tgoodmanii

Sorry Terry. I guess you're the only one who can remind people to bring stuff. I haven't had my fishing gear in my car much this spring/summer for several reasons. I do however keep my camera in my car year round.

Who's Brandy? Don't forget your fishing gear!

Been reading it for awhile now. Very good publication.

I'll be there. I have a net also.

Looks great! Can't wait for your report.

Signed

Thanks Terry and Jude for helping out and setting a good example for my sons. They had a blast and are already talking about our next float together on the Kish. Just wish I would have gotten a pic of Jude and his minnow bucket. He said he found it during the clean up but I think I seen him tipping the treble hooks of his Chug Bug with minnows. I guess that's his secret for Chug Buggery.

People tie flies and fly fish for various reasons. Elaborate flies seem to be more for enjoying the experience and satisfaction of creating something that may or may not catch fish. Simple patterns that catch fish are in a slightly different category. They often require few materials and are relatively easy and quick tie. I prefer the later though occasionally find myself tying the former. When I'm using spinning gear I usually have the same mindset. A hook with a peice of plastic or a simple topwater lure. I don't like all that clunky junk on the end of my line. In fact we just had a garage sale this past weekend and I had three boxes of fishing tackle that was a waste of time and money that I was glad to get rid of. Back to Norms original post. 7.99 each seems high. Someone in the ISA may be able to tie that pattern cheaper for you.

I agree with the above. Rapala's go for $8 and lucky craft $15-$20. I have seen some flies for sale that are way over priced.

My intention was not to make anyone feel guilty. Just trying to encourage others to come and help out if they can. My kids are pumped. It will be our first trip down the Kish together. They think it's cool we're going to clean up.

We are a go for the river sweep on the Kishwaukee tomorrow. So far I have Jude, Terry, myself, and three of my sons (Dylan, Derek, Daniel) confirmed. Should be a good day on the water. Water is up a bit and stained but is dropping. I want to encourage anyone who is considering helping out to commit and post if you are coming. I know we all enjoy the outings where fishing is the primary focus. But there comes a time when we need to give back. I know we are all busy but these kinds of service projects are important too. I'm married, have 5 kids, and work 12 hour days and still made time to participate in this clean up. So if you can make time to help out tomorrow we would appreciate it. The Kish is a beautiful little river and we would like to keep it that way. It may not have the pollution and trash that other rivers have but it still needs folks to do these clean ups. If you can't make this clean up please join us for our next Kish outing so you too can experience and appreciate this river with us here in the NW Region.

Gilligan!

Ok...I agree. Only Illinois smallmouth should count.

Don't be jealous Mr. Dodge!

Don't forget the Door County trip guys. Myself, Jude, John L., and Ed B. all caught smallies over 20" on our trip. I can't recall if Gregg, Ron, Dick, or Bill got one over 20. Now I need an Illinois smallmouth that big!

I have a deep distrust for those who consider themselves experts. They are full of excuses when their theories don't pan out. The answer to their arrogance is true humility. And they are the first to tell you they've mastered that also:)

Yesterday they were saying torrential rains. Now it's some scattered showers. Guess that's what I get for listening to the "experts".

We will have to keep an eye on river levels over the next few days. I sure hope we don't get all the rain they are saying is possible this week.

Got the new Bronzeback in the mail yesterday. Looks good. Thanks to all involved in putting this issue together.

That makes 6 so far. My three oldest boys are coming with me.

That's too bad. It turned out to be a great day. Hope everything is ok.

June 14 - B.Y.O.B. Kishwaukee River Sweep. (host Tim) B.Y.O.B. (Bring Your Own Boat and Buy Your Own Breakfast) Kishwaukee River Sweep on Saturday, June 14, 2014 we will be doing a river sweep on the Kishwaukee River from Cherry Valley to Kishwaukee Forest Preserve. Bring your kayak, canoe, or watercraft of choice. This is the most heavily trafficked stretch of the river. Be sure to bring some gloves. Bottles of water and garbage bags will be provided. We will meet for breakfast at the Cherry Valley Café at 7:00 am. Bring your camera, Mike Clifford needs pics. Don't forget to bring a rod to catch a few smallmouth along the way. Please post if you are coming.

I would but I'm not a fan of kayaking in thunder storms. Maybe the forecast will get better as the week goes on.

Quick report here. I made it back to C.V. at 8:30 pm. Caught 26 smallmouth, 1 largemouth, and 1 pike. Nothing over 14 inches. Most fish caught on a tube but I did mange a few in the chug bug and a buzz bait. I can't remember what time we launched exactly. I think it was around 10:00 or 10:30. This seemed like too much water to fish adequately unless we get an earlier start next time. I'm thinking about floating this stretch again in a few weeks but on the water at 5:00am. Overall it was a beautiful day on a good stretch if the Kish. Oh and one more thing, where the heck did everyone go? I started out at the front of the pack and next thing I know I never see any one again. I thought maybe that's why I caught smaller fish. You guys hooked all the big ones and I just played cleanup.

Got mine today. Great job everyone! Very good looking flies.