Giving

This Christmas I gave Papa John, my father-in-law, his first fly rod outfit. A few months back we went fishing together for the first time down the Bear River directly behind his property. After the great day of fishing and showing him the basics in casting, Papa John, was intrigued by the idea of fishing with the fly. I knew that this would be my gift to him for Christmas. What a great way to share the passion my father gave to me. It was great to watch Papa John open his gift while I remember opening my first fly rod at the age of twelve. Looking forward to fishing more with him.

Watercolor

A Photoshop rendition of the coldest fishing day I have ever experienced. My reel froze solid in less than ten minutes. Ice gathered around the guides to a point where line couldn't pass through them easily or if at all. I remember continually submersing my rod , reel, and hand in the river to thaw the frozen guides and reel so I could make just a few more casts to the big one that was certainly right in the seam below the fallen tree stump. I forgot my gloves. I didn't last too long in that cold. That big one is still there.

Oh Mexico, Oh Mexico

I just began entering into the world of saltwater fly fishing as I now live just minutes from the beach. This new endeavor has been, shall I say, a little humbling. I will be the first to say I have no idea what I am doing. I can't read the ocean like I can read a trout stream, I have little knowledge of stripping techniques, no clue on what line is best for the conditions, clueless on effective fly patterns, where to position myself, and don't know how to cast 2 pound plus flies. You get the idea. But as in all things new I am up for this challenge.

Over New Years break I packed up my 8 wt rod and headed South to Cabo San Jose to meet up with some good friends who moved down to Cabo 2 years ago to pursue helping Americans invest in Real Estate near the Cabo area. They are currently building their new home on the Hill, which my wife and I had the pleasure staying at their residence while we explored the region. I had several days to cast from shore and kayak for the elusive Rooster Fish, Halibut, or other species of fish that I would be afraid to touch because I wouldn't know what it was. After hundreds of quasi-double-haul-attempted casts I never thought it would happen, but I finally landed my FIRST saltwater fish on the FLY! A whopping 3 inch Ling Cod-looking thing which attempted to eat the clouser fly that was half its size.

Let me put things in perspective:

Saltwater Winston 8wt rod: $700
Abel Super 6 Reel: $600
Sinking head line: $60
Hip Shooter Stripping Basket: $60
Patagonia hot weather attire: $100
New Double Haul pack: $120
A slew of Flies, boxes, Pliers, Line, Tippet, and Nippers: $200
Flight to Cabo: $800
Getting sun burnt, food poisoning, achy casting arms, looking like an idiot, and triumphantly landing the one and only 3" fish for the trip: Priceless

How great is that.

I think I am ready for serious sponsorship.

The American

The American.

I was by your side as I grew through the years.
You taught me how to understand and read you and others like you.
I jumped, skipped, fished, walked, and meditated by your banks every summer of my childhood.
I listened to the fauna and flora that flourished because of your presence.
You allowed me to ponder life as I waded deep into your seams and pockets.
You taught me to trust and to recognize the power of God and nature.
I miss spending those summers by your side.
I will once again find myself by our banks introducing you to my children or grandchildren.

The American.

Good ol' Southern California

Once again to feed the fish bug I headed with fellow comrade, Grinsel, into the very wild and desolate Angeles National Forest to 'stick some pigs'. A few months ago I had the privelage to fish with one of the industry's finest, Mikey Wier, of Burl Productions who showed me the fine art of pig huntin' with hairy bunnies (i will leave that up to your interpretation). Out weapons of choice: Fast 5 weight rods with various large size 2 to smaller streamers. We each had day packs loaded with lots of drinking water, waders, lunch, and cameras for the just in case moments. Considering our location, this day was close to epic. I couldn't help but imagine the hustle and bustle of gridlock traffic, crowds, and general choas brimming from LA while so alone in silence with the occasional sound of a trout leaping into the air as we set our hook. We caught a handful of small fish and a few rather 'large' trout, a relative term of course. It's great to know that there are trout in our backyard; it's just a matter of searching for them with our bunnies and all.