Ben K.

Great discussion Rob. I just ordered a baitfish box from Fly Tyers Dungeon and have more congo hair than I know what to do with. I've been tying versions of the peanut butter fly and am finally learning the less is more adage. Luckily with these it's easy to cut and sculpt them to the correct shape and size, I want to invest in some texturing scissors to make it even easier. I'll have to report back on my findings after they find a whole bunch of time in the water. Another thought would be that the less bulky flies have a different action, possibly sinking faster which might trigger more strikes?

Congrats to all the in the club, when do the Jackets ship Terry? I'm determined to hit that mark this year.

Hey Paul, The wader question pops up a lot, I would try a forum search if you wanted to pull up some old threads with lots of detail. The general consensus is usually buying a set of stocking-foot breathable waders that give you some room to move and layer up for the colder months. Lots of good moderately priced options out there, just make sure you're buying from a brand that has a good warranty. I was thinking about getting the Orvis encounters for my next set. Can't help you on vests, I'm more of a pack guy myself. currently hoping to find the right sling.

Buying a kayak was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I'm on my third boat which is a Nucanoe Frontier 12 I picked up from Rocktown Adventures. Good group of guys over there and I absolutely love the Nucanoe. It's probably the most versatile kayak on the market IMHO and a fly fishers dream yak. I have some thoughts on stand up kayaks. The ability to confidently stand up and cast/fish (especially in a river) comes at a cost, width and weight. This means a somewhat slower boat and a little more difficulty transporting. I say confidently because standing up is one thing, as soon as you start casting and fighting fish it's a different ballgame in which your height/weight will be a major factor if you don't want to take the occasional dip. Have you ever seen Drew Gregory dance around his coosa? Yea most guys can't do that, he's obviously got a smaller build and is very agile. Also, keep in mind that standing and fishing doesn't offer many benefits to the angler who is using traditional spinning or baitcasting gear. I've found that sitting at an elevated position and occasionly standing to get a better view of a spot is just fine. Just saying It may not be worth it for you to forego a faster, lighter, and more nimble boat for rock solid stability. Good luck with your purchase, try before you buy, I'm sure you will be thrilled with whatever you end up on. Check out the Feel Free Lure series as well, I've always thought they make a great yak for the money.

So true.

Welcome aboard, hope to see you on the water next year.

Bummed I couldn't make this, looked like a great time. Fishing aside the ISA camaraderie always makes these events a good time and you'll definitely walk away with more knowledge of this river than you had to start. Lets do another in the spring.

Yea that's not really the scene I'm looking for when camping. appreciate the info though.

I really want to, but cannot commit on this one yet. I usually get all of 2 days to plan any free time I find myself with. It sure would help my cause to bring along my 2 and a half year old weather permitting, what are your thoughts on this Terry?

Congrats on the successful retirement and thanks for all the hard work you put into this organization.

Great results!

Wish I could make this, go find that brutus!

That's freaking awesome... Can I get a camera mount? rod holder? stripping basket attachments?

That looks sharp, Do these guys do stickers? I'd be really interested in some of those as well.

Bummed I couldn't make this trip, had the wifey's birthday weekend with lots of activities for her and the kids. Looks like a great day overall.

I'm definitely interested.

I personally think that 8-10 miles is a great length if you planning on really picking the water apart. It's also nice not be rushed on overnight trips, much better to be able to take some time to relax than worry about getting camp set up in time.

Looking to pick up my first vice soon, thanks for the recommendation.

I'm hoping for a float as well, getting sick of fishing for those lazy green fat bass.

I dig these, cool pics.

Hey as long as your sloshing around the shores that's some stupid fun right there. Now if you get the idea of bringing the waders or brandy... well then.

Interesting stuff, I want to give this a shot at Vulcan in CL.

Well deserved, Eric is the smallmouth whisperer, its just crazy.

I had a fantastic time, learned a lot about that stretch of river and really enjoyed the ISA camaraderie. Wish I had some more pictures to post but I stuck with video for most of the day. Not much of it turned out due to that head on wind but I have a few tidbits I'll hold on to. Fishing wise I thought it was solid, Before the wind picked up I had a great topwater take on a fly, Unfortunately it popped off after a short fight. Once the wind got going boat management became an issue and I stuck with spinning gear, mainly a fluke which I picked up 6 fish on, the larger ones went 17.5, 15.5, and 16. I actually used my handy ISA tape for once. Jude gets the assist, he passed up a prime spot that coughed up this beaut. She put up a great fight and gave me a solid reminder of why we have a club dedicated to them. absolutely ferocious Loved the markings on this one, also a spirited fighter. HUGE thanks to Terry for putting this together, I couldn't have asked for a better way to kick off another year of smallmouth fishing. It was great to see everyone and I'm looking forward to more events this year.

So much for waking up early and getting some sunrise pictures beforehand. Hitting the road now, I'll miss part of breakfast but most likely grab something on my way.