Tenkara Summit, August 27th, 2011

Tenkara Summit, August 27th, 2011
in West Yellowstone, MT.

Tenkara USA is holding it's first Tenkara Summit in West Yellowstone, MT on Saturday August 27th, 2011.   This one day summit will be hosted by Tenkara USA, with support from Backpacking Light, Tenkara Bum.  The keynote speaker is  Dr Hisao Ishigaki, who will takk and demonstrate Tenkara techniques.  Other participates are Chris "Tenkara Bum" Stewart, Craig Mathews (Blue Ribbon Flies), Ryan Jordan (Backpacking Light), Tom Sadler and more.

For registration and information on the summit go to:  http://www.tenkarausa.com/summit.php

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, August 27th, 2011
Location: Holiday Inn, West Yellowstone
315 Yellowstone Avenue
West Yellowstone, MT 59758

Tenkara USA negotiated a rate at these two hotels:

Holiday Inn, (406) 646-7365, $179.00 (2-Queen beds)
Gray Wolf Inn & Suites, (406) 646-0000, $149.00 (2-Queen beds)

Fontinalis Fin

Fontinalis Fin

Recipe:

Hook – Mustad 3399
Size – 6 - 12
Tail – White
Rib – Flat Silver Tinsel
Body – Orange Wool or Floss
Hackle – Furnace
Wing – Married Orange, dark slate and white

The Fontinalis Fin is an imitation of a clipped brook trout fin (a.k.a. bait). This version is from Bergman, R. Trout (1938) and is tied with an orange wool body.

Start off with a white thread base.

Tie in your tail.

Tie in your orange wool or silk and silver rib.

Wind forward your wool or silk.

Wrap forward your rib in 5 open wraps and whip finish.

Tie in black tread and hackle by tip.

Wrap hackle 2-3 turns and with your thumb nail push fiber down.

Marry your quill fibers place on top of hook shank and secure.

Trim waist at a 45 and build your head and whip finish.

Second wet tying class with Don Bastian Cancled

My apologies for not posting this sooner. The second classic wet tying class with Don Bastian is canceled. The class was canceled on February 6th, Don had emailed after the class and I dropped the ball on getting it posted.  If Don offers another class I'll be sure to post it as soon as possible.

Review of "Fish Like a Guide - The Rules" By George Douglas

My marked up copy of
Fish Like a Guide - The Rules

Fish Like a Guide - The Rules
By George Douglas

Elizabeth Douglas, the Marketing Director at Kype Fishing Magazine asked if I would review George's latest book, “Fish Like a Guide - The Rules.”  I said yes and shortly there after a copy was at my door.  It sat on my desk for a good two weeks before was able to devote the proper time to read and review his book. 

Straight away I like his direct and simple prose.  He follows the K.I.S.S. rule, avoiding overly complicated examples, and strikes a good balance between the rules and the stories that bring out the importance of the rules.  His book is intuitive, instructive and a pleasure to read.  His common sense rules will help you become a successful fisher. 

The book starts out with preparing for your day’s fishing, and lets face it most of the time we don’t prepare at all, we just head out.  For example know your knots before you head out on the water.  When is the last time you practiced your knots?  You wished you did when you need to change flies or tippet in low light and fish rising all around.

You’ll learn where to fish, which starts before you head out the door, how to approach the water and adjust to the conditions. The meat of book is in Chapter 6 “The Rules” (there are rules throughout).   One of the best rules in this section is in the section “Keep Your Line Wet” which is some think most anglers forget, they spend to much time untangling a leader when replacing it is faster.

In the gear section it starts with the most important items your clothing.  Staying dry and warm equals more focused time on the water.  When it comes to fighting fish George does not just focuses on steering and turning a fish but the proper method of reviving you trophy before release.

In my honest opinion Fish Like a Guide - The Rules, By George Douglas will advance your skills as a fisher making your next outing more productive and enjoyable. I highly recommed adding it to your fishing library.

Lou DiGena
Fly and Fin

If you like a copy of Fish Like a Guide - The Rules, By George Douglas visit http://www.kypemagazine.com/

In ful disclosure Kype Magazine and I exchange links and I promote the magazine on my side bar (no compensation is given for this promotion).  This is my honest review of Fish Like a Guide - The Rules By George Douglas.

Method of Dressing Nymphs

Method of Dressing Nymphs comes from THE WAY OF A TROUT WITH A FLY by Skues, G. E. M. (George Edward Mackenzie), published in London, A. & C. Black, ltd. in 1921.  I found this brilliant plate while researching some traditional wet fly patterns.  I find inspiration in looking at old patterns and intrigued with the methods used to tie these pattens.  Enjoy the plate and description.

Plate II. METHOD OF DRESSING NYMPHS.
From a water-colour drawing by St. Barbe Goldsmith.

"Placing your hook—say, a Limerick No. 16—in your vice, begin whipping near the eye, and whip nearly halfway down the shank. Tie in here, with point towards head of hook, a bunch of six or eight fibres of feather of suitable colour, regulating the length so that when the fibre is bent over to the eye of the hook and tied down there will be enough of the points left to be pressed out on either side to represent the legs. Then pass the silk under the ends of the fibres of feather on the side of the bend of the hook, and whip on the bare hook to the tail; tie in two short, stout, soft whisks of suitable colour, tie in gold or silverwire, twirl on dubbing thinly, and wind to the place where the fibre is tied in; wind on the wire in regular spacing to the same point, and secure on the head side of the place where the fibre is tied in ; thicken the dubbing, and wind over roots of feather fibre to head. Then divide the points equally, and press backward from the eye; bring over the feather fibre to the head, tie it down with two turns, including a half-hitch, cut off the waste ends, and finish with a whip finish on the eye. Thus the legs are forced to stand out at right angles, or rather more backward, from the eye, and below the level of the hook shank, andthe effect of wing cases is produced. (See Plate II.)" –  Page126  THE WAY OF A TROUT WITH A FLY

UV Chewee Rock Worm

UV Chewee Rock Worm

Hook – Any Heavy Grub hook
Size – 8 - 12
Thread – 8/0 or 6/0 Black or Olive
Head – Black Tungsten Bead
Thorax – Hairline Black UV Ice Dub
Abdomen – Caddis-Green UV Chewee Skin
Rib – .32 gauge Green Parawire

While tying at a CJTU meeting I started playing around with UV Chewee Skin.  I've seen it on the web and at the shows, so I've decided adapted it with one of my most productive patterns (Green Rock Worm).  Rhyacophila larvae are abundant in most freestone streams and because of behavioural drift they are always breaking free from the bottom and tumbling down stream.  This pattern and all Rhyacophila patterns work great in a Czech/Euro nymph set-up.  It's a quick pattern to tie and follow the K.I.S.S. rule.

 1. Mash down barb, slide on bead and secure in wire.

 2. Tie in UV Chewee Skin.

3. Wrap UV Chewee Skin forward.

 4. Wind wire forward to create a ribbing.

5. Dub Thorax and whip finish.

Tying Classic Wet Flies with Don Bastian

Flies tied by yours truly at Don Bastian Classic Wet Fly Class

This passed weekend I had the opportunity to learn how to tie winged wet flies with one of the best wet fly tiers out there, Don Bastian. 

The Jersey Angler and I headed out to Fishing Creek Angler Fly Shop and Bed & Breakfast in Benton, PA for a weekend for tying to learn how to marry wings and the techniques to tie classic winged wet flies.  I have to say straightaway it's one of the best class I've taken. I don't know any one who comes close to Don's knowledge of Ray Bergman, and Classic Wet flies.

First the accommodation at Fishing Creek Angler Fly Shop and Bed & Breakfast were first class, Lee and Mary Ann are marvelous host.  Second, the food was out standing, from Mary Ann's lasagna,  Lee's grilled steaks, and not to mention the cheese cake.  Second, the fly shop, Fishing Creek Angler is a full service fly shop, and Lee had all the materials on hand for the class and then some.  Next, the instructor, Don is a great teacher and a authority on traditional wet flies, he was generous in sharing his knowledge and materials. Finally, the students, why the students you might ask, because we were all hard core, we stared early and finished late which meant we covered a lot of techniques.

I learn a lot from Don's class and I'm going to incorporate these techniques and flies into my repertoire.  If you ever get the chance to take one of Don's classes all I have to say is do it.  Here are a few photos from the weekend.

Don and a few Plates for Bergman's "Trout"

All 10 Plates tied by Don

Plate No. 1

My messy tying area (just like home).

Students hard at work.

Don applying the final touches on a fly.

Fly Fish America Gear Giveaway

The folks at Fly Fish America are giving away a Freedom 12 Hawk Kayak Worth $995.  To enter visit Fly Fish America Gear Contest page at http://flyfishamerica.com/gear-giveaway and fill out the entry form. Contest Entry Deadline: March 15, 2011. Who knows maybe you'll win.

The Freedom 14 Hawk Kayak received there 2008 Editors’ Choice award and the Freedom 12 offers the same features as the 14. Most notable is a new, patented, inline outrigger system that gives you three choices of outrigger position.  The 12 has a lightweight hull with a 31-inch beam and weights 49 pounds.  For addition information on the  Freedom 12 go to www.freedomhawkkayaks.com.

This is not an endorsement for Fly Fish America publication or Freedom Hawk Kayaks, it's just a chance to win cool stuff.

Good Luck.

BE ON ALERT! Thieves Targeting Colorado Fly Shops.

Colorado Fly Shops be on the alert.  On February 4, 2011 Angling Trade published news that a well-orchestrated group of of thieves are targeting Colorado fly shops.  The shops
hit thus far: Laughing Grizzly, Angler’s All, Charlie’s Fly Box, Trout’s Fly Shop, Orvis Cherry Creek, and Rocky Mountain Anglers. These thefts occurred February 2-3, 2011.

Now the Daily Camera reports "Boulder police look for fly fishing-rod thieves" and Boulder's Rocky Mountain Anglers was add to the list. In all the cases it the suspects look to be two couples, of Middle Eastern or Latin in appearance.  "The suspects appear to be 20 to 30 years old and of Middle Eastern descent, according to Stewart. They drove a maroon or dark Volkswagen Jetta with Illinois license plates."  Source: Daily Camera.  Angling Trade reported "a maroon passenger van with an Illinois license plate # K714 248 was used by the suspects."

This is a photo of a possible suspect.
Source: Angling Trade

Anyone with information on the suspects can call Boulder police detectives at 303-441-3330.

I know from my stats page there are lots of readers (and friends) in Colorado so get the word out.

Pentax announces the Optio WG-1 and WG-1 GPS

Pentax announced it's new rugged Optio WG-1 and Optio WG-1 GPS.  It is tougher than the  Optio W90, both are designed are crushproof up to 100 kilograms (220 pounds), dustproof, waterproof, cold-proof and shock-resistant.  This 14MP cameras incorporate the same lens and video specs as the W90.  The design looks to be more ergonomic and the obvious increase to 5 LED from 3 for close-up photography.

I like my my W90 and I'm looking forward to seeing some samples from this new version.  I have mixed feeling with the GPS version, I like the GEO tagging but don't want to give away my secret spots.

NJ Coldwater Conservation School

The NJ School of Conservation in collaboration with the NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife, NJ State Council of Trout Unlimited, and local TU chapters is running a four day Coldwater Conservation School students 11 - 14 years of age.

The goal is to foster knowledge and appreciation of coldwater habitats through hands-on activities and interactive learning. Students will gain experience and knowledge about coldwater habitat that trout and other wildlife need for survival.

The School will be held for its second year at the NJ School of Conservation in Stokes State Forest, June 23-26, 2011. The cost is $200.00 per student and includes food, lodging and equipment. Financial assistance may be available. Applications are due no later than April 1, 2011.

Students must be 11 - 14 years old in order to participate.

For more information contact:

Jessica Griglak
NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife
605 Pequest Rd.
Oxford, NJ 07863
908-637-6239 or
908-637-4125
Jessica.Griglak@dep.state.nj.us Coldwater Conservation School Application

Tenkara on the Madison with Craig Mathews

I was turned on to YellowStoneMedia from a TenkaraUSA, who posted a link to "Winter on the Madison River Craig Mathews and a Tenkara rod"video.  Beside this video there are high quality shots of Grizzlies, Bull Elk Bison and Otters.  Not to mention fly fishing videos in the Yellow Stone region. After viewing "Winter on the Madison River Craig Mathews and a Tenkara rod" I contacted YellowStoneMedia for permission to post this video and they said yes.

So here is Craig Mathews fishing Tenkara on the Madison River in the dead of winter.

Enjoy.

Gone are the Day's of Trout on a Stick

Back-in-the-day the way to document a good day's fishing was to knock them on the head with a priest and keep them cool until the trip home.  I can't be sure that these fish were eaten, but I hope so...

A Day's Catch at Big Lagoon 1908

While I do practice catch and release there are still time's I'll knock one on the head for dinner that night (always a stockies).  It mite be a requirement some parts, like Rockies where the motto is EMBT (Eat more Brook Trout), to help with the recovery of Greenback Cutthroat Trout.  Brook Trout are not a native trout to the Rockies and compete with the Greenback Cutthroat Trout, so removing non-native trout from some streams is necessary so native trout may flourish. 

 

Photographs and videos are a great way to show off your catch. Today with the wide range of underwater camera getting cheaper and easier to document your catch.  With iMovie and YouTube your not limited to sharing with just your friends.  There are plenty of waterproof camera on the market and I sure you'll fine one to fit budget.