Along the Water’s Edge

I’m pleased to say that my latest book – Along the Water’s Edge –  is now being offered by The Angling Bookstore .  This new option allows you to use a credit card. Please follow the above link to get the necessary details.

Book cover complete onlineNaturally, you can still get the book directly from me. Follow this link for details. The cost is $29.95, plus $10.00 priority shipping. All copies are signed. And I will inscribe them if you wish. I can also send them in media mail for roughly half the cost, but media mail is very slow in some zip codes.

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A Ride to Pine Island

Yesterday I took a ride to Pine Island for a day on Pine Island Sound. Man, I would really like to know these waters better. The flats and back-country here are stunning, as good as it gets.

While unloading my Diablo, I meet a kayak angler coming off the water. He had been out there since 5AM! Naturally, I asked how the bite was. Shaking his head, he said it had been off for two days. Oh well, that’s fishing.

Pine Island Sound

Pine Island Sound

I decided to paddle south toward Cat Key, and then return, fishing with the wind at my back. The water was murky, but the tide was rising, bringing clear salt from the Gulf. So I figured things would get better as the day went on. And they did.

In the next couple of hours, I hooked two redfish, and two snook, one of which was tiny. Took his picture belong I let him go. Still overall the fishing wasn’t too bad. I ate a PB&J sandwich and sailed home, with the south wind shoving me along. It was a good day on Pine Island Sound.

Miniature Snook

Miniature Snook

Posted in Fly Fishing in Salt Water, Kayak / SUP Fishing | Leave a comment

Did you Remember the Plug?

So you’re in a rush to get fishing. The alarm goes off. You down breakfast, then run out to the garage, hook the boat to the truck. Dig out all the rods, locate the tackle boxes, get the net, grab the anchor, pack a lunch, find the suntan lotion, find you lucky hat, call your buddy, get gas, fill up the cooler with ice, buy drinks, and then head to the ramp. Finally you’re ready to launch right? Did you remember the plug?????

Did you Put in the Plug?

Did you Put in the Plug?

At the ramp today I saw it happen again. Believe me it goes on all over the place. Folks launching their boats without putting in the drain plug. Ouch. Its not only embarrassing, its down-right dangerous.

Bailing the boat

Bailing the boat

This time it was no big deal. A few tense moments, but everybody is fine. But don’t forget the damn plug!

Posted in Looking Downward | Leave a comment

Cabela’s CGR 7’6″, 7/8-weight, Fly Rod

Part three Took Cabela’s CGR 7’6″, 7/8-weight to the Florida flats the other day, lined with a 7-weight floater, a 10′ leader, and a size 4 fly.

Cabela's CGR 7'6", 7/8-weight, Fly Rod

Cabela’s CGR 7’6″, 7/8-weight, Fly Rod

I found the rod fun to fish, but a couple issues came up. We had a sea breeze during the flood, and I was casting into it. As you might imagine, a full-flex glass rod isn’t the best tool straight into the wind. By lengthening my backcast and my casting stroke, however, I was still able to stay in the game.

20150320_0399 As I waded deeper, however, my long backcasts were occasionally touching the water. Granted some of that was my fault. Yet this rod’s fairly slow action and short 7’6′ length were contributing to the problem. By raising my elbow and stopping the rod high during the backcast, the issue was remedied.

Overall, I like this rod, and feel it was a super buy. Granted, it isn’t going to be the most versatile rod in your arsenal. You’re going to have to pick and choose the right situations. Still where it fits, you’ll enjoy this glass stick, especially with a fish aboard.

Special note: This review is on a Cabela’s CGR rod. I hear the newer CGT rods are quite a bit stiffer

Interested in reading about other Winston Fiberglass  fly rods?  Check out these links. Winston 2wt Stalker, Winston 5wt , Winston 6wtWinston 8wtWinston 1owtWinston 12wt

Posted in Fiberglass Fly Rods, Fly Fishing in Salt Water, Fly Rods, Gear | 2 Comments

Redfish Anyone?

In my little corner of this world, anglers are complaining. About what? The dearth of reds. Even the high and mighty guides are grumbling in their growlers. Where have all those beautiful, bronze battlers gone?

20150322_Dave's redfish_0391There is an old saying in the brotherhood of the angle. It goes like this – ten percent of the anglers catch ninety percent of the fish. Lotsa truth in them words. Believe me. When things get tough, the tough get going, only the smart survive.

20150322_Dave's redfish_0397ARan into Dave today – the maestro of my locale flats. Guess what? Dave has been catching reds right along! Good ones too. Damn. Well, he has been wading these waters for thirty years. And its shows.

Understanding wildlife is no simple task. You have to learn the wind, the moon, and tide. Always ready to look, and listen. Ready to stand in the sun, the stars, and rain. And even then you have to expect the unexpected. Dave knows. Redfish anyone!

Posted in Environment, Fly Fishing in Salt Water | Leave a comment