SKollmann

I recently purchased the Renzetti Presentation 3000 base model, but includes a very nice carrying case. Extremely pleased with the overall performance and transportability.

Amazing how my very first post about catching fish at a specific cited location (which proved to be an ISA violation) has generated so much response. I guess that I'm not the only one who failed to read or understand the "Rules of the Game" before I recorded the results of my successful day on the Kankakee River. In the word of some famous (or infamous) author . . . Even a fish wouldn't get into trouble if he kept his mouth shut.

Thanks, Brad . . . I did bring along some poppers yesterday, but the smallies weren't in the mood. So Bob gave me another morsel which caught all of my three fish and several of his . . . namely, a small jig, small plastic and very small Gulp minnow. That said, I'm still a fan of poppers and will add terrestrial hoppers to my fishing menu as well.

I'm with you, Mike . . . lest I be chastised once again which seems to be a habit of one particular ISA member.

I don't have time to read all notes posted on the ISA website . . . . that said, Don, a kinder update would have served better than your tone of a Truant Officer. Trust I won't be cast out of the Alliance for committing such a flagrant sin.

Bob Long, Jr. and I had a better day today in the same area around Warner Bridge . . . spent 3+ hours fly fishing in only a 1/4 mile stretch and between the two of us, we caught 12 smallmouth bass. Truth be told tho . . . Bob caught 9 and I caught 3. That said, one beautiful day on the river!

Heading down to the Kankakee River Monday AM to fly fish with Bob Long, Jr. near the Warner Bridge. Would appreciate any suggestions re. flies to bring along that have proven successful when fishing for smallies in this river in early September. Thanks.

Attached is an article just released by Mike Mladenik, smallmouth bass enthusiast in upper Wisconsin, that I thought would be of interest to all ISA members. Finesse Tactics for Topwater Smallmouth.pdf

Sorry I couldn't join the group for this event, John . . . my wife and I were returning from a two-week vacation in Alaska.

Wedding anniversary today, Dave . . . so gave the bride her choice of activities today which resulted in a day at the Long Grove Strawberry Festival, thereby precluding The Apple.

Also a good article in the same edition illustrating multiple patterns for tying "The Skittish Crayfish" in olive, orange and tan . . . a delicacy of the smallmouth bass.

Good Day, my fellow fishing colleagues . . . yesterday I had the good fortune of delivering my new Alumacraft boat (photo attached) to a marina on the Chain of Lakes. My intention is to tow it to northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin lakes and rivers populated by smallmouth bass and walleye. From this day forward, my time will be split among boating/fishing, tennis and canoeing outings. Steve

Thanks for your update, Mike and Rich . . . anyone know of a website to check Illinois and Wisconsin lake temps?

This may have been posted in the past, but unable to locate. Looking for water temperatures for given bodies of water. For example, Shabbona Lake as I'm interested in crappie fishing this month, water temps permitting. I know about USGS for rivers, but would like comparable data for lakes. Thanks.

Just checked the Northbrook Public Library online and found the following four sources where this book is available, but currently checked out or on order. Algonquin Area Library - MainItem on orderON ORDER 1/27/11Item on orderGlencoe Public LibraryJohnson Room799.124 ROSMaterial has been checked outMay 18, 2011Lake Villa District LibraryAdult items new to the collection799.124 ROSENBAUERMaterial has been checked outMay 14, 2011Winnetka (Winnetka-Northfield PLD)14 Day Books799.124 ROSMaterial has been checked outMay 14, 2011

It's now official . . . following 44 years of gainful employment with multiple employers, I finally retired from IRON Financial. That said, I'm really looking forward to more active involvement with ISA and participation in club events. Let the good times roll . . . and get on with the show. Smallies . . . here I come!!!

Got the Sport Trac, Rich . . . but still waiting for the boat. So no go for now. Steve

Considering you're not among the 200-pounders, Don . . . you and I can both have a good laugh!

Well . . . with 12 work days left until retirement, I needed a unit to "tote my new boat" to smallie and walleye lakes and rivers since my 2005 Ford 500 is incapable of towing much with continuous speed transmission. Visited 15-20 dealerships over the past weekend (what a trip that was), but did find a 2010 demo Ford Explorer Sport Trac that I just bought tonite. Will tow up to 5,000 lbs, but my boat, motors and trailer only weigh 3,500 lbs, so I should have no problem hauling seven 200-pound ISA members + 100 lbs of gear in the boat enroute to our group fishing destination. That said, retirement can't come too soon !!!

CROAK ! ! !

THREE WEEKS AND COUNTING !!! :rolleyes:

Thanks, Rich . . . since I will be domiciling my boat in southern Wisconsin (get away from Chicago traffic), my initial plan is to still use my canoe or rent a boat at Shabbona and other near-home fisheries rather than dragging my boat down to Illinois. Of course, plan may change with experience. Steve

Well . . . I finally came of age to retire, so I gave IRON Financial my Notice of Retirement this past week effective April 15, 2011. Net result . . . much more time to offer my services to the Illinois Smallmouth Alliance and Walleyes Unlimited. Yeh!!! Another banner event also took place this week when I took a day off work, went down to Cabela's, and ordered my retirement dream . . . a new fishing boat which will expand my fishing opportunities from shore fishing, wading, and float fishing to hunting down catch-and-release smallies plus keeper walleyes in larger lakes. 17' Alumacraft with a 150 hp 4-stroke Yamaha, 9.9 hp. 4-stroke Yamaha kicker motor, and a 101 lb thrust Minn Kota trolling motor with remote AutoPilot. Also added a Humminbird side-imaging structure locator and a marine radio in the event an unfortunate mishap occurs while on Lake Michigan. Will be offering an outing or two in conjunction with next year's Bronzeback Blowout, but first I need to gain some experience as I migrate from a 17' kevlar canoe to a 17' aluminum fishing boat.

A superb issue that FINALLY found its way to the suburb of Northbrook. Well worth the wait . . . I just wish I didn't have to wait so long! My compliments to the Editor . . . now if only the U.S Postal Service would get with the program.

February 23rd . . . and still no Bronzeback Bulletin. Would the editor/distributor please confirm my home address. Thanks.