John Loebach

Large weighted compact flys don't require a open loop to turn over completely. Depends on what you like, the clouser rod will throw anything well but does better controlling big lite wind resistant bass bugs than faster rods. I prefer faster action to handle clouser minnows or hairy fodders especially if distance is a necessity & the faster rod will cast better into a stiff wind.

Moderate action thows larger loops- old bass rods were from 7-9" to 9' based on taper but were 8 or 9 wt. for big hair bugs & poppers, which is what that rod is designed for. I have one which you could try sometime, I think you will like it.

Mike, some of what you describe, the commercial interest in growth, is a fact of life but not necessarily a bad thing. Isa has its place and perspective & industry groups have theirs. the desirable goal is to support common cause such as promoting fishing when possible or we will not have a future audience to bring to the next level of appreciation. Even if sales are a prime motivation for the recreational equipment industry they can have a positive effect in spreading the word and getting young people to notice outdoor activies. We need to resist the urge to not support common goals and continue to do what we do.

Rich, Stan Z. called today to see if we are doing it. I don't know if I will make it down, possibly on Sunday but you might want to ask Stan when he can help. John

Sounds like a good time for a pond. Bring that Scott rod to the October cast & compare outing, I'd like to try it. Water levels may have us fishing ponds awhile --- but not downstate at this point. This saturday's central outing looks good, any last minute interest from chicagoland just post on events board. You have to let us know you are coming & there is still room.John

Ken, Good to hear you got a break & worked in some time on the water. About 1/2 of the season left - hope to see you on the water. If time permits maybe a weeknight pond outing for the Bassbuggers?

Doesn't ripping pvc on a table saw make you a little jumpy? Looks great, good idea - nothing like improving a good thing!

I'll be there. Do we need drinks for our volunteers? I have water left from the planting that I could bring.

Don't know if it is convenient but Corens rod & reel (773/631-5202) stocks all you would need. Eric is glad to advise you on self repair with the correct materials, don't try superglue. They also do repairs at minimal cost. Give them a call.

Many thanks to the 26 volunteers who helped us book a very sucessful outing. 1026 water willow plugs in the ground by 11am followed by lunch with time to fish. I blanked on fishing, anybody do better? Look forward to more next year. John

Joseph right back atcha- Good to see you come out & I agree the reward is to come back & see the habitat change from year to year. Better than catching fish. If you are a trout snob we need more like you.

Water is up a little but the shore areas we will work have light current & should be 6" to 12" deep. The only thing that can hold us up is LACK OF HELP. If you are available come on out & help. Check the conservation board for details. Thanks, John

Yes its a go. 6:30 for breakfast or 8am at violet patch park.

Just got back from the Fox - met Tom Schrader from Friends of the Fox, after some wading we determined the water levels are too high to plant on Saturday. Most spots that were shoreline on monday are knee deep tonight. All details will remain the same except we will plant at 8am on next Saturday 7/28/07. Sorry about the late call but mother nature has a mind of her own. I hope all who wanted to help can still come next Saturday.

Postponed till next Saturday because of high water levels.

Looking good on numbers, I assume we will have some just show up. Anyone passing the area of Rte. 83 & 75th street in Darien please let me know- a member needs a ride there, he will have his own ride afterwards.Anyone else who can make it please post even if its maybe.

Congrats Rich, another avid angler is born. Soon he will be outfishing you.

Looks like it will be cool on Saturday. No need to start early - 8am at Violet Patch park - was out there tonight & the 3year old plants are huge. Colonies not plugs, water is up to the edge & lots of fish activity. My count is at 10 we need 10 or 15 more to get it done. If we hit that number each team will have to plant 2 flats of 38 plugs. Numbers are the difference- let me know. Thanks, John

Good call Matt- I may ask if anyone would like to start at 7 am, I'm working out the details - we are going to plant up by the old rail bridge as well as down by violet patch park. If A few want to start early up there we could run everyone else thru the demonstration and send more around 8:30 to help. I want to start early- if you remember last year- it can get hot by 9 am. More on this in as few days, but early for breakfast could also start planting sooner.

Dupage monster? Trying to keep poeple away from that fishless river. Seriously it was weird a slow but large wake pushed perpendicular to the banks with nothing above water. Maybe a muskrat just under surface or the mystery esox of the dupage.

Scott- Bring your grill & tools, I have some of what we need donated by my wifes employer, figure to fill in the rest a couple of days before. I'll be in touch with details soon. Thanks.

Matt- Good to hear it, nothing like getting the ball rolling.

Going into at least year 5 for this project - many have helped before & know what to expect. My opinion is its a morning of light work(cleanups are harder) & a great chance to meet and catch up with other members. For those that are new to this project or the ISA, I can only say DON'T MISS OUT!! Not only is it fun talking fishing while planting, look down the river and see what change this simple task has wrought to the habitat. Get there a little early and see the wildlife, insects and fish use the older plants. Stick around and we will grill lunch. Oh- if you don't have one yet earn your volunteers pin, too. And weather permitting you can fish afterward - Don R and I stuck it out last year despite the midday 90+ degree heat and caught fish. Details - meet at Violet patch park at 8AM, bring waders & gloves (if you want). A short demonstration by Bob Rung ( State fisheries biologist) and we will put 1000 plants in at the rivers edge. If you are coming give me an email, pm or call 630/251-5904. We need 20 or so ISA helpers to match the Friends of the Fox volunteers - extra help is MUCH better than too little.

Due to high water on the fox we will fish the kankakee at the state park start at concession stand at 8:30am check out the post under events. Thanks

A sucessful outing & cleanup thanks to Steve Spiz, Matt K, Tim N, Dick G, Don R, Paul S & myself. Area from Hobson rd. to 75th st. was MUCH cleaner to start with this year. A couple of large items were left behind but a sweep of the area produced the usual debris. Tim took some pics - perhaps he can post them. Oh- we all caught some fish as well. Thanks to all who helped. John

i'll be there- who is bringing bags? That is the same place as last year, right?