Big Girls need loving too!

This past weekend I had a chance to go fly fishing with one of my fishing club's. The Michigan Fly Fishing Club had their annual Small Mouth Bass Outing. I have attended this event before, but this year was an epic weekend of fishing for me. The outing actually started on Thursday but because of work requirements I could not leave until Friday Afternoon. Which was fine as it turned out the weather sucked Thursday and Friday.

I arrived in Port Austin around 7:00 PM. It was cold, raining and the wind was blowing, not good for a fly fisherman. Got checked into the Motel and unpacked my gear. Visited for a while with some club members around the fire and hit the sack.

Got up early Saturday morning around 5:30 am. I'm an early riser when it comes to fishing. I suffer from HFD, Hyper Fishing Disorder. I headed into town and had some hot breakfast, and can't forget the coffee. The temps were right at freezing both Saturday and Sunday morning's. But thank God they warmed up nicely each day in the fifties

The best bite for these pre-spawn fish was between 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. I saw a 6 degree temperature swing both days during that time and the bite was on. I landed over 40 fish Sat in 6 hrs. of fishing. And Sunday only fished for 3 hrs. on Sunday and hooked another 15 fish. Both days 10-12:00 was the magic time.

The fish were out deep, staging near the shallow water. I saw no beds yet. Usually this time of year there is beds everywhere. We timed it just perfect. The big girls were looking for a place to spawn when the temperature gets right. I just got lucky that's all. 

There is nothing better than a giant small mouth with shoulders pulling drag and bending your rod. My biggest fish was 22 inches and 5 lbs. My personal best on the fly. The weekend was enjoyed by all. Everyone was truly a class act and can't wait till next year.

Did I mention the club had a drawing for a grand prize. Which was a Scott A-4 7 wt. 9 ft. rod. I will give you one guess who won that $400 rod? I know right; now you want me to buy your lottery tickets.

I leave you with this today on luck and Fat Girls:

 "I'm a greater believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it" Thomas Jefferson

I dedicate this song to the Fat Girls out there getting ready to spawn! Thanks to the fish for cooperating, I will take a Fat Girl any day on a Fly Rod.

Over 50 People showed up for Small Mouth Outing this year.

Map of the thumb portion of Michigan

 Fridays Overcast Skies

 A rough looking survivor of Polar Vortex 2014

 Good message to spread at Eagle Bay

BIG GIRLS NEED LOVING TOO! 

Great Video check the trailer

Big Appetite Small Mouth DVD - Trailer from Mangled Fly Media on Vimeo.

FISH'ISM'S
 

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Time for change again?

The rivers are ever rising and changing. The temps and the flow is a reminder nothing stays the same in life.

Here is photos from last week's steelhead trip. I had an epic day on the water with my buddy Greg. I went 12 for 21 that day and all fish were drop backs. 

For the record None Flossed OFF GRAVEL! Viz was not bad she was rolling at 4620 CFS and water temp was 48.2. Lots of fish heading back to the Big Water.

Now she is rolling at 5210 CFS and water temp is now 55. o F. My prediction is she is winding down. We might get another push of fish let's hope so? But may be time to start thinking about Smallmouth, Salmon and Trout. 

I will be chasing Smallies this weekend on the fly. So stay tuned for that trip. It's usually a good time every year. 

I leave you with this today as we move on down the road to a new season. I feel this quote also applies to the ever winding river:  

"The Road goes ever on and on down from the door where it began. Now far ahead the Road has gone. And I must follow, if I can, Pursuing it with eager feet. Until it joins some larger way. Where many paths and errands meet. And whither then? I cannot say" 

Fellowship of the Ring 

Take care my friends and Thanks for your continued support.

 

MUSKEGON RIVER

FISH'ISMS

 

THE RIVER

The River trailer from RT on Vimeo.

FROM OUR FRIENDS AT LOOP

The River Keeper from Matt Dunkinson Photography on Vimeo.

CENTERPIN LOVE ON THE SITUK RIVER

Danny and Friends from Washington season Highlights

The Preachers Cast

If you have ever fished for Steelhead from a boat you have experienced the Preachers Cast! The act of casting upstream out of turn across someones Else's line. I have and this recently happened to me on a trip with a new cat to the Steelhead scene. By the days end we think we got the fisher of men to finally get it down. Only time will tell and for his sake I hope he gets it down. Or no one will ask the Ole' Boy to go fishing anymore. LOL

I wasn't mad, I just got frustrated a few times but not mad. This sport is all about patience, right? That's what they say anyways. Sorry I have been out and not posted anything in 2 weeks. I have good reason I have been fishing! That's a good reason I think. 

When I get some more time this week I will post some photos. I had one epic day on the water last Friday. No worries I will share when the time comes.

So today's post is dedicated to all the new people in our sport. Who accidentally practice the Preachers Cast and are nicknamed "Fisher of Men" have patience my friends and it's a wicked twisted road!

I leave you with this on Patience and your journey:

“Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day.” 

To all who practice the Preachers Cast this song is for you!

VID'S

fly fishing collaborative from Ian Pratt on Vimeo.

Obsession - Fly Fishing for Big Brown Trout in Oregon from Mountain Made Media on Vimeo.

FISH PORN!