Leasons Learned ( Every Day In May )

Day 26 and the topic is Lessons Learned.

It's probably safe to say that we learn lessons all of the time, doubt if it will ever change.
Some of the important lessons learned that should be remembered are things like don't piss into the wind, don't try and lip a fish that has a mouth full of teeth, put your tent upwind of the campfire, be sure you put the plug in the boat BEFORE launching.
The biggest lesson that i've learned is t enjoy every moment that you can, you never know when it will be your last.
If As you are reading this I will be following a lot of these lessons learned as i'm on the riverbank enjoying the campfire, downwind from my tent.

Shoreline ( Every Day In May )

Day 25 and the topic is Shoreline.

As a fisherman, I am often checking out the shoreline in order to get an idea of what the contour of the bottom might look like based on it's features.

The other thing i'm looking for when studying the shoreline is whether or not it's rock, gravel, or sand. This will tell me what the bottom might be like and help with the way I fish the area.

A shoreline can come in handy as a form of protection, providing shelter from the elements when the weather turns bad, as well as providing shelter on an overnight trip on the river.

Sometime's the shoreline can even throw you a surprize or two.......

Be safe out on the water this weekend.....................................

Memory ( Every Day In May )

Day 24 and the topic is Memory.

If memory serves me correct........aw hell, I forgot.

Do you remember the first time that you were introduced to fishing. Don't worry neither do I, what is remembered was the week spent camping on the lake and seeing my dad's face when they handed him the bill for all of the crickets me and my brother charged at the bait shop to fish from the dock.

I have been accused, by my wife, of having selective memory. She seems to think that I forget a lot of important things, unless they are fishing related. Personally, I don't see the relevance of this assumption since our anniversary and birthdays are always remembered, i'd say that all of the important things to remember are covered.

If memory serves me right. This time Saturday night I should be snuggled inside my hammock, listening to the sounds that only a river can make. Guess my wife was right.......

Safety First ( Every Day In May )

Day 23 and the topic is Safety First.

Since I have already covered this topic, I have just posted that same one here again.

I am writing this in response to a post that I read tonight from a kayaker who was fishing the San Marcos river and misjudged his ability in the current and ended up fighting for his life as he went out of the kayak in rough water without a life jacket.
I've heard all the excuses..... they are hot, don't fit right, interfere with paddlin and fishing
BULLSHIT
If you get the proper PFD you will become accustomed to it. I have three different ones that I use when fishing. In the summertime when i'm in and out of the kayak all day, the ONYX Pike Paddle Sports/Kayak fishing vest is my PFD of choice. Plenty of arm room as well as a snug fit and pockets to hold items. In colder weather the ONYX AM/24 Deluxe Automatic Inflatable is used. It comes with a rearmable CO2 cartridge that inflates if you fall in, as well as a manual pull. Very comfortable and can be worn in any type of weather.
When I am wet wading the ONYX M24 Belt Pack PFD is used. It is a manual pull inflatable that gives me some added security as you never know what can happen while you are out on the water.

As you can see, there are a lot of items on the market that can be used for your protection and it just might save your life someday. Don't just think of yourself while you are having a good time on the water, think about what you have waiting at home.

M24 Belt Pack PFD



Pike Paddle / Kayak Fishing Vest



AM/24 Deluxe Automatic Inflatable

Runoff ( Every Day In May )

Day 22 and the topic is Runoff.

Runoff can be a great thing for those that have been in dire need of rain, filling the places back up that I like to fish. It can also be disastorous, causing destruction and ruin in areas that don't need it.
For the last two years, Texas has been in need of some serious runoff. With it's lakes and rivers at their lowest levels, I get excited when the river turns brown and starts to roll. So what if I don't get to fish for a few day's, atleast I will get to fish in the future.

This is what the same river looked like through most of last year....

Bugs ( Every Day In May )

Day 21 post topic is Bugs.

Not sure what bugs have to do with fly fishing since all of the flies generally mimick insects.
There are two kinds of bugs that I know of, dead ones and the kind I eat.

Before

During

The End

Snake Eyes

Was able to sneak away for a few hours and do some fly fishing on the Guadalupe river. The water is starting to clear from the rains of a week ago but the flow was still at a good rate. Wading my way upriver, it became apparent that I was going to be wet from the waist down most of the day since it hasn't returned to normal level yet.

Struggling in some areas to get through against the current, I was able to make my way to a run where i've caught trout during the winter. Fishing this stretch without a bite, it was time to sit down and eat the leftover piece of pizza that i'd packed for lunch.

While sitting on the rock eating lunch and enjoying the sound of the water flowing past my feet, I was startled to see a snake slithering by my feet as the current swept it down the river. We startled each other and he kicked it in high gear to get as far from me as possible. After lunch was done and I was putting my packs back on, here came another snake right at my feet being carried down as well. After making a mental note to not eat lunch at this rock in the future I decided to work downstream and change up tactics from trout to bluegill. Tying on a wooly bugger was all it took to get the fish coming in for pictures.

As I came to a deeper pool, I decided to get close to the bank and cross at a different section. Approaching the bank, and after seeing the amount of snakes that were out I scanned the edge as I approached. Looking down to see where to step I met another snake that was curled up under a branch beneath the water. If I hadn't looked down I would have stepped right on it.

It was a nice relaxing day and a good workout all rolled into one. I was able to try out my new 5wt custom rod and Solitude reel.

Even learned how to work the self timer on my camera.

Have fun out there....................................................................

Greenery ( Every Day In May )

Day 20 and the topic is Greenery.

Greenery for me means, cover for fish to hide in. There are many forms out in the river in the form of lily pads, along with many species of grasses. Some of these grasses are native and some are invasive species. The fish will utilize the cover that whatever form of greenery is in the river to protect them as well as a great ambush point to feed on unsuspecting prey.
Here are some pictures of greenery from areas I frequent.