skjordan

I'm impressed. Can't wait to read it.

Thats a good one. Two years ago I found a Butterball turkey, in its wrapper, on the Kaskaskia. I still havent figured out why anyone would pitch a perfectly good bird in the river.

Hmmmm....I have been out mushroom hunting several times and fishing, not enough times, and havent seen one of those little buggers yet. I have had on waders while fishing. Not so much while mushroom hunting, dont want to make that kind of a fashion statement. Iam further south, maybe thats the difference? Anyway, thanks for the "heads up", it really hadnt occurred to me yet.

I heard, yesturday that a few grays had been found in the Peoria area. Im going out now to check around my "tree". If they are up I will let you know.

I can think of one...........Lake Michigan . Also Powerton, south of Peoria, used to be good but its questionable now. Do you just not like stream fishing. There are alot of beautiful smallmouth streams in your area. If you would like to find out which streams hold smallmouth attend the outings planned in your area this summer. Check out the calender posted at the top of this page to give you information on outings near you. Since you are new to fishing you will learn alot by fishing with other members.

Excellent Scott

Don, very nice job. I think I will try that this year! Except I will leave out December, January, Febuary, March.

You know I love fishing. Its my passion. However, you guys are beyond me.........I need the sun on my back, somewhat warm fingers and toes and birds singing, at least. On days like this stirring something up in my kitchen that warms my inner being and pleases the spouse is just the ticket. I think grilled marlin with herbs over grilled asparagus tips sounds appropriate for today. Maybe a glass of Pinot Gris on the side. My other passion is cooking.

Nice job of manipulating there Eric. Sad thing is I had to look at it twice before I got it. You know its sad getting old, but its a hell of alot better than the alternative

Went for my first early season shake down cruise for smallies with my canoe on Monday, beautiful day compared to this stuff we are having now. I was elated to tie into my first "big fish" smallie at 20 1/2". Since my goal for the year was a 20" smallmouth I guess this means Im done for the season. I dont think so, I have realigned my goals and set 21" as my new goal. This is the first year I have fished in October and April, I wont miss these months again. As a matter of fact I have a weeks vacation reserved for October.

Congrats! Looking forward to reading your book. Put me down for a copy.

Checked out "Mikes". He had all sorts of Warts except Wee ones. Sorry.

Can't promise anything, but at Mikes Tackle... who knows what you will find behind the paddles. Oh, fishing poles. Tackle boxes. Assorted big lures and assorted hooks. Assorted............Wee Warts??? I have to work tomorrow, this sounds like a good excuse to duck out for lunch and a scavenger hunt. By the way I used the 3rd Grip last Sunday on a wade trip and you are right they are great. Also, first time using the "Mean Green". I purposely over filled the spool and never had a loop go off the end that wasnt part of the cast. I didnt have any problem with it at all. It casts long, smooth and little memory, good stuff. I loaded one reel with 6 pound and one with 8. I think next time both reels will be loaded with six pound and the eight pound will be in the bag as a spare. Now, if only that jig you gave me would have worked for me like it did for Tim.

Tim I see from the picture you have finely caught the dreaded "big fish picture syndrome". Your arms are to short. Call me next time and I will take the picture.

Couldnt agree with you guys more. Except make mine "scotch & rocks" I did get my first outing on the upper Kaskaskia last Sunday, beautiful day, water was rising all day not even a nibble. I did find some good access points and if I find fish this summer I will let you know.

Now thats a peice of trivia that you wont be getting on any other forum. This will give fly tiers some insight as to how big we should be tying our craw imitations. Is there a similar ratio for bait fish.

Ken I like your thinking, especialy the HHF, it is definitly a "go to" fly for me. Just curious whats your favorite color pattern? I really like a dark olive body, tail and legs. I usually tie a size 6 but this year Iam adding a size 4. Do you tie that large? As long as Im being nosey, what is your normal hook size for a summer Clouser? Do you have a favorite color pattern for smallmouth fishing in Illinois?

We should have talked more about this last night. We need to talk when you return, I havent heard of the stream you mentioned. When are you leaving? I have a couple of patterns that have been good to me here, maybe I can get them to you before you leave. What I use for smallies is a level leader, 6 or 8 lb., and the length is 2 1/2 times the depth or just keep an eight footer on and you will be fine. I think you said you woud be near Mountain Home? If so stop in the "Blue Ribbon" fly shop on state road 5 on the east side and talk to Dale. He can set you up with some woolly buggers for swinging, Clouser minnow patterns, zonkers and even some poppers or other flies that are working in that area. You can get your licence there also. Tell him the Jordan brothers sent you. It may help or it may not Have a great time, I wish I were going.

Jude, thats just messed up.

A little mob? I thought it was a quit large mob. Again thanks to John and Joseph. I really do enjoy these tieing events.

Uh..........I bought them. I decided to do Clousers this year instead. I just ran out of time.

One warning about the suspender type PFD's with the automatic inflation option If they get muddy or dirty, DO NOT attempt rinsing them off in the river. Yes I did.

Nice job Michael. Custom made pulls? Guys, we will probably need an extra large box for tickets on this one.

Jim, thanks for sharing the site. Great pic's!!!!

Me to but its the "acquiring" part that can really hurt you. Hey Mike thanks for sharing, that is a great peice. I think that guy must have Zap-a-gapped his bottom to that canoe to stay in it.