As Promised - Fishing Board Photo #1

Ummmm - is that a COW?

Waiting for Fish

We are in that goofy time of early March; waiting for the sand bass to run, followed by pre-spawn carp and bass, and then the full on-slaught of Spring. I've been checking boards lately (something I try to stay away from) looking for any sand bass info. and came across more than one interesting photo.
So, to pass the time until FISH, stand-by for a few intersting photos from random fish-report boards . . .

New Gear for 2010

I stopped by Tailwaters this past weekend to check in and see what's new in the realm of flats fly fishing equipment for the season. Here are some interesting tidbits:

1) The new Simms Flats Boot - these are amazing and the greatest advancement in warm water wading since Patagonia first came up with the concept years ago. I've always been a fan of the Marlwalker and have burned through a few pairs in the past decade (no flats boot will stand up the abrasive effects of sand and water for very long when worn almost daily). But, when you put the latest version of the Marlwalker side-by-side with the Simms, there's no comparison. A pair of the Flats Boots came home with me.

2) Awesome new flies - I have to say that Tailwaters is becoming quite the Carp Headquarters. Their selection of carp flies is continuously growing and when you add Hexes, crayfish, and other "cross-over" trout patterns, you could fill several boxes from their racks. Pictured above is one that really drew my attention - Whitlock's Improved Rubber-legged Red Fox Squirrel nymph (I think that's the correct name). It's from Rainy's and has all the great features a carp fly should have - even a weed guard. In the commotion of taking a 7 year old and a 2 year old into a fly shop (thank God for Honey Girl!) I somehow forgot to grab a couple for trials when the carp come up for their pre-spawn feed. Good reason for a return trip!

3) New rods - Along with carrying my favorite carp rod (the TFO TiCr"X" 7'6" 6 wt), there are some other interesting sticks coming to the rod rack at Tailwaters. Scott is releasing an 8 foot rod in 6 and 8 wt. (A3 series) as competitors in the recent "warmwater/bass rod" craze. Bart said he was able to give the 8wt. a work-out and it cast like a rod costing twice as much. The six weight should be VERY INTERESTING. I'm trying to lay my hands on one for a casting session. We'll let you know. Combine these with the Sage Bluegill and you have some great, value-point choices for a combo carp/bass/Texas coast rod.

4) Hip packs (does anyone call them "fannies" anymore?) - William Joseph, FishPond, Simms, Patagonia, etc. - there are packs out there APLENTY. No matter if you want waterproof, breathable mesh hip belts, adjustable water bottle pockets, load suspension adjusters, etc.; there is a hip pack out there for you. Check out the new MAGseries from WJ - VERY cool (hey Bart - order me one!).

The Shag Carp-it!

Over 9 inches of snow last week and an unexpected 5 day weekend gave me some "forced" time-off with nowhere to go and little constructive to do. So, I got to spend some much needed time at the vise and started on the carp fly needs for the upcoming season. Small Clousers, bitters, wooly worms, and Coyote Carps (the hit fly last year) were cranked out between snowball fights and other duties related to being the parent of snow-bound kids.

After a few dozen "essentials" I started messing around at the vise, letting the frozen creative juices flow, and came up with something pretty cool. Like most flies I'm sure it's been "invented" a dozen times by a dozen people but it should do the trick nicely. I was looking for something that would land soft and have lots of action (from the palmered hen hackle), sink at a slow but decent rate (small non-toxic eyes) and not retain too much water when cast (no dubbing or other body material under the hackle).

I have versions in #6 and 8 in tan, orange, and olive. Again, I think we're on to something here - look for reports in a couple of months as to what the carp think!

(btw- you know what you do when Mother Nature gives you 9" of snow? Use it as a light box!)

Cooper's Hawk

Here are some cool shots my wife took last week of an immature Cooper's hawk that has been hanging around this winter. You can tell it is a Cooper's and not the smaller Sharp-shinned by the slight crest on the back of the head and the more rounded shape of the tail. Immature accipiters like this usually have the white "blotches" on the chest and sometimes back.

This bird has been a neat addition to our usual winter mix and has dabbed at least one dove (that we know of) from one of our feeders.

Carp Flies

So I'm messing around with Goggle and search "carp flies" and look what pops up. By definition, this carp flies. It's a smaller carp to be sure - osperys have a body length of about 20-24" - and it REALLY does not look to be enjoying the ride.

So Long, Paw paw

My wife's grandfather, Mr. Jack Moon of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away this morning at the age of 92. He was a southern gentleman to the hilt and will be sorely missed. He was a B-24 navigator in WWII and I have his .38 Colt revolver with a US Army shoulder holster that is just about the coolest thing you've ever seen.

He loved gardening, small engines, tinkering in a workshop, rain, and a properly mixed (with muddled lime, of course) Cuba Libre. I'm enjoying one right now in honor of him!