SKollmann

Question . . . do volunteers receive complimentary parking and show entry passes?

Rob and/or Mike . . . great lookin' smallie flies. Can you direct me to a website that illustrates this pattern?

As an ISA member with an equal interest in canoeing, I find that when my wife and I are not paddling with the Prairie State Canoeists (PSA) of which we and 500 other interested local paddlers are members, I get quite excited about float fishing for river smallies with my 17' Wenonah Spirit II kevlar canoe. For added stability, I equip my canoe with sponses (pontoons), attach a trolling motor to a side motor mount, and clamp on a Bottomline Fishin' Buddy fish locator which has both vertical and horizontal transponders. Paddlin' with my wife . . . and float fishin' with the guys . . . now that's a lifestyle I truly appreciate! Couldn't agree more with Rick's suggestion to purchase the Buyers Guide if you're a potential paddler. Each annual edition includes a wealth of valuable information about the sport, including descriptions about each watercraft plus info associated with equipping and paddling your watercraft . . . so if the spirit moves you, go for it. I found the guide to be an excellent resource before I bought my canoe . . . and now that I have one, I still look forward the this annual edition. Trust me . . . a canoe is not a canoe is not a canoe. The selection and options are limitless, so be an informed consumer before investing in a paddlin' watercraft plus all the required or desired accessories.

Very nice flies . . . any illustrated pattern of these flies online?

Sure wish I could take your outfit off your hands, but checked my Ford Owners Manual and confirmed with the dealer that my Ford 500 will only tow 1,000 lbs. gross weight and tolerate 100 lbs. tongue weight . . . all due to my continuous speed transmission. Even the new Taurus and crossover Edge have the same towing limitations. That said, Matt . . . I've no alternative but to pass up the offer. Guess I'll remain a wader and float fisherman in my canoe until I retire in a few years, buy a unit equipped with heavier towing capabilities, and buy my retirement fishing boat. Steve (aka "Paddlin Man")

Birth of new grandson has taken priority this week, Matt . . . and my niece's wedding overtakes the weekend. Who's got time to fish?!? Will catch up with you next week. Steve

Last night I responded to Matt's "Wanted/For Sale" post which included a photo of his sale item. Came in the office this morning to print the photo, but only the narrative script appeared. How do I retrieve the photo?

Matt . . . if your outfit is still available, would like to stop by and inspect. I'm also an ISA member as well as a member of Arlington Anglers and Prairie State Canoeists. Yes, my wife and I also paddle rivers when I'm not fishing. Initially, need to know gross trailer weight as well as tongue load weight of the trailer hitch when towing. Have other questions, but can defer until we talk. Available for a demo drive on water? Appears you live in Palatine . . . and I live in Northbrook. Shoot me your phone number and perhaps we can set up a meeting time. From the posted picture, looks like you've take good care of your boat. Steve

Yesterday, my friend Doc Reid and I finally caught up with Rich McElligott on Shabonna Lake to collect on our Bronzeback Blowout silent auction outing. WOW!!! DID WE EVER HIT . . . thanks to Rich's guiding expertise on the lake on an absoluely gorgeous day. Arrived around noon and fished until 8:00 pm. Started by fishing the flooded trees for crappies . . . if I recall correctly, we were near the Northeast Cove. The crappies were hitting on minows (of course) as well as on mini-mites that I was using. We then head over to the earthen dam to target smallies. Well . . . the bass were also cooperative. By the end of the day, I caught 8 smallies, 5 crappie and a big ol' female catfish that spewed eggs all over Rich's boat. Sorry, Rich! Doc is older, so he lost count . . . but finished in the range of 6 smallies, 3 crappie, a smaller catfish, and a bluegill. Our thanks to Rich for a most memorable outing. Needless to say, we'll be bidding on his outting again at the next Bronzeback Blowout.

Being new to flyfishing, what fly patterns have been productive for Fox River smallies? Any pattern in particular that exceed expectations?

As a member of PSC (Prairie State Canoeists) as well as ISA, I have found that coupling my two interests by float fishing rivers in my canoe provides me the best of both worlds. That said, I have a good handle on put-in locations on the Kankakee and Kishwaukee Rivers, but need direction re. put-in locations on two other smallie rivers . . . the Fox and the Dupage. Converting my canoe to a "fishing machine" with the addition of sponses, trolling motor and fish locator, a fishing colleague and I need only take one car. Upon arrival at a put-in spot, I motor upriver a couple miles and float fish coming back downriver. Just need to know where I can launch on the Fox and Dupage. On a related note, are there any launch sites on Salt Creek? Thanks . . . appreciate your input. Steve aka "Paddlin Man"

Chuck . . . I also live in Northbrook and would be interested in stopping by to determine if your boat, motor, and trailer would meet my current needs. Please call me at either of the following phone numbers at your convenience. Steve Kollmann Office . . . 847-718-8432 Cell . . . . 708-334-6275

Josh . . . as a member of Prairie State Canoeists (PSC) as well as Illinois Smallmouth Alliance, I receive the PSC newsletter which typically posts canoes and kayaks for sale. While the February - March 2007 did not include any canoe sales, you may want to check our PSC website (www.prairiestatecanoeists.org). Go to "Bulletins" and then "Classified Ads." Steve K (aka "Paddling Man")

My very first cast of 2006 while attending an early season ISA Outing at the Kankakee River State Park resulted in this 17-inch smallie, compliments of a new red and white spinnerbait right out of the package purchased at Bass Pro Shop a week earlier. Hope 2007 will prove to be equally successful, but in greater numbers. Might help if I spent more time fishing than working.

Very nice catch, Don. I too have a canoe and am a member of ISA and Prairie State Canoeists. The stretch of the river appears a nice part of the river my wife and I would enjoy paddling. In what area of the Fox was the picture taken? Thanks. Steve Kollmann (aka "Paddlin' Man")

Just checked the ISA Calendar and found only one outing posted . . . May 21st at Shabbona Lake. When will all the other outings be posted for the year?