Rick D.

I've gotta see how they handle in the moving waters of a smallie stream. I need to visit the craft after the levers and moving parts have a season or two of serious testing.

I have a 1983 Johnson 25 Hp. Electric start, short shaft, tiller or remote. Model J25TECMB. Also have the matching electric cables, control cables and remote controls. Its on my 14 Alum. shallow vee. I'm planning to convert to 10 Hp or less for restricted HP. lakes.

Here are a few waterproof cameras to consider. Olympus 770 SW(Shock & Waterproof) - 7 Megapixel, 3X optical, 5 Ft. Shock, 33 Ft. Water. DIS(Digital Image Stabilization) $375 Olympus 720 SW - 7 Megapixel, 3X optical, 5 Ft. Shock 10 Feet Water. $285 Pentax Optio W30 - 7 Megapixel, 3X optical, 2 Hours @10 Ft. Water, image stabilizing. $299 Pentax Optio W20 - 7 Megapixel, 3X optical, 30 Minutes at 10 Ft. image stabilizing. $230 If your not planning to make an underwater movie. I think either Pentax camera or the Olympus 720 SW should do well. I have paddling friends that carry the Pentex Optio W20 and the Olympus 720 & 770 SW cameras. The nice thing about any choice is the image stabilizing capability. Its tough to take a photo will the wind and current have their way with your rivercraft.

I guess "FISHING NEW WATER" is always on the list. I've found a 50+ miles section of a nearby river that lacks easy access and lacks anglers. There is one angler or several that are going to test this waters. I guess the other will be testing the waters like IL. & IN. As for new patterns. I'm going to start crafting my own tackle/gear and trying them on "Stream X"

Let me say this I fish and paddle SOT kayaks, standard cockpit kayaks, solo canoes, inflatable catrafts and tandam canoes. I test float several dozen of these each year. If your looking at a Sit-On-Top kayak the first choice is the Liquid Logic Manta Ray in the 12 Foot length. It has all the design and capability of a great paddling and angling craft for open water thru class 3. The intergrated seat is incredibly functional and supportive. Deck and space layout is made for the angler in mind. The scupper holes are positioned to offer a dry seated ride. The hull has responsive manuevering, efficent tracking and great stabilit for all the paddling needs. Liquid Logic is nothing but quality!

Have a couple of wading flyrod buddies that wear the suspenders. They ONLY have the manual type. One of the spilled a cold brew on self during a break and had an automatic inflation of his level of embarrassment. Its been a thought, especially when wading new water or stain water.

Tim, Great pictures! Nice to see that an angler is looking at the greater picture to the stream ecosystem. I have many photos of the surroundings and inhabitants of the waters I visit. Gary, About those cottonmouths! I hope they aren't the kind that like to get in the boat and have a close-up meeting. Darn glad its just the copperheads, black snakes and rare Muskogee rattler in this area.

John & Rich, Remind me next year I have an extensive selection of coldwater/trout flies I could offer for the blowout. I'm getting out of coldwater fly angling(trout). I have flies to size#32.

I have used the yarn on a fiberglas light action spinning rod , a crappie rod and the tip section of a cane pole. Oh! Outside is better but have used garage, pole barn and church hallway.

Mark, I have two Stradics. they get splashed and they sieze up. My Stradics have been limited to the power boat where less inclined to get damp. I own three Sahara's. They have been the ONLY bright spot in the Shimano line!!! I have put them thru heck and they continue to deliever. Great modest value and great performance. I've becoming a fan of Okuma. I have the Metaloids series but will be next looking at the Alumina. I have NO complaints about the Diawa Catalyst PTi spinning reels. Bigger price tag equals great reel!

Rich, This being my third Blowout. The turnout was exceptional as was the entire evening. Sure thought I was going to have to use the sled dogs from southern Ohio to and from the Blowout. Hope the winner enjoys the Swifty kayak. Let me know and I'll start working on a canoe or kayk for '08'. My friend, Dick D., enjoyed the Blowout and is inclined to return. I suspect he will bring more of his handcrafted lures. Hope the article he offered will make good reading for ISA. I have arranged my vacation so I might fish two or three ISA outings. As always! An ISA member visiting this area will be ushered/guided to waters ruled by the Buckeye bronzeback.

My deceased grandfather, the cabinet maker & craftsman, would be in total admiration of that piece. NICE! VERY NICE!

WOW Great Pic! I'm just about to order a digital camera for underwater use. I wonder if I'll pass as a Manatee when seeking a shot like this? Great Photo!

Is that fear of being dinner on that crawfish's face? or Is that pleasure from that smallie kissing it on the bootie? GREAT PIC!!!

Steve, Looked over the others in that group. That solo/C-1 action is great! I'd love to check out the Haw, Eno and French. Reminds me of some of the places we sample smallies. The learn was fun! Its the aches and pains of doing it for over 30 years that makes me wonder if I should have stuck to video gaming instead? Gotta love it!

Rich, I use several bonefish flies as well for musky, pike and gar. River musky is not my intented target most of the time. I have downsized versions of the samebonefish & musky flies for bass that attracted the attention of river muskies. Still waiting for a taker. I hope its on the 7-9 wt. rods!

I've seen the following mentioned by several for luremaking supplies. Jann's Netcraft www.jannsnetcraft.com . Stamina Quality Components www.Staminainc.com . Here is another to add to your list Barlows Tackle Express www.barlowstackle.com .

Got to many watercraft! For sale is a Bass Pro, White River, Blue Heron, pontoon. They are made by Aire/Outcast for Bass Pro Shops. This is the same as the Outcast Fish Cat 9 DLX, has a 375 lbs capacity, 9' pontoons, 7' 2 pc. oars, intergrated anchor system & motor mount, folding padded seat, 6 pcs. powder coated aluminum frame, large storage bags on each side. I've had this for two seasons. Thought I'd use it more than my canoes & kayaks,. Wrong! Its seen water six times in this period. Not at all this past season. Paid $490's after tax. Will part for $295. U-pick up at Blowout.

jim b, We all have our favorite! I carry one of these two combos when I'm waing or just strolling a stream. 6'6" Fin-Nor Mega Lite, medium-light action rod with a Shimano Sahara 2000 series. I haven't tried the newer Profiler models. OR 6'6" Fenwick HMX, medium action rod with a Shimano Sahara 2000 or Okuma Metaloid reel. Check out the Okuma Alumina. I generally carry three spools of line, 6 lb Silver Thread, 10 lb MagnaThin or Silver Thread, 10-14 lb Stren Super Braid. I carry florocarbon for leaders in some situations. Check out the previous topic in Gear & Techniques, "How many/type rods needed for your float?" . It and other past topics may offer ideas from others.

I've watch a couple friends & clientes threw them with great success last season on rivers & streams. They have an incredible action. My buddy, Dick, showed me how he builds his own versions. I'll be ordering materials from Stamina or Janns to create mine. Rick

Rich, I just purchased a Minn Kota Power Drive 40 foot control trolling motor on clearance at Walmart. My plans are to put an interchangeable slide mount on my 13" solo Sawyer canoe and my sit-on-top kayak. Think of the fishing possibilities of foot controlled and hands-free for fishing. OH! Neat site you located! Thanks for sharing!

I've had similiar experience with Tiemco hooks. I have Mustad, Gamakatsu, Daiichi and Eagle Claw. Some Tiemco have always seemed brittle or surface hardened. I use a pair a dental post tool to bend hooks to specific angles for specific patterns. I avoid Tiemco when any torque is being applied. I'm old school in I love Mustad.

Gregg, I started and have refer other student to the school of smallie flyrodding to Pfleuger. I have found the following items very functional and economical for the want-to-try bronzeback/bass angler. Pflueger Rods - Purist - PP 85-67, Full wells handle, #6wt., 8 guides+tip, IM-6 - Purist - PP 85-78, 1/2 well handle, #8wt., 8 guides+tip, IM-6 ****** - Trion - PT-90-67, Full well handle, #6wt., 8 guides+tip, IM-8 Pflueger Reels - Medalist - 1594 RC, Rim Control, #7wt. +backing - 1594 1/2 RC, Rim Control, #8wt. +backing ****** - Medalist Pro - 1778 Large arbor, #8wt. +backing ******* denote most popular choice for basic bass outfit ****** I started with the Summit rods, the forefather of the Purist. Check the recent Orvis News for Silver Label or Hy-flote flyines on clearance for $24-$37 each. A quality flyline is IMPORTANT! Good luck!

Not being a fan of either team or animal I would say they not are worthy of the status of a meal. On a lighter side when a Wolverine invades Illinois. They consume all the species and inhabitants. May whichever of the two survive. I'll be sorting my order from assalt.com. during the BIG game. Go Blue!

I'm looking at the possibility of acquiring a used Drift or MacKenzie boat. Any suggestions to sources or experiences would be appreciated. Planning to sell out my powered fishing craft.