crock o shit

[Norm Minas]

I had a guy advise that if I really wanted to learn how to fish rivers , I should join the ISA and read everything Eric wrote as he was the master of river fishing. I didn't include that in my report to Dale as I didn't want to chance that head appearing any larger in those photos he is always posting. What's next, ask Andy for advice on acting like an adult ?

[Ken G]

I was in the ISA once. I had to quit cause I felt so intimidated by all that talent.

I never catch anything and don't know a thing about rivers. Especially the Fox. I can't compete with the master, he knows so much more of the river than I can possibly learn in my life time. Plus, I don't own any spinnerbaits.

All this time spent over the last 18 years wasted...

I knew I should have taken up knitting.

You can learn a lot from Andy you know. I've read one of his magazines, took an IQ test immediately afterward and it had gone up 10 points.

Being lurkers, we're not privy to big head shots. We're just lucky I guess.

I would have said something to Dale, but then, I'm the snarky one.

[heysambennett]

I really enjoyed reading your report Norm. Full metal jacketer. Heh. Couldn't have said it any better myself. Immediately sets the scene with the least words necessary.

Apologies if that shows up in my writing in the future. I'll be sure to credit you.

I've never met those ISA guys and can't really comment on anything other than I feel less than welcome on that site. I was going to stop posting there since I'm not going to join, but after an admonishment for posting links to my site I decided I'd keep on posting. Contrarian? Yeah, I guess so. I'm not really getting anything meaningful from that board anyhow. Few "nice fish" replies but that's about it... I'll probably stop posting there eventually. Once my contrary hackles are lowered.

-SB

[Ken G]

You have to piss off the right people Sam, then one day you'll show up and be denied access, just like I was.

Here's how to do it...

Keep linking to posts, but you have to do a post with St. Charles in it, Les Arends, downtown Aurora or the west side of the Route 34 bridge in Oswego. Any pictures must have very distinct landmarks in it that everyone can recognize. OR, do something in detail about the DuPage River from just north of Plainfield for as far south as you want to go. Again, detailed pictures.

Trust me, that will work.

[heysambennett]

I will endeavour to persevere.

-SB

[Norm Minas]

If you talk about catching smallmouth on topwaters in mid winter , old big head himself will offer a bounty and write to the Infish site asking them to say it ain't so. Both wre ignored.

You can get selected as an officer by the frozen chosen, tell the truth on the officers forum and not only be told you are an effing idiot by the big cheese but also get a dog pile from most of the others.

You can also state that taking pictures of fish is against your personal religious beliefs and be hounded for an explanation. When you do explain, it is vaguely hinted that you are hiding something.

I stick around because I know how badly it irks a bunch of the frozen chosen. .

Phil Fiscella knows more about fishing than 99% of those on that board.

Oh and don't dare suggest that you don't need fancy jigs and bobbers to do the f-n-f thing. For some reason big head took moreoffense than Jonn did and he sells the things.

[Frank Macikas]

You have to piss off the right people Sam, then one day you'll show up and be denied access, just like I was.

Here's how to do it...

Keep linking to posts, but you have to do a post with St. Charles in it, Les Arends, downtown Aurora or the west side of the Route 34 bridge in Oswego. Any pictures must have very distinct landmarks in it that everyone can recognize. OR, do something in detail about the DuPage River from just north of Plainfield for as far south as you want to go. Again, detailed pictures.

Trust me, that will work.

You are absolutey right about that. I have been chastised a few times for too much info which is why tte unedited version goes everywhere including Dale. Ken and I have had this conversation before and I've had it out with a few people on different sites. I edit the ISA post because its their site and the admin has asked me to but um willing to share everything including specific spots if asked. I spent the time and effort and I'll share with who I like. Period.

[Ken G]

You can also state that taking pictures of fish is against your personal religious beliefs and be hounded for an explanation. When you do explain, it is vaguely hinted that you are hiding something.

You'll have to explain that one again to me. I vaguely remember you mentioning this before, but my addled old brain lost the details.

Phil F's a funny guy. I can only take him in short bursts. He needs quaaludes.

Bob Long has been out doing a modified version of f-n-f with mini mites, a bobber and a custom made 12 foot Tenkara rod. I've always liked his attitude. He'll do whatever he thinks will work to catch a fish the way he wants and the hell with all that other stuff.

I agree with you Frank. I put in a lot of time and effort to learn what little I know. I'll tell all, or sometimes not. It's my choice and intimidation tends to make me give away even more details. I don't know about you, but look at how many years I've been writing, guiding, fishing classes, seminars. It's rare I run into anyone out there and I know there are at least a couple of hundred that know the places I fish.

There are no secret spots on the stretches of the Fox I fish, just spots I don't tell anyone about.

[heysambennett]

Hey Ken-

My buddy Brad (aka Boogaloo) has a similar setup, but it's a gill getter ice jig with a 1" gulp under a slip bobber. Minus the tenkara, but he catches everything with that setup. Amazing that little hook finds purchase in bigger fish, but it does.

I noticed my Dink Magnet post didn't get any play on the site. I guess admitting that you catch them, and Gawd forbid target them, just isn't cool. I'd say that was some of the more interesting fishing I've done this year.

I suppose that's how I feel in a nutshell - there's a difference between pornography and love. I don't doubt the guys feel real love, but their site has a porn slant.

-SB

[Ken G]

I noticed my Dink Magnet post didn't get any play on the site. I guess admitting that you catch them, and Gawd forbid target them, just isn't cool. I'd say that was some of the more interesting fishing I've done this year.

You would think you would have learned by reading what I write. Why do you think no one reads it. They forgot that years ago I used to keep detailed records.

The average river smallie is 12 inches. My records once showed that 15-20 percent of the fish caught in a year were 14 inches and greater, so 1,000 smallies in a year, 150 to 200 were better than 14 inches. I just don't go on and on about it. While waiting for those to hit, may as well target the smaller ones, the big one will come along.

Don't forget, I landed that nearly 36 inch flathead on a crappie jig and 6 pound test Trilene. If the hook is in the right place, it's just a matter of landing them. Take your time.