Scott Ferguson

As promised, Dan gave us the story of the 10 lb 4 oz smallie, but, to respect the wishes of the gentleman who caught it, we are not allowed to share the details except to say that the guy knew what he was doing, and knows how and where to catch HUGE smallies. One thing I can say is that it was no coincidence that the remainder of Dan's talk focused on using live bait for really big bass. I must thank Dan Basore for taking time to come and talk. We are truly fortunate to have Dan as an ISA member. He was one of the original BASS tournament fishermen. I would love to listen to him tell us more stories about those early days on the tournament trail and and his time fishing with many of the legendary anglers.

Cabela's has a lifetime warranty on Cabela's brand clothing and foot ware which includes waders and wading boots. If the products show a lot of wear, they won't give you full price, but if they are in good condition, you'll get 100% that you paid with a receipt. Without a receipt, you'll get what they may have been on sale for. I took back a pair of 5 year old waders that had some seam leaks and got full credit.

The most recent edition of the newsletter (page 14) has an article on this very subject. Simms has a new product they call StreamTread soles. More grip than felt and they don't pick up invasive species. Apparently Korkers and LL bean also have new soles for their wading shoes as well.

SHABBONA LAKE SPORTSMAN’S CLUB PRESENTS FISHING SEMINARS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2009 Indian Creek High School Shabbona, Illinois Door opens at 3:30 3:45 – 4:15 Musky Fishing by Aaron Sands 4:20 - 4:50 Riggin Plastics by Bill Ballenger 5:00 - 5:30 Smallmouth Tactics by Jonn Graham 5:40 - 6:10 Ice Fishing Shabbona Lake by Jim Kopjo 6:15 - 6:40 Raffles 6:45 – 8:00 Shabbona Lake Slideshow by Denny Sands and Jay Angel (Photo’s of Lake before it was filled and fishing tips.) Raffles, Vendors, Booths by: SLSC, ISA, Quad County Hawg Hunters, D.R.I.F.T. Tackle by C.B. Lures, Warrior Jigs, Lakeside Bait and Tackle Guides – Jim Kopjo, Jonn Graham, Jay Angel Old Lure Appraisals by Dan Basore Concessions $10 Entry Fee $5 Students

When you take land that was once about 90% farmland and pave over most of it, water that used to be absorbed by fields and wood lots now runs straight to the river with little to slow it down. The people who are complaining are the problem. All these new drive ways, and roof tops of their new homes, along with the roads and parking lots have created the flooding. Not much chance of reversing the development.

A farmer I know who owns property along the DuPage got in hot water with the EPA for dumping concrete chunks along his shoreline to prevent erosion. I don't know the details of what happened but, the chunks and the farmer are still there.

The author of that story, Joe Cornwall, recently signed up as an ISA member for 3 years .

"Only sporting to cast to rising fish" That's typical of some trout guys, applying trout fishing "rules" to smallmouth fishing. Once they figure out smallies behave differently, they'll catch more fish.

Fish are cold blooded creatures. Their metabolism changes based on water temperature. As the water cools their metabolism slows down and they need much less food so they feed less in the winter. I'd consider this a mild hibernation compared to the summer when water temps are high and they need to feed more often. I'm not sure about a feeding binge thing, but big fish are a lot more accessible. The largest fish in the system are often caught in the fall where they were harder to come by during the summer.

Stev, I'm sending you a PM.

Steve, if you'd like to do an outing somewhere, all you have to do is do a post and start one. There does not have to be an "official" outing for guys to get together. We have the "Let's Hook Up" forum just for that purpose. We currently have an opening for a Chicagoland coordinator to set up meetings and events. The current officers already have other jobs to do and no other members have stepped up to take the position. I hope we are able to find someone soon so we don't have any gaps in our event schedule.

Rod Samardzija and I fished an area with some deeper water next to some riffles that I thought would be good. It wasn't that good. I got 2, 10 to 12 inches smallies, one on a senko and one on a spinner and one catfish also on a spinner. Rod was having a tough time until he switched to a jig and twister. He got rid of the skunk with one smallie and one nice cat that came unhooked before we could land it. I couldn't stay long so we only worked the one area before I had to go. I'm not sure if Rod fished anymore after I left.

If you've ever been to Rollie and Helen's Musky Shop in Minocqua WI, that's the way they have their musky baits displayed. Sound like you weren't able to try and catch any pike while you were there. Too bad.

Hey Matthew B, there will be others there with fly rods so make sure to introduce yourself to them. I know you can count on them for some good tips.

PM sent.

Who all is planning to fish the Kank this Saturday? Now that summer is finally here, I think it's time the smallies start a major feeding binge.

When someone alters a picture in Photoshop, they don't add a blackline around the item being altered. I think it looks funny because of the way he's pushing the fish toward the camera.

Those people who shop at Jewels, "prolly" used to go to ball games at Cominsky Park, and have relatives at Statesville Prison.

Kevin, I have that information, but I am out of town right now and can't get to it. I'll be home on Wednesday and I'll get you the information.

James, welcome to the forums. As far as your gear questions are concerned, don't be too worried about color choices. It's probably the least important thing to consider. Other baits that should be in your tackle pack are soft plastics. Tubes, grubs, & senko style worms probably account for more smallies that all the rest of the "hard baits" combined. Learn to fish a jig and twister and you'll always catch something. It really doesn't matter too much which town you're near, If we ever get into the hot part of this summer, look for areas with fast moving current. The smallies will be close by, especially around the edges of the fast water. If you are serious about learning more about smallie fishing, I would suggest you become an ISA member. You can then attend our fishing outings where you can get first hand information about lures and tactics for catching more smallmouth. Since we don't allow discussions about exact spots here on the open forums, at the outings, you get to meet river veterans who are happy to help out fellow members who will share information about good locations and access points along the river. Members also receive our newsletter/magazine 6 times a year that is loaded with smallmouth specific information and news concerning conservation of smallmouth habitat.

It would be interesting to see which outing produces the best fishing. A little friendly competition between regions. May the best fishermen win!

I started using those "silly long rods" over 40 years ago. I lost interest about 10 years ago. Too much work, too many situations where it is just too difficult to make a presentation. I fish mostly for fun these days and when it's difficult, it isn't as much fun. I would go to Orvis for free beer and food though.