BOA closure. I highly recommend studded boots for their traction wading rocky streambeds. They are also easy to clean. The boots have excellent fit and ankle support. I have a spare pair that are non-studded with just the Vibram sole (backup, never worn so far). Can't beat LL Bean lifetime guarantee. I used it once for an exchange, no questions asked.

For the prices they are charging, they should call it CASH Camp.

Mouth full 'o hair! Cool pics!!!

Steve Rogers just wrote a nice article on the ISA for the Morris Herald News... http://www.morrisherald-news.com/2016/11/14/illinois-smallmouth-alliance-always-looking-for-new-members/a6cwe7s/?page=1

Agreed & thanks to an overall good person & friend!

Gorgeous!

The best way to make your kayak fishing more efficient is to stop carrying so damn much gear!!! Neat rod.

Frank, he was holding the fish in the water the entire time while waiting for the certified scale. It was weighed and measured and released after a few pics. IMHO the article emphasizes the care he took to ensure it was documented and then swam off.

Good guy. Very concerned about the fish's well being and the release. Congrats to him!

I think some type of traumatic episode like a heart attack, etc. contributed to the demise of an experienced wader in the river. I'm sure he had plenty of respect for the water. RIP.

Mark -- I thought of you when I saw this video. The end result is just incredible.

Scientists are now using drones to track tagged animals. I don't think it has been done with fish yet, but I think one day they'll be able to. Imagine implanting a transmitter in a smallie in the south branch and/or north branch and being able to have a drone automatically navigate up the river, locate it, record data, and track its movement over time. It could be very revealing as to how far they travel as well as the pot 'o gold (bronze) wintering locations.

My go-to for pre-dawn drives to the river...

Spot-on.

Both are so low right now, I'd love to see even average flow, let alone higher than average. Dupe is good low or average. Higher can make the surface veg washing down river unbearable. If you can hack it, Dupe can produce some monsters. Short casts with search baits. Cover a lot of water. Fox is good any time. Read Paul's post about fall feedbag. Apply to the Fox. Walk-the-dog downstream by outside edges, lifts, etc. Swim jig is better for areas of heavier current. I like downstream burns, but don't discount any angles. Cover water. The majority of the biggies I catch are first-cast fish. They're there or they're not. They don't take much coaxing to react. Speaking generally to the forum community here, don't squander October online. Get out there! ...And post some reports!!!

Yep, we seem to know there's a huge suck-out of Kish smallies riding the late autumn tide to the Rock. So what months would you advise anglers not to waste their time on ye' olde Kishwaukee???

I think you have to take the term "migration" with a grain of salt. Perhaps "movement" is a better term. A "deep wintering hole" on our local rivers could mean the difference of a foot or two, meaning, smallies have moved a few hundred feet up or down river in a lot of instances. In some instances, no movement at all. It's not like all the forage has up and vanished in the winter. Nor does the river freeze completely over. 3' of water is enough to sustain a bass all winter. Conditions may seem rough, but fish adjust. The Kish guys do need a lot of excuses to make up for their lack of catching early spring and late fall. They really attach to that migration concept.

Sounds like fun Mark! Has to be neat taking your fishing stuff to school. What a great opportunity for him. Congrats to Max and good luck!

Heard it live on the TuneIn app on iPhone. Nice job and thanks! FYI, the show is Saturday mornings from 6:05 AM to 7:05 AM on 1340 AM, WJOL

I like Gordon's reply. I've seen smallies (and largemouth) follow feeding carp and snap up things they stir up. I think the fish were doing the same thing with the turtles and indeed defensive of their protection and river-stirring source. Neat observation Jude!

Stopped by late with Brent to chat and see some fishing being done. Nice day!

Lookup Jonn Graham @ Camp Smallmouth. He's a Central Illinois smallmouth guide and probably the biggest smallmouth advocate in the Midwest. Jonn@campsmallmouth.com http://www.campsmallmouth.com