For a new perspective...

This is a test to find out if everything really is better with bacon.

Click on the link below to try Minion Flyfishing with, you got it, bacon!

http://bacolicio.us/http://minionflyfishing.blogspot.com

REMEMBER, Curli, it's only a picture. Don't try to lick the screen!

Courtesy of Buster Wants To Fish.

Why visit Yellowstone?

By Craig Matthews, broadcast on internet radio 12/17/08

http://www.askaboutflyfishing.com/#

Question

Coach,

I have begun tying I would to know some key flies to tie for next season on the West Branch. I was thinking maybe some stimulator's or maybe some Pink Comets.

Curli

What Up for Dec. 27th?

Will I need a flyrod or a flintlock?

Will I be traveling to Bear Lake or Bellefonte?

Will I be drinking Beer or Basil Hayden?

These are just a few of the questions inquiring minds want to know...

It is officially Fly Tying season...

Well the weather outside is downright depressing, what with the unifishable moisture accumulating all around.



Time to dust off the old vise, dig up the various materials and commence with makin' some serious fish cathingest temptations of the old steel and feather.


Soon you'll have trimmings of fur, feather and strange synthetic stuffs strewn all around on the nearby carpet and furnishings.

You and and yours will start to find the lost hooks that disappeared off the desk. Unfortunately you'll find them with your various feets and other body parts.

When the initial flurry of creativity has subsided, you'll be forced to look for other sources of inspiration, jrink and such works for some...

Thus inspired, you will no doubt create incredible feats of fly tying awesomeness. These beauties will be sure to work in that certain secret run on the river of note not to be named. Hatch?, who needs a hatch when you're fishing with babies like these? The trouts and basses will be shanking each other in the back for the priveledge of tasting these bestest of flies.

May your tying sessions be fruitful and the children of your vise be more than can be counted.

Last but not least, remember the incredibly good karma that results from sharing with your friends.

Happy Holidays!

New Fishing License Fees in NY

This just in,

NY State wants extra $10 from trout anglers
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
By David Figura
Outdoors editor @ Syracuse.com

Trout and salmon anglers next year will have to pay an extra $10 for a special trout/salmon stamp to enjoy their sport under the proposed budget released Tuesday by Gov. David Paterson.
That's on top of their $19 general fishing license.
The governor's budget also includes a new $19 marine fishing license fee for saltwater anglers, but it's the trout/salmon stamp that should catch the attention of Central New York sportsmen and women.

NY Governor David Paterson

The DEC's slice of Paterson's budget reflects $91.8 million in cuts from the department's current $1.17 billion in expenditures. A big chunk of that would come from a proposed $50 million reduction in the state's Environmental Protection Fund, which is dedicated to paying for environmental initiatives.

The governor's budget includes department wide cuts of 10 percent. Those cuts include the dropping of 240 positions "through implementation of a hiring freeze and general attrition."
Apart from the trout/salmon stamp and the new marine fishing license, there were no other new fees announced for outdoor-sports enthusiasts.

Analysis: NY has a strage way of showing support for its outstanding fishing and hunting opportunities. Despite the revenue and recreational value of these resources NY seems to focus all efforts on appeasing the small island portion at the lower southeast corner of the state. Apparently, if something is not good for The City it is no good for New York State. A dramatically cut NYDEC will no doubt lose any influence it had in determining a favorable outcome to the "water war" conflict ongoing in the Delaware River watershed.

Johno's X-mas Wishlist

Outdoor Research's Overlord Gloves...
Specially requested review:

At a mere 130 smackeroos these gloves must be something truly special.
Purposed for technical weapons handling during patrol and combat operations, these smart looking gloves are made from leather and stretch Nomex. This construction offers both protection from flash fires and the fine dexterity required for technical operations scenarios.
The incorporation of digital leather knuckles insures that your phlanges are properly protected when laying the smackdown on adversaries. An integrated wrist stirrup provides additional support while allowing full motion. Proudly made in the USA

At best these are some sweet looking gloves. Their best features, however, are not designed for the hardships normally encountered during approved Minion activities, unless another flying monkey flaming poo fight is on the agenda.

Recommendation: Approved for holiday gift giving, for the tactical afficionado who has everything else.

Fishing Reel Flask

Just what you always needed, a flask for partaking in a wee dram, that looks just like a fishing fly fishing reel. The perfection is the supreme example of shock and awe.
Avaiable at: http://www.gifts4fishing.com/English-Pewter/c45/p511/Fishing-Reel-Flask/product_info.html

Recommendation: THE gift for the angler who has everything.

Under Armour Sponsorship DENIED!

After laboring under a strict deadline and duress, the request to Under Armour for sponsorship of the 2009 Minion Trout Assault Weekend has been officially denied.
Here's the REJECTION letter verbatim:

Dear Coach:
We wanted to take the time to thank you for your sponsorship request and your interest in Under Armour. Due to the volume of requests that we receive and our limited sponsorship budget, we are forced to be very selective in the sponsorship process.We do recognize the value of your request as well as the opportunities that come with it. However, at this time we are unable to accommodate your needs.We wish you the best of luck with your upcoming efforts and events. Thank you again for your interest and best wishes.Sincerely,Under Armour Sponsorship/Corporate Giving Division

Any other suggestions for sponsors?

The Steelie Rod You Always Wanted

Only $265 at Whitakers

ORVIS - TLS Power Matrix 10' 7-wt. Tip Flex 4 PieceExtra length with mid-flex power and touch make this an ideal travel rod.-Woven graphite reel insert, anodized aluminum hardware. -High-strain, high-impact graphite for power and accuracy. -New thermoplastic-enriched thermoset-resin/scrim matrix (same as T3) for power and durability. -Proven TLS compound tapers. -Durable aluminum oxide stripping guide, chrome snake guides and tip top.-Durable protective finish. -AA grade cork grip. -Hard case covered in high denier nylon with nylon-lined internal dividers. -Made in Manchester, Vermont. -25-Year Guarantee.

River View House

Found this on YOUTUBE today...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZ2X702Yie4

This is the place Nori & I stayed at this summer in Craig, MT
We stayed in the lower level.

Too cool...

A Handy Assist for Tactical Smokeless Tobacco

The Blade-Tech Tactical Can Pouch!

For the dipper who has everything.

Very handy for those who "lose" their tin on a regular basis.

On sale now @ 20% off @ http://www.blade-tech.com/TCP-Tactical-Can-Pouch-pr-1156.html#product_images

Recommendation: holiday gift approved.

Sweeeeet Softshell...

Before committing to a new Patagonia or North Face shell check out the high speed, low drag outerwear at TAD Gear.

This is their "Robin Hoodie."

The TAD product description:
The Robin Hoodie is another style in our popular and growing "Street Discreet" product line. This style has a great cut for every day wear around town, and the sharp looks of fine men's designer wear. However, unlike most other brands, our pieces perform as great as they look.
We use the finest technical performance fabrics and core outdoor construction to maximize the versatility and usability of the SoftShell Robin Hoodie. The 2L Sharkskin is a classic weight for cooler temps , high breathability, and overall every day comfort around town or a walk thru the woods. Water resistant, wind proof outer shell with DWR, and backed with soft next to skin technical poly fleece. As most of our outerwear pieces, we feature numerous useful pockets for all of our modern personal accessories from iPods to cell phones. When you see this jacket in person for the first time take a close look at the fine subtle details; invisible stitched pockets, roomy hood, high neck integrated collar, and more. Without our Velcro loop swatches on the sleeves, the look of our Robin Hoodie series is decidedly more refined, yet fully capable. The Sharkskin Softshell has a great drape and body, the fit is tailored, yet allows for CCW without obvious printing, and enhances any outfit you wear it with.

Find it at: http://tadgear.com/x-treme%20gear/apparel%20main/robin_hoodie_ss.htm

Recommendation: holiday gift approved.

Survival Bracelet

In case of emergency unravel to access up to 20 feet of paracord.

This item while very stylish, would be extremely useful for tying up drunken Johno just before he starts threatening to start a knife fight.

See it at Survival Straps http://www.survivalstraps.com/survivalbracelets.html

Approved for Christmas gift giving!

Vally Forge Convention Center Gun Show

December 20 - 22

VALLEY FORGE GUN SHOW
Valley Forge Gun Collectors

A gun show in the Truest American Tradition. Buy - Sell - Trade, Modern and Antique firearms, ammunition, military surplus, and much more. Free parking, Free appraisals.

610-975-0877

www.valleyforgegunshow.com

Show Dates and Times:
12/19 (Friday) - 4pm to 8pm
12/20 (Saturday) - 9am to 5pm
12/21 (Sunday) - 9am to 4pm

Admission cost: Adults - $9 Children under 12 - Free

This Is Fly Issue 13 is out!

This Is Fly Issue 13...

Make sure you launch the mix tape of unusual Christmas music.

Check out Stu's Orgasmic World Famous Fly Shop on page 23

http://www.stusflyshop.com/default.asp

The list of Chistmas gifts is also inspiring, you can get me number one and Nori wants number 11

Enjoy!

http://www.thisisfly.com/

Discovered at Glacier National Park...

Budweiser and/or Bud Light mixed with Clamato juice, Chelada.

It appears to be AB's translation of a traditional Mexican drink, ala beer with lime and salt. Chelada translates roughly to, "my cold beer." And it is in a tallboy can!
Couldn't resist urge to try! Opted for the Bud Light Chelada.
Transported back to motel room and experienced, very interesting.
Definitely not like a bloody mary, more like fizzy watered down Clamato juice.
Might have been a bit better with a shot or two of Tabasco, but none was at hand.

Recommendation: may accompany a breakfast burrito quite well and may suit some as "hair of the dog" for particularly rough morning afters. Other than that, you're on your own.
But then again, it is in a can...

The BIG one...

Unfortunately I have, ahem "responsibilities" this weekend.
I'll have to live through the Minions vicariously on this one.
Have fun!

At the Harrisburg Farm Show Complex...

February 7th thru 15th the one and only Sportsmans Show!
I'm up for a combo fishing / show trip in the H'burg area.
Curli's place for the meet?

http://www.sport.reedexpo.com/App/homepage.cfm?moduleid=1867&appname=100280