Sometimes, Youtube leads you to some random shit, but this guy takes the cake. What an asshole.
T-minus 48 hours until the Salmon River trip. Back to filling the fly boxes.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Friday, February 15, 2013
Custom racing stripe foam beetle strips now available
I've posted these a year or so ago and I realized that I have a lot of material left so I figured I'd throw some up on the site for cheap. These are stacked foam strips, orange ends and a black center. They are perfect for tying beetles that are easily visible from the top, but all black from the bottom. They are wide enough to cover sizes 10-16. I only have six sets available. You get four 6 inch strips of foam (A total of 2 feet), which is enough to tie dozens of flies. Free Dub The Thorax sticker with purchase!. Click here to go to the fly shop and order them now. More colors coming soon.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Is it a contest?
This happened to me a few weeks ago. I wasn't going to post about it at first, but I figured I'd get everyone else's opinion.
I hit the stream for an afternoon of fishing. It was relatively quiet with only one other angler working the upper part of the run I wanted to fish. As I walked by him, he said hi. I said hello back, and asked how he was doing. He said he hit 13 fish so far in the past two hours a little downstream. My initial thought was that he was full of it. It's 30 degrees out and you had to work for the fish here. He then said it's been on fire and he was at "Stream X" yesterday and caught 26 fish. Again, I knew he was full of it, especially since that stream is really tough to fish in the winter.
I looked where he was casting and I said "Oh, I see some there." I counted seven and he responded, with "yep, just got to this run, and I'm going to hit all 7 of them." The next cast he hooked into a small brown trout, brought him to the net, and quickly released him. "Soft hackle pheasant tail" he said.
I congratulated him on his fish and walked about 50 yards downstream and started working 3 trout holding behind a big rock. Three minutes later I hear him whoop and holler and sure enough, he's connected again. This time he yells "Size 26 WD40!".
I keep fishing for about 15 minutes and finally pick up a fish on a baetis nymph. In that time, he's caught 3 more fish. My frustration (and maybe jealousy sets in) and I keep at it. Boom. He connects again. I then notice that after every fish, he's adjusting his leader, switching flies, moving to smaller tippet, and then fooling another fish. This man was fishing like it was a contest to catch the most fish in the least amount of time.
Another 15 minutes pass and I'm with 2 fish landed to his 6. Every time he hooks a fish, he makes a big scene, yells out the fly he used, then releases the fish.
Then I saw a 13 inch wild brown trout floating belly up past me and I got pissed off. As that happened, he hooked the 7th and final fish in the hole and yelled "size 22 orange scud!". He walked past me and said "well, this run is wiped out, good luck" and chuckled as he lit a cigarette and walked off.
This got me thinking. This guy was technically doing nothing wrong. He wasn't posing for a picture with each fish, and was releasing them as soon as he could (even though one inevitably got gut hooked) but was what he was doing totally ethical? As fly fisherman, we all go out there with our rod, reel, and box of secret flies hoping for a 10 fish day. This guy was obviously a great fly fisherman, but is pulling every single fish out of a hole really the right thing to do?
To me, fly fishing is calming time on the water that gets you away from the kids, wife, job, stress, etc, and constantly changing your rig and trying to nail every last living creature in a run just isn't right. Personally, I would have stopped at maybe 3 fish and moved on downstream.
My personal opinion (and I know opinions are like assholes..everyone has one) is that if this guy does this everywhere he goes, it's actually hurting our streams. As anglers, we should be working to protect our streams and the fish that thrive in them. Pulling every single fish out of a hole just isn't the right thing to do. Or again, am I just sounding jealous right now? I'm curious to see what everyone else thinks. Thoughts?
I hit the stream for an afternoon of fishing. It was relatively quiet with only one other angler working the upper part of the run I wanted to fish. As I walked by him, he said hi. I said hello back, and asked how he was doing. He said he hit 13 fish so far in the past two hours a little downstream. My initial thought was that he was full of it. It's 30 degrees out and you had to work for the fish here. He then said it's been on fire and he was at "Stream X" yesterday and caught 26 fish. Again, I knew he was full of it, especially since that stream is really tough to fish in the winter.
I looked where he was casting and I said "Oh, I see some there." I counted seven and he responded, with "yep, just got to this run, and I'm going to hit all 7 of them." The next cast he hooked into a small brown trout, brought him to the net, and quickly released him. "Soft hackle pheasant tail" he said.
I congratulated him on his fish and walked about 50 yards downstream and started working 3 trout holding behind a big rock. Three minutes later I hear him whoop and holler and sure enough, he's connected again. This time he yells "Size 26 WD40!".
I keep fishing for about 15 minutes and finally pick up a fish on a baetis nymph. In that time, he's caught 3 more fish. My frustration (and maybe jealousy sets in) and I keep at it. Boom. He connects again. I then notice that after every fish, he's adjusting his leader, switching flies, moving to smaller tippet, and then fooling another fish. This man was fishing like it was a contest to catch the most fish in the least amount of time.
Another 15 minutes pass and I'm with 2 fish landed to his 6. Every time he hooks a fish, he makes a big scene, yells out the fly he used, then releases the fish.
Then I saw a 13 inch wild brown trout floating belly up past me and I got pissed off. As that happened, he hooked the 7th and final fish in the hole and yelled "size 22 orange scud!". He walked past me and said "well, this run is wiped out, good luck" and chuckled as he lit a cigarette and walked off.
This got me thinking. This guy was technically doing nothing wrong. He wasn't posing for a picture with each fish, and was releasing them as soon as he could (even though one inevitably got gut hooked) but was what he was doing totally ethical? As fly fisherman, we all go out there with our rod, reel, and box of secret flies hoping for a 10 fish day. This guy was obviously a great fly fisherman, but is pulling every single fish out of a hole really the right thing to do?
To me, fly fishing is calming time on the water that gets you away from the kids, wife, job, stress, etc, and constantly changing your rig and trying to nail every last living creature in a run just isn't right. Personally, I would have stopped at maybe 3 fish and moved on downstream.
My personal opinion (and I know opinions are like assholes..everyone has one) is that if this guy does this everywhere he goes, it's actually hurting our streams. As anglers, we should be working to protect our streams and the fish that thrive in them. Pulling every single fish out of a hole just isn't the right thing to do. Or again, am I just sounding jealous right now? I'm curious to see what everyone else thinks. Thoughts?
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Getting ready
Here are some new ones for the trip next week. Some ZLB nymphs, some stones, Clear Cure Goo eggs and some buggy Matuka Princes. Happy Saturday.
Friday, February 1, 2013
2013 Fly Fishing Film Tour - Win FREE Tickets!
I came home from a long day at work on Wednesday to find a Fedex package on my doorstep. I open it up and find a press kit for the 2013 F3T, a few Dale's Pale Ales, a DVD screener, sweeeeeet F3T hat, and two admission tickets good for any show.
First off, if you aren't familiar with the show, stop by their website and check it out. They travel around the US and Canada showing the best fly fishing films on Earth, handing out sweet swag, and helping local fly shops and businesses generate revenue along the way. Click here for the 2013 Tour schedule.
I had a chance to watch the screener, and I plan to give a full review on the films, but I will hold off on that until most of you have attended the show. I can tell you that there are some great stories, stunning footage, and HUGE fish. There are two shows in PA this year, February 21st at State College, and March 10th at Oakmont. Unfortunately, both are 4+ hours away from me and logistically with work, I can't make it.
That actually works in your favor because remember I mentioned I had two free passes? Yep, I'm giving them away.
Here's what you have to do:
1.Follow us and the fly fishing film tour on your favorite social network, either FB, Twitter or Instagram. Links to Dub The Thorax on Instagram can be found above.(if you are on the mobile site, scroll all the way down to the bottom and click on "click here for full web version".)
F3T Social Network links:
F3T on Facebook
F3T on Twitter
@flyfishingfilmtour on Instagram
2.Share this post on above social network.
3.Leave a comment below saying where you shared it!
BONUS ENTRY- Email us a pic of where you stuck your Dub The Thorax sticker and double your chance to win! All submissions will be featured on the blog.
BONUS ENTRY #2 - You live in the state of PA. Triple you chance to win. (Sorry left coasters, but I gotta support my locals!)
Contest will end Thursday, February 7th at 11:59pm EST.
Here's a sneak peak at Urban Lines, one of this year's featured films.
Urban Lines - Fish Where You Are from The Fly Fishing Film Tour on Vimeo.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Remembering
Most of you probably won't remember my post from last year, but it was one year ago on Saturday when I lost my best friend, Jake. He was my best friend since our senior year of high school and the best man in my wedding. To say it's been a tough year is an understatement. It's been downright awful. Especially since my other best friend died in 2005.
I spent the year fairly depressed, fighting medical problems, getting my gallbladder removed, and just in an overall bad mood. I've been told the first anniversary of someone's death is the toughest, and I honestly think it's true. I feel better now that it's passed, but I still miss him.
Jake was never much of a fisherman. We would go with spinning rods for bass and bluegill when we were in our 20s. It usually involved us both getting drunk, and me making half-assed attempts to fish while he took in (and smoked) all the lush greenery around him while sitting on the ground playing his guitar.
About 5 years ago, we decided to start a tradition of getting up on opening day, getting drunk, and trying to catch fish. Well, it only lasted that year. Jake wound up almost falling off a cliff into a 20 foot hole in 30 degree weather. I hate to admit it, but I was laughing my ass off seeing him scale a rock and avoid freezing to death.
2 weeks before he died, I talked him into trying fly fishing. I love the sport so much and I thought that if I could get him to appreciate it, he'd get into it too. He had recently separated from his wife and I thought he could use a release. I stayed up til 3am the night before we were supposed to go, and I filled a small fly box with about 40 flies for him. That next morning, something came up and he couldn't go fishing. Little did I know, we'd never have the chance to fish again.
When Saturday rolled around I had him on my mind all day. I was tying a few flies in the morning and I came across the small fly box I was going to give him. I had re-purposed all the flies into my boxes when he said he couldn't go, but there was still a brassie I missed sitting in there. My wife didn't even hesitate when I told her I was going fishing. She understood and told me to just go.
I fishing for a while and picked up a fish on my meal worm pattern. Then they seemed to shut off. It was getting dark and I figured "what the hell?" so I threw on the brassie. It picked up a fish on the 2nd cast. I'm not a religious person, but I think it was him giving me a nod.
RIP brother. I miss you.
I spent the year fairly depressed, fighting medical problems, getting my gallbladder removed, and just in an overall bad mood. I've been told the first anniversary of someone's death is the toughest, and I honestly think it's true. I feel better now that it's passed, but I still miss him.
Jake was never much of a fisherman. We would go with spinning rods for bass and bluegill when we were in our 20s. It usually involved us both getting drunk, and me making half-assed attempts to fish while he took in (and smoked) all the lush greenery around him while sitting on the ground playing his guitar.
About 5 years ago, we decided to start a tradition of getting up on opening day, getting drunk, and trying to catch fish. Well, it only lasted that year. Jake wound up almost falling off a cliff into a 20 foot hole in 30 degree weather. I hate to admit it, but I was laughing my ass off seeing him scale a rock and avoid freezing to death.
2 weeks before he died, I talked him into trying fly fishing. I love the sport so much and I thought that if I could get him to appreciate it, he'd get into it too. He had recently separated from his wife and I thought he could use a release. I stayed up til 3am the night before we were supposed to go, and I filled a small fly box with about 40 flies for him. That next morning, something came up and he couldn't go fishing. Little did I know, we'd never have the chance to fish again.
When Saturday rolled around I had him on my mind all day. I was tying a few flies in the morning and I came across the small fly box I was going to give him. I had re-purposed all the flies into my boxes when he said he couldn't go, but there was still a brassie I missed sitting in there. My wife didn't even hesitate when I told her I was going fishing. She understood and told me to just go.
I fishing for a while and picked up a fish on my meal worm pattern. Then they seemed to shut off. It was getting dark and I figured "what the hell?" so I threw on the brassie. It picked up a fish on the 2nd cast. I'm not a religious person, but I think it was him giving me a nod.
RIP brother. I miss you.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Rod holders for your SUV...for 84 cents.
If you know me, then you know that I almost always keep a rod with me. You never know when you'll get a chance to fish. I hate to admit it, but my rod tubes and reel bags collect dust. I usually keep a rod strung up in my car, just sitting in the trunk broken down to two pieces.
And if you know me, you also know I'm a cheap bastard. I'll do anything to save a few bucks here and there. I've been looking at rod holders for the car since I was sick of taking up trunk space and getting my rods banged up all the time from sitting in the back, bouncing all over. Sure, the Sumo holders are nice if you're driving from spot to spot, but not ideal for my 45 minute drive to the nicer streams. I looked at those holders that allow you to mount your rod to the inside top of your car. My problem is my SUV isn't quite long enough for a 9 foot rod. It's poking the windshield. I was in Walmart the other day and came up with a solution. I found an 84 cent pack of generic Velcro, which I was originally going to purchase for brushing dubbing. It's called "Sew-On Hook & Loop Fastener" (Whatever the hell that means...)
And if you know me, you also know I'm a cheap bastard. I'll do anything to save a few bucks here and there. I've been looking at rod holders for the car since I was sick of taking up trunk space and getting my rods banged up all the time from sitting in the back, bouncing all over. Sure, the Sumo holders are nice if you're driving from spot to spot, but not ideal for my 45 minute drive to the nicer streams. I looked at those holders that allow you to mount your rod to the inside top of your car. My problem is my SUV isn't quite long enough for a 9 foot rod. It's poking the windshield. I was in Walmart the other day and came up with a solution. I found an 84 cent pack of generic Velcro, which I was originally going to purchase for brushing dubbing. It's called "Sew-On Hook & Loop Fastener" (Whatever the hell that means...)
I then had an idea.
I took the strips of Velcro, and stuck them right to the back of my back seats. They held perfect to the carpeted surface. I can now fit up to 4 rods in the back, and still have all my trunk space free. Problem solved for less than a buck! Let me know if this works for you. I think it's a pretty sweet and cheap idea.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Happy Mealworm - Hyperspeed Fly Tying Video
This video didn't turn out as great as I wanted. It's a new camera and I'm going to have to tweak the lighting a little on my next vid, and zoom in a little more. It's also my first time editing in Adobe Premiere, but it will give you an idea on how to tie it. I also apologize for the mangled zombie hands. It's cold here and they are dry and cracking/bleeding like crazy. Let me know what you think.
Music:
Skatalites - Phoenix City
Black Moon - Who got the props?
Music:
Skatalites - Phoenix City
Black Moon - Who got the props?
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Dub The Thorax Stickers Now Available
I've been waiting a while for these and they turned out great. Head on over to the shop section to get yours. Two for $4, or three for $5. 100% of proceeds go towards my kids' college fund. Please help send them to Harvard by buying a few stickers. They're perfect for your car, fly box, tying bench, iphone cover, dog, cat, aunt, etc.
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