BillKreznor

I can work both Saturday and Sunday - I live about a mile away from the show site: Wodstock North High School. My preference is to help set-up and work Saturday morning 9-12. I can also help Sunday afternoon: 1-5pm and assist with taking the booth down. By the way, I'll be picking up Girl Scout cookies for my wife's troop Saturday afternoon. They always have a few extra boxes available for sale. Maybe I'll bring some by the booth late Saturday or Sunday. Bill K

Ran across this earlier today. Seems that state agencies are almost more interested in protecting their image, budgets, and turf than protecting the resource. http://www.pennlive....ble_over_s.html Bill K

Terry: Thanks for putting this outing together. Nice to meet some new folks and get reaquainted with some others I've had the pleasure to fish with from previuos outings. I enjoyed trying new water (to me) and look forward to a return visit. Bill K

I think I'll join in, too for breakfast huddle and fishing. Would that be the Cherry Valley Cafe at 7AM? Bill K

Another outstanding example of why I joined and continue to remain a member of this outfit. Thanks, Phil.

I made name tags when I worked shows in Rockford and Tinley Park in previous years. Makes it easier for folks to remember your name. I'd be happy to make a name badge for any member working this show. This one shows my full name and home town, but I can drop the last name (or just use initial), and include your home river instead of home town. PM me with your info and I'll have them at the show Saturday morning.

Rich: I can help Saturday with set-up and throughout the day as fill-in. Sunday afternoon too, including take down. I live right around the corner from the show location. Members who work the booth are invited to my place for a refreshment before heading home. Bill K

Yeah, Terry. Dave, Levi, and I were setting the downstream seine when the owner got into it with Karen. I wasn't aware of what was going on until the Conservation police showed up to investigate and question the "participants". Karen kept her cool and professional attitude throughout, which probably prevented an ugly situation from getting worse.

Had a great experience with fellow ISA Member DeKalb Dave R. and IL DNR and EPA crew this past Tuesday on the South Branch. Netted behind the electric seine at our first stop, and behind the boat at the second. No smallies, but a surprising diversity of forage fish and several fat pike ranging in length from about 10 to 31". Water was a bit muddy at both sections sampled, making it tough to net some of the stunned fish. A sampling of our crew in action at Stop 1: 2nd stretch sampled with boat shocker. Original plan was to use electric seine, but water was too deep. So we launched the boat and fired up the motor. Quickly found that most places were a bit too shallow, so we ended up pushing the boat along. This is my second time working with these dedicated folks. And not shy about sharing their wealth of knowledge, either. Bill K

Rich: I'm available to help out Tue 7/12 or Wed 7/13 if needed. Let me know. Bill K

I've got 2 for you: Taj Mahal's "Fishing Blues". "And It Stoned Me" by Van Morrison, tho not really a fishing song, kind of describes what happens to two guys after their fishing trip gets rained out.

Mike G and I worked the booth Saturday 10AM-2PM. Talked to alot of folks and handed out a stack of brochures and past newsletters. Had a good location with a variety of vendors in our "neighborhood". Our booth just prior to show opening: Here's Mike signing up 2 of the 3 new members who joined the ranks of the ISA on Saturday: Bill K

See you there, Mike.

I can also work the early shift Saturday 10AM-2PM.

I see that Marc Miller is scheduled to speak at a seminar at Univ. of Illinois. Friday, April 15 at 3PM in Room 149 of the National Soybean Research Center, 1101 W. Peabody Drive in Urbana. His topic is the IL DNR. Should be plenty of time for questions regarding programs and funding afterward. http://nres.illinois.edu/Seminar_Miller_041511

As a bonus, after watching the eagles at Starved Rock, hike one or two of the trails into the canyon areas to see the climbers scale the frozen waterfalls.

I bought these and 2 more larger ones about 20 years ago to use trolling and casting for pike in Canada. I keep 'em with my other pike baits. Never thought about using 'em for smallies. I pinched the barbs on the rear treble and removed the front treble to make it easier to release a fish. Maybe I'll give these a try on my next visit to the river.

See you there. I'll even bring you a Power Leech. Bill K

Family and I heading up to NW Wisconsin in a week. I usually wade/float the Namekagon while there. Although it's been wet up there too, nothing like the last 2 days around here. Looks like I'm getting out of Dodge just in time.

Dave: I fished the Apple once this year a couple of days after an intense 0.5 to 1" rain. As it usually does, the river level shot up and quickly returned to a wadeable level on the day I fished. One thing I didn't consider was the turbidity - never saw this stream so muddy. Visibility was down to about 6-8" when it usually is more than 24-30". Makes for an interesting wade when you can't see where you're putting your feet. Fishing was tough as well.

Paul & Ron: I enjoyed fishing with you and Paul Sr. along the race last year. Unfortunately, I'll have to take a pass on Saturday - my daughter has a soccer match. Hope to hook up with you later this year. Bill K

Thought about getting over there myself in the next week or 2. Thanks for the tip, Terry.

You got that right, Monsoon. This year I'm gonna carry in 2 backpacks. I'll cache 1 along the trail in. Should help me to survive the hike out.

Jude: Saturday AM it is. Looking forward to meeting current members and recruiting new ones.

I'd like to help out on Saturday, either 10AM-2PM or 2PM-6PM. If enough members volunteer to handle Saturday, I can probably help out Sunday 11AM-3PM.