Mark O'Donnell

Hey ISA Guys, Dick's is going to build a store on Rt.50 and George Rd. Estimated start date of March 2008. Not good for remaining local bait shops in the area. Mark O'Donnell

Hello ISA Guys, May you and your families enjoy a wonderful Christmas and may the New Year be your best "on the water". Mark O'Donnell

Hi ISA Guys, Since no one is interested in this here. It is being tricked out (pinstriping, etc.) and being donated to the World of Wheels Auction by the Chicago Brushmasters (for a new Ronald McDonald's house) this January at McCormick place. Mark O'Donnell

Tim, I would support a plan of action that includes eliminating or greatly reducing the possibilty of future contamination from chemical spills, etc. Mark O'Donnell

Hi ISA Guys, When fishing northern Illinois streams in early November, it is best to bring along some extra dry clothing in case you slip on a moss covered rock and happen to fall in. The temperature of the water at this time tends to not be less than warm. Uncomfortability is likely to set in quickly, thus ruining the pleasant fishing experience you had hoped for and shortening your intended outing. Mark O'Donnell

Hi ISA Guys, I have in pretty good condition a peddle car. About 20 years old. Small crack by back right tail right decal. These can be a hot item on Ebay. Will take $100 or best offer. Proceeds to go the the recent ISA donation drive. Mark O'Donnell Correction: Best offer $100 or higher

Hi ISA Guys, I have in pretty good condition a peddle car. About 20 years old. Small crack by back right tail right decal. These can be a hot item on Ebay. Will take $100 or best offer. Proceeds to go the the recent ISA donation drive. Mark O'Donnell

Thanks for your efforts Dan! I hope it makes a difference. Mark O'Donnell

The Fish Gods must be smiling down (up?) on you! Mark O'Donnell

I think they used to rent the cabin out! Who knows what it will finally sell for in the current market ! Mark O'Donnell

Whoa, A chill ran down my spine just reading this! Wish you the best and hope you are back on the water as soon as possible Mark O'Donnell

Hi Nom, Hoping for a speedy recovery for your Daughter as well! Mark O'Donnell

Hi ISA Guys, Spent last weekend camping at Shabonna State Park. Wife and Daughter did not come out until Saturday afternoon, so I scouted the Green River, Big Bureau Creek and Big Indian Creek. All flows except Big Indian were running quite high. Friday first stop Big Bureau near Princeton. Looked real good (but High and a little difficult to wade) tried fishing with no results (check out video on youtube/Big Bureau Creek). Then looked for varouis access areas near the Green River. Too fast and high to fish. Access appears available at a few road bridges. Saturday, looked for spots on the Big Indian Creek, but only found "No Trespassing Signs" and no suitable parking. Too bad It looks like it could hold some nice smallies. Public access seems almost non-existant. Mark O'Donnell

When the Tribune dropped the Outdoor Section after John Husar died I dropped them. Apparently the corporate people who own them (the newspapers) don't care for the outdoor sports. Mark O'Donnell

Paul, After it gets nice and warm in the spring, its only wet wading for me. I use the nylon lightweight zipper at the knees pants and an old pair of gym shoes. When done, take off at knees, put on dry shoes and you're good to go. Very Comfortable Mark O'Donnell

Hi ISA Guys, OK, let us all know who is the first to catch a smallie on a cicada lure! Mark O'Donnell

Hi ISA Guys, What has been the proper etiquette when it comes to fishing while the smallies are on the beds? If it really would make that much difference, I could hold off a couple of weeks. What have you guys usually done? Thanks

Brian, Heideke Lake near Morris supposedly has a fine population of Smallmouth. After that Lake Michigan. You can access a few areas around the Aquarium/Planaterium or habors north. Check out the other fishing websites for recent posts on the big pond! Mark O'Donnell

Anything like this planned this Spring/Summer? Mark O'Donnell

I can help out on Sunday! I already cleared it with the tower, thus avoiding a large helping of grief biscuits! Mark O'Donnell

Hi ISA Guys, For 2007 I am going to try the Gambler little Otters, the new Mister Twister Leech lure, and some of the top water things John Graham likes (Gunfish/Sammy's). If you are going to try something new this spring, what is it? Mark O'Donnell

Hi ISA Members! I wish you many smallmouth, I wish you many smallmouth, I wish you many smallmouth in the upcoming new year! Meryy Christmas ! Mark O'Donnell

Hi Don, My three for 2006 were. 1. Roadkill Smallie Beaver on wide 3/0 gamakatsu hook w/ bullet sinker. 2. Black Double Tail Mister Twister on weighted Keeper Hook. 3. Yum Crawbug on Slider jighead (Thanks Billy Bob!) Mark O'Donnell

Hi Jonn, Just got my order! 200 double twister tales for what I was paying for 50 for at a local spot, and in colors I could not get in before, Thanks! Mark O'Donnell Now if I could only find bulk weighted keeper hooks or weighted gamakatu hooks!

Hi ISA Guys, Let's say you could only have 12 lures and use 3 per season. What are your "go to" baits for each? How are you working them? Rivers only! Mark O'Donnell