Kev-mo

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!

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!

2 hours ago, John Flannery said:

That is terrible. Is the Army Corps in charge of it?

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!

On 5/19/2018 at 10:57 AM, jude said:

Definitely the top of a manhole section. Very often larger sanitary sewer lines run along creeks and rivers, since they are the lowest points. The surrounding can then be developed, with the sewer pipes running down towards the creek. Or a deer. It could be a deer.

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!

1 hour ago, Frank said:

Malone makes some great products for transporting kayaks!

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. 

18 hours ago, Terry Dodge said:

Santa brought me a pair of paddle mittens, so I'm good. Thanks anyways.

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