rprice

Unfortunately- the older I get the more days it seems to get over thiese blasted colds. I'm at my worst today (Friday). To top it off, we have some machine problems at work and Saturday seems to be the nly day I can have isolated time to rip into it. I wish you guys greast success, but I'll have to connect on the next chance instead. Regrets- Ron Price

John, I'm fighting a cold/flu right now, but I expect to be feeling better by Saturday and hope to join you and Dave. If I don't post a regret by Friday, you can expect to see me there. Ron Price

LOL- swing by my house before you head home tomorrow so you'll know the way when she finds out.

Like others, I too would recommend that you get that permission in writing- not because I think you needed it in the first place, but because it grants you staus for what I hope will be a visit to the DNR officer's supervisor. I grew up around wooded land that was posted "no tresspassing" all over the place. We knew the landowner quite well and rode our horses through those woods regularly. We also know that that landowner had a number of friends and relatives that would similarly use the land for camping or otherwise. Never did we worry about, nor could we envision, the DNR stopping us to prove we had permission to be there. For crying out loud, surely the officers have something better to do with their time then checking for "right to be there" every time they see a warm body near a no tresspassing sign. Why should the DNR be expected to be more diligent about protecting privcate property than the land owner themselves are expected to be (filing complaints or calling)? When tdid the DNR become the unsolicited guardians of private property? I find it very difficult to believe that it is DNR policy to protect this private property without a tresspassing complaint having been filed or call being made. I remember deer hunting in woods that were large enough that many parties were there- all with permission but not knowing one another. We were occasionally stopped by DNR to see tags, but never asked to demonstrate permission in writing. There are shades of what happened with the Harvard Prof and the Cambridge Police recently. You did the right thing by remaining calm and cooperative, but the issuance of the ticket was an over-reaction- IMLTHO. Ron

I got word from Karen at the IDNR late yesterday that they were rushing to complete the Green River surveys ahead of schedule due to the threat of more rain this week. She had called in help from other DNR regions and they had plenty of experienced guys. Still- I took the chance today to see if I could catch up with them and managed to find them at noon just heading to the final sight near Colona. I was able to jump in and help them launch the boat and then acted as "spotter" trying to point out the stunned fish so they could net them. We covered about a 40yd stretch of a small tributary creek (Mineral Creek) at Rt 6. Aside from a 20 inch Flathead Cat, the other 60 or so fish were about evenly split between average sized White Suckers and significantly sized Creek Chubs, plus 2 Grass Pike (cool little mini-northerns- when I say mini- I mean 5-6 inch and I understand that's pretty much how big they get). As I went to help load the boat I thought I heard them call out a smallmouth- if so, we're talking 5 inches cause that's all that was left in the bucket when I left. They did tell me that they had one site yesterday that had a number of smallmouth of healthy size in the 14-15 range. It confirms what we already know and that is that the Green and it's tributaries do hold a number of smallmouth of good size (I've caught them between 14-18 inches every year). The most disappointing thing I heard is that the EPA won't publish the numbers for over a year- your tax dollars efficiently at work. I also overheard one of the older DNR employees kid with another about the EPA guys as follows. "Is the EPA sampling these waters as well?" Other guy, "I don't know,they don't always show up when they're supposed to." First guy, "They're not from Rockford are they"? (chuckles all around). I took this to be a dig regarding the EPA and some rumors floating around that the EPA in Rockford is intentionally avoiding any real investigation that might link the train wreck in Rockford, it's subsequent spill, and the fish kill on the Rock a couple days later. Might be reading too much into it, but color me cynical. Ron

In preparation for an upcoming volunteer with the IDNR, a friend asked if I had the right kind of waders so we don't get shocked and I responded as below. If my thinking is wrong I need correction post-haste. Can someone help me with what we'll need? I responded- You got me concerned now. I was always under the impression that there were breathable (not neoprene except maybe the socks) and non-breathable (all neoprene). I do have a set of Neoprene waders which I was under the impression were not breathable. Since neoprene is a form of rubber I assumed that would protect from shock and based on the 5 minutes I walked around in them in my living room (got them from my dad when he passed on) they are anything BUT breathable. If there is another type of waders, I don't even know where you'd get some as I've never seen anything listed but Neoprene and Breathable. If my neoprene is what we need- 2 things 1) Pray for a cool day- and 2) your welcome to them on the 16th. Check again with Karen, but I think you'll find yours (if breathable) are not constructed of neoprene except maybe the sock. If they're Neoprene throughout then I don't think they're breathable and you should be protected. I guess a long way of saying I thought "breathable" and "Neoprene" were mutually exclusive terms. Ron

It was a great day on the water with Dave. I tried to hang around an extra hour until 6:30 but after 2 5:30PM break-offs, the body said it was time to quit. I should have taken more picures of the river itself, it reminded me a great deal of the Apple- though quite a bit wider and with fewer limestone bluffs- however, the river itself alternates between fantastic sections of rock strewn riffles and pools and then sections of mud/sand. Wading or floating are both options throughout. We saw 10 times the fish we caught, just could not interest them in a meal. No doubt, though, this C&R section has reared some nice size smallies. This 13 in was the first of the day- dang near first cast. I was sure that the day was going to be productive but they grew increasingly smaller throughout the day. You can see the white spinner did the trick here. Caught him in 2 feet of water near a fallen tree branch in modest current. Dave in cast!

See updated plans in Let's Hook Up

Dave Jones and I took to the water today and started about 8:45A. The Green is aptly named as it runs it's normal muddy-green with little to no visibility. Water temps were good but we didn't get an accurate temp reading (more on this later). There were also very few places to get out and wade- I knew this, but Dave- the eternal optimist- wore his waders anyway. We threw everything we could think of at them from swim jigs, to crank baits, raps, spinners, mepps, poppers, spider sliders and Kut-tails- you name it. Dave managed the sole fish of the day - a 12 inch cat. (that might be generous). We did paddle up 2 tributaries- one of which was the same as the river and the other had potential- if cramped. It was a drainage that ran out a flush pipe with a reasonable turbulence producing spill. We fought the current for a while and ended up bringing the canoe alongside a shore strewn with concrete chunks where Dave disembarked. I sat alone in the back of the canoe having forsaken the waders. I noticed quite a few bait fish being chased to the surface in an eddy left of the spillway and mentioned it to Dave, who was closer. He tried to reach it, but an overhanging tree was blocking his cast. I, on the other hand, had quite an open shot. Experienced canoe-rs will see this coming. As I reached back on the off-shore side to make my cast, the canoe began to roll and, in a blink of an eye, I was up to my neck in Green. Wallet, cell phone, lunch, tackle, was all doused or soaked but not a single item was lost to the river- thank God. I tried every way I could to blame Dave for the incident, but there was just no getting around the fact that I was the only one in the boat at the time. There may have been some potential there, but we emptied and dried what we could and hit the water again. We completed the 8 mile float in 3-1/2 hours largely due to the lack of stopping places. We both agree that this water really only has potential in low water conditions. With that in mind, we are postponing next Saturday's outing and hope to reschedule- perhaps in October as a "last float of the year". Ron

Postponed due to scouting trip (updated plans in Let's Hook Up) If you are planning on joining the Western Region for this float outing you can contact me at my cell 309-314-2294. I've caught a couple 17 inch smallies from a stretch nearby while on foot, so I know they're in there. We just look for deeper water and any evidence of bottom structure. At this point in time, Dave J and I are planning on scouting a section this Wednesday. The water is still running high and I'll have to keep you posted on our recommendations as the 27th approaches. If we can avoid any substantial rainfall in NW IL for the next 2 weeks we will probably be able to safely float. If not- I expect we'll postpone and you can find those updates here. I could use some input from any experienced canoe/kayak veterans to analize the graphs you see at the site below and give me your input. This is relatively straight water (canal-like) and the width is a constant 25 feet or so. If you can take a peak and give me your feedback, I'd appreciate that greatly. http://waterdata.usgs.gov/il/nwis/uv/?site_no=05447500 Assuming it's a go- we'll meet for breakfast at 7AM in Atkinson at Lisa's Place along Rt 6 just east of town and on the south side of the highway. If there are just 2 canoes/yaks, we'll fish the same 7-8 mile stretch that Dave and I are going to scout. If more interest materializes, we can try to put you on another nearby stretch. Come prepared to lower and raise your float with a rope- this may or may not be necessary- but most of the 12-15 ft banks are too steep to walk up or down and carrying a canoe will be right out! If we get out Wdnesday, we'll give you an update on our findings and prospects for the 27th including the overall float duration for that stretch. Not much stopping to fish- we'll just hit likely spots hard and heavy as we pass and anchor if we need to slow down. Ron P

Just to wrap this up. I haven't seen any posts regarding receipt since mine. The range was from the 9th - 21st (not sure if gary in MO has his yet). I could see no pattern in zip areas as I saw equivalant deliveries to Northern IL and Springfield as what Chicago and burbs were seeing. Knowing what I know about USPS this is pertty reasonable and predictasble results. Because 612 is the one IL zip area that is handled by facilities in another state and we have a few members that live in neighboring states, could we look at sending those by First Class mail? (612, MO, IN, WI, IA).

That has to give you quite a boost John! You say in one of your blog posts "when it comes to big smallies in the river, the swim jig combined with a swim bait trailer reigns SUPREME!" and I was wondering if you could better describe what you mean or how you rig that. If it's a trade secret, I plan on scheduling some time with you this year at Camp Smallmouth so you can just show me then. I hope to meet you at the Blowout having met your dad at the QCCA show and learning that he and I live in the same small town. Ron

Received Sat- the 21st in zip 61254 Much earlier this time!

Gary- where do you reside? I had the same experience and am in 61254 Geneseo IL. Note- sharing your home town can be hard to determine as none of us have the whole state memorized. The 1st 3 digits or whole zip code will make it easy to identify areas of the state

I think it would also help if we know the city or zip code (just the first 3 digits is enough) you live in. This may help figure out if there are pockets of areas where substantial delays exist Ron

I appeciate the quick responses and still hope to hear from others as well. Let me point out something I failed to say clearly enough in the 1st post which, I see, left the impression that I felt I was missing out on events due to lack of notification in time to take advantage. That was my fault for emphasizing those dates. In our business, it is deadly to send a publication out with event dates that have passed by the time mail arrives, so I'm particularaly sensitive to that. The real truth of the matter is, that it's such good reading I honestly can't wait to receive it and it's like getting a Christmas Gift you know is coming but not until Feb. As far as the savings from switching to Standard (formerly 3rd Class) instead of First Class, I would have advised exactly that. But, the moment we saw delivery issues like this, I'd have recommended another step that can save most of that $1,200. The Postal Service breaks up the State into regions called SCF's- there are approximately 5-6 SCF's in IL. If the mail destined for downstate were Drop Shipped to the SCFs (Sectional Center Facility- basically a sorting hub), then most people would receive the publication in about a week from the completion of an issue. It's also referred to as "Open and Distribute" Basically, the mailer gets clearance for the entire mailing from Lombard, IL and then takes back that portion they wish to drop ship (the downstate pieces). Each regions pieces would then be placed into a Priority Mail Bag with a form 8125 PVDS (Plant Verfied Drop Shipment). The additional postage would be based on weight, not number of pieces or possibly could fit into one of the PO's free unlimited weight Priority Boxes that mail at a fixed rate. It could potentially cost as little as $5 per region if all the issues for that SCF could fit into a single box. A side benefit is that you pay "SCF" rates instead of "none-Entry" rates on those pieces which is about 5 cents less per piece. In any event, additional costs would be a fraction of the $1,200 you originally saved by going to Standard and most everyone would have the publication inside a week of each other- say 2 weeks from artwork delivered. Also- don't assume that because the printer is large and does a lot of this type of work that they're necessarily quick. A job this size ought to be done and mailed inside a week from the time artwork is provided. Of course I don't know what they ARE doing but a Postage Statement with USPS time/date stamp will answer that and you have a legitimate right to ask for a copy with each issue- it's standard practice in the industry. There are other ideas that may work as well but here, then, is a first attempt at giving advice.

I want to be careful to first congratulate Scott Ferguson and others who may be involved in the publication of our Bronzeback Bulletin. Like I expect you do, I receive such publications from a variety of organizations and I have no reservations stating that the BBB is my favorite "read" and is a classy looking publication as well. Since joining the ISA some years ago, I have been disappointed in the timing regarding the receipt of the Bulletin. For instance, I just received the November/December issue on Feb 5th. Inside were a number of January events for my region and others that have already past. Some Feb events are fast approaching and I've just learned of them. I would be completely remiss if I did not share with you that (as it happens) I and my brother own and operate a printing and mailing business so I have inside knowledge concerning what delivery times ought to be statewide in case the assumption were to be it's just that old nemesis the Post Office delaying mail. There are ways to overcome any shortcomings they have. My brother and me are both avid fishermen but he is not an ISA member (I'm working on him) so I can't just offer to help pro-bono in fairness to him. This puts me in an awkward postion I hope you can appreciate. I don't want to seem like I'm trying to "sell" the organization on using our services rather, as a member, I'm frustrated by the timing of the publication's delivery. With that in mind- let me state that I am willing to advise the publisher but not (unless a whole lot of you begged us to) attempt again to position ouselves to provide the printing/mailing services. In full disclosure, I had provided a quote last year to Scott but will now withdraw that sales attempt so it does not appear I'm trying get business through stirring up dissatisfaction with delivery times. Heck, I've learned over the years to avoid doing business with friends and family if I value the relationship and, in this case, I surely do! So let me be clear, it's not printing/mailing business I'm after but, rather, quicker delivery of this fantastic publication. Considering that I reside outside the Chicagoland area, I wonder if this is a "downstate" problem ,or statewide, or am I the only one who cares? Any feedback is appreciated by me and I hope the board as well. Ron

website

I'm tryin gto contact Jim Jozwiak, but I can't find a member that matches, email, or phone number. Can someone help me?

Jude- At our age, we know that pants can't be "happy" with a "dead fish" in them! LOL

It looks as though I can finally make one of these conservation events. I'll need to know where and when, though- coming from a couple hours away. I have waders and 2 hands, will I need to bring anything else? Ron

Fly Caster's do it by swinging both ways!

Caution! Fly-casting! If I can't see you- DON'T WORRY- I can still catch you!

Caution! Fly-casting! Unless you have gills, keep back 50 feet!