Forrest Miller

They are deadly! Swing 'em. -Forrest

We are at a record pace on selling Bronzeback Blowout tickets this year. Make sure to get yours before the event space is sold out! We don't want anyone to miss out, but there is a cap on how many people are allowed inside the banquet space. It only takes two minutes to get your tickets. Just click this link...

You should have received details about The Early Show in the 9/24 electronic publication of the ISA Feedbag. In case you did not, here is the flyer with the information about the show. See you there!

Sometimes playing ignorant and being apologetic is the best option. Oh I am sorry sir. My apologies sir. I hope you have a blessed day sir. If being charming doesn't work, always make sure you are packing in case things hit the fan! Ignore that last part.... I am jut an old hillbilly from KY.

I will be there on Saturday as well. I will likely get there between 830 and 0900. -Forrest

Can you help at this event? Please let us know! No experience required. FISHING DAY 2018 Twelfth Annual Sgt. Tommy's Kids Family Fishing Day Sgt. Tommy's Kids is proud to announce our Twelfth Annual Family Fishing Day, created to teach children about the outdoors. It is our mission – and our privilege – to encourage children to Take it Outside! When: Saturday June 16, 2018 from 9am to noon. (Check-in begins at 8am) Where: Herrick Lake in Wheaton, IL Who: Children 3-15 years Why: To promote youth appreciation and education of the outdoors The Family Fishing Day is completely free, hosted in appreciation of services provided by military, police and fire personnel. Each registered child will receive a brand new fishing pole and tackle kit to enjoy the rest of the summer as you remember to "Take it Outside!"

Sitting here waiting....

Bart, are we using members boats? I assume you don't mean kayaks.... -Forrest

I live literally 3 minutes from where you were planning on fishing. It is NASTY out there. It has been pouring down since 5am. Good call on the reschedule!

CHAPTER MEETINGS ARE SCHEDULED AT 7:00 P.M. SEPTEMBER THROUGH MAY at the Oak Brook Recreation Center, Central Park West building near 31st Street and Jorie Blvd. In Oak Brook, Illinois. Meetings are typically scheduled on the third Wednesday of every month (except June, July and August). MEMBERSHIP MEETING, WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 7-9 P.M. Speaker: Guide Mike Allen of Midwest Waters Angling Co. “Fly fishing for smallmouth bass in the streams in the greater Chicago region (Rock River, Illinois River, Fox River, Kankakee River, Des Plaines River, & DuPage River)” 7 p.m. Come early for a 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. social hour and grilled brats, chips and beverages before our 7 p.m. meeting. Guests are welcome.

Alot of kids these days are missing positive role models and father figures. Also, alot of parents were never taught the outdoors. It is our job as sportsmen to help educate the general population before being sportsmen is a thing of the past. Kudos to anyone willing to take a kid fishing, whether it is their kid or someone else's.

Keep it simple. Bobber, Hook, Worms, Zebco, and take him to a place where he will catch fish no matter if they are 3 inches long. If she is asking you to do this she sees a role model in you. Likely the kid does not have a father figure in his life, and that's important to a 9 year old boy, as in really really important. Stop and get him a snack and a pop. Any snack and any pop he wants, even if it is chocolate and Mt. Dew. My best piece of advice is this; Leave all of your electronic devices in the truck. That goes for both of you. Just have fun. Find some frogs, skip rocks, sit at a picnic table and just chat. He will be hooked easier than you think.

Guide Mike Allen to Speak on "Illinois Fly Fishing for Smallmouth Bass" at Oak Brook Trout Unlimited Meeting, May 16 at 7 p.m. Guide Mike Allen of Midwest Waters Angling will speak on "Fly Fishing for Smallmouth Bass in the greater Chicago and Northern Illinois Area" which will include the Kankakee, Fox, Des Plaines, DuPage Illinois and Rock Rivers at 7 p.m. at the Oak Brook Recreation Center Central Park West Building. The meeting is open to the public. There is no admission. Growing up in Illinois, the DuPage River Fly Tying Club became a mainstay in Mike's fishing and fly tying, and he has remained closely involved for the past 20 years. Mike now makes his home in the Fox River Valley. His home waters of the Fox and DuPage Rivers are two of the many watersheds in northern Illinois that he has come to learn and love. Mike has fished these rivers extensively over the years, and looks forward to sharing all of these truly special waters with you. Mike enjoys all kinds of fishing, but specializes in warm water fly fishing for native smallmouth bass, carp, and pike.

Hi everyone. I wanted to inform you that we now have a Facebook "Group", in addition to our Facebook page. Basically, the page is the official Facebook for the ISA. The Facebook Group is more of a hangout where anyone can post, and it is much easier! The link to our Facebook Group is https://www.facebook.com/groups/1593399057410727/ Please join our group, and we look forward to this new way of corresponding!

What brand are your waders? I have a pair of Simms G3's that needed some TLC after 3 years. I sent them back to Simms and for a measley $40 they repaired leaks, even ones I didn't know existed, replaced the booties and the gravel guards. They are just like brand new! Maybe your manufacturer has a repair program?

I was just signing on to share this. What an icon in the fly fishing world. The TFO booth will not be the same without him.

I say we set up a tournament. Each of you will have a judge to monitor your CPR (catch, photo, release) that Chad discussed at the Blowout. You will have 6 hours to fish. Members can place cash bets on the side....

I am just commenting here so that I get a notification every time that you guys poke back and forth at each other. :-)

Good morning everyone. This year is the 20th annual Bronzeback Blowout. This is a milestone for our club, and it is sure to be a celebration that you will not want to miss! Have you bought your tickets yet? We only have a few tickets remaining. Make sure you buy yours today before they are all gone! The link to buy tickets can be found under the 2018 bronze back blowout tab at the top of the page. I am really looking forward to this event and hopefully we'll see everyone there.

Yesterday afternoon Chad Hoover dropped off the Nucanoe Flint that his team has donated to the Blowout. After looking over the design I am digging this boat for fly fishing. The deck is super clean with little for the fly line to be cught on. This boat could be yours, as it will be up for auction! Have you bought your tickets yet?

I will be on Chauncey's great outdoors bright and early tomorrow morning. Tune into the show and listen as Chauncey and I chat about the Bronzeback Blowout! The show is from 6:00 to 7:00am on AM 1000 ESPN Chicago Radio.

Frontier Anglers TN. That's all you need to know for Smallies. Rob Fightmaster if you want to fish for trout. . My wife is from there...we go a few times a year. For smallies the Holston produces crazy numbers. The French broad will produce larger but fewer fish.

Looking for a new Nucanoe Flint? Chad Hoover's team has generously donated a boat to the Blowout! This boat will be on the silent auction table., and is valued at $1000! The Flint will be a great river boat for someone. It is a brand new model that just recently started shipping. Who is getting excited for the Blowout? I know I am! -Forrest

The Bronzeback Blowout is fast approaching. Please buy your tickets early, as it helps with event planning. This is going to be an event that you will not want to miss! You can purchase tickets by clicking on the link below. Thanks for your support, and we look forward to seeing you there! http://illinoissmallmouthalliance.net/store/product/5-2018-bronzeback-blowout/

It's official. I will see you guys Saturday.