Redfish Can't Jump

Remember that The Bonefish Flat is about all types of saltwater fly fishing and today I've got something I found ona little bit about Redfish.

Some of you may have picked up from various fly fishing forum chatter about the new film Redfish Can't Jump. While I haven't yet had a chance to see the whole film, I know enough about Capt. Seth Vernon, the brains behind the film, to know that it will be great. I've followed Vernon's career guiding in North Carolina through several articles he has written on Red Fishing and other topics.

Here's the trailer:


Redfish Can't Jump - Teaser from Luke Pearson on Vimeo.


Here is a podcast from our friends at the Itinerant Angler. This is a great episode all about Redfishing.

I've been out for Reds a few times, but haven't gotten one yet. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'll get to New Orleans later this year and be able to do a day fishing. But we'll see. I'm also keeping my fingers crossed that the oil slick doesn't destroy the gulf coast, too.

We also have Redfish in Virginia, which we call Puppy Drum. Perfect for kayak fishing, which we'll get too soon enough on The Bonefish Flat.

Patagonia Founder Interview

I found this interview with Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard that I really enjoyed. He has a great outlook on business and some really interesting thoughts on the future of his company.

I'm a big fan of Patagonia products. I have a pair of wading boots that I use with my waders and have been really happy with them.

Yvon was also a featured angler on Pirates of the Flats on ESPN2 Saltwater. In my opinion, this was one of the best fishing shows around.

Enjoy the interview.

Conservation Wednesday--Hope For Sharks

I found this video on conservation in Belize from the NYT. Anyone interested in preserving the ocean environment should give this a look. Belize has set aside a no fishing zone near Ambergris Cay which is helping to keep the whole fishery in good shape.

The video talks about shark finning, which is disgusting. Unfortunately, countries like China and Japan have a hankering for shark fin soup and held up an international quota for sharks. Just unbelievable.

Be sure to give this video a watch. I tried to imbed the video but the Times won't let you do that. BUT, it is worth a click.

The Bonefish Flat Bahamas Bonefish Gear List

I've put together my checklist that I'll be using for my upcoming trip. I thought I would share it as it's always fun to see what others are using. I've listed brands beside the items because I'm always curious what others are using.

Part I Fly Gear

• 8 wt Fly Rod (Orvis T3)
• · 9 wt Fly Rod (Scott s3s)
• · Fly Reels (2) (Abel Super 8 and Tibor Everglades)
• · Fly boxes (3)
• · Leaders (4) (SA Bonefish)
• · Fluorocarbon Tippet (Rio Fluorflex Plus)
• · Pliers
• · Line Cleaner (Glide), Mild Soap, & a few rags
• · Wire Tippet

Part II Accessories

• · Polarized Sunglasses (Costa 580 Green & Silver lenses)
• · Hats (2)
• · Boat Bag
• · Buff
• · SPF Shirts (1 for each day) (Columbia Skiff Shirt)
• · Flats Pants
• · SPF Gloves
• · Gum
• · Sunscreen
• · Passport
• · Rain Jacket (Simms Gore Tex PacLite)
• · Rain Pants
• · Wading Boots (Orvis Christmas Island)
• · Hemostats w/Scissors
• · Book for plane (always The Old Man and the Sea)
• · iPod and Headphones
• · Wading Pack (Orvis Fanny Pack)
• · Small first aid (Advil, Dramamine, Band Aids, Neosporin)
• · Camera w/extra memory Card (Olympus 850 SW)

The Bonefish Flat Update

A busy weekend but I had a chance Sunday to practice some fly casting and to tie some flies. When I practice I try to do so against the measuring tape. I hit 92 feet and shot all the line out. If i had the entire line stripped, I think I would have hit 100. It was just one of those casts where you put it all together.

On the bench, I've been tying Gotchas and a Gotcha with a sili leg tied off the nose. I'm really pleased with how they've turned out.

I've got some videos on the fly tying page.

I'm looking to put a sili legs on my 8 wt and a gotcha clouser on my 9 wt and this is what I'll fish with.

I also wanted to say that I added a few new links to the site. Be sure to check out bonefishonthebrain blog and check out the Black Fly Club's blog.

The Black Fly Club has a great trip report that you should check out. It's written by Vaughn Cochran who is a very talented artist and great fly fisherman. Be sure to check it out.

The Bonefish Pond

I am so ready to go bonefishing. Only a couple weeks left and I'm busy tying more flies and trying to get my equipment ready. I'm working on my own bonefishing equipment check list that I'll share with everyone. I know there are a ton, but I have a few tips that may be new.


I came across this article on Eleuthera News. In honor of Earth day, they have dedicated a new park called the Bonefish Pond National Park. According to Bahamas.com,


This 1,800 acre park located on the south central coast of New Providence is an important marine nursery area. It provides protection from storm surges to the communities on the southern coast of New Providence. In addition to the wide array of juvenile fish, crawfish, and conch, this wetland serves as a haven for waterfowl and a variety of Bahamian Flora.


Here's a link to all of the National Parks in the Bahamas. I had a chance to fish the Lucayan National Park last year and the fishing is tough, but the park was beautiful.

Happy Friday. Go fishing.

Knoted or Tapered Leader

Sorry I haven't been writing this week. I'm having one of those work weeks that we all have and the only cure is to go fishing.

Should you tie your own leader or by a tapered leader? This is a tough question, but I'll tell you what happened to me.

Last trip I decided to tie my own leaders because I like the challenge of tying my own and frankly, I think they cast a little better. I tied my own and tapered down with two pieces of butt section and about three pieces of mid section with a two to three foot tippet. The first cast I made to a bonefish I hooked him only to have my leader break in the midsection.

Not good for your confidence

Fortunately, I also brought along three tapered leaders and used these and attached a two foot fluorocarbon tippet using a triple surgeons knot. I'm going to take this approach for the upcoming trip.

I still think that tying your own leaders gives you a better cast, and it will certainly help you improve your casts, but I'm just spooked with my knot tying ability so for me, its better to go with what you're confident with.

We Like Permit

The guys at WORLDAngling have a new site to raise awareness on Permit fishing in the Keys and to try and get this fish listed and protected as a gamefish.

http://welikepermit.com/

Permit are the Holy Grail of flats fishing and become an obsession for many who catch them or are looking to catch one.

If you can make te date, be sure to sign up an show your support.

Bahamas Bonefish Mix

I've talked about a music section on The Bonefish Flat before, and I'm getting there, but I thought I would share a mix I put together for the upcoming trip.

Song Artist
1. Toes Zach Brown Band
2. 2am Slightly Stoopid
3. Redemption Song Bob Marley
4. Australia The Shins
5. Punky Reggae Party Marley
6. Chicken Fried Zach Brown Band
7. The Thanks I Get Wilco
8. River Yonder Mountain String Band
9. Wagon Wheel Old Crow Medicine Show
10. Margaritaville Buffett
11. One Particular Harbor Buffett
12. If I Had Eyes Jack Johnson
13. A Pirate Looks at 40 Buffett
14. Easy Skanking Marley

Bahamas Bonefishing Article from The Tribune

Here's a great article from The Tribune which I'm assuming is the prominent newspaper of the Bahamas and it's based in Nassau.

The story provides some promising news and hope for a country to realize an invaluable resource. It seems that Bahamians understand the value of recreational fishing to the country. I found it interesting that the two islands benefitting the most from bonefishing are Andros and Abaco. I would have guessed Andros, but not sure that I would have thought Abaco number two. At any rate, it's great that the country is understanding the value of their AMAZING fishery.

Another interesting exercise is to take a few minutes to read through the paper. Something about it just feels like life is a bit simpler. As my loyal readers know, I post a lot of articles from the NY Times and the Washington Post. Both newspapers deliver a lot of news, but there is something refreshing about reading through this paper.

Maybe it makes me feel like I'm in the Bahamas :)

Flats fishing industry can be viable economic engine for the Bahamas

THE Bahamas' flats fishing industry has an economic impact of nearly $141 million annually, according to a recent study by the Bahamian Flats Fishing Alliance. The study found that although fishing-related tourism was down by 11.6 per cent from 2007 due to the global recession, the flats fishing industry - including bonefish, tarpon and permit - continues to provide considerable economic value.

The results of this study, entitled "The Economic Impact of Flats Fishing in The Bahamas", show that with responsible conservation and management, this fishing industry can continue to be an economic engine for the Bahamas, especially the Family Islands.

According to the study, expenditures by anglers were not just for guides and accommodations, but also for meals, transportation and other goods and services that benefitted the economy. Anglers spent approximately 27 per cent more than general visitors per visit, and 17 per cent more per visitor night, further emphasising the importance of recreational flats anglers to the country's economy, the study said.

The islands with the greatest economic benefit from flats fishing were Andros and Abaco, but all islands benefitted from flats anglers and direct expenditures on the Family Islands ranged from $3 million to more than $18 million. This study said that this fishery and its associated economy can be maintained through good conservation of coastal habitats, water quality, and protection of the fish populations.
The Bahamas Flats Alliance is a partnership of the Bahamas National Trust, the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust, and the Fisheries Conservation Foundation.

The Alliance said it commissioned the study as an important first step in demonstrating to local communities and resource management agencies the need to protect these vital resources.

Cheesesteaks, Bonefish, and the Census

I'm less than a month away from my big bonefishing trip. I'm getting ready to get into the mode of casting practice and tying flies. You've seen a few of the flies on the site and if not, you can check them out on our fly tying page here.

I'm really looking forward to a few days of R&R and using what I've learned in previous trips to be a better angler on this trip.

This is the last day in Philly so I had to put up Pats against Geno's. I went to Geno's tonight and here's a pic.

Sorry Geno's, but Pats is the winner.

In bonefishing news, Bonefish and Tarpon Trust is conducting a bonefish census in Florida ranging from Key Biscayne to the Marquesas. Below is the press release.

Spring Florida Keys Bonefish Population Census

Esteemed Guides and Anglers, we need your help! This will be our third consecutive year of conducting a Spring Bonefish Population Census to calibrate with results from the Fall Florida Keys Bonefish Population Census, now in its 8th year. The 2010 Spring census event is planned for *Wednesday, April 21, 2010*.

Bonefishing is a multimillion dollar industry in the Florida Keys and virtually all of the fish are released unharmed to fight again. The bonefish census, coordinated by the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) and the University of Miami RSMAS, helps to determine population trends of one of the Keys most important sport fish. This is the first and only population estimate ever done on bonefish anywhere in the world. The census information is vital to evaluating year-to-year changes in the bonefish population and providing guidance that ensures a sustainable fishery!!!

Fall census results have indicated a population of just over 320,000 bonefish in the Florida Keys fishery. We want to use the Spring census to calibrate our Fall estimates and to determine if there is a seasonal component to the bonefish population size estimates. Of particular note, your participation in this year’s census is critically important because we are trying to get a handle on the extent to which January’s extremely cold weather has impacted the Florida Keys bonefish population.

Our ability to detect population size differences from year to year depends on the number of census participants. *The more participants we have the more robust our population size estimate.* Please volunteer to help us as we need greater coverage of the fishery running from Key Biscayne to the Marquesas. *All the information collected during the census will remain strictly confidential and be used only for scientific research purposes.*

If you are able to participate please contact Dr. Jerry Ault at jault@rsmas.miami.edu This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 305-421-4884. Once we have heard from you we will mail you a census package with a datasheet. Your responsibilities are minimal, all we ask is that you record: the zone(s) you fished; the distance poled; and, the number of bonefish seen. Simple, but very important! Finally, census datasheets will also be available from Florida Keys Outfitters (305-664-5423) or can be downloaded at www.bonefishresearch.com.

We are counting on you to help us determine the current population size of this very important sports fish.

Dr. Jerry Ault
jault@rsmas.miami.edu

Fish, Run, Drive

What a jam packed weekend. I had a chance to go fishing for a little while on Saturday for Shad in the Potomac.

For those that don't know, there are two types of Shad that we target, Hickory and American with the latter being a bigger fish.

Shad are anadromous which means they live in saltwater but breed in fresh. They are a hard fighting fish and make a great target with a fly rod. Unfortunately, I wasn't too lucky but some of the bait casters were catching fish. My problem was that I was fishing from the bank and limited to a roll cast. I could get out about 40 feet, but the fish seemed to be biting at 50.

Next weekend I look to get the kayak out and to have more on this fish. More good news about shad is that Rockfish (striped bass for those not in the mid-Atlantic) follow the shad.

On Sunday I ran the Cherry Blossom Ten Mile race in the morning and headed to Philadelphia in the evening for work. That makes a long day, but I capped off finishing the race with a cheesesteak.







Pats or Geno's? We hit Pats.

Costa 2-Fly and Casting Competition

Hey folks,
It's a twofer from Costa. I found out yesterday that they are sponsoring the 2-Fly competition as part of the Teva Mountain Games to be held in Vail, Colorado, on June 5-8. The grand prize is $1000 big ones and there is an 80 angler limit. Registration is $35 per person.

The event kicks off with an accuracy casting competition.

Check out the release from Costa below.

Costa 2-Fly X-Stream Fishing Competition 2010 Registration Opens

Popular Teva Mountain Games Event Attracts Top Anglers

Vail, Colo. – Apr. 9, 2010 – Think your fly skills are better than the rest? Registration for the Teva Mountain Games Costa 2-Fly X-Stream fishing competition to be held on Sat., Jun. 5 – Sun., Jun. 6, in Vail is now open to the first 80 anglers interested in vying for the $1,000 grand prize.

As in years past, the fly fishing competitors will begin with a qualifying round of accuracy casting competition on land, where the top 20 male and top five female casters will advance to the semi-qualifier held at Gore Creek in Vail. These 25 anglers will cast into a variety of targets to accumulate the highest score and the top eight male and top two females will then advance to the final on-water fishing round on Sunday. Anglers will have the choice to utilize two fly patterns during the event to be held at a nearby river, announced the morning of the competition and chosen based on conditions.

The angler with the most total points, based on fish count and size, will win the grand prize of $1,000. Second and third place prizes will also be given, along with an award for the catch and release of the largest fish; with a total fishing prize purse of $2,250. All podium winners will receive a Ross Reel and the top ten finalists will score Costa sunglasses and other Costa gear.

The entry fee is $35 per person, and is open to the first 80 anglers to register. This event has sold out quickly in previous years well in advance of the event.

“Each year, the competition for this event gets more and more stiff,” said Chas MacDonald, president of Costa. “These are some of the best fly anglers in the world demonstrating the art and skill of the sport.”

Costa Del Mar 2 Fly X-Stream Fishing Competition

Saturday, Jun. 5 7 a.m.

Fly Fishing Qualifier Mountain Plaza/Vista Bahn Lawn

Each of the 80 registered fly anglers will attempt on-land casts at targets for accuracy and judged distance with the top performers moving on to the semi-qualifiers.

Saturday, Jun. 5 2 p.m.

Fly Fishing Semi-Qualifier Gore Creek/International Bridge Whitewater Park

The semi-qualifier contestants will move to Gore Creek, near the International Bride and cast into various targets hanging over the water or on the river banks. The top eight male and two female casters will move on to the Costa 2 Fly X-Stream on-water fishing finals.

Sunday, Jun. 6 8 a.m.

Fly Fishing Finals Location TBA

The Finals will consist of a timed float trip on a yet-to-be-named river with two competitors per boat, five boats total. Anglers will be able to use two fly patterns and winners will be awarded based on quantity or size of their catch. The location will be determined based on river conditions and announced the morning of the competition.

About Costa®

As the leading manufacturer of the world’s clearest polarized performance sunglasses, Costa offers superior lens technology, unparalleled fit and durability, and a lifetime warranty against manufacturer’s defects on all of its products. Still handcrafted today in Florida, Costa creates what has been referred to as the highest quality, best performing sunglasses on the planet for outdoor enthusiasts.

For Costa, conservation is all about sustainable fishing. Many fisheries that should be vibrant and healthy are all but devoid of native fish because they have fallen victim to poor fishing practices, unregulated development, lack of watershed protection or all of the above. Costa works with partners around the world to help increase awareness and influence policy so that both the fish and fishermen of tomorrow will have healthy waters to enjoy. Costa encourages others to help in any way they can.

For more information, contact 1-800-447-3700 or visit the company’s Web site at www.costadelmar.com, or join in the conversation on Facebook at www.facebook.com/costadelmar.com or Twitter @CostaSunglasses.

About Teva Mountain Games

The Teva Mountain Games are the nation's largest celebration of mountain sport, lifestyle and music featuring top professional and amateur athletes from around the world. The environmentally-friendly adventure sporting event hosts approximately 2,000 adventure athletes, along with an estimated 40,000 spectators. Athletes converge on Vail's mountains and rivers to compete in eight sports and 24 disciplines for over $100,000 in prize money. Events include kayaking, rafting, mountain biking, road cycling, World Cup Bouldering, amateur climbing, fly-fishing, trail and road running and stand up paddling. Additional events at the Teva Mountain Games include: a film series, a photography competition, an interactive expo area, DockDog canine competitions; free concerts and parties. The Teva Mountain Games are a project of the Vail Valley Foundation. For more information, visit www.tevamountaingames.com.

# # #

New Cheeca Sunglasses by Costa

I got a heads up yesterday from Costa Del Mar about a new style of shades called the Cheeca. Shades are a requirement for flats fishing and Costa makes arguably the best shades on the market. I am a big fan of Costa and I wouldn't be caught on the flats without mine.

Costa is the real deal when it comes to corporate responsibility, too. If you notice in the release below, Costa donates money back to Project Permit which is performing invaluable research on the Holy Grail of the flats.

Be sure to check out the release below on the new Cheeca's.

Costa Gets Cheeky with New Cheeca Sunglass Style

Daytona Beach, Fla. – Apr. 8, 2010 – Sophisticated performance meets aggressive sport style with Costa’s new Cheeca sunglasses. Available in retail outlets and Costa’s online store now, Cheeca features a large, classic wrap fit with a stylish mid temple mounting.

Named for Cheeca Lodge, one of the best places in the Florida Keys to fish for bonefish, tarpon and permit, Cheeca comes in tortoise and black frame colors, as well as new color combinations white/tortoise and black/coral. The nylon frames feature Costa’s new revolutionary anti-rocking hinge, the most advanced spring hinge available today. In addition to providing an even more comfortable fit, the anti-rocking hinge significantly increases durability and virtually eliminates movement between the frame front and temple.

The sunglasses are available in the Costa clear 580™ lens technology. Costa’s 580 lenses block yellow light, and are superior in cutting glare, enhancing vision and protecting against harmful UV rays, so outdoors and angling enthusiasts can see more clearly.

“Cheeca’s going to be the ‘go to’ sunglass this year,” said Chas MacDonald, president of Costa sunglasses. “It’s got the fit, the performance and the style all in one – it’s an essential piece of gear for serious adventurers.”

Each pair of Costa sunglasses are hand built in Costa’s home base in Florida, and come with a lifetime warranty against manufacturer’s defects. As part of Costa’s ongoing commitment to protecting the Earth’s fisheries, a portion of proceeds from sunglass sales this year will benefit the Bonefish Tarpon Trust’s Project Permit, an initiative to tag 6,000 permit this year in Florida and the Caribbean for research and scientific study.

Cheeca retails from $149 to $249 depending on lens selection, and is also available in an Rx option through one of Costa’s authorized optical labs. Visit Costa online for a retail outlet locator and the company’s online store.

About Costa®

As the leading manufacturer of the world’s clearest polarized performance sunglasses, Costa offers superior lens technology, unparalleled fit and durability, and a lifetime warranty against manufacturer’s defects on all of its products. Still handcrafted today in Florida, Costa creates what has been referred to as the highest quality, best performing sunglasses on the planet for outdoor enthusiasts.

For Costa, conservation is all about sustainable fishing. Many fisheries that should be vibrant and healthy are all but devoid of native fish because they have fallen victim to poor fishing practices, unregulated development, lack of watershed protection or all of the above. Costa works with partners around the world to help increase awareness and influence policy so that both the fish and fishermen of tomorrow will have healthy waters to enjoy. Costa encourages others to help in any way they can.

For more information, contact 1-800-447-3700 or visit the company’s Web site at www.costadelmar.com, or join in the conversation on Facebook at www.facebook.com/costadelmar.com or Twitter @CostaSunglasses.

Media contact

Liza Jones, 864.672.9615 (office), 864.270.0722 (cell)

liza@fullcirclepr.com

A Couple Thoughts on Guides

On a lot of blogs, you'll see write-ups from guides about what to expect from them. But what about what we expect? Remember, I'm writing from a perspective of someone who gets a couple trips each year here, so here is what I think.

The number one thing I expect is to put me on fish. They can't cast for me or make the fish eat my fly. But if they can show me fish, I know the rest is up to me. Fish won't eat a fly? That's just fishing for you. Fish spooks on a cast? That's just fishing.

I also expect guides to be courteous. If they get ticked at me for missing a shot, that's fine. I'm probably upset too. Just don't be irate like the stories you hear from the old crusty Florida guides of yesteryear. Granted, I think a lot of these guides are gone.

Here's a picture of me, my dad, and a great guide, Bully.

I say this because when I'm fishing with a guide, I'm on vacation. Guides must go on vacation, too, and they wouldn't want to be yelled at on vacation, would they?

All of this being said, I've had great luck with every fly fishing guide I've fished with. There has been only one guy who was kind of a jerk. He didn't really get upset so much as he was just lazy and couldn't find fish. He didn't seem to look very hard, either.

Bonefish Travel Series: Clothes Make the Man

One key piece of gear that is a must have when flats fishing are long sleeve shirts and flats style pants. Yes, there are a lot of things marketed to us fly fishers that we really don't need. And yes, I'm just as guilty as the next gear hog, but the one thing that can really do some damage when you're fishing in the ocean, or on a river for that matter, is the sun.

I'm a big fan of shirts made by Columbia. My current favorite is the Skiff Guide II shirt, although they have the new Freezer II which is supposed to keep you cooler. I wore the skiff guide on my last trip to the Bahamas and bought another one for my upcoming trip. My guide was also wearing one.

The bottom line is that you need a shirt with at least an SPF 30 rating to make sure that you don't get burned. The Columbia shirt is really lightweight and very comfortable. Its great for fishing anywhere, really, where sun is an issue. It works in the kayak, on a boat fishing for rockfish or for redfish.

In terms of flats pants, they are equally as important. I'm not as picky with these but I have a pair made by Ex Officio that I like and I have a pair that were pretty inexpensive that I bought at Bass Pro Shops that work fine. You really just want flats pants to be light weight and to be able to zip off at the knee to become shorts

This feature will allow you you to wade and to become shorts if its just too hot. Another thing I do like on flats pants are cargo pockets so I can keep my camera handy.

Late Night Fly Tying Gotcha Style

Here's the scene Sunday morning after a late night of fly tying and NCAA basketball.

I began playing with a few versions of the Gotcha and decided to tie one as prescribed by Charlie's Fly Box which is a really great site if you're a fly tier. In fact, I think Charlie has the best all around site around in terms of how-to tie. Be sure to check out his site.

I tried my hand at tying his Gotcha and here is what I came up with.

I've been working to make the wings on my Gotcha thinner, or tied more sparsely. If you're tying the Gotcha in my video, be sure to make the wing a little thinner, too.

Here's another pic of the Gotcha. I was really happy with how it turned out.

New Fly Tying Page

As regular readers of The Bonefish Flat will know, I've posted several video's on how to tie bonefish flies. I've figured out how to create a page dedicated to these videos so I've posted them all here.

The new link is over on the top right of the site.

I hope you enjoy.

Bonefish Fly Tying Series: Hot Legs Gotcha

Here's a new bonefish fly for your weekend. It's called the Hot Legs Gotcha and is, surprise surprise, a variation on the Gotcha. The fly uses "bunny" instead of craft fur for a wing and it uses sili legs for a tail.

This is my favorite bonefish fly and it is my go to fly in the Bahamas.

I hope everyone has a great fish filled weekend and enjoys the video. 78 degrees on Andros Island tomorrow. Perfect bonefishing weather. Wish I was there!!

Roger Wilco

I'm running behind today, folks, but I do have a few things in the works.

Knock on wood I'll have a tying video up tomorrow. It's been shot, I just have to edit it.

I'm also working on adding a music section to the site with some of my favorite bands. Why? Becasue I love music and becasue on forums that I frequent, people seem to talk about music a fair amount.

Speaking of music, I had a chance to see my favorite band Wilco on Tuesday night (big part of the reason I'm running behind).

Wilco has evolved from an Alt-Country band from their debut album A.M. into a more standard rock band with an avant garde flavor. The latest album, Wilco The Album, is really a combination of all of their sounds.

If you're looking to have a listen, check out Yankee Hotel Foxtrot which was nominated for a Grammy. The band is based INS Chicago and the lead guitarist, Nels Cline, is consistently rated as one of the best guitar players in the world.

Nels put on an amazing performance on Tuesday night and the show was just incredible. They played a three hour set which in the middle they brought in a small trap set, went acoustic more or less, nd turned down the lights to play some of their more quiet songs. Here's a pretty bad pic from the show here.




I definitely urge you to check out Wilco. Chances are they are playing in my truck on the way to the water.