View Cabelas New Fly Fishing Curriculum--"Fantastic"

I was on Cabelas website yesterday and discovered that they were featuring a fantastic curriculum dealing with just about anything one would want to know about fly fishing. This gets even better guys, after you have read the curriculum, you have the opportunity to register and join the Federation of Flyfishers; which in turn will entitle you to get their free online FlyFisher Magazine for a year along with all their E-news. I have gone through the Curriculum, and found it extremely helpful. I have also received my first edition of the magazine which has a ton of information dealing with fly fishing. The following topics below are covered in the curriculum:

Fly Reel Training

Fly Rod Training

Fly Line Training

Fly Casting

Leader Tippet

Entomology

There are numerous subtopics covered under each main topic above. Cabelas has hit a home run on this one, when it comes to educating one on the art of fly fishing.

92---5 Star Rating on Cabela's Dryplus Waders

Guys I got two fly fishing reviews that I want to share with you. I am in the hunt for a new pair of waders, which don’t cost through the roof, but yet will take the wear of a day’s fishing. I think I found the wader in Cabela’s Dryplus Prem Chest Waders. I was really impressed with triple layer knees and the fact that they don’t fit loose to the point where they are baggy. The review on these waders are astounding with 144 reviews resulting in 92 –5 star---36 –4 star—6—3 star and only 6 ---1 star.

 Another item some you guys might be interested in is the new Tenkara Temple Fork Fly Rod in 10 and 11 ft. I recently had a chance to actually get a feel for this rod the other day when I was visiting Riverside Fly Shop located off the tailrace at Smith. It was the first chance for me to pick one up and I have to say I was impressed. The lightness and the sensitivity of these rods are astounding. I am still in the thought stage as to purchasing one.

The generators are running continuous at the lake now and fishing below the tailrace is too dangerous for wading. Randy at Riverside told me the other day that there were 1500 rainbow ranging from 12 to 15” released in the tailrace the other day, so I may get to connect with one soon, once the water levels get back to normal. One of my main objectives this year is to fish the tailrace much more as opposed to last year.

A 3 in 1 Punch for Today's Post--Nearing the GOAL!!

Today’s post is a 3 in 1 punch, with three different topics all in one package. I did a post about a week ago on the tiny Tippet Ring. I was looking for an easy way to attach your tippet to your leader, well I found it. Yesterday’s trip involved testing this little bugger and it proved to be a winner. I really like the fact that you don’t have to tie a blood knot when attaching your tippet to the leader when using this little ring. It is so handy you merely tie the tippet into the ring and you are good to go. I broke off a couple of times yesterday in a few trees and had to replace my tippet both times and was back to fishing in a matter of seconds thanks to this little ring. I hope it performs as well with dries and nymphs as it did with the poppers and buggers. I did notice I didn’t get one line twist when using the ring. Now on to the next bit of news—

 From time to time I am going to be featuring new blogs that I have found and joined up with. Today’s feature blog is Spare Time for Fish by Anthony Gardner. This blog has some great information on Warm Water Fishing. The blog covers everything from fly fishing accessories, fishing for crappie, crap, bass and yes bluegill. In fact, food is covered in this blog as well. If you haven’t checked out Spare Time for Fishing it is worth the look.
 Now for my quest or goal; for those of you who have been keeping up with my goal I am trying to land 100 super bull bluegill during the spawning period. Well, yesterday it just got easier. I started the morning at 5 AM in heavy fog and it didn’t let up until 7 AM. It was so thick I couldn’t see to navigate my boat after I launched so I just started fishing down the bank from the launch. Nothing was happening as far as the bass was concerned, mainly because of the fishing pressure all week from the Military Tournament. In fact, I didn’t land any bluegill until the fog let up and I moved up through Butler Creek which I had not fished since last year. I was using my 4 wt St. Croix 9 ft. with a Muddler Minnow. It produced early until the sun came up and then I tie on a Chartreuse Black-legged size 10 Betts Popper which worked better in areas where the sun hadn’t touched the bank. I lost two of these poppers in trees where the fish are never found, and manage to leave with one in tack. I was a little disappointed with the bass. I will take the bluegill any day when the big bulls are cooperating.

 One lone bass which was a largemouth that had been caught in the tournament. It had hook marks inside it's upper lip--this one came on the Olive Boogle Bug with the 5 wt. no more bass action after this guy

This one was really fat and put up some kind of fight on the 4 wt. I think next time I will bring along my 3 wt.

These count toward the goal, a couple here were near a pound. These 10 put me 38 away. I ended the trip with 16 brought to hand. I fished an area today where there was less boat traffic. The boat traffic is a killer when one is trying to fish on top with the fly.

The Handy Mini Tippet Ring --Tippet to Leader So EASY!!

Just found something even better than the No Knot Fast Snap. Dave over at FishnDave Blog left a comment on the No Knot Fast Snap Post I did for Monday. He sent me a link dealing with MiniTippet Rings, which is exactly what I am looking for to actually save on leaders. These little rings are even better than the Fast Snap because of the diameter and ease at which you can attach the tippet. These can actually be used with Dry Flies and Midges.  The following is the description of the rings-----Dave said he uses the rings and is sold on them. Thanks to Dave for helping me out here.

Product Overview:
These nickel alloy rings are very small, smooth and seamless connectors between your leader and tippet. Tie one on the end of your leader, then tie the tippet onto the ring These rings make changing or replacing tippet easy without nibbling away at the leader. They really have caught on among competitive fly fishers, because of the speed and ease with which tippet can be changed. May be used on any leader system and are excellent for tying droppers. Though light enough to fish dry flies and midges on 7X tippets, they will handle any load your leader and tippet will bear. Available in the original nickel silver and now in black nickel for use in deep water or low light levels; choose from nominal 2 mm for light to medium leader or 3 mm size for heavy leader and tippet. Made in England, available with 20 or 100 rings per package.

The No Knot Fast Snap Fast Way to Attach Tippet

Today’s post will deal with a fly fishing accessory I recently discovered while searching for some fly line the other day on the net. I am referring to the No Knot Fast Snap, which enables the fisherman to save on leaders. The Fast Snap simply ties into the leader after you have used of the tippet end of your leader from fly ties. It serves as a tiny loop so you can eliminate the blood knot altogether and keep using the leader for a longer period of time. I talk to a fly fishing representative at Bass Pro about the fast snap and he told me that he used it and likes the fact he doesn’t have to tie but one knot as opposed a couple when attaching his tippet. I am one who uses a lot of flies when I am fishing. I use 6 to 8” of tippet every time I attach the fly to the line. I think with the fast snap it gives me more time to be fishing. Has anyone out there used this little gadget? It would be worth a try to see if the positives reviews are for real. The following is a description from Bass Pro

  Change hooks, jigs, lures or flies in just seconds with the No-Knot Fas-Snap and enjoy more time fishing. The innovative, lightweight No-Knot Fas-Snap is designed to be tied directly to your tippet or mono line. No-Knot Fas-Snap will not inhibit casting or presentation and it even floats with a dry fly! 30 per pack   

 I thought I would throw this in---My wife and I have been on a moving spree for the past four days. We have been helping our Son-in-law and Daughter move into another house. I guess you guys have notice I have been absence from the blog, well that is why. I didn’t need any gym this past week, I got all the gym I could handle and more with the move event. When your kids ask you to do something you always say yes---it did put a damper on the fishing.

Just a Tad Irate at Those Pesky Links, Ads, and Cheap Products

Got another one of those pesky emails today from another one of those I call them freeloaders wanting me to let them post something on my blog. These individuals usually disguise their intentions by writing this long drawn out email about how this link, product, or connection will enhance my blog traffic. I find it amazing that the majority of these people do not even have a blog or a website, but merely trying to use your blog and who knows how many more blogs to sell these ridiculous products. You can tell by viewing and reading the descriptions of the products they are cheap China made. Some are cheap toys, hand tools, and countless little trinkets. Luckily my spam control on my Google account will catch the majority of this junk but every once in while some of this nonsense gets through and I get somewhat irritated and have to let off a little stream.

Unique Way to Get Your Flies Deep in Your Favorite Stream

Sometimes things just don’t work out like you planned. Yesterday and today were both good examples. I had planned on fishing below the dam yesterday for the newly stock rainbow but low and behold the Alabama Power decided to run both generators so needless to say the water was up and moving dangerous fast. Well today was the same procedure only faster moving water. It is amazing how the trout can even stay in the area when the water is moving that fast. So I spent the better part of the afternoon shooting the breeze with fellow fisherman at the fly shop. You can hear some amazing fish stories there and often you get to add your two cents. One topic really got my attention when one of the guys was talking about using slip beads as a weight to get his flies deeper in a stream, as opposed to the crimp on lead weight. He was referring to a Tungsten bead in a 3/32 size. The bead simply slides down to the head of the fly and acts as a weight just like the crimp lead weight. I checked out the link on the Orvis website and found out the beads come in an assortment of colors. He said he like the red better than the other colors. I did notice reading the description of the beads that there was no mention of this bead being used as a slide weight. They were being sold for the purpose of fly tying. You never know what one will pick up hanging out at your local fishing establishment. I do know I am going to order some and give them a try. I will get back to you guys with a report.

Fishing Accessories That Helps Make a Fishing Trip

A recent post by Jay over at “The Naturalist's Angler” prompted me to take a look at the latest clothing gear and footwear out there now for the angler. He was displaying a shirt Kelly had given him for Valentines. This shirt is similar to the ones I wear on the water in the hot summer and even into the fall months. I use to fish with just your ordinary shirt and pants, but after viewing some of the latest clothes lines in our local Bass Pro and Academy Sports I took notice a few years ago. The outdoors shirts and pants that are available now are exceptional when it comes to keeping you cool and absorbing the sun rays. I am referring to the Magellan Sportswear Men’s Lake Fork Fishing Shirt at Academy Sports.  The shirt comes in a ton of colors for short and long sleeve, and has the large pockets in the front with the wind flap in the back to let wind circulate. When I am on the water this is the shirt I am wearing summer and fall. It comes with a great price at 20.00. Academy has the pants to complement the shirt in their Magellan Sportswear Men’s Backcountry Zip-Off Belted Pants. Two things I like about these pants; the zip off leg to convert to shorts and the elastic waist band for added comfort around the waist. The pants are priced at 25.00. Both the shirt and pants dry extremely fast if you are in rain. The third article is the shoe at Dick’s Sporting Goods; the Teva Men’s Dozer III Sandal-----This sandal will not only keep your feet cool, but keep your feet from getting sunburn. It is extremely lightweight and comes with a fair price at 50.00. The last item is probably the most important when it comes to protecting you from the rays of the sun and that is a good quality hat. Notice I said hat and not cap. I use to wear caps all the time on the water until I realized I could keep more sun off of my ears and face with a hat. So with that said the hat I wear and recommend is by Bass Pro; the Redhead Mesh Outback Hat. I really like this type hat especially in the summer months because it has mesh all around about the headband. The top is solid to keep you from getting sunburn on those bald spots on your head that we all develop with age.  I use to think it really didn’t matter what you wore when you was on the water fishing, but I guess you could say with age comes wisdom. I not only want to enjoy being on the water now days but I want to be comfortable while I am there. With these items it helps me enjoy the trip much more. 

                                    

  

Sprucing Up Your Fly Rods And Reels

Fishing with good equipment is a must for me. I want all my fly fishing reels and rods to work to perfection when I am on the water. My fly rods need to balance out well with any of the reeds I am using. I have said this before but lightness is a big plus for me when it comes to fly fishing. Equipment appearance is also a biggie for me. I not only want top performance from the equipment but it needs to look good as well. I am really into the fly reel colors of silver or brass. You pair those reel colors with a maroon, dark green, or moss, colored fly rod and you got my color combo.
As for appearance for your favorite rod or reel the Mudhole has taken this to a whole new level. They carry a complete line of decorative wraps ranging from snake skin, weaving, marbling, and different types of inlays you can add to your fly rod, spinning or casting rod to spruce it up. One can even add a decal of his favorite sport team on your reel or fishing rod. The handle designs from this place are endless with the checkerboard to all kinds of decorative rings one can add. I really like the effect their butt plates have given to some of my fly rods. If any of you guys are interesting in adding designs to your fly rod you need to take a look at the wrap demo clip below----I really like the snake skin, one of my fly rods may be getting one soon.

Great Bargains on Fly Fishing Equipment Check it Out!!

Who doesn’t like great fishing deals? Here are some fantastic deals on fly fishing equipment that one would pay double or even triple in most outlets. From time to time I am going to start posting what I think are some great deals concerning fishing? I hope some of these items will make it into your fly fishing arsenal.

On sale at Cabela's for 5.99

Great beginner combo on sale at Cabela's for 29.99

Great price at Leland Fly Fishing

26.00--2.50 off as a Trout Club Member

Temple Fork Professional Series on sale

104.90

From Cabela's on sale 7.88

G-loomis 3 from Amazon 100.00--this reel will be discontinued after this year.

Extremely light with the free spool action

Lanyard Verses Fly Fishing Vest Which Do You Choose

When is the best time to use a fly fishing vest verses a Lanyard on one of your many fishing outings? I know some may say that if it’s a short trip you might as well go light and use the Lanyard over the vest, but just as sure as you do you get on the water needing something that was left in the vest. On the other hand sometimes the Lanyard is just what you need for that hour trip or is it? That is the question of the day for you guys. I would like some input on your reasoning why one would use the vest over the Lanyard or the Lanyard over the vest.

I do know for the money these items are cheaper than your traditional vest. I must confess I have never use a Lanyard. I do know the vest can get fairly heavy if you are on the water for a while.

I thought I would throw in this clip of an outing in a country setting enjoy!!!!

A Buyers Guide to Fly Fishing Wading Boots

 One of my buddies sent me this information on wading boots the other day and I found it interesting. I am going to purchase a new pair of boots in the next month or so and this buyers guide has been a big help.

Wading Boots - Buyers Guide

Wading boots are, if anything, more important than fishing waders. Without a good wading shoe - which also has a good felt sole - you are more likely to end up in the river with the fish than actually fishing for them.

If you plan on fishing in tennis shoes, sandals or general hiking boots, be sure to book in advance some emergency room time at the local hospital since using common shoes or boots are a sure fire recipe to disaster when used in many Montana rivers. The reason for this is simple. Wading boots are designed to provide traction on wet, slippery rocks. Not using a wading shoe when fly fishing in a rocky river is a good way to twist an ankle, break a leg, get carried over a waterfall, or worse.

Quick Recommendation on Wading Shoe Features to Get

1. If you'll be river fishing, it is absolutely imperative that the wading boot provide ROCK-SOLID ankle support.

2. For all but the absolute worse conditions, get a wading boot that has felt soles. You can always add on additional "gripping" accessories if needed. Studded boots are nice but aren't always the best option - stick with felt soles for general all-around fly fishing uses.

3. Read the boots specifications carefully when ordering. Some require you to order "one size up" from your regular shoe size. Other boots are already made "one size up" from your shoe size.

4. Rot resisting materials should be used in the construction of the boot - such as synthetic leather. Don't, repeat don't, get a pure leather boot!

Buyers Guide to Wading Boot

So, what separates a wading boot or wading shoe designed for fly fishing from a standard hiking boot? Wading boots, even the cheapest of them, all have felt soles. These felt soles is what allows them to grip wet, slippery rocks so well. The felt bends to the rocks contour, providing wonderful traction. The felt, since it is not hard rubber like a hiking boot, also does slip nearly as easily on wet surfaces.

The felt on wading boots and wading shoes wears down very quickly when walking on on trails and pavement. While the felt can be easily replaced, it is still a hassle. As a result, don't plan on hiking or walking long distances in wading boots

Cleats & Talons

For anglers who will be fishing in very rocky rivers with quick currents, even felt soled shoes may not be enough to provide rock-solid footing. When fly fishing these types of rivers, river talons or cleats are highly recommended. River talons and cleats fit around a standard wading shoe and have small, metal spikes on the bottom. These spikes, in combination with the metal it is attached too, provide the ultimate in footing. While this is overkill for most rivers, for those anglers who will be fishing in very rocky, fast moving water these river talons can literally

It's All About Ankle Support

When shopping for wading boots, always make sure that the boot provides solid ankle support - similar to good hiking boots. This way you don't have to worry about twisting an ankle and ruining an otherwise good fly fishing trip. Rivers are generally rocky and the rocks are frequently loose. By having a wading boot that gives solid ankle support, not only will you get better traction and balance when wading, you won't have to worry about twisting an ankle out in the middle of a river.

Wading Boot Sizing....

Wading shoes are also sized a bit differently than normal hiking shoes. Generally, they are sized 1 size up from a standard hiking boot. This is done in order to make room for the wader that the wading boot fits over. In some cases, wading boots are sized the same as shoes. When this occurs, the wading boot is always marked as such, and also has a recommendation to get a wading boot one size up in size from your standard shoe size.

Durability & Construction

Durability is also a key issue with wading boots. Cheap wading boots are made out of fabric that soon begins to break down. The constant immersion in water, followed by being stored away for long periods of time, will break down poor quality wading boots.

In short, when shopping around for wading boots or shoes, make sure that whatever you end up getting have felt soles, rock solid ankle support, are made of quality materials that won't break down and that are comfortable.

Handy Little Item For Fly Fishing

  I am sitting here today watching for tornados and straight-line winds headed this way. We are under a tornado watch until midnight. This really makes for a nervous situation so I thought I might com my nerves by sharing a post with all of you. How many of us have problems threading the tippet through the eye of those tiny size 28-30 files? I came across this neat little item the other day at one of the local fly shops in Birmingham. It’s the 20/20/ Magnetic Tippet Threader which makes threading those little flies a breeze. Here is how it works. You simply place the fly in the depression with the eye of the fly perpendicular to the groove. Once you have positioned the fly slide the tippet down the groove towards and through the eye about an inch or two. Grab the excess tippet on either side of the fly and lift from the threader and tie your knot. It is as simple as that. There is also a D-Ring that comes with the threader so one can attach it to your vest. The threader is priced at 8.00 which in the fly fishing industry is a bargain. I have found it works great on flies with or without beadheads. The little magnet positioned at its base is strong enough to hold the fly even in the strongest winds. I am really sold on this product because of the simplicity and cost. Everyone say a prayer for us here in Alabama today, because we are in for some horrible weather this afternoon and tonight.

What is Your Favorite Fly Knot?

I never knew how important tying the correct knot was when it comes to fly fishing until I had some break offs. The knot is the key between you and the trout. Ninety percent of the time you are fishing with tippets and leaders so light that the slightest surge will either break the line or break off at the eye of the fly. Probably the most common knot is the clinch knot. I know that every fisherman or fisherwoman has their favorite. I prefer the loop to loop and the clinch knots. These were some of the first knots I learned how to tie and I have never swayed away from either. Killroys has some excellent illustrations on the following fly fishing knots,

Clinch Knot Duncan Loop / uni-Knot
Surgeon's Knot Barrel Knot / Blood Knot
Surgeon's Loop Perfection Loop
Albright Knot Nail Knot
Backing to Fly Reel Loop-to-Loop Connection
I am curious to know what fly knots some of you are using and why. Give me a comment.
P. S. You can watch the knot illustrations through video if you perfer. All the knots listed above are covered in the video. You will need to wait a few seconds between each knot presentations to see the next knot tie.