Growing the sport of fly fishing.

 

It used to be that when someone had something to say about fly fishing it was because they were being helpful.  Nowadays with social media and various forms of media in fly fishing, folks have something to say just because they have something to say.

I got that first line off of a podcast.  One of the reasons I started a blog was to help people and to receive feedback that would aid my growth as a fly fisherman.  Community, if you will.  Before Facebook and the such, online forums and groups had many a folk helping aother anglers.  People were eager to share patterns and angling techniques.  I even learned about Bertram’s Bass way back in a forum.  The online fly fishing community was about helping other folks.  People such as myself wanted to learn about more bluegill and panfish patterns.  There were some books and patterns and the local shop but there were so many more flies “recipes” online.  And photos - lots of photos of flies and fish.  Pictures to prove the patterns worked.  Buy and Sell categories appeared.  Sites popped up such as for warmwater angling.  

There is still a sense of community online.  Even if it is mostly through social media.  I’ve made a few friends through social media.  Even had lunch and done some lawn casting.  Also, fishing and planning of future outings.  Some friendships stick and some don’t work out.  That’s just the way it is.  Not everyone clicks.

Here’s something I’ll share with you.  It doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to start fly fishing.  It’s not a snooty, upper crust sport anymore.  There are so many folks j joining of fly fishing.  It’s more laid back and less traditional than ever.  I buy gear off of eBay.  I’m not saying go that route.  It doesn’t hurt to speak with someone at the Bass Pro, Cabela’s or the local fly shop about gear.  In the photo, you’ll see an old fly reel from the late 40’s or early 50’s.  It’s bullet proof.  I’ve got Ocean City reels and they didn’t cost much.  I purchased them both on eBay.  I’ve even bought 2 reels at a pawn shop and did a straight trade there for another one.  

Anyways, grow the sport in your own way.

Vintage Fly Rod - Berkley Spartan

 

Seven years ago, I bought this rod on eBay. I really like this model and even rebuilt one. I also have the Talisman which is the same thing. I did strip the Talisman down and probably need to do a second coat of Citristrip. I haven’t fished a Spartan in a few years. The green rod is the Talisman that I stripped down to the tobacco blanks. I was thinking of using my rebuilt Cortland 502 a lot more . It was the first rod I ever built (rebuilt). It’s been about 4 years since it’s seen action. But I also love the action of these Spartans of which I have a few. The older Spartan models. Not the stiff Taiwan models.   Conflicted. May use both but I do know that the Rio Bass line is perfect for loading on the Spartan. Planning out my year. Almost time to hit the creeks for wet wading. I have retuned to work in January. Had my knee replacement late September. I was semi-retired but things have changed. As they have for a lot of folks these days. I no longer hop in the truck and rush off to fish whenever I get the urge. It’s nice to make these plans. Makes one appreciate it more. I’ll have the summer off.   Anyways, thinking of taking out the Spartan and not only targeting warm water species but specifically chasing Chubs. Lots of fun when you hook the fat ones. I’ve done some bank fishing but am looking forward to seeing how well I can wade and balance myself when wade fishing on this knee replacement. The tuna can will be replaced with either and Ocean City or another Martin. Just depends on the needs of the day. More Spartan reports to come. Thanks for reading.

Fly fishing for Longear Sunfish.

 

I like fishing with fiberglass spinning and fly rods.  Like this old Fenwick.

I also like to catch those pretty sunfish.  Especially, those Longears.  I did target them. Few times this year.  I was able to land a few.  My step-mother filled a stringer with a black wooly bugger.  Me on the creeks and her on a lake in her canoe.  

Over twenty years ago and after moving to the states, I encountered my first Longears on headwaters of the Ozark mountains.  On lakes and ponds, I’d caught panfish and not paid too much attention to the species.  However, I did notice these Longears.  I’ve seen hybrids and all sorts of neat panfish and I surely enjoy catching them but it’s maybe the tropical colors that get me.  Not to mention these Buggers (and other panfish) can be so darn challenging to catch.  

For some reason, I immediately fell in love with fishing for panfish on creeks.  A number of panfish and warmwater books help fill the outdoor selections on my shelf. I try add and subtract a fish flies all the time.  Some hang out in the fly boxes for a while longer than others but I’m always changing the patterns.  It’s fun that way.  Just like rods.  I like to try different rods too.

Targeting:

I do fish Longears when on their beds.  That is so hard but so fun.  Also, I drift flies where fish will take cover.  Aquatic grasses, rocks, builders, fallen trees and brambles.  Even ledges.  One year, I found a bunch that would come out and pop my fly when I would drift it or strip it.  I caught so many fat ones from under the limestone ledge on the headwaters of a tributary stream of a much larger watershed.  I guess it’s just been luck.  I do find them in the usual spots.  Recon will give them up and they tend to hang out in the same places year after year.  A good spot for me is an area not within the current and where there is shade . Mostly shallow.  I’ll see them creep out and look at my flies.  Or, pounce.  I don’t catch many in lakes but I don’t fish them much.  My step-mother caught quite a few from a canoe.  She casted her black wooly bugger along the bank and filled some stringers.  I do think they were rocky bank ledges and sandy shallows with pebbles.  I do think a weighted fly helps.  Something that will sink and can be twitched.  Sometimes, you have to catch a few of the other species which are intermingled with Longears.  Such as warmouth.  Patience is needed.  Sometimes, not.  

PATTERNS:

As my fly boxes change, so do my blog posts.  Here is what I’ve most recently been using to target those Longears.

Rio Getter

Brasshawk

Bugger

Panfish Charlie 

Carp-it Bomb

MY RETIRED PATTERNS:

Jeremiah Nymph Two

California Coachman

Cajun Coachman

Black and Yellow

Custom yellow nymph/streamer 

Scuds

Midges 

RODS:

Light action rods are good.  Anything 1-3 weight but 4 is good too.  Even a 5 is okay but you don’t want fast action or you won’t enjoy the fight.

Hope you enjoy the post.  I’m gonna make an entry sometime about an Ozarks Fly Box.  

Pistol Petes for trout and more.

I went fishing about a month ago. Worden’s Rooster Tails, Wooly Buggers and Pistol Petes.  2 were caught on a black Bugger and the other was a yellow polka dot Rooster Tail.  Generally, I use a fly rod for my Pistol Petes.  My “go-to” is a black Wooly Bugger on the fly rod.  Pistol Petes are my #2 fly pattern for trout.  Generally for my spinning rod.

Spinning Rod

I use a split shot. about 4 inches from the Pistol Pete or Bugger.  Sometimes, I use a swivel.  I just started using them last year.  Don’t know why it took so long.  You could substitute the swivel for the split shot.  I also do this with my Rooster Tails.  I like them to stay down and depending on your retrieve, it can bring up the Pistol Pete in the water column.  I do use a peg cork to indicate nibbles and bites.  Sometimes, I use a start and stop retrieval.  At times, I also wait to reel in the fly just to give fish a chance to check things out. Since I use a lead weight and peg cork, I rarely use casting bubbles.  It wouldn’t hurt to use one.

When tying Pistol Petes, some use lead wire for more weight.  I do too.  

Lakes - I just cast out where they may be.  Sometimes, walking the bank, I cover as much water as possible.  Never hanging out too king in one spot.  My retrieval rates vary.  Slower on warmer days.

Tailwaters - It won’t hurt to drift the Pistol Pete.  Trout tend to use as little as energy as possible when feeding.  Cast and reel how you feel.  Get that fly down when you can.

Warmwater species - On lakes, ponds and creek: cast however you want and vary retrievals and utilize water column as you see fit.  

Fly rod

For trout, I mainly use a 5 wgt with WF floating line.  I use size 6, 8 and 10 Pistol Petes.  When fishing for Smallies and warmwater species, I mostly use a 6 wgt rod.

Lakes - I strip slowly.  I take my time and feel for the nibbles.

Tailwaters - I don’t use this on tailwaters but it won’t hurt to try it.  I would drift it and then strip it in.  Wait until you’ve drifted before stripping.

Warmwater species - On lakes, ponds and creek: cast however you want and vary retrievals and utilize water column as you see fit.

Notes:

Use different colors.  Utilize the water column.  Use casting bubbles, peg corks, weights OR don’t.  Try different retrievals and don’t stick with unproductive water.  Save money and tie your own Pistol Petes.  They sure aren’t cheap.  In the 2nd photo, you may notice a jig or “jig Bugger”.  I tied that one and have caught trout on it.  I not only cast jigs with a spinning rod but also a fly rod.  The Pistol Petes were also tied by me.  You can find lots of tying videos on YouTube.

I’ve got a warmwater Pistol Pete post here.  https://purposehere.blogspot.com/2012/08/pistol-pete-thanks-for-reassurance.html?m=1

My Fly Tying Books: Flies for Bass & Panfish - Dick Stewart and Farrow Allen

I am going to share some of the books that have helps me to develop a fly tire and as a fly fisher.  Some can be found at new or use bookstores or somewhere online.  You might have to do some digging around.  I find my books anywhere from Digital downloads to Flea markets.

This was given to me by my father and my first fly tying/reference book.  This was before fly tying had tell off on social media.  It was when you either had to find a blog or message boards.  Maybe even find some like minded folks in groups such as on Geocities.  

Warmwater fly fishing groups could be found but were rare.  You could find a few generic fly groups out there too but what I specifically wanted was definitely niche at the time.

To find warmwater fly fishing and fly tying books, you had to find them at a fly shops, outdoor stores, magazine advertisements, or publisher adverts in the back of books.

There were even a few VHS tapes and DVD’s but they were specially for bass bugs or largemouth bass.  Which is good but folks were catching all sorts of warmwater variety of spices.  Myself included.

These photos are from Flies for Bass & Panfish.  Out of respect of the authors,  I’m not sharing too much else other than photos or maybe a “mention”.

I do prefer warmwater species.  They are not numerous where I live them coo poop of water fish.  And what cold water species you can find here, the more crowded the location.  The patterns I’m sharing from this book are those which I’ve used in the past with success.

This is the Cajun Coachman.  It’s a good pattern for panfish.  I didn’t use this pattern until a few years after I was given the book.  It wasn’t until I learned more about its creator Tom Nixon and bought his book (Fly Fishing and Fly Tying fort Bass and Panfish) and participated in a few memorial fly swaps named after him.  

You can drift or strip this pattern.  It’s a nymph or attractor pattern.  I utilized this pattern mostly on creeks specifically targeting bluegills but catching all sorts of species of fish.  I mostly wade fish but also use a kayak on lakes and ponds.  It won’t hurt to have this pattern in your fly box.

This is the Holschlag Hackle Fly.  Sadly its creator passed a year or two ago.  Tim wrote a good book or two about fly fishing for Smallmouth bass.  It’s tied on a jig head or even weighted eyes.  I used it on a 1/16 oz jig.  I even use 1/8 but only when using at least a 6 wgt rod.  I mainly drift this pattern in deep or swift riffles.  I haven’t used it in a lake or pii I no but think it will produce for multiple species of fish.  It’s this color.  Brown with red or orange jig or eyes.  I’ve made this a mainstay in my fly box for Smallies.

This is the Calcasieu Pigboat which was created by Tom Nixon.  Calcasieu is the parish where he lived and fished. Pigboat is slang for U-boats or German submarines.  It was made to imitate the Hawaiian Wiggler which is the predecessor to spinner baits or even jig baits.  I’ve caught largemouth bass with this pattern.  My father too.  You can even attach a spinner blade.  I’ve done it.  You can tie these in many different colors.

This is the White Serpent.  I guess this could imitate a pig-and-jig?  There are some imitations or evolutions of these 2 Tom Nixon patterns.  Some utilize microsuede or action tails.  I’ve tied my PigBoats with  rubber legs for tails or rabbit strip.  Many variations can be made of these two patterns.

These patterns I’ve shared with you are just a few of the many flies which I’ve utilized from this book - Flies for Bass & Panfish by Dick Stewart and Farrow Allen.  Hope this title may one day help you catch fish or fulfill your fly tying hobby.

Feel free to ask any question in the Comments.  

Wading with my Epic 476 fly rod.

Waded an urban creek Sunday before last.  

Nice to finally get out this year. It’s my first time on the water for any species this year. Fished a creek that’s had stream bank restoration. One of the photos shows root balls that are added for such purposes as a physical barrier and habitat. 

Due to those efforts, habitat and better stream bank environs has contributed to better fishing. However, due to more businesses and homes being built in the furthest reaches of this section of headwaters that I fish, litter has increased due to runoff issues and flooding - mainly due to loss of farmland and Ozark prairies and bad city drainage and planning of large parking lots.

But I try to enjoy it as it was about 17 years ago when I began fishing this creek. Before runoff issues didn’t require this stream to have riparian restoration.  

‘Twas a good day out. 77° and sunny. Lots of conversation and looky-loos from the bike path. Smells from restaurant lunches filled the air. I fished up about as far as one could for it to be productive. Several bass and panfish came to hand. I do enjoy my Epic 476. One that I built. I do miss my 4 wgt CGR though.
 

Simms Flyweight Shoes - review

 

I’m not seeing the felt sole Flyweights on the Simms site but I’ve seen them in stores and online.  The rubber soles are still available.  So, I’ll still have a review.  

Having purchased these shoes in August 2019, it wasn’t until the next summer that they began to really break in.  It may be the felt sole that makes these shoe so tough to bend and soften at the creases.  I started wearing them in the Fall of ‘19.  That’s when I typically do a lot of wet wading.  

Why did I buy the felt sole shoes and not the rubber?  Lots of limestone and slick areas - and a history of bad knees.  As a matter of fact, I had knee surgery last Spring.  I thought the shoes would become comfortable fairly quickly.  But no.  They are pretty rigid in construct and will occasionally run a raw spot at the very top and edge of the laces where the foot enters the shoe.  But they grip well and protect from stubbing my toes.  

I also owned the Simms Rip Raps and wore those h til they began to fall apart.  And I’m tired of wearing wading boots with socks or sandals that let stones under my feet or sand blister my feet.  Last year, the shoes really began to feel more like tennis shoes or kind of like the Rip Raps.

Are they worth all the money?  They are if you do a lot of wet wading.  The neoprene has faded but they shoes have held up and the felt looks as if it could handle a few more years.

When wet wading, I used to wear my Korkers boots with felt soles.  Not a fan.  A bit clunky and they slowed my down.  I don’t like having to wear neoprene socks and get that odd tan line on the leg, ha ha.  

I do think Simms had it down with the discontinued Rip Raps.  Rubber soles with integrated felt.  A lighter build and easier break-in.

The Flyweights seem to be built like a freight train and will last.  Not the most comfortable but beats wearing wading boots or sneakers that won’t grip.

Crittermite - Smallmouth fly variation

 

Having trouble posting the video I made for this pattern.  Here is a link though.  https://twitter.com/panfish74/status/1501262935061979141?s=21

You’ll need to purchase popper tails for the head and Hellgrammite tails from Eastern Trophies Fly Fishing.

I’ve had a lot of success this pattern.  I use different size eyes based on what I’m casting.  You can even cast this pattern with a spinning rod.  Materials are straight forward.  The wing is some craft hair material I bought ages ago.  I stopped tying it in last year.  Panfish will also pounce on it.  I use an Allen B10 hook which may not be available anymore but you find one that will work.  Make sure it has a decent gap.

Have fun tying.

Review - Honest Amish Beard Balm

After using beard products for several years - probably since ‘18,  I’ve come to better understand them.  I say that because Honestl Amish was one of the first beard balms I purchased.  

To me, Honest Amish beard balm could be described as more of a butter.  A beard butter.  I’ve seen or handled some butters and I’m not a fan of beard butters.  Be also owned beard balms that break down fast in the hand and can be applied almost like an oil or butter because of the consistency of the product when broken down in hand.

Honest Amish does provide some hold and if applied properly, isn’t greasy or very oily. It does provide a light hold. It is not firm such as the balms from Luxurious Bastard or Honyocker. It is definitely not as light of a hold as some of the other products I’ve used such as Grave before Shave and some other smaller local brands. 

With the scent not being overpowering and being of something like licorice and cloves, I do like it. And a little product goes a long way in the beard. I am looking to purchase Honest Amish Heavy Duty. I have washed a couple of videos online about the heavy duty bomb and it is not a firm hold but then but it is a stronger hold than the original which is what my beard needs sometimes. I have gone from using this product every now and then to probably just about every day this past week.  It has grown on me.  I have several brands and do like to use them all.  It’s either because of the scent for the hold or it’s just the product my beard needs at that time.  Not all balms are the same and I do try to stay away from corporate brands.  Mainly because they contain ingredients that can dry out of beardOr just cause it to be frizzy or have issues. Anyways, leave a comment if you have any questions. I hope that this will help someone out there because I struggled with my beard for a whileUntil I started watching videos and doing more in-depth reading and research.

Wade fishing for Smallmouth Bass

 I don’t always fly fish for smallmouth bass.  Sometimes, I do a little spin fishing .

My boys will fish every now and again but prefer spin fishing to fly fishing.  So, I decided to do a little spin fishing too.  Growing up, I had a Kmart Sportfisher spinning rod.  I did a little bass fishing with baitcaster but didn’t do so well - mostly because I wasn’t too focused on it at the time.  

I’ve done really well with a spinning rod this year.  Mainly, I’ve been casting flies but also a few soft baits.  This year has been a good one and with a lot of outings.  So, I just don’t know where to begin.

I’ll just post a few photos and then follow up with another post or two sometime soon.  I even built a spinning rod and updated my son’s old spinning rod.  More posts to come.  

Cheers.

Duke Cannon Beard Balm Review

For several years now, I’ve been using beard products.  Balms, washes, oils, conditioners and the such.  After purchasing products from corporate and small businesses, I prefer items manufactured by the latter.

The product easily emulsifies easily in my hands.  It can be effortlessly worked into my beard which gives it a healthy look and shine.  It’s a light to medium hold and a little goes a long way.  Your beard may need to be tamed again later in the day though.  I do wish it is was a heavier balm.  The scent is good.  Not overpowering and lingers for a long time.  I’d say a good 8 -12 hour scent.  One that would be good for the office and not overpower the noses of your coworkers.  

You do need to emulsify/rub the balm in your hands to be pliable for your beard or goatee.  Make sure to work it in thoroughly. A proper boar hair brush may be needed for proper proliferation of the balm into your beard.

I’m not quite sure yet if I will purchase this product again.  It is possible.  As my beard grows longer and thicker and requires a lighter balm at times, I may try the Big Bourbon balm.

Hope this helps you with your purchase and grooming.

Been a while.

Been a while since I fished the local Tailwaters.  I’ve been fishing other Tailwaters within the White River watershed - not much but they’ve been very productive over the years.

When we moved to the States, my father started fishing the local tailwater in the early 90’s.  He eventually began driving past to the other Tailwaters.  His theory is that quality fishing began to decline once they began opening the dam gates for extended periods of time.  For such reasons as flooding within the watershed, extended rainfalls, etc.  The stream bed began to be scoured and the aquatic environment changed for the worse.  Some folks opinions tend to differ.  I began fishing it in the early 00’s and it was never as productive for me as other Tailwaters.

Over the past few years, fishing has improved. Stream bank restoration and habitat improvements are planned and have begun below the dam.  

I caught a few.  It’s been 15 years since I’ve fished this tailwater.  And in one hour, it was decided that I would return.  One hour and several fished played and a few fish landed.  In speaking with my father that evening, he muttered about having good days and bad days.  I know he still doesn’t think much of that location but maybe I can get him to return.  I have several friends that have been doing very well at several other points along the tailwater.  This may give me something else to do this winter.

I usually wait for warmwater fishing but this will do nicely.  Might even take the kids out to drift some flies.  Y2K and a copper and black midge were effective.

Berkley Rods

If you are looking for an entry level glass rod with a godd reputation, then look no further than Berkley.  It's a "blue collar" fly rod and some of them are coveted.  Such as the Parametric rods, Curt Gowdy line or the older Berkleys - the Stream Specialist being one of the rarest.  I'm not a pro or veteran of fiberglass rods but I love to take them on the stream.

Just as most fly rods of the day, Berkley rods were made in the US.   "In the 1960's Berkley entered into the rod business, which lead to international expansion in the 1970's".

 I enjoy casting Berkley rods for different reasons.  They are straight up fun - if you've even casted an Eagle Claw Featherlight, this rod isn't as slow but it will BEND - and will especially based on the model - even a nice 7' 5 piece travel rod will land a nice 14" smallmouth bass.  And that 5 piece Buccaneer feels amazing.  It's like sitting in a recliner - no doubt that Smallie will tug for his life but you know there is some flex and dare I say "feels like butter" - smooth.  I've heard guys say a rod casts like "butter" but when I've got my rod raised up and that bass is tugging, I'm not holding on for dear life.  Everybody's experience is going to be different.

Look for the spigotted ferrules and not the tip over butt rods from later years of Berkley production.  Depending on the model or the year, the rods were produced in Taiwan or possibly even Korea.  There are other "entry level" or "blue collar" fiberglass rods out there like True Temper and even Garcia Conolon.  If you are looking for more information on fiberglass fly rods then visit the Fiberglass Flyrodders.  http://fiberglassflyrodders.com/forum/index.php

I even have a Berkley spinning rod.  If you haven’t noticed, I broke off the butt.  It’s been repaired and reinforced with a fiberglass stent.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Size doesn’t matter - to me . . . kinda.

Pictured above, you will find a small bass.  A Spotted Bass - I think, from a small creek.  And it took a lot of work to catch this fella.  

This little one took some effort too.  These fish live in the headwaters off a good warm water fishery.  A number of fish caught have scratched and claw or even bite marks.  I know where to look for the big ones and that’s pushing 12”.  They are so skittish that you got to do your best wading and presentation.  It’s been good practice on this small headwater.

I think that folks forget to be at your best when wading warm water creeks - Fly fisherman, bait angler or lure plopping’ fella.  Walking the bank above those fish and setting up for the afternoon let’s fish know you’ve arrived.  Heck, even me wading or waking soaks the best I can will do that too.  I like to let things settle down a bit before casting.  Or, just be as calm as I can be when fishing as not to set them off with something unnatural.  

My son asked for a scale to weigh his fish.  I token him  that I don’t use one and size doesn’t matter.  Well, I guess it kind of does because it’s the larger fish I like to play too.  It’s those battles with a 16” Smallmouth that takes my breath away.  It’s almost as if I’ve stopped breathing - it’s become shallow even with a rush of adrenaline.  I try to shift into a mode that puts me at my best as I figure out how to best land it without losing the fish.  

But it’s also the little guys that give me a lot of satisfaction too.  It just depends on the situation.  Sometimes, you earth the little fellas and other times, you earth the big fellas.  Or, you’ve just gotten lucky.  Either way, you grow as an angler.  That’s what I want my son to learn.  Size doesn’t always matter.

Hawk’s Bill Crag - Public Lands

Until this weekend, I’d never been to Whittaker’s Point (Hawk’s Bill Crag).  I just don’t like hiking busy trails.  It’s the lonely trails that I like most.  It’s the isolation and quiet that I really enjoy.  It’s the trails and areas that seem to be impacted the least by people.  

The kids wanted to hit a few trails this weekend.  One of them was one of the most hiked in Arkansas.  I’m not a fan of being bunched up between people on a trail or watching someone teeter on the rock stairs in front of me.  Or, watching folks knowingly access a closed trail or cave.  Ya know, it’s just not an enjoyable start to the outdoors jockeying for position to park along a narrow dirt road, only to find you’ve been boxed in by vehicles owned by folks you’ll probably never see for hours.

But being able to access these areas is better than NOT being able to enjoy these places.

Quite a few memorable moments in my life have taken place on public lands.  Hunting, fishing, hiking and camping.  All those things and more.  It would be a shame to lose those lands or have them forever changed.

I live in an area being impacted by massive population growth.  Losing watershed protection is  impacting access to public water and water quality.  It’s also impacting riparian buffers and aquatic habitat and eco-zones.  

And that stinks for folks who enjoy related outdoor activities.

Why do I post about these things?  A love of outdoors.  And a grieving of those losses.

I really would like folks to watch Patagonia’s “Public Trust”.  Not only is Robert Redford’s name on it but it’s FREE on YouTube.  It’s a documentary about fighting to KEEP those lands public.

https://youtu.be/jsKMTAaj_wQ

It covers not only those things in the past that have had a negative impact on Public Lands but also present-day issues from current bureaucracy.  I’ve being seeing a lot of negative impacts to our Public Lands:  I’ve been numb to it.  I’ve read and watched bureaucrats and administrations tearing away at Public Land protections and been frustrated but numb because it hurts and I don’t know how to be very pro-active against those actions.  

A few years ago, a bureaucratic failure caused a large scale hog farm to be approved to be built within the sensitive watershed of the Buffalo River - America’s first National River.  From the point I heard of the approval, I wrote legislators and signed petitions.  Valid petitions through the Ozark Society which have been penned by my own hand.  Not those silly things from social media.  I even attended meetings in which I got to speak with passionate people such as myself.  

That hog farm is now being permanently dismantled because of the voices of the public.  Protections are being put in place to prevent another issue such as that hog farm from entering the Buffalo River Watershed.

I also have been a part of the possible removal of a local dam on a Smallmouth stream and am currently trying to request peramaters to be placed to protect species from over-harvest and to somehow protect the spawn.  I have actually spoken with members of city council, city consultants and city planning about watershed education for that stream.  It’s a long story but once this dam is removed (Chance it may be replaced) that it will turn into nothing but a giant flotilla of canoes, kayaks and tubers like the rest of the watershed.  Folks are chomping at the bit for legal access and even pushing for a “blueway” stream (like a greenway for cyclists.  

Crossing my fingers.  Will be attending public hearings as things move forward.  

If you enjoy the outdoors, please be proactive.  Even if it’s just picking up litter.

Please watch the film.

Small creek and panfish

With the population here blowing up, I’ve lost access to certain very local streams.  That’s also due in part to out-of-date stream laws here in Arkansas.  I’ve had to locate some newer and even smaller waters close to home.  It’s nice to duck out for a quick session and where you won’t run into many folks.

In the background, there are roots and root balls placed along the stream bank as part of a restoration on this creek.  Due to a burgeoning population and accompanying malls, businesses and such, the creek becomes blown out.  What was an area that was only pasture land is now a concrete jungle.  But those roots provided great habitat and made for great fishing.

Luckily, it’s partially spring fed.  It’s a micro-creek at about the last 1/3 of the headwaters and doesn’t really become much at all into it his another small creek way on down in what is now private property - a place that used to be special to me.  

For the first time, I took out a rod I built this Winter.  A 6’ Proof #2/3 fiberglass rod.  And that Martin 63 SS clicker reel - awesome.  Oh what fun those fish were on that little rod.  I did catch a lot of Suckers but was waiting for a nice fat one for a photo op.  Didn’t appear but they were fun too.

Sometimes, you’ve have to get out of your comfort zone.  I made a new friend on this creek last year.  I only started fishing this creek about 10 years ago but it wasn’t until last year, I started wading further on downstream away from those familiar spots.

Tightlines and catch some panfish.

Larger panfish flies.

On social media, I do see a lot of folks posting images of small flies such as nymphs, dries and even custom patterns. I used to utilize a lot of smaller patterns such as trout and Tom Nixon flies.  I mostly fish streams but when I am on stillwater, smaller flies will be used as droppers. Or, even just for specifically targeting them.  

I do see a need for folks to improve upon their fly boxes – the kind of think outside the fly box. When I share my larger patterns for panfish, a lot of folks are surprised. Now I know that there are anglers that understand different panfish species in their capabilities but I do also notice that folks are limiting their fly boxes mainly based upon the availability of certain species or that perhaps they are in a comfort zone.

The fly pictured above is a Smallmouth Gotcha. It’s obviously for Smallies but panfish will take that pattern.  I’ve caught Longears on Tiemco 8089 size 10 which is essentially a bass or larger streamer hook. Crappie, green sunfish, rock bass have large mouths and will surprisingly take some pretty big patterns. That’s so will the small fish. 

One day, I was specifically targeting Longears with a Rio Getter.  Smallmouth Bass and longears were taking the pattern but when things slowed down, I switched to a larger pattern. It’s called a roadkill – now I know there are several patterns out there with that name and I very well may post a picture sometime. Once I tied on that pattern, I started catching a lot of rock bass. Probably 20 in a short amount of time and some Smallies too.

Some of this information will be obvious to certain folks and I know there are anglers out there that could possibly be surprised that someone targeting panfish is not utilizing a box full of nymphs or foam flies.

Here are a few large flies I use for panfish.

Smallmouth Gotcha 

Shucker (a few posts on this pattern exist).

Kraft’s Hellgrammite 

Hada’s Creek Crawler

Stalcups Crazydad

Mohawk Sculpin

A lot of the panfish I catch are Rock Bass and have large mouths.  But I also have caught a number of panfish species with smaller mouths on bass hooks such as Kraft’s Hellgrammite which I mainly use an Allen Bass Hook #10 or even a larger Gamakatsu.  Even with foam flies, I’ll use a bass hook and those panfish will become hooked.

Some of my largest Smallmouth have been caught on small flies.  Some of my biggest panfish have been caught on large flies.  Panfish can be aggressive and hit almost anything but sometimes, you’ve got to tune in on them.  When folks think crappie, most of the times they will go to a streamer.  Well, if you’ve got a crappie selection, maybe switch those over to another species.  Who knows, you could load up a stringer full of Green Sunfish.  I mean anything is possible right?  One day on a dingy pond, I caught a bunch of crappie on a Boogle Bug one day.  Hasn’t happened since.  
Hopefully, this post will help you land a few more panfish or maybe get you to think about changing up your fly box.

Simms Ripraps Review

After wearing my Simms Ripraps for several years, they’ve begun to show wear.  I absolutely love them.  Light and flexible (after breaking then in), the Ripraps were a huge change of pace from Korkers and other wading boots.  I would’ve worn tennis shoes but I encounter slick stuff like limestone.  The Ripraps enabled me to cover ground a lot quicker than heavy boots and neoprene socks.  I tried my Keens but pebbles are painful.  

I made sure the Ripraps fit well but not too snug at the fly shop.  Honestly, my legs didn’t tire out near as much with those on such as with whatever wading  boots I’ve owned.  

Felt soles are incorporated into the bottoms and places for studs.  After several years of 2-4 wade fishing outings and up to 4 times a week for a month or so, the outer layer on the material is flaking off.  But they did spend some time drying in the sun and sometimes, I couldn’t get them dried out for several days.  Probably coulda done a little better taking care of them.

Honestly, if it wasn’t for the Simms Flyweights, I would buy another pair.  They can still be found online.  I’m gonna break in my Simms Flyweights as I use the last life left in my Ripraps this fall.  I’ll also do a review on the Flyweights but break-in time is going to take a while.

Whether it be shoe or boot or portage shoes, the Ripraps have been my favorite stream footwear.  They have a removable foam insert that provides comfort all day.

Since the Ripraps are being phased out, you can probably find them at an affordable price.

Blue Halo Fly Rod Review 8’ #6

I built an 8’ 6 weight Blue Halo fly rod with components from Proof Fly Fishing.  While I always purchase components from Proof,  I’ve never had a Blue Halo rod much less BH blanks.

I already built an Epic 686 which to me is a moderate to fast rod.  The Berkley Buccaneer and Berkley Talisman are older rods with a good ol’ sweet feel to them.  Slower glass with a deep bend.  I rebuilt the Talisman and it is such a joy when playing big Smallies.  I like building rods and wanted to know about Blue Halo quality and performance.  And since they have Fast and Slow blanks, I went with something more relaxed or slow - and I built that Epic just last year.  

The quality is pretty good.  Lots of clarity in the rod.  Ferrules seem to be reinforced and have plugs.  A nice and smooth and glossy finish.  Worth the money.
  
The performance is great.  It’s a slow rod for sure but not a buggy whip and definitely not as slow as an Eagle Claw Featherlight.  It almost feels a mix between my Fenwick 805 and Berkley Talisman.  The rod loads well with SA Panfish which is a 5/6 line.  It also loads Rio Bass #6 exceptionally well but I may purchase a regular 6 or Rio Smallmouth line.  That Rio Bass seems a bit zingy for me even on the EC Featherlight.


Along with some rebuilds, I’ve built on Epic, Proof, Lamiglas and Haldin.  I’ve got McFarland and North Fork Composites (GLoomis) blanks waiting to be built.  And I definitely recommend Blue Halo.
Email me at rzrbk804@yahoo.com if you have any questions.

Luxurious Bastard - beard balms & stuff.

Think I have 14 tins of product from Luxurious Bastard.  Great stuff.  I’ve had product from a number of suppliers and this in my opinion, is the best beard basin and oil you can buy.  Everyone has their preference but you guys just gotta get out there and try stuff to figure out what is good for your beard.  

The biggest reasons I love - yes love - his product is the hold and scent.  Think his name is Shawn.  Forgot.  But he is a small operation and therefore doesn’t have to charge what he honestly could set the price point.  His stuff goes quick.  He puts out a product alert before Sunday which is when his items drop.  He will do specialized runs or custom blends based on your specific request.  Thing is, you gotta be quick because he doesn’t make the same stuff every week.  He has regular items that do pop up again and again.  

I would say his most popular and what probably put him on the map is the 1912 Bastard.  And yes,  Bastard is incorporated in every labeled scent.  There are product reviews on YouTube.  I suggest looking them up.

I’ve noticed some of my friends have grown a goat or beard since the quarantine began.  When I began Substitute Teaching, I didn’t want to seem so “rough around the edges” around kids, parents and teachers.  So, I decided to actually shave regularly and tame my beard.  Which is a goat but blows up into a beard.

I began using beard oils and then moved into balms to tame the goat as it grew into something I had to cut length off.  It made me feel better about myself to groom the beard everyday and utilize something with a proper manly scent.

I use this unscented balm on days that I fish so that scent won’t transfer from my hands to flies.  I like products from the Luxurious Bastard, Lone Bear, Burt’s Bees, Grave Before Shave, Bearded Fox and more.  

If you don’t already know, balms and oils are pretty easy to use.  Just look at some videos and reviews.  Won’t hurt to groom that thing.