Posts
We still have some availability on private beats on the lower river - contact us for details.
Newquay angler Gareth Craze on the Tamar, during an early-season Spey casting lesson.
Devon Sea Trout - the first of many?
Congratulations must go to regular Arundell rod Gerald Spiers, who opened the River Tamar sea trout account for 2011. Fishing the lower river on Friday 25th March, Gerald caught the fish in a fast run using a heavy sink tip line and Flaming Pig tube fly. While not a large fish at approximately 1 1/4lb, it was very fresh run indeed and was safely returned to the river. Well done Mr Spiers!
We still have some availability on private beats on the lower river - contact us for details.
Newquay angler Gareth Craze on the Tamar, during an early-season Spey casting lesson.
We still have some availability on private beats on the lower river - contact us for details.
Newquay angler Gareth Craze on the Tamar, during an early-season Spey casting lesson.
The #1 Keyword Search that led to Minion Flyfishing Today is...
"April Vokey Nude."
Now where are those other pictures hiding?
The Feathered Hook in Coburn, PA
The Feathered Hook is known in the Penns Creek fishery as a great place to pick up the specialized flies needed to fool the ultra-selective Penns Creek Brown trout. Who knew they were You-Tube celebreties as well?
First Cast 2011 at the Junction Pool
Roscoe, NY to host celebrities for the opening of the 2011 Trout Fishing Season.
The Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum has lured Best Supporting Actor Oscar nominee Mark Ruffalo to Saturday's First Cast event as well as jazz pianist and Grammy winner Laurence Hobgood.
The two will make the ceremonial first casts of the year at the famous Junction Pool.
The Beaverkill and Willowemoc are two of the country's most storied and historic trout streams, making the Junction Pool the logical choice for official site of opening day ceremonies.
April 1 is NY opening day, but the museum has arranged its festivities for Saturday when most anglers can be afield.
A full event schedule is planned for Saturday. Ted Patlen will tie flies in the Museum alongside noted Pennsylvania wet fly expert Don Bastian. Don will also be displaying his collection of Bergman wet flies for the last time.
At 6 p.m. the annual Roscoe Chamber of Commerce Two Headed Trout Dinner will take place at the Rockland House.
Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/more_sports/celebs_head_to_opener_s02mSfaiaa1o9bemrq6sVO#ixzz1I8IQwruB
Spring???
Warmer weather has finally arrived. Now if it would just stop raining!!!! We are pleased to report that the early season lakes are open and fishing is in full swing. Those of you lucky enough to get out between rain and wind storms have reported some very good fishing.
We've had quite a few reports from Amber. Everyone reports good fishing with the usual lake tactics (trolling with streamers or fishing Chironimids below and indicator). But we've also had reports of some good fishing on water boatmen as well as Hare's Ear nymphs fished subsurface on a floating line.
For those of you who like to head east get ready to saddle up. We've received good reports from the Clark Fork and expect our friends from Dry Fly Distilling to bring back a Bitterroot report early next week.
So as of now it looks like all systems are go for trout season. Swing by the shop and pick up some flies, leaders, tippet, that new 5wt or whatever else you might need for trout season.
Check out the pic of Jesse's Medical Lake Rainbow!
Quote of the week: Social Edition
Quote noticed while watching The Social Network, surfing facebook, a wondering why I didn't do anything with that idea I had for using credit cards as gift certificates... "When you go fishing you can catch a lot of fish, or you can catch a big fish. You ever walk into a guy's den and see a picture of him standing next to fourteen trout?"
Not because it is great,
just because we've all been there.
I've never had a video posted of me doing it though...
Mr Jones Loses His Fly from adam morrey on Vimeo.
I've never had a video posted of me doing it though...
A Tribute to Stanley Bogdan...
A very nice memorial article by Monte Burke can be found in Forbes Magazine @ http://blogs.forbes.com/monteburke/2011/03/28/stan-bogdan-remembering-a-fly-fishing-giant/
Fly Fishing Report from An Irish Angler
A trip to a new stream proved very interesting in terms of a few fish landed and the discovery of fresh water pearl mussels, an indicator of pristine water quality. Parking up at a bridge around 10.30am, I proceeded to walk the bank downstream and fish likely runs. Although March the river was running clear and at summer levels, the water was cold and with a stiff north east breeze there was no fly life. Putting up a team of spiders with a leaded hares ear on the point I proceeded to fish a gut below a small island where two channels met. Running into a large pool there was sure to be trout along the seams.
Fishing downstream with a long line and keeping low, as the flies swept around I set the hook into a spirited 30cm trout. A good start which was quickly followed by a slightly smaller colleague, both nicely spotted they scooted away upstream on release. Casting along another couple of runs which bordered a water meadow, I encountered five more fish of which two in the 25 -30cm bracket were landed. With a midday sun now heating newly blossoming gorse so filling the air with a coconut scent, I walked back to the car and drove half a mile upstream.
Here the channel meandered through fields hard won from the surrounding moorland, looking down into the valley I knew that come late spring with a fresh running this section would come into its own. Long flats, riffles, and tumbling cascades there had to be fish here. Slipping in above a riffle I looked down to see an oval shape resting on the sand. A pearl mussel at least six inches long, its foot slowly retreating into the shell upon my touch. Probably 50+ years old and a positive indicator of water quality, a real find.
Spotting a few fish but no takers I decided to end the session early. In a few weeks time when there are leaves on the trees and some insects are moving, this stream will come alive for certain. With a mile of varying water to choose from a fly fisher could spend a day here and not see it going. Likewise the evening fishing could be very good too. Definitely worth another visit.
Finally
For a while I have been trying to get one of these bastards, Today I finally got one. And then another one! Grass carp are fun!
I bet Rod likes the hat!
I bet Rod likes the hat!
Spring Creek This Weekend
Double D and I decided to make a quick trip to see if we could not get into a few fish and break his new year fishless streak. (mine was broke last week) As you can see above we were successful. Although there was not yet any surface action a few olives were present and the nymph action was quite awesome with many fish hooked and landed.
I want to go fishing with Herb...
or is it the Yampa?
Herb looks like fun and I dig his choice of soundtrack tunes.
Maybe it is Herb after all?
Herb looks like fun and I dig his choice of soundtrack tunes.
Maybe it is Herb after all?
Big Time Fundraiser...
Trout Unlimited's Spring Creek Chapter is holding its annual fund-raising banquet on April 2, 2011 at the Ramada Inn in State College. The looked forward to evening’s events include a silent auction, bucket raffles, 52-card draws, a live auction and a 50/50 cash drawing. Many other interesting prizes will also be available, including an original painting of Spring Creek by Jennifer Shuey, art prints by George LaVanish, guided trips, a Richardson fly box with ~30 dozen hand-tied flies, and other similarly fishy items.
Also being auctioned off is one ticket for the ClearWater Conservancy sponsored “A Day on Spring Creek with four Penn State Flyfishing Legends” —accompanying you onstream will be Joe Humphreys, Greg Hoover, Mark Belden, and Vance McCullaugh. This on-stream event will be held on April 9th.
Tickets for the buffet dinner and happy hour cost $35. For tickets or more information, contact Purtell at 814-383-0166 or by email at jmp@goh-inc.com.
Read more: http://www.centredaily.com/2011/03/27/2608367/county-trout-group-hosting-banquet.html#ixzz1Hqqdnp1w
Also being auctioned off is one ticket for the ClearWater Conservancy sponsored “A Day on Spring Creek with four Penn State Flyfishing Legends” —accompanying you onstream will be Joe Humphreys, Greg Hoover, Mark Belden, and Vance McCullaugh. This on-stream event will be held on April 9th.
Tickets for the buffet dinner and happy hour cost $35. For tickets or more information, contact Purtell at 814-383-0166 or by email at jmp@goh-inc.com.
Read more: http://www.centredaily.com/2011/03/27/2608367/county-trout-group-hosting-banquet.html#ixzz1Hqqdnp1w
Spring Creek Last Weekend
Last weekend I met Stu and "da Bear" out for some fishing on spring creek. Hopes were high for a BWO hatching with furious dry fly action, but like a fat chick hoping to get lucky at the prom it was not to be. Both Stu and Bear shook off the New year rust and landed fish.
Teaching a casting lesson on the banks of the river yesterday gave some exciting prospects for the start of the season. There were plenty of Large Dark Olives hatching and there were even a few fish rising to intercept them.
Not long now before we are back in business!
A few imitations suitable for early season dry fly sport:
~Dave
Not long now before we are back in business!
A few imitations suitable for early season dry fly sport:
~Dave
Top 10?
Awesome!
Due to our enjoyment of fishing, and drinking we have made the top ten best fly fishing websites for the fellas at The Daily Hunt and Fish.
As they say,
"Their fat, their fun, their a bit crude, and they love to fish. This is what blogging is all about. A few buddies not only documenting their fishing adventures but also giving us a glimpse into their strange but real life. WARNING this website is not for everybody. I will not pull up this site up with my seven year old next to me. It is a true blog you never know what they will post next."
For me I would like to note some our special talents,
Alex, amazing with the camera, video making, most of the stuff on here, dedication to catch the fish, the only one of us that is fully literate, and putting up with Kyle's shit.
Aaron, Knowing where and when to fish, ability to drink "copious" amounts of booze, producing amazing yet horribly disturbing body smells, and putting up with Kyle's shit.
And for myself, I am always ready to put my body through a new experiment for research or just for the hell of it.
And to the Fellas at Daily Hunt and Fish, thank you for helping up spread the word!
Due to our enjoyment of fishing, and drinking we have made the top ten best fly fishing websites for the fellas at The Daily Hunt and Fish.
As they say,
"Their fat, their fun, their a bit crude, and they love to fish. This is what blogging is all about. A few buddies not only documenting their fishing adventures but also giving us a glimpse into their strange but real life. WARNING this website is not for everybody. I will not pull up this site up with my seven year old next to me. It is a true blog you never know what they will post next."
For me I would like to note some our special talents,
Alex, amazing with the camera, video making, most of the stuff on here, dedication to catch the fish, the only one of us that is fully literate, and putting up with Kyle's shit.
Aaron, Knowing where and when to fish, ability to drink "copious" amounts of booze, producing amazing yet horribly disturbing body smells, and putting up with Kyle's shit.
And for myself, I am always ready to put my body through a new experiment for research or just for the hell of it.
And to the Fellas at Daily Hunt and Fish, thank you for helping up spread the word!
Fly Fishing is Recession Proof?
Despite the ongoing economic recession our great country is being subjected to, during 2010 fly anglers have contributed their own "economic stimulus" through a sales increase of over 4% over the 2009 metric.
http://www.flyrodreel.com/blogs/tedwilliams/2011/march/fly-purchases-released
See that, fly fishers ARE good for something...
Handlining is gaining in popularity as the economy continues to punish our wallets.
http://www.flyrodreel.com/blogs/tedwilliams/2011/march/fly-purchases-released
See that, fly fishers ARE good for something...
Handlining is gaining in popularity as the economy continues to punish our wallets.
The 2nd Annual Operation Dry -Fly -in conjunction with Project Healing Waters
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| An American and a Canadian Vet sampling some small stream fishing |
Last year we conducted the 1st Operation Dry Fly which saw 6 veterans from Canada and the United States converge on Fernie B.C and the Elk River .Due to the success and the fun we all had we are pleased to announce that we will be conducting the 2nd Annual Operation Dry Fly on the Elk River .This year we will be inviting 8 young Veterans to join us ,with 4 from Canada and 4 from the United States .Once again we will be donating the guiding but need your support to cover such things as Airfares ,Lodging ,Meals and other related costs .Last year we raised $5000 with $1000 being donated to P.H.W.This Year's goal is to double that.
As Fly-fishing Guides the reward for taking part in this event are also huge , it's our way to say Thanks .After last year's event ,Jeti Fly-Fishing Guide Derek Crawshaw summed it up perfectly "These Guys fought so I can be a Fishing Guide "
Click here to watch the video from last Year's Op.Dry Fly
To Donate in the United States
Please make your Check payable to
Project Healing Waters -in the memo line write op.dryfly
Mail it to
Dave Brown
Box 884
Patagonia AZ
85624
To Donate in Canada
Please make your Cheque payable to Project Healing Waters -Canada - in the memo line write op.dryfly
Mail it to
Rick Harding
36 Ardiel Drive
Okotoks, AB
Canada, T1S 1G6
Tight Lines and we appreciate your support
Dave Brown & Rick Harding
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| The Gang |
Great News For Maine Striper fishermen & The Entire Atlantic Coast Striped Bass Fishery!!!
BREAKING NEWS!!!
HOORAY!!! Ladies & Gentlemen...please hoist your beers in the direction of Alexandria, VA in salute of an effort by the ASFMC's Striped Bass Commission that is sure to bode well for the stocks of east coast Stripers...If the initiatives of this important Addendum passes, and they rightfully should, it will not be a quick fix solution to the problem but it is definitely a huge step in the right direction...The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has released the following info...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 24, 2011
Alexandria, VA – The ASMFC (Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission), Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board has initiated development
of Draft Addendum III with the goals of reducing striped bass fishing mortality (F) up to 40% and further
protecting spawning stock when it is concentrated and vulnerable.
The addendum was initiated in order to
allow managers to promptly respond to the results of the stock assessment update in the fall if necessary.
Provisions of the addendum, if passed, could be implemented prior to the start of the 2012 fishing year.
The Board’s action responds to recent trends in the fishery and resource, including a 66% decline in
estimated recreational catch from 2006 to 2009; a 25% decline in estimated striped bass abundance from
2004 to 2008; and lowered recruitment in recent years. Additionally, states in the northern extent of the
fishery have expressed concern over decreased availability of striped bass as a result of the diminished
water quality in the Chesapeake Bay during the summer months that may also contribute to increased
prevalence of mycobacteriosis in striped bass.
Draft Addendum III will propose a range of fishing management measures including, but not limited to,
adjustments to commercial and recreational minimum size (for jurisdictions outside Chesapeake Bay and
Albemarle Sound/Roanoke River), reductions in annual coastal commercial allocation, reductions in
recreational bag limits, revisions to the target F rate (for Chesapeake Bay and Albemarle Sound/Roanoke
River), and reductions on fishing for striped bass in known spawning areas during the spawning season by
at least 50% (for jurisdictions bordering the Hudson River, Delaware River, Chesapeake Bay and
Albemarle Sound/Roanoke River).
The commercial and recreational fishery is currently managed through Amendment 6 to the Striped Bass
Fishery Management Plan. The Amendment, passed in 2003, allocates the coastal commercial quota and
set a two fish bag limit and a 28 inch size minimum for the recreational fishery, with the exception of the
Chesapeake Bay fisheries, Albemarle Sound/Roanoke River fisheries, and states with approved alternative
regulations.
The Draft Addendum will be developed for preliminary review by the Atlantic Striped Bass Management
Board in August. For more information, please contact Kate Taylor, Fishery Management Plan
Coordinator, at ktaylor@asmfc.org or 703.842.0740.
Maine' Premier Saltwater Fishing Guide Service
Super Fly Charters
Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
Super Fly Charters Facebook Page
www.superfly-charters.com
HOORAY!!! Ladies & Gentlemen...please hoist your beers in the direction of Alexandria, VA in salute of an effort by the ASFMC's Striped Bass Commission that is sure to bode well for the stocks of east coast Stripers...If the initiatives of this important Addendum passes, and they rightfully should, it will not be a quick fix solution to the problem but it is definitely a huge step in the right direction...The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has released the following info...
March 24, 2011
Alexandria, VA – The ASMFC (Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission), Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board has initiated development
of Draft Addendum III with the goals of reducing striped bass fishing mortality (F) up to 40% and further
protecting spawning stock when it is concentrated and vulnerable.
The addendum was initiated in order to
allow managers to promptly respond to the results of the stock assessment update in the fall if necessary.
Provisions of the addendum, if passed, could be implemented prior to the start of the 2012 fishing year.
The Board’s action responds to recent trends in the fishery and resource, including a 66% decline in
estimated recreational catch from 2006 to 2009; a 25% decline in estimated striped bass abundance from
2004 to 2008; and lowered recruitment in recent years. Additionally, states in the northern extent of the
fishery have expressed concern over decreased availability of striped bass as a result of the diminished
water quality in the Chesapeake Bay during the summer months that may also contribute to increased
prevalence of mycobacteriosis in striped bass.
Draft Addendum III will propose a range of fishing management measures including, but not limited to,
adjustments to commercial and recreational minimum size (for jurisdictions outside Chesapeake Bay and
Albemarle Sound/Roanoke River), reductions in annual coastal commercial allocation, reductions in
recreational bag limits, revisions to the target F rate (for Chesapeake Bay and Albemarle Sound/Roanoke
River), and reductions on fishing for striped bass in known spawning areas during the spawning season by
at least 50% (for jurisdictions bordering the Hudson River, Delaware River, Chesapeake Bay and
Albemarle Sound/Roanoke River).
The commercial and recreational fishery is currently managed through Amendment 6 to the Striped Bass
Fishery Management Plan. The Amendment, passed in 2003, allocates the coastal commercial quota and
set a two fish bag limit and a 28 inch size minimum for the recreational fishery, with the exception of the
Chesapeake Bay fisheries, Albemarle Sound/Roanoke River fisheries, and states with approved alternative
regulations.
The Draft Addendum will be developed for preliminary review by the Atlantic Striped Bass Management
Board in August. For more information, please contact Kate Taylor, Fishery Management Plan
Coordinator, at ktaylor@asmfc.org or 703.842.0740.
Maine' Premier Saltwater Fishing Guide Service
Super Fly Charters
Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
Super Fly Charters Facebook Page
www.superfly-charters.com
Still Some POW Days To Be Had!
Ok, this is where I go off on a little tangent and talk a little powder. It will also be telling more about our contour cameras. Not only do these cameras film 1080p HD Video they also track where you are, speed and elevation. Here is a link to a video I shot March 22nd at Beaver Creek! Click Here For Video
This camera also can be set up to shoot stills. Here are a few from March 22nd!
To top it off here are a few pics from my iphone!
This camera also can be set up to shoot stills. Here are a few from March 22nd!
To top it off here are a few pics from my iphone!
Super Fly Charters: Your #1 Source For Maine Saltwater Fishing Reports, Guided Striper Trips & Charters
Maine Striper Fishing Update
Reservations are continuing to come in for the 2011 Maine saltwater fishing season...Many anglers are already booking trips as far out as September to insure that they get the prime dates. We do multi trips each day based on the ebb and flow of the tides so don't worry we have still have lots of availability...As of right now we are scheduled to begin our season sometime in May...Once we have the boat ready to go, we'll begin doing groundfish trips and based on the availability of early migrating Stripers we'll be focusing on the prolific herring runs that occur on many of our tidal rivers.
Striper fishing in the Maine during the month of May can be hit or miss but when the bite is on, we can help cure your case of cabin fever with an early season slayfest...once June rolls around it'll be game on for 150+ straight days...Striped Bass, Bluefish, Bluefin Tuna, Cod, Mackerel & Sharks will all get your much deserved attention...
Sooo...if you have a date in mind that you'd like to reserve, please give us a jingle to insure that you get a chance to participate in what's going to be another great fishing season on the beautiful coast of Maine....also be sure to browse through our Maine saltwater fishing reports archives to read our day by day, month by month reports....we have hundreds of great pictures that back up our daily fishing reports...
Maine' Premier Saltwater Fishing Guide Service
Super Fly Charters
Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
Super Fly Charters Facebook Page
www.superfly-charters.com
Striper fishing in the Maine during the month of May can be hit or miss but when the bite is on, we can help cure your case of cabin fever with an early season slayfest...once June rolls around it'll be game on for 150+ straight days...Striped Bass, Bluefish, Bluefin Tuna, Cod, Mackerel & Sharks will all get your much deserved attention...
Sooo...if you have a date in mind that you'd like to reserve, please give us a jingle to insure that you get a chance to participate in what's going to be another great fishing season on the beautiful coast of Maine....also be sure to browse through our Maine saltwater fishing reports archives to read our day by day, month by month reports....we have hundreds of great pictures that back up our daily fishing reports...
Maine' Premier Saltwater Fishing Guide Service
Super Fly Charters
Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
Super Fly Charters Facebook Page
www.superfly-charters.com
P P P POW!!!!
Alex Aaron and I went to Patagonia.
Pre-spawn bass can be fun. Toss a fly in their area and piss them off, results are as follow!
Alex and I were at Sportsmans getting ready for the trip, Alex found a crappie jig in the discount bin. It was a green head with a bright magenta marabou body. Alex said "Buy this and throw it all day you will catch the fish."
I said, "I don't want it, its too damn big and too bright for these fish."
Alex kept bugging me to buy the damn thing, and now I am glad he did.
I dropped it and watched the bass circle it for a bit, then he sucked it up!
I tossed it to another bass right after and BAM!!!! Another one.... almost.... It broke me off.
So throwing for fish that just are not interested in anything, I remembered that I pissed off 2 bass and landed the smaller one on some super ugly bright colors. I put a fly on that Aaron tied for me a few years back, Yes it was ugly and bright, I pulled that guy out with it. I am satisfied!
Now for my stupid photo with my big bass of the day!
Pre-spawn bass can be fun. Toss a fly in their area and piss them off, results are as follow!
Alex and I were at Sportsmans getting ready for the trip, Alex found a crappie jig in the discount bin. It was a green head with a bright magenta marabou body. Alex said "Buy this and throw it all day you will catch the fish."
I said, "I don't want it, its too damn big and too bright for these fish."
Alex kept bugging me to buy the damn thing, and now I am glad he did.
I dropped it and watched the bass circle it for a bit, then he sucked it up!
I tossed it to another bass right after and BAM!!!! Another one.... almost.... It broke me off.
So throwing for fish that just are not interested in anything, I remembered that I pissed off 2 bass and landed the smaller one on some super ugly bright colors. I put a fly on that Aaron tied for me a few years back, Yes it was ugly and bright, I pulled that guy out with it. I am satisfied!
Now for my stupid photo with my big bass of the day!
Guest Article: "Sails On The Fly" by Tom Gorman
Editor's note: Recently we were fortunate to make the acquaintance of editor, writer, and world traveling fly fisherman, Tom Gorman. Tom graciously agreed to give our readers an inside look at one of his recent trips.
Tom Gorman is a long-term Hong Kong resident who hails from the U.S. Midwest. A business editor by trade , he is an avid fly fisherman and fly tier who has fished many parts of the world in salt as well as fresh waters . He recently made a trip to Guatemala to pursue his first sailfish on the fly.
Tom Gorman on Mongolia’s Delger Moron River
There’s something about sailfish that has made me want to catch and release one on a fly for some time . I’m not sure exactly what it is , although there are few creatures in the sea which can compare with the sailfish in terms of sheer beauty and grace , and obviously they’re a very challenging target on the fly.
Tom Gorman is a long-term Hong Kong resident who hails from the U.S. Midwest. A business editor by trade , he is an avid fly fisherman and fly tier who has fished many parts of the world in salt as well as fresh waters . He recently made a trip to Guatemala to pursue his first sailfish on the fly.
Tom Gorman on Mongolia’s Delger Moron River
There’s something about sailfish that has made me want to catch and release one on a fly for some time . I’m not sure exactly what it is , although there are few creatures in the sea which can compare with the sailfish in terms of sheer beauty and grace , and obviously they’re a very challenging target on the fly.
So , awhile back – longer than I’d really care to admit – I acquired a 12 wt. outfit , suitable lines , and began to accumulate knowledge on the pursuit of sailfish on the fly . I also began tying flies for that purpose. My approach for the next couple of years when planning fishing trips to waters where sails are present was to bring the sailfish gear in hopes the opportunity would arise . I made a number of trips to promising waters in Mexico , but found a lot of the local skippers , or pangeros , don’t think of fly rods as serious tools for catching their big fish , nor are they really interested in fly fishing . Also , apart from the pangeros , not all of my fishing buddies are dedicated fly fishos ; so there are inevitable trade-offs when deciding on conventional versus fly.
So , you often begin the trip fishing with conventional tackle , and – guess what – you stick with it . Welcome back to "the dark side. " If there were a mileage plus program for 12 wts. , my rod would be flying in the front of the bus . It’s been all over the globe . To be sure , I’ve caught lots of other species with it , including snapper (pargo) , roosterfish , jacks , etc. – but in my heart of hearts it has remained an unrequited sailfish outfit.
What I know for certain now is that , if you really want to catch a sail (or a marlin) on the fly , you have to have a skipper and crew experienced in doing that (and enthusiastic about it ) , plus fishing grounds with abundant sails on or near the surface , and you’re better off committing in advance to the fly , rather than a mixed fly and conventional approach , because the two approaches are not really complementary.
I chose Guatemala as my dedicated sail-on-the-fly destination , and Sailfish Bay Lodge in Iztapa looked like a good combination of abundant sails located within a fairly short run from the marina , fly-savvy skippers and crew , and a professionally run operation which had received good written reviews from numerous folks . It proved to be an excellent choice .
Sailfish Bay Lodge (http://www.sailfishbay.com/) is American-owned and managed , and located on an island just a 5-minute boat ride from shore . It’s less than a 2-hour drive from Guatemala City on good , paved highways . It can accommodate up to about 20 guests in air-conditioned comfort , with a pool and Jacuzzi by the side of a black sand beach . From the open-air restaurant , which serves excellent food , the view over the lagoon take in three volcanic peaks in the distance , two of which are active .
I fished from Sailfish Bay’s 34 foot Blackfin , Maverick , skippered by Captain Rolando , with Noe and Ronald as crew and deckie . We left the marina at 7:30 a.m. , and had teaser lines in the water by 8:00 . Even at this hour , the tropical heat was rising fast . This is SPF 75-plus country , with long sleeve fishing shirts recommended . The lobsters here are plentiful and delicious , as long as you’re not one of them .
Seas that morning , as is common in the area , were nearly flat calm. We headed due south , in the general direction of El Salvador . The spread consisted of three hookless teasers on the starboard side , with two deployed off the outrigger and controlled from reels mounted next to the skipper on the bridge , and a longer line straight back from a rod in the gunnel rod holder . An additional hookless teaser was run from the port side , also from the gunnel rod holder. A couple of heavy-duty spinning rods were rigged and ready with hookless pitch baits on ice in the cooler . Teasers were a mix of ballyhoo , mullet , and belly strips from dorado or bonito ; some behind hookless jet-type trolling lures and some not .
The casting corner of the boat for me as a right-handed fly caster (ie I crank with my left hand and cast with my right) was the port stern . To avoid snagging the backcast , the port outrigger is not deployed.
Port stern corner with bucket holding about 20 feet of fly line , fly rod resting on the deck at the ready , and fly resting on the gunnel ready for the angler to begin the casting sequence.
The fly which caught my first sail : a 10-inch Flashy Profile Fly in green , gold and black , with a pink and purple Cam Sigler offshore popper head , fished on an S.A. Bluewater Express line , on a Sage Xi2 12 wt. rod with an Abel Super 12 reel.
Barely an hour from the marina , Rolando shouted "Vela ! Vela !" – "sail" in Spanish . The skipper and crew sprung into action , retrieving teasers to bring the fish into fly casting range , while preparing to cast a fresh pitch bait to add to the appeal if needs be . But this first fish swooped in and out of the spread very quickly , offering no casting opportunities . A window shopper .
At this point , I regretted not speaking Spanish . The crew spoke enough English for us to communicate about the basics of the fishing routine , but it’s always interesting to talk in more depth wherever your fishing travels take you . My Chinese language skills were a bit out of place here . Seconds later , the sail was back in the spread . This time my eyes were better attuned – good polarized shades are absolutely essential – and I got an earlier look at the fish as he followed the teaser in .
And then , the moment of truth . With the sail about 15-20 feet back from the stern and eagerly focused on the teaser , the crew yanks the teaser out of the water , and the fly caster gets that all-important one shot at dropping the fly to the outside of and behind the sailfish , and then giving it one or two vigorous "pops" to get the now-excited sail’s attention .
Dropping the fly in this way increases the odds of a hookset opportunity with the fishing swimming away from the boat rather than towards it – offering a much better chance of a hook-up .
The sail inhaled my flashy green omelette-sized offering , and I set the hook with a slow , deliberate lean in the opposite direction from the one the fish was swimming in .
He was on ! I know many saltwater fly fishing purists poo-poo anti-reverse reels , but I like my knuckles in one piece ; and I was glad for the protection the Abel Super 12 offered them .
Fortunately as his blazing initial run continued , I recalled one piece of advice from Billy Pate in his fly fishing for sailfish video , which is to try to avoid letting the fish get too deep , keeping your rod nearly parallel with the water’s surface during the fight . This enhances your leverage , better enabling you to turn the fish’s head in your direction , and lessening the duration of the battle and the negative impact on the fish’s health . Pate calls it "doin’ the down and dirty on him." Whatever . It works .
About 20 minutes later , my first sailfish on the fly was on board for a quick photo opp before being released to the deep blue Pacific .
Crew , angler and first sail on the fly.
The Big Ass Florida Post
It was good pho, and the first time I had been to this particular restaurant. The woman gave me grief about putting the hot sauce directly in the broth, saying that it is cooked for eight hours and if us white boys make it too hot we won’t be able to enjoy the flavor. Whatever. Don’t tell me how to eat my pho just because you are some sort of expert.
The obligatory fortune cookies arrived with the check, and I asked for a to-go to take home the remainder of my delicious broth (because it kicks ass with ramen noodles). She shot me a sideways, judgmental glance and headed back towards the kitchen.
I opened my cookie and smiled, sticking the little piece of paper in my pocket.
That was two days before I left.
THE FLORIDA
The first question that crossed my mind when my inbox pinged with the conformation to photograph a beach wedding in Naples was where am I going to fish?
That question was quickly answered by a couple of FB messages, and I was all set to party at the beach.
... as soon as the work was done.
I like Florida. Well, I can't say that. I don't really know Florida, but I like the Ritz Carlton in Naples and their heavy Makers pour, I like the weather in March, I like the beach, I like getting the winter-pale off my feet in the sand, I like the smell of water, I like hanging out with James, Erin and little Cooper in a sweet house in Apollo Beach with its own dock housing twenty-three feet of Bay Runner fishing potential. I like these things.
Moving on...
THE FISHING
James wasn't happy about the weather. The cold front that had just passed. The lunar and solar tables. The tides. I was a little early for the awesomenes, he said, but we made due and I had a good time regardless.
We ran from spot to spot: oyster bars, bays, inlets, outlets, down edges and around points searching for the fish. We caught a few here, and a few there.
On the eleventh hour, between a metal scrap yard and some other industrial hardware we found this school of jacks and I think these little guys were the highlight of the trip for me, mostly because it was the first time I had something to throw a fly at. The rest of the time was a combination of glass minnows and shrimp covering a lot of water just trying to find the fish.
James told me that I had to come back during the summer when the fishing is how it should be. I think I will have to do that and in no small part because of:
THE FOOD
I love food. I love buying it. I love cooking it and I especially love eating it. So does James.
NIGHT 1: DRY RUB RIBS, SEASONED POTATOES AND GREASY BEANS WITH BACON AND MUSHROOMS
NIGHT 2: FISH TACOS
NIGHT 3: PRIME RIB, ROASTED ONIONS WITH JAMES SECRET FILLING
NIGHT 4: GRILLED MARINATED SHRIMP, GRILLED PROSCIUTTO-WRAPPED AND OLIVE OIL ASPARAGUS, 3-CHEESE TORTELLINI WITH BACON BUTTER SAUCE
So yeah, I had a good time.
The End.
-Alex who knows that this post is pretty ridiculous.
The obligatory fortune cookies arrived with the check, and I asked for a to-go to take home the remainder of my delicious broth (because it kicks ass with ramen noodles). She shot me a sideways, judgmental glance and headed back towards the kitchen.
I opened my cookie and smiled, sticking the little piece of paper in my pocket.
That was two days before I left.
THE FLORIDA
 |
| Tampa Bay morning. |
The first question that crossed my mind when my inbox pinged with the conformation to photograph a beach wedding in Naples was where am I going to fish? That question was quickly answered by a couple of FB messages, and I was all set to party at the beach.
... as soon as the work was done.
I like Florida. Well, I can't say that. I don't really know Florida, but I like the Ritz Carlton in Naples and their heavy Makers pour, I like the weather in March, I like the beach, I like getting the winter-pale off my feet in the sand, I like the smell of water, I like hanging out with James, Erin and little Cooper in a sweet house in Apollo Beach with its own dock housing twenty-three feet of Bay Runner fishing potential. I like these things.
 |
| Bling. This is where the wedding was. |
 |
| James and his big dock. |
 |
| Patio and Bella. |
THE FISHING
 |
| spanish mackerel |
James wasn't happy about the weather. The cold front that had just passed. The lunar and solar tables. The tides. I was a little early for the awesomenes, he said, but we made due and I had a good time regardless.
We ran from spot to spot: oyster bars, bays, inlets, outlets, down edges and around points searching for the fish. We caught a few here, and a few there.
 |
| Black Drum... ate a shrimp. |
 |
| Sea trout could beat up most of the trout in my state. |
 |
| Bay Ninja. |
 |
| "Go tell your mama what I done." |
 |
| Morning Mackerel |
 |
| Solo Red. |
 |
| Double Jacks |
On the eleventh hour, between a metal scrap yard and some other industrial hardware we found this school of jacks and I think these little guys were the highlight of the trip for me, mostly because it was the first time I had something to throw a fly at. The rest of the time was a combination of glass minnows and shrimp covering a lot of water just trying to find the fish.
James told me that I had to come back during the summer when the fishing is how it should be. I think I will have to do that and in no small part because of:
THE FOOD
I love food. I love buying it. I love cooking it and I especially love eating it. So does James.
NIGHT 1: DRY RUB RIBS, SEASONED POTATOES AND GREASY BEANS WITH BACON AND MUSHROOMS
NIGHT 2: FISH TACOS
NIGHT 3: PRIME RIB, ROASTED ONIONS WITH JAMES SECRET FILLING
NIGHT 4: GRILLED MARINATED SHRIMP, GRILLED PROSCIUTTO-WRAPPED AND OLIVE OIL ASPARAGUS, 3-CHEESE TORTELLINI WITH BACON BUTTER SAUCE
 |
| Little Cooper helping his daddy with dinner. |
So yeah, I had a good time.
The End.
-Alex who knows that this post is pretty ridiculous.