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.

Flat Stanley Visits the Lower Lost

My cousin Luke sent out Flat Stanley to visit to some places for a little geography lesson. He made it to beautiful Sun Valley and went fishing on the Lower Lost. Amanda and I took a pic with him. He had a few tragedies throughout the day and fell in the river more than once. He dried off quickly and has been waiting on the fridge for another adventure.

Emotionally Distraught Youngsters

I should be posting about how amazing the fishing's been in Stanley and on the Lost, but I'm too lazy and too busy to download photos. I was looking at a competitor's website, Silver Creek Outfitters, and saw this amazing photo of some really traumatized children--I almost peed my pants from laughing so hard.

It's 10 days until I'm in Texas redfishing, so I guess that means I have ten days of steelhead left--I better make it count!

Texas Redfish!

Paddy and I are heading south in a few weeks to hit up some redfish on the Texas coast. Redfishing is definitely the cheapest way to hit the salt, especially since it's home for me so I'll have my awesome mom to take care of us, my dad to pull the sweet flats boat we're hooked up with, and Whataburger and Shiner Bock to keep us fueled.

I'm especially Jonesin' since it's snowing here and the high will be 37 today while it's going to be 90 in Goliad, Texas. Ugh!

I need help tying flies...any suggestions?

April Fools Steelhead

Driving up to Stanley.

April 1 is always a good indicator of the steelhead season. Two years ago, we caught 10 fish in an hour, last year, we counted 180 cars within 20 miles of Stanley, and this year we had an amazing spring day.

Last Friday, I met Keith and Paddy in Stanley for what turned out to be a beautiful day of steelheading. Keith broke his My Rock curse by landing a nice fish early on and Paddy and I followed his lead down river. It was amazingly warm and sunny--it was the only time I've had to take off layers steelheading.

Chillaxin' on the beach.

Keith's first fish of the day.
My wild buck. No, the pic wasn't Photoshopped. He's on his way to make some babies next month!

Days like Friday remind me of why I live in Idaho. It's only one more day until I get to go back! Paddy and Carl have officially moved into the Tyvek Teepee, btw. Fun times.

Another beautiful day in the Sawtooths.