Launched the boat right in downtown Kankakee at 7 AM.

Cloudy, slight mist, brutal winds, hardly any fish.

Had a pretty good time regardless.

Matt reminds me of a Kankakee version of me. Swears a lot, apologizes for clients not catching fish, was surprised at how involved he is with all things Kankakee. Was a pleasure to meet him finally.

Wandered to Rock Creek for an hour afterward. Too tired to hike. Managed one nice smallie that wasn't too skittish from the crystal clear water. Took pictures of the colors on rock formations.

Drove home with the window down to help from dozing off while driving long, straight back roads. Seemed to work, made it home in one piece.

It is always a plus to be with someone who understands, sometimes the fish just aren't biting where your fishing. I am sure we are in a post spawn funk even though I haven't been out much and I am still not wading. I have fished the Kank once in my life and caught a rock bass , conditions were spring flood , chocolate milk type water, just never made it back down that way... Go figure. I must say it is always more of a learning opportunity when the fish aren't cooperating even if what you are learning is the guides demeanor. Big question for me is would you do it again Ken?

Saturday on the Fox I found fry in the shallows and as I was getting out I could smell that distinct spawning smell.

Tough bite that day too.

I've decided that unless you are hooking 10 smallies an hour, don't have to land them, but hook them...then you're having a slow day.

I'm tired of guys saying the bite is hot only to find out they caught 6 fish in 3 hours of fishing.

I fished about two hours this evening, ten smallmouth. 3 on topwaters, 7 on rattlebaits all in water from 6 inches to a foot, all in the shade. Not the fastest action but supercharged, bone jarring strikes. Previously, well a couple days ago before the belly crud got me, I was catching post spawn females with flabblyish, sunkenish bellies in fast water feeing heavily. There are still some bass on beds, though.