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Joe, I've been playing with the Okuma Aventa, and for $135, I think its as good as Ravens Matrix for $230. The Okuma has a very easy startup and free running. I can zip several yards of line in with little effort. It's so smooth and fast, that I'm going to have to install ceramic brakes on it.

Joe, Sorry, GAT doesn't stock the Raven centerpin reels. Contact AIR (Anglers International Resources), I believe I've seen them on display. They're located on Dundee Rd (Rt 68), just west of Rt 53.

Yes, GULP ALIVE, can be returned to the jar for recharging.

Joe, it looks like you're getting low on line. Is that the normal level you keep it at? Perhaps I have mine spooled too full. I want to be prepared in case some fish decides to make a long run.

I have various Hodgman waders, for several years now, and I haven't had any issues. Boot foot neoprene hips, chest high neoprenes, breathable wade pants and breathable chest highs---they've performed flawlessly, and with NO leaks. Good waders for the investment. Hip boots for shallow wade streams, getting in an out of float craft, and walking thru muddy shoreline areas. Wade pants are great for shallow water areas, fishing in the rain when wearing a rain jacket, and chest highs for wading deeper waters. Boot foot waders are the choice when only making short trips----getting in and out of waders quicker. Wade shoes are a big plus, they give better ankle support for longer times on ones feet, and more comfortable. Wade shoes with interchangeable soles are a great feature---changing to a sole for specific ground conditions. Wades shoes with spikes are a big plus---entering, exiting and wading in muddy water areas. The spikes give added traction when climbing up and down embankments. I try to avoid climbing thru or over barbed wire, to avoid the risk of punctures or tears. The big box stores DO NOT make their own waders, they're made by others. Several of Cabela and Bass Pro waders are manufactured by Hodgman. I'd suggest buying the best waders you can afford, whatever brand you chose.

Also very effective for a variety of stream and river species, with the bait presented under a float, whether moving or still waters. I've used a centerpin reel, on-and-off for awhile. My objective is to do more centerpin fishing this year. A LONG rod is "key", in float-fishing. Float fishing with a "bait-feeder" reel on a float rod is simplier over a center-pin reel. I've seen some anglers have lots of difficulties with centerpin reels. There are a couple reasonably priced bait-feeder reels on todays market--- Okuma and D-A-M. Both are great reels for the money. More anglers are going to the baitfeeder reels, expecially the live bait angler. Look for the "float fishing" article in the up-coming ISA newsletter.

They "look" great. Realistic fish-head looking colors. Two types were available---regular and heavy metal (w/premium grade hooks). They were a hot item when they first came out----but, they died off after a couple years, and ended up in the dump bin.

Looks impressive in the video---but, it's more productive when swam more horizontal, vs a high lifting and dropping method. Fished weightless in shallow water is very effective. The 4" version has been more productive for me. Hope they come out SOON with the 3" size.

Lots of OEM push and advertising of GULP products. One of the main reasons for the "push"--- some states are and will be banning bringing "live bait" over the border(s), either across state lines or into Canada. Some states are banning transporting live bait to lakes or transporting live bait from a lake.

Yes, the OEM claims its biodegradeable. When the GULP dries out in air, it shinks in size and gets hard. I've had some of that stuff dry up in a sealed bag---and the bag was not opened. I've seen GULP products lay in shallow water, along the lake and river bank for several days, and it still was visible. Even the ducks or geese didn't pick it up------or, it already passed thru. Some GULP products are already showing up in "dump bins". Several NEW GULP products have been introduced for '08. The OEM puts tons of money in advertising and endorsements in GULP products, and they're really pushing it.

Senko's today are the rage in this area. I'd been fishing Senko's a couple years, before anyone in the Chicago area knew about them or what they were. When I'd ask anyone around this area about them, or was showing them, most thought I was speaking Japanese. Some stated, "you expect to catch fish on that thing"?, "Looks like a "trick BIC pen", some clowns would use". Today with the internet, news travels a lot faster. Wisc is further north, and it often took a year or two, to get the news from Chicago to Wisc. Many new products in use in the SW region of the USA, takes a year or two for it catch on in the Chicago area. Don Iovino's "finesse rubber legged jigs" are a super bait, fishing light line, for catching smallies. Attach a small plastic pork style bait or a 2" baby crawbug as trailer---smallies eat 'em up. Don't see them around the Chicago area, in any tackle stores. NO---mine are not for sale. Perhaps the news hasn't got here yet. There are some "knock-offs" of those jigs around. Anglers in the know have great success with them.

Haven't heard that yet, but I'll look into it.

Have you checked out the NEW Cortland Endurance line of fly reels? The larger arbor casette models, feature 2 spools, a LARGE drag knob, the storage case accommodates 4 spools, and less than $100. The NEW '08 mid arbor models are less than $60. Great reel for the money.

"Center-Pin" fishing is definitely on my agenda. I plan to do a lot more of it this year.

I float-fish a jig under a float frequently---it can best be presented with a long rod, in the 9-13ft range. A jig can also be presented under a slip-float, with success.

If using GULP, DO NOT put it back in the bag or bucket with other unused GULP products. You'll contaminate the entire bag or bucket. I learned the hard way, when it first came out. I ruined several bags of the stuff and had to pitch it all out. I had to try it because of all the hipe the company was making about its new invention. I've had several bags of GULP products, that dried out! and they went in the dumpster. On several fishing outings, comparing a GULP product to a Yamamoto Senko, worm, or other Yama products--- Yamamoto products outfished GULP. I've had fish follow a GULP worm, however, the fish kept a distance back---as if the fish was only sniffing it, but wouldn't commit. Another angler would cast a Senko toward the fish, the fish would turn and soon took the Senko! I've witnessed this occurance, several times. Some anglers do well, fishing GULP products. If you have confidence in a bait, and are catching fish, stick with it, 'til something better comes along.

They look great! They'll sure catch smallies in the waters I fish.

I think you're working too much--- you need to get out fishing more often.

Hi JoeD, Welcome aboard the ISA. You'll love this place. Talkin' bronzeback, will make you see the lights---it won't be in your rear view mirror. I'm ready to tackle some smallies on a fly. My 8.5ft 3wt needs a good work-out. I haven't been able to push it to its limits---can't seem to get a smallie over 20". I'd certainly like to learn how to catch some of those fresh water bonefish, on a fly. I'll take you up on that offer.

Don't get upset with the people that work at the big box stores, they don't have control of whats offered. They have to sell what they have available. Corp/hq buyers, decide what they'll stock. Some employees may pass-on the word. It has to go thru the dept manager, then to the store manager, then to hq---in writing. That process make take 2 or more weeks. ============ At GAT's, if I don't have it in stock, I can get most objects within a week. In some cases, I get it in a couple days. Availability is dependent on the distributors warehouse stock. Some items I have to obtain from the OEM--- they require MIN $$$ order, MIN order quantity, shipping costs and lead time. Lead time is 2 weeks MIN. A little more involved than going down the street to the quickie-mart, for a gal of milk. (Shipping costs are getting out of control. It changes from week-to-week). Items from GLoomis, St Croix and Shimano, I get in 3 days, providing they have it in-stock for immediate delivery. They are just a phone call away---(I have them on my "Speed-Dial"). Many of my customers tell me, "it's good to know the buyer".

The most productive, I've found to date, are the Owner Bullet Head, and the Finesse Head by Luck-E Strike. Both feature a premium grade hook. I prefer the Luck-E Strike brand, over others--- it features a longer shoulder, which results it better holding of the plastics. The Finesse Head models are the best for horizontal presentations. GAT stocks both, for an avid anglers fishing enjoyment.

GAT's stocks Brewers Slider Heads 3pk $2.42 (ISA member price)---reg $2.69

Mike, Thanks for the heads-up. Jonn (aka Stream Stalker), Very nice!

The Blowout was great, as usual. Dave Csanda, the featured speaker, gave a great SMB fishing presentation. Lots of great tips and techniques, that can be applied to lakes, streams and rivers, in the areas we all fish. I got so pumped up, when I got home I was awake for several hours--- couldn't get to sleep---thinking of all the tips to employ on my future fishing outings. Now I gotta go out and buy more fishing tackle. Happy to see and chat with many familar anglers. Sorry I couldn't meet with everyone. Looking forward to seeing you on the water. ============== Some people go out fishing, some simply wish they could go out fishing.