Jonn Graham

Tim:

I am confused????????? Why were you worried about the rod flopping around in the tube? It will not go anywhere or fall out? Also, you mentioned setting it up for a rear left hip position. The holder was already set up to go on the left rear hip? Just wondering why the need for tinkering??

The Mack trip that was rained out last weekend has been rescheduled for this Saturday the 28th. For more details go to the Central Illinois Regional Events page.

That is what Meth will do to you! Severe hallucinations.

I landed eight smallies with one going slightly over 16 inches. I lost five more smallies near the boat. Spinnerbaits and tubes seemed to be best. What is nice about smallie fishing down near my home town is that no one else is fishing for them on the actual river. I am going to get me a big one!!!

Steve S:

When I made the comment that you don't want to put 8 pound test or heavier on a spinning reel, I was talking about the P-LIne CXXX extra strong variety. I am sure the Evolution that you are using is nothing like the CXXXX extra strong. I know for a fact that if you put 8 pound CXXX P-line on a spinning reel you will have nothing but problems.

Ken:

I am interested in trying the Cortland mono. If I ever get up to GAT I will have to purchase a box. Hey, by the way, do you carry McCoy? Also, I am surprised GAT has not begun to stock the 3rd grip rod holsters. They have been a big seller for me and I figured with GAt sitting in the middle of wading heaven, you will would be able to sell quite a few. If you are interested, let me know.

Don't have a clue who makes the BPS waist high waders. The deciding factor for me was price at the time. I think they ran around $90.

congrats

Paul:

I feel your pain! Been there, done that! Sounds like you had a wonderful time. Those Wisconsin River fish are another breed. One of these days I am going to fish that river. For now, my goal is to get a four pound fish from the Rock River down near Prophetstown. I know there a few in there. After seeing the habitat we fished last weekend, I think a four pound smallie is doable! I will keep you posted.

You can pick up McCoy at Strictly Fishing in Plainfield. Or, of course, you can order direct from the company. I must say that I used P-Line extensively for many years before turning to McCoy. P-Line was ok, but McCoy is, in my humble opinion, in another league. When it comes to memory, P-Line cannot hold a candle to McCoy. Also, like Brian said, you don't want to put 8 pound test or higher on your spinning reel if you ARE USING P-LINE! But, in contrast, I have 8 pound McCoy on one of my spinning reels and it work phenomenally well.

If you are looking for a limp line that is strong and behaves on a spinning reel, then McCoy is for you! Thus far, everyone I have turned onto McCoy has agreed and is now devoted to the line.

I have the BPS waist high wading pants................love them! Just like wearing a pair of light pants. I rarely want to wade deeper than my waist during the cold water period when I am wearing waders. During the warm weather months, I am wet wading so going deeper than my waist is not a problem.

I echo Paul's sentiments.............................GET A CAMERA!!!!!!!!!!!!

I firmly believe in the advantages of the second rod and the 3rd grip. John hit the nail on the head. Having a back up bait rigged and ready is really handy. I use the 3rd grip religiously.

By the way, the new Guide Series 3rd grip has a pocket at the top that allows you to slide the fly rod adapter tube into that pocket. As a result, the angler has two tubes to store two rods in the 3rd grip. I have been wading with three rods now!! Two in the 3rd grip and one in my hand. AWESOME!

Good Luck Mr. Dells. Kill a few big ugly green bass for me!

Paul:

Your trip sounds very cool as well. Let me know how it turns out. Travelling all those lakes, just think of all the wildlife you will see/

Due to the price of gas, our Sylvania group will regrettably have to take a year off from the wonderous smallmouth heaven that is Sylvania. In place of our annual UP excursion, we have decided to head to Sw Wisconsin and fish the fabulous smallmouth streams this area of the state possesses. We plan to fish the Grant, Platte, and Fever rivers. Should be alot of fun. We leave Monday morning. Of course, I can't wait. New rivers, new smallies, and a great bunch of guys. I will report when I return.

Can't believe this thread has gone as long as it has. Folks, I have fished alot of streams in Illinois, including the urban chicagoland rivers as well as most of the streams in my neck of the woods. There is a big difference between the streams around me and the streams up in the chitown area. Trust me, there is. Of course, do what you want, wear waders if you must. But many of us that are wet wading are wading streams that are much cleaner than many of the so called "dangerous" streams.

If you saw some of the streams downstate, I think many of you would change your wet wading stance.

I will wet wade whenever possible. I understand the health risks, but life is a health risk.

grahamj@district87.org

Schad:

Nobody wants to see your picture of the six inch smallies you catch.

Reel are bye bye

IMHO, it is the best spinning rod ever built for stream smallies!

Are you sure you are not talking about the 6'3" Avid medium with xtra fast action? If you are not, then I am not sure which rod you are speaking of?

If you are talking about the 6'3" model, I can confidently say that this spinning rod blank is the best spinning rod I have ever seen for smallmouth. It can do it all. The extra fast action is amazing!!!! I find myself neglecting my other spinning rods and always picking the 6'3" Avid.

First off, I am a rod junkie! But another thing to consider is canoe fishing. I have a few rods that are shorter to be used while canoeing. Now, these shorter rods are not puny, little noodle rods. They are short but contain a fast or xtra fast action. My preferred one is the 5'9" St. Croix Avid. In addition, I will usually carry two more rods that measure 6 foot or maybe 6'3".

Now, If I was fishing larger rivers, where longer casts are ideal, then 6'6" or the seven footer is added to my arsenal.

Many anglers say fishing rods are like shoes, you can never have too many!

I have two Curados that are up for sale:

CURADO 101B - This is the older model, which they don't make any more. I have used it sparingly for two years. I have the box and paperwork that came with the reel. It is in OUTSTANDING shape. I am asking $80 shipped

CURADO 101D - This is the new Curado model. Came out last year. I have only used it moderately for one year. Absolutely nothing wrong with it. Retail is $200.........I am asking $150 shipped. Box and papers included.

Now, if I could get someone to buy both, that would be great. I will offer a package deal of $215 for both reels. This price is strictly for ISA members. Shipping included!!!!

Why am I getting rid of them? I have found a casting reel I like much better. I am hoping to sell mine to get the funds to purchase a couple of the ones I like.

If interested, please PM me through this board.

Brian:

Send them down to me and I will paint them in some proven colors.........no charge

Jonn Graham

2385 E. Pattonsburg Rd.

Minonk, IL 61760