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john w.

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Everything posted by john w.

  1. I can give you the first half of Saturday, and I can help you set up. What time do you want us in the morning?
  2. Count me in! I'm looking forward to it.
  3. Earlier in the spring, the day care center at my church did a unit on fish and fishing. They asked for anglers who could teach the kids something about fishing. Fellow parishioner Bill Opelka and I set up the ISA casting lanes and banner (thank you to Scott, Mike, and Ed, who got the stuff to me) and let the kids have at it. If you're interested, you can go to the website listed below, scroll past the Godly hoo-hah, and look for the "Fisherman John" pictures on March 9. I'm sorry this is so late, but I had trouble loading the pictures, then got incredibly busy at work, and finally decided to link to the school's site. Don't worry. We have the school's permission to view them, and the kids' families signed waivers to allow their children to appear on the site. Enjoy, and I'll see you soon. John Wagner https://www.facebook.com/pages/Palos-Park-Episcopal-Day-Care-Learning-Center/266498690060675
  4. john w.

    Waders

    Hi, Guys. I'm going to buy some waders this season, and I'm wondering if you guys can help me. I'll have between $150 and $200 to spend, although I'm hoping that they'll go on sale at the Bass Pro Shops Spring Fishing Classic, and that that money will go a bit farther. What do you think: stocking feet and boots, or boots molded into the waders? Lug soles or felt? Are the breathable ones less rugged than the neoprene or rubber ones? Any particular brand? If it helps, last summer I waded the DuPage and Salt Creek, and plan to add the Fox and the KKK this year. Thoughts? Thanks. John
  5. The ISA got a mention in the January/February 2012 issue of In-Fisherman. In his article "Trending Smallmouth," Steve Quinn describes various ways and locations in which to catch smallies. In a section on river fishing (p. 27), he says, "...members of the Illinois Smallmouth Alliance ply the creeks near Chicago and find excellent bass fishing. They use small aluminum boats, canoes, and kayaks, or else wade. Their organization has a core group of enthusiasts that keep the message of conservation, communication, and fellowship alive. They support many river improvement activities and have workshops and other activities for members."
  6. Thanks for the help, Scott. John
  7. Has anyone heard whether Versus will continue to run fishing and hunting shows after it becomes part of the "NBC Sports Network?"
  8. This was the second Float Your Boat I've attended, and I think it's a great event. If you're thinking of buying a boat, canoe, or kayak, but would like to try one out before spending the money only to find out that you don't like it, or in my case, that it doesn't like you (more about that later), you should come to this event. I'd like to thank Ed for putting everything together, and for taking so much time out of his fishing to save my sorry butt. Also, I'd like to thank Joe for bringing out the Coosa and allowing me to flip it in the lake...twice. In my defense, the event is called Float Your Boat, and I proved that the kayak floats on both sides. How many of you can say that? Heck, I'd even like to thank the random passer-by who saw me fall in, called 911, then spent some time lecturing Ed and me on the physics of a high center of gravity, a lesson that becomes crystal clear in that split second between realizing that you've leaned over too far and actually hitting the water. On a serious note, I'd like to encourage everyone to wear a PFD whenever you're on the water. No matter how good a swimmer you think you are, you never know what situation you're going to face. I once heard Chauncey say that we wear PFD's not for ourselves, but for our loved ones, who are waiting for us to return safely from an outing. My old SOSpenders brand fired perfectly, brought me back up to the surface quickly, and allowed me to gather my wits with no fear of being in danger. Finally, since I lost a rod and reel at last year's event and fell out of a kayak at this one, I'd like to appeal to someone to bring a watercraft that's a bit broader across the beam to next year's event. I'm thinking something along the line of a pontoon boat, or perhaps an aircraft carrier. I'm pretty sure I won't be able to tip one of those, although on some perverse level, I'd like to try. So maybe you shouldn't bring your new pontoon boat or aircraft carrier. Have a great summer, and I'll see you at a future event. John
  9. john w.

    Flies?

    Thanks, guys. I appreciate the help. John
  10. john w.

    Flies?

    Hi, Guys. I'm not a fly fisherman, but my favorite way to catch panfish is with a fly tied below a casting bubble. My favorite fly is a size 12 flashback pheasant tail, but I'm running out of them. I lost two this past weekend. Is there a fly shop in the Downers Grove/Naperville area where I can buy some more? Bass Pro has them, but with a bead head, and I don't like those. Thanks for the help. John
  11. Kevin, A Prairie Home Companion is broadcast on Saturday evenings from 5-7 on WBEZ, 91.5 FM. I think their signal is a bit stronger than 89.5, so you may be able to get it where you live. John
  12. Mike, This is SUCH a cool event. Count me in! I'll be there at 8AM. John Wagner
  13. I had a great time at Float Your Boat. It was a wonderful day to be outside. The rain that threatened never appeared, and it was just warm enough to make me want to get wet. Special thanks go to Ed for organizing the event, to John, who lent me his kayak, and to Eugene, who lent me his boat hook and some higher perspective (from his "blue bathtub," that is) as he helped me search for the rod and reel I lost trying to put it in the kayak's rod holder. At the end of the day, Ed said that he wished more guys without boats had shown up, and I want to echo that sentiment. I went because I don't have a boat, and I figure, why spend the money on any kind of craft if you're not sure it's the one for you? I encourage the Chapter to run this event again, and I invite you guys to come out and take a turn in a kayak or canoe or whatever. Thanks again, everyone, and I'll see you next time. John W.
  14. This was the first time I have been a volunteer, and I had a great time. Thanks for the hard work, Mike, and for including me. John Wagner
  15. Thanks, Scott. Actually, I got it the other day. Now I feel official!
  16. Hi, Everyone. I'm John Wagner. I attended the January Chicago area meeting at Bass Pro Shops, then joined at the Rosemont Show. I live in Woodridge with my wife of 25 years and my two daughters. One is a junior in college and the other is a junior in high school. I fish local ponds and the DuPage Forest Preserve lakes. Occasionally, I'll fish the DuPage River, but because I don't know how to fish moving water, I limit myself to pools in the river that are more like lakes. I'm hoping that a few outings will teach me more. On a more greedy note, can anyone tell me when I'll start to receive the Bulletin? I guess I won't feel like a real member until I get my first copy. Thanks.
  17. I joined at the Rosemont Show. Also, I have read Jonn Graham's columns in the Outdoor Notebook for a few years, so I've been familiar with the organization.
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