tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29195733931148987672024-03-13T05:26:03.258-07:00Fishing with MishfishFishing is a hobby for some but a lifestyle for me. I'll talk about all sorts of fishing topics in my blog...fly fishing off my stand up paddleboard...surf casting along the beach, fishing adventures with my best surf buddy and husband Conway and all the aspects of fishing that have become a part of my life.Mishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07015657732013987263noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2919573393114898767.post-59046183010670523182014-04-03T22:57:00.002-07:002014-04-03T23:00:20.259-07:00Throwback Thursday fishtale...Forth of July plaid<!--[if !mso]>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Here's a "Throwback Thursday" post from Forth of July 2008...</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Cal and I have been talking about doing
a marathon boardfishing </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">day...parking a car at one beach and launch at another beach about a mile and a half north. Plans were
to hit the outside of the kelp where the big boats play, stand-up boardfish
with the drift all the way down to to the other beach and then make our re-entry at the nice mellow flat beach. We decided
that the 4th of July would be THE DAY! <br />
<br />
At 5:30a we met up at the beach...a line of cars and RVs already waiting for
some slumbering park ranger who would probably open the gates an hour
later. <br />
<br /> I left my car in the empty restaurant parking lot hoping it would be there
when I got back and piled all my stuff into Cal's van for the trek north. </span></div>
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After a few pleasantries with the local AM boys in the lot we hit the
water.
We high tailed it through the thick kelp and hit the outside by about
6:15a. Gorgeous sunrise...some fun looking waves (I was trying to ignore
them and not get swamped on the paddle out) but not a lot stirring... <br />
<br />
Conditions are perfect...glassy and not a lick of wind. It stayed that way
for most of the day. I found a nice open channel in the kelp for some fly
casting... <br />
<br />
It couldn't have been glassier!<br />
<br />
Made a few cast down the edges of the kelp and low and behold...plaid! I
think a buddy gave me the lucky fly at a Trout Hugger's
Ball. Good mojo! <br />
<br />
Did a lot of paddling and a lot of casting...unfortunately not a ton of
catching...it was slooooooooooow. The benefit of standing up paddling is
that you can see cool stuff like a kelp crab hanging out on top of the kelp. (remember I'm a marine biologist so non-fish ocean creatures are cool too!)<br />
<br />
About midway through our trip we find a nice honey hole...Cal's already caught a few plaid and
cudas a bit further out to sea but now we're seeing a little more
consistency. The tide's filling in and water's starting to move. Now we're
starting to see a bit more bait. I get this nice plaid on a swimbait. <br />
<br />
With bait cruising the surface I bust out my fly rod again...and
BAMMOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! Fish on! I did my best to keep it out of the kelp...a
tough chore as this horse drug me around...2.5lbs of beautiful
checkerboard! <br />
<br />
Cal had
borrowed my "Green Bean" rod that I bought just for kicks at Fred
Hall this past March. It's about 15" long, rigged with 6lb. and
absolutely zero backbone for fighting fish...but what the heck! Cal's got good mojo
and pins a 3" swimbait on. Low and behold...he's full bendo!!!! <br />
<br />
Whatever it was swam straight into the kelp and after numerous attempts to
coax it out Cal
gave it one last pull and the swim bait comes flying out of the water...without
it's tail. I'm thinking...small cuda (Cal had already caught several) but most
likely a fish of the plaid variety. <br />
<br /> After all the "hot action" Cal breaks out some snacks and we hang
in the kelp for a little R&R.
Then Cal cruises off in search of more prey...and he finds it...mack and
more plaid on the Green Bean! <br />
<br />After that the fishing was a little slow with Cal pulling in a few more
small plaid but nothing for me. The surf was up a bit as we cruised into
Cardiff. I fished the inside for a few minutes...but with head high sets rolling through I called it a day...5.5 hrs
after our launch...and headed home for lunch and a nap on the couch. Lots
of fun...I can't wait for the YT and bonita to move in closer to shore.
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s48.photobucket.com/albums/f204/mishwoo/More%20fishing/?action=view&current=4Jul08042.flv" target="_blank"><span style="color: #525e6e; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> The story in pictures...</span></div>
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Mishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07015657732013987263noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2919573393114898767.post-26600251367846412502013-05-16T00:10:00.000-07:002013-05-16T00:11:37.425-07:00Baby Tarpon in Campeche, Mexico<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Wow,
it's been FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR to long since I last posted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been busy chasing a now 3 year old so my
fishing time has been, to say the least, limited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two weeks ago I took my first vacation with
my husband without our son to the Yucatan
Peninsula. My husband has
a fly fishing TV show (Conway Bowman’s Fly Fishing the World on the Sportsman
Channel) so we were there to shoot two episodes…all tarpon…all the time!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt;">My
goal for the trip was to:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Catch
a tarpon…baby, juvenile or adult…I didn’t care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I just needed one!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Catch
a tarpon on my stand up paddlboard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve
bene thinking about this for YEARS!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Flats and mangroves are ripe for the picking with a <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>stand up paddlboard (SUP).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can access areas that are tough to access
with a boat, sneak up on your prey and fish with very minimal amount of gear
(this could be a drawback however!).</span></div>
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</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Relax,
do nothing and lay in a hammock on the beach.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt;">The
long and short of it was…that’s exactly what I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The details…</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt;">First
half of the trip (organized through <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/flytreks?fref=ts">FlyTreks</a></b> ) was to Campeche on the NW corner of the Yucatan Peninsula.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><u>Lodging:</u>
Ocean View Hotel - two stories - no elevator, super clean, great service, big rooms, pool, restaurant open early for fishermen, quiet, free shuttles to town, and close to Walmart if you forgot anything! (Yes, Walmart!) I advise you bring your own coffee if you like good coffee both regular and decaf.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><u>Guide:
</u><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/tarpontown">Tarpon Town Anglers Raul
Castañeda </a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><u>Fishing:</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Baby to juvenile tarpon ranging from 5 to 40lbs in the
mangroves and open water from pangas (or SUP)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><u>Time
of year: </u>Early May</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><u>Weather:</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><u> </u> </span>HOT…HOT and HOT…95-98 degrees with 98 percent
humidity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Light breeze in the morning
and 10mph+ by the afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><u>Tackle:</u>
Orvis 8wt Helio II with Mirage reel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Floating line and 30lb tippit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Flies varied…tarpon toads…cockroaches…surface poppers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt;">We never got the offshore juveniles in the 20-40lb range due to wind but the smaller ones in the mangroves were awesome! They ranged from 5-9lbs. and they were plentiful...and I mean plentiful! We were either sightcasting to rolling tarpon or blind casting to areas where tarpon would stage up and ambush prey in key spots in the mangrove. From the time we hit the water until about noon it was game on!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_732wsv_lcY/UZR_ksjJO4I/AAAAAAAABIk/XBEouPeiYp8/s1600/2013_04_Mexico_tarpon+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_732wsv_lcY/UZR_ksjJO4I/AAAAAAAABIk/XBEouPeiYp8/s320/2013_04_Mexico_tarpon+006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Making TV!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B-cAXgIBnHA/UZR_kgU3qhI/AAAAAAAABIo/egyTGmr62Ys/s1600/2013_04_Mexico_tarpon+024a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B-cAXgIBnHA/UZR_kgU3qhI/AAAAAAAABIo/egyTGmr62Ys/s320/2013_04_Mexico_tarpon+024a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Conway is up first!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bltb-wOYnTw/UZR_ksdfZ1I/AAAAAAAABIs/IyjnUDaGeDc/s1600/2013_04_Mexico_tarpon+061a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bltb-wOYnTw/UZR_ksdfZ1I/AAAAAAAABIs/IyjnUDaGeDc/s320/2013_04_Mexico_tarpon+061a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Making more TV!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9hXgnReY2Xg/UZR_k75T45I/AAAAAAAABI4/RVMmkQrlYho/s1600/2013_04_Mexico_tarpon+087a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9hXgnReY2Xg/UZR_k75T45I/AAAAAAAABI4/RVMmkQrlYho/s320/2013_04_Mexico_tarpon+087a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Loving those jumpers!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0vLJlcaU4SI/UZR_lKmowRI/AAAAAAAABJA/AXf3Yh4OmFg/s1600/2013_04_Mexico_tarpon+097a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0vLJlcaU4SI/UZR_lKmowRI/AAAAAAAABJA/AXf3Yh4OmFg/s320/2013_04_Mexico_tarpon+097a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Baby poon!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hCSKLpUfD-s/UZR_lXfMOhI/AAAAAAAABJE/PDVY2UjSyzU/s1600/2013_04_Mexico_tarpon+106a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hCSKLpUfD-s/UZR_lXfMOhI/AAAAAAAABJE/PDVY2UjSyzU/s320/2013_04_Mexico_tarpon+106a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My first one to the boat!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dypeBjgEuR0/UZR_ldD6qoI/AAAAAAAABJI/FrUQQlw_jVA/s1600/2013_04_Mexico_tarpon+138a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dypeBjgEuR0/UZR_ldD6qoI/AAAAAAAABJI/FrUQQlw_jVA/s320/2013_04_Mexico_tarpon+138a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Open water delight!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nxISI5c4y2M/UZR_luEPYVI/AAAAAAAABJQ/_Qki2NGXQII/s1600/2013_04_Mexico_tarpon+151a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nxISI5c4y2M/UZR_luEPYVI/AAAAAAAABJQ/_Qki2NGXQII/s320/2013_04_Mexico_tarpon+151a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My biggest was found in the open water! </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3vzSu09Xqv8/UZR_lpLXzeI/AAAAAAAABJY/BEuIvYzgi3s/s1600/2013_04_Mexico_tarpon+170a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3vzSu09Xqv8/UZR_lpLXzeI/AAAAAAAABJY/BEuIvYzgi3s/s320/2013_04_Mexico_tarpon+170a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Another juvenile poon.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-szMJBjXEQks/UZR_l5xUZaI/AAAAAAAABJc/ArYwHUmn0XY/s1600/2013_04_Mexico_tarpon+192a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-szMJBjXEQks/UZR_l5xUZaI/AAAAAAAABJc/ArYwHUmn0XY/s320/2013_04_Mexico_tarpon+192a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hidden mangrove cave holding lots of baby poons!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_H2PnT6T100/UZR_mLu7ZhI/AAAAAAAABJs/5I_ViplR6uo/s1600/2013_04_Mexico_tarpon+206a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_H2PnT6T100/UZR_mLu7ZhI/AAAAAAAABJs/5I_ViplR6uo/s320/2013_04_Mexico_tarpon+206a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Poon bubbles!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KDljqZb9Ydk/UZR_mOy0DjI/AAAAAAAABJw/eVPo1fdyIZ4/s1600/2013_04_Mexico_tarpon+219a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KDljqZb9Ydk/UZR_mOy0DjI/AAAAAAAABJw/eVPo1fdyIZ4/s320/2013_04_Mexico_tarpon+219a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Conway got one in here...tough casting and fishing with the tight quarters!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P-ovHKHZ23g/UZR_mcrYKJI/AAAAAAAABJ0/aBId0evQILo/s1600/2013_04_Mexico_tarpon+274a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P-ovHKHZ23g/UZR_mcrYKJI/AAAAAAAABJ0/aBId0evQILo/s320/2013_04_Mexico_tarpon+274a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hooking up on my first tarpon on my SUP!!!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--zriTfeqcRs/UZR_mk66lwI/AAAAAAAABKI/gmlOwjCrYjw/s1600/2013_04_Mexico_tarpon+286a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--zriTfeqcRs/UZR_mk66lwI/AAAAAAAABKI/gmlOwjCrYjw/s320/2013_04_Mexico_tarpon+286a.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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I had to sit down in order to use my legs to backpeddle the fish out of the mangroves as I fought it. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-utquqso47x4/UZR_mlCtONI/AAAAAAAABKQ/tHwvpjLS1Nk/s1600/2013_04_Mexico_tarpon+296a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-utquqso47x4/UZR_mlCtONI/AAAAAAAABKQ/tHwvpjLS1Nk/s320/2013_04_Mexico_tarpon+296a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Fish on!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--7NBeMKEta4/UZR_m2CbNuI/AAAAAAAABKM/t0PXssFA0nE/s1600/2013_04_Mexico_tarpon+300a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--7NBeMKEta4/UZR_m2CbNuI/AAAAAAAABKM/t0PXssFA0nE/s320/2013_04_Mexico_tarpon+300a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's a jumper!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_sy9zx6dm_Q/UZR_nE-_awI/AAAAAAAABKc/afvIVcSQnrQ/s1600/2013_04_Mexico_tarpon+319a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_sy9zx6dm_Q/UZR_nE-_awI/AAAAAAAABKc/afvIVcSQnrQ/s320/2013_04_Mexico_tarpon+319a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Landed it amidst a tangle of line!</div>
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I was so stoked!!! You're looking at one happy fisherman...woman...whatever.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ctEdKcY8wk4/UZR_nX1G2HI/AAAAAAAABKg/pO8q_JUH1fI/s1600/2013_04_Mexico_tarpon+354a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ctEdKcY8wk4/UZR_nX1G2HI/AAAAAAAABKg/pO8q_JUH1fI/s320/2013_04_Mexico_tarpon+354a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Always released!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-urLxPmK0FbM/UZR_nr3-HoI/AAAAAAAABK0/re5UQ3-fcq8/s1600/2013_04_Mexico_tarpon+387a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-urLxPmK0FbM/UZR_nr3-HoI/AAAAAAAABK0/re5UQ3-fcq8/s320/2013_04_Mexico_tarpon+387a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hooked 4-5 more that all jumped but spit the hook. This was my favorite photo captured by my husband. Lots of factors working against me on a SUP...very little leverage to set the hook, get towed around by even the smaller fish, limited space for even a pair of pliers or extra tackle and feet dangling in the water that could attract other species. But it was all totally worth it!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xFPAt5v2rhg/UZR_nuMJeeI/AAAAAAAABK8/OcJDoAqXLPU/s1600/IMGP0949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xFPAt5v2rhg/UZR_nuMJeeI/AAAAAAAABK8/OcJDoAqXLPU/s320/IMGP0949.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The boat launch was across the street from the hotel...so easy, convenient and the hotel had awesome air conditioning! </div>
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This thing got destroyed after a few fish slammed it!</div>
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The colorful and historic town of Campeche. It was sacked by "pirates" over and over so they built a wall around the city. There are also lots of old Maya ruins in and around town. </div>
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Mojito!</div>
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We went through several of these...slow stead strip then BAMMO!!!!!!!!!!!! Strip strike and just hang on for the jump!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MGuCqYY0caQ/UZR_objbwMI/AAAAAAAABLY/bvcKkWJKXI0/s1600/IMGP1020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MGuCqYY0caQ/UZR_objbwMI/AAAAAAAABLY/bvcKkWJKXI0/s320/IMGP1020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Tarpon toad, Helios II and Mirage reel...the tarpon slayer set up!</div>
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Fighting one!</div>
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Cockroach fly...another proven winner!</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> Typical afternoon delight...fresh shrimp ceviche, mango with chili sauce and ice cold beer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Next blog will be the second half of the trip on Holbox Island on the other side of the Yucatan Peninsula. Stay tuned...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Thanks to Fly Fishing the World, Orvis, Hobie Stand Up Paddleboards, Columbia Sportswear and Kaenon Eyeware!</span></div>
<br />Mishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07015657732013987263noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2919573393114898767.post-39295667625210243072012-01-03T21:25:00.001-08:002012-01-03T21:42:35.158-08:00Last boardfising at Swamis<span class="postbody">With the Marine Life Protection Areas kicking on January 1, 2012 in I decided I HAD to paddle out for one last boardfishing session on New Years Eve. I needed a few photos to show my son Max when he's 20, "This was the last day Swamis was open for hook and line fishing." Perhaps by then there may be some new regs that allow for alternative year closures so we can still enjoy the area every 2 or 3 years...perhaps.<br /><br />The area has been fishing well all year. My friend Ty either surfs, fishes or both almost every morning. He was regularly getting 20-40 fish...calico and sand bass in the 2-4lb range with 5-7lbrs not uncommon and even pulled up and released 3 40-50lb black sea bass (probably the same one I'm guessing). Calvin from Boardfisher nailed three thresher sharks from the area this summer and of course the party boats did their usual pillaging all season as well.<br /><br />I put the word out about the final paddle out and, well, no takers. Clearly the holidays and everyone's busy schedules kept them away so Conway and I loaded up and paddled out. Surf had picked up and was running head high and slightly overhead sets but luckily that is the beauty of Swamis...an easy channel to help you get out past the breakers without getting swamped.<br /><br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1UDiPksop68/TwPlTRqEtrI/AAAAAAAAAH0/gNUVrGlJZQE/s1600/IMGP6738a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1UDiPksop68/TwPlTRqEtrI/AAAAAAAAAH0/gNUVrGlJZQE/s400/IMGP6738a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693646473246586546" border="0" /></a><span class="postbody"><br />The thick clearing fog was actually pretty neat to paddle into...a little ominous with random lobster boats appearing out of the fog. Here's Conway on his way out...<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n5bnIQlblTU/TwPlTg1sSrI/AAAAAAAAAH8/rabdYFiLMbs/s1600/IMGP6739a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 222px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n5bnIQlblTU/TwPlTg1sSrI/AAAAAAAAAH8/rabdYFiLMbs/s400/IMGP6739a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693646477321849522" border="0" /></a>Fishing was actually fairly slow with very little tidal movement but as the fog continued to clear the day turned into a gorgeous sunny day. Here's Conway chillaxin' in the kelp...<br /></span><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5PEUz4vkdsg/TwPlT-6qnuI/AAAAAAAAAIU/ygRN6iVPaNA/s1600/IMGP6741a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5PEUz4vkdsg/TwPlT-6qnuI/AAAAAAAAAIU/ygRN6iVPaNA/s400/IMGP6741a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693646485395775202" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="postbody"><br />I managed a beautiful calico in the thick of the kelp with a lead head and swim bait...<br /><br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I3P9YaLsFlM/TwPlTgkJn8I/AAAAAAAAAIM/S_BunRCgh7I/s1600/IMGP6740.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I3P9YaLsFlM/TwPlTgkJn8I/AAAAAAAAAIM/S_BunRCgh7I/s400/IMGP6740.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693646477248274370" border="0" /></a><span class="postbody"><br />As the tide peaked and water movement came to a dead halt we picked up and decided to head out to look for whales and other marine life. About half a mile south and another quarter mile paddle west we found what we were looking for...spy-hopping grey whales. Unfortunately they were still another half mile away so photos just don't do it justice. We just sat and watched as the gorgeous beasts played offshore launching themselves out of the water and landing with a huge splash and a wave of their tail as they sunk below the surface only to repeat it over and over for about 15 minutes. It was quite the spectacular site and although I wished we were closer it was something I've been wanting to see for years on my stand up paddleboard.<br /><br />As the seas calmed and the whales continued their migrations to the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez we paddled back to Swamis for a few more minutes and a few last casts. I dropped a big ol' swim bait to the bottom and bounced it along the bottom hoping to hit something on the head when I got the tug I was waiting for...well, a little tug. Then more tugs...and my line went tight. Super stoked to end my illustrious 2011 fishing season at Swamis with a nice fish I reeled this nice sand bass in. It was our nanny's birthday and she jokingly requested a fish for her present as we walked out the door earlier that morning...this bass was for her. I normally CPR (catch, photo and release) my fish but seeing as this area would be closed indefinitely I figured it was ok to take this one home.<br /><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J0YJaz1HH64/TwPlT9D_AqI/AAAAAAAAAIc/WVa59Tk6RrY/s1600/IMGP6752a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 335px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J0YJaz1HH64/TwPlT9D_AqI/AAAAAAAAAIc/WVa59Tk6RrY/s400/IMGP6752a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693646484897989282" border="0" /></a><span class="postbody"><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xcog-IDOk-8/TwPlZZrVvOI/AAAAAAAAAIw/uQKUmWQLi7Q/s1600/IMGP6755a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xcog-IDOk-8/TwPlZZrVvOI/AAAAAAAAAIw/uQKUmWQLi7Q/s400/IMGP6755a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693646578478595298" border="0" /></a><span class="postbody"><br />I was sad as I paddled in but remembered that hopefully some day Max, Conway and I will paddle out here and be able to catch big calico, white seabass and halibut out in my favorite kelp. If not, I have a lot of good stories to tell Max when he grows up...and a few photos too!<br /><br />Not sure where my next boardfishing adventure will happen but trust me...there will be more! I hope everyone had a great New Years!<br /><br />Happy 2012 fishing everyone!</span>Mishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07015657732013987263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2919573393114898767.post-36180202000259384062011-05-19T22:51:00.001-07:002011-05-19T23:13:22.576-07:00Hello again!Well, there's no time like the present to get back on the ol' horse and start bloggin' again! I've been a wee bit preoccupado'd lately. The subject of my occupation...my now one year old son Max. Having Max has not only shed a new light on the world and how I will introduce it to him but one of the first questions anyone asks is, "Does he have a rod and reel yet?" Ironically, yes, he has a fly reel. Unbenonced to my husband Conway and I our friends at Abel Reels snuck this awesome "baby gift" in the mail to us soon after Max's birth. <br /><div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608672927103362322" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vs5akIZWLGY/TdYCT6lYpRI/AAAAAAAAAHY/Lik1OF1O2Jo/s320/IMGP1504.JPG" /> <br /><p>As an infant Max drooled on his new reel, looked at it as a teething implement but as he's grown older he's somehow drawn to it in a way that his father and I were pleasantly surprised. One day Max went over to the bookshelf, grabbed his reef and before we could distract him with a stuff Tiger or favorite book his sat down and started playing with it. But he played with it as if he was actually in the store checking out a potential purchase...a little spin of the handle, tighten the drag a little and give it a spin...checked the drag...it was fascinating to watch.</p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608676012109419554" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FOj03swUCM0/TdYFHfIJVCI/AAAAAAAAAHo/Z4X-VqQcZGg/s320/Max%2B2011%2B267a.jpg" /><br />I can't wait to see what he does with a fly rod...or a vice...or some rabbit fur. Will he double haul on the first cast? Will he have a perfect loop by the age of 2? Chances are he'll still prefer to sit on the bank of the river and eat sand but he'll eventually have a great appreciation for fly fishing. I'll tell you about our first fly fishing trip to the Sierra's next and then I'll recall some of our awesome fishing trip in my "pre-Max life"...<br /><br /><p><br /></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Mishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07015657732013987263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2919573393114898767.post-73011805822286292262010-05-02T21:25:00.001-07:002010-05-02T21:46:38.255-07:00Don't forget Nawlins...In light of all that HAS happened with Katrina and IS happening down in New Orleans with the BP oil spill I found it appropriate to share some of my experiences down there with the fishing community. I've been to Nawlins to fly fish for redfish and met some incredible people one of whom was the gentleman who married my husband and I, Captain Gregg Arnold. Gregg and his wife are two of the most gracious people I have ever met and give until there is no more to give...to family AND friends. Gregg is a redfish guide and has already seen the destruction of his livelihood when Katrina came through but is now about to experience an oil spill that may just shut down redfishing and all activities related to that wonderful stretch of coast line for many, many years...some say forever. <br /><br />Here are a few photos that sum up my experiences with Captain Gregg and some of the other wonderful people who we have met in Nawlins. I don't know what they are going to do during and after this spill but hopefully their lives are not ruined. This is a precious and fragile ecosystem that is about to be smothered by oil. It makes me so sad to know that it is on the brink of such a horrible catastrophe. <br /><br />Whatever happens...we can't forget Nawlins, the people who live there and the creatures that inhabit her coastline.<br /><br />For the many redfish tales that have been woven on the flats south of Nawlins...<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S95Q2FYGqeI/AAAAAAAAAHA/y6Jy59OO7-w/s1600/New+Orleans+Jan+2008+(132).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466895887760796130" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S95Q2FYGqeI/AAAAAAAAAHA/y6Jy59OO7-w/s320/New+Orleans+Jan+2008+(132).jpg" /></a><br />One of my biggest reds!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S95Q1xZsj0I/AAAAAAAAAG4/T_oLbflIzio/s1600/New+Orleans+Jan+2008+(67).JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466895882398764866" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S95Q1xZsj0I/AAAAAAAAAG4/T_oLbflIzio/s320/New+Orleans+Jan+2008+(67).JPG" /></a> </div><div>Conway hooking up along the banks<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S95Q1giPZ5I/AAAAAAAAAGw/k6CPMoL6m8A/s1600/New+Orleans+Jan+2008+(24).JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466895877871200146" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S95Q1giPZ5I/AAAAAAAAAGw/k6CPMoL6m8A/s320/New+Orleans+Jan+2008+(24).JPG" /></a><br />A true Nawlins treat!<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S95Q1A7PQGI/AAAAAAAAAGo/lNfxP9A5FEA/s1600/New+Orleans+Jan+2008+(4).JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466895869386113122" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S95Q1A7PQGI/AAAAAAAAAGo/lNfxP9A5FEA/s320/New+Orleans+Jan+2008+(4).JPG" /></a><br /><br />The marsh on approach from the plane...will this ever look like this again?</div><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S95Qr-kg-6I/AAAAAAAAAGg/uUvCfRk995E/s1600/New+Orleans+2009+361a.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466895714135112610" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S95Qr-kg-6I/AAAAAAAAAGg/uUvCfRk995E/s320/New+Orleans+2009+361a.jpg" /></a><br />Hopedale at dawn...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S95QrvEvndI/AAAAAAAAAGY/zPvG04e10-g/s1600/New+Orleans+2009+178a.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466895709975322066" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S95QrvEvndI/AAAAAAAAAGY/zPvG04e10-g/s320/New+Orleans+2009+178a.jpg" /></a> The boys who fish for big reds...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S95Qrb4gKuI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/9O6LRdHQKY0/s1600/New+Orleans+2009+135.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466895704823704290" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S95Qrb4gKuI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/9O6LRdHQKY0/s320/New+Orleans+2009+135.jpg" /></a> Some of the wonderful birdlife from the marsh</div><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S95Qq-mEDoI/AAAAAAAAAGI/eCoOKn-fSYE/s1600/New+Orleans+2009+081a.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466895696961736322" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S95Qq-mEDoI/AAAAAAAAAGI/eCoOKn-fSYE/s320/New+Orleans+2009+081a.jpg" /></a> Enjoying a beignet at Cafe Du Monde with Capt. Gregg Arnold...perhaps touristy but so good and you can't beat the company!</div><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S95Qqbe-C2I/AAAAAAAAAGA/I5uLgNHEI_E/s1600/IMGP4997a.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466895687536741218" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S95Qqbe-C2I/AAAAAAAAAGA/I5uLgNHEI_E/s320/IMGP4997a.jpg" /></a></div><div> </div><div>Capt. Gregg's house special...fresh shrimp with cayanne, salt, pepper, butter and lime...cooked to perfection and finger licking good. Each person is served up a bowl of shrimp with a fresh baguette to soak up the butter. DELICIOUS! Do not serve this to your cardiologist!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S95QfD1soyI/AAAAAAAAAF4/er7u4GxBbIM/s1600/IMGP4989a.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466895492211057442" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S95QfD1soyI/AAAAAAAAAF4/er7u4GxBbIM/s320/IMGP4989a.jpg" /></a><br />I believe this was my first red...2007<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S95QeqwrLcI/AAAAAAAAAFw/YhWNQ2IThRY/s1600/DSC_1860b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466895485479103938" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S95QeqwrLcI/AAAAAAAAAFw/YhWNQ2IThRY/s320/DSC_1860b.jpg" /></a> Nawlins style...so classic even after Katrina.<br /></div><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S95QeIvNuwI/AAAAAAAAAFo/ioqZClxYLNg/s1600/Arnold+wedding+Mar_2006+143.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466895476346174210" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S95QeIvNuwI/AAAAAAAAAFo/ioqZClxYLNg/s320/Arnold+wedding+Mar_2006+143.jpg" /></a><br />And of course, oysters on the half shell...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S95Qd2FobbI/AAAAAAAAAFg/caXeHwxrcT0/s1600/Arnold+wedding+Mar_2006+140.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466895471339924914" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S95Qd2FobbI/AAAAAAAAAFg/caXeHwxrcT0/s320/Arnold+wedding+Mar_2006+140.jpg" /></a><br />And my favorite...boiled crawdads with cold beer on a hot night with live Nawlins jazz playing in the background. I really does not get ANY better than this!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S95QdsnbNhI/AAAAAAAAAFY/oZT_xRqUTtM/s1600/Arnold+wedding+Mar_2006+064a.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 241px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466895468797310482" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S95QdsnbNhI/AAAAAAAAAFY/oZT_xRqUTtM/s320/Arnold+wedding+Mar_2006+064a.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Mishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07015657732013987263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2919573393114898767.post-88530780724774226492010-03-21T11:40:00.000-07:002010-03-21T11:55:04.485-07:00More old skool talkI was checking out more of my grandfather's cool vintage reels and was admiring the beautiful workmanship on the reels. You just don't see stuff like this today on the mass marketed gear that is pumped out of "who knows where" and sold on the shelves of your local shop. Just look at these two Penn reels...the Surfmaster and Squidder. That's a pretty neat image on there. These days it's all about shiny...everything has to be shiny and bright! I don't know...these images give the reel some pretty neat character with a few shiny screw heads and chrome here and there.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S6ZolIHFzeI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/y09LFLHHQJY/s1600-h/Vintage+fishing+gear+2008+(13).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451159386020236770" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S6ZolIHFzeI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/y09LFLHHQJY/s320/Vintage+fishing+gear+2008+(13).jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S6ZokmN6BeI/AAAAAAAAAFI/Wq7DRAHyCDM/s1600-h/Vintage+fishing+gear+2008+(12).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451159376922019298" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S6ZokmN6BeI/AAAAAAAAAFI/Wq7DRAHyCDM/s320/Vintage+fishing+gear+2008+(12).jpg" /></a><br />I guess these days the reel companies are putting photo images on reels and that's pretty cool too. I've seen some neat custom etching that is starting to come out on a few Abel fly reels but those will cost you a few extra bucks. Ahhhhhhh, the good ol' days...<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S6Zoj3VYO4I/AAAAAAAAAFA/wek0kyu5aWw/s1600-h/Vintage+fishing+gear+2008+(10).jpg"></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S6ZojlS62vI/AAAAAAAAAE4/QvxWMGj5vGo/s1600-h/Vintage+fishing+gear+2008+(6).jpg"></a>Mishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07015657732013987263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2919573393114898767.post-88973168644358098162010-03-20T09:49:00.000-07:002010-03-20T10:05:28.425-07:00Old Skool...old spoolYikes, it's been way too long but fishing season is right around the corner so this should kick off many more blogs to come! I'll start by taking a trip into the past. I was recently given some vintage tackle that used to be my grandfathers. Now, my grandfather was a surgeon and as far as I knew he never went fishing. Well, at least he knew how to buy gear! Most of it's in pretty pristine condition and hardly used. Do I use it or keep it all in good shape? And the manuals that came with the gear is classic! Check it out!<br /><br />I can honestly say that the times have changed! No more suits and dress shoes on the boat these days. It's all quick dry shorts, bikinis and SPF!!! But I'll wear a suit if it means I can catch something like this beast!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S6T9oM3m1cI/AAAAAAAAAEw/O1_eEhlWhas/s1600-h/Vintage+fishing+gear+2008+(29).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450760316116194754" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S6T9oM3m1cI/AAAAAAAAAEw/O1_eEhlWhas/s320/Vintage+fishing+gear+2008+(29).jpg" /></a><br />And how about the prices back then! This little gem coast $1.10...what can you buy for that little these days in a tackle shop? Maybe a little tide chart if you're lucky.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S6T9n6qcwmI/AAAAAAAAAEo/ny4aSLjzxGI/s1600-h/Vintage+fishing+gear+2008+(1).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450760311229170274" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S6T9n6qcwmI/AAAAAAAAAEo/ny4aSLjzxGI/s320/Vintage+fishing+gear+2008+(1).jpg" /></a><br />Um, does that really say...712lb tuna? I'd be over the side of the boat trying to haul that beast in! Sashimi for everyone!!!!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S6T9ntrR24I/AAAAAAAAAEg/ki6f-XJH0Rk/s1600-h/Vintage+fishing+gear+2008+(26).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450760307742989186" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S6T9ntrR24I/AAAAAAAAAEg/ki6f-XJH0Rk/s320/Vintage+fishing+gear+2008+(26).jpg" /></a><br />And check out the sweet suit on this "gentleman" in this surf casting demo in the manual. <br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S6T9nHULZzI/AAAAAAAAAEY/IqWcX1NOdGA/s1600-h/Vintage+fishing+gear+2008+(21).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450760297445549874" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S6T9nHULZzI/AAAAAAAAAEY/IqWcX1NOdGA/s320/Vintage+fishing+gear+2008+(21).jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Penn Reels...only the best for my grandfather! Catalog #16...wonder what # they're up to these days? 5,394????</div><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S6T9mbvWZNI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/v8ptqw5-3V8/s1600-h/Vintage+fishing+gear+2008+(16).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450760285748356306" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S6T9mbvWZNI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/v8ptqw5-3V8/s320/Vintage+fishing+gear+2008+(16).jpg" /></a><br /><br />Ok, getting to the good stuff...tackle! Not an ounce of rust on this thing. Clearly it never hit the water. Wonder how well it works...<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S6T9S_VIhXI/AAAAAAAAAEI/KEK9DZShalk/s1600-h/Vintage+fishing+gear+2008+(2).jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450759951704687986" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S6T9S_VIhXI/AAAAAAAAAEI/KEK9DZShalk/s320/Vintage+fishing+gear+2008+(2).jpg" /></a><br /><br />This Hawaiian wiggler looks like a classic bass lure. Might have to take it out at Lake Hodges some day and give it a try.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S6T9SDrpQpI/AAAAAAAAAEA/I-zFbIKXvlE/s1600-h/Vintage+fishing+gear+2008+006.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450759935692980882" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S6T9SDrpQpI/AAAAAAAAAEA/I-zFbIKXvlE/s320/Vintage+fishing+gear+2008+006.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Liquid gold...reel oil for keeping everything in tip top shape!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S6T9RoL1mVI/AAAAAAAAAD4/ZB2FebWr8aI/s1600-h/Vintage+fishing+gear+2008+003.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450759928311814482" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S6T9RoL1mVI/AAAAAAAAAD4/ZB2FebWr8aI/s320/Vintage+fishing+gear+2008+003.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I'll probably change the line out on this one before casting at any big fish with it. Still runs smooth though.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S6T9RK1Uo7I/AAAAAAAAADw/f7nMGCGRmaI/s1600-h/Vintage+fishing+gear+2008+001.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450759920432751538" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S6T9RK1Uo7I/AAAAAAAAADw/f7nMGCGRmaI/s320/Vintage+fishing+gear+2008+001.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Yet another classic...no rust...maybe grandpa didn't really fish!</div><div> </div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S6T9QwImHFI/AAAAAAAAADo/C4vokdnaYDg/s1600-h/Vintage+fishing+gear+2008.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450759913265830994" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S6T9QwImHFI/AAAAAAAAADo/C4vokdnaYDg/s320/Vintage+fishing+gear+2008.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Mishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07015657732013987263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2919573393114898767.post-66843076488954140182010-01-27T06:24:00.001-08:002010-01-27T06:46:42.022-08:00Free Tuna?Last week San Diego had "the storm of the decade" according to some forecasters and "the storm of the century" according to the national news. Now, when this happens in San Diego the Tijuana River flows from Mexico, under the border fence and into US waters at a beach known as Imperial Beach. This water is, how shall I say, full of it? "It" being crap...yes, literally...raw sewage that overflows from Tijuana (commonly known as TJ) as well as the tons of garbage and debris. It makes the Tijuana River Valley on the U.S. side look like a recycling center in a pool of thick brown water and it all flows out into the ocean there at the beach. And I"m not just talking about a little flow and then it dissipates into the gorgeous blue ocean. I'm talking a digusting brown plume of water moving north along the beach for miles!!!! Millions of gallons of this nasty stuff flowing into the ocean per day! YUCK!<br /><br />Click here if you want to see a cool scientific link about the plume and watch as it flows out of TJ.<br /><br /><a href="http://sccoos.ucsd.edu/data/tracking/IB/">http://sccoos.ucsd.edu/data/tracking/IB/</a><br /><br />I mention this because last week's storm also brought huge waves in the 15-18' range to Southern California and probably bigger in Northern Baja Mexico. These waves apparently tore open some of the aquafarm pens that house blue fin tuna down in Northern Baja. The tuna, having been raised in the pens their whole life are weaker, I imagine, than their free swimming counterparts. It seems the loose tuna got caught up in some currents and have been thrashing around in the shore pound along the beaches in Imperial Beach (IB).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/jan/22/beachcomber-grabs-bluefins-stormy-surf/">http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/jan/22/beachcomber-grabs-bluefins-stormy-surf/</a><a href="http://signonsandiego.com/news/2010/jan/25/1s26outdoors/"></a><br /><br />Some folks have headed down there to grab up these 20-40lb blue fin in waist deep water and take them home for dinner. I guess the fish are so beaten from the big waves that they're easy to just scoop up and take them home.<br /><br />Wouldn't common sense tell you...or me...or anyone...that wading waist deep, into chocolate brown sewage water that is flowing from the Tijuana River wouldn't be an ideal place to collect your dinner? No matter how free it is? The risk of getting Hepatitis is so high that there's actually a free clinic down in IB for surfers to get inocculated so they can go surf in the winter when it's huge but the river is doing it's thing and flowing into the water right there. <br /><br />Is the price of tuna and our desire for it that great that people have to risk getting sick over it?Mishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07015657732013987263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2919573393114898767.post-16883346104977985912010-01-12T06:57:00.000-08:002010-01-12T07:04:04.055-08:00Winter sharkin'!<div>With the beautiful weather we're having this winter the sharks on the fly have been plentiful!!! We've had some insane days with blues circling the boat and then a small mako shows up and the blue high tail it outta there as Mr. Mako takes his (or her) turn at the chum bucket and our flies! What a great winter we're having...better not jinx it!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425867736211092386" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S0yN9Wcdc6I/AAAAAAAAADQ/FH-YyeZWJQM/s400/Blueshark+on+chum_a.jpg" />Circling blueshark...</div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425869221323717282" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S0yPTy65uqI/AAAAAAAAADg/DZ0Ql7ctqcI/s400/blueshark+circling.jpg" /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Mishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07015657732013987263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2919573393114898767.post-53463608251326556182010-01-07T20:32:00.000-08:002010-01-07T20:44:32.231-08:00Kicking off the New Year!Happy New Year everyone! Just returned from The Islands (aka Hawaii) where I spent some unbelieveably relaxing days on the beach and in the 80 degree water. I saw plenty of bonefish but alas the Kona winds kicked up and on the days I had planned to fish they didn't want to play or were hanging out in the marine reserve areas. Brutal to see huge bonefish practically swimming at my feet and not being able to throw a fly at them! Conway made a play on some of them but visibility was tough with all the wind...bones 1...humans 0! <div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424224941014997682" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S0a32FcDWrI/AAAAAAAAADI/H8RxKcAQS3c/s400/Ho+Wedding+2010+679a_CXB.jpg" /><br /><div></div><div>Coming up on the calendar is the Fly Fishing Show in Somerset, New Jersey January 22-24. Conway, and I will be there every day. Conway's delivering his presentation on mako fishing on the fly each day. If you're at the show it's a must see! Check out their website for info and times:</div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424224245192975810" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/S0a3NlTJ5cI/AAAAAAAAADA/5hRxy02TeGo/s400/Mako1.JPG" /><br /><div><a href="http://www.flyfishingshow.com/Somerset__NJ.html">http://www.flyfishingshow.com/Somerset__NJ.html</a></div><div></div><br /><div>I'll be wandering around the show, seeing all my fly friends and definitely sitting in on some of the talks. I'm crossing my fingers for good weather...Hawaii to San Diego to New Jersey in January...ouch...that's tough! </div><br /><div>Hope to see some of you there! </div></div>Mishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07015657732013987263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2919573393114898767.post-79462393109242775012009-12-26T20:14:00.001-08:002009-12-27T22:49:47.995-08:00Winter on the Bay with the BamwoozlerIt's the day after Christmas and what better way to spend it than fishing with Conway and some friends. After a long Christmas night we were a little slow in making our 6:30am fishing date but luckily our pals were just as slow...not to mention it was 43 degrees out...practically Arctic by San Diego standards. <div><div><div></div><div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419769657365218658" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/SzbjycexxWI/AAAAAAAAACo/0TX2vgNFoQc/s400/26Dec09+005a.jpg" /><br /><div>We headed out at the southern end of San Diego Bay. Surprisingly, there was only one other boat out at 7:30am. I thought everyone would be out testing out their new fishing gear from Santa...rod, reel or kayak. But no, they were smart and stayed in their nice warm homes. Well, the early bird gets the worm!!!</div><br /><div>As a Christmas joke, a non-fishing co-worker of mine "wrapped" me a bamboo rod from a piece of black bamboo from his backyard, screwed a Quantum <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Optix</span> 20 to the "handle" and put the rubber from his old mountain bike handles on as a grip. It's got an interesting bend downward, a natural "hook up" bend, and most of the little <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">nobbies</span> have been cut off but hardly sanded off so there are all sorts of protrusions along the length of the rod. Even the guides are misaligned but for the most part fairly straight. I laughed when I saw it but then decided that I had to put it to the test. I put some 12lb <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">flouro</span> on it and took it out today for it's maiden voyage. I decided to name it "The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bamwoozler</span>."</div><br /><div>Much to my pleasure it worked like a charm! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ok</span>, it didn't cast all that well. A straight cast usually ended up about 15 degrees to your left. We'll call it a "fast action" rod and it sort of bounced a little when you reeled down quickly but overall it worked out pretty well. Armed with some 1/4oz lead heads and some MC <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">swimbait</span> plastics I set to work proving that my new rod was full of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">mojo</span>! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">As I</span> bounced my little <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">swimbait</span> back to the boat I felt a tug...tug...tugtug...here we go!!! I held my breath and set the hook. The rod had a nice bend in it and whoa...it held! I reeled in my little prize...the rod <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">didn't</span> snap in half, the guides didn't fly off and low and behold...I landed the fish! Here's the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bamwoozler's</span> first fish...a small spotted bay bass. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">WOOHOOOOOO</span>...GO <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">BAMWOOZLER</span>!!!!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 126px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419767902511900018" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/SzbiMTJJJXI/AAAAAAAAACI/Y6jBVyDDxag/s320/26Dec09+019a.jpg" /></div><br /><div>From then on it was a stead picking of bay bass ranging in the 1/4lb to 2lb+ range. The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bamwoozler</span> was a champ!!!!</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419768541143235026" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/SzbixeOt-dI/AAAAAAAAACQ/d98f_quhjp0/s400/26Dec09+025a.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419769649934108146" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/SzbjyAzEBfI/AAAAAAAAACg/1jw7uHGtOnA/s400/26Dec09+066a.jpg" /></div><div></div><div>Conway got into the bass action with a drop-shot rig, some Christmas Tree colored mini-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">sluggos</span>. He landed at least 6 or 7 nice bass with his drop shot rig...weedless and productive!</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419769646301321378" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/SzbjxzQ8GKI/AAAAAAAAACY/R8s5fdPsR38/s400/26Dec09+073.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 398px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419769661954654146" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/Szbjytk-_8I/AAAAAAAAACw/klAwZR51LUc/s400/26Dec09+078a.jpg" /></div><div></div><div>Towards the end of our day we met up with some of our <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">yakkin</span>' buddies who were doing some damage on the fish just north of us...Brian, Alan, and John! Brian even managed a couple of nice halibut on the day. No pics so I'll just have to take his word for it! ;-)</div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419769666084187666" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/Szbjy89irhI/AAAAAAAAAC4/OuyIuQZT3LE/s400/26Dec09+092a.jpg" /></div><div>Overall it was a great day on the water. The air temps warmed up, we had very little wind, and plenty of steady action on the boat. And best of all The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bamwoozler</span> produced! I might have to talk to my co-worker about a surf casting model!!!!!</div><div></div><div>Happy Holidays everyone!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div>Mishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07015657732013987263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2919573393114898767.post-20416422522072643372009-12-20T15:04:00.001-08:002009-12-20T15:56:57.777-08:00The LaunchHi everyone! I'm finally getting with the 21st Century and starting a blog. I'll be talking about all my fishing adventures, people I meet, and all the great tackle I use. My fishing covers cold water, tropical beaches, salty water and fresh water...boats, paddleboards, kayaks, wading...whatever. If there are fish to be caught...count me in! The 411 part of my blog will include a combination of tackle tips and travel tips. I'm all about low budget traveling with the maximum amount of fishing fun! I'll be posting lots of photos too because I love taking pics and I think they really help illustrate my stories.<br /><br />Also, check out the website my husband and I have for our fly fishing guide service in San Diego, California...if you're interested in some intensely fun fly fishing for mako sharks (yes, sharks on the fly!) check it out!<br /><br />www.bowmanbluewater.com<br /><br /><br />I'll start with this little pic. This photo was taken a few years ago in Alaska at the Trophy King Lodge (ok, not low budget but we were invited to visit there) on the Kenai Peninsula. That was my first king salmon...it was chilly up there but worth the delicious fresh caught salmon. This fish was caught on conventional gear in a 18' skiff while trolling just offshore in June. If you haven't been to Alaska to fish you have to try it at least once!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/Sy6xroa2uHI/AAAAAAAAABQ/0BuIPlK60uw/s1600-h/Alaska+Optio+Jun_07+074.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/Sy6xroa2uHI/AAAAAAAAABQ/0BuIPlK60uw/s400/Alaska+Optio+Jun_07+074.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417462764915832946" border="0" /></a><br />Here's a shot of the gear we used provided by the lodge...heavy duty line for big fish!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/Sy62Jsov5zI/AAAAAAAAABo/90aKrAweEPI/s1600-h/Alaska+Optio+Jun_07+034.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/Sy62Jsov5zI/AAAAAAAAABo/90aKrAweEPI/s400/Alaska+Optio+Jun_07+034.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417467679490434866" border="0" /></a><br />Here's the big halibut I caught on the trip...still small by Alaskan standards at 73lbs but a monster compared to the smaller versions we have in San Diego.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/Sy614GhElvI/AAAAAAAAABg/bSFk_fkeYpg/s1600-h/Alaska+Optio+Jun_07+263.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/Sy614GhElvI/AAAAAAAAABg/bSFk_fkeYpg/s400/Alaska+Optio+Jun_07+263.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417467377199912690" border="0" /></a></div><br />This photo was taken from the window of our room...right on the water, the boat launches from the beach. While we were there it was June Solstice so there was 23 hours of sunlight each day. The tides were also super extreme. You can see how low it is in this pic as the tide goes out. When the tide was high it was splashing up against the lodge.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/Sy62qXPD_qI/AAAAAAAAABw/CNL3jceUBqE/s1600-h/Alaska+Jun_07+055.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/Sy62qXPD_qI/AAAAAAAAABw/CNL3jceUBqE/s400/Alaska+Jun_07+055.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417468240681238178" border="0" /></a>And here's one of my favorite photos from the trip. We hiked down the beach to watch the salmon start to run up a small stream. While we were there this juvenile bald eagle flew in and sat down on a branch over the water to look for lunch. I slowly walked up to it and started snapping photos. It didn't seem to mind that I was there at all. In fact, it actually walked ever to me. I clicked my camera over to video mode and even took a little video as it checked me out.<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCDsj2Qwo9E <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/Sy63zRtjXPI/AAAAAAAAAB4/fr_InbyK7Is/s1600-h/Alaska+Jun_07+107.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H-OuFMU1cJE/Sy63zRtjXPI/AAAAAAAAAB4/fr_InbyK7Is/s400/Alaska+Jun_07+107.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417469493328960754" border="0" /></a><br />That's it for now...<br /><br />So, log on as I blog on and feel free to make comments and let me know what you think.<br /><br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Mishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07015657732013987263noreply@blogger.com0