I'm leaving for saltier air tomorrow and so, won't be posting. I fished tonight, but unsuccessfully. After leaving work early today and resting for a couple of hours I finally started to feel a bit better again.
My friend caught one fish on a popper, a nice 12" bass, but by the time I waded over to him, it had slipped out of his hands and was well on its way back to whatever hiding spot it came from.
I'm pretty exhausted and I leave you with a link to a post very relevant to this weekend, a post made by a blogger who named his blog after a Modest Mouse song and who's address is the name of his sail boat.
Thoughts on Lakes vs. The Sea (There is some strong language and strong opinions around his site. You've been warned.)
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Wednesday and the Weekend
Ended up staying home from work today. I was supposed to fish this evening with a friend but instead postponed it to tomorrow. Not sure, but whatever hit me over the night didn't let go until this afternoon.
So I'll be fishing tomorrow evening for smallmouth with a guy who is sort of my warm water (and now, salt water) mentor. He took me out and helped me catch a couple of big crappies as well as a Pickerel very early in the season.
Which leads us to this weekend - Friday night we're leaving for Hampton Beach, NH. Its an annual trip that my family has been taking since the mid 70's without missing a year. Of course, I've only been going since the early 80's... but regardless, my whole life. Things have changed there, our favorite restaurant closed, and the cabins we've been staying at for 20 or more years were sold, but we still venture back to sit on a porch and watch the ocean, visit our favorite quiet places, eat our favorite seafood, and just enjoy life. This is a much needed break - mostly for my wife, who is hair-line deep in post graduate work - and is very welcome. My goal is to fish... even if just for an hour or so... for schoolie stripers in a bay we "discovered" last year. If I even hook into ANY fish I'll be wickedly happy. I've never fished salt water before so it will be a new experience and feeds directly into my goal of experiencing as many different aspects of fly fishing this year.
On the Biking front, I've joined a challenge to ride 300 miles in one month. I did that for a year or two on a regular basis but that was in 1998 and 1999. This will be a big challenge for me, especially since I'm carefully watching my food intake which I never did before (lots of calories + lots of carbs = much easier multiple-day long distance rides).
Of course, this week while putting some miles on my bike decided to puke itself. After today I won't be riding it again until I get the bottom bracket replaced - which may very well end up being mid August judging by how busy the bike shop is. My crank arms rock back and forth so bad I worry about damaging the BB housing in the frame and rendering the entire thing useless. I guess thats what happens when you put 13,000 miles on older components... especially when you ride hard for most of those miles and never weigh less than 235lbs (most bike components are made for people in the 150-160lb range). I can't ask more from a 30 dollar part.
If I get a chance I'll post a report from tomorrow night but if I don't, I'll post it when I return or if we have internet at the beach. If I don't post before then, enjoy your weekend and I'll see you on Monday.
So I'll be fishing tomorrow evening for smallmouth with a guy who is sort of my warm water (and now, salt water) mentor. He took me out and helped me catch a couple of big crappies as well as a Pickerel very early in the season.
Which leads us to this weekend - Friday night we're leaving for Hampton Beach, NH. Its an annual trip that my family has been taking since the mid 70's without missing a year. Of course, I've only been going since the early 80's... but regardless, my whole life. Things have changed there, our favorite restaurant closed, and the cabins we've been staying at for 20 or more years were sold, but we still venture back to sit on a porch and watch the ocean, visit our favorite quiet places, eat our favorite seafood, and just enjoy life. This is a much needed break - mostly for my wife, who is hair-line deep in post graduate work - and is very welcome. My goal is to fish... even if just for an hour or so... for schoolie stripers in a bay we "discovered" last year. If I even hook into ANY fish I'll be wickedly happy. I've never fished salt water before so it will be a new experience and feeds directly into my goal of experiencing as many different aspects of fly fishing this year.
On the Biking front, I've joined a challenge to ride 300 miles in one month. I did that for a year or two on a regular basis but that was in 1998 and 1999. This will be a big challenge for me, especially since I'm carefully watching my food intake which I never did before (lots of calories + lots of carbs = much easier multiple-day long distance rides).
Of course, this week while putting some miles on my bike decided to puke itself. After today I won't be riding it again until I get the bottom bracket replaced - which may very well end up being mid August judging by how busy the bike shop is. My crank arms rock back and forth so bad I worry about damaging the BB housing in the frame and rendering the entire thing useless. I guess thats what happens when you put 13,000 miles on older components... especially when you ride hard for most of those miles and never weigh less than 235lbs (most bike components are made for people in the 150-160lb range). I can't ask more from a 30 dollar part.
If I get a chance I'll post a report from tomorrow night but if I don't, I'll post it when I return or if we have internet at the beach. If I don't post before then, enjoy your weekend and I'll see you on Monday.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Sweet Steak with Quinoa Noodles and Fresh Green Beans
Some of you know that I'm a foodie. That means I like to eat. I also love to cook - this is what I made tonight and it was a big hit. For those that don't know, Quinoa noodles are Gluten Free and delicious (albeit a bit expensive).
Preheat grill to high heat and be prepared to scrub your grill afterwards.
Ingredients
1 steak, this one was about 1/2lb for two of us. Your favorite cut will do but I suggest something slightly thicker cut.
4oz of Quinoa noodles (elbows, rotini, doesn't matter)
Fresh Green Beans
Olive Oil
Salt
Pepper
Paprika
Smoked Paprika
Basil
Oregano
Chili Powder
Garlic Powder (garlic cloves are fine, I just didn't feel like chopping them up)
Brown Sugar
Take the steak out of the fridge about 30 minutes prior to cooking.
Mix the brown sugar, paprika, smoked paprika, basil, oregano, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. I don't measure, but use about equal amounts of the spices (adjust to your taste) and double the amount of sugar.
Rub the spice rub onto the steak - be sure to get all 4 sides if you use a thicker piece and make sure that it is coated nicely.
Bring the steak out to the grill and place over the heat. DO NOT TOUCH for about 6 minutes (for a 1" thick steak medium rare). Go inside and cook some more...
Put the Quinoa noodles into a small pot of boiling water and let them boil for about 6 minutes (coincidence?)
Place your fresh green beans (snap them ahead of time... that means taking the stems off the ends) into another pot of boiling water... for about 6 minutes.
About this point should be time to go flip your steak. What you'll notice is that your rub has turned into more of a glaze from the sugar melting - thats ok, and also why you'll need to scrub your grill afterwards. Flip the steak over and leave it alone for another 6-8 minutes. Really. I mean it. Go back inside.
Once your noodles and green beans have finished cooking, drain them both. Immediately plate the noodles with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Heat a small amount of olive oil in a frying pan. Once the oil is beginning to wrinkle (but before it smokes) carefully place the green beans into the pan. Quickly stir them around to coat them in the oil and allow to char slightly. This should only take a few minutes - don't burn them or the oil.
Set them aside but leave them in the pan so they stay warm. Go get your steak!
Bring it inside and cover it with aluminum foil. Don't have aluminum foil? a large bowl will do. Don't carve it, poke it, prod it... just leave it alone for about 10 minutes, 15 if its a larger piece of meat.
That's the hardest part because at this point, it probably smells delicious. Go out and scrub your grill while its still hot though - that will keep the sugar from becoming too gummy and clogging up your brush. You do have a copper, brass, or steel brush, right?
Go cut up your steak. Some people like to get all fancy and cut it on the bias (slanting) but always cut against the grain. This makes the meat more tender. Also, NOT cutting on the bias also makes the meat more tender, but its a balance between presentation and tenderness. I almost always cut without a bias but to each their own.
Serve as you like - I prefer like above. Before plating the steak itself, put the beans over the noodles and drizzle them both with a small amount of olive oil. Lightly salt the whole mess and layer your steak on top. There should be some of your glaze on the plate or cutting board that you carved the steak on - pour that over the stack of food and enjoy. You shouldn't even need a knife for the steak.
Enjoy, and let me know if you tried it.
Preheat grill to high heat and be prepared to scrub your grill afterwards.
Ingredients
1 steak, this one was about 1/2lb for two of us. Your favorite cut will do but I suggest something slightly thicker cut.
4oz of Quinoa noodles (elbows, rotini, doesn't matter)
Fresh Green Beans
Olive Oil
Salt
Pepper
Paprika
Smoked Paprika
Basil
Oregano
Chili Powder
Garlic Powder (garlic cloves are fine, I just didn't feel like chopping them up)
Brown Sugar
Take the steak out of the fridge about 30 minutes prior to cooking.
Mix the brown sugar, paprika, smoked paprika, basil, oregano, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. I don't measure, but use about equal amounts of the spices (adjust to your taste) and double the amount of sugar.
Rub the spice rub onto the steak - be sure to get all 4 sides if you use a thicker piece and make sure that it is coated nicely.
Bring the steak out to the grill and place over the heat. DO NOT TOUCH for about 6 minutes (for a 1" thick steak medium rare). Go inside and cook some more...
Put the Quinoa noodles into a small pot of boiling water and let them boil for about 6 minutes (coincidence?)
Place your fresh green beans (snap them ahead of time... that means taking the stems off the ends) into another pot of boiling water... for about 6 minutes.
About this point should be time to go flip your steak. What you'll notice is that your rub has turned into more of a glaze from the sugar melting - thats ok, and also why you'll need to scrub your grill afterwards. Flip the steak over and leave it alone for another 6-8 minutes. Really. I mean it. Go back inside.
Once your noodles and green beans have finished cooking, drain them both. Immediately plate the noodles with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Heat a small amount of olive oil in a frying pan. Once the oil is beginning to wrinkle (but before it smokes) carefully place the green beans into the pan. Quickly stir them around to coat them in the oil and allow to char slightly. This should only take a few minutes - don't burn them or the oil.
Set them aside but leave them in the pan so they stay warm. Go get your steak!
Bring it inside and cover it with aluminum foil. Don't have aluminum foil? a large bowl will do. Don't carve it, poke it, prod it... just leave it alone for about 10 minutes, 15 if its a larger piece of meat.
That's the hardest part because at this point, it probably smells delicious. Go out and scrub your grill while its still hot though - that will keep the sugar from becoming too gummy and clogging up your brush. You do have a copper, brass, or steel brush, right?
Go cut up your steak. Some people like to get all fancy and cut it on the bias (slanting) but always cut against the grain. This makes the meat more tender. Also, NOT cutting on the bias also makes the meat more tender, but its a balance between presentation and tenderness. I almost always cut without a bias but to each their own.
Serve as you like - I prefer like above. Before plating the steak itself, put the beans over the noodles and drizzle them both with a small amount of olive oil. Lightly salt the whole mess and layer your steak on top. There should be some of your glaze on the plate or cutting board that you carved the steak on - pour that over the stack of food and enjoy. You shouldn't even need a knife for the steak.
Enjoy, and let me know if you tried it.
Easy Like Sunday Morning...
This Sunday was supposed to be a day for riding. The fruitless pursuit of... nothing? Just a long ride with no real objective besides miles so that future miles are more effortless and the journey can last longer than before.
That didn't happen. Something way more fun did.
I've decided to try my hand at a fly swap. I've only been tying flies for about 8 months but I was encouraged that no matter how ugly my flies are there have been uglier bought and traded. These are flies for a famous fall trip for a species that has been in the news more often lately. The problem being I've never tied flies like those required for this trip and am already anxious about sending 11 strangers flies of mine that may be ugly at best, unfishable at worst.
So the same good friend that has been taking me fishing for almost a year now, taught me most of what I know about tying flies and much of how to fish them told me that we could get together this weekend to tie a few, he'd give me some materials to get me through this swap. A few days later, he tells me he has an idea that we fish for a few hours before we tie - Really? C'mon I mean why would I... oh, ok. I guess you can twist my arm.
So we hit a local river despite the rising water levels and tempted our fate to chase trout in muddy water that was flowing nearly tripple what it had been a week prior.
So, needless to say, we both got skunked. We eventually found a spot where the water was very high but the river was so wide at this point that it was plenty fishable. We had a few big time follows, some by bass and sunfish, some by decent sized trout... but no takes. Sunday was a streamer day, but neither of us could outsmart the wary river fish slightly overstressed by the monsoon season here in the northeast.
No problem though, we tied a lot and he gave me a lot of brightly colored materials that seem as though they're more scarey than fishy. He says they work, and I trust him, so I'll confidently tie - and fish - these fluffy neon colored monstrosities with pride.
Oh, and after dealing with a power outage from about 4am to 6am, fishing from 7 until 10, tying flies for a couple of more hours, and driving home... I managed a 20 mile bike ride in 1:42 (hour and fourty-two minutes). I felt good afterwards and even though I'm a little sore today I think in an hour or so I may go for another ride, albeit slightly shorter.
I'll post some photos of the flies given to me and tied, but for now... I'll see you standing in an almost frozen river throwing what looks to be little girls pom-poms into a steady wind at fish that you could probably just reach down and grab.
That didn't happen. Something way more fun did.
I've decided to try my hand at a fly swap. I've only been tying flies for about 8 months but I was encouraged that no matter how ugly my flies are there have been uglier bought and traded. These are flies for a famous fall trip for a species that has been in the news more often lately. The problem being I've never tied flies like those required for this trip and am already anxious about sending 11 strangers flies of mine that may be ugly at best, unfishable at worst.
So the same good friend that has been taking me fishing for almost a year now, taught me most of what I know about tying flies and much of how to fish them told me that we could get together this weekend to tie a few, he'd give me some materials to get me through this swap. A few days later, he tells me he has an idea that we fish for a few hours before we tie - Really? C'mon I mean why would I... oh, ok. I guess you can twist my arm.
So we hit a local river despite the rising water levels and tempted our fate to chase trout in muddy water that was flowing nearly tripple what it had been a week prior.
So, needless to say, we both got skunked. We eventually found a spot where the water was very high but the river was so wide at this point that it was plenty fishable. We had a few big time follows, some by bass and sunfish, some by decent sized trout... but no takes. Sunday was a streamer day, but neither of us could outsmart the wary river fish slightly overstressed by the monsoon season here in the northeast.
No problem though, we tied a lot and he gave me a lot of brightly colored materials that seem as though they're more scarey than fishy. He says they work, and I trust him, so I'll confidently tie - and fish - these fluffy neon colored monstrosities with pride.
Oh, and after dealing with a power outage from about 4am to 6am, fishing from 7 until 10, tying flies for a couple of more hours, and driving home... I managed a 20 mile bike ride in 1:42 (hour and fourty-two minutes). I felt good afterwards and even though I'm a little sore today I think in an hour or so I may go for another ride, albeit slightly shorter.
I'll post some photos of the flies given to me and tied, but for now... I'll see you standing in an almost frozen river throwing what looks to be little girls pom-poms into a steady wind at fish that you could probably just reach down and grab.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Just A Short Sunday Night Note
Not quite a quick note, but I didn't want to leave everyone hanging about my fishing trip today.
In a recap, it was fish-less but not without excitement. I'll make a real post about it and about the rest of today "after the catch" (one of my favorite shows, by the way) tomorrow.
Totally exhausted at this point - but it was a good day.
In a recap, it was fish-less but not without excitement. I'll make a real post about it and about the rest of today "after the catch" (one of my favorite shows, by the way) tomorrow.
Totally exhausted at this point - but it was a good day.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Cycling, Biking, Whatever you want to call it
I realize that this is a fishing blog, but I haven't fished in over a week now.
Earlier this week I was unfortunate enough to have to travel to NYC/NJ for business. The business part went well - so did the dinner (whole red snapper, fried, with cilantro, tomatoes, and limes), I just absolutely hate pretty much anywhere near NYC. We were directly across the Hudson River from Manhattan.
That's right, we were on the river, which is probably full of stripers... or at the very least, smallmouth... and I didn't even think to bring a fly rod. Stupid me.
I decided to outline my training calendar for the month of July and compare it to how I've actually done. For those of you that don't know, about 10 years ago I trained to race Cross Country mountain bikes. Unfortunately, due to several rather severe injuries, I had to stop training. I pretty much stopped really riding my bike until last year. Last June, July, and the first week of August was consistant - 7.46 miles a day, every day. Then, in a freak accident, I did some pretty bad damage to my right ankle (non bike related). Laid me up pretty much until winter. As I posted before, I started riding again this summer - in early July.
I was doing great until this week when I got all thrown off. Granted it was a monsoon for two days, I never minded riding in the rain since my rides are entirely bike path anymore. I was just busy, lazy, tired, or full of excuses.
Here is my training calendar for July:
Click it to view it larger. Some of those are cut off - today was supposed to be 7.5 miles easy ride with hill repeats (there is a 1/4 mile long 8% gradient hill that is great for strength and leg training). Unfortunately, I absolutely passed out after work for an hour so I just did a medium hard effort ride without hill repeats. Still averaged slow - those days off really didn't do me any good.
Here is my training log so far for July:
Anywhere you see two bicycles on the log, it means I commuted plus went for a ride. One bicycle means just my commute. Fairly consistent with the schedule - there were a few days that were weather prohibitive - 95 plus 80% humidity (and I dont have a water bottle right now) on days when I was supposed to do 15 or 20 mile rides.
This week really sucked for training. Really need to step it up. I'm also probably not going to get the 25 mile ride in on Sunday (far more important - I'm going fishing) but hopefully will get at least a 15'er in on Saturday morning, if not a 20. I did start weight training today - I did some power lifting in 2003 but the same injuries that plagued me 10 years ago crept back up in full force and put an immediate stop to that. Not before I dropped 30lbs (286 -> 250), took 4" off my waist, and grew a bunch in different muscular areas (3" on arms, 5" on chest, etc), in 6 weeks. Its good to be back, though my methods are more for overall strength and endurance rather than all out power without regard to weight.
I haven't been bringing a camera along because, frankly, on a 7.5 mile ride I rarely take my time (I'm competitive so always trying to best my last time... easy days are hard for me). On a longer ride, 20 or more miles, I'll bring one.
Anyway, for anyone trying to figure out an exercise regimen, this is what has worked for me. When I was training to race, I was 235lbs (7% body fat)... as you can see, I now hover around 275-277 range but was up around 300 last year when I started riding. My goal is 250lbs, but really weight isn't the concern here. Health is - being large and the health risks associated runs in my family. I am trying to be proactive by not letting myself get to where many other relatives have.
If anyone has any questions or is in upstate NY and wants to go for a ride, I'd be happy to tag along. Just take it easy on the slow guy.
Earlier this week I was unfortunate enough to have to travel to NYC/NJ for business. The business part went well - so did the dinner (whole red snapper, fried, with cilantro, tomatoes, and limes), I just absolutely hate pretty much anywhere near NYC. We were directly across the Hudson River from Manhattan.
That's right, we were on the river, which is probably full of stripers... or at the very least, smallmouth... and I didn't even think to bring a fly rod. Stupid me.
I decided to outline my training calendar for the month of July and compare it to how I've actually done. For those of you that don't know, about 10 years ago I trained to race Cross Country mountain bikes. Unfortunately, due to several rather severe injuries, I had to stop training. I pretty much stopped really riding my bike until last year. Last June, July, and the first week of August was consistant - 7.46 miles a day, every day. Then, in a freak accident, I did some pretty bad damage to my right ankle (non bike related). Laid me up pretty much until winter. As I posted before, I started riding again this summer - in early July.
I was doing great until this week when I got all thrown off. Granted it was a monsoon for two days, I never minded riding in the rain since my rides are entirely bike path anymore. I was just busy, lazy, tired, or full of excuses.
Here is my training calendar for July:
Click it to view it larger. Some of those are cut off - today was supposed to be 7.5 miles easy ride with hill repeats (there is a 1/4 mile long 8% gradient hill that is great for strength and leg training). Unfortunately, I absolutely passed out after work for an hour so I just did a medium hard effort ride without hill repeats. Still averaged slow - those days off really didn't do me any good.
Here is my training log so far for July:
Anywhere you see two bicycles on the log, it means I commuted plus went for a ride. One bicycle means just my commute. Fairly consistent with the schedule - there were a few days that were weather prohibitive - 95 plus 80% humidity (and I dont have a water bottle right now) on days when I was supposed to do 15 or 20 mile rides.
This week really sucked for training. Really need to step it up. I'm also probably not going to get the 25 mile ride in on Sunday (far more important - I'm going fishing) but hopefully will get at least a 15'er in on Saturday morning, if not a 20. I did start weight training today - I did some power lifting in 2003 but the same injuries that plagued me 10 years ago crept back up in full force and put an immediate stop to that. Not before I dropped 30lbs (286 -> 250), took 4" off my waist, and grew a bunch in different muscular areas (3" on arms, 5" on chest, etc), in 6 weeks. Its good to be back, though my methods are more for overall strength and endurance rather than all out power without regard to weight.
I haven't been bringing a camera along because, frankly, on a 7.5 mile ride I rarely take my time (I'm competitive so always trying to best my last time... easy days are hard for me). On a longer ride, 20 or more miles, I'll bring one.
Anyway, for anyone trying to figure out an exercise regimen, this is what has worked for me. When I was training to race, I was 235lbs (7% body fat)... as you can see, I now hover around 275-277 range but was up around 300 last year when I started riding. My goal is 250lbs, but really weight isn't the concern here. Health is - being large and the health risks associated runs in my family. I am trying to be proactive by not letting myself get to where many other relatives have.
If anyone has any questions or is in upstate NY and wants to go for a ride, I'd be happy to tag along. Just take it easy on the slow guy.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
It's not always like A River Runs Through It
This weekend a few friends from the college my wife went to came into town and we had a little barbecue get together. Dan and Josh were two of the folks that came up. Josh has been fly and salt fishing for a while but Dan has only ever been live-bait fishing and has been interested in starting fly fishing with his father. As we were talking, he expressed that he didn't realize that you could fly fish pretty much anywhere, for anything. I decided it may be a good idea to outline the fact that fly fishing isn't just for trout in free stone streams in Montana, but it can, in fact, be done on pretty much any body of water for just about any species of fish.
Let's start with Carp. Carp are an introduced, and in some case, an invasive species of fish that have really taken over and done damage to certain waterways. They aren't the kind of fish that most people would eat and really, the average angler would consider them garbage fish. In many states, its the only fish you can kill or take in any way, shape or form (bowfishing, spear fishing, etc).
Carp are also known as Golden Bones or Freshwater Bonefish. They're spooky, illusive, and fight like a bee-stung bull when hooked. They range from small guys at a few pounds to well over 30lbs and can normally be found right in your back yard. They're mostly found in muddle shallow flat sections of slow moving rivers, back eddys, canals, lakes, ponds, and pretty much anywhere there is water. Use a larger rod - 7 or 8wt and a reel with a lot of backing.
I wont slow the site down by embedding this video, but here is a video of a few locals chasing Carp.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUPrg8YAiZ0
Next is panfish, including black bass. Sunfish and bass are found pretty much everywhere in north america in ponds, farm tanks, rivers, streams, mud holes, bogs, canals, and again, pretty much anywhere there is water all year round. Sunfish reproduce in large amounts and grow fast. The most popular or sought after sunfish would be the Bluegill. The bluegill is an agressive striker and hard fighter. It has been said by many people that if the Bluegill grew much bigger than it does it'd be one of the most popular freshwater game fish. Other popular sunfish (at least in New England) are the Pumpkin Seed and Blueseed or Pumpkin Gill, which as you can imagine is a hybrid seed/gill. Don't forget Crappie, Black and white, which are sort of like sunfish but more highly sought after. Given their delicious flesh, it doesn't surprise me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-h4pu80hr4
Bass are arguably one of the top game fish in popularity and for good reason. They're aggressive, they fight hard, and can provide some exciting aerial action when hooked and when being hooked. They're readily available across most of North America and have been stocked in many many peoples ponds. Largemouth are arguably what you'll hear most about. Most bass tournaments (televised, anyway) cover largemouth bass. They typically like slower moving topwater or bait fish imitations and are usually associated with lakes and ponds with vegetation.
Smallmouth bass (my favorite) are found in both cool water lakes and flowing rivers and streams. I've written about them before, but one thing that pretty much everyone that has targeted smallmouth has said is that pound for pound, they fight as hard as any other fresh water fish. Tons of fun. They like faster moving lures top water and jigging type action of Clouser Minnows (designed specifically for Smallmouth Bass by Bob Clouser in the Potomac River) type flies. I've also had great success for them with thunder creek style flies.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bl0cyVX6lUY
Don't forget Walleye and other Perch family fish. They can also be taken by fly, though in my experience its slightly trickier to get a perch to take a fly than other sunfish, it is possible.
The Pike Family of fish (Musky, Pickerel, Northern Pike) are aggressive hunters and typically the top of their food chain. They can be found in slow moving rivers and streams. Musky populations have been dwindling because of overfishing in this area but a renewed effort to restock them have brought populations back in some fisheries. This family of fish are known to be big fighters and fierce strikers at both top water and sub surface lures. They're toothy and their gill plates are sharp, so be careful when bringing them into the boat. Gloves, large nets, and long pliars or hook removers are suggested. Even a small pickerel can inflict a good sized cut on your fingers if you try to remove a hook without some kind of tool.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpqGXlR0m5k
This list really barely scratches the surface of whats available to fly fish for. I covered some of the more popular angling targets in my region that most people don't realize you can throw a fly at and actually fool them with it. If you're a beginner to fly fishing, don't think that you can only target flowing water and trout - if it swims, you can catch it on a fly rod and it may surprise you at how much fun it is. Panfish and Bass are a great entry into the sport because they're easy to catch and plentiful in just about every town or county around the country. Get out there, have fun, and catch whatever swims and makes you happy. I've caught Small and Largemouth Bass, two different kinds of sunfish, Black Crappie, and a small pickerel. My goal is to catch everything I've listed here this year. I don't expect to catch a Musky, but its not out of the question this fall. Everything else is do-able.
Let's start with Carp. Carp are an introduced, and in some case, an invasive species of fish that have really taken over and done damage to certain waterways. They aren't the kind of fish that most people would eat and really, the average angler would consider them garbage fish. In many states, its the only fish you can kill or take in any way, shape or form (bowfishing, spear fishing, etc).
Carp are also known as Golden Bones or Freshwater Bonefish. They're spooky, illusive, and fight like a bee-stung bull when hooked. They range from small guys at a few pounds to well over 30lbs and can normally be found right in your back yard. They're mostly found in muddle shallow flat sections of slow moving rivers, back eddys, canals, lakes, ponds, and pretty much anywhere there is water. Use a larger rod - 7 or 8wt and a reel with a lot of backing.
I wont slow the site down by embedding this video, but here is a video of a few locals chasing Carp.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUPrg8YAiZ0
Next is panfish, including black bass. Sunfish and bass are found pretty much everywhere in north america in ponds, farm tanks, rivers, streams, mud holes, bogs, canals, and again, pretty much anywhere there is water all year round. Sunfish reproduce in large amounts and grow fast. The most popular or sought after sunfish would be the Bluegill. The bluegill is an agressive striker and hard fighter. It has been said by many people that if the Bluegill grew much bigger than it does it'd be one of the most popular freshwater game fish. Other popular sunfish (at least in New England) are the Pumpkin Seed and Blueseed or Pumpkin Gill, which as you can imagine is a hybrid seed/gill. Don't forget Crappie, Black and white, which are sort of like sunfish but more highly sought after. Given their delicious flesh, it doesn't surprise me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-h4pu80hr4
Bass are arguably one of the top game fish in popularity and for good reason. They're aggressive, they fight hard, and can provide some exciting aerial action when hooked and when being hooked. They're readily available across most of North America and have been stocked in many many peoples ponds. Largemouth are arguably what you'll hear most about. Most bass tournaments (televised, anyway) cover largemouth bass. They typically like slower moving topwater or bait fish imitations and are usually associated with lakes and ponds with vegetation.
Smallmouth bass (my favorite) are found in both cool water lakes and flowing rivers and streams. I've written about them before, but one thing that pretty much everyone that has targeted smallmouth has said is that pound for pound, they fight as hard as any other fresh water fish. Tons of fun. They like faster moving lures top water and jigging type action of Clouser Minnows (designed specifically for Smallmouth Bass by Bob Clouser in the Potomac River) type flies. I've also had great success for them with thunder creek style flies.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bl0cyVX6lUY
Don't forget Walleye and other Perch family fish. They can also be taken by fly, though in my experience its slightly trickier to get a perch to take a fly than other sunfish, it is possible.
The Pike Family of fish (Musky, Pickerel, Northern Pike) are aggressive hunters and typically the top of their food chain. They can be found in slow moving rivers and streams. Musky populations have been dwindling because of overfishing in this area but a renewed effort to restock them have brought populations back in some fisheries. This family of fish are known to be big fighters and fierce strikers at both top water and sub surface lures. They're toothy and their gill plates are sharp, so be careful when bringing them into the boat. Gloves, large nets, and long pliars or hook removers are suggested. Even a small pickerel can inflict a good sized cut on your fingers if you try to remove a hook without some kind of tool.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpqGXlR0m5k
This list really barely scratches the surface of whats available to fly fish for. I covered some of the more popular angling targets in my region that most people don't realize you can throw a fly at and actually fool them with it. If you're a beginner to fly fishing, don't think that you can only target flowing water and trout - if it swims, you can catch it on a fly rod and it may surprise you at how much fun it is. Panfish and Bass are a great entry into the sport because they're easy to catch and plentiful in just about every town or county around the country. Get out there, have fun, and catch whatever swims and makes you happy. I've caught Small and Largemouth Bass, two different kinds of sunfish, Black Crappie, and a small pickerel. My goal is to catch everything I've listed here this year. I don't expect to catch a Musky, but its not out of the question this fall. Everything else is do-able.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Quick Notes 07/16/2008
Quick Notes for July 16th, 2008
- Quiet Fly has also been chasing smallmouths and has a book recommendation.
- Tom Chandler from The Trout Underground has been reporting on his road trip to Montana for the better part of this month. This is the first post but be sure to keep going to newer posts as they've all been great with some spactacular photos.
- Tom decided to ramp up the coverage of the war against nestle. Link 1
- Local blogger Foul Hooked discovered (or maybe rediscovered) the joys of smallie fishing.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Small Streams
Here I sit, just at the beginning of my lunch half-hour, wishing I were anywhere but at work.
I know this great little place - actually, it's family owned - that holds fish and is just beautiful by nature. A large flowing waterfalls feeds about 100 yards of rapids that lead into a gravely and sandy bottomed stream with a few areas of deadfall and full of undercut banks.
Sounds like the perfect trout area, right? Right. I suppose it could be, but this particular body of water is stocked way upstream of where this land is.
Why, exactly, am I dreaming of it then? You all know, by now, that smallmouth are probably my favorite fish to catch. I've only fished for them in big rivers up until now so the idea of catching a 10 or 12" smallie in a stream no more than 12 feet wide really gets my blood pumping.
Global Fly Fisher has had a series of interesting articles outlining the lure of small, warm water fish in small streams. My favorite post, thus far, was about what they refer to as Brookus Bassa.
The small stream smallmouth is a fish that acts a lot like trout, at times, but fights a lot harder and is more readily available in my immediate area. A theory that I subscribe to is that targeting these species could be a great way to learn small stream trout fishing. They take dry flies, love nymphs, and brutally attack typical trout streamers. You may need to upsize your dry flies and nymphs, but the practice is the same. Drag free drifts, subtle underwater takes... they all are things you use in any small stream, no matter the species.
I figure, when I've got a lot of access to private water that doesn't get fished hard and definitely holds pretty good amounts of fish, why not take advantage? Especially if fishing that area will help me with trout, which is a species I have yet to be able to master.
Speaking of, I took a trout trip this past Saturday... skunked. I'll post the full report later with photos.
As you drive through the country, keep in mind as you cross that small farm creek or stream, what fun might be had on a hot and humid August day with that ugly brown and green fish attacking a big Royal Wulff on the surface.
I know this great little place - actually, it's family owned - that holds fish and is just beautiful by nature. A large flowing waterfalls feeds about 100 yards of rapids that lead into a gravely and sandy bottomed stream with a few areas of deadfall and full of undercut banks.
Sounds like the perfect trout area, right? Right. I suppose it could be, but this particular body of water is stocked way upstream of where this land is.
Why, exactly, am I dreaming of it then? You all know, by now, that smallmouth are probably my favorite fish to catch. I've only fished for them in big rivers up until now so the idea of catching a 10 or 12" smallie in a stream no more than 12 feet wide really gets my blood pumping.
Global Fly Fisher has had a series of interesting articles outlining the lure of small, warm water fish in small streams. My favorite post, thus far, was about what they refer to as Brookus Bassa.
The small stream smallmouth is a fish that acts a lot like trout, at times, but fights a lot harder and is more readily available in my immediate area. A theory that I subscribe to is that targeting these species could be a great way to learn small stream trout fishing. They take dry flies, love nymphs, and brutally attack typical trout streamers. You may need to upsize your dry flies and nymphs, but the practice is the same. Drag free drifts, subtle underwater takes... they all are things you use in any small stream, no matter the species.
I figure, when I've got a lot of access to private water that doesn't get fished hard and definitely holds pretty good amounts of fish, why not take advantage? Especially if fishing that area will help me with trout, which is a species I have yet to be able to master.
Speaking of, I took a trout trip this past Saturday... skunked. I'll post the full report later with photos.
As you drive through the country, keep in mind as you cross that small farm creek or stream, what fun might be had on a hot and humid August day with that ugly brown and green fish attacking a big Royal Wulff on the surface.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Dumb Bass
Went out with a fly fishing friend to my favorite spot for a couple of hours yesterday. He's a relatively new fly angler and though been doing it longer than I have, I've put in a lot more hours on the water because of sheer opportunity.
This past week the bass in my favorite spot must have hatched from their eggs and grown enough to start hunting on their own. There were schools of 2-4" bass striking 2-4" woolly buggers and getting hooked on the outside of the mouth. I caught a few, he caught a few... all were released no worse for wear to grow big and hopefully no smarter than they currently are.
On the way out, I was goofing off and had switched to a chartreuse and white rabbit tail clouser. While I was talking to my friend, I got hit and immediately had a nice bend in my rod and for the first time actually heard my reel as he took some line.
That was the end of the day, we took some photos, my buddy caught a couple of more fingerling bass, and we parted ways. This is the guy I'll be making a secret trip with in October for big fish in cold water.
As hard as it is to say this, Bass are getting way too easy and I need to let those little guys grow up some. Its to the point where its more annoying to take them off the hook than it is fun to catch them when they're that small and you're digging a hook out from dangerously close to its eye - it just doesn't seem sporting or ethical.
Bigger flies for bigger fish but when there are 3" fish that continually strike at a size 6 clouser that is 5" long and get foul hooked on it I'm not sure what else I can do.
Trout this weekend. Maybe. If I can drag my behind out of bed.
This past week the bass in my favorite spot must have hatched from their eggs and grown enough to start hunting on their own. There were schools of 2-4" bass striking 2-4" woolly buggers and getting hooked on the outside of the mouth. I caught a few, he caught a few... all were released no worse for wear to grow big and hopefully no smarter than they currently are.
On the way out, I was goofing off and had switched to a chartreuse and white rabbit tail clouser. While I was talking to my friend, I got hit and immediately had a nice bend in my rod and for the first time actually heard my reel as he took some line.That was the end of the day, we took some photos, my buddy caught a couple of more fingerling bass, and we parted ways. This is the guy I'll be making a secret trip with in October for big fish in cold water.
As hard as it is to say this, Bass are getting way too easy and I need to let those little guys grow up some. Its to the point where its more annoying to take them off the hook than it is fun to catch them when they're that small and you're digging a hook out from dangerously close to its eye - it just doesn't seem sporting or ethical.
Bigger flies for bigger fish but when there are 3" fish that continually strike at a size 6 clouser that is 5" long and get foul hooked on it I'm not sure what else I can do.
Trout this weekend. Maybe. If I can drag my behind out of bed.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Something other than fishing...
Today was one of those days.
I needed to call and make an appointment for my elbow - this whole not fishing thing was really wreaking havoc on my spirits. Now, I probably wouldn't have fished much anyway, but not being able to if I wanted to really irked me. Nevermind being able to put on a shirt or dry off after a shower without shooting pain in my lower left arm.
I called and the only openings were for 11:30 today or 6pm tomorrow. Since I knew they were probably going to send me off to an orthopedic doctor I just put in for a half day and went off to the docs office.
As a side note, I need a couple of locks for my bike. I've been riding my bike to work and today I had to ride home, take the dogs out, lock the bike up, and take the truck to the office. Work is more than 3/4 of the way to the docs office, so it really was like going backwards to go forwards. If I had some locks, I would've just ridden there.
Anyway, the doc says "Do you do anything like golf that would strain your elbow?" I told her about fly fishing, and she said "well, do you go once in a while...?" It was then that I realized I had been fishing, a lot of the time with 10wt line on an 8wt that I probably cast wrong, more than normal the previous few weeks. I told her that I go all the time and she said that was probably the problem. Instead of pawning me off on an orthopedic doctor and making me pay for what my insurance probably wouldn't she just gave me some anti-inflammatory medicine and said "You're not going to die if your elbow hurts, so if you want to fish, fish, but recognize that you'll be in pain a lot longer unless you rest." That was her way of saying, if I want it to feel better, rest... preferably at least a week.
That just made my day that much better. I could probably go fishing and suck it up but I'd pay later.
I decided that I'd go out for a bike ride, that hurts less than fishing and I can maybe get in shape to make wading a little easier... or for other reasons like a longer life. I ended up riding about 10 miles along a waterway. I've been doing that ride (well, a little less, I detoured a bit for the sake of exploring and just riding) for 10 years... with a slight break in the middle. Today was the first day I actually took my time to stop and look at the scenery, and what did I see? Fish. Lots and lots of fish. Largemouth, Sunfish, Perch... lots of them, some of them quite large for the bodies of water they were in. DAMNIT!
I know where I'll be going... anyone got a 5 piece 3wt and case they want to part with?!?!
I needed to call and make an appointment for my elbow - this whole not fishing thing was really wreaking havoc on my spirits. Now, I probably wouldn't have fished much anyway, but not being able to if I wanted to really irked me. Nevermind being able to put on a shirt or dry off after a shower without shooting pain in my lower left arm.
I called and the only openings were for 11:30 today or 6pm tomorrow. Since I knew they were probably going to send me off to an orthopedic doctor I just put in for a half day and went off to the docs office.
As a side note, I need a couple of locks for my bike. I've been riding my bike to work and today I had to ride home, take the dogs out, lock the bike up, and take the truck to the office. Work is more than 3/4 of the way to the docs office, so it really was like going backwards to go forwards. If I had some locks, I would've just ridden there.
Anyway, the doc says "Do you do anything like golf that would strain your elbow?" I told her about fly fishing, and she said "well, do you go once in a while...?" It was then that I realized I had been fishing, a lot of the time with 10wt line on an 8wt that I probably cast wrong, more than normal the previous few weeks. I told her that I go all the time and she said that was probably the problem. Instead of pawning me off on an orthopedic doctor and making me pay for what my insurance probably wouldn't she just gave me some anti-inflammatory medicine and said "You're not going to die if your elbow hurts, so if you want to fish, fish, but recognize that you'll be in pain a lot longer unless you rest." That was her way of saying, if I want it to feel better, rest... preferably at least a week.
That just made my day that much better. I could probably go fishing and suck it up but I'd pay later.
I decided that I'd go out for a bike ride, that hurts less than fishing and I can maybe get in shape to make wading a little easier... or for other reasons like a longer life. I ended up riding about 10 miles along a waterway. I've been doing that ride (well, a little less, I detoured a bit for the sake of exploring and just riding) for 10 years... with a slight break in the middle. Today was the first day I actually took my time to stop and look at the scenery, and what did I see? Fish. Lots and lots of fish. Largemouth, Sunfish, Perch... lots of them, some of them quite large for the bodies of water they were in. DAMNIT!
I know where I'll be going... anyone got a 5 piece 3wt and case they want to part with?!?!
Monday, July 7, 2008
Quick Notes 07/07/2008
Quick Notes for July 7th, 2008
- Here in Upstate NY today marks 100 days until the "closing" of trout season on October 15th. In reality, the season never closes with at least two very productive rivers near-by that allow trout fishing all year round.
- The Day Tripper is back online, at least for now. It seems as though 11 days fishing the Au Sable river in MI really did Alex some good.
- Dead Salmon do more than taste good and stink.
- I won't be fishing for at least a week or more. I some how injured my elbow and I can barely hold onto my rod after three casts.
- I finally put my bike back together, so I'm bike-muting now - all 1 mile round trip - no matter how painful it is. See above.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Favorite Blogs... Explained
I thought I'd highlight the links under Favorite Blogs. These are certainly not all of the blogs I read (thank god for Google Reader) but they are my favorites. I didn't include a couple that I really enjoy that are personal blogs more than topical blogs, but to those of you that own them - realize that they are also part of my private favorite lists.
Dan's Humidor (danshumidor.blogspot.com)
Foul Hooked (foulhooked.blogspot.com)
Josh's Beer Blog (joshsbeerblog.blogspot.com)
The Day Tripper (daytripperblog.com)
Whisky and Stogs (whiskyandstogs.blogspot.com)
I'll be adding a few more links shortly and will be sure to highlight them as well.
Dan's Humidor (danshumidor.blogspot.com)
- Dan's Humidor is a cigar blog dedicated to reviewing cigars and giving you a relatively objective view on them. I'm not a big cigar smoker, but on occasion I'll enjoy some fine tobacco products. Dan is really a very humerous writer and also a friend - take a few minutes to check it out.
Foul Hooked (foulhooked.blogspot.com)
- Foul Hooked is a fly fishing related blog with a little bit of politics and personality thrown in. The blog is authored by someone semi-local to me, but I've yet to meet them on the river. The site has good fishing reports and the occasional post that encourages you to think about what is going on around you. Enjoy it.
Josh's Beer Blog (joshsbeerblog.blogspot.com)
- Josh and I share a very important thing in common; Beer. Though I don't drink it often, when I do, I thoroughly enjoy a pint of good beer. Josh takes the thousands of "Good beers" and sacrifices time and cash to taste test all of what is available in his region. He's a friend and is providing a valuable service the foodie community.
The Day Tripper (daytripperblog.com)
- The Day Tripper is a now defunct fly fishing blog written by someone who is also semi-local. Unfortunately he shut down his site recently, but did leave up a database of the fly patterns he had posted. Things will be changing and the address may not always stay what it is but I'll make sure to update it. He says although he's not going to be blogging anymore, he will keep up an archive of the patterns he posted, albeit at a different address. Stay Tuned.
Whisky and Stogs (whiskyandstogs.blogspot.com)
- A Co-worker, Friend, and fishing buddy decided he wanted to join the blogging circle. He's a huge fan of all things related to Scotch Whisky and enjoys a cigar on a fairly regular basis. The site is new and still being developed but keep checking back if you're one to like your drinks when they end with "neat" or "on the rocks".
I'll be adding a few more links shortly and will be sure to highlight them as well.
Quick Notes 07/02/2008
Taking a hint from The Trout Underground, I'm going to be posting snippits of information as I find them. They may not all be fishing related, but should at least be interesting. Many will probably be links to other interesting posts on other blogs I read. These are also where minor changes to the blog will be posted. This one will be a little weak since I'm... occupied... right now.
Quick Notes for July 2nd, 2008
Quick Notes for July 2nd, 2008
- Comments will no longer be moderated on this site - not sure why I had turned it on in the first place.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)