WILLIAM C.

Anybody know if Bass Pro Shops or Cabelas have coupons going on right now,I'm desperate after a complete failure

at what is supposed to be quality equipment.My replacement pair of Simms boots didn't last any longer than the first

pair and my worn out back up pair of Cabelas failed on the same trip not to mention my White River waders.I have

come to realize that the life expectency is about one to two years.Thank goodness Dick G. and I caught a lot of big

fish,post to come later when I find time.

1:45 am-just got in from Michigan,looks like I'm not going to make it to Jerico Lake.

Sure wanted to try that Coosa or Cuda.

I really want to try that Coosa and see how it compares to mine.I have been having a great time with

mine this year on the strip pits resulting in a lot of big fish.Interested in the stability with the seat in the

raised position.

Here are two more photo from yesterdays adventure,fun time was had by all.

No big fish but we did get 50 smallies 10 to 15 inches.

Don,I'm glad you got some sort of satisfaction,not the best but something.I have returned waders to Dicks and Cabelas with

receipt in hand and received new ones with no problem,one pair was over a year old.On the other hand when my Simms boots

fell apart all they gave me was 40 percent off a new pair.That may sound like a fair offer but that was off their retail price.In effect

the replacement pair cost me $100.Last year I picked up a pair of Cabela's Dry Plus Premium waders for $110 with a discount

coupon,I love them.With the front storage pockets I have found I am wearing my vest less and less.

I was wondering if that seat is somehow adaptable to other kayaks.I love my kayak sit-on-top

but my butt gets sore and I would like to elevate a few inches higher.Tried a few different cushions

unfortunetly they slide out a lot.

I fully agree with Eric,I was strickley a boat fisherman until I retired and discovered the quality smallmouth fishing in our local rivers.So much so that I sold my boat and spent the last ten years wading.But I still take fishing trips using boats and fishing with my brother in Wisconsin every spring.Also bought a kayak for local small lakes and ponds with an occasional river trip.

Came across this last night. I made this video a few years ago for my nephew serving in Afganistan.He said the men really

enjoyed it and couldn't believe Illinois had such a beautiful river.

Looks like I can make this one Norm,one of the few Saturdays I have had open all summer.

Seems to be another confusing season for the smallies.Last year with the early warm weather they were done by the first

of May,this year they are just getting going on the Duper.I walked a well know section and with the clarity of the water

I was able to spot many males getting the nests ready or just hovering around waiting for momma.I didn't see any nests

with both male and female on them but with weather warming this weekend it' going to happen soon.I did spot one with a green

jig hanging from it's jaw.Tried to get a picture but without a polarized lense it didn't turn out.

Appears to be good timing to head for Wisconsin and fish for other varieties.

Good friends,good food,great to get together.Looking out the restaurant window brought back memories

of where I caught my first Illinois smallmouth and many more.Afterward Jason and I spent a couple hours

reminising of the three years we fished this river 2 to 3 times a week.We also fished picking up a half

dozen smallies 12-14 inches.Called it a day when the sleet started.

Kevin,that's a very interesting question and your discription was well put.When fishing by myself I would call it an

"enjoyable experience" and if I'm catching a lot of fish I get giddy and the word fun could be added.Or when fishing with the grandkids it's always fun,tedious at times but fun.I will say this,my worst day of fishing was always more fun then any day spent playing golf.I never came home from fishing and threw my equipment in the corner saying I'll never do that again.

Talk about stirring up a hornets nest,can't wait to here some of the responses.

As for me the answer is-no,not ever,strickley CPR.

The same goes for plastics.I was working some fish that I could see yesterday and they wouldn't touch a sitting or slow drifting plastic.But I noticed when the jig got stuck and I shook it the smallie would come over and look.Then I jerked it loose and the smallie nailed the bait.It's incredible how fast they can move.When the bait is moving slow in shallow clear water they have plenty of time to look it over.A fast moving bait gets a knee-jerk reaction.Always try both methods and let the fish decide.

As if I don't spend enough time in and on the water,I added this to my collection.I built a PVC carrier so I can pull it

into some distant spots and remote ponds.Now I have to figure out the best way to outfit it.

Ron,nice meeting and talking to you and the other members.Remember when I said we were fishing the wrong spot? I talked with my buddy that was going to meet me there,he said he never got the message that I was going for sure.He made it down there a little later and did pretty good fishing the west side of Burnham Harbor.He was fishing plastics tight to the wall.It's to bad I didn't stay and try somewhere else.Maybe next time.

Maybe Norm or Mike Clifford can answer this.Why are the roads still closed to Area2 and Area7 ?

Stopped at the office and the lady couldn't tell me why.She assumed they were open.

I spent more time driving around then actually fishing.There was somebody already fishing all the key

areas.I wish the ecomomy would pick up and get these people back to work so I can have this river to myself.

I don't count Norm,he's kind of a permanent fixture.

What happened to the chair I left behind?

Funny story,I told my son-in-law that we should take a break soon as we find a good spot to park our

weary butts.I was fishing this one particuliar spot when he yelled over" is this good enough ".

RonK and Norm,all very valid points but in this case I'll go with Ron's suggestion.If I could only afford one pair I would agree with Norm but I would rather split my time between them and also extend the usefull life of both.

On the other hand,you could forgo the cold season (like I did this year)build up some brownie points with the Mrs.

Now both pair are hanging in the garage,how ridiculous does that sound.

Never mind-I'm going fishing.

I can work the 9am to 1pm shift on Saturday.

Bill Chase

I had previously decided to not think of fishing all winter but that changed after

I volunteered for duty at the American Sport Show.Now I find myself staring at the calender

and reading some of the magazines I left go the last two months.Also decided to sort through some

photos and thought I would put a couple on the site to get the juices flowing again.

Two of my favorite spots over the years-one in the morning and one in the evening.

Question? After the Rosemont Show will the ISA setup equipment be heading south to the Tinley Park show?If

thats the case I can come up and help close the show and bring the stuff back to my house.That way I will have

it to open up at the high school on Saturday 2/13/10.

I'm trying to figure out where to fish the rest of this month.I know the rules about staying clear of

the duck blinds but when does the season start and end in this zone?

Norm, thanks for the link to River Smallies.

No I didn't have anything to patch the hole so I'll just get by with my other pair.

It's going to take some doing to get that hole patched,there's a sizeable gouge with some

material missing.

I got out today with a friend for a little while picking up a half a dozen.Wind was making

it difficult and water temp is down to 48 degrees.

Here's a picture with Steve B. included and another picture of that lovely chair.

Steve,it was my pleasure getting paired up with you.Every time I make one of these events

I have met someone that has made the day worth while in addition to lending a helping hand.

BTW; my grandsons team won their football game.