Jonn Graham

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

TALS pack for me. And I will echo the sentiments of others..................LESS IS BEST!!!!

Concerning Mr. Westmorland, I am very lucky. For one, I have a hard cover and soft cover copy of his book. The soft cover is signed by him. Secondly, and much more important, I had the pleasure of talking with Billy a few times. Once was actually in his living room............how cool is that. You can imagine my excitement. The second time was down at the Horse Creek Marina after coming off the water. Billy had just caught a 7.5 pound smallie. No big thing for him! Anyway, my father in law turned on the video camera and we have 20 minutes of video of him, I, and my guide talking fishing. What a treasure! I will tell you one thing, you WILL NOT EVER meet a nicer fellow than Mr. Billy Westmorland! We definitely lost a great smallmouth brother when he passed.

Schad: Does this mean you are selling all your "old" bass gear????? Spinning rods, lures, etc??? Hey, concerning your question........have you talked to Paul about building you a short fly rod???

Just talked to my buddy. It is the Discovery 164 which means it is 16 feet - 4 inches. The boat is in good shape and he is asking $650. I can tell you I have fished out of this boat numerous times. Definitely a good fishing boat. Let me know what you think...........you can be honest with me.

John: One of my buddies is looking to sell his Old Towne Discovery. Good stable boat...........red in color with dark wood trim. If you are interested, I can find out more details. Oh, I think it is 16 or 17 feet long. I do know he would not be interested in a trade as he already has another canoe lined up.

Some Gander Mountains carry the fly rod attachment. If not, give the owner a call or e-mail. His info is on the site www.3rdgrip.com

All four of my remaining in stock 3rd grips have already been spoken for via PM messages. Sorry. If any of the deals fall through I will re post what I have. thanks

If you wade fish and have a hankering to carry two rods instead of just one, then 3rd grip's rod holster is for you. I am sold on its design and practicallity. I am lucky enough to be a dealer and am offering blowout prices on my limited stock. For any ISA member, the cost will be $12 shipped to your door! Regular price would be $22 shipped! Great deal for a great product. If you don't know what a 3rd grip rod holster is or looks like, check out their website at www.3rdgrip.com If you are interested, PM me and we can talk mailing details.

If you wade fish for smallies, and have always wanted to carry two rods while wading, then the 3rd grip rod holster is for you. I have been using it religiosly for over two years now and find it to be irrecplaceable. I am lucky enough to be a dealer and I have a deal for all ISA members. While my stock holds out, I am offering 3rd grips for $12 shipped to your door. Regular price would be $22 shipped. If interested, shoot me a PM and I will give you mailing details. If you don't know what a 3rd grip rod holster looks like, take a look at www.3rdgrip.com. If you have any questions about the product don't be afraid to ask.

Ken hit it on the head. Too many anglers are lazy and want other people to provide information/spots. Now, sure I have had spots or areas told to me, but many of my prime areas I found on my own with good old fashioned exploring. Exploring on your own is the most rewarding part of stream fishing. If you think a stream or area looks promising, then go check it out for yourself. Much more rewarding to find your own areas then having other fishermen tell you areas to target. In addition, books/maps are invaluable. I do suggest the Gazateer map from Delorme and the Paddling Illinois by Mike Svob. Awesome books..................must haves.

You looked a little like that after spending the night on Loon lake.

I too try to keep the 12 month streak alive. I think I missed on February of this year.

You need more help than an army of men could provide!