Two Hands on the Wheel

Two handed fly rods rock. Even though I've only gotten in a few outings, I can already see the benefits. The longer rod improves line control, but it's the casting efficiency I love. When loaded properly, that LOOOOOONNNG cast requires so little caster energy. Plus, there's nothing like the beauty and grace of a good spey caster. It's a style of fly fishing I could watch all day - poetry in motion.

So, the switch rods will inevitably lead to full-on spey rods. I can see that coming. Longer casts, bigger water.

What I lack is form. I have one or two basic casts, but I'm very limited in my repertoire. I've found the river position, current flow, wind, and other factors all impact cast selection. Fortunately, I've signed up for a one-day spey school this Summer with casting guru Will Turek. Can't wait to get a more solid foundation before I develop bad habits.

Fly fishing is truly an amazing pastime. So much to learn, so many opportunities for growth.

-Sean-

Tie One On

Took part in Schultz Outfitter's new Bar Flies series last night. Each week they've invited clients and friends to a local watering hole and a guest tyer teaches new patterns. Last night it was Aaron Wiley, Eirik Vitso, and Mike Schultz. What a fun way to spend a February evening! I got to tie three new patterns with a helpful eye only available. Last night's included a sculpin, a popper, and a crayfish pattern. And with Bell's Two Hearted on draft, a recipe for a perfect night.

I'm always amazed at how much I can learn from a good tyer. Something as simple as twisting a feather while palmering can make the difference between hackles that lay back properly and a full-on mess. By evening's end I'd already picked up several good pointers. As a bonus, I came home with three new patterns and recipes for each.

I've definitely figured out my preferences. Tying eggs for steelhead is a given -- cheap, able to adapt size and colors for the conditions I fish or expect to. I also tie a lot of nymphs including green caddis, pheasant tail, and hare's ears. Great as they're workable for both steelhead and trout. And I've been playing around wth big, gaudy, swimmy steelhead streamers for swinging. But I've arrived at the conclusion I'm just not that interested in dry flies. With pricey materials, small hooks, and fussy, multi-step processes, dries don't do much for me. That's one category I'll continue to buy.

My favorite quote of the night? "Ugly flies catch fish". As my flies aren't always the prettiest, I was happy to hear this from a seasoned guide! Nice idea for educational series, guys!

-Sean-

February Fun

This month is perhaps my favorite part of my favorite season. By February, the snowpack is as deep as it's likely to get in the Midwest. A little warm-up isn't going to turn everything into a sloppy grey mess. The skiing's consistently good. The fish have settled into their Winter program, and if not active, are at least consistent. A brief warm-up can turn on the streamer bite.

It's a time to embrace all things Winter. But at the same time, you get that glimpse of the promise of Spring. A warm day or two here and there, a south wind. Days are finally feeling a bit longer. For me, it's my favorite time within my favorite season. This time of year I'm faced with making choices for how to spend my spare time. Fish? Ski? Snowshoe? Tie flies? Take a class? Shoot handguns indoors? And more.

January can be brutally bleak, March brings the entry of Spring. Neither is the majesty of Winter in Michigan that February delivers. Sad it's only 28 days...

-Sean-

Anticipation

I'm just itching for my new Remington VERSAMAX shotgun to arrive. Unfortunately, so are many others - most dealers are sold out and any new guns that arrive are quickly snapped up.

I've had the chance to read a few more reviews and most of them seem very positive. What is interesting is watching the comments on the bulletin boards. Lots of Remington-bashing by loyalists to other brands, but that's typical. Browning people bash Winchester, Benelli fans beat up on Beretta, etc.

One nice thing about this gun -- it's American-made by an American-owned company. Hard to find these days.

So for now, I'll content myself with more reviews and online posts. Can't wait to bust some clays on a nice Spring day!

-Sean-

Firsts

Was thinking about some fly fishing firsts the other day:

• First steelhead; Manistee river with guide Fred Steuber. Even though it was a little one, he gave me a good ride. To this day, that tug-THUMP sequence can't be beat.
• First surprise species: catching something you weren't fishing for is still always a neat feeling. My first was a 26" lake-run brown with Jon Ray. Cool since we were Winter fishing for steelhead.
• First solo steelhead; Pere Marquette river in February. Got about a  6-7# male with beautiful colors on the end of a drift (why do they always hit when you're not quite paying attention?). To this day, that same hole is often my go-to starting spot on the PM. Funny thing is 30 minutes later, a bit downstream I got a nice 16" brown, too!
• First fish on a fly I tied; Pere Marquette river in August. Nice little brown caught on a beadhead pheasant tail nymph.
• First steelhead on a swung fly; with guide Russ Maddin on the Manistee. 8# male just blew up this fly at the tail end of a swing. A completely cool experience that helped me understand the appeal of this style of fishing.
• First time hitting the cycle; a day in the UP with Dad and guide Brad Petzke. By lunchtime I'd gotten a nice trout on  a dry fly, another on a nymph, and a third on a streamer.
• First camp-and-fish; Pere Marquette river in July. For utter and complete check-out from reality this just can't be beat. Fish when you feel like it. Chill in camp when you don't. You can't beat the pace.
• The "Ah-Ha" Day; float on Pere Marquette river in November with Mike Schultz. The day I figured out indicator fishing -- how to do it, when to use it, and how to adjust for conditions.

And the best thing? Many more "firsts" left!

-Sean-

Random Ramblings

Wow -- where did the week go? After being down sick on Monday and Snowmageddon 2011 eating up Tue/Wed in the Midwest, this week vanished.

I've been reading more and more on the Remington VERSAMAX. Just can't wait for mine to show up. Eager to get out for Spring sporting clays and get it all set-up for me. I think that's one of the things I'm most excited about. With such a wide range of adjustments and interchangeable cheek pads, I should be able to dial this thing in to perfection. Truly looking forward to a gun that fits ME. Will shoulder consistently and quickly.

Starting to line up Spring steelhead trips already and it's pretty exciting. I had to cancel two different January outings due to frigid temps. Have a February date set-up, but I think that will close out the Winter season. I'm looking at trips to Lake Superior region of Michigan's UP, possibly Steelhead Alley in Ohio, and a few walk-in's on the Pere Marquette, White, and maybe the Muskegon. Didn't make it out West to ski this year, but these sorts of trips more than make up for that!

Already thinking about summer trout fishing and camping, getting my road bike out, and more. And, ski season's not even concluded. Nice to have options!

-Sean-

One And Done

Got out on Saturday for a Winter favorite -- a fresh snow rabbit hunt at my buddy Nick's family place. I've written about these hunts before; always a good time. Great location to hunt, have gotten to meet some great people, and some great hospitality.

I got the first, not 50 yards from the start. Crossing shot at maybe 10 yards. One shell, one rabbit. We jumped several more for a total of five. At one point we tracked a crazed group with tracks going everywhere for a long distance. After much perseverance, we did manage to get one.

Later, I realized I'd taken one shot, with one shell, and gotten one rabbit. There's something Zen to that and I like it.

-Sean-