SKollmann

Craig . . . here are the particulars as cited on page 16 of the latest edition of Bronzeback Bulletin. Bronzeback Blowout Saturday, March 6, 2010 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm American Legion Hall 310 West Butterfield Road Elmhurst, IL Look forward to seeing you there on Mark . . . as you know, always a star-spangled event with a meal, speakers, raffles, silent auctions, and fellowship among ISA members.

Lucky you, Jude . . . same goes for me and my canoe.

Thanks, Travis . . . appreciate!

This is a test. Please confirm that the photo of my Wenonah Spirit II canoe is viewable . . . and I'll submit a synopsis of my summer in Canada catching many 18-22" smallies. Thanks . . . and I appreciate your tutorial, Mike!

So noted . . . disregard.

"Classic" was indeed taken in good humor, Don . . . and were you to add 4-foot sponses to your Saturn Ion like those for my canoe, the appearance of your vehicle would come close to that of Santa's sleigh. Keep in mind that we have a fishing outing planned for sometime in 2010 . . . with my full complement of canoe embellishments.

Add my congrats to you, Buddy . . . hope you seized the moment as I did when my three grandsons were born 4 and 2 years ago. The day each was born, I took a Skoobie Doo rod and reel set to the hospital, held each future fishermen in my arms, presented them with my gift, and shared my expectations about fishing with Grandpa, but releasing any smallies they happen to land. So far, only my 4-year-old grandson caught his first fish this past summer (three panfish at the lake in the Glen), but after photos were taken, he agreed that we should release them. A good start for sure!

Probably just showing my age, but I'll stick with my larger 17' Wenonah Spirit II ultralite 40-lb. tandem canoe for floatfishing on rivers. In addition, to sponses that I mentioned earlier, I also add attach a Minnkota trolling motor and Humminbird portable temp/fish locator for my fishing outings. Outfit permits me to fish solo . . . or better yet with a fellow fishing friend. Only requires one car though since I launch at the take-out site, motor upriver 2-3 miles, and float fish back to the car. Of course, all of this gear is stripped from my canoe when my wife and I paddle with the Prairie State Canoeists. With a shallow arch hull design and bent shaft carbon filament paddles (8 oz. each), we can really "make tracks" heading down river.

Well . . . excuse me! To err is human . . . etc.

Sorry . . . it was Ron Grand who join me on the Kish.

Ron . . . as the owner of a 17-foot Wenonah Spirit II kevlar canoe in which you floatfished with me on the Kish earlier this year, you will find that the shorter the watercraft, the less stable it becomes. Personally, if I were to purchase a fishing kayak, I would choose a longer model. Take note . . . when float fishing on any river in my 17-footer, I still add sponses to provide added stability. The power of moving water can be unforgiving!

Fly tier and author Jack Gartside, considered by many to be one of the most innovative tiers of the modern era, died last night after a protracted battle with lung cancer. Gartside was taught how to tie flies at the age of 10 by Ted Williams, the Boston Red Sox outfielder. ("I wormed my way up to the table and asked if he'd show me how to tie a fly," said Gartside. "They sat me down at the vise. Ted went through the motions to show me how to tie a woolly worm.") Among his best-known original patterns are the Sparrow, the Soft Hackle Streamer, the Pheasant Hopper, the Gartside Leech, the FishHead, and the Gurgler. His designs have been featured in Eric Leiser's Book of Fly Patterns, Judith Dunham's The Art of the Trout Fly, Lefty Kreh's Salt Water Fly Patterns, Dick Stewart's Salt Water Flies, and Dick Brown's Flyfishing for Bonefish. He was one of the first fly tyers to be profiled in Sports Illustrated (October 12, 1982). From Robert H. Boyle's Sports Illustrated profile: "To describe Gartside simply as a hawker of stream-side flies would be like calling Nathan's Famous frankfurters mere hot dogs. Along with John Betts, who ties with synthetic materials (SI, May 4, 1981), Gartside, who ties almost exclusively with natural materials, is in the front rank nationally, which means the world."

Good Morning, Mike . . . I tried finding Hans' article referenced in your response via Google, but no luck. Please provide copy or specific website where this article can be found. Thank you.

I think I meant Royal vice . . . not Regal.

In light of this struggling economy, Brian, cost is an issue for most of us Americans . . . including me! That's why I plan to add this item on my Christmas List so my sons and daughters can share the cost thereof. To complicate this selection process further, Trout & Grouse is strongly advising me to purchase a Regal vice, claiming that it's the best vice for tying bass flies which will be the primary focus of my fly tying activities. Comments!?!

As we have turned the page to the month of December, I've begun to consider purchasing my last and final upgraded fly tying vice for Christmas. Have any ISA fly tying colleagues had experience with the Renzetti Presentation 4000 vice? Would appreciate your input and assessment. Thanks.

As we are about to turn the calendar to December 2009, it's time to begin thinking about the various fishing and outdoor shows in the greater Chicagoland area in the new year. That said, I offer my services once again this year in manning the ISA booth at the Chicago Outdoor Show, the Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo and the Deerfield Sport Show.

Really sorry I had to miss this special event . . . turned out the paramedics were called to transport my mother (age 96) to the hospital on Saturday. She spent 4 days in ICU after which we took her to a nursing home. Transition from her living independently in an apartment to a nursing home didn't go without issues. Hope the Lord takes me before 96 . . . very few who make it to 90+ are rewared with remaining years of quality living.

Thanks for clarifying, Jimbo . . . in that case, the "newsletter" referenced herein has been received. Great edition!

What newsletter? Haven't been fortunate enough to receive my copy yet. How does it differ from the Bronzeback Bulletin?

In honor of Joe Donato who shared with me his love of fly tying and fly fishing, I now share the following with all ISA members in tribute to his passion behind the vice and on the waters of life. May you rest in peace, My Friend. Fly Fishing Fly Fishing is a symphony. It is the oboe of a loon blowing on the lake It is the bass of a frog croaking on the pond It is the cymbal of a brook trout rising and splashing in the water, After the violins of a may fly hatch. It is music once heard, becomes life energy. It is the fly line swishing in the air that pumps new blood into your life. It is the union of the musician (JOE) and the maestro (GOD) in his solemn church. - Tony Grenier

John . . . I conversed with Joe quite frequently prior to his death, and he was kind enough to send me patterns, tying instructions, and numerous samples of flies he had tied. i also understand you were a benefactor of his fly tying talents as well. in tribute to his life and sharing his passion for fly tying with us, let's you and I dedicate our first Spring 2010 smallmouth bass outing in his memory. Would have happy to bring my 17' canoe down to the Mac to floatfish the river in his honor. Steve

Rich . . . just tried sending you a PM, but the response indicated that "This member cannot receive any more PM." What's up? Over capacitated? Steve

Darn it, Ron . . . once again I have a conflict. Bummer! Hope you have better luck that you and I did floatfishing the Nip earlier this summer.

Scott . . . having recently retired, I may be interested in this position. Do you have a job description describing related responsibilities?