Scott Ferguson

To everyone who attended  the Blowout on Saturday, THANK YOU!!!. We had a great even because of the generosity of everyone who came. I hope everyone had a good time. Next year's Blowout date has been  set for Saturday, March 6, 2021 at the same location. 

We should have more than enough help. Thanks everybody. See you tomorrow!

15 minutes ago, Mark Lutz said:

I cannot make it until around noon. Hope that helps

The set up that requires the most help is setting up the tables and table cloths.  By noon, we’ll be done with the work that I’ll need the most help with. 

There will be a new, Jackson, Cruise  12 Angler Kayak up for auction at the Blowout on Saturday and will include  a Wagner Skagit Hooded Paddle. Retail value on these is $1,250

The Jackson Kayak Cruise 12 Angler, similar to its little brother the Cruise 10 Angler, fills a variety of niches. The 12 is better suited for anglers that want/need more speed and better tracking than the 10ft version can offer. It is also better suited for anglers that need a higher weight capacity. The Cruise 12 Angler is simply a great price point kayak for someone looking to get into kayak fishing without all the bells and whistles, but still wants enough features to make your time on the water enjoyable. It is also a great platform for an avid angler who is looking for a small, versatile kayak with a minimalist approach. The Cruise Angler 12 is perfect for fishing small to large rivers with small rapids, but also tracks plenty well and carries enough speed for a jaunt on a bigger lake or inshore saltwater trip. With its stable platform, most also find it fairly easy to stand and fish in for those times when standing is necessary.

• Ergo Seat: All new 3D breathable mesh fabric, improved lumbar support, strengthened supports, addition storage spots, compatible with newer track/hi-low systems
• Day Hatch
• Large rear tankwell with bungee to store and secure gear, coolers, or tackle
• Removable skid plate
• Hi/Lo Seating
• Stand-Assist Strap
• Flush mount rod holders
• GoPro Ready
• Pre-Installed RAM and GoPro Inserts
• 32 oz. Nalgene bottle

Features:

• Length: 12' 3"
• Width: 31.5"
• Capacity: 375lbs.
• Weight: 65lbs. (69lbs. without seat)

Thank you everyone. I think we have enough to get the job done. See you all there on Saturday.

5 more days! It’s not too late to get your ticket! 

Great! See you there. 

I need a few volunteers to help get the hall set up for the Blowout. If you come early, we'll buy you breakfast at Simon's Restaurant, 2 W Roosevelt Rd in Villa Park where we meet up at 8:00am before we go to the hall at 9. We'll take care of lunch for you too which is put out by the American Legion.

Please let me know if you'd like to help out and what time I can expect  you. Thanks

Scott

I have some announcements concerning the Blowout. First, due to a mistake on my part, Jim Crowley will not be able to speak at the event. In his place, will be Art Malm of Friends Of The Fox River will be speaking. Art will be doing a presentation on the removal of dams on the Fox River.  The removal of dams is probably the biggest improvement that can be made to the river and Art’s presentation will give us up to date information on how things are going.

Secondly, we have changed our caterer, from Firewater BBQ, to Steamboat BBQ of Wheaton. The food should be excellent as I’ve had nothing but rave reviews about Steamboat.  
With just over a week to go, there is still time to get your tickets. Click on the Blowout forum, or call me direct and I can take credit card info over the phone.  (630) 209-9452. There is still plenty of time to mail in a check if you prefer. 
I’m looking forward to seeing all of you there!

Scott Ferguson 

!2 members came to breakfast this morning. I was happy to see new members Rich Kvasnicka, and not quite as new as Rich, Hank LaBonde. The food at Harner's was great.  As usual, I really enjoyed seeing everyone.

Group Photo

Welcome Randy, I'm the one you spoke with at the show. I hope you can join us at he Bronzeback Blowout which is just two weeks a way.  It's the best way to get a crash course on what the ISA is all about and a fun way to spend a late winter Saturday.

I’ve already poached any photos posted in the Fishing Reports forum. I’m only using pictures from an event or, of your smiling faces!

26 minutes ago, Dick G said:

I sent some from the 2019  Road Trip. I hope I'm not holding the fish too close to the camera.🙂

Yours are just perfect! 

As most of you know, we run a slide show during the Blowout featuring pictures of our members. I’m still looking for more pictures for this year. Photos from ISA events you attended, or fish pictures, send them to me (horizontal shots work best).  isalliance@sbcglobal.net

Those who’ve been to past Blowouts know that we run a slideshow throughout the day with pictures of members catches. If you’d like your pictures to be part of the show, email me some of your favorite photos and I’ll include them.  Send to; isalliance@sbcglobal.net

Planning and organizing events for the Chicago region is a very important job. But, it isn’t all that difficult and doesn’t take up a lot of time.  If anyone could step up and help out, we’d really appreciate it. You’d get lots of help from the other officers, and a few other perks.  Post here or contact Bart Durham if you’d like to try.

Sorry to hear about your wife, glad that it wasn’t more serious.  Thank you so much for being there for us. You’ve done a terrific job!  

Jeff Tallis, who has been so generous at past Blowouts donating St Croix rods, let me know that he will be bringing  6 St. Croix  Avid X AXS70MXF Spinning rods paired with hand selected spinning reels from Shimano, Acuma, Lew's, Diawa etc. Great combinations perfect for the raffle. 

Also a change from last year, we'll have a new caterer, Steamboat BBQ, from Wheaton. 

Don't wait too long to buy your tickets, just click on the 2020 Bronzeback Blowout heading above.

See you there!

I thought this was entertaining 

I haven’t been there in years. I’m looking forward to it.

Welcome Rich, I’m the one you spoke to at the show.  You don’t actually have to sign in, but when Ed posts about it, you can say hello and let him know you’ll be there. I’ll see you there.

I’ll be in the booth. Show hours are Thursday and Friday 12-8, Saturday 10-7, and Sunday 10-5. 
Schaumburg Convention Center

1551 North Thoreau Dr, Schaumburg

If anybody is around the Show Sunday at closing, we usually go to Tom Loo’s after if you’d like to join us.

1 hour ago, rich mc said:

is that hank in the far right ,  he is a member of slsc and joined isa at the early show     rich

Yep, that’s him.

Here’s the group.

See you there!