Gregg S

Thanks for the support guys. I really appreciate it. Jim, don't fret. We're having a little fun with you. Gregg

I love the little green frog. Great camoflauge (spelling?). Good pic of rattler. Freaks me out. I thought they were super shy. Gregg

Hey guys, My book, a memoir of outdoor experiences, went to the publisher yesterday. It includes an account of how Jim J convinced me to join the ISA by promising me that Pete Plauck would become my personal fish caddy (some salesman that guy), a profile of the ISA guys I go to Sylvania with, and other adventures such as climbing Mount Rainier and going to Outward Bound. I'm looking at around June 1st for it to be printed. I'll keep you posted in hopes that some of you will enjoy reading it. I think you will. Gregg Stockey

Swimming senkos! chatterbaits Gregg

alank beat me to it. Went to canoecopia yesterday. Yes there is a Manta 10. I fell in love with the new Native Kayaks Ultimate. Open cockpit with lots of storage space. A nice system for add-ons like trolley anchor. Scupper holes with tethered plugs. Seat is real comfy, slides back in forth in the cocpit, and can even be taken out to sit in on the shore. They have a tandem model, 14ft, that allows for the second seat to be removed and other seat repositions for solo paddler. Gregg

Also John, I think a kayak is faster, not slower, than a solo canoe. Gregg

I agree with Jude. If I was starting over I would definitely go SOT. Get off and on frequently to fish. I am not that big a guy, and I often feel cramped in my 12' kayak.There is a new boat out this year-I think they are calling it a "Tunnel Hulled Kayak." It looks like a canoe/kayak hybrid. Low like a kayak. Molded seat like a kayak. Lots of open space for gear. Looks like a traditional yak with the top cut away. I want to check it out at Canoecopia! this weekend. Gregg

Jeff Blevins is entitled to the recognition pin. Al Oomens has also earned a pin by working at the Blowout. There are several people who have not received their pins. We know who you are. Obviously, I need to work on a way to get pins to those who have earned them, but I am not likely to see in person. Gregg

Brian O'Kelley, Paul Trybul, and Russ Deschaine earned the ISA volunteer pin at the Rockford sport show this weekend. If there is anyone I missed please let me know. Paul worked some on all three days this weekend. Others who helped include Rich (the prez), Jude Torre, and myself. Thanks, and congratulations. Gregg

Rich, I told Paul I would work Sunday. Would prefer to work first half or so then get out of there. Gregg

ISA member Dan Basore has one of the most extensive collections of old fishing tackle imaginable. Dan's collection will be on display at the Lake County Discovery Museum, near Wauconda, from March 3 to September 21. He promises this will be the best and biggest showing of antique tackle we've ever seen. www.LCFPD.org/Hooked Gregg

Winning fly pic is posted in Open section along with other Blowout pics I took. I think the message heading is "Thank You." Gregg

I have already forwarded a photo of the winning fly, and other photos of the Blowout, to Eric. He is better at posting them than I am. Gregg

The amazing thing about Jonn's talk was the incredible attention to small details. Something for me, maybe all of us, to work on this year. Nice job Jonn. I accepted Dan Basore's invite to represent the ISA at a reception to open his History of Fishing display at the Lake County Museum. Good catch by Rich McElligott to realize that is only about 10 minutes from my house. Gregg

That is a great pic Jim. Did you take it? Gregg

Joseph, I am planning to attend that show on Sunday to attend the writer's thing. I'll try some rods and try to catch up with you. Gregg

Hey fly guys, Any suggestions for a 7 or 8 wt fly rod or combo? Think relatively inexpensive as I am a part-time fly guy. Any thoughts on LL Bean lower end rods- I think they are called Streamlight? I bought a 5 wt Cabelas outfit couple years ago. I like it all right, but not so good with poppers or big flys and wind. Thanks. Gregg

I use a Symetre(spelling) and haven't had any trouble with it. It is common to hear ISA guys say that Shimano products do not function well after getting wet. I can't say I have had that problem. Gregg

Hey Mark, Where do you find the Paca Craw? The website doesn't show any Illinois dealers and no way to purchase on-line. Gregg

To emphasize what Andy said: ignore digital zoom. Optical zoom is "real" zoom, digital zoom is useless gimmick (in my humble opinion). Gregg PS I love the editing and organizing software that came with my Kodak Easy Share. I wasn't very familiar with others, so I didn't know if others were that useful until I read in Consumer Reports that it is one of the best. They recommended using Easy Share software for org and edit even if you don't buy a Kodak camera and have to pay extra for it. When I go to buy my next camera I'll try to find a Kodak Easy Share that meets my needs before looking at others. Right now, you can get a basic camera, software, and printer dock for 4x6 photos for about 200 bucks. When I get home from fishing I have the best shots printed out within an hour! Gregg

Just a point of clarification Jim. What you are suggesting (basically) did happen at this outing. Five people fished the creek. Five or six others were a mile away in the main river. I agree we should "tighten up" the registration process. Gregg

Reading my own posts, I sound a little redneck, so to clarify: My conscience says don't target bedding fish in any of our urban/pressured streams. Conscience is OK with taking 4 C&R anglers up a trib last week when no beds were visible, water temp was 52, and fish appearred to be pre spawn. It is OK with me C&R a few bedding fish in Sylvania 2 or 3 days per year. My Dad (85 years old) asks me to bring him a couple of bass to eat. I tell him NO, but am willing to bring him a few crappies (none over 10 inches), or buy him some orange roughy. Gregg

Tim, I understand that evidence, and generally speaking I agree with those who avoid bothering bedding fish. I also, however, abhor oversimplifying things into generalizations that label someone's behavior as bad and another's as good. I don't know if you've fished the Apple, but I wonder if bed fishing there would be harmful or helpful. Maybe some bass on a river like that should be given birth control pills. On one lake in Sylvania smallies were guarding nest sites in mid September. When would it be appropriate to fish there if bedding fish are to always be avoided? All I'm saying is let Your conscience, and knowledge when available, be your guide. Gregg

Does anybody watch ESPN Bass Saturday? The focus is on LMB, but every Saturday on one segment or another , somebody is teaching America to target bedding fish. One segment recently spoke of the great patience one angler showed in not giving up on a big bedding fish. He was applauded for stick-to it ness until he coaxed the bedding fish to bite. My point is, we receive all sorts of mixed messages and opinions about this. Do we have any scientific evidence on the effect of fishing during springtime? I'm sure the answer varies based on population, pressure, and other factors. For example, the Apple River holds thousands of 7" bass. Can anyone say with authority that fishing there during spawn, if it disrupts reproduction, is not a good thing? Gregg

Jude, I think most everyone shares your concern. The reason a number wasn't discussed for the recent Kish outing was 1) We've never had many people show for a Kish outing 2) We knew we had 2 river 'stretches" as well as a creek stretch to break the group up. If we continue to get 12 or more people to NW outings we will need to continue to plan carefully. The second point you raise is "time of year" for the outings. I'd be interested to hear what others say about this. Other recent threads have contained comments noting that spawn if not all at once and covers weeks if not months. To avoid spawn, would we have to avoid any outings until July? Gregg