Kev-mo

Isn't all water within our borders WOTUS? Sounds like an excuse to pollute. How many times has the Federal govt had to help pay for cleanups and it's cost like 29 times what it would have cost to not pollute in the first place? Anything else I type will be derogatory so I'll stop here.

Base on the first page of reviews several people upsized to accommodate their waders. It's been my experience that most wading boots are designed to accommodate both the neoprene bootie and a wool/thicker sock but you order your regular size. Most 'wet wading' shoes/boats are sized for only a thinner sock or thinner neoprene sock still or no sock while still ordering your regular size. JMO (opinion or observation). Those look pretty slick John, thanks. While I appreciate wading boots and the whole boot aspect (stiffer, more support protect the ankle etc.) there are times I wish I had something exactly like this; either for wet wading or wading a stream where a more robust boot isn't necessary. Jim, did you upsize?

I don't think we are going to get dumped on so you should be good for Friday. Btw I'll be off for Christmas break, lmk if you want to hang.

Best thing I've found to keep my hands warm/warmer is the the blue nitrile gloves. I think Joe R. was the first one I saw sporting them. A "no throw away" but more expensive option are the R1 gloves from Patagonia. I'm sure there is something similar by other companies. John, if you haven't already done so check out Jeff Littles Youtube videos on coldwater fishing. Lots of good info on baits etc. but also a lot of safety tips.

JDM; pretty, shiny, drool....

Planning to be there.

Hoping to fish Fri, Sat and Sun, we'll see what happens. Might even slow down and try your ned rig setup.

I'm out. Try to carry on without me... While probably not contagious still have the remnants of a nasty cold, don't need to be in Rockford till noon and while I'm okay with it; there are too many people that are otherwise abled when it comes to driving in the snow,

Another option or in addition to might be that pink solid foam insulation used in construction. They always recommended that in scouts for winter camping along with blankets when sleeping on the ground Not sure I'm ready for cold water paddling. After watching several of Jeff Little's videos on youtube it seems a dry suit is a requirement rather than an option and right now spending that much is not an option. Also I slipped many years ago while wading in early spring and got about half my upper body wet. Despite the half mile or so walk back to the car I was shivering pretty good so I know how fast things could go south.

I have to be in Rockford that day so probably will come out early for breakfast.

X2!

i'm planning to be there this year.

I'm out for Thursday. Sorry... Not sure if I have allergies or a cold. Hope it goes away as I was sick last year at this time and missed dinner at Tom's

Those look pretty decent, thanks Phil.

How many bodies do you need Terry? I'd like to go down but won't know if I can take off till it gets closer...

Let's burn down the good senators home, cut off his access to grocery stores, poison his water and make it extremely difficult if not impossible for him to find a woman that would maybe consider getting naked for him. We could then classify his lineage as endangered and see if he falls into that 3% or 97%... Feel free to remove if too much. Not advocating we really do any of this, just using an analogy to make a point like he did.

Sure!

2 guys both spin.

He's going through some sort of approval process for the place that is near where he is staying as he needs a permanent daycare place. I guess they need to check to make sure vaccines are up to date etc. Just trying to get an idea if we'll be done mid afternoon or early evening... along things considered. Thanks for the info on the pet resort, I'll pass that along.

That's very generous of you! Yes if you had an extra yak that would be appreciated! He's also trying to work out some daycare for his dog and he'll find out about that tomorrow. How long of a day will it be floating? I know it depends... just looking for a guesstimate. I don't think he can leave his dog all day long unless he can do the daycare thing.

I'm a solid maybe leaning towards probably... Just trying to work things out with a friend who moved back to town. He doesn't have all his stuff up here yet and he'll probably just wade a bit.

Lol! That's a super comfy shirt that was bought on closeout. Can we had thrifty to the mix? Nice fish yourself!

Before I switched to braid I used 12 pound on baitcasters and 6 or 8 pound on spinning. Never changed test/diameter based on water clarity.

Lol. Little bit of sun squint and also I think surprise as I had just sat in the water when I was squatting to make sure I was in the camera lense...

It was nice to meet some new faces this year (Chris and Mike) and always fun to hang with Norm! Don good to see and fish with you again. Thanks for setting it up Scott and good to see and fish with you also. I'm glad the water was low/lower this year. It allowed me to get a better feel for the river. Yeah I know they're all kind of the same (riffle, hole run) but it was nice to be able to see more of the bottom. Anyway I tried several different approaches but ironically it was the WP that did it for me. I say ironically as I had no fish or blow ups on the one I got last year so I got rid of it. Decided to try again and picked one up for the trip. Glad I did as all my hits save one came on it. I had about 30 fish hit all week and landed between 15 and 20 with most around 14-17 inches including one pike about 24-28 inches. The two biggest smallies taped at 20 so really about 19.5. I only got a oic of one as my stupid finger accidently turned the camera around on my phone. I did find that my phone fits perfectly in the drink holder on my cooler. Looking forward to getting back!