Here's the deal. JKB is coming down to my place on July 19th to try and figure out the electric end of a well that I want to install. He suggested that he might stay over until the 20th, and that maybe, just maybe, other Pondmeisters might want to meet at my place. So, I'm throwing it out. Who wants to make a road trip to Grovertown, Indiana on July 20th? I'm even opening up the invite to you bums in Texas - it'd be a good time to get out of the heat.

I'm a pretty poor party planner, but I'm open to suggestions. There's a couple of PB members within 15 miles of my place, but they rarely post. I'll be contacting via PM and e-mail everybody that I know who might want to make the trip. Maybe a small road trip to visit different ponds, or just hang out at my place.

I may be flying over your place right around that time as we make a visit to family in MN. I will wave as we fly over at 30,000 feet.

What ever the plans end up being, take some photos and have a good time!

What do you mean "try and figure out"

Maybe those bums from Texas can show us Yankees how Ribs are done. I hear they are slowly catching on

I'll bring a few fancy gizmos with me that we can play around with. Maybe even have your pond send you text messages.

If there is a place to build a small fire I'll bring a couple of slabs of ribs to put up against some from Texas...

If not, I'll pick up a fire ring on the way down.

We'll also need a bunch of 2" or thicker Rib Eyes. I can get those up here at Frank's.

This could be really cool. A month to plan it as well.

There's roughly 10 acres to build a fire on. (minus the house, outbuildings and pond) Yeah, I do have some stones set in a circle.

Bums, hum. I think I smell a challenge. George, get a rope. Allen, get your fire buddy's recipe, Mark, you are our secret weapon, so we will have to keep you hidden until we strike. Larry, you are in charge of logistics. Dustin, we have never met, but I know you have to be in as well, please forward your resume via the Texan Bums Hot Line, We will gladly welcome you to the team. Mike, your our fighting position guru, Bob, well you are good as giving speeches, so write a really good one for this occasion. All other Texans who are in for this, stand and be counted!!

Calling all the rest of the Texans and Okies, Arkansans, ECT, lets GO!!!


PS I'm off that day, so I'll see what I can do!! ROAD TRIP anyone? This could be fun!!


BTW CJ, from VA to MN you will fly north of Detroit and you will most likely be at FL340 so I would suggest a window seat on the left hand side of the airplane ( "A" seating). If the weather is nice as you pass close to DTW look left. You should see some splashing and other antics.

Ya know, I don't know what it costs to rent a plane, but there IS an airport 12 miles away........ Plymouth, Indiana. South Bend Airport is only 30 miles away and can take larger planes. Maybe Brian can take a work plane on a test flight and pack everyone in the back??

I heard a story once of a pilot who landed a plane at the airport. To get the plane up in the air again they had to dismantle it and remove it via truck. That was a big oops.

Are trailer trash invited? Regardless, I'll try ta talk Dr Perca and Mr Cecil into car pooling over there. Sounds like a day of folly, hope so. With a month to plan you may end up with many more bums than just those from Texas. I'd like to see Scott show our southern friends what a TRUE Perch is. As for grilling out, Aquamax burgers sound good ta me.

You're only 30 mins from Notre Dame?
Can I come back in the Fall?

I may have to make a court appearance in Bowling Green Ohio, courtesy of the state's finest for speeding on my last run, so I might drop in on the way home....

Are you talking this week or next month? I would probably make a later date.

July 20th.

"George, get a rope."

I love that!

I would have been early....possibly a first for me!!

Scott - change your title to add: to Indiana or north central IN. This way members within driving distance will more likely read the thread. July 20th is a Saturday.

Can ya make it!

I think I could make it. Scott is just a few clicks away. I could even learn some cool control stuff from JKB.

Do I smell ribs? Better yet....Texas ribs?

ZEP:

Yep, just a short distance from the Golden Dome. If you want to hit any of the games, there's a spare bedroom in the house.

Correct July 20th, Saturday.

Rex, a Valentine 1 is a great friend to have.

ZEP,
My father-in-law worked on campus for 30+ years at AVA MARIA PRESS. His dad worked in maintenance at ND. What makes my marriage work....I am the only one that is anti-ND

Thanks esshup.
I usually make it up to an ND game about every 4-5 years.
What a wonderful experience it is! (me on right)





Mike....may God have mercy on your soul!

I'll see if I can get away. Hopefully I'll finally be able to meet Phil (JKB). I'm about an hour from Esshup (Scott).

Cecil, have Julie drop you off on her way to Michigan City in the morning, and pick you up in the evening on her way back. I hear there's lots of good shopping places there.

I'll certainly try...hope to be building ponds and a tilapia building in KY by then!!

I'm planning on showing up also....let me know if I can help in any fashion.

Thanks Tony.

Rex! That's great news! Is it the property that we talked about earlier?

Wish I could make it but I'm scared to even mention it. I've spent way too much time having out of town fun this year. If you don't believe it, ask my dearly beloved.

Bring her along. There's plenty of shopping to do in Michigan City, about 40 minutes away. Lots of outlet stores..... even a casino.

I'll take that under advisement. OK, I took it and that's behind me.

Bryan, logistics is what I do well. Maybe the only thing I do well, but that is another story.

If we aren't moving a warehouse, then a road trip could be possible.

For us Texans, from the DFW area its a 15 hour drive unless I'm driving. Then it is a 12.5 hour trip. If your traveling with me make sure your life insurance is paid up in advance.

From DFW Delta has some flights for $395.00 leaving on Friday /Saturday returning Sunday.


For me, right now it is a positive MAYBE.

Midway airport in Chicago is 1 hr 45 min. South Bend Regional Airport is 30-45 min.

Sue Cruz, Ted Lea and his wife might be coming too.

Larry keep me in the loop please. As for making it, I am looking at it right now. I would love to get up there and get to see everyone. But is always a challenge during the summer.

Actually I praise the Lord every day my wife is not a shopper or high maintenance! She does like gadgets though.

Brian, I would love to go, but it is very good possibly that we are moving one of our warehouses next month. If so time is a problem and yours truly isn't the nicest fellow while those times. Should know what we are going to do by Friday. (hopefully)

Larry, keep us updated. I think it might be a road trip for the hofftanic unless someone else around here has a better ride!!

Nothing is written in stone yet, but there's a possibility of a PB celebrity or 2 showing up.........

Nice baiting job Scott but I bet you'll be surprised how many bums show, enen Yankee bums.

Bob, it's true, it's true. I have confirmation that Ted and Terri Lea are coming, and another unnamed blonde aeration expert is waiting on the go ahead from her boss.

But that isn't who I was talking about.

Herman Brothers as the PB celebrity?

Bigger 'n Nate.

Yaaawza!!! Get BC & CB and you'll have a full house. Nice idea and good job getting it going, I'm getting excited and it ain't even my idea.

I thought Charlie Brown was a cartoon character?

Think Texans

Is Scott going to let us fish in his pond? I get the shakes if I'm unable to wet a line every 8-9 hours or so.....

Boy, sound like I am going to have to bring more than a couple of slabs of ribs!!!

Sure! But you'll be bored catching my dink BG's compared to yours.

Wish I could make it. Saving my vacation for Pond Con VI. I work weekends. Have fun everybody. Hope to get live update pics. Scott, do you have wifi at pond?

I was thinking we may need the whole pig.

If not, I can bring some hardware and rig up wireless for the event.

I've got a D-Link wireless router in the house, and I'll bet it will reach out to the pond. Gotta figure out what I used for a password...........

There may be enough people coming that I'd charge enough to cover expenses and have it catered and get a large tent + tables/chairs. There's a local mom & pop grocery store that does catering. They want slightly less than $10/head for a pretty extensive spread.

That would leave more time for BS'ing.

Still trying to figure out all the details! Don't know what time to start it either. 8? 9? 10?

I'll bring something, just in case. Password will be...? Ah heck, I just use the default password that comes with these.

Sounds like fun. I'm bummed out.

Good idea on the cater gig with the tent facilities and all.

Open the gates at whenever you want, and I have the first 20 covered.

Still may have to throw some meat on a fire tho

Thanks JKB! That brings up another point. The physical address at the house is 1.5 miles into Central Time Zone from Eastern Time Zone. Even here at the house, the cell phone shows Eastern time. Plymouth, where the hotel is at is in Eastern time.

So, depending on what people are using for an alarm clock, they might be an hour early!

Don't be bummed. Still a month away, and guaranteed, no multicolored exploding pustules.

Swing by if you can.

Choose a time slot, but make it your time! Pretty sure every one can deal with X as an offset.

This looks like it is shaping up to be a great GTG... Really looking forward to it!!!

Right JKB. I run on Central Time.

JKB or Essup, are you going from single phase 220 to 3 phase for your well?

Essup, I was in your neck of the woods yesterday. My wife had me picking up her garage sale stuff she bought last week!

Ribs.....? We eat corn fed back-straps up here. I have a few large, long and heavy packages in the freezer marked for just this sort of event. Some taste testing perhaps? Should have enough room to bring down some habitat and a few rods....you got the enough cooler space?

I have plenty of cooler space! There's an empty working refigerator/freezer in one outbuilding, along with 2 large (20 cu ft+) chest type deep freezers.

Come on down!!

Mike: Planning on running a 3 phase well pump on 220 single phase.

Scott- How far is Fort Wayne from your location? If driving from MN would I pass your place going to Fort Wayne? Key vendor to our business is located there and maybe I need to schedule a meeting with them this summer.

How bout inviting George Thorogood John Melencamp and Ted Nugent? $10-$15 seems reasonable for a good meal,

Bob, that's a great idea!

mnfish, Ft. Wayne is 55-60 miles to the East, and if you drop down from the Indiana tollway or from 80/94 thru Chesterton and Valpariso to Rt. 30, and take that to Ft. Wayne, you're 1.5 miles from the house when you go past on Rt. 30.

Roughly 1/2 hr to the East of Valpariso on 30, 10-15 minutes West of Plymouth, Indiana.

I'm really close to State Route 23 and Rt. 30.

Damn Bob I didn't know George Thorogood was from Indiana and I used to be in a band. I do know the motor city mad man is from Detroit though. If he shows up I won't be there. Too narcissistic for my taste.

Ok Cecil Sweaty Teddy is out so how bout Bob Sieger? Don't think GT is a Hoosier but I still like him. In defense of the Nuge, I admit he is EXTREME but I've been huntin with him twice and he is really a pretty decent guy. Since you're right on the way, I can pick you up. Hope to have Mr Cody in tow. Heck, I'll even drive the car instead of the truck so we can have some elbow room.

Oh you can have Teddy but I just won't be there. LOL I think he gets $50,000 to show up at the NRA convention so he may be a tad too much for this get together.

Bob Seger would be awesome! Another local although Michigan...

[quote=Mike Schmitt]JKB or Essup, are you going from single phase 220 to 3 phase for your well? quote]

That's the general idea. Next best thing to having 3 phase power for running motors. Depending on which VFD you choose, you will want your line (incoming) voltage to be equal to or higher than the motor voltage at 60Hz. Some will follow your voltage while others will boost it up if it is low. I don't like the followers at all. They don't do a very good job at motor control.

The pump/motor combo for esshups well is pretty much narrowed down now. I am heading down to scope out what is needed for electrical components and wiring so esshup can get a realistic budget for this. Then we are going over to his buddy's place and check that out also. Esshup said it should be really close to his rig except the wire runs may be longer.

I plan on bringing a PF525, ML1400, G306 and a few other things to give esshup an idea of some of the possibilities.

I'll get info from esshup as to how much wire/cable to bring for a temporary hookup.

Ted's not that bad. I can think of far worse!

Seger would be cool, so would Molly Hatchet!

I don't think the budget would afford a garage band that just started practicing

Molly Hatchet is actually playing in my town on the 26th of July, then Connersville IN on the 27th.. Unfortunately they are already booked in FL on the 20th..

As for Ted, 15 years ago maybe... Anymore, I would walk right on by..

Hey my old garage band in Alpena, MI is still playing. Kind of funny to watch some old farts crank out hard rock. I wonder what our drummer is doing now? Last we saw him years ago he was drummer and lead back up singer for Conway Twitty. Wouldn't even talk to us and his nose was in danger of drowning him in a rain.

[quote=
Hey my old garage band in Alpena, MI is still playing. Kind of funny to watch some old farts crank out hard rock. I wonder what our drummer is doing now? Last we saw him years ago he was drummer and lead back up singer for Conway Twitty. Wouldn't even talk to us and his nose was in danger of drowning him in a rain. [/quote]


Was that the guy they called Pork Chop? Tommy "Pork Chop" Markham died about 20 years ago. Didn't drown, diabetes.

Amazing how you looks at things differently when you meet new people... Via in person or forums... Boys were shooting bows from their tree house this afternoon and this is hanging above the door.. Instantly thought of some guy name Cecil I have never met!!!

He informed us recently that he is well acquainted with bird poop

Cecil, do you play guitar, and Scott will there be a campfire later? I can bring my harmonicas

Maybe some old-school jams by the campfire?

Just a thought

Who knows what will happen? You never know when a group of Pondmeisters get together. There is plenty of wood here, and yes, there is a place for a fire, plus I have a portable fire ring that was given to me a few weeks ago.

Yep, ya never know what will really happen.

Hey esshup, can I bring my wheel rig with me? We need to show Rex how to really kill PVC Muskrats

I also have some black hardware that Sunil may like!

Bring anything you want!

That sounds like touble in the making!!!

Seeing as how I've lived through nearly 47 humid Indiana summers, I know what I'm bringing....insect repellant!

This time of the year, we don't go to Subway, the supermarket, or Sunday School without our daily dose of Deet.

This is the worst mosquito year that I have experienced in my 23 years in Indiana!

Ticks are bad too. Even with Frontline on Kate I still found 2 on her in the past few days. They weren't on her long enough to start to feed tho.

No worry, I'll have the bugs under control.

If you get the bugs under control I suggest you appoint Sunil as crowd control.

The bugs will be easy. I've got a good system down.

I'm working on Sunil. Hopefully he will show up. Heck, he could even write it off as a busniss trip - he's got an office in South Bend, Indiana, 30 miles away. Make an office visit on Friday, visit a pond on Sat, be back home on Sunday.

OK ~ I'm in for sure!! See you guys there!!

Whoo Hoo! Just got a PM from Bruce that he's looking into flights.

Seems that the Holiday Inn is booked that weekend, as is Swan Lake Resort due to a huge wedding. Here's some other places to try, all local:

The Red Rock Inn, it's across the street from the Holiday Inn 574-936-8437

Super 8 in Plymouth 574-936-8856

Economy Inn 574-935-5911

More of a B&B but:

EV & Jayne’s Irish Inn 574-936-0640

WOW, gonna be a great time!!! Hoosier PB/Woodstock. Have ya talked BC into a givin a presentation? Maybe a debate with CB about round vs square fish cages. Cecil graciously gave me a square one and for the last month 48 YP have done fine in it. Thanks Cecil and one other hero of mine who prefers to be un-named. I live about two hrs from Scott am\nd have a 40x60 pole barn, bring your sleeping bags. Bob-O

OK, ticket is purchased.... thinking of staying in Valparaiso, IN ~ it's on the way to and from Chicago... and not that far from Grovertown...

This is sounding like quite the barn raisin'......I'm looking forward to it.

Holiday Inn was booked for the 19th when I checked before esshup announced the gig.

Sue, you flying into Midway or O'Hare? I can tell you the easiest way to get here from both. From either airport you have to go thru Valpariso anyway.

Valpo is 1/2 hr from here, due West on US 30. It's a college town, so there should be lots of hotels.

Just had a telephone confirmation that the celebrity has confirmed he's coming. Bob Lusk WILL be here. Maybe not first thing in the morning, but I think he'll get here along with Debbie and his grand daughter around noon.

Great news!!!

This is shaping up to be a whale of a get-together! Wish I could make it. Full reports along with pics and have a great time guys!

You betchya!

I believe there is at least one (maybe more) people from Texas coming up too, besides the Lusk family.

You guys have fun and post pics and stories. Someone needs to assume the job of pic man and chronicler of the event. There will be lots of stories to be told. Meanwhile I will be at the lakes working. Lime to spread , beaver to trap , grass up to my waste to cut , roads to be bladed and brush to cut. Ugggh in 95 F temps and 85% humidity.

It should be cooler up here.........

Do we have an unofficial head count or can we get a roll call?

Want to do something, just not sure what or for how many...

I was going to start an official RSVP Pond Boss list tomorrow, but we can kick it off tonight.

Here's what I know of the PB forum people: (there will be others that aren't on the forum, but I bet they all or most of them bail after the talks and questions.) I suspect we will be BBQ'ing and BS'ing around the campfire that night.

Here's a list of people that said they would be coming as of today.

In no particular order:
Me
You
Sue Cruz
Ted Lea and his wife
Bill Cody
Cecil Baird1
Bob Lusk, Queen Debbie and their granddaughter
Highflyer
Mike Schmidt
FCM67693
Bob-O
(I know I'm forgetting people. If you are coming, please copy/paste the list in your reply and add your name to the bottom.)

Me
You
Sue Cruz
Ted Lea and his wife
Bill Cody
Cecil Baird1
Bob Lusk, Queen Debbie and their granddaughter
Highflyer
Mike Schmidt
FCM67693
Bob-O
Sprkplug

See! I told you that I forgot someone! Sorry Tony!!

No worries....I am kinda' innkunspickyouus....

Me
JKB
You
Sue Cruz
Ted Lea and his wife
Bill Cody
Cecil Baird1
Bob Lusk, Queen Debbie and their granddaughter
Highflyer
Mike Schmidt
FCM67693
Bob-O
Sprkplug


Sue , Terry & Ted Lea and Greg

JKB
You
Sue Cruz
Ted Lea and his wife
Bill Cody
Cecil Baird1
Bob Lusk, Queen Debbie and their granddaughter
Highflyer
Mike Schmidt
FCM67693
Bob-O
Sprkplug

Bing

JKB
outdoorlivin247
Sue Cruz
Ted Lea and his wife
Bill Cody
Cecil Baird1
Bob Lusk, Queen Debbie and their granddaughter
Highflyer
Mike Schmidt
FCM67693
Bob-O
Sprkplug
Bing
David Ewald - www.fishhiding.com

I am going to do my best to try to make it, but I have some plans on that Friday that may spread into that Saturday. It sounds like it is going to be a great gathering, and I hope to be there.

Chris, I hope you can make it. The "seminar" portion of it will end around Noon, Bob will be the last speaker. Depending on what time he gets there, he might speak after lunch. But, I suspect that the question and BS session will last well into the night.

PM me your e-mail addy if you need directions.
Me - esshup - hoosierpondpros.com
JKB
outdoorlivin247
Sue Cruz - Vertex Water Features
Ted Lea and his wife - cleanponds.com
Bill Cody
Cecil Baird1
Bob Lusk, Queen Debbie and their granddaughter - pondboss.com
Highflyer
Mike Schmidt
FCM67693
Bob-O
Sprkplug
Bing
David Ewald - fishiding.com
bbjr - Chris

Maybe develop and post an agenda?

You read my mind. It's in the works now.

One thing I never want to do is try reading someone else mind. I have enough trouble trying to get the brain cells kicked in to make coffee in the morning, and I think we are teetering on the edge of the fourth viable cell for this task

The best agenda for a regional pond boss conference I have ever seen is to ask Bob Lusk a question and then sit back and be entertained and educated for as long as you want. He is the best extemporaneous speaker I have ever seen.

Have fun ! Wish I was there. Still catching up from RM trip.

Same here. I'd love to be there.

As for catching up, today was the first day I've had enough energy to do anything significant since getting home last Sunday night from the RM trip.

These Pond Boss regional gatherings sure are a lot fun, but they certainly take a toll on these old bodies. I got a note from FireIsHot (Al/White Sasquatch). He and Dave D., sound like they wore out their AARP cards on the trip, and now need replacements!

One way or another, Pond Boss will keep us from growing old.

esshup,

My better half and I are trying to get our schedule cleared so we can drive down for the day Saturday, we should know more here shortly and will post once we have firmed things up. Thanks.

Bryan

Great!

Okay, I have permission from the powers that be and have prices to do some T-shirts for the GTG...

They are going to be a simple white T-shirt with the PB logo on the left chest...I am NOT trying to make money off of these...ALL MONEY will be DONATED to SDSU Eric West Foundation..I have 30 ordered so I can get ball rolling to have them by the 20th..Price on the first 30 is free will DONATION...

I am trying to get specific shirt size for attending members...If you are sure you are going and would like a shirt, please PM me your shirt size...Only sizes ordered now are L and XL being the most common sizes...

I take an XF ( extra fat )

Esshup,
The PB Mag subscription cards. Can you collect the cash for these on site? I need one, and 247 as well.

Then we'll be legal

I'll talk to Sherrie at the Pond Boss Office and see. Heck, you could just call them too!
Pond Boss Magazine
P.O. Box 12
Sadler, TX 76264
(903) 564-6144
(800) 687-6075


I was thinking of having the cards there so people who don't know about the magazine could sign up on the spot for it.

Reason for asking is no CC for on the spot transactions, or even to call it in.

I think there is form online for snail mail. I'll do it that way.

The PB office came up with brochures a while back that you could hand out/fill out as well. Scott, do you have some of those? I have a bunch I could send you if that's something you'd want to consider.

Anyone that is for sure attending that hasn't PM'd me a shirt size please do.. I and going to have attendees shirt made a little different...

I need to have those numbers by this Friday if possible..

Thanks...

Josh, If you aren't going to be using them, yes, please do. I'll PM you the addy. I need to call the PB office tomorrow too. FedEx delivered a package from Vertex today for the 20th.

I have plenty. Will get a small bundle in the mail to you today.

OK, got the snail mail in action so I should be legal

I can give a few subs out in a drawing.

I have no idea on how many dimes will fit in a coffee can. How much does it weigh?

One good thing, the pond should be looking good. The water level is higher than it's been in at least 2 years.

I guess the dimes are a mute point now, based on your PM.

Glad the pond is looking good!

I think the dimes are a good idea, the PM covered that one thing.

Wish i could make it. If you end up with extra shirts let me know. I'm an XL. Ill purchase one. I don't have any pond boss paraphernalia besides mags. I hope to meet you all in the spring at Pond Con XI if they have it at BiG Cedar again.

I wish I could make it too, I was really hoping to put a face to so many names that have been so instrumental in turning my pond around. But just can't swing it right now

I think yesterday was the deadline for T-shirt orders but I too would purchase one, plus match the cost as a donation to the SDSU Eric West Foundation.

Size Large and can pre-pay if necessary.

I know it'll be a great time, I hope the weather works out and I look forward to pics and updates.

Keith

OK, got everything straight now.
I think a brain cell died and it didn't properly train the next one up for bat to take over

Greetings, All!
Making travel plans and have an update.
Debbie and I will be leaving from the Branson area on the 19th and travel to Bing's house, east of St. Louis, where we'll camp for the night.
Early the next morning, Bing and I will head to Esshup's place, planning to arrive mid-morning. If we leave Bing's house by 5:30, looks like our ETA is about 10:00.
Debbie plans to stay behind and hang out with Mrs. Bing.
Also, I'll be bringing a bunch of Pond Boss Connect folders with sample magazines and other goodies as well as subscription cards to subscribe to the magazine.
See you on the 20th!

That's great news!

Bob, if you want finer detailed directions, (and anybody else) let me know. Many GPS's can't find my place going by the street address. I can PM/e-mail the GPS coordinates. Both Garmin and Magellan have problems. You'll end up on the correct street, but a mile or 2 too far West.

Put a sign out front.

Good idea. Typically the GPS sends people on IN-23, which is correct, then tells them to turn West, when in reality they should be turning East.

This look about right, or is it off? Your Addy from Google.



If cool, I'll punch it into my Garmin and see whats up!

That's right, but an old image. Circa 2005.

Scott: Please PM or email instructions to me.

PM sent

I am wondering what is a "pond boss connect folder"? Possibly others new to this is wondering too?

It's explained in the "Editors Desk" in the May/June 2013 issue of PB Magazine.

I would assume, PB Connect is a resource to connect others to PB.

After investigating for a bit, my Garmin drops me off at your front door. Totally different rout from Google tho. It has that traffic and road construction in it, but the maps are a bit over a year old now. Road construction is as current as they make possible.

Post a sign! I can at least hit your street from here

Newer image don't show all that sand.

Heck, we could have had a Beach Party!

Me - esshup - hoosierpondpros.com
JKB
outdoorlivin247
Sue Cruz - Vertex Water Features
Ted Lea and his wife - cleanponds.com
Bill Cody
Cecil Baird1
Bob Lusk, Queen Debbie and their granddaughter - pondboss.com
Highflyer
Mike Schmidt
FCM67693
Bob-O
Sprkplug
Bing
David Ewald - fishiding.com
bbjr - Chris
Bruce

In case anyone wanted to know.

Bing Maps and Google Maps are correct as far as driving directions, at least from my place, as well as my Garmin GPS.

Rand McNally Maps and MapQuest tell you to go west when you hit esshups road. Go east!

Heck, that's only a 2hr-15min drive for me. I thought it was much longer. I'm gonna sleep in now

Great Bruce! Bring a few fishing rods if you can, or you can use mine. I want to see what you can drag out of my pond.

I'm thinking of stopping at Cabelas and picking a rig that's a bit more travel savvy.

Remember the kid with the stick?
Talked to the Vet (grandpa) and he hasn't seen him since the day I did. He thinks they moved.

My brother nailed a couple SMB on a White SS worm, cut in half, and split about half way to make legs. Also got into some Crappie with red and white SS pellets!

His version of the story is they were dragging the boat around!

I just wish we could be there. Instead, we'll be forcing our way across stops at lakes, rivers, and at friend's places on the U.P., of Michigan, on the way to an even more tortuous fishing weekend and a family reunion at my cousin's 80 acre lake in Northern, WI.

If y'all have just 5% of the fun that the Pond Boss crew had at Richmond Mill, you will still have some of the very best days of your entire lives.

Ken, bring Thermacells with you. Talking to friends in upper N. Central Wi. they said the mosquitos this year are bad enough to pick you up and carry you away. The worst that they've seen. Even with head nets, they were still getting inside, and making life in general a big pain when outside.

O.K. Last Call. Anybody else? Here's the list. I'm going to the caterers tomorrow and ordering food.

Me - esshup - hoosierpondpros.com
JKB
outdoorlivin247
Sue Cruz - Vertex Water Features
Ted Lea and his wife - cleanponds.com
Bill Cody
Cecil Baird1
Bob Lusk - pondboss.com
Highflyer
Mike Schmidt
FCM67693
Bob-O
Sprkplug
Bing
David Ewald - fishiding.com
bbjr - Chris
Bruce

Man I wish!!!!!!

Scott, y'all have fun and take lots of pics.

Scott, is anyone local going to make it that isn't on the forum?

Sue, I would say yes. It was advertised like Cecil's Aquaculture Seminar and also in the relatively local establishments where people would buy fish food, etc. Cecil had 50 more people show up than what he expected. I am buying food/drink and have tables/chairs for 50. Anybody that is relatively local and has contacted Hoosier Pond Pros. was also invited.

O.K. More things are set in stone now. We will be eating around 1:00 p.m., or anytime after that. The caterer could not accomidate the 11:30 a.m. food pick up time, but they could do a 12:30 p.m. food pick up time. So, I'll be picking up the food then.

The menu is:
Fried Chicken
Italian Beef
Pulled Pork w/ BBQ sauce
Buns for Italian Beef and Pulled Pork

Baked Beans w/bacon
Buttered corn (not corn on the cob)

For drinks I'll have water, Mt. Dew, Pepsi, Coke, Orange, Rootbeer and 7-Up or Sprite. If anybody wants anything else, (as in diet drinks) let me know.

Tent, tables, chairs and 2 porta potties (one for guys, one for gals) are ordered.

What else am I forgetting?

$20/head should allow me to break even if enough people show up.

The local paper will sometimes run a notice free for a public invited pond clinic by nationally known experts. It won't hurt to ask. No charge for attending, charge is just for the meal. If it is well advertised I expect easily 100. I often get 50+ for my pond clinics sponsored by Soil & Water.

Thanks Bill!

Just making sure and reminding that the scheduled events will all take place on central time zone, correct?..

Correct, Central Time. I'm starting to get phone calls from local people asking for directions and verifying the time as well.

I will need some help after all. I will need somebody to be the MC. Anybody want to volunteer? I'll probably be running around like a chicken with it's head cut off. I know I'll have to leave to get the food.

I'm going to tap my neice or nephew to be the "gatekeeper" collect $$ and give out nametags.

One person is bringing their father, who has a hard time walking, so I will rope off an area close to the tent for handicapped parking.

The MC should be someone who personally knows all the speakers.

Let's see here, who on the list, personally knows everyone?

(other than esshup, and not a speaker)

Scott, I'm sad.

If I had of known 3 weeks ago there was going to be Mountain Dew there, I might have risked a divorce.

Hope y'all have a blast.

Has there been a speakers list or agenda developed?

Scott developed one with times and descriptions. He emailed it to me, but I thought he would have at least posted it here first.

How about some cold V8 with pepper?

MT Dew, I'd be bouncing off the walls with that amount of sugar!

This thing has grown quite a bit since I mentioned it to esshup. Lot's of stuff going on behind the scenes now, so we'll have to wait and see how it play's out.

Bing, this is what esshup emailed me.

The seminar is $20, but that includes a hot catered lunch and soft drinks/sodas. The seminar will be held in Grovertown, IN, approximately 1.5 miles North of Rt. 30 and ½ mile East of State Road 23. It will be held outside; there will be room to seat 50 people under a tent set up by the 1 acre pond.

Each speaker will have approximately ½ hr, and then answer questions for 15 minutes before the next speaker is up. I have speakers scheduled from 9:00 a.m. CST until lunch, which will be around 1:00 p.m. CST. There will be an open discussion after lunch where all the experts will be answering questions.

Here’s the schedule:
9:00 a.m. Sue Cruz from Vertex Water Features, Pompano Beach, FL She will be talking about the benefits of aerating your pond.
9:45 a.m. Dr. Bill Cody, “The Pond Doctor” , Malinta, Ohio. Algal & InvertebrateTaxonomist, Aquatic Ecologist/Biologist. aka The Pond Doctor and Dr. Perca, Pond Boss author and Forum moderator. Bill will be talking about the green stuff in ponds (algae), primarily focusing on the floating algae mats, i.e. Filamentous Algae.
10:30 a.m. David Ewald from www.fishiding.com , Wonder Lake, Illinois. David will be talking about the importance of having or not having structure/cover in ponds, depending on the goals for your pond.
11:15. a.m. Cecil Baird, Ligonier, IN owner of Baird Taxidermy and Cecil is on the Board of Directors for the Indiana Aquaculture Association. Cecil will be giving a talk on cage raising small fish in ponds. You can cage small fish, grow them larger and then release them into your pond to avoid them being eaten by the predators when they are small.
12:00 Bob Lusk, owner of Texoma Hatchery, Pond Boss Magazine and co-owner of the Pond Boss Forum. Nationally known fisheries biologist Bob Lusk, based in Whitesboro, Texas has helped people design, build, stock and manage private lakes and ponds for 29 years. The 53 year old graduate of Texas A&M University travels the country as a lake and fisheries consultant. He is editor of Pond Boss, a national bimonthly magazine dedicated to managing private waters. Lusk has also written three books, Basic Pond Management, Raising Trophy Bass, and Perfect Pond, Want One? He also has a video called, Basic Pond Management and a compact disk audio series on pond management. Two more books are in the works. He makes personal appearances at trade shows and seminars to spread the word of pond management and has been on numerous television shows from Alan Warren Outdoors to Bass Edge and many, many vignettes seen on Animal Makeover TV on RFD-TV as well as Monday Night Live on RFD-TV, sponsored by Purina Mills. He was recently on NBC TV – NBC Sports O’Neil Outside.

Bruce Condello from Lincoln Nebraska will be there but he isn’t a keynote speaker. Bruce is a dentist, but is more widely known for his fishing exploits.

We’ll break for lunch after Bob speaks, and have the rest of the afternoon for any questions/answers or hands on at my pond. Right now there are people from 6 different states that said they will be attending, not counting the keynote speakers.

I don't think he would be upset if I posted this info. He's got to be going about half crazy right now making this all work!

Should be a great time!!!

The guy with the Pink hat should be the MC

We do "NEED" an unofficial name for it?


Scott Stock 2013
Pondstock
Pondamania

Bring em on, let's get the names rolling!

Hoosier Pond Round-Up.

Not going to venture a name right now, but make sure you turn East!

esshup,

A most impressive list of speakers, I've been fortunate to hear them all except Dave and Cecil. I have a big interest in cage raising fish so I'm especially disappointed to miss Cecil's presentation. Sorry I hadn't notified you earlier of Connie and I not being able to attend but I had been stuck out of town as I had to leave last minute on July 4th and just got back (my boss and I aren't getting along too well because of it, I may have a lot of free time soon!). Of the many things I need to catch up on after being out of town is a trip to Winamac, IN to pick up some equipment so at least I might be in the area! Here's hoping for good weather and safe travel for everyone. Have fun.

Bryan

It's official...The Boss and I will be there....

Pond Boss - North !

Okay kids...we're almost ready to roll. Big road trip, lots of planning.

Scott, good work on the agenda...

This is gonna' be awesome....

Me - esshup - hoosierpondpros.com
JKB
outdoorlivin247
Sue Cruz - Vertex Water Features
Ted Lea and his wife - cleanponds.com
Bill Cody
Cecil Baird1
Bob Lusk - pondboss.com
Highflyer
Mike Schmidt
FCM67693
Bob-O
Sprkplug
Bing
David Ewald - fishiding.com
bbjr - Chris
Bruce
Rex (Rainman) and Cathy

I think Bruce will make a perfect MC. I guess he'll find out when he reads this or gets here, whichever comes first! TJ said he wasn't coming, but when he heard Bruce was coming, he's a maybe.

Yesterday was busy, I didn't get home 'till 10:45 p.m., and then I was up and outta here @ 6:00 a.m. These next 7 days will fly by!

Bryan, you will be missed!

I think that after lunch we'll all sit back down and have all the speakers up in the front and take questions. I think that'd be the best way to handle them, don't you think? I think there will be a LOT of questions that don't get answered after each speaker is done, and that may be the best way to have everybody hear the answers. I'll be there will be a LOT of questions on weeds in ponds - they seem to be having a banner year up here. Bruce, Ted Lea, etc. will be thrown to the wolves.

Haven't heard from Brettski....

Were just coming to drink :)whats this wolves biz !!

That means unscheduled solicitations for info from the crowd!

BTW, You the one bringing the Keg?

Pond-a-palooza

Coming to drink, huh?

looks like this could deteriorate into a buncha damn drunks just like the NE meetings at Sunils place.

Could be! There's a pretty well stocked "package goods store" that is about 10 minutes away. The temps will be in the upper 80's to low 90's depending on what weather station you look at. I don't know how popular a campfire will be in those temps.

What's the humidity and heat index going to be like?

That's the miserable part.

"feels like" 78°F in the late A.M. and 87°F in the afternoon.

Depending on what weather site you look at, there's 10% to 50% chance of rain. But, this is Indiana, and weather can change rapidly day by day.

The saying in Michigan is "Weather Happens".

It was beautiful outside earlier, but now the clouds are rolling in. Lake Michigan can change conditions pretty quick.

Early last week the humidity was terrible. To top it off, I had to spend a couple hours in one of the water filtration buildings up the road. Pretty near dripping wet and re-routing some live stuff for further safety enhancements.

Trust me, when this thing gets cranked up to make the waves, you don't want to be in the building without some really good hearing protection!

I love that saying, "If you don't like the weather wait a minute." Funny thing is just about every part of the country says the same thing.

Credit goes to Will Rogers and Oklahoma gets the claim to fame.

Hoping the weather man is correct and the cold front slips in Friday evening...Calling for a high of 81° on Saturday..

Also looks like I am pot commited now no matter the weather...

As long as you are not pot addicted.....

The shirts look good, did you get mine in lime green like I asked?

I've been watching the weather. The reports are all over the place, but the local weather seems to be more reliable than many of the on-line ones. Just tonight they said cold front should slip thru Friday evening, 65% chance of rain Friday evening, 20% chance early Sat a.m. High in the low 80's with a low on Friday night in the 60's.

I suppose I might be splitting some firewood for the campfire Sat evening?

Wrong month or I'd suggest a Moral huntin contest. See ya Sat. I'm picking up Cecil @ 7 Bob-O

Hmmmmm, must have missed that PM or I would have!!!

I am definitely gonna need some firewood... I can bring my fiskars if you want to try one...

LOL!!!

The T-Shirt's are really Cool!

Good job!!!

The stuff that I have to split normally requires hydraulics. River Birch good enough? Or do you want Oak? There's some Sycamore, Maple and some assorted other flavors too.

Looks like I had better bring a REAL saw to help buck up that wood!!!

Yep!

I've only got a 32" bar on this one.


I could drag out 'ol Yeller:

If that dolmar is stock I would put my 359 up against it any day I wood up to 25 inches!!!

Man, looks to be a good time. Ill be thinking of you guys while I sweat to death in a dog food factory. Post lots of pics. Lol!

Too hot to do chainsaw work! Do that in the spring or late fall, unless you really need it done.

Only have a couple of Stihl's, but really don't want to mess with them till the temp drops to outdoor work levels.

A/C has me whipped

Stock except for running 100LL and HD air filter.

JKB, I agree, too hot to be doing much sawing.

I was getting worried about the front coming thru, but it looks like all the rain will be gone by sunrise Sat a.m., and the temps will be 10 degrees cooler too.

That old Clinton saw is cool.....in a "Back when men-were-men" kinda' way....

Have you got someplace to park all these vehicles, or should I bring a peace offering for the neighbors?

I think I have a place to park them.
I DO need more cover in my pond after all.....

Overflow can be parallel parked down the shooting range if need be, and I can use some of the neighbors too.

The only place that'll be roped off is the leach field and septic tank.

Yeah, Dad bought that Clinton when the Palm Sunday Tornado's came thru April 11, 1965. He bought it April 13, as he had to work on the 12th. It got a lot of use - the F3 that went thru Starke County was just 1/8 mile from the house. I don't know how many times the screen burned off the exhaust.

I'll be leaving Saturday morning. This week sucked for a number of reasons, and have to fix a couple bugs tomorrow and do some training.

Cool on the cooler temps tho. It was 95 in the shade here today with a very mild breeze.

I knew I should have left the A/C on this morning when I left!

Heat indexes here all day long were over 100.....

See you Sat a.m.!

It might be a great time to get someone to demonstrate aeration systems.

It might also be a great time to hold "The First Annual Pond Boss High Temperature Skinny Dip".

Both Sue, Ted and his wife will be there, and I suspect some sort of demo will be taking place.

The FA has exploded in my pond I think due to the increased water level killing lots of plants that were growing right at the shoreline. Now they are under 12"-24" of water and decaying. The Tilapia can't keep up.

best thing to do is to round up about 30 rakes and have an algae raking demonstration with the attendees....


bout 10 minute demonstration with that many people and your pond will be algae free.....

...you specially grew the algae to perfect amount for this demonstration.... you said hands on at the pond....

Now THAT'S an idea!

Twenty four and counting

Yep! They're calling for storms and hail tonight. The tent will be set up today. Hope it lasts the night! I'm really thankful that the weather is changing for tomorrow. These mid 90's and high humidity are a killer!

Hail, dang I hope it's not too bad. Have a great weekend. Sounds like a great time and good memories are about to happen!!!

I hope so!

We got some really heavy downpours this afternoon. My truck window was open during both of them. That's one way to wash your seat!

Not a drop of rain here. I've been outside all day long, "feels like" 101°F. Only 92°F with 55% humidity.

Wind just switched from SW to NW.

Have a great time, Friends!

92 here and lots of wind....Somethings feels like it's gonna change.
loading up for an early trip, getting stoked!

We're gonna miss you!

See you in the morning PeePaw!

That would a great way to have enough food to go around. All it would take is us over 50 guys skinny dipping and it would be enough to make everyone's appetite go away.

Rakes!?

Cecil, you may be right about the number of people showing up. I've had probably 1/2 dozen calls today alone. Tent is up.

Matt Rayl is coming and bring his Dad and a few friends too.

Hoping that you have a great turnout and all goes smoothly. I am hanging out here, waiting on this severe weather we are suppose to get. Didn't feel comfortable being gone and expecting the wife to deal with it.

They said it was a fast moving front, it'll blow thru tonight. You'll be missed!

They are saying early morning here for the storm. It's about a five hour drive, so I would need to leave before it got here. Early in the week I was hoping that the system would get thru earlier/later than they were predicting.

Someday I will get to meet you all.

Matt's dad is a cool dude!

Matt's dad rocks! Can't wait to see everyone!

Yes he is! He and I were teamed together in the fishing tournament at the last PB conference.

I hope the experts have good suggestions on dealing with FA. I'll bet my pond is 30% covered with the stuff just in the last 3 days. Higher water levels killed a lot of terrestrial vegetation, and it's decomposing now. Maybe the storms tonight will beat it down.....

Twelve (HRS Cecil)and counting

Out the door at 6:00 am in the morning...looks to be a 3.5-4 hr. trip.

Ribs are ready!!!

Get your motors runnin......Head out on the highways

Hitting the road at 5:30!

Hope the weather's nice for you guys today. Have fun and be safe.

Wear gloves with the FA rakes.

Lots of pictures!!!!

Almost there! Lotta miles...
Riding with Bing.
Will shoot some photos.

That's what I'm talking about. Need a side of Bud Light with it though.

We are hangin' here. Any updates? They must be doing that first annual Pond Boss skinny dip.

Or playing truth or dare maybe spin the bottle hehehe

There are two pics on Sue's facebook page, but they seem pretty random.

I would post pics but I forgot my camera.

Turnout could have been better but you never know with these things. Presentations by Bob, Sue, Bruce, Ted, Dave, and Bill were outstanding. I saw the light bulbs going off in some heads in the audience especially when Lusk spoke. Bill Cody as always was especially entertaining along with being full of information.

The food was awesome and Scott really did any outstanding job with everything. Just hope he isn't stuck with some serious expenses due to less turnout than expected.

Meeting some people face to face vs. just on the website was really cool too as it always is. I finally got to meet JKB. Phil you rock!

Bob O you da man giving me a ride over and back. Really enjoyed your company in the car talking about lots of things!

Thank you Cecil, that was the most intelligent conversation I've had since the last time I talked to myself. I am about Zombied out for lack of sleep and an overdose of Condello so I'll try to give my account of the folly tomorrow.

This is some simply WEAK reporting on this event!!!!!

Yesterday we had some thunderstorms come thru. Then later I heard more thunderous noise coming from the west. I then realized it was the guys having a little to much fun!!!!

Thanks to Scott for hosting the wonderful GTG yesterday... Had a great time meeting new friends and learning about ponds....

Will post back with pics and more when I get caught up this afternoon..

ODL, quit with the text abrevs !!! Just what is GTG?

I agree will Sunil. I thought there was Wifi at the pond. Not one pic. Did you guys end up having any XL shirts left. Ill buy one and pose by my pond in it.

Get To Gether...

Most were lucky to have phone service at best...

As for shirts I collected $310 so far to donate to the Jesse West Foundation..

I have extra shirts with just the PB logo on them.. I think there are 4 large and 5 x large.. Or should I say 4 XL since Jwwann appears to have spoken for one..

Driving home this morning at 1:00 am, I kept going over the events of the previous day, thinking about all that I had heard and seen and wondering how to integrate it into my current situation, all the while mindful of the need to express my gratitude to those whose efforts made such a day possible.

Somewhere on the road, with endless cornstalks on my right and giant wind turbines on my left, I began to think that perhaps it wasn't simply a case of learning something new....sure, I came away with fresh ideas, and plans for future experiments, but I kept coming back to the people themselves, and their willingness to share, to listen, to offer advice and encouragement, and to simply enjoy each other's company. I can truly say that I initially walked under a canopy filled with attendees....but at the end of the day, I left one filled with friends.

I knew some of the folks from previous meetings, but most were simply names on the forum. Getting to meet these people face-to-face was, in a word: Awesome. I would encourage anyone who has the opportunity to attend a regional meeting, or get together, to do so. And I don't say that lightly....if I can do it, and then WANT TO DO IT AGAIN, well, just go if you get the chance.

As is usually the case, there are many people instrumental in making such a day possible...I'll try not to forget anyone, but I probably will, so please accept my apologies if I do.

First off, the host... Scott did an amazing job. I don't think he sat still for longer than 5 minutes the entire day. Putting this thing together was quite the undertaking, and he handled it brilliantly. Nice job.

The speakers: They all were exceptional, and like Cecil stated I saw the lightbulbs begin to glow over some of the non PB members, and at least one current PB member...future projects, remember? How all of you can speak off the cuff with such ease, all while answering questions AND maintaining a light atmosphere is amazing to me. I don't think I could ever do that, and make it look as easy as all of you do. Thanks for making me feel at home.

Sean..( Outdoorlivin247 )....dude, the shirts were awesome! And your mastery of open fire cooking is second to none.....Also, after most of the folks had left, a few remaining individuals decided to fish Scott's pond. I somehow managed to tie into a (2-lbish?) LMB, which was not tagged, so according to Scott's rules needed to be culled. I was lamenting the need to toss it into the woods, when Sean simply decided to fillet it right there....no problem. Gotta' love that.

Ted and Terri Lea...So much fun to be around, astoundingly knowledgeable, and ready to do whatever is necessary to make the thing work. I enjoyed meeting both of you.

Brian ( highflyer)....This guy must go non-stop. Also ready to pitch in and do whatever needs to get done, sharp as a tack, and extremely creative. It was a pleasure.

Bill Cody....I think I could listen to Bill all day, even though my brain couldn't possibly take it all in. His passion for what he does is quite evident, and when combined with his knowledge on the subject matter at hand...well, you get the idea. Thanks again for the advice Bill.

Sue Cruz... I wish I knew just a fraction of what she does about aeration....maybe then I wouldn't worry so much about my fish during this crazy Indiana weather. Then again, I probably still would. Nice meeting you Sue.

Cecil... I've wanted to meet Cecil for some time now. We share a couple of different forums occasionally, and I'm always impressed with his depth of knowledge. And his taxidermy skills are second to none, as evidenced by a nice smallie on display...I enjoyed his presentation immensely.

David (peepaw)...Another creative thinker. Excellent example of what can happen when you have an idea, and are willing to experiment, tweak, and create something amazing. Well done.

Bob Lusk... Here's another I could just sit and listen too all day...It wouldn't even matter what the subject matter was, just set me
down somewhere close by, give me a cold Pepsi, and I'm good. Bob's ability to speak, interact with those in attendance, let them be a part of the discussion, and still gently guide the conversation around to where it needs to be, all while making sure the various questions get answered, is quite the experience. His wealth of knowledge is phenomenal, matched only by his ability to break that knowledge down and share it with his listeners. A very enjoyable experience.

Bruce Condello...Bruce has the ability to see what is lacking, and takes steps to remedy that situation. He was tapped as MC for the event, which of course he excelled at. I believe Bruce could make anyone feel at home, and even a casual remark from him always seems to leave me asking myself "why didn't I think of that?" Always a pleasure my friend.



There were many others whose presence impacted the day immeasurably, and I think everyone's experience was enhanced simply by the fact that they were there, but I've rambled on long enough. Thank you all for a great day.

Well Sunil, I am on information overload right now!

Every one of the speakers were Top Notch Excellent!!! You can read stuff on a forum or in a book, but nothing compares to hearing directly from these Professionals! Q&A was excellent and everyone had a desire to learn. Nothing like a dry type of event where you had to be there for some reason.

It was refreshingly Awesome!

I was a bit burned out from a crazy week at work, and the slip was lagging the flux of the moment. It will catch up, and I believe this is all in new brain cells

Meeting everyone was great! And an excellent ice breaker for Grovertown 2014, which will Rule!!!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This part is your fault Sunil

Short form:
I had esshup get some tickets for when you sign in.

At the end of the informal, but formal event. I asked Bob Lusk to draw 5 tickets out of a coffee can.

These are for 1 year PB Mag subscriptions.
If you have one, then it goes toward your next renewal, if not, then you are a fresh subscriber and your pond world will begin to rock!

Here are the results:
Bob-O
Mike Carson - FCM67693
Doug Rice from across the street at esshup's place
Ted Lea (this guy is really cool!)
Brian H - Highflyer (he had me move my truck a couple times, plus there was a sledge hammer) What's up with the paint on the ground? We weren't Flying In, and I am curious about that "H"! Were you expecting a chopper to land

It was all really cool and a great time for sure!!!

Very well put sprkplug....

It is amazing how I look at my pond in a completely different way today after listening to the speakers, especially Bill Cody talking about 17,000 different types of algae... "And that just Filamentous!!!"

A couple photos, taken during a quick break...it was pretty warm!

Captain Ted and first mate Brian plumbing the depths for diffuser placement..or maybe they were just trying to lasso that duck...I'm not sure.





A few of the participants getting some "hands on"....

I brought a ton of hardware with me, but I could not get there on Friday as planned, so that is my fault.

Scott also had WiFi, but we never ventured into that.

I tried to get onto PB during the event several times thru my Atrix on AT&T, which I have 4G (also the lower bands), and it said "sorry dude" you are SOL! Seriously, it is really bad there. I could probably make a choppy phone call, but no net.

First of all, I kaint spell or punkchuate. I've only got a 5th grade education so you critics can stuff it !!! I'm sure that I'll omit some folks but I can't remember my kids ages so how am I supposed to remember 20 some peoples forum AND real names? The good ones use their real names as their forum names. Bill Cody, Cecil Baird, Sue Cruz, Bob Lusk and Bob-O Friday night I went to bed around 11 but couldn't sleep because of anticipating meeting some of the largest brains of the Auqua Whorshiping Society. Sat am I left my drive at 5 and arrived at Cecils around 6:30. He and I arrived at Essups around 8. Essup and some lady Dr that is the head of the Indiana dept of aquaculture were in his drive and Cecil introduced me. I parked and we headed to the ceremony tent and were immediately shot down by Highflyer cause I didn't know where I was supposed to park, Jesus, there's only ten acres of parkin spaces!! Good ta meet ya HF. I re-parked and Cecil and I proceeded to walk around the pond and here comes Sue Cruz and Bruce Condello (the good and the bad). Now I been waitin ta meet Mr Bruce since Feb 1 2006 on which day he plagurized my very first post. Cecil introduced me to them and I told Condumello that he is a snake. He flicked his tongue, hissed and slithered away. Nice start !! My next encounter was more pleasant as Bill Cody and his friend/bodyguard Jim "the corn king" ambled up. I like the corn king, he's real quiet and tho he don't give a hoot about ponds still hangs with the good Dr Perca. I believe just ta keep him outta fights and jail. Next we met JKB who is also the quiet type. I reminded him that he actually started this fiasco by comin down ta help Essup with his new well. He looked at his shoes and mumbled "I know, don't say nothing, OK"? I didn't. Ted Lea was setting up some aeration equipment nearby so I walked over to intro myself. He looks up and says "Hi, you're Bob-O". I says I know, how do you? He says "You posted that you were bringing Cecil" Sooo, he must be one of the large brains. David the Fishidin guy was sitting at the next table so I went over greeted him. He was polite and kinda caught me off guard. I quickly departed just to bump into a clean cut lookin young fella that said he was Sean aka Outdoorlivin. He was so wholesome lookin that I instantly didn't trust him. Bout this time Mr Boringdello assumed the roll of MC and announced the official beginning of Essupstock 1. Sue and Ted gave an informative and interesting presentation on aeration. Next up was Wild Bill Cody who started talkin about FA and kept talkin and talkin and talkin. Finally Bruce came and stood beside Bill in an obvious attempt to get him to stop...didn't work. I almost felt sorry for Condo, he was getting nervous and was swayin back and forth shiftin his weight form one foot to the other. (really kinda funny) He very much reminded me of the black dude on Americas Got Talent. Fortunately Bob Lusk appeared at the side of the tent and that kinda shocked Cody into stoping for a second. Bruce jumped on the opportunity and quickly thanked Bill and called up Cecil. Mr Baird gave a nice speech on all of the benefits of cage aquaculture. Unfortunately it seemed to resurrect the ongoing dispute he and Bill have about round(wastebasket) vs square(dumpster) cages. Somehow McDello was able to divert their verbal sparring away from front and center and get Fishidin started on his presentation about structure. I learned a couple of cool things but then he drifted into a boast about his participation in some kinda huntin/fishin reality show. Paleeze, Really! Bet he bribed the crap outta somebody ta get into that. David, next time stick ta the topic! note: as I was leaving, Mr David said he was gonna rip me on this forum. Guess I drew first blood. Welcome ta the big time Davey. Finally, Bob Lusk got up there. He talked about many pond topics and has that good ol boy per-sona which kept everyone interested. Like BC Bob can talk and talk and talk. Every once in awhile someone would have a question or interject a comment. At one point Bill asked if we could break for lunch which brought a murmur of chuckles. Bob replied "yeah, sure" and Bill added "we can resume afterwards". Bob said "No, we can continue cause I've seen you talk with your mouth full before" which brought a roar of laughter. We ate and Bill can talk with his mouth full. Bob also continued to talk after lunch. So went the first Essupstock. I'd like to thank Essup for havin all of us out, all the speakers, Sue Cruz(she gave us all Vertex camo hats), Outdoorlivin(he gave us all shirts which he paid for while raising $s for some good cause for the University of So Dakota) and even Mr Mondello for his feeble attempt of being the MC. Hopefully this account will be too lengthy for him to steal. If I've failed to upset anyone, I apologize. If I've overlooked anyone, you're lucky.

Bob-O mentions something I forgot..all the cool swag! Oh, and Sean IS kinda' wholesome looking.

outdoorlivin47, you rock!!!!

Sunill, at least we made it!!!! Actually I would have welcomed your wry sense of humor. I didn't post twice, I have a stupid computer. Maybe the mods will delete one.... or both. That is tho a brutally accurate account of the day. Sparkplug is just too nice.

Bob-O

What you said...

I want one. Pm your address and who to write check too.

This is what happens when Bill talks and Bruce MC's...




And this is how Bruce gets Bill to finally sit down...LOL



Nice little spread for lunch!!




Hanging out on break...

Wow, next time maybe you'll be asked to speak...
The story led into the fact that the show allowed me to raise money for the National Fish Habitat Plan, which has opened my eyes into the growing number of projects of habitat restoration. It's online if you can read it.

I just had to check in here for a bit, then back to getting the rest of the stuff put away.

First off, everybody who missed it, you missed a great time. Maybe next year I'll be a bit more organized, and maybe have it indoors, with a side trip to my place. Less weather worries that way.

I'd like to say THANK YOU to a few people, for without them this wouldn't have happened.

JKB, who started this whole thing in the first place. He donated enough $$ to cover ALL the magazine subscriptions, and helped cover some of the food.

Highflyer, who came up a day early and left a day late. He helped me get the last minute things squared away, covered for me while I was running around last minute, and helped put the remainder of the misc. things away this morning.

Outdoorlivin247, who took it upon himself to have T-Shirts made, brought 5 slabs of BBQ ribs to cook over the fire yesterday for an evening meal, made jerky and other snacks, and showed me how to set bank poles for Catfish, etc., etc. (thanks for the poles - one was empty this a.m. and the "bait" LMB was dead but still on the hook)

Sprkplug, who helped put away all the extra food, and showed us how to catch BG and LMB in the pond.

Bill, Bob, Cecil, David, Sue, and Ted, who were speakers. I think listening to you all was the primiary reason why non-forum members attended. I really think you opened up a few eyes to what goes on in a pond, and what steps are needed to take care of it. Especially aeration. Ted did some testing afterwards and found out some interesting things regarding pumps and home-built systems that I hope he'll share with us.

Bruce, Thank you for stepping up and being the MC. Mike Schmitt let out a big sigh of relief that he didn't have to do it!

Matt Rayl and extended family, thanks for coming! It was good to see you again, and I'll be getting in touch with your Dad once the water starts to cool down for some fish.

Mike C (FCM67693) who also helped early on while is was sstill running around. He took picutes with my camera and I still haven't looked at them. I will, and post them.

Bing, thanks for dragging Bob over here.

I'm sure I'm forgetting someone, but only in print. Without all the help from other people here, this would have never happened!

Some of you who were there early can attest to why English Springer Spaniels are known as "Springers".

I have a hat in my house that isn't mine. Can whoever left it send me a PM with a mailing addy and I'll get it back to you?

ODL Man your heartless. Even I wasn't gonna mention the kiss. Probably more info than most folks can handle. Well maybe next time there won't be such a clamor for pics. Be carefull what ya wish for.

For you that have seen me complaining about my cell signal with AT&T, now you know why.

I need to get a new phone, and my contract with AT&T is up. I'm not happy with them as far as service goes (as JKB can attest to), so to save me some time in getting trial phones to use, I'm asking for information.

This is for the people who were there, and used their phones. Can you please tell me how well they worked here at the house, what phone you have, and who you have for a provider? I'm going to start shopping next month for a phone and a provider.

Here's a pic:



Start at the beginning of this thread ,

And, there ain't No Way I am opening that box up to check out the electrical!

Scott said he can get within a couple feet of them without any problem, but that box on the left, opens from the bottom up. What's on the bottom of that box, which is live and buzzing?

Cool thing is there was an above ground transformer which I got the desired info from. It's actually best to poke some probes on live stuff if you are not sure, but the transformer name plate tells me the story. It's a modern service.

This was at one of Scott's buddies place.

I followed him somewhat back to his place, and I was on my way home from there.

I turned left because my Garmin GPS said turn here, while Scott drove forward to his place.

45 minutes or so later, after encountering numerous road construction projects and detours, I drove by Scott's place to regain my bearing and a sense of something familiar from recent memory.

Anyway,
This detour took me thru a bunch of side roads which were lined with miles and miles of corn. I have a slight allergy with some corn pollens. By the time I got back to about Holland, MI, my eyes were profusely spewing out some goo and had to wipe em down. I logged in last night when I got home, but the sand in the eye feeling wasn't cooperating. Left eye has a few issues today.

I told the guys when I got back to my place that you turned left and I suspected that you were listening to your GPS instead of me, and that you would find the bridge over the railroad tracks on 35 that was missing.

It's 15 minutes from that property to my house.

Yeah, lots of guys planted corn around there, and it's just now starting to tassle out.

Thanks for suggesting the party, and thanks for all that you did to make it a success! I talked to that client today and he's interested in what we come up with. I told him about that Bald Faced Hornets nest and he didn't remember seeing it. I'll remove them on Tuesday when I'm there spraying for skeeters. IIRC that transformer was installed 2008-2009.

I don't know the country, and so with a GPS (at least up here) you can zig-zag around stuff and find your way. Mine has FM for road construction projects, but you guy's don't do that down there. What's up with that?

When you guy's close a road, ya rip the whole damn thing out! That's what got me, because up here, you can at least get thru a closed road and get to the other side.

We also have our service disconnects inside of a building. I would feel a tad uncomfortable if someone were walking down the road and was able to drop my main's out.

Yeah, you and your buddy are cool on power. Much easier the way it is set up, but I would lock those boxes!

Grovertown 2014 is gonna Rock!

BTW Scott, your dog is Rock Star Cool!

For a brief moment yesterday, I envisioned Luna hanging around at your place. She would have Loved everything about yesterday!

Pretty cool!

Man, what a great time you guys had! Awesome! Bob-O, loved your report! Had me cracking up.

Why thank you Omaha. I see Bruce liked it also.

Sorry we missed this but we got over 1000' of fence up, and sweated out gallons of water!

Bob-O is pretty cool!

Great reporting!!

Sounds like you all had a blast! I'd love to make it to a GTG some time

Scott, Great job. They were like old friends. Crazy thing, my son played high school football with one guy, worked for his dad, that was there, and Mike Carson and I know multiple people!

Small world..... Like Bob Lusk said," It is all tied together."

Not enough time to spend doing the things we love.

Except for MR. LUSK.

Wait, this was a FENCING party not a FISHING party?!

You guys all wanna come over to my place and help me string high-tensile?

I use barbed wire.

Very nice stories about the event. Thanks for sharing them. I really like the name Essupstock !!!!

It was a blast for sure.....On top of everything else I caught 15 BG, a LMB, and my personal best YP...was feeling pretty good about the latter when Scott deflated my ego by referring to the perch as a "small one"....he's obviously not familiar with the "cigars-with-fins" that pass for YP down in these parts..

I wonder if anybody has ever attended a PB event and didn't have a great time. I sure wish I could have been at this one.

We are a very fortunate bunch. The thing that worries me most about us, is that I consider my Pond Boss friends as 'normal."

Reflection of yesterday for me...

Holy cow, what did I get myself into!!!!

Why did I buy a house with a pond in my back yard in a residential area?

What am I gonna do to get all my BG in check?...

How am I gonna learn the names of 17,000 kinds of FA?

Why don't I lay in bed at night and "GIGGLE"?

Well I am back in one piece,

Sunil, sorry, but the smoke signals did not make it that far. True there is WiFi there, but there is something missing.......

Scott did a great job. Sean, Dave and others really pitched in, varsity work!!

Josh CAN talk........ and he has a lot of good things to say, I enjoyed talking with him and others.

I had a blast and I will post pictures and a video tomorrow.

I enjoyed the drive almost as much as the company.

What drive was easier, coming up or going back?

Scott, thanks for making this a Great Event!

And thanks to everyone who made it there and let us unfortunate ones who couldn't be there know what we missed. Seriously, thank you!

Anybody know where Pond Con 6 will be held yet?

If you look at the comments for Scott's get together, one common theme continues to come up. Interaction with other pond owners. I neglected that in the early PB conferences, and missed the opportunity of meeting many people I consider friends now.

I was there with Eric, Dave, George, etc. and never even met them. I was to wrapped up in the sessions to even reach out to other people. I won't make that mistake again.

Sorry I missed this one Scott, I really wanted to be there but I had help lined up to put up the deck frame on the house and it is hard to pass up help. If you do this again I will be there.

Sounds like a good time! Not going to happen for me unless it is much closer to WNY...

Just getting around to checking in. Seems we get buried back here at the ranch when we have "hot water ponds " and leave for a day or two. Ill do a more detailed post after we get caught up today. Thanks to all for being there and and becoming such good friends for either the first time or renewed friendship to you that we have met before.Scott a special thanks for the personal invite to attend. You did a fantastic job of putting this together as I know the planning that goes into events like this. (it can be a brain drain)Your pond is fantastic and found the natural setting very peaceful and interesting that it is built in sand. Your dog is "way cool" and has the perfect home. When he jumped up on the table in front of Bill I thought Bills eyes were going to pop out. Your explanation as to why your dog did this was interesting. Bob O we never did get that duck lasso'd. Brian came up to me and said " Scott wants us to get the duck out of here so lets go, so into the boat we went" Im still not sure what that was all about I just followed Brians orders !! Im think'n he meant muck ! More later.

HOST ONE!!! They are great fun!!! Others will help, you will not be alone.

Bob,

You missed your calling. You should have been a comedy writer.

I've hosted a few small ones. I've attended a few small ones. I've attended some, like the recent trip to Richmond Mills that weren't big, but they sure were very special. They've all been a lot of fun, mostly because they included the types of people I really enjoy being around.

The same goes for the PB conferences. My wife and I have attended each of them. We have immensely enjoyed all of them -- because of the people.

It doesn't take very many members, along with a few extraneous friends, to setup a fantastic pond fishing group party -- even if you don't get to go fishing. As said by HF, there is always plenty of help -- physically, fiscally, and fishfully.

I had a really nice chat with Bob-O on the phone about noon today. I really like this guy!

He can't spell worth a crap, and it takes a forensics team, working overtime, to decipher his last name and address on a tiny ticket!

Bob-O is

O.K. I'm finally getting around to putting up the pictures that FCM67693 took with my camera.

Couple of shots of the tent near the pond:




Bill Cody entertaining the crowd:




And Bruce trying to convince him that his time was up:


and trying.....


David from www.fishiding.com


and some samples that he brought and conveniently forgot to pack up - Thanks David!


Next it was Cecil's turn:

Then finally Bob Lusk, Mr. Pond Boss himself and David "D'oh! Why didn't I think of that?":




Then we took a slight break before I had to run for the food. Notice that Bruce is fishing in the pond. Remember that for later.


Here he is with Sue in red. I think he's showing Sue the finer points of fishing:


A bit later he said "I hate to throw anyone under the bus, but Sue had a bit of a tangle with your rod." Uh huh, O.K. Bruce, but I don't have any pictures of Sue with the rod in her hand.....


I gotta cut Bruce Sue some slack, the line was 2 years old on the reel......

That's all I got. I'm sure others have pictures and videos. I KNOW Brian has some, and someone else has pictures of Bruces LMB that he caught, and there's a picture of the YP that Bruce Sue caught.

Come on, somebody else post their pictures!

Bing took a bunch. See what he has.

Bruce looks like an angry Pez dispenser here:



It was Great! and ya all Rocked!!!

I have resisted postin any response about my reporting of the GTG but U guys have whipped on me enough to draw a response. 1st I only told what happened cause Sunill whined soo much that I thought it was my duty to shut him up. 2nd I'm bout tired of people sayin what I said was funny, I simply told the truth! 3rd next time be there!! Bob-O

Okay, I had a bit of time to get things published and here are some photos!!

Sue talking about Aeration!!



Here is a picture of the ECO 7 in open flow.



And it pushes out about 6CFM with open flow.



The highest pressure we cold get from the ECO 7 is just over 2PSIG, and at that pressure, the pump was unable to move air.



And with that pressure, it could not push air to a Vertex diffuser at 10 feet.



The Eco 7 at just under 2 PSIG could push some air to a Vertex diffuser at three feet under the surface.



Expect to see a Video soon that tells the rest of the story!!

Now for some fun photos!!

Here we see Ted and Tony laughing so hard they could not stand up!!



And here we see Tony's LMB!! I believe it was the daily record!!

I'm so glad y'all had as much fun as I did!

I was really honored to get to meet Bob-O! He's a great guy just as I expected.

I was also really happy to get to spend more time with my buddy, Tony. That's why I came. These people make up the core of what makes Pond Boss so special.

Of course, the professionals like Sue Cruz, Bill Cody, and Cecil Baird are awesome to listen to. I'd drive or fly a very long distance to get that kind of information!

Just a really good experience overall. We all owe Scott a debt of gratitude for going to the time and expense of hosting this.

Here's that picture of Sue.

Sshhh....if they see the photo of me holding the LMB over at BBG I'll never live it down!

Just an awesome time, and got to hang out with lots of really great people. I'm glad you came Bruce, you always give me reason to think, and your work has been an inspiration to me, as well as many others I'm sure. I look forward to the next time we meet.

I'll say it again....if someone gets the chance to attend a PB function, make every attempt to do so. What you come away with will amount to much more than you can imagine.

Till next time!

Great pictures!!! Thanks guys.

Like!

I must admit, Bob-O, that I have not yet endeavored to read your stream of consciousness posting due to my pending need for bifocals. Ever heard of a paragraph?? (Freak!)

Sunill, I don't need em!!!(Doink)

What?...Bifocals or paragraphs?..

Okay, I finally got the ECO 7 video up on You Tube, enjoy.

I just learned from that video. Thanks Ted, Bob, and highflyer.

Cool Vid HF!!!

Well I see where this is going but isn't it amazing that some guys are using this system as deep as 12 feet? (Read Below) Wow! I have no vested interest in this pump. I just made a DIY system that seems to work for me for 4 years now and no fish kills. Im just saying.....

This is from road joker below a while back.

Well dock is in so I figured might as well get the aerator out of the cabin and into the lake to free up some space. RC51 the system worked great in 15 fo0t of water but i have it off the bottom about 3 feet so im only in 12 foot of water.

Awesome vid, after watching I think I want Ted too te-evaluate my system even though he and Bill helped me design it I'd like to know the specs and turnover rate I'm getting..

Scott,

Nice Job! I am just getting around to checking this thread out. It was a great time and it was fun to see everyone again. I haven't been on here much lately. Need to make more time to stop and smell the pond scum

Here is my air station at 8 feet with 3 fusers?? Could someone please tell me how I am doing this with 2 psi? It is what it is. I never told anyone to use my system I posted pictures out here because it worked so well for me. (I am now starting to wonder if that was a mistake)

http://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=download&Number=744&filename=Bunch O Bubbles.jpg

RC, no one is attacking you or your system. If you have data from your system that shows your pressures, that might help.

I just want everyone to know the facts. Take it for what ever you want, I have no financial interest in this at all. I am not using your system because I have 32 feet of water in the deep end and I talked to experts. I do applaud your DIY spirit, heck I have it too incase you have not noticed.

This is about data. Period. Show us yours and we might learn. But ours was gathered using a strict scientific method.

Calling Condello an "angry Pez dispenser" is pure genius.

It still works for me , and he really likes chicken!

I may get in trouble on my next post tho.

.

Hmmm no pipe dope or band/clamp on the hose and barb fitting?? The guage is in x1000 increments

RC no need to worry man your system works great obviously there's differences between your system and the test.. Who knows what but there's obviously differences..

I wish I could join in on the laughs, but apparently I'm too slow to get the joke.

When I think of a Pez dispenser I think of a piece of junk plastic with a big oversized caricature head that spits out something that has no substance.....Oh, crap...I think I get it now.

Just revel in the moment, Mabro!!

Say, is that Pez, or Max Headroom with darker hair??

JKB, I was within a couple feet of the nest today while I was spraying it. It's dead now. They were pretty meek. Didn't get stung once, nor did any even come at me.

I left the camera at home, so pics will have to wait 'till Thurs.

.

Not liquid filled? Vacuum guage?

1000 was a joke

Hey everyone I am not here to get anyone to buy my low end system. Or take any buisness away from a "sponser" of pondboss sorry if some folks feel that way. My system is exactly what it is low end cause I could not afford the high end.. That was all I couid afford when I made that system if I had the money I would have a high end system. Am I taking more of a chance than the guy with the 1500 dollar system??? Sure I am that's a no brainer... but it is what it is for me right now. Maybe one day I can swap all my stuff out but till then this is all I got and it's been working for me without any issues and we get some hot, hot summers here in Arkansas. Anyway no worries I just dont want people thinking my setup is as good as others cause I never said it was I mean lets face it you do get what you pay for right. My system is cheep but works that doesn't mean I may not lose some fish at some point.

RC

Hey RC,

While I wasnt there, I dont think any of the posting was intended to say your system was ineffective for you. I know that your system intrigued me and I kept pestering Ted via PM about why I would want a higher end compressor versus the ECO 7. It was likely my thick-headedness that helped push a need for simpler explanation of why that and other compressors may not be best if you have options on systems.

I still look at your system and figure better to have some aeration than none, and you got a system that seems to be working for you based on the pond results you post!

John

.

I know I'm gonna' regret this, but I'll bite....I'm assuming a gauge intended for ammonia is made from different materials than one intended for "air", but are you hinting that they are calibrated differently??

Just how much difference is there between a "0" reading on an ammonia gauge, vs. one intended for air? Is it enough to render the test ineffective, or merely enough to raise the hackles on a lonely engineer?

Inquiring minds after all....

I thought ammonia was the brand.. Lol I'm an idiot

Lets all take a deep breath. This has been a very good exchange of thoughts. Sorry I have not added much as been covered up since I returned from GTG 1.Let me touch on a few points and then we can move on to better fish stuff. I purchased this pump the Eco 7 from Kens Fish last August to test as I had a few inquires as to its effectiveness. I often purchase pumps, diffusers, windmills, cabinets just to test and observe over time. These units are not resold I just have lots of them for testing. I have been looking for an economical linear pump for several years to add to the lineup. I not only sell Vertex products but manufacturer our own ForeverGreen Economy Lines of aeration systems with companies that compete against the Vertex Line such as Gast. There is a spot for both lines even though all of our systems have Vertex airstations. (Im that sold on them) As far as my field test last Saturday I use a dry gauge and a wet gauge to check each other.> added< an ammonia guage that I used is used in the 20% air space in the top of an ammonia vessel, and does not measure liquid pressue, I use these because they are SS and this is one of the things I took out of the NH3 biz after being in it for 25 years they make a great air pressure gauge At 5.1 psi which is the maximum the Eco 7 is suppose to produce a band clamp was not needed. I only wish it would of blown off. When I rebuild compressors I use these gauges in 5 lb increments to see if the cfm is where it is suppose to be. I only test to 35 psi on 35 psi rated models and 10 on 10 psi models so those gauges serve me well. I loaded all of this equipment up 15 minutes before we departed as did not know if I should bring anything or not, One of the common questions I get is what is the difference between a linear, vane and wobl piston so brought all three just incase there was any interest. No agenda set.RC when I sent you a PM about my bench test results last August 2nd 2012 I had mentioned that if was doing what you needed it to do just keep at it since it was working for you but I could not get the results I needed. Since I don't know the cfm available at your depths ( cant get a flow chart and I called two more distributors today to get one) and probably cant get any lifting data from the your diffuser manufacturer I would only be selling equipment if I offered that system. It would be too risky for me to do that. You are getting the results you need but I have to sell results too and could not get myself comfortable with that pump. Another big item that stood out in the owners manual was to keep it under 100F, and keep it out of the sun were two that I thought might limit it. JKB what I would like to do is ship you this unit for any kind of testing you want to do. I would appreciate your feedback. Then lets get it to RC and may come in handy for spare parts or a backup unit. RC my concern is always that a DIY system will come up short for someone that does not realize their demand for DO may be different than yours and that even though 2 ponds are the same size they often require very different systems.Hope this helps and take care !!

Man Ted I like your plan there JKB can get the info and RC gets a spare.. Man your a nice guy.. Next time you test a 3/4hp gast rotary and need to give it too someone for a spare let me know lol...jk

Ted you get some time and caught up I'd like too PM you about my system too see if you can gimme some info on what it's doin lift and output wise.. NO HURRY AT ALL..

That Ted is one classy fellow......I enjoyed spending a little time with him on Saturday.

.

Hey Ted I get that, I know you guys have to stand behind what you sell for sure as that is your lively hood. Thats all I want folks to understand is I never wrote anything anywhere that my system is a no fail system. What I would like to test is a couple of vertex fusers on my system and see what they do in my pond at current depth. You said when you tested you couldn't get anything after 4 I would like to see what I could get with a couple of vertex fusers in 8 foot. I may have to purchase a couple from someone. Anyhow no bad thoughts here from me its all good.

RC

RC I would suggest buying them from Ted lol..

.

Great info Ted......but one big paragraph .Just kidding.

These 'stream of consciousness' posts are killing me!

When the creative juices are flowing they can't be confined within a linguistic levee... Cinch down that PFD and jump in, Sunil....

I wouldn't mind hosting something like this once i get my mostly in ground solar heated building up and several fish tanks installed. Unfortunated that is about 2 years off as my 5 to 6 pound brook trout sales to other taxidermists will help finance it! but they won't be for sale until the fall of 2014.

.

You failed to mention the enclosed cab you were in while on the tractor during the spraying Op!

Why wait? Plan something for an earlier future date! I'll kick in a few bucks! I need to stop by sometime!

Nix the catered food tho. It was decent, but a nicely grilled burger with all the stuff, would have been much better!

Planning takes a bit of time tho!

Ssshhhhh!

They really aren't that agressive around here. I was smoothing out the dirt at my place with the Kubota and the ROPS was whacking the tree branches as I box bladed around the tree. On the 3rd pass I turned to my left and out of the corner of my eye I saw this large funnel shaped object not 3' away from me in the tree. I turned a little bit more to get a better look and realized that it was an active Bald Faced Hornets nest. Every time I went under the tree, the ROPS hit the branch that it was attached to and it went for a ride. It was about 1/3 again larger than the one that was on the H-Frame. I didn't tempt fate and go under the tree again, but I never got stung either. I'll bet my head was 2' from that nest when I was going under the tree! That tractor does NOT have a cab on it.

Hornets are not really aggressive around here either, but man handling their hive could pose some problems.

Wasp's are OK, and I like the big 'ole Bumble Bees!

The real stinkers around here are Yellow Jackets! They have no conscience, and obviously never learned in school on what they were supposed to sting!

Them's the ones ya make sure you have a get away plan in place before ya roach their hive!

I could avoid paying the rental fee for a tent if I had a building. Also wouldn't have to worry about the weather. I'd like to showcase my systems complete with brook, brown, rainbow, and tiger trout and a grow out tank for bluegill and yellow perch YOY.

I'd advertise in the paper that covers a few counties and would probably be able to bring in a big crowd. It worked for our spring aquaculture show. Actually too well!

JKB, I HATE yellow jackets. I was stung on the cheek when I was a kid and really, really dislike them. You're right, they have no respect. Especially in the Fall when they're attracted to meat. You can't clean fish outside without having to battel them for the fish.

I haven't had a chance to say thank you to all who attended and especially Scott for hosting the get together!! It was wonderful to see the usual suspects and meet some new ones!! Outdoorliving, you fit right in - thank you so much for making the T-shirts!! Bruce, I really enjoyed the fishing experience ~ I still can't believe you took a photo of my epic line fiasco for all to see!! Bob and Fred ~ it was soooo nice to see you and spend time with you guys as always! Ted, it's been too long since I've seen you and Terri~ thank you so much for hauling all that Vertex equipment to the meeting and for making me proud to have such a knowledgeable friend and dealer! I can't wait for the next one!!

You got that right! I once stepped on a nest bare footed as a kid whike fishing. Man did that hurt!

Sue:

Bruce came to me and showed me the reel, saying "I don't want to throw anybody under the bus, but Sue did it." I believe he thought I'd be upset, but heck no, that's part of fishing. As Bruce alluded to, that line needed to be changed anyway! Mike Carson had my camera and I had him take a picture of it so I could give Bruce some grief. He needed something sharp to undo the tangle.

It was good seeing you again, and I really, really appreciate you (and everybody else) for coming to the seminar! I'm pretty sure that I'm going to do it again next year, but earlier in the year and indoors where the threat of bad weather won't affect it. If everything goes as tentatively planned, we could make a short drive (less than 2 miles) to my pond for any hands on demos.

Seems to me I recall someone else suffering line difficulties with that rod, later in the day. I felt so sorry for him, it was almost enough to make me put down my rod and try to help. Almost.

Yea! It was the rod and old line!!

Ironically, Scott had one of the best equipped tackle boxes I've ever run across! All the right lures...all the right sizes...all the right colors....but then hands me a rod circa 1977 with K-Mart line that was probably pre-wound on the reel. My Goodness, Man!!!

Lol

I wanted to bring my new rig down that everyone here helped me with, but had that really stinky and short S-10 from work due to the CV joint in my truck acting up. 7' one piece don't fit in a 4' box! I really like this thing!

Ever try the Nano line? I really like it! Should be up your alley, because it's like dental floss! And with all that Chicken and movie star teeth, you could take care of it between cast's

I saw the whole thing with you and Sue , and then you requested a pocket knife! May have had something to do with opening the bail and not quite being ready! Just saying!

I hate when that happens tho! Nano don't do that, but you can tie it up on the tip in instances. Never a major one tho.

I like nano, but I find the smaller diameter line tends to dig in on the spool...I tend to cast with very light presentations, and if I stick a fish big enough to slip the drag, the line will bind up on the spool and not want to come off under the miniscule weight I'm throwing. I usually have to pull off some by hand, then wind it back up under no pressure, before it will cast any good distance again.

Not that big of a problem, just an aggravation.

Jeez! Give you a nice St. Croix Rod, a Diawa Regal Z reel and all ya do is complain about the line.

Actually I have a brand new spool of 6# Maxima Ultragreen here to put on the reel, but that was one of the things that I didn't get done before everybody showed up.

I looked - it was 2 year old 6# Berkley Vanish Transition Fluro that was on the reel.

Bruce, I had 1/8th, 1/16th and 3/16th jig heads in my other tackle box. I think I have 4 or 5 freshwater boxes and one LARGE saltwater box that needs to be moved around on a 2 wheeled cart. Once that one hits the boat it stays in place until the trip is over. I gave you my small "pond" box.

Some pictures from today. The first 2 are what JKB found when he and I went to look at the electric at the other property.




I can taste the steaks already!

It's a pretty cool nest, and I don't see anything giving me the eye outa that!

I find that Nano packs really tight, but may just be the way I do it. I always use my fingers as a tensioner on occasion after cast's and also spool it up pretty tight. Learned that as a kid after a few Afros happened! I know the mess!

When Bruce comes to your pond, you've got to do something to protect your fish!

Uhh, keep in mind that "bought two years ago" may not exactly mean "two years old". If you buy line in the sale bin at Dollar General, it's probably got five years, two hundred rads, and 30,000 thermal cycles on it. It handled just like al dente spaghetti.

You know I'm just givin' ya a hard time, right?

No. His feelings are certainly hurt now. So sad....

That pic of Bambi makes me hungry!!!

Cabelas in Hammond, Indiana is where it came from. I wonder if they put expiration dates on them?

Now, if you would have asked for 4# or 2#, those ARE freshly spooled this Spring. But NO, you had to ask for 6#!

Last year in early bow season there was one with spots on it's hindquarters and I let it walk by every day for almost 2 weeks. When the lightbulb came on saying "Hey, that would look good tanned as a throw on one of the couches!" it's spots were gone.

Ain't making that same decision this year!

I know the local farmer has depredation tags, and I'm guessing that Mom is no longer around since I haven't seen her at all. If I'm in the tractor, they run away, but stop 100' away at the most.

Thought it was forbidden to take one in spots or maybe they have changed that.

I, too, have been chastised by Condello for my line choices. It hurts for a while…

Bruce does not need a rod/reel/line - that why he is called the Fish Whisperer !

Just got back and had a chance to go through the thread.

Well done guys ! Well reported also. At some point this needs to go in the archives (after all are through posting).

I know the SDSU folks thank you all very much.

ewest, pull the plug any time. We're just rambling on now.

I KNOW others have some pics, now if we could just get them up on here!

I would like to see the other pics first.

Hang on, pictures on the way.

The SDSU folks do indeed thank you all very much. . Look for the next story from a student who benefitted from the Jesse West fisheries endowment in the next issue of Pond Boss magazine. Intrigued? Teaser.

Another teaser to Sunil: might even be a bit of a musical connection this time....

Personally, I'd really like us to 'really feel the space,' so to speak, around referring to Bruce as "Pez" going forward.

If the moment passed, well then so be it.

Personally, I can't see it for two reasons.

First, by all accounts, Bruce did a great MC'ing job at Scotts, but in the future, such opportunities might fall away, as no one with want their meeting run by someone named "Pez". Therefore, the MC'ing may well fall on the broad shoulders of other moderators, such as you, Sunil. It's not that I don't think you'd do a fantastic job, but you'd have to put down your Peroni for several hours, which might result in somthing embarressing happening, like withdrawl seizures.

Second, newer members of the forum, awed by the archival treasure trove of Bruce's fish pictures, might think that we're trying to refer to him as "Prez" rather than "Pez", and that we're all a bunch of imbeciles who can't spell, instead of just a bunch of regular imbeciles.

So I guess you'll have to put me in the "nay" category.

Brutal, simply brutal David. Anybody that brings a case of Costco wine to gathering of fishermen cannot be taken seriously.

To refer to Bruce as a collectable, cheap plastic candy dispenser that contributes to tooth decay is a travesty. Bruce is on the other side of the rotten teeth industry and has financed a lot of fishing trips by his efforts.

Sunil has potential as a candidate for MC. But he would first have to tackle "girly/sissy" beer withdrawal. Nobody in the pond world would shut up and listen to a Peroni sipper. To be taken seriously, any MC would have to be drinking the KING of beers. Sunil, start thinking of red and white cans with a born on date or turn in your jock strap.

TJ might qualify but he fishes with a sissy stick and we all know how "they" are.

I'll think this over and come up with a suitable candidate for the next Yankee gathering.

Priceless.

Well, this reminds of a sitcom conversation. I think it was Sanford & Son.

Esther: "Well, I never..."
Fred: "And you probably never will."

I think that one Pez joke is more than adequate, but it kinda fell out of the sky at the perfect moment!

Didn't mean to pick on ya so bad Bruce, but being a celeb, an occasional roasting comes with the territory Think of it as a form of respect and admiration! A sense of humor wouldn't hurt either

Bruce is Top's in my book!

Can't wait to see what he has going on with his indoor rig this winter.

I vote that DD1 should pick the next Yankee MC!

Just wondering what happened here?

Got an explanation for your obvious absence?

I think we were a week off on that campfire weather tho. Cranked up the heat earlier, and esshup seems to only be a couple degrees different. Grabbed a flannel shirt when I went to my property today. Only 58F there.

Yeah, I know. This is T-shirt weather coming out of winter, but flannel shirt stuff after it's been in the 80's - 90's for a spell.

Clammy type weather ahead! (cold and humid)

Supposed to be in the upper 40's tonight.

My trout will love it! Not happy I'm out of the 5D06 and feeding them the 5D05 I have left over, but my feed supplier won't get it in until next week. I've been feeding it to the tilapia.

I need to get several bags at a time to avoid this but it's getting expensive to order the 5D06 and the starter feed. Starter feed is over $50.00 per bag now. At least I have enough to last until I sell most of them.

Cecil, Bar MM Feed, where I get mine has both 5D05 and D5D06 in stock.......

Where's it located? I have two bags coming next week though.

My tilapia outside stopped feeding this morning. I wonder why. LOL

I still think lots of fish farmers are missing the boat up here by going with tilapia. You don't need to heat the water wiyh bluegill and yellow perch!

Just north of Culver on 17. (South of Plymouth)

I disagree. I'm not confortable with labeling people on a real or imagined physical attribute. Reminds me of grade school bullies.

It was a joke, and not an attribute labeling thing!

You know, you're right, Cecil.

Bruce has been crying himself to sleep each night ever since he caught some verbal abuse (aka bullying) from his friends!

Ya know Sunil, I should hire a shrink and take all the sensitivity conditioning sessions I can afford. Maybe even learn how to walk on egg shells without crunching them

I've heard that it is much easier to learn how to walk on water tho.

I couldn't help it!

I love you, Cecil.

Yup...Daughter drama...lol

Well...if we can't laugh, especially at ourselves...buddies will just laugh at us anyway.....:D

Thanks for letting me go to the party Scott...It was a hoot. I just wish I could have stayed a little longer to meet everyone. Maybe next year.

Been away for a few days because of work, but we just found a piece a land. Pond maybe 3 years away. Closing on Aug 9th and driving to Cananda (fishing)on the 10th. Pretty stoked.

Glad that you could make it. Congrats on the property!

Glad everyone who made it, Made it!

New sub's are mailed out as of this Monday. If you don't get it in a couple weeks, send me a PM and I'll figure out what is up!

Glad you could all make it.

Got mine yesterday, thanks JKB!!

PS I love any article about Beavers!!!

The last shirts should be delivered UPS tomorrow..Which in turn means I just got done writing a check to SDSU for $420 to benefit the Jesse West Endowment...It will be in the mail tomorrow...Thanks to all that donated for the t-shirts...

Thank you for the sweet shirt Sean. Now I just need a decal for the truck.

If you go to the wet wonderland. They will probably have PB Connect stuff, and in the package will be a Decal. Suitable for applying it where you wish.

I put in for vacation that whole weekend. Now the wait for approval.

Sean (outdoorlivin) and Scott -- I got the August Foundation report yesterday afternoon. Thanks so much for the $420 donation to the Jesse W. West research endowment at SDSU! We will put it to good, long term use!

You are very welcome.. I

Sean and Scott, class act.

When you can reach out and touch a person's life (soul) in a positive way - do it - do it every time. It is what makes life worth living. Carpe Diem !


Thanks Sean and Scott !!!!

It was much MUCH more Sean than Scott. All I did was have the people here. He did all the work!

I'll post your pics this coming week.

A tad over 203K eyeballs got scorched in the past 7 months!!

Just think about what it would have been like if Richie Havens, Ravi Shankar, Arlo Guthrie, Joan Bias, Santana, Country Joe and his FISH, Janis Joplin, Jimmi Hendrix and a few others would have shown up like they did at a little get together back in 1969 in New York state.

Just think of the donation that could have been made to the Jesse West Foundation in Dr. Dave's honor!

Grovertown 2013 Revisited - Powered by Bing!

These are pics that Bing was snapping throughout the day.

Thanks Bing!!!

There are a few so I'll add some for the next few nights.

Anyone want to comment on a pic, just copy it to a new post.

Had to start with this one!
My theory on what really happened here. Bill just let out a squeaker and Bruce was within ear shot



Matt



Esshup, Bob and Sean



Peepaw



Smiley Sue


I don't know how many pics one can put in a post, so I'll just do 5.

Mr. Baird on dumpster cages.



Gathering by the feeder.



Having Fun!



Don't know who the little kid is.
Spark on the left, red haired kid on the right.
Ted Lea won a sub or renewal. He said give it to the red haired kid.
Scott was able to track him down, and he got a PB mag sub.
Thanks all!



Sean on the left - Mr. SDSU Champion of the day! Not sure who the other is. If anyone knows, please let me know so I can change this.



Bill's bodyguard, and I think one of Scott's neighbors, or from Indiana. (in deep right)



Local that came in to learn more about pond management. He was quite inquisitive!



That's the security dude! and Deb, who I believe has a fish farm. Tilapia?


Please feel free to make corrections. I can't remember everything.

Bob-O



The author of this:

David can crop the pic and make a Dart Board!

What's up here? I would do that pressure point thing with a finger if I had any tooth pain.

Nice job JKB and Bing! If only those photos could convey how stinkin' hot it was that day.

Sparkplug, me Cecil and Cody were cool!!!

I thought it was reasonable, but the sun did beat down after a while.

There are a few pics that Bing sent me, but I'll probably only do about 25 or so.

Bob-O, you guys were born cool!

Thank you sir, Cecil and Bill were but I had to work very very hard at it.

I'm never cool Bob. About as photogenic as a dog turd in the snow.

I picked the best one.

The youngster was Lusk's grandson. Great pics - thanks Bing for taking them and JKB for posting.

JKB, the guy in the plaid shirt is the neighbor from across the street and to the right. Doug.

Yes, that lady (actually her dad and his twin brother) have the Tilapia farm. The brothers are in their upper 80's and still going strong.

It was warm that day, but it was about 10 degrees cooler than it was earlier in the week.

The young man in the blue shirt holding the tent ropes is Bob Lusk's grandson Nolan.