I went up by the McHenry dam. Actually a few hundred yards south of the dam
still in the State Park. I actually was not trying to catch anything. I got
a couple of Calcutta's and a new Falcon Low Rider rod that I wanted to check
out to see how well they matched up. I was also checking my suspending
minnow baits to see if they really suspended or if they slowly sank. Water
temp was 34 degrees. Out of about 22 Smithwick Rogues and Rapala Husky Jerk
lures I found only 5 that did not sink at that temperature.

I think the ice is gone off the river for this season. I'll be out on the
weekends in my area on foot till the ramps open again. We should try to hook
up and go fishing sometime.



"KurtB" wrote in message
...
IL Fish,

Where did you go? The weekend was fantastic weather, and I see that
the ice is off of the Fox everywhere I looked. Unfortunately, I was
not able to get out (too many things still on the "honey do" list).

Did you catch anything (other than birdnests)?

This weekend they are saying possible snow...looks like I may have to
wait another couple of weeks before trying out the new gear.

Kurt

On Sun, 29 Feb 2004 03:17:44 GMT, "Illinois Fisherman"
wrote:

Went out today to wet a line. First time in over a year that I tried Mono
on
any of my reels. I have been using Braid for the past two years My
Calcutta
thought it was spring, and promptly built a birdsnest on every third cast
with 12lb line. "Oh no!!" I said. I can't cast mono worth a darn anymore.
Looks like braid and I have a permanent relationship from now on. Goodbye
mono. Hello braided line and fluorocarbon leaders.

Trust me, I tried and tried to get that mono to perform properly for
three
hours to no avail. Now I can get the foolish thought of using mono for
top
waters and cranks out of my head. I guess I will have to use a fiberglass
rod to handle those tasks from now on. Been looking at the St. Croix
Glass
Pro any thoughts? Anyone use one of these light weight wonders of modern
science.