Kev-mo

Scott, . looks like the calendar shifted and I need to be available for potential college shuttle(s)....please put me down for # 2. Arriving Tuesday August 13 and departing Saturday August 17. If I don't need to do the college shuttle I'd be willing to switch to #4 but won't know until next year...

Just looking to hear if anyone likes a particular brand/model or any other advice you'd like to offer. I'm basically looking for a PFD that is comfortable to sit in and cast while wearing. Assume the cartridge would probably be the most comfortable... however I'm curious about the the vest ones with the mesh backs. I've watched some videos and reviews so not completely clueless... but want to hear what my fellow fishermen think. Thanks!

whoops...

Stupid shortsighted useless... bleep..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................!!!

One on the DesPlaines also has the same notice. Send an email voicing your concern and or use of said gauge(s).

you may get a good slug of rain a skosh north of you early in the morning based on the forecast... i'd watch the weather tonight.

Just like the title says looking for a glue to attach fabric to foam. The fabric Velcro piece pulled away from a foam hook holder. Figured you fly guys would know the best glue to use. Thanks!

Forget the army corp. We need a little dutch boy. I seem to recall something about holding back an ocean...

Conditions seemed challenging at the very least, nicely done Eric!

Are you sure it's deer Jude?

LOL on Schrodinger's Pet Shop

That's some great advice on the safety and liability aspect!

Does the child want to fish/have an interest in fishing or is this something his grandmother wants/thinks would be a good thing? If A then I think it will just be a matter of being a mentor/teacher and having a lot of patience. If B, well I guess you need to find out where the child stands. As a father I tried to pass along my love for fishing and the outdoors to my children . Patience and letting the child set the pace while at the same time pushing when needed is the best advice I can give. Not saying I did those things well but hindsight is 20/20 right!

Thanks! Looks like the roof stuff is to attach to factory racks which I do not have. So... I either get a Yakima type system and use straps to tie the kayak to that or buy one of the specialty kayak holders to attach to the crossbars OR... if I had factory racks/cross bars I could strap the kayak to those or buy the specialty kayak holders that attach to the cross bars. Am I on the right track?

Anybody have any advice / opinions on paddles? I think I know the size I need.. I think I like the mesh back type life vests so will just need to look at options. How about roof racks? Right now I have nothing on my roof but do have 4 built in slots for hardware. I looked a little at Yakima. Didn't realize that stuff was so pricey... there's got to be some less expensive options... maybe? I could definitely get away with loading it in my vehicle for awhile at least for local trips/good weather days and wait for the next REI 20% off coupon. And if I read correctly we no longer need to get a water usage sticker/register the boat after June 1 correct?

Some more great information guys!! Thanks!! This will help me and others. It sounds like I want the best of all worlds; lightweight for easy portability and spot hopping, good seat to be able to sit for hours if needed, and either storage or carrying capacity for camping. Mark, I belong to REI so will keep that and STP in mind. Phil, those Native's are sweet looking!! Kind of pricey but maybe you get what you pay for... Jude, I don't have a lot to compare to but your boat was nice to paddle etc. but yeah that seat needs an upgrade...

Thanks Eric! Some good info there.

I use aquaseal. A little bit goes a long way.... just a dab'll do on pinholes. Also not sure if it was done for aesthetic reasons but when Simms fixed a seam leak they also did pinholes and all the repairs were done on the inside. You need to get all the air out of tube when done, make sure the threads are free of adhesive and store in the freezer when you are done.

Thanks for the replies so far! Ed, thanks for the demo day. Eric, I'm leaning towards your side of the fence with regard to weight and portability. However I don't think I can go with a sit in. I've been in a couple of those in scouts and was not comfortable at all! I'd also like the ability to do an overnight trip but maybe that is asking too much as lighter kayak also means lighter carrying capacity.

So... I think I may start looking into getting a kayak. Seems that would open up more possibilities to fish. No place to store it yet or the car attachments to haul it but working on that... Looking for any advice on specific websites, you-tube videos etc. to begin educating myself to make an informed purchase that will at least last me a few years before I think I need something better... I know what I don't want but not sure what I need. Also have some Bass Pro gift cards so I guess those would be good at BP and Cabelas depending on what they have. The Ascend 10T SOT looks interesting... Would appreciate anything anyone wants to share.

Mittens don't work so good for fishing... believe me I tried.

Nothing up here, the dry air/wind from the N/NE pushed it S/SW.

You have a fish follow in and turn away... what do you do next? It depends.... had a fish swirl once and let out 10 feet of line, stuck rod a foot or so in water and let the crank waffle in the current and he came back and ate it. Mostly just figure the fish saw me and go back to what I was doing. You have a fish hit and miss him..what do you do next? It depends... if I stop and think for a half second I do nothing and then continue to work the lure, maybe change the retrieve a little. When not thinking I reel up and recast. You catch a fish...what next. The happy dance of course! Recast hoping there are some more there. You get a couple out of one spot and then nothing..what next. Used to move on, now I'll change to a similar lure with different action or even slow down going from a crank to a jig. Although if I'm limited on time I'll figure I got the active fish and will move on to find other active fish. Glad to see you posting again. Always enjoyed your posts, questions, diagrams etc. and they made think more critically about how I fished.

Truly very sad. I didn't know him as well as others but glad to have known him. He'll be missed.

X2 on the lower Wisconsin! Did a trip with my boys/scouts I think it was 2 summers ago.... anyway caught fish and would have caught more had it been primarily a fishing weekend. Beautiful area! Probably less paddlers during the week.... if you do go on a weekend have a few options for which island/sandbar you are going to camp on as they fill up quickly. Maybe get there a little early in the evening. Also be sure to bring the long sand stakes for your tent. They saved us from a tent collapse during a pretty wicked storm.