Mike Clifford

If you have any interest whatsoever in the IDNR and how they manage our natural resources, you need to see this. http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/ConservationCongress/Pages/WebcastVideosJanuary30,2014.aspx

We had the Clifford Craw at one time......God, I miss that one. :}

I have to start with my first taste of the ISA. It was at a clean-up on the Kankakee. I was not a member at the time, but I was treated as though I was. Scott provided a tour that transcended cleaning up trash. I learned more about fishing this river in those couple hours than I'd learned in the few years previous. I really don't know where to go from there, beyond the usual conservation stuff already mentioned. I can sum it up in two words: VOLUNTEER SPIRIT You people are nothing short of amazing. What started as a little 'ol day at Monee Reservoir for a few hours with the kiddies turned into 7 years of Sgt. Tommy's Kids. I witnessed Hunting and Fishing Days go from a simple casting field to our hosting the complete fishing pond and casting area. My memories of going to the IL State Fair for several years to host casting with Marc Miller are of the legendary nature. 110 in the shade every year, and more traffic to the station than you can possibly imagine. Norm's incredible video performance during our biological stream analysis for the movie. Conservation Congress was beyond words.......... We literally killed a lead ban in fishing tackle in IL. We had a huge hand in killing a factory farm in Jo Daviess County. Creating a culture of professionalism in everything conservation. That's my favorite memory.

I'll start with a video I produced in 2007. Yeah, it's lame as technology goes these days....but, oh the memories. You guys sent me the photos. An awesome year.

As we are upon our 20th Anniversary, it brings with it amazing stories. We'd love to hear from all of you regarding your favorite memories over the span of your ISA membership, whether you've been with us for many years or just a short time! Don't be shy. You are all the foundation and the future of our organization. Let's have it!!

A video I put together several years ago that only touches on a few of the things we can all be proud of in our "20 Years of Smallmouth Conservation". What makes it all happen? First of all, your incredible volunteer efforts. Secondly, the annual fundraiser that we enjoy so much! http://illinoissmallmouthalliance.net/html/blowout.php

This decision has little to do with "how many new sign-ups". It's about resources to make it happen. We are taking a pass "this year". We may come back to it in the future. It depends on the regional coordinators and how much importance they put on one particular show. Everybody needs a break from that scene from time to time, and the focus gets put on other things. Relax!

Outstanding volunteer effort and professionalism....thanks much, guys!!!

Same here.....no link as of yet. Please let the group know if anyone catches it!

I'd like to give my heartfelt thanks to Craig and all that helped us out at this event. We don't always get the best we can hope for to make it go, but those that do show are always the best. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

Anybody get some nice photos of this event for us yet? If not, please start clicking and sharing!

Personally, I'm not laying the smallie down on any surface for any reason. I don't need to see a measurement to know that a fish is 16-17-18-19 inches. Just hold it up with wet hands without bending it's jaw and tell me, if you need to. Nobody is giving prizes here for your great catch. I believe you. Anything under 20 is just another fish....is it that important to know the length under that threshold? I'm holding out hope for one of Norm's 21" beasts from a North Central IL stream..

Spoken by a true WARRIOR for the cause of getting youth involved in the outdoors. A huge event for us every year that I'm extremely proud to see being handled by the best field general we've ever had.

Rock me, baby! That is awesome!!

A smallmouth magazine that rivals or surpasses anything on the market. Going to get even better with every issue. If you aren't excited about it yet, you should be!

Looks to be much better than the show I gave a presentation for several years ago. My room was filled with people, but when I asked how many had ever been to our beautiful State Park, NOBODY raised their hand! Matt Mullady gave a riveting demonstration how to fish with nightcrawlers. (???) We need some fresh blood 'round here.

MANY MANY THANKS to all that attended and poured their hearts and sweat into a great conservation effort. So glad to hear that it was likely nothing serious, Tim!

BUMP!!! PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU CAN HELP!!! On Saturday July 6th we will once again be doing our annual water willow planting on the Fox River. This year we will be planting an area in Batavia, we will meet at 8am at the Glenwood Forest Preserve (1644 S. River St., Batavia). We will plant several areas and should finish up in time to grill up some lunch and hopefully get a bit of fishing in. This is a great chance to give back to the river and provide better habitat for our beloved smallmouth! Stay tuned to the website or contact Tim U @ Timmay723@gmail.com for updates in case of high water or inclement weather.

I was able to make it for the last couple hours and I am so proud of the efforts of our volunteers. Each and every one of you represented the ISA with professionalism, and put a huge smile on the faces of many kids. MANY THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!!!!

I'll shoot an email as well, Rich.

IT PASSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Private land, Ron.

I've been adamant about getting the Recreational Use of Land and Water Areas Act amended for years. It has been at the very top of my conservation agenda for a really long time. It looks very promising that this is going to take place!! Bill Status of SB1042 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Recreational Use of Land and Water Areas Act. Changes the definition of "land" to include land. Adds, to the definition of "recreational or conservation purpose", entry by the general public onto the land of another for conservation, resource management, educational, or outdoor recreational use. Defines "invites" and "permits". Provides that an owner of land who permits (instead of either directly or indirectly "invites or permits") without charge any person to use the property for recreational or conservation purposes does not thereby extend any assurance that the premises are safe for any purpose or assume responsibility for or incur liability for any injury to person or property caused by an act or omission of such person or any other person who enters upon the land, or assume responsibility for or incur liability for any injury to such person or property caused by any natural or artificial condition, structure or personal property on the premises. In a Section concerning the non-limitation of liability which otherwise exists in certain situations, deletes language providing that in the case of land leased to the State or a subdivision thereof, any consideration received by the owner for such lease is not a charge within the meaning of the Section. Contains applicability provisions. Provides that certain provisions apply only to causes action accruing on and after the effective date of this amendatory Act. Effective January 1, 2014.

At Braidwood, 10 teams caught 24 fish. Our BBCHS came in 4th. Heidecke had 1 fish. Shelbyville none. The results go on like that....horrifying.

Bradley-Bourbonnais is at Braidwood, and they were postponed to Monday. Most every event has been. http://www.ihsa.org/SportsActivities/BassFishing/StateSeriesInformationResults.aspx?url=/data/bsf/1assign.htm