Patti's Fly Fishing Journal

Pay dues and you shall be rewarded!

noreply@blogger.com (Fishing and shooting) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 13:44:00 +0000

Unfortunately our steelhead trip this week resulted in a blow out! Percipitation came in the form of rain instead of snow. With already 18 inches of snow on the ground compounded with complete overnight rain and temps in the 40's, the result was choccolate soup and extremely high and fast water.
Of course everyone was disappointed however with guides like Greg Senyo, John Miller and Patrick Robinson we know that we can count on their professionalism to always make the best possible decisions for the clients.
It's difficult to be totally disappointed when you have guides who in this case took the time to offer us fly tying sessions, share a meal with us and basically hang out as friends.
No steelhead pictures from this trip however for those of us who were there we had a great time just being together and enjoying the comraderie our sport offers.
That is what makes our club so special....Thanks to Steelhead Alley Outfitters for going above and beyond the duties and expectations of a guide service.
We appreciate everything you have done for us and look forward to fishing with you soon.
To our club members...sometimes you have to pay dues to the fish Gods and appreciate the gifts that are bestowed upon us when everything goes right!

Its beginning to look like Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Fishing and shooting) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 15:33:00 +0000

The hustle bustle of the Holidays is upon us, and for me it is compounded with the show plans for Indiana On The Fly. Juggling is necessary right now and even though I occasionally drop a ball, I love being busy and the excitement of it all.
Usually this time of year I reflect on my own life and Blessings, but for some reason this year I am more preoccupied with the life of others. Illness or misfortune has affected so many people that I know recently, it is difficult to accept these realities.
Our Christmas tree has always been special to me, it is decorated with old world glass ornaments, angels and glass icicles. The tree topper is adorned with peacock feathers and twigs from the forest.

My Little Indian!

noreply@blogger.com (Fishing and shooting) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 03:31:00 +0000

I know Thanksgiving is over but I am just now finding time to sit down and blog about how grateful I am for so many Blessings in my life. As you can see from my photos here, I am extremely grateful to have my grandson, Thomas. At age four Thomas is full of life and already has a personality that is so strong and so charismatic.
Thomas is in so many ways alot like me, and I am alot like my father was, and so it is not suprising that Thomas has a natural gift of appreciating the outdoors.
He loves to fly fish and is very much intrigued with the thought of bird hunting.
Everytime he comes over he spends time in my loft which contains a library of fly fishing and bird hunting material. His latest fascination is my collection of "Hunting with Hank" videos. He has watched each one numerous times and never seems to get tired of them. I am so happy to know that I will be the one to teach Thomas everything I can about fly fishing and shooting and that he will always remember our time together.

Milo Fields in Southern Indiana!

noreply@blogger.com (Fishing and shooting) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 23:39:00 +0000

Pheasant hunting is a treat for me considering I live in Indiana where very few wild birds are available. It is something I look forward to every fall and fortunately we have some wonderful hunting preserves in our state that allow us some variation.
Yesterday myself and 4 club members took a drive to Royal Flush in Southern Indiana where we were Blessed with a spectacular fall day. It was almost too nice with temperatures near 70 degrees. Blue bird sky, warm glistening sun and a gentle breeze swept across the milo fields as we watched our guide Denny work his dogs. Dogs so eager to hunt and offer us some outstanding points to complete our day with 10 bagged birds.
More importantly was the time shared among friends who love and appreciate the outdoors. Two of the hunters are brothers who obviously have great love and respect for each other. I could not help thinking of my own brother who I remember hunting with as children. The bond between siblings is so special and distance nor age ever seems to come between the love we have for each other.
It really is true that spending a day in the field somehow renews your spirit and perhaps regrounds us.
I am most grateful for this special day.....Hope you find a way to reconnect to your childhood this week whether it be with family, friends or just in memories.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Meet Stetson!

noreply@blogger.com (Fishing and shooting) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 02:21:00 +0000

Finally a dog I love! For the past 5 years I have tried to make excuses why I could not have a bird dog..excuses like they cost too much, they are alot of work, they require so much attention, I don't have the proper yard for a bird dog. All of these things are probably true but I did it anyway!
My good friend and excellent fly tyer Dan Bloodgood contacted me and said he had a dog for me and that I had to meet him. So, of course I said yes, I'll meet him!!!!!!!
We met at Flymasters and immediately went to Dan's car so I could take a look at this dog. Stetson, a German shorthair and Elhue pointer with excellent lineage.
I took one look at this dog and fell in love with him. His head is kind of big for a pointer but more in line with a shorthair, his tail is a bit too long, but he has this look about him that is just adorable.
I probably should have considered it longer than I did, but you know me, I had a good feeling so I went with it!
Stetson is 6 months old..completely house broken, not much of a chewer or barker so I think we are getting along fine. Rocco, my beagle is not too happy about my decision but he will grow to like Stetson.
Stetson needs to run...he is full of energy and eager to explore and already points....i"m not always sure what he is pointing at, but I am sure we are off to a good start.
A friend of mine suggested an excellent trainer, so Stetson is now off to hunting school for a month. I hope he will not be expelled or get sent home. He has been there 5 days and I do not have a report on him yet....either way...good hunter or not, Stetson is a great dog. I'm lucky to have my shooting partner and great friend Duane, help me with Stetson. I finally have a bird dog...life is good.

Louisiana Slide Show

noreply@blogger.com (Fishing and shooting) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:05:00 +0000

Make a Smilebox slideshow">

Recap of the Redfish Trip

noreply@blogger.com (Fishing and shooting) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:19:00 +0000

We had a great time in Louisiana even though the conditions were not ideal. It seems as though if the conditions are ideal for black drum the redfish are more difficult to find. Such was the case on this trip....we caught alot of 20-30lb. black drum but worked really hard to find redfish and the ones we found were average size.
The most fun for me was being able to watch and help a dear friend of mine saltwater fish for the first time. Saltwater fly fishing is a bit intimidating since it typically means you are casting in windy conditions, throwing larger and heavier flies, and accuracy is of great importance.
Sight fishing is what it's all about....hunting fish and then making the cast in usually rushed circumstances. There is one general rule I have learned in flats fishing...MAKE THE CAST NOW! If the fish sees the fly it often times means FISH ON!
You snooze you loose....so dump it man...make the cast and dont worry about delicate presentation, get the fly in front of that fat pig and I promise he will eat it.

I just love it...love the thrill and the rush I get from standing on the deck and stalking fish. The fight is physical and you better be ready to put your body behind it and get the job done. Wimpy fishermen need not apply!
Watching Sesie was priceless...her casts were deliberate and yet reserved at first but soon after her first fish she became much more assertive and realized it is a fight between woman and fish and Sesie won.
Her first black drum was in the 20 pound class and she did exactly what a new saltwater angler should do....listen and follow directions-all of which she did deligently and therefore was rewared with this great fish.
Managing line is probably the most important and challenging part....a 20 pound saltwater fish is extremely strong so holding the rod upright is crucial, but what do you do with all that extra fly line puddled at your feet? well, you guessed it, manage it! get it back on the reel and or feed some to the fish all while keeping a tight line, once you get that done, the fight is on...the fish is on the reel and you better put some heat on that fish or you will soon be spooled.
Congratulations Sesie...you are a fast learner and handled each fish like a pro!

I love fishing Louisiana....there is a beauty to the marshes that is unlike any other fishery. The birds are spectacular and the solitude is unimaginable!
I hope I have many more years of this redfish trip and if for some reason I don't-
I smile when I think of every fish I ever hunted in the bayou!

Hunting Redfish!

noreply@blogger.com (Fishing and shooting) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:48:00 +0000

Today I am off to Louisiana for my annual redfish trip! I am so excited to return to my favorite redfish destination, this time with a dear friend who has never caught a redfish or saltwater fished before.

She is in for a real experience and I hope the weather and conditions will co-operate so she can have great success.

Sight fishing for reds is a blast....I love the hunt and chase involved.
Last year produced one of the most exciting catches of my life.

I was out with my guide Gary Montgomery and it was my turn on deck....we were poling around the flats looking for signs of tailing fish.
Now typically the guide has the advantage of seeing the fish due to the fact that he is up higher and of course more skilled in spotting fish, but that was not the case for this particular fish, my guide was looking right, and I was looking left, when I saw a torpedo like action cruising along the bank at pretty fast speed, I had no time to think or even speak for that matter, Iquickly made a cast far enough infront of the the push and with a slight hesitation to let it sink I began a rather fast retrieve and BAM, he nailed it.
I want to think this was a perfectly executed cast or perhaps it was pure luck, but whatever it was, it was my chance at a 25 pound gorgeous redfish, I had a fight on my hands that quickly turned into the most physical fight I have ever had with a fish. 25 minutes later.....this beauty was mine!

I wonder what this trip will bring.....stop back in later this week and find out!

Fishing Responsibly

noreply@blogger.com (Fishing and shooting) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:32:00 +0000

For the past 10 years our local Trout Unlimited chapter has been trying to establish a brown trout fishery in central Indiana. A tailwater called Brookville is a 2 mile stretch of water where the cold water release from Brookville dam has proven to be adequate to sustain trout. Many stockings and river clean-ups have been done in attempt to provide Central Indiana an opportunity to trout fish. After many years of
privately funded stockings organized by TU and supported by clubs, organizations and trout anglers, the state has assumed responsibility for the yearly stockings of both rainbows and browns.
The rainbows are regarded as a put and take fishery, and the browns currently have a regulation stating one fish may be kept over 18".
After observing the fishery for a few years it became evident that the trout were being depleted both by harvesting (legally and illegally) as well as high mortality rate caused by gut hooked fish from harmful fishing methods.
Trout swallow live bait and the hook often times is deeply lodged causing bleeding resulting in dead fish.
Brookville is the only trout fishing available in all of Central Indiana and therefore I believe deserve greater protection to ensure more people can enjoy such a rare resource.
For that reason alone, I strongly feel IDNR should mandate catch and release only using artificials only. Bait fishermen can still fish other sections of the tailwaters or choose from hundreds of other fishing locations that allow them the freedom to fish any method they choose.
Sometimes you have to restrict some freedoms to allow more anglers an opportunity to catch fish for a species that is not readily available.
Protecting our natural resources ( even when not so natural) is the responsible thing to do.
I hope some day we will be able to give more thought to future generations and be more willing and open to change which can potentially benefit others.

Open eyes..open minds!

noreply@blogger.com (Fishing and shooting) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 01:27:00 +0000

This past weekend I participated in a new event in Indiana called" Hoosier Outdoor Experience" The event was put on by Indiana DNR. It was a huge event offering thousands of people an opportunity to try many different outdoor activities completely FREE. Archery, shooting, fishing, canoeing just to name a few.
Our club, Reel Women -Reel Men were involved with the fly fishing venue and it was wonderful to give so many folks a chance to see what our sport is all about.
The event was three days long, the first day was designated "Student Day"
Nearly 1,000 third grade students from all over Indiana were bussed in to attend this inaugural event. Interestingly enough, it was this day that opened my eyes and even though I WAS the instructor that day, by the end of the day I felt more like a student. A student who had just learned how powerful connecting with our children and sharing our passion really is. It was at this moment that I realized what impact we have if only we take the time to interact with our young people.
As a fly fishing instructor I feel my job is not only to teach flycasting and fly fishing, but also to help guide them to being better citizens. Citizens who care about our environment and who want to preserve and protect our natural resources.
As I stood before several classes of these third grade students, I spoke of my love of fly fishing and I briefly touched upon a few things the children could do to be better anglers. Things like not littering and picking up trash that is found in our rivers and along the banks, and then we discussed catch and release. Keep in mind these were only 9 year old children and I only had 4 minutes to speak to each class.
But something amazing happened, the children became very interested in the topic of releasing fish. Perhaps it was so foreign to them that they were intrigued by the concept, but regardless the reason I saw wide opened eyes, sparkling eyes and genuine concern. They spoke about maybe only keeping one fish instead of everything they catch, and one child even told me that he wanted to save some fish for his own children to catch someday.
Children are our future voters and leaders of our country......It is critical that we teach them not only to enjoy the wonders of the outdoors but also how to take care of it... to ensure future generations will have the same opportunities to enjoy clean, healthy rivers.
I intend to focus more on working with young people...they are intelligent, eager and purely delightful.

Shocking News from Muncie!

noreply@blogger.com (Fishing and shooting) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0000

This past weekend I had the privilige of visiting Muncie, Indiana where Fish biologist Jason Doll of Muncie Sanitary District of Water Quality demonstrated some of the duties of his job. He along with two assistants demonstrated the process of electro shocking a stretch of the White River so we could observe how it's done.
It was truly amazing to see so many fish come out of a small section of the river. At first glance I only spotted maybe 2 places where if fishing, I would have made some casts. As it turned out... those few places were indeed where the fish were holding. Of course in shallow water, it is pretty certain that fish will move to deeper and cooler water. Seeking shelter and good food source, it made sense that larger fish were found just below the damn where a good food source would be found.
Oxygenated water is also a main attraction for most fish, so this area proved to produce the most fish as well as the largest.
Jason also showed us how they conduct surveys for habitat summary and how to obtain a QHEI score as well as an IBI score.
The most fascinating for me was seeing so many different species of fish, particularly bait fish. Shiners such as spotfin, sand, steelcolor, mimic, striped and redfin were found in great numbers.
It was also interesting to me that darters were found in various types. Bob Clouser told me that darters are found pretty much in every watershed and are a favorite food among smallmouth. That is one reason I keep darters in my fly box in various colors. Smallmouth seem to love them~!
In any case....thanks Jason for giving us such a great demo...I learned alot and it is always nice to have a better understanding of what is going on down in the water!

Thanks to Indiana Smallmouth Alliance for arranging the demo!

Nice visiting with members of the Normal City Fly Fishers also!

Damdochax River B.C. slideshow!

noreply@blogger.com (Fishing and shooting) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:52:00 +0000

Make a Smilebox slideshow

My Sincerest Thanks!

noreply@blogger.com (Fishing and shooting) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:24:00 +0000

A lovely monument in downtown Smithers

I happen to luck out and got to browse through the city market!

A town who takes great pride in its heritage and respects its natural resources

My dear friend Hannah!

David and I at the sea plane base

Four Flyfishergirls!

Alice cooking again!

Nelson leaning on an almost sawed off tree! yikes!

Shawn and I pretending to work in the shop!

Don and I fishing in perfect harmony!

Cottonwood Camp...my home for a week!
Thank-you Hannah for allowing me a close up look at your outstanding fishery. It was truly amazing to fish in your company and to spend a week in the wilds of British Columbia. I will never forget our fun times together and I look forward to doing it again soon! You truly Rock!

Thanks Alice for your fabulous hospitality! The food was incredible and you nourished my body so i could do all that hiking!

Don, it was great fishing with you, we seem to have kindrid spirits....it was like we had fished together many times before! You are an incredible story teller and made me laugh so hard my face was hurting!

Wilson....you are sooooooo funny! Unforgettable line: " Patti..you fish over there, I will wait here with the salmon!" LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Shawn, you really gotta do something about that tape worm...you're gonna put my friends out of business man! lol....thanks for being so kind...the coffee in my tent, and carrying my back pack on the way out was stellar man!You're da man!

Mark....my favorite lumberjack! thanks for all the wood for my stove! You know how
to keep a woman warm!

And David....thanks for being there! I appreciate the lift and it was great getting to know you!

My sincerest thanks to all of you....I miss you already!

OH NO COHO!!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Fishing and shooting) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 01:29:00 +0000

Fishing with my guide Nelson was one of the most fun I have had in a long time! We fished hard but also laughed alot which really helped take my mind off the Bear fear that haunts me everytime I am in Bear Country!
The trails were impressively cut and well groomed, making the 3 mile hike safe and a real adventure.
Once we arrived at the camp, you knew this was classic steelhead water...and I was in awe at being able to spot a wild steelhead for the first time in my life.
I had no idea that coho salmon would become intruders and make my steelheading even more challenging than it already is. I fished hard all day making casts to every good looking run we came across. Swinging classic steelhead flies trying to entice a strike brought me some awesome fighting coho salmon, but after several of those it was the steelhead that I wanted tugging on my line.
As the sun was kissing the treetops I realized the day was quickly coming to an end and no steelhead had even touched my fly, I made a few final casts working my way back to camp when all of the sudden there was that unmistakable slam and without time to think I set the hook and I had a fight on my hands...I won that fight and landed my first wild steelhead with Hannah there to tail it for me.
I can't tell you how happy I was at that moment but I remember admiring that gorgeous fish and absorbing all the beauty of nature around me. I will never forget it. In the remaining few days I had several other steelhead on but unfotunately unbuttoned on me and as disappointing as that can be, I was still filled with joy from that gorgeous creature. As I watched it swim free with such strength and force, I knew that someday I would return to Damdochax River and do it all over again.
This trip was more than just great fishing, it was about personal challenge and about meeting great people who somehow have a place in my heart.
Thanks Hannah, Alice, Don, Wilson, Shawn and Mark...You guys ROCK!
Until next time....over and out!

Bring it ON!

noreply@blogger.com (Fishing and shooting) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 01:11:00 +0000

Those first few days were merely to wet our appetite...we had no idea what was in store, but we headed down to the river and the fun began! rainbows eager to take dries were as wild as you can imagine, often times lurking behind sockey, it was action packed and I was so pumped my heart was racing with excitement, and when this sockey took my size 12 royal coachman I thought I had died and gone to heaven!
Salmon on a small dry fly????? are you frikin kidding me?????????

OUT OF THE BUSH!

noreply@blogger.com (Fishing and shooting) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 00:33:00 +0000

Today the sea plane arrived and I quickly realized my B.C. adventure was coming to an end. In the next several posts I will do my best to share with you the moments of the week that are forever branded in my mind.
The adventure was fueled by an online friend of mine Hannah Belford, steelhead guide, owner and operator of Damdochax River Lodge. Along with her mother Alice, they run a very remote lodge deep in the woods of British Columbia.
These two women are without a doubt the strongest, most self sufficient women I have ever met, and I feel so priviliged to have met them and to be able to call them my friends.
The main lodge sits on Damdochax Lake (Black Water)where the outlet leads to 12 miles of some of the most pristine waters I have ever fished.
Upon our arrival we (Nancy aka saltwatergirl) were warmly greeted on the dock by Hannah, Alice and Shawn. Quickly after settling in I was guided by Don to fish the inlet to see what we could stir up. It didn't take long for us to find some spectacular bull trout.

Off to the BUSH!

noreply@blogger.com (Fishing and shooting) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 13:06:00 +0000

Finally got to meet Saltwatergirl (Nancy) last night. We had dinner, visited the liquor store and laughed alot. This morning we will be taking the float plane out to camp and of course meet up with Flyfishergirl (Hannah Belford and Alice)
weather is good right now however the forecast is "plenty of rain"
Smithers is awesome...It's a great little town and everyone I have talked to is a steelheader!
I am off to the "BUSH" over and out!

I forgot to tell you...the Bulkley River goes right through this town!
It's an awesome steelhead river!

Buzzing my way to Vancouver!

noreply@blogger.com (Fishing and shooting) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:24:00 +0000

I left Indy at 9:45 this morning and it is now 6:30 Indy time and I am in Vancouver!
interesting way of travel these days...you must go backwards before you can advance toward your desired direction! Indy-Toronto...Toronto-Vancouver!

Smooth flights except for I must look like a terrorist or something. Once again I was detained at security and its no longer Victoria's secret that I wear an underwire push-up bra!
Oh..one more travel tip for you ladies....I recently bought a new mascara called
"Pulse Perfection" as the name indicates it has a vibrating brush that really enhances eye lashes.
After being wanded down about my bra the security guard held up my "Reel Women" backpack, glared at me and said" does this belong to you?"
Being the proud fisherwoman that I am I happily claimed it and then he said he must go through it! I gladly co-operated!
He had a look of concern as he dug deep into my pack when all of the sudden I hear something buzzing...OH MY GOD what must he be thinking????
I quickly explained it was my mascara but he kept right on digging and I began digging myself into a bigger hole until i realized i should just shut up!
Needless to say he found the mascara and excused me! How does this stuff happen to me??? lol
So ladies....leave your vibrating mascara at home...or at least take the batteries out of it! ;)

The Night Before B.C.

noreply@blogger.com (Fishing and shooting) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:25:00 +0000

Waders, check..wading boots, check..wading jacket, check..rods, reels, flies, tippet, tools, bug dope, hat, gloves, sunglasses! I got the important stuff packed!
Tomorrow morning I am off to B.C. to fish the Damdochax River with a few flyfishergirls! Rain is in the forecast pretty much all week.
The anticipation is killing me....I love to travel and see new places, make new friends and fish new water. The unknown is part of the allure...wondering what will it be like..how will the fishing be..how will I adapt to such a remote place???
I am scheduled to arrive in Smithers tomorrow evening where I will spend the night in a hotel and fly out on a float plane to the lake camp the following morning.
The huge butterflies in my stomach will deprive me of a good nights sleep tonight but it is always worth it. Feeding my adventurous spirit is an addiction...the physical challenge is something I welcome. I guess I think about the days ahead when I will probably be forced to just sit and relive these exciting adventures only through memories and photographs.
I know some day my fishing will be limited to a john boat in a local pond, where I will comfortably sit and cast to bluegill! probably wearing a big old sun hat and a purple dress just to annoy my fishing partner... but until then..." Patti is GONE FISHING!" Live life to the fullest!

Steelhead Madness! DAMDOCHAX, B.C.

noreply@blogger.com (Fishing and shooting) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 12:48:00 +0000

It's nearly September and our crisp mornings are a constant reminder of what is ahead!
STEELHEAD SEASON!!!!!!!!!!!!! And BIRD SEASON!
September 3 I will be leaving for a great destination trip to fish for trout and steelhead. DAMDOCHAX River, British Columbia.
A few years ago I had the pleasure of meeting Hannah Belford, owner and fly fishing guide in B.C. Hannah is a remarkable woman who with her mother,Alice Belford, own and operate a fishing lodge. She actually is very diverse and in the short time I have known Hannah, she has taken on challenges in many areas from conservation issues all the way to cabin and furniture building.
She is also responsible for creating a great web-site called " flyfishergirls" where she continues to provide a comfortable avenue for women to interact and participate in the sport of fly fishing. www.flyfishergirl.com
I became involved with this web-site because of its genuine goal to promote women in the sport without all the glamour and glitz. Its philosophy is much like mine where fly fishing is the not only the core but the passion.
Hannah is an icon for women and flyfishing and I am grateful to be able to call her my friend.
I will spend a week at her camp fishing and learning about this incredible place filled with so many natural wonders.
You can visit the camp by going to the web-site:
http://www.damdochax.com/

Of course I will blog my trip along the way whenever possible.
I can't wait to get there!

Medicinal Purpose!

noreply@blogger.com (Fishing and shooting) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 21:36:00 +0000

girls smoke cigars too! Mary K. and I in Louisiana!

3 S's= Steelhead,Senyo and a Stogie!

My Argentinian buddies!

Juri and I and a little

Alcohol has been used medicinally throughout recorded history; its medicinal properties are mentioned 191 times in the Old and New Testaments. As early as the turn of the century there was evidence that moderate consumption of alcohol was associated with a decrease in the risk of heart attack. And the evidence of health benefits of moderate consumption has continued to grow over time.

The health benefits of moderate alcohol consumption have long been known. One of the earliest scientific studies on the subject was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1904.
Reviews of research evidence report a strong, consistent relationship between moderate alcohol consumption and reduction in cardiovascular disease in general and coronary artery disease in particular.On the basis of its extensive review of research, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reported that moderate drinkers have the greatest longevity. It also found that moderate drinking is beneficial to heart health, resulting in a sharp decrease in heart disease risk (40%-60%). This is important because cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in the United States, and heart disease kills about one million Americans each and every year.

I've been known to partake in moderate drinking from time to time, especially on my fishing trips. In this case...I was cold and those tiny glasses of scotch really helped deliver a sense of warmth all over. The cognac wasn't bad either!

I also really enjoy drinking from a flask..I don't really know why, but it just tastes better when a drink comes from a flask held deep inside my wading jacket.

Apparantly moderate drinking is good for your health but I am sure smoking cigars delivers no health benefits.(unless you count being devoured by bugs life threatening) I am certainly not a cigar connoisseur but I have been known to light up on the stream occasionally. I really hate the taste of cigars but I do it to keep the bugs away. I have found this very affective with mosquitos in Alaska and black flies in Maine. I don't waste money on good quality cigars, after all I am using it as deet!

Passion!

noreply@blogger.com (Fishing and shooting) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 03:24:00 +0000

This weekend I had the good fortune of experiencing two outstanding events. The first one was participating in a switch rod seminar conducted by professinal spey caster Will Turek. Will is not only an incredible caster, he is also an amazing instructor who has all the qualities one would expect from a fine teacher; knowledge, experience, professionalism, patience and the ability to connect with every individual and see to it they learn and succeed.
As I watched Will demonstrate his two handed casts with perfection I could't help notice his passion for the sport as well as his natural love of teaching.
What makes a person have that much passion and dedication? Actually, it is rare to come across such intensity. Few people ever find something in their lives that truly moves them. In my fishing excursions I am fortunate to have had so many wonderful opportunities and to have met some really wonderful people. I am always amazed at the people I come in contact with, and what brings us together.
Today I had another of those extraordinary events. I arrived at the Gun Club to do a little shooting as I do every weekend. Upon my arrival I spotted a young man in his early teens, shooting skeet. He was about to finish the round when I noticed he had such good form and was calling for his targets with such determination I knew something good was about to happen. You could just feel it in the air!
I walked closer to his field and watched him break all four clays on station 6 and station 7. His calls grew even stronger with each shot. He was about to take on the last station, station number 8. He stepped into the box and confidently called for the high house and broke it, then he called for the low house and broke it dead center, and to my amazement he reached into his shell bag for his final shell which is only possible if he ran all the other stations. With no hesitation, he loaded the shell and fired on his last clay turning it into powder! A perfect game...25!
The boy cheered and yelled "Finally"
What a treat it was for me to witness this exciting moment in this kid's life. His mother walked toward me and embraced me in joy...I could feel her shaking and nearly crying with delight. I congratulated the boy who told me his name was Robert and asked me to help with the shooting of his hat. A tradition among shooters who shoot their first perfect round.
Robert was polite and very poised for a 13 year old. a group of 6 of us gathered in a line and proceeded to throw his hat in the air as we all fired our guns at it.
I was so honored and happy to have witnessed this incredible event and I thought to myself how Robert would always remember this moment, as will I.

Dead and Lost!

noreply@blogger.com (Fishing and shooting) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 03:01:00 +0000

Shooting sporting clays is something I really love to do and today I shot a side by side Tournament shoot at Sugar Creek Hunting Preserve in Mitchell, Indiana.
I had the pleasure of shooting with three fine gentlemen (Richard, Larry, and Mott) and in spite the heat we took on this challenging course with style and humor.
Thanks gentlemen for a fine day on the course and thanks to Dale and Jean for hosting this great event.
I will be ready for next year!!!

Nothing is more beautiful than a fine side by side shotgun. Growing up in Italy, my father was a shot gun enthusiast, particularly the Beretta side by side 20 ga. shot gun. A few years ago I wanted to reconnect with a side by side and purchased a Beretta Silver Hawk. I love this gun...it feels like it was made especially for me.
I can't really explain what my fascination with shooting really is. I love the focus it requires and the amount of concentration needed to successfully break clays.
A side by side shotgun gives me the same enjoyment that fly casting provides. Its controlled movement combined with a certain natural swing and gut instinct is intoxicating.

I'm Home!

noreply@blogger.com (Fishing and shooting) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 01:52:00 +0000

Well my trip to Finland was fantastic! I had a great time and will never forget the nice people I met. I have some wonderful memories and I smile whenever I think of them.
Hope you enjoy the slideshow!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Converted?

noreply@blogger.com (Fishing and shooting) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 08:31:00 +0000

dreaming of my last dinner in Finland!

I am still in the process of traveling and have arrived at JFK in New York. Unfortunately I have a 17 hour layover so I am doing a little work on the computer and occasionally getting a little sleep. It is not very comfortable and I was asleep on the floor when I woke up with a sore back and I smiled when I remembered Rosa sound asleep on large river rocks and she told me it was very comfortable! lol
It is now 5:30 a.m. and I am scheduled to leave at 12:30 p.m....I hope the Starbucks right in front of me opens soon!

(yes...I asked a total stranger to take my photo!)

NO....I have not become Muslim, it's just very cold here and I am doing everything I can to stay warm!