Done

I'm done with Winter. Yes, I know, hard to believe as I've always been such a proponent. Sure, some ski areas are still open and yes, I COULD get out just once more. Perhaps it's because we're in the midst of my least favorite of Michigan's seasons - Transitional. It's really not the Winter we all know of January. But it's also not quite Spring. We get a little warm-up and a sunny day, followed by a surprise 4" snow.

I think I realized it when I was waxing my skis after my last trip. I just thought to myself, "Well, that's it for this season..." It probably hasn't helped that this wasn't a brilliant ski season for me. A warm Fall with snow coming late meant my first outing wasn't until January; highly unusual for me as I've usually gotten in several days by then. And conditions have been mixed. 50-degree warm-ups were immediately followed by several days in the single digits with 20 mph winds. The perfect way to ensure a solid block of ice. This weather killed some days skiing, as well as a few river trips to chase Winter steelhead.

But there's the promise of Summer. My bike becons. I'm already thinking about getting my streamer fishing program dialed in to be ready for Montana in October. I'm already cooking up some camping/fishing trips. And more...

So I just need to remember during this period of fickle weather that this too shall pass.

-Sean-

Why I Chose the Remington Versa Max

This is one of the main reasons I selected the Remington Versa Max. What an impressive demonstration. Three different shells, and digested them like a champ. Can't wait!

-Sean-

Bobbin' Along

Been playing around with some float alternatives for bigger water with more flow. I've noticed that the standard Blackbird Phantoms don't really get it done in these situations. With a maximum size of 7 grams, they don't really carry enough shot to get a good presentation.

On Sunday, I ran a 16g Drennan Piker, slip style. Simply put on an upper float stop, slip on the float, and then add a lower stop. One issue I've had with rigging for bigger water is opportunities for tangles. When you're throwing that much hardware a little extra consideration for reducing birds nests is worthwhile. With the slip rig there's so much less to catch line, shot, or flies. Compare this to the surgical tubing fixed style of the Phantom, or even the Thill Ice n' Fly and it's easy to see the advantages of the Piker.

My only issue is that 16 grams might be a little too much float, especially with a soft Winter strike. I'll probably look around for something similar in 10-12 grams. Although my impression is based solely on an afternoon on the lower Huron river. I'm curious what I'll think in the Manistee or Manistique.

Glad I explored this. I like float fishing, but the right indicator really seems to make a difference in getting a proper, effective rig set-up.

-Sean-

Trout n'About

Big trip planned for this Fall -- headed to Montana and the Stonefly Inn with Schultz Outfitters in early October. Fishing the big Western rivers has been on my bucket list for a while. This should scratch that itch perfectly! Mike set the trip up to coincide with streamer fishing for BIG trout. Watched the promo videos the other night - WOW! Small fish were in the high teens, with plenty of monsters on-tap. I really like these guys approach. Meals are included and the guides have dinner and hang out with the guests each evening. Our group's fairly small and carefully selected. Should be a blast!

This will give me some time to dial my streamer game this year. I've done a little, both from a boat (fun!) and wading. Had an 18" on my first time trying it on the Pere Marquette. Since then I've had several more. It's a fun strike - aggressive fish that you can often see hit the fly.

I've got both 200 and 300 grain sink tip lines. Until now, I've been mostly tossing streamers on back-up sticks. My 5/6 wt. Ross feels a clearly undergunned and my cheapo 8 wt. Albright GPX is like casting with a tree trunk. I'm already cruising for a good 7 wt. both for this trip and to chase smallmouth on the Huron and other SE Michigan rivers this summer. My guess at this point is a Scott A3 7 wt. Scott's become my standard rod and I think the combination of light weight and good backbone will make this a perfect solution and increase my enjoyment on this trip. I'm continually amazed at how good every rod in the A-series family is. Especially when you consider the price point. Plus I like that they're American-made (Colorado) and Michigan-owned (the Ford family).

Funny thing is that my roll cast with a sink tip is awesome. Whereas my overhead cast; not so much! Hey, as long as it puts the fly in the zone, all good. But I'll have all Summer to fine-tune.

-Sean-

Pin is In

I love my centerpin set-up. When you don't have a boat and need to readily cover some water easily, it's the ticket. There's plenty of controversy about pinning among hardcore fly folks. But, the reality is that from the indicator down, it's basically the same rig I run for indicator fishing with a fly line. I'm not running wax worms or spawn bags, so

Yesterday, after too much time inside as a result of a cold that just won't leave, I headed down to the lower Huron to chase some chrome. Sure, it's not the PM or the Manistee; but it's 40 minutes from home. A big melt Fri-Sat had the river running high and with lots of color. I tried the Flat Rock dam, but there was just too much water to bother, so I headed downstream to some secret spots in Rockwood. Much better! I think I missed one strike, but it was mostly nice to get out on a sunny day. Even found a few great walk-in spots.

With a centerpin, once you find a nice spot, it's pretty easy to just grid it out and start working it. And when you can run a 50 yard drift easily it makes for pretty efficient fishing! I wouldn't use this set-up just anywhere though. In tight quarters with other anglers, it's rude and you can be a river hog. Also, for rivers with short, deep holes like the PM, I wouldn't even consider it. But for big, uncrowded water, it's a sweet way to efficiently and effectively cover the river.

Even though I'm one of Winter's greatest fans; being outside in some warmer weather sure was nice. I think I've turned the corner; I'm ready for Spring.

-Sean-

Use Two Hands

Check the casting in this clip. This is why I want to learn more about spey casting. Ballet with a fly rod. Can't wait to get some sweet skills with my Scott ARC 1287-3 and Ross CLA 6.

Steel is Real

Spring steelhead is shaping up to be a fun season for me. Through good fortune, I've already got some cool trips lined up, and I'm sure some other options will present themselves.

The first is a mid-March trip on the Manistee with Jon Ray of Hawkins Outfitters. Jon's a good friend whom I've fished with a fair bit and learned a great deal from. But I've never had the pleasure of Spring on the Big Man. We always do well in Fall and Winter, so this will be interesting.

One of the more intriguing is a day chasing chrome on the Lake Superior tributaries with Brad Petzke of Rivers North and my Dad. Have spent very little time chasing steel on the Superior side. The beauty of this area is an attractor, but even better is what I've heard about the fish. Supposed to be lively fighters, even if smaller their Lake Michigan relatives.

And, I get the chance to fish the renowned Steelhead Alley region of Ohio with buddy Mike Schultz who guides down there through Steelhead Alley Outfitters. He invited me to join him for a day exploring some new territory. I've heard some amazing things about this area in terms of sheer numbers. Plus, the scenery looks really cool. Looks like it will be a great spot to bust out my switch rod and drift indicators all day.

This gets a couple of the rivers on my bucket list. The other day I ran into a friend at breakfast and he was telling me about fishing the Carp in the Eastern UP -- another on my list. And finally, there's the Mighty Muskegon. I have some pointers on walk-in spots, so that may go on my spontaneous trips list.

Just as ski season winds down, Spring steel is heating up!