Even Small Boats Get Loved

Posted on April 2, 2025 by Ed Mitchell

Even Small Boats Get Loved

Some captain spends hours poring over product catalogues, searching the internet, and combing the aisles at the boat store. They’re forever wanting to upgrade, make things bigger, shinier, better. Understandable. This boat’s captain, however, isn’t one of them. Now that doesn’t mean he doesn’t care for his beloved water chariot. Look at the ropes; he is never letting his baby get away. Even small boats get loved.

Overall, he must be a laid-back dude. I imagine in his house is a poster of the late Baba Ram Dass, extorting him to accept life as it is, remain calm, make no fool hearty ego driven decisions, live in the here and now. Instrument panel? None, no fuse block required. Yeah, yeah, there is a cup holder, but don’t hold that against him. Trust me, he is keeping life simple, keeping Karma aligned with Dharma. And check out that captain’s seat. No pain, no gain. At first I figured the red & white object on the green chair was his cushion. On closer inspection it turned out to be a old pizza box. Well, no matter what we think of this vintage vessel, rest assured. When the captain walks down the dock, joint hanging off his lip, and sees his Crestliner awaiting, he stops and grins from ear to ear. Even small boats get loved.

 

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Keeping an Eye on Bobby Popovics’ Passing

Posted on March 30, 2025 by Ed Mitchell

Keeping an Eye on Bobby Popovics’ Passing

Here is a bit of an update on the events surround Bobby Popovics’ tragic passing. As many know, he died on November 1, 2024, from severe injuries sustained after being hit by a car as he crossed the road on September 23. A well-attended, memorial service was held in Toms River, New Jersey on November 11 2024, Veterans Day.

The driver of the car, Genell Mcinaw, 50, of Seaside Park, was traveling south on the Boulevard in Seaside Heights, when she hit Bobby, near the intersection of Dupont Avenue. She left the scene. Her blood alcohol level was later measured .187, twice the legal limit of .08.  Genell surrender to police on November 4, 2024.  And has since been charged with Vehicular Homicide, Strict Liability Vehicular Homicide and Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Crash Resulting in Death. At present she is released from pretrial detention and not allowed to operate a vehicle. As best I know, no trial date has been set. If I learn of one, I’ll post it.

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April, the Month of Change on Florida’s Gulf Coast

Posted on March 28, 2025 by Ed Mitchell

April, the Month of Change on Florida’s Gulf Coast

Well April is in the wings. And April is a month of change on the Florida’s Gulf Coast. The northbound highways, on the east and west side, are both jammed with traffic, as the snowbirds flee.

If you’re a resident Florida angler, this is a relief, a welcome sign. Things quiet down at the ramp and there is plenty of parking even if you arrive a bit late. Yeah, you own the water once again, as the fishing picks up. I know the feeling; I lived there for 7 years.

Yet, something else is going on too. The rainy season is fast approaching. And it lingers right into fall, bringing more changes to the Florida Gulf Coast. Yes, the rain stains the water with tannins from the mangroves. Causing the crystal-clear waters of winter to vanish. You can already see it starting in this March photo. (note the blue tip on this redfish’s tail, an artifact of winter)  Soon the heat skyrockets. And thunderstorms become common in midafternoon. Well, I guess you can never win them all.

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False Dawn

Posted on March 26, 2025 by Ed Mitchell

False Dawn

Mysterious and beautiful, False Dawn is the haunting transition between the ink of night and the birth of day. From the east, a dreamlike reddish glow paints the zodiac. Typically arriving an hour before sunrise. Birds have yet to fly. Air temperatures are rock bottom. And if you have been fishing all night for striped bass, this is last call. With dawn the fishing will die.

 

 

 

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The Nirvana Fly Reel

Posted on March 23, 2025 by Ed Mitchell

The Nirvana Fly Reel

Did I already do this damn post? Keep thinking I did, but I can’t find it on the site. Well, no harm done.

On the net some time ago, I came across this Nirvana fly reel and immediately like it. The website was Moonlit Fly Fishing  Came in two sizes and was called a vintage “click” pawl reel. Which is exactly what it is. Not real expensive. Although it has crept up in price since I got it, but I believe they offer a discount coupon. Check it out.

I have two of the 4/6 size reels. (more on that fiasco in a minute)  Front and back plates are solid – not ventilated. Has a brass reel foot, line guard, and center screw. Nice touch. Frame 3.5″ tall, 1′ wide. Weight  7.20 0unces with 5wt line & backing. Great “click” on the line out. More than adequate drag. Simple construction, too. Reversible. Little to go wrong. And they look killer on my vintage Winston glass rods. In fact I used one to do the cover for Estuary Magazine.

Why do I have two? Okay I goofed. At one point I was certain I had lost the first reel, combed the house for days. Man, I was bummed; I really liked the thing. So eventually I broken down and got a replacement. Don’t you know two weeks later I found the original reel under my truck’s seat! Oh well, life goes on.

(PS I hear this same reel is offered under a different name by a different vendor.)

 

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