Jonn Graham

Clinton Lake does have a few smallies. They have tried to stock more throughout the years, but they never really seem to grab hold. I do know that when a smallie is caught, it is usually a good sized one. Lake Bloomington has had smallmouths naturally since the dawn of that lake. They are caught occassionally and some can be quite nice. Banner Marsh has some smallies in a few of the lakes. But I have been told they are few and far between.,

Mr. Clifford: Awesome. Can't wait for part two.

Hey you Illinois boys turned cheeseheads, leave me a few of those Wisconsin smallies. I plan to catch some in 08........if there are any left.

i was checking on Mike Mladenik's website and found Bill Calhoon holding some nice smallies from a trip just days ago. Good to see ol' Bill having a good time. For those of you that don't know, Bill was one of the earliest ISA members and did alot of the work to get the regs we have now! http://www.mikemladenik.com/mikesnotebook.shtml

I agree with Mark K. Four minutes is a long time. Any angler should be able to land the fish, measure the fish, and take a photo or two in well less than four minutes. My initial remarks were a result of the original post. I would never want the alliance to go to a stance where we discourage anglers from taking a photo or two and/or measuring their prized catch. In my opinion, pictures are my way of "taking the smallmouth home with me". In addition, pictures are a marker of each and every trip. I live for river smallmouth and would always want pictures to be a way to remember the trips I have taken throughout my life. Hopefully, my kids will someday enjoy looking at their father happily holding up a smallmouth.

Sorry, but I will continue to measure and take pictures as well. I don't think I am killing too many smallmouths. Sometimes the fishing community takes catch and release a little too far! Also, Norm, don't believe everything you read. Upon working on my masters degree, I took a class on being critical of research papers and projects. I learned one thing, many research projects tend to produce the results that were theorized (before the project begins) by the researcher. In addition, in a year there will be another test that will say smallmouth can't be out of the water any longer than one minute. I don't want anyone to think I am into hurting smallmouths. Anyone who knows me will tell you that no one loves and respects the fish more than I do. But measuring and taking pictures, if done in a timely manner, does little to hurt the population. Sorry for the rant, but I feel very strongly about this topic. Let's just fish and let them go and not have to whip out the stopwatches.

Since it is fall and cloudy, I would probably throw a Sammy 100 and quickly canvas the whole area. I would try to get my bait as close to the far bank as possible on each and every cast.

Trust me, that kid is hooked on smallmouths now! During our trip he was already talking to dad about coming back to the river in the very near future. In addition, that is only one of the two big smallies this youngster caught. here is the other. And make no mistake, this boy catching two big smallies was no accident or luck. This 10 year old could fish like you would not believe. He was skipping baits back under trees and landing nearly every cast within inches of his target. It was unbelieavable.

Yah, I thought the same thing. The photo really popped

Just had to share this photo of young Garrett Taylor. Him, his father, and grandfather were all clients of mine this past Sunday on the Mackinaw. This photo is only one of the two big smallies this youngster caught. All on his own. I have never in my life seen a 10 year old fish like this kid. Skipping baits under trees, setting the hook like a champ, fishing a jig slow on the bottom, etc. I was blown away!

I am sure it is.

I have been using the 10 pound on the spinning reels and 20 pound on the baitcasters. I wish they made a 12 or 15 pound test, but they don't.

I have been using it on baitcasters and spinning reels. Seems to work great for both.

You are the poster boy for braid. I think I saw an ad for power pro in one of my magazines and you were the featured picture.

I absolutely love it! I know, I know I hate to join the "braid gang", but I must admit this stuff is good. I think it is quieter than other braids and does cast incredibly. In addition, as Mark said, it does retain its green color longer than power pro.

Eric is right! Fall means Hawg Time! Don't be afraid to throw some really outrageosly large lures this time of year. You will be pleasantly surprised by the large fish that pull on your string. As for Flukes - I love them, but for some reason this year they have been worthless! I cannot figure it out but 2007 has not been the year of the Fluke - at least for me. Normally, I never leave home without them, but the last few trips I have left them at home. Maybe punishing them by leaving them at home will cause them to behave.

Very sorry to hear about your health problem. Hope all comes out well.

Nice work Mr. Sullivan.

Mike: That is Awesome!!!! One question................where is the Mackinaw and North Vermilion?

My favorite is the 6'3" medium, extra fast action.

I just got word from a member of the St. Croix staff that the Avids are going on sale as St. Croix's has decided to re tool the whole Avid line. I have already checked BPS and they are on Clearance pricing. If you like the Avid blank as much as I do, you may want to keep a look out and grab a few while they last. They WILL NOT LAST LONG!!!!

Cool Rich. Glad the jigheads worked out for you.

You can order by emailing me at grahamj@district87.org. Make sure you tell me how many jigs you want, what size head, and what color pattern. After you have placed your order, I will reply to your email with your total cost.

There we go. I know it is a little large but I think it shows the jig in great detail!