Monsters of the Deep

My wife and I were out looking for Muskies when she hooked into this 6-7 pound Smallmouth Bass.  As she's fighting it in a monster Musky of unbelievable proportions decided a large Smallmouth would make a good meal.  Fighting both fish, the Musky held on for about a minute before releasing its grip.

 The Carnage!

  

Take a Kid Fishing

I brought my buddy and his son out for an evening of Cats and Eyes.

 Sebastian's first Catfish

 I'd say he had a good time and he can't wait to get out again



Backyard Beauties

A few visitors this spring!  Why couldn't they've dropped a few feathers!?

                            Northern Oriole

                                          Rose-Breasted Grosbeak

4 Years In The Making

Although I don't live in the pacific northwest, I have a Steelhead obsession.  I don't get to chase "real" anadromous species, but do live a couple hours from Gitchigumi where the fish ascend the streams in the same fashion as their western relatives.  "Loopers" have been engineered for the table and the sleek Steelhead is there for the unforgettable fights.

Their size, ferosity, and sheer speed is all it takes to get someone hooked for life.

Dreary skies, cold water, and chiseled boulder cliffs surround the relm of the fabled Great Lakes Steel. Spring runoff triggers "the run" and water temperatures climbing near 40 degrees initiates the first spawners to enter these tributaries.  Early on its good to use large gaudy egg patterns.  In the muddy early run I like to throw NSP's (North Shore Prospecters).  They combine all the great colors into one babine-esque fly with a milt trailer.                         

 NSP

Later on in the seasonal progression of the Steel smaller, single egg patterns and even some nymphs and streamers will produce a few.

Size 10/12 Pom Pom Eggs

The beauty is again what its all about.  Hours of standing knee deep in freezing water may only afford you a fish or two, but with scenes like these who could complain?

If you time it right and stay focused on the mission you will have sweet memories for years to come.  I started Steelheading Lake Superior 4 years ago and can't get it out of my mind.  Call it obsession, call it a posession; I call it "The Calling".



The magic of fishing

Many people fish for many different reasons.  Guys fish to fit in, to drink with their buddies, for food, for trophies, etc.  There are a few of us however that fish for different reasons; reasons not so useless or benign, but necessary in maintaining sanity.


The trophies are great and the flesh is good, but thats not why I fish.  I enjoy the company of buddies and I enjoy "tying-one-on" from time to time, but thats not why I fish. 


I fish because it is the only time in life where I feel peace and freedom.  The beautiful scenery, sounds, smells and animal encounters.  Catching fish...well thats a bonus that ties everything together, but thats not why I fish.


This is fishing to me and what I yearn for everyday.

The "Dingy" Project

It's weathered fiberglass hull prepares for re-birth.

At 8 feet 8 inches long, this dingy will be ready soon for drifting the Pine.......are ya jealous yet?

Art and Fishing

I've been fishing for 26 years and have also loved artwork just as long.  Fly tying seemed like a perfect fit; and it has been.  Here's a few recent ties!

                                          Brown Widow

                                          Pudgy Sunny

                                          Stone

                                          Yellow Jacket

Meager Beginnings

This blog is in place to pass on all the cool shit I get to do and see.  I travel the state fishing and enjoying the outdoors.  I fish for everything and meet alot of cool people along the way.  I hope to pass on my enjoyment and learn as much as possible along the way. 

A cool Snapper from the other evening