In the Bag

Those who know me well will recognize I'm a little freaky about organization. Things have a home. And when they're not in their home, they're not happy. And they get lost, damaged, or you can't locate them when you need them.

In recent years, I've discovered activity-specific organization that's been hugely helpful. It started with small toolboxes for repairs -- I have a toolbox for bike tools, another for gun cleaning suppliers, and still another for ski waxing and tuning gear. But now I've expanded it to having bags dedicated to activities.

Last night, packing for UP fishing trip was simple. Grab the fly fishing bag (reels, fly boxes, tippet, and various floats and weights), stuff waders, boots, and vest into wader bag; and then two rod tubes. Clothes in another bag -- done.

While this approach doesn't guarantee elimination of lost items (somehow I managed to lose my fishing and hunting license last year...), it sure helps. Where are my spring ski gloves? In the bag. The 8# fluoro? In the bag (at left).

Of course, for this to work, you have to get stuff back in the bag after you're done. But I've found that the benefits of organization seem to be enough to motivate me to ensure that I do this promptly.

And, before you say it, yes -- I'm a freak. I'm good with it. At least I can find my stuff while you're still fumbling for yours!

-Sean-

Pictures Back Soon!

New Nikon Coolpix S210 arrived today! All charged up and ready to roll for trip to fish the UP starting Friday. Also bought a waterproof Pelican case that should protect during any potential dunkings. This seems like an ideal solution and FAR cheaper than a $300 waterproof camera.

All ended up a really good deal -- camera is a refurb from www.newegg.com for $85. Refurbished by Nikon with a warranty. It's 8 megpixels and seems like it will work well. I've really missed not having a good compact camera for my adventures. Look for pictures to return again soon. And thanks to buddy Jon for helping me realize this was a better solution!

-Sean-

Fish & Learn

Ended up with the opportunity to fish the PM again on Friday, courtesy of my buddy Dan. Once again, we were with master guide, Gene Lake. Great day -- got to own Waddel's Riffles for most of the day with five guys and two boats. Benefits of gettting up EARLY (try 4am)! Dan had the hot hand with five fish landed. I got a couple on, but no success in landing.

I love fishing with a guide who likes to teach, and Gene's a really good example. On Friday he suggested I bring my steelhead rod and he'd help me with fine-tuning the rigging and teach me some more about how to properly fish the indicator. Got a lesson in roll-casting, and double spey. I'm no expert, but at least I have a clue now.

Now that I've done more chuck n' duck style fishing, I wanted to get rigged up for that. During the day I remember that I have an Orvis Rocky Mountain reel that I'd been planning to use for Fall salmon with a spare spool. A quick chat with Gene about line and a 15-minute visit to Baldwin Bait & Tackle after we get off the river for Climax Zip Line and backing and PRESTO, I've got a rig for the UP this weekend!

A great day on the water and an even better day for personal growth!

-Sean-

P.S. Finally figured out a digital point-and-shoot solution and new camera is on the way. Look for photos to return to this blog soon!

Wonders of Wading

As I was standing in the river on Friday, I was reminded of how much I love wading. There's something about standing in the river in waders that just feels fantastic. It's peaceful, and you're protected from the cold of the river, as well as the rocks, logs, and other bottom features.

The feel of the current against your legs is hypnotic and relaxing. And the sensations vary so much from season-to-season -- from the slight coolness of winter steelheading to the downright cooling pleasure of being in a cold stream in mid-summer with only shorts under your waders.

Wading is truly one of life's greatest simple pleasures for me. Unless there's a leak...

-Sean-

Outstanding

Fantastic day on the Pere Marquette on Friday with my friends Jon and Dan and guide Gene. The more time I spend on that river, the more I appreciate how special it is. Truly a beautiful setting with some amazing fishing.




Day started out COLD -- standing in the parking lot waiting to meet the guide at 5:30 it was maybe in the high 30's. BRR! But once we got on the river and the sun came up, it quickly warmed.


We fished from Green Cottage, down to Gleason's Landing. All in the flies-only, catch-and-release zone. This was a real plus, as I've only done from M-37 down to Green Cottage, so it was all new water for me. And most of my fishing has been walk n' wade. A boat was real treat to get to more spots.

Slow fishing much of the morning -- bright sunny day had the fish skittish. And the guide said spawn was slow to get rolling. But around lunchtime, we really hit it on one special hole. Within twenty minutes, Jon got a steelie, Dan a brown, and I got a teeny Rainbow! As we were finishing lunch a nice sized steelhead jumped right next to it -- so back at it! Jon hooked up, but after a dramatic jumping fight, she got off the hook.

Saw a few more, but no hook-ups most of the afternoon. Then we found a prime spot late in the day. Our guide, Gene, scouted out a great location with some active fish. I made a few casts, snagged up and lost flies, so Jon jumped into the spot and quickly hooked up on the nice buck pictured above. He put on a textbook perfomance playing and landing this great fish.

A fantastic day on a great river with good friends!

-Sean-

Excitement

Though I fished winter steelhead all year, that was mostly a solo act. Something I certainly enjoy, but this afternoon I'm headed to Manistee to meet up with some friends and a guide for a day of spring steelhead. At heart, I'm a social animal, so I'm really looking forward to this. There's something about a fishing or hunting trip that I really enjoy. It's a nice mix of friendship, laughter, and getting outside -- mixed in with a little competitiveness!

Plus, any trip with a guide is a solid opportunity to learn. And we'll be on the Pere Marquette, which has rapidly become one of my favorite rivers. A truly beautiful setting. Although this season I hope to explore a few other rivers I've not been on yet -- the Betsie, Platte, and AuSable are all likely targets.

Report will follow soon, but sadly no pictures. Still no replacement for the compact digital camera yet.

-Sean-

Who Needs Business Golf?

Fly fishing for steelhead on the Pere Marquette on Friday with one of my clients, and some folks from an online media outlet we utilize. Spring run is well underway, weather looks gorgeous -- should be a great day. Which got me to thinking -- who needs business golf?

My Dad spent a long and successful career while seldom ever playing golf (and not well when he did...). I've actually found a great bond with clients and business partners in so many other things. Especially fishing, hunting, and shooting. I've shot clays and targets with clients, fished steelhead with the media, and Lake Michigan salmon with prospective clients. A friend of mine did a pheasant hunt for associates, clients and prospects for a number of years -- always a great event for all who participated.

Years ago I worked with a sales rep who had a solid book of business that he'd helped nurture through outdoor pursuits. It's surprising once you start talking about such things with people how many are into them. And, I've even found it helpful in getting access to trying new things with someone who knows what they're doing.

Never really had much interest in golf -- nice to know I don't really need it to do business!

-Sean-