Tied Up

Took my first beginner fly tieing class last night at Colton Bay Outfitters. What a fun, and productive activity! Instructor Chris Hatcher taught us to tie a Woolly Bugger and Green Caddis Nymph last night. I was surprised how quickly I was able to pick up the basics!

Of course now I'm looking for a vise and tools as I have NOTHING to practice with before next week and I'm eager to tie a few up. Figure I'll spend a few bucks, and eventually save a lot on buying flies.

There's definitely a ton of finesse I need to learn, especially as we progress to more advanced flies. Even cut a deal with Chris to teach me to tie eggs. I figure I lose enough of them in steelhead season, best to learn how!

This looks like a great thing to do during downtime - between seasons or when conditions keep me inside! Eager to continue this adventure!

-Sean-

All 'Rounder

Sunday illustrated a current frustration - I need to land on an all-around shotgun that's suitable for clays and general-purpose hunting. It will probably take a few $$$ but then I can quit monkeying around with "almost works" solutions.

I mentioned my Stoeger Uplander yesterday. Great field gun for birds. But that's about it. Dual triggers mean a larger trigger guard that beats up your shooting hand pretty good after a few rounds. No way you're going to shoot a hundred rounds with this thing. And fit and finish is, well, lacking... but I love it for upland birds.

Then there's my Remington 11-48. I'm fairly close to just giving up on it. I had the length of pull adjusted to fit me better, as I felt like my mount was way off. No good. I still shoot it like crap. I couldn't hit squat in the fields on Sunday and on my last sporting clays outing barely broke .500. I think on big factor is the lack of a barrel rib. I just don't acquire targets well with it. Fortunately, it didn't cost much and it's in good shape for re-sale.

I love my Winchester 1200 pump, but it's a tank. Seriously heavy. And pump action is not exactly ideal for a fast-moving round of sporting clays. But I think for now, I may switch over to this one for my all-rounder.

Meanwhile, what to get...

I think an autoloader is out for me. It doesn't force me to slow down and make the shot like a double or a pump. I keep pulling the trigger, shells keep flying. Plus, there's the maintenance and cleaning aspect. I don't want a gun that needs an involved tear-down 2-3 times a season to function correctly. Too bad - the Beretta 391 feels great in-hand.

It seems like my best choice is an over-under. I love the Beretta Silver Pigeon. What I don't like is it's $1,900 sticker price. I could certainly be happy with a Browning Citori, but the low end starts at $1,200 and goes up FAST. I think I'm going to pursue two options. I love my CZ .22 rifle. I think I need to shoot a CZ double. And, I've always loved the classic Browning Superposed. The Belgian made guns show up pretty regularly in the used racks. I'd love to score one.

Meanwhile, maybe the 1200 becomes a new upper-body workout!

-Sean-

Rooster Rockin'

Great day hunting pheasants and chuckar's at the Rooster Ranch in Ubly (tip of the Thumb for those less familiar with Michigan geography. My buddies Nick and Andy joined me for my birthday hunt (a present from Rita) and a great day. The Rooster Ranch was a suggestion from Andy, and a solid one. I've been to a number of preserves and I think this was the best by far. Great people, lively birds, great mix of cover. Plus, they own all their land so they have a lot more control versus spots that just lease.

Had some operator error issues with Stoeger Uplander side-by-side assembly, so I started out with my Remington 11-48 auto. Bad plan. Although I've shot a few rounds of sporting clays and done with it, I don't have much field experience with this gun yet. So as Nick and Andy are getting in solid shots, I'm Mr. Whiff! And the easy of shooting the auto seems to incent me to take shots I should pass on. So I decide to figure out the Stoeger when we get back closer to the truck.

Wow!

MUCH better. Though this gun has plenty I don't like about it, out in the field, it's AWESOME. Light, points perfectly, comes up quickly. As soon as I had it in my hands, I knew all would be well once again. Sure enough, I'm hitting birds, confidence is back -- it's all good!

If you're looking for a solid hunt, try the Rooster Ranch -- the drive's a little further, but it's worth it!

-Sean-

Invasive Species

Read a recent bulletin from local chapter of Trout Unlimited that there's been evidence of VHS disease in nearby Portage Lake. Unfortunately, Portage Lake is part of the Huron River chain -- right above areas I fish.

Given the focus on stopping the spread of things like VHS, whirling disease, etc. I feel compelled to do my part. It seems like boot soles will be a key starting point. But the strategies for effectively cleaning and such don't seem to agree -- and short of boiling my boots or running them through the dishwasher, I'm not sure how I'd achieve it.

So, I think the next best plan is yet MORE gear. That is keep my current boots for the Huron, and pick up something for Northern rivers. Naturally, I gravitate toward Simms as I've been so pleased with their other products. I think it's time to head to the local fly shop to explore.

-Sean-

Whatever Floats Your Boat

I've had the itch for a boat of some sort for fishing for a while. It would enable greatly expanded access to fishable water, and would be fun, too! Problem is I don't think I know what I need (or can afford?).

Initially, I thought an inflatable pontoon would be a good solution. Affordable, durable, easy to learn to row. But it's solo fishing exclusively. And, I'd like to be able to go out with friends.

Thus far, a drift boat looks like a good solution. Solid for 1-2 companions. Durable. Can fish out of it, or use it as the "river taxi". Of course, "drift" means downriver, so you have to be able to figure out some sort of spotting method. On the PM that's fairly easy. Remote UP rivers, less so.

I have seen some "power drifters" that would enable easier lake fishing, as well as self-supported fishing on larger rivers like the Manistee and Muskegon.

But, naturally, this all comes down to money. I've seen some deals, but not many steals. And adding a motor to a power drifter puts you in a whole new category.

And finally, I've never even rowed one on a river. I may need to start there with an accomodating friend.

-Sean-

Picture = 1,000 Words

Beautiful Spring day on the Pere Marquette river on Sunday. So pretty you didn't mind the truly lousy fishing! These pictures say so much about this beautiful place.

Spring Outing

Headed north to scratch the steelhead itch this weekend. Spent a fun evening with friends in Mt. Pleasant on Saturday and then rolled over to the PM for Sunday.

Beautiful sunny day. Started off pretty cold, but warmed up fast as the sun rose. Unfortunately, this had two effects:

1. Turned the fish off. I was switching up flies, holes, depths, drifts -- every trick in the book. I got one solid fight, and one quick on-and-off but nothing landed.
2. Brought the crowds out. This was pretty shocking as my last visit was a snowy February day where I saw not a soul. Yesterday, a dozen boats and as many walk-ins.

Now for the good part -- I got two on! And most everyone I talked to on the river had experienced about the same. It was a TOUGH bite. This is definitely testament to the growth in my skills. Thanks to Jon, Schultzy, Tommy, and other knowledgeable friends who've helped me learn, I can at least go out with a reasonable expectation of some success.

Photos soon, I promise!

-Sean-