I'm 61  years old from missouri . I dont have a boat operators card because I'm grandfathered . I   want to go on the Illinois river . Will I need a operators license , safety card or anything like that ? I've   looked on-line and cant find answer's to my question  .

No, you won’t need anything special. In the unlikely event you are stopped, a current registration and the other normal safety equipment is all you need. If you insist on running fast in shallow water, you might need a helmet and bullet proof vest to protect you from jumping Asian carp..

1 hour ago, Scott F said:

If you insist on running fast in shallow water, you might need a helmet and bullet proof vest to protect you from jumping Asian carp..

 Thanks for the info . I have an old friend in Canton who is not doing well and he wants to do some bass fishing . The only place I can find in that area is the Illinois river . Hope there is a usable boat ramp close to Canton . I heard about the Asian carp problem and dont want those big things jumping in my boat breaking wind shields , depth finders...

I fish the Illinois a few times a year much farther north near Utica. There are a lot of carp in the area but we always stay in the main channel while not fishing. We very seldom see any jumping fish. If you scare them in shallow water, look out. The videos you see are all filmed running very close to the bank. 

stay in the main channel when running and you will be just fine from the carp. I have a glass boat, but in my 15+ years of fishing the river I have only had 4 enter my boat. And 3 of those were at the same time. So only 2 separate incidents and both were when I was on the trolling motor and fishing. If you idle in shallow water, they will jump. Luckily I know my way around my pool, so I troll out of shallow areas where I cant get on pad. If I can get on pad, I hammer down and get out of the shallower water asap. The white bass are biting, and been picking up some smallies randomly.

On 8/20/2018 at 8:41 PM, scaleface said:

Hope there is a usable boat ramp close

I believe there is a ramp at Liverpool which is straight south of Canton and also one on the river on the east side of Rice Lake.  I can't attest to the quality because I've never used them.  How far could your friend travel?  Powerton used to be a good lake.  That should only be about 30 minutes from Canton.  

10 hours ago, BigAngus752 said:

...... Powerton used to be a good lake.  That should only be about 30 minutes from Canton.  

Powerton USED to be a good lake. The bass and most other species except for some cats are mostly all gone. Few people fish there anymore. If you are in Canton, check out the Giant Goose Ranch. Best fishing in the entire state but I think you might have to rent a cabin or campsite to get access to the fishing lakes.

9 hours ago, Scott F said:

Powerton USED to be a good lake. The bass and most other species except for some cats are mostly all gone. Few people fish there anymore. If you are in Canton, check out the Giant Goose Ranch. Best fishing in the entire state but I think you might have to rent a cabin or campsite to get access to the fishing lakes.

Wow, that's too bad.  Powerton was one of my dad's favorites.  

It looks like it will have to be either Powerton or the Il. river .