Wiley Whitefish

3 years ago I went in search of Lake Trout on a lake that wasn't known for very many Lake Trout.  I got there and started hammering Lake Whitefish.  I had never caught Whitefish before other than Northern Ciscos (Tulibee), and I had a blast.  Every March I can catch alot of Lake Whitefish and today was no exception.  My biggest was a 21 incher that put up a hell of a battle.

I ended up catching 4 Whitefish and missed 5.



Steel On My Mind

It has been a very long winter.  I won't bore you with all the details, but a winter with hardly any snow, no money, no job, and no place to go makes for a very long winter. 

Its March now and spirits are high.  We got more snow, I got a cool new job, and most important of all......Steelhead season is just around the corner.

I fish Steelhead on the streams of my home waters of Lake Superior.  Not the glamorous west coast, but still a rugged and beautiful place full of awesome fish and awesome scenery.  Our window for quality Steelheading is very narrow, about a month or less.  The fall run is all but non-existant and the spring runs are dictated solely by spring melt run offs.  If we don't get much snow or spring rains, our Steelheading sessions are very poor to dismal at best so the recent snows we've had have made the upcomming season very promising.  Our streams are very narrow, shallow and sterile so without the snow melt and rains there is no water and the fish stay in the lake.

Every year around the first of March I get the bug.  All I can think about is getting out after some chrome.  I must say that it is very hard living in MN when you are in love with native Pacific fish.  Thank God that states surrounding the Great Lakes have been introducing these fish to our waters. 

The hardest thing is the small window of oppertunity.  With only about a month, it really makes the other 11 months drag on.  I do fish other species and have other hobbies and activities to pursue, but nothing in the world could have prepared me for what happened 4 years ago when I became lovestruck with the chrome sided beauties I encountered on a secluded North Shore stream.  That day my life changed forever and I will never be able to turn off my obsession until the day I die.

Hopefully someday I will be fortunate enough to move my family to more stable and wild Steelhead local.  Maybe someday I'll at least be able to visit them more often or for longer periods of time.  For now all I can do during the lonely time waiting for those chrome beauties to show up, is fall more deeply in love, yearning for the next chance to caress those babes again and continue to stock my boxes with eggs.

Bushman Neck Knife

I've recently gotten on this home made weapon tangent and here's my latest creation.

The blade is hacksaw blade and is very sharp.  The saw toothed back will come in handy for trimming branches and stuff while hunting.  The sheath is made from African Impala, hence the term bushman.

Water Boatman

Been wanting one of these in my box for awhile now, should do the trick.



Lawn Mower Knives

Well it happened.  I have the bug.  I've always been interested in doing and making things with my hands; I guess thats why I like tying flies and such.  Well I recently made my first longbow and now have decided to venture into other primitive weapons.  I just happened to have a couple old rusty lawn mower blades laying in the garage and decided to try my hand at knife making.

Devil Grub

I've been hooking a few Hellgramites this winter while ice fishing a new river backwater. A very cool insect that is eaten by all species of fish.



Finished er' up!

Finally got a string figured out today and my first longbow is ready for action. I can't wait to take it for a trial run in the woods tomorrow. Chad at Holm-Made Traditional Bows gave me guidance and is a true bow master!



Self Bow

Wow February 1st already! I've been extremely busy, not being busy. I've been in the job hunt for awhile now and have had a huge lack in fishing due to spousle respect since shes now the bread winner and I'm stuck at home searching. I did manage to add a new passion, hobby, and skillset to my portfolio recently. I've been an avid bow hunter for over 20 years and have always had a fascination with traditional bows and methods. I had been using modern compound bows mostly, but have always wanted to start building my own "stick bows" and use them in the most traditional ways and supply food for the family in the ways it was meant to be done. I am in the process of my first ever self bow and thought I'd post it up. I made it out of red oak and I think its turning out well. I still need to make a string for it and stain/wax it, but you'll get the idea. I may even pull out the wood burner and do a little work to it. Thats whats fun, each creation is unique, artistic, and functional. I'll maybe post some pictures of it when its finished as well.