Gary L

May I suggest taking pictures of those baitfish for future reference when thinking of tying up a new fly.

It seems that most of you are focusing on Flyfishing for Bass or Smallmouths in particular. I look at Flyfishing to be in most cases a regional thing. In Missouri we have a ton of rivers that contain trout and flyfishing is the way they go after this fish. We also have a lot of Smallmouth Streams and both the Flyrod and Spinning rod come into play. If you look down onto the headwaters of Taneycomo Lake from the Table Rock Lake dam you will see dozens of flyfisherman chasing after Rainbows.

I have seen Flyfishing grow within the ISA from when I first started with Craig Riedeau as almost the only guy flyfishing to where we have the bassBuiggers and a good number of guys picking up the Flyrod and chasing the Illinois Smallmouth. Who would have thought that John Graham would be such an avid flyfisherman after his years with a Spinning rod wading the streams of Illinois. They talk a lot about flyfishing on the rivers of the East Coast and also the Western states like Colorado and Montana. I don't see it dying off at all however it may take a break do to the economy but will comeback just as strong as other types of fishing.

When I went into a Bar back in 1965 San Francisco, CA. they wanted $6.00 for an 8oz. Beer and they had a two beer minimum. I wonder what they are asking now?

I find fishing to be more for relaxing and relieving stress caused by everyday happenings. It is usually a lot of work but it is enjoyable work and in a scenes you could say it is fun. I usually fish alone unless I have a Club Tourney then I will be coupled with someone else. So I guess I can say it is more of a relaxing pass time rather then a fun pass time.

I use mostly Baitcasting Gear now over the Spinning Gear. I feel more comfortable with a Baitcasting Rod and Reel when throwing Crankbaits and Spinnerbaits. I also use one for throwing the 1/2oz Jig and Trailer I use. I also use a Spinning Rod and Reel for throwing smaller Jigs and Crankbaits as well as smaller Spinnerbaits. I switch hands with the Baitcaster as I am more comfortable using them that way and I don't with the Spinning Rod because that was the way I learned to do it. It is all personal preference and either system will work for you as it is all a matter of how you feel using the rod and reel you are comfortable with.

That is a very nice setup for fishing the inland lakes and rivers around this great country of ours. Congratulations on your up coming retirement. I have bee retired since 2005 and love every minute of it.

I have been upgrading my equipment down here in Missouri from the Bionic Stuff I bought when I first came here in 2005. I have settled on the Carbonlite Reels and Carbonlite Rods from Bass Pro Shop. They have been great in every way for me and are light and sensitive. For a Crankbait combo I would select the Carbonlite Rod in 7' Medium weight with a Moderate action and couple that with a Carbonlite Reel and some good 12lb. test line of your choice for fishing the rivers of Illinois. I use Seaguar 15lb Fluorocarbon down here because of the ultra clear water. You will have a quality setup that will cast beautiful with proper setup and last for a long time. If you plan on using it for Spinnerbaits like Eric uses that substitute the rod for a 7' Heavy weight rod with Xtra fast tip. This will also work well with Jigs.

I was just going to post the information that Brian provided. Looks like it will tell you everything you want to know and many things you may not. Really looks like a fine Fly Reel. I would maybe download and print the Manual for future use.

I would have to run that the length of my garage to hold all the rods I have. :) :) It is very nice and will serve a purpose. I want to put one overhead in my garage above the boat. I can reach them and they are still out of the way.

When I was Backpacking in Montana's Glacier Nat'l Park, Minnesota's Superior Hiking Trail and Michigan's Isle Royal I used a PUR Scout water Purifier that pumped water out of a stream or lake and filtered it. I never once had a problem with the water from it and on the Superior Trail brushed aside the algae on top to get at the water. Worked great and I would recommend it or something similar.

Gary, isn't the Missouri post office still run by Pony Express?

It appears that the Pony has met with an accident because I still have not received my Bulletin and the Snow has all melted.

They had that article on ozarkanglers.com down here in Mo. I thought it might have been your writing. They thought it was pretty funny.

Mine must be stuck in a Snow Drift somewhere along I-55 or I-44 because I haven't gotten it yet. I do wish you guys would keep your doors closed been cold down here this winter. To much snow also.

I fixed it Eric. Usually don't have any problems with that but this time I did because I was in a hurry and didn't check it afterwords. It is a good video.

Very interesting video on Smallmouths and there feeding.

It would be so nice to get up that way and have breakfast with the friends I have on the ISA and make some new ones. Harners Bakery brings back memories as my Uncle Chuck was a Baker there for many years. I always loved those Breakfast included outings as the members got a chance to cut up and talk about Smallmouth Fishing and get to know the other members a little better.

The colder it is the more concentrated they become. They will move toward the Dam areas as the water is usually open and they can hunt.

Congratulations to Jessica on a terrific job done in the water.

Very sorry for your loss Steve I am sure he is in a better place and will walk the rivers forever in our minds.

That guy in the first one looks kind of mean and a little scary for me.

I have purchased two BPS Carbonlite Baitcasters and love them both. They are light and smooth and priced at a reasonable point that makes them affordable for most people. I also have the Carbonlite Rods to match and are also very light and sensitive with a reasonable price.

I bought one and still have it above me but never used it. I guess I just got lazy and never wanted to take the time to keep the info.

Interesting observation Eric. However, what happens in the woods stays in the woods. I have a set of the older Frogg Toggs myself and they do wear out. I bought the Elite Series suit and although a lot more money they are a lot better and made tough. Check them out here.

http://www.froggtoggs.com/#outerwear/elite/ES111/

Mike, What ever happen to Bob Putrich and Bill Calhoon I don't think I have heard anything related to them in a long while?

Very sorry for your loss Steve my prayers go out to you and all her family and friends.