Two Posts in One Week!!

 

Everyday during the pandemic I’ve been walking the dog around the lake near my house so I’ve seen all kinds of wildlife. Great Blue Herons, green herons, fish, ducks, geese, etc.  This heron sat so still it looked like a decoy. 

It's 2020

 Is this thing still on?  Man it's been a long time since I posted anything.  If 2020 gets any stranger...

I'm ready for this pandemic to be over and to get back to normal life.  In the meantime, enjoy this pic of a campfire.  

The New Trailer

I shared my homemade trailer for the back of my truck.  The truth is that while it worked ok, I wanted a "real" trailer.  I tried to find a nice used one, but where I live people always either wanted just about what a new one would cost OR the trailer didn't have a title.  In Virginia, a trailer is no good without a title, so I decided to buy a trailer from Harbor Freight.

It came in the mail in three packages.  

Here's my trailer on my front porch.

I had read reviews and everyone said it arrived this way so I wasn't too concerned at first.

Soon, I had the frame put together.

Coming along nicely.

Then, a flip, an axle, and wheels.

Notice the messy garage.  And, the old homemade trailer on the side!

Almost done.

Basically put together here, just had to wire it.

And voila, finis!!

One thing I really liked about building this is that I really learned a lot about trailers.  How to pack the bearings, get the wiring all straight, adjust bunks and so forth.  This was a big deal with the bearings, which are probably the most fickle part of a trailer, at least so I've read.  

This was a fun project that took some time but makes me feel like I have a real boat now!

Happy New Year 2015!!!!

The last few year's I've always made my new year's resolution to catch more fish, and more specifically, to catch a redfish.  It hasn't gone too well with each year seeming to have less and less fishing.

So this year, no fishing resolutions.  I'm just hoping to get out on the water more.  Here's a pic to keep you warm as we look forward to 2015 and the upcoming tarpon and bonefish seasons!!

Tight lines and fish boat side in 2015!!

A Long Island Bonefish.

                            

The Trailer Evolution

One reason I went with a 13 foot Gheenoe is so I could throw it in the back of my pickup truck.  I thought that since it's "only" 120 lbs, I can do this no problem.  I did that a few times and about broke my back.  The problem is that when you add the weight of a motor, cooler, some gear and gas, the ole' girl gets heavy.

So at first, I designed a wooden trailer that I could roll into the back of my truck bed and rest on a kayak rack.  Pretty slick, huh?

Once you load the rack in the back, the back legs come off so that they don't hit the road.  

Part dragster, part wooden boat trailer. 

Here she is loaded.  Drove three hours like this.  You should've seen the looks I got at the boat ramp.  

The Gheenoe

If you're not familiar with a Gheenoe, it's part of the micro skiff revolution.  A micro skiff is nothing more than a small skiff, often in the 12-15 foot range.  Gheenoe's were designed by Harley Gheen back in 1970.  They are a cross between a canoe and a John Boat blending the best qualities of the two.  I have a 13 footer which is a small one, but great for scooting around local rivers and exploring the edges of the Chesapeake Bay.  I have a little 4 HP on the back.

To me, the real advantage of this boat is the stability.  I can stand up and fly fish.  I have a kayak for fishing but since I really love the long rod, I always found it difficult to sight fish sitting so low to the water.  Couple that with the fact I don't have to paddle and the Gheenoe really opens up a lot of water for me to fish.  I've made a few modifications to mine which are all pretty simple, but there are guys out there who have made this little boats into pretty fancy skiffs.

Here's how she looked when I got her.

Where Has the Bonefish Flat Been?

It's been a busy year for me.  I haven't updated the blog for over a year, though that doesn't mean I haven't been thinking about fishing.  The truth is that is about all I've been doing on the fishing front.  I got a Gheenoe about a year ago and have had a lot of fun getting that up and running.  I've been planning to add a separate page at the top of the screen to update folks on my little micro skiff and how much fun it's been.

Me and the boy getting ready to go find a carp.

I did a little carp fishing this year.  And, I saw a lot of carp, but didn't do too well at the catching part. I also "assembled" a trailer for the Gheenoe which was fun too.

My daughter and son are getting bigger so the summer was spent at a lot of swim meets and "other" things which is just fine.  I just didn't have as much time for fishing which consequently meant not as much to write about and of course not much time to write.

Maybe 2015 will be the year of the fish!  Every year the my New Year's resolution is to fish more and for some reason I fish less.  So this year, no resolutions on the fishing front.

Back to School with Flip Pallot and Mad River Outfitters

Earlier this year I told folks about a great experience I had doing business with Mad River Outfitters. Well, they are putting on a trip of a lifetime. A sort if fantasy camp for salty brethren of the long rod.

Join Mad River and Flip Pallot for a saltwater fly fishing school on Ambergris Caye in Belize on April 12-18, 2014.

Joining Flip will be the founder and owner of one of the largest fly fishing outfitters in the country, Brian Flechsig of Mad River Outfitters. Brian is the host of the Mad River Media series of instructional fly fishing videos, author, fly designer and a veteran instructor. Not to mention, of course, he's a world-class saltwater angler with over 30 years of experience. Brian and Flip began working together over 14 years ago when they filmed a mess of episodes of the Walker's Cay Chronicles together. A solid friendship was easily formed and the two men began teaching schools like this at various locations. They also conducted many trips together including their famous "Florida Sampler Trips". As Flip will tell you himself.......... "Brian is one of the best instructors in the fly fishing industry today and you will be glad to work with him."

Details, details, details...

The "MRO Flip School"-

The Mad River Outfitters/Flip Pallot Saltwater Fly Fishing School will be held in San Pedro- Ambergris Caye in Belize from Saturday, April 12th- Friday, April 18th. 2014.

You will arrive on Saturday the 12th at the San Pedro Airport via Belize City and be escorted to the oceanfront Villa that Flip and Brian have rented for the school. You do need to arrange your airfare to Belize City and then over to San Pedro....but it's super easy. Belize City is served by American and Delta and we use Tropic Air for the quick jump over to the island. We will provide you exact details on how to do this. A valid U.S. Passport is required to enter Belize.

We will have a "meet and greet" dinner on the night of arrival and an overview of the week to come.

The next day will be spent in "classroom" with Brian and Flip with an emphasis on your fly casting skills.....which is the single most important component in your saltwater success. Classes will run from 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. so plenty of time before and after to relax, enjoy....or chase fish around the flats in front of the villa.

Day two will be spent with local guides chasing bonefish, tarpon and permit on the flats surrounding Ambergris Caye. After dinner will be a Q & A and discussion with Flip and Brian about your day.

Day three will be spent again in "classroom" with Brian and Flip and a variety of topics will be covered. You will have the evening off to relax, socialize, go to town, or....fish the flats right in front of the villa

Days 4 and 5 will be spent again with local guides on the flats surrounding the island.

Day 4 will feature "classroom" Q & A after dinner with Brian and Flip and day 5 will feature the "graduation ceremony".

You will depart the Ambergris Caye/San Pedro airport on Friday, April 18th. We will provide transportation (via golf cart) to the airport.

You need to bring basic tackle and flies. A detailed equipment listing will be provided upon sign-up. Basically you need to have an 8wt for bonefish and a 10wt for tarpon and permit, a few leaders and flies, and proper clothing and gear.

****Sign-up for this trip and Temple Fork Outfitters will give you a NEW Mangrove Fly Rod (designed by Flip) for FREE.......you pick....8wt- 12wt Click Here to view

Trip is limited to 12 anglers. A full detailed Info packet will be sent upon sign-up that will contain equipment listing, travel info and etc.

Included in this trip: Transportation from San Pedro airport to the villa, 6 nights lodging, all meals, Flip Pallot School, 3 days guided fishing, tons of fun

Not Included in this trip: Transportation to San Pedro, Belize (super easy and we'll tell you exactly how), tackle and flies, tipping of guides, staff and instructors

" Brian and I will transform you into better saltwater anglers.......period"- Flip Pallot

The Ultimate Man Cave

This one is so good I had to share.  Inspiring!!!

Grinning from Ear to Ear

If you're a fishing guide, you may not understand this but you might be interested in it.  I'm your average fly fishing addict whose daydreams follow a gaze out the window anxiously awaiting my next opportunity to reclaim a little bow time.  It's a beautiful thing when you put everything together for your next fishing trip.  But a good fishing trip usually begins with a good guide saying yes.

That's right.  You can pick your destination.  You can start tying flies.  You can ask a million questions on your favorite fishing forum.  But, if the guide you pick is booked, then its time to start over again.  Ever try to book your favorite keys tarpon guide in May or June?  Hope someone bequeathed you a week on their death bed, because those times just don't fall off the key lime tree.  Ever try to book your favorite bonefish guide in the Bahamas during April or May?  Hope you planned ahead.

So, when it came time for me to chase the redfish, I chose to try and book a trip with Captain Seth Vernon of Double Haul charters.  Dates weren't easy to come by, but we finally got some times that work and 2013 is now the year of the redfish.

Check out this video as a little teaser of what's to come.

Redfish Week

 

Courtesy of Capt. Seth Vernon

Sorry for the long pause in updates. I got sidetracked and I bought a Gheenoe, and if you've never seen one it's kind of like Duck Dynasty meets Hells Bay Boatworks. Or maybe just a cross between a Jon boat and a canoe. Either way, I have a 4 hp Evinrude on the back of this 13 footer so I guess that makes me an evinrude man now.

In bigger news, I'm heading out for my annual trip later this week to try my hand at the mighty redfish with Capt. Seth Vernon in Wilmington. I've been wanting to add a redfish, or red drum, or puppy drum, or bull red, or rat red, to my species list for some time so this week will be as good as any. Follow the blog this week as I update on the haps.

Stay tuned for much more to come. I've gotten some things written so new "stuff" is on the way!

 

 

Redfish Week

Courtesy of Capt. Seth Vernon

Sorry for the long pause in action here but I've been busy. I bought a Gheenoe, and if you've never seen one it's kind of like Duck Dynasty meets Hells Bay Boatworks. Or maybe just a cross between a Jon boat and a canoe. Either way, I have a 4 hp Evinrude on the back of this 13 footer so I guess that makes me an evinrude man now.

In bigger news, I'm heading out for my annual trip later this week to try my hand at the mighty redfish with Capt. Seth Vernon in Wilmington. I've been wanting to add a redfish, or red drum, or puppy drum, or bull red, or rat red, to my species list for some time so this week will be as good as any. Follow the blog this week as I update on the haps.

Stay tuned for much more to come. I've gotten some things written so new "stuff" is on the way!

Silver Lining

I usually try not to repeat information, videos, etc, that has made the rounds on other blogs or Web sites.  I just can't help myself on this one, though.  

Capt. Will Benson and his crew at World Angling have a new video out called Silver Lining.  The film looks at tarpon fishing and what's at stake as the cruise ship industry looks to dredge Key West harbor to allow bigger ships to port.  The impact this would have could be devastating to the tarpon fishery around Key West.



I've followed Capt. Benson's career and I can tell you he is a much sought-after guide in the Keys.  His movies are stellar and some of the best "homegrown" flicks out there.  In fact, they are my favorite because of they focus on saltwater fly fishing.

I watched Silver Lining this morning with my five year old son and he noticed that the picture featured on the cover of this film is the same one (or very similar) included as a pull-out poster in The Drake magazine a few issues back.  I took the poster and hung it in my home office.  Pretty neat to watch a five year old who lives in D.C. suburb pick up on the habits of tarpon.  It's amazing how much kids really do pay attention to things.    

Speaking of tarpon, I'm really starting to get the itch again.  Lot's of the Saturday and Sunday morning fishing shows have featured tarpon and I expect in another two or three weeks I'll have a pretty good case of outright tarpon fever.  

Jon Makim Flies

I came across a fly tyer from Australia who really ties up some sweet, salty flies.  Jon Makim ties flies that ship all over the world and I bet you could find on any bonefish flat.  According his Web site, he has fly fished since his early twenties and was able to parlay that into a full time profession and now ties flies full time.
He has some really great crab patterns and shrimp patterns on his site that look really well tied.

Take a look and browse through his Web site.  He has some real eye candy on here for the flats and saltwater fly fisherman.

Here is a flats assortment of Jon's flies.  They can be purchased here.

Mad River Outfitters

I haven't done much with the tab "Department of Commerce" over on the right hand side of the page.  I  had wanted to highlight some of my favorite fly shops here.

When I lived closer to Washington, it was pretty easy to hit up a local fly shop.  Now that I live out in pure suburbia, it's a little trickier.  I have some specific flies I want to tie and I need some key ingredients.  New hooks being foremost among them (more on that later).

I looked at several of my favorite fly shops online, but they seemed to have half of what I needed but were missing one or two things.

That's when I came across Mad River Outfitters.  I don't know a whole lot about them, but I got my order quickly and they had everything and then some in terms of key fly ingredients.

They also have free shipping on orders over 25 bucks and no sales tax unless you live in Ohio.

Be sure to check them out if you're looking to buy something on the Web.  I'll be back to their Web site.

First Flies

For my last post I put up some pictures of my new tying desk.  I spent a lot of time working on that thing and the kids  seemed to think I did a pretty good job, so of course they wanted, and continue to want, to tie some flies on it.
My daughter stepped up and tied her first fly, and the the first fly on my new bench.  Appropriately, she tied a pink clouser minnow which should catch a fish just about anywhere.

My little girl at the bench.

The boy decided he would tie a clouser, too, but decided for the more traditional chartreuse.  

New Tying Desk

It has been cold here and I'm really getting tired of it.  The upside is that there is time to catch up on tying some flies and getting ready for the new season.  My problem tying flies is that I never felt like I had a good spot to tie flies.  I needed something I can plop in front of the television and something that I could easily put away.

I looked around the net for some ideas for a portable tying desk and came across some really neat ideas.  The best were these custom tying desks on a Web site called Creek Nuts.  I really got to studying these benches and thought I could make something similar.

I set down and drew up some plans and really got into this.  I'm fairly handy with tools.  The problem is, I don't have everything I need in terms of tools (mostly in terms of a saw).  I found out that this can be overcome, but it does take a little longer.

I made a trip to Home Depot, bought some wood, screws, and stain, and here it is.  Complete with a little fish bling.

First draft.

Added some shelves.  The notebook and tape measure make it look like I know what I'm doing.

Shelves finished.

Now its a cherry tying desk.

Finished and added some fish for a little bling.

Finished

It didn't stay clean long.

I left the right back shelf side empty for now.  I'm still trying to figure out what I want to put up there.

Gripes

I'm not usually one to gripe about a whole lot. At least I don't think I am anyway. But get ready, because I'm getting ready to complain about something that is really bothering me. The weather. Tomorrow's high here in the nation's Capital is forecast for 23 degrees. That's nine degrees below freezing. That is honking cold. What's worse, the forecast doesn't call for a day in the 30's until Saturday. That's just plain wrong.

Some of my friends and readers in the north are probably reading this and saying quit yer bitchin'. But this is a blog about saltwater flats fishing. So guess what fellas to the north, too bad. I'm entitled to complain about cold weather.

Here's a picture from the summer in the keys. Much warmer there, I'll tell you.

And I bet there a few people in Florida reading this laughing at me too. And to you, my good friends, I say, it ain't funny. People weren't made to live in 20 degree weather. If we were, God would have given us fur.

Tomorrow's high in Key West? 73 degrees. It just isn't fair.

 

 

Creek Nuts Fly Tying Bench

I've been looking around at some different portable fly tying benches in hopes that I could find a design I liked, copy it, and make my own.  By no means am I good at wood working, but it's fun to tinker and I thought it would be a good, low cost way to make a new tying bench.

I'm looking for something small, light weight, and extremely portable so that I can tie in front of the television and then put my stuff away easily.  So far I just raised a block on a small piece of plywood so I can stick my vise on it.

And then, I noticed a new site on twitter called Creek Nuts and I saw this.

Stick a bonefish on anything and I'm a sucker.  Throw a tarpon and a permit on it and its nearly a must have.  Take a look at some of the other offerings on Creek Nuts.  Everything is handmade and fully customizable.  Some of the tables allow you to add your name and your favorite game fish.  

This is really cool stuff.  Be sure to check out the site.

2012: A Look Back

For the past few years, my New Year's Resolution has been to get out on the water more.  It's harder and harder to do with the daily grind weighing down, but this year I did manage to get out there and wet a fly.  I did a lot more fishing in my local suburban ponds which has been a good outlet to get outside.  I even managed to get the kids out a few times so I'll try to keep that up in 2013.

To kick 2012 off, I had a chance to fish the bonefish flats of Long Island, Bahamas with a really great group of guys.  We had weather that was tough as snot, but I managed to have a great time, eat like a king, and meet some new lifelong friends.  If you missed the report, check it out here.

Me and a Long Island Bonefish.  

In the spring, I finally timed the shad run and had great success in the mighty Potomac.  I fished out of the historic Fletcher's Boat House on a few different occasions and really had a great time.

Poor man's Tarpon.  

In July, my dad and I continued our great tradition of taking a yearly trip by heading to Key West to fish with Captain Drew for tarpon.  I still get goose bumps thinking about that first tarpon I saw swimming at me at 12 o'clock.  She looked like a sunken log except moving fast and steady.  What an amazing trip.  If you missed this trip report, check it out here.  

Splash from dad jumping a Tarpon.

And my friend John took me out to location X where I landed this pig-of-a-largemouth.  

So there you have it.  2012 was a great year.  Looking forward to 2013.  Hope you and yours have a happy and safe New Year.