Opening Day!

Last Saturday was opening day--aka Christmas at my house. I slung flies at Sturtos in the morning (I hadn't done that in a LONG time) and then headed down to Silver Creek for the opening day BBQ and to get a little fishing in. The BBQ was awesome, it feels like home being there and I get to chew the fat with all of my favorites. I headed on the water a couple of hours later, but could barely find a place without some yay-hoo flailing in the middle of fish. It was super frustrating watching so many people doing so many things wrong, but I know they'll get frustrated and never come back so it's cool. My first guide trips are this weekend and I'm feeling good about the 2011 season.

Fish on!


Several generations at the Silver Creek BBQ who wouldn't know what to do without the creek. King, Dayna and her son Ben, Paddy, and me.

Chasing Tail--Texas Style

The Allied. A sweet Bahamian boat that's mahogany covered with fiberglass. She's heavy, but a beaut.

I've finally recovered from my "vacation" to Texas to do some redfishing. We left Goliad every morning between 4 and 5 and were out on the water all day. It was the first sun my body had seen in over six months, but my sunburn wasn't too bad. We had some funky weather while we were down there--it was downright cool--the people working at the ferry in Port Aransas were wearing coats and stocking hats! That made for some slow fishing, but we did catch some fish--mostly sea trout--and learned a TON for our next trip in October. We all learned to pole--only Pop fell in the water--we learned about different water, different flies, fish behavior, and saw a few new bird species. My favorite is the tri-colored heron--crazy hackle!


The boat broke down on Friday when we were trying to go in--it ended up being the ignition and a short in the engine. I did catch a sea trout while we were floating around the bay.


Being pulled back in to Goose Island by Captains Heard.


Paddy can't go to Texas without shooting a pig. It was awfully delicious on Mother's Day. YUM!

It's taken me a week to recover from my trip, but I'm already planning my next trip south--I see some big bull reds in my future.

Simms at Sturtevants

We hope you can join us at this awesome event! Bring your felt-soled boots--I can't believe you still have them?!?!?!?!

Mullets and Hell's Bay Boats

I’m so tired, I can barely type, but the show must go on.

I’ve been in Texas for twelve days—hanging out with the folks and redfishing. Chance, the lovely gentleman at Swan Point Landing was awesome and it’s great to be able to go to a fly shop in Rockport, Texas. I’m exhausted, sunburned, and defeated, but it was great going down south and I plan on another trip in October. I could grow a mullet and buy a Hell’s Bay before you know it.

I’m at home base today catching up; fortunately, the fly-tying class I teach was canceled so that I can do a few things at home.

Tomorrow, I’m heading west for the Sandy River Spey Clave. I’ve been trying to go for years and even though I should be at home, I’m going for it. I can’t wait to see some friends and learn lots. I think driving by myself will be a nice change of pace, too.

Last week, the Blue Collar issue of Blood Knot was released. Check it out here.

We’re 16 days from opening day and I can’t wait. I’ve got so much to do to get ready, but I guess I have so much to do in general.

2011 is a great year, period.