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jim bielecki

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Everything posted by jim bielecki

  1. John is right. If this event is scheduled in the spring, prior to the rains we get, the water is clear so that you can see the debris on the river bottom. You can make the river healthier by targeting not only the debris along the shore but also the decomposing trash you find in the water. Cloudy murky water doesn't allow for much access to visually locate debris on the river bottom. We were able to clear much of the debris from the river at this event due to the clear water.
  2. I'm posting this just for fyi to all our ISA members....Our Kankakee River clean-up scheduled Saturday is one way to participate in It's Our River Day. Saturday September 19, 2009 A Celebration of Illinois Rivers Through Education, Recreation, and Conservation Illinois waterways have been crucial in shaping the culture, commerce and communities of our state. Ancient civilizations settled along our rivers because of the rich diversity of plant and animal life, and access to trading partners. Early pioneers settled here not via wagon train, but by canoes and flatboats. Millions of migratory birds use Illinois rivers as flight patterns. Today, we still rely on rivers for drinking water, transporting goods and nature-based recreation. The vital link between the Great Lakes and Gulf of Mexico flows across Illinois, from the increasingly clean Chicago River to the resource-rich Illinois River to the mighty Mississippi. The Illinois River, its tributaries and all of Illinois’ rivers and streams - big and small - are the lifeblood of our nation. On Saturday, September 19, a statewide celebration of these precious resources will occur in towns across Illinois. It’s Our River Day will feature dozens of activities and events promoting recreation, conservation and education about Illinois rivers. The goal of “It’s Our River Day” - which will be held on the third Saturday of every September - is to boost awareness of rivers by offering hands-on conservation activities as well as lively recreational opportunities. Broad citizen participation is needed to protect this natural resource, and It’s Our River Day is an important organizing tool for private and public agencies concerned with protecting this asset. Illinois rivers are increasingly becoming attractive tourist destinations. Such activities as bird-watching, fishing paddling and boating generate revenue for many towns along the rivers. Any investment of time or money in the preservation and protection of our waterways is an investment in Illinois’ future. A Native American proverb states, “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” That must be the guiding principle of our stewardship and is the sentiment behind It’s Our River Day. For details on the many It’s Our River Day activities on September 19, call the Governor’s Office at 217-785-6830 or 312-814-5220, or visit www.cleanwaterillinois.org.
  3. I have seen this both on the Dupe and the Fox. I'm tempted to develop a flyer to deliver to homes along the river. Something that would say it's against the law and please report any violations when you notice any of your neighbors doing this. Maybe add something about the grass isn't the only bad influence...if there are any residues of chemicals such as fertilizer, pesticides and invasive bugs, the bugs travel and the chemicals negatively impact the fish and wildlife that rely on the river as their home. Maybe also add something about supporting the river by planting vegetation near the river bank rather than cutting their lawns all the way to the edge. I would try to keep it positive. What do you guys think? Maybe something to present to the officers of the ISA to have a cohesive approach to this? For those who haven't read this full thread I'm going to paste this again.... Contact the Governor to let him know you expect a more stringent case for IL rivers and streams. 217/782-0244 or 312/814-2121 Contact the General Assembly Members below: James Clayborne: 618/875-1212 Rep. Tom Holbrook 618/394-2211 John Cullerton 773/883-0700 Michael Madigan 773/581-8000 10 minutes of your time and a stamp...lets let 'em hear us.
  4. I'd say it's a cooper hawk. I've had a few in my back yard and have seen them several times. They usually hunt down other birds and prefer robins or other "slow" birds. I've seen this...really cool! I noticed too that their speed is ideal for picking off other birds. I have watched them often and haven't seen them pick off any of the squirrels. I don't doubt that they can get 'em but just don't seem to pick them out as a prefered food. You can sometimes identify them with their "laugh". It's a series of short laughs and very loud. I heard it once and found it in a bird book with audio media....the call matched.
  5. Hi Mike, I'm way ahead of you...I wrote and emailed already several times to the governor. I do it as much as I can. I'm not sure if my opinion matters to our legislatures; I would hope it does since I am an active voter. I'll be sure to call those you listed. I too agree that the homeowners who choose to build near a body of water are putting themselves in harm's way. Should the government be responsible for every home a person builds in a hurricane prone location? How many homes does a person have to lose before they get the idea that it's a bad idea? The danger is there, but yet people put up homes anyway. The people building these homes should be held accountable for the damage it does to our rivers and water ways due to their ignorance. This isn't difficult too understand...remember the story of the 3 little pigs? Seems to be common sense, however, people are willing to pay a lot of money to have water front property regardless of the risks. Also, for anyone who has walked in a flooded prarie, you know that the land absorbs a ton of water. It is actually filtered through the prarie and leaches back into the river. This is the natural order of the water cycle. With the removal of the praries, wetlands and the development of civilization, all of this drastically interferes with the health and stability of the river. I'm going to keep on advocating for conservation...I encourage as many ISA members this reaches to do the same. As much as I hate to say it, our natural resources in Illinois IS for sale. There needs to be more people to speak out to support conservation for the government (local or state) to take an active role to protect it. I write almost every week. For those in the Naperville area Judy Biggert is our representative. I now have a 5 month old daughter who is my inspiration to keep working for improving her future. In my own experience, fishing was terrible when I was a kid. Because of clubs like the ISA, I am now fortunate to be catching smallies in parts of the Dupe that never held anything but carp. Thanks for reading this and I hope you become inspired too. 10 minutes of your time and a stamp can make a big difference!
  6. I just thought of this....if ISA has 500 members and each person picked up one pound of trash on one outing.... that equals 500 pounds of trash. Now if you multiply that by 20 outings per person for one year that equals 10,000 pounds. After 10 years we would have cleaned up 100,000 pounds of trash simply doing what we love....fishin.
  7. I never tried a hula grub...I like plastics so maybe I'll give it a try....you guys convinced me.
  8. My Biology degree tells me that the healthiest fish grew and got bigger over the summer. They beat the odds of mortality. Also, with the decreasing amount of light the smallies begin to behave differently. Instead of being spread out into various niches along a river they begin to group up and school, seeking out various structure and food. There may be fewer baitfish and food supplies but that's negligible...I don't think the smallies have trouble finding food...they know where it is and how to get it. As it gets colder, the water also clears, the fish can see their food from a much farther distance. I think the larger baits are only effective because the fish are bigger and they can see the larger lure more clear and determine your lure as a food source rather than a predator. The smallies also are more efficient, they will eat a larger meal versus chasing down several smaller meals. In my opinion, for the reasons above, I don't think a binge occurs. I think the fish are slightly more vulnerable.
  9. Many times I've been on the Fox R. and have picked up trash along the way as I fish. When my bag's full that's about all I can get and still continue fishing. Question is...if your out just cleaning up and you are on a far bank or cleaning up around an island, how do you get the big stuff to shore? Usually it's just me out there. I can't see myself toting garbage from an island, dropping a bag of trash onto shore and then going back to get another bag....I'll get a heart attack, trip over a rock and drown! Not really but you get the idea. Is there a floaty-tote bin or something I can use? (Fill it up and tow it to shore in one trip?) I have a 16 foot jboat but there's no launch where I fish. On a sad note, recently I saw the remains of a hawk dangling from a tree....it was tangled in fishing line! What a horrible way to die...panic, starvation, heat, exhaustion.....really was sad to see. I cut it free.Huge wing span, beautiful feathers, and a huge claw.....birds of prey are huge when you're up close. This year I've been seeing a lot more birds in the area which is a good sign the Fox is improving....it takes time....just wish it didn't take such a long time....but every bit helps right? About a month ago I actually saw a bald eagle in Aurora off of Orchard Road on the way to the Woodman's. There were 2 other cars watching it...awesome to see. It looked healthy...I thought maybe it was injured or something but it appeared fine. What a sight!
  10. I have replaced 3 so far this year. I keep 'em in my truck so that they're handy. I too think we simply need to continue to educate people. Let people know what we're trying to do. People want to catch fish...we all do. Educating kids is a great way to make a diifference. Any way we can put something together for the surrounding school districts? Just a thought. Kids often fish with their Families and are quick to point out things that they know and rules to be aware of. I don't have a problem with people wanting to takke a few home to eat...the problem is there isn't a sustainable fihery for it. That would be great if we did.
  11. This is at the 135th st canoe launch...about 1/4 mile down river.
  12. Nice catch! I like to fry 'em in butter. The fastest way I've found that works is to scale 'em, gut 'em and then de-head 'em. I will keep small ones too but for those I simply scale 'em along the back bone and cut out the meat along the back bone..you only get a couple bites per fish but they are boneless...sometimes I will freeze a bag of fish meat and then make fish patties with 'em....mmm....mmmm....mmmm! What's nice about 'gillin is you can catch them just about anywhere and the're safe to eat...keeping common sense in mind regarding your locaton. They're great to takle when the rivers aren't cooperating...a nearby pond will usually give fast action.
  13. I think pond fishing is the safe way to go. I'm still in... let me know where. I haven't fished any of the ponds you mentioned so I can't really give any in put on it.
  14. On a stretch of the DuPe there was a truck cab on the bank of the Dupe. I've got an aluminum boat to haul it out but I need some help lifting it into the boat. I would like to get it while the water level is high...I can use the outboard. It's about a mile from where I put in. Let me know if you you're interested....in return you will find a good place to fish. Jim
  15. I'd have to go with a 2-3 inch white twister tail on a 1/4 white jig head. (I am trying though to try new techniques.) It's a confidence thing.
  16. Hi Scott...can you add a picture of your set-up? I'm not sure how you clamp the transducer to the transom of the boat without it falling off when the boat's moving. Also how would you use it through the ice...j you just hold the transducer in the water? I've looked at finders many people are using for the ice....they are too expensive for me to use just for ice fishing. The fishin Buddy 5200 looks nice but I'm not sure how it will hold up...many people have said the clamps break but it seems reliable otherwise.
  17. Yep, it is a poison...most chemicals are...including road salt sprayed on driveways and roads, gasoline spilled from filling lawn mowers, car wax, Rain-X, oil from cars, acid rain, sulfur residues, car wash detergent, gasoline, window cleaners, fertilizer...all of it washes into every lake and stream. Even goose crap is a poison...it's loaded with botualism bacteria. I believe the amount I use is negligible in comparison to all of the above...1/4 oz at the most??? All I do is wipe down my auger and then dip the tip of my rod in the bottle...it's called Incredible Orange Anti-ice. It was designed to use before winter storms on the driveway to prevent ice from forming. It's supposed to be sprayed on and it forms a shield on your sidewalk or driveway preventing the ice from freezing to it. I haven't used it on the drive way so I'm not sure how well it works...I only use it on my ice fishing poles and auger.
  18. Hi guys! I've been online now for 2 hours! I can't find straight to the point product reviews for Portable fish Locators. I'd like to know what you use and if you would recommend it for the price. I also need it for ice fishing. Any advice? I looked in the archives but didn't find any topic on this.
  19. I use anitfreeze on my ice fishing guides...it seems to work pretty well. I also wipe down my auger with it and ice scooper...it works. I have used lubricants like WD 40 and silocone lubricants but they don't hold up for me. I'm cheep so I use the antifreeze. But if you're steel heading, I would use a specific product like recommended above...salmon and steelhead have a keen sense of smell.
  20. I caught a patio umbrella out of the DuPage River in Naperville.
  21. Hi guys. By being part of the ISA I have met a lot of great people with good ethics and values. As part of this network I am wondering if there is anyone out there who would give me permission to bow hunt deer, or know someone who would. Access to good hunting land is becoming more and more difficult to find...it's very frustrating. Illinois has a lot of deer, however, people in general frown upon hunters and deny them permission. Sure I can go on public land and I have. I have bow hunted on public land for more than 10 years and have yet to be successful. The odds of success is extremely low...people are careless and walk all over the place. In addition, there are other seasons going on at the same time. Within a week the deer become nocturnal which becomes even more frustrating. I'm the only one asking for permission...no friends, no brothers, sisters, father-in-law, cousins, ect...just me. Some people think that if they have permission to hunt they can bring other people out there too...I'm inquiring for just me. I appreciate any help you can give me. You can pm me if you have any information. Jim
  22. I'm not sure what the purpose of the derby is for...to win money? If that's the case, prize money should be taken out of the derby...let people fish for pride...then there would be less chance of cheating and small fish brought it. I didn't know about this derby but I think it would be good for ISA members to supervise fisherman on the water during the derby...is that possible? Can ISA member be deputized to be on-sight supervisors?
  23. http://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/...php?topic=661.0 Here is a location where smallies are targeted for removal. I thought this was interesting to share.
  24. I try to use artificials because I can cover a lot more water. If I am having difficulty catching or getting any follows, live bait tells me if there are any fish in the area. I usually will use a leech on a bare hook and thats it. I let the leech do its thing. If I use a crawler, I'll use a split shot to get it down and fish it like a rubber worm...jerk and twitch. I don't like using bobbers with live bait because a lot of times the fish will inhale the bait and swallow the hook. By not using the bobber I have a good feel for any bites. The key is to set the hook as soon and you detect a strike. I like using leeches over crawlers because I can tell if a bluegill is trying to steal my bait. I just pull on the line slowly to get it away from the bluegill and I don't lose my bait. Minnows are good, but I think it's more stuff to carry. I like hitting a lot of spots. Minnows also don't have the color contrast I like...leeches are black, and in stained water it's easier for the fish to locate. If I use minnows I fish them the same way as a crawler. I'll use a hook and splitshot and fish it aggressively. I want a lot of movement.
  25. I got a response from Warrenville but not Naperville. I'll be at the public hearing tonight in Warrenville.
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