Happy New Year!

Or is it Johno celebrating a "Happy Nude Year"?



Goodbye to a mortifying 2009 and hello to a bright and shiny 2010!

sunday, Sunday, SUNDAY!

This Sunday @ 9:00 am EST, the new bonefishing show, "Pirates of the Flats" premiers on
ESPN 2 & ESPN HD.

Here's the schedule:
Episode 1: 9am, Sunday, December 27, 2009
Episode 2: 9am, Sunday, January 2, 2010
Episode 3: 9am, Sunday, January 9. 2010
Episode 4: 9am, Sunday, January 16, 2010
Episode 5: 9am, Sunday, January 23, 2010
Episode 6: 9am, Sunday, January 30, 2010

The new show, much needed during this winter's noticeable absence of fly fishing related tv programming, stars such notables as Tom McGuane, Lefty Kreh, Yvon Chouinard and R. Valentine Atkinson and is narated by the affable Tom Brokaw.

Some out-takes and bloopers courtesy of "Garden and Gun"

And remember, no jokes about "bonefish" pirates.

Fly Focus Video Trailer

The music is a little dramatic, but some nice footage...

R.A. Beattie does some "Winter Fly Fishing in Colorado"

Winter Fly Fishing in Colorado from RA Beattie on Vimeo.

Almost makes you want to head over to Spring Creek at 15 degrees...

Friday Bacon Christmas Edition!

In this season many people find themselves getting caught up in the commercialization and frenzied gift giving. It is easy to forget the reason for the season. So I ask you, if you find yourself lost in the chaos of the season, ask yourself one question……. WWBD.

Brought to you by someone who is still trying, Minion Associate, Southern Gent!

If this doesn't make you want to travel to New Zealand...

nothing will.

Sammy & Tom Go Fishing for Trout

No not that Tom.

This is how they rolled back in the 60's, glad we don't have to go through these laborious preparations.
Good thing we don't need the Welsh Guard to launch, although it would be pretty cool...

The One

This is a place the Minion Team ought to travel to.
I wonder if there are fly fishing rugby players in Argentina who might be able to hook a brother up?

Deer In Boat Video

This must be one of Curli's deer, wait for it...

New Spey/Switch Cast Video

This is apparently how it is done...

Cheers!

A big bacon-a-lishous stein of home brewed goodness to you this fine snowy Friday evening!

Remember, don't drink and blog...

Minion Approved Christmas Gifts!

All good life coaches deserve a Yeti cooler!

We all lose our headlamps or could at least really appreciate a new, cool one like the Petzl Tactica.

For the young, up and coming anglers in your life, trout crayons!River Rock patterned scissors would make a nice stocking stuffer.

A matching River Rock fly box would make a nice under-the-tree present.

Some of our more colorful friends would surely appreciate Rainbow Trout patterned forceps.

I'm still convince the the Nip-N-Knot is the best nipper ever made.

A Metz hackle gauge would be perfect for your friends who tye flies.

Your buddy who sherpas your butt down the river on a regular basis could sure use a spare anchor like this one from Hyde.

And all drift boat owners could use, and would surely appreciate a "custom" cover for their river steed.

A Brown Trout patterned hair stacker would sure come in handy too.

The following interesting items were mostly found at Triple Aught Designs:

A fine looking and uniquely styled water bottle,

A super old timey Stanley brand flask for your preferrred warming fluid,

A real Skeleton Key to open the important things in life,

A tiny NATO Survial Kit compass to help you find your way when all else is lost,

A proper floor mat to welcome trespassers to the man-cave,

And finally a sharp pair of gaiters, because sometimes your poo kickers just aren't quite high enough to keep it from seeping in the tops.

Please remember to shop safely, and wisely!

More Xtranormal...

Here's a Casting Video for Stew!

Off to Camp Tomorrow!

Photo of the "Sand Springs Camp" from the Pennsylvania Game News.
Off to deer camp tomorrow for the opening day Monday ritual of sitting in the rain while waiting for an unfortunate buck to wander by. It really is mostly a ceremony celebrating the outdoors with your best friends and relations. The occasional bonus of a winter's worth of fine venison meals does add to the attraction of the venture. Familiar people in familiar places does warm the heart and reassure that things are still right with the world.

Cheers to all of you donning your finest Pennsylvania Tuxedos for the opener on Monday!

Black Friday Deals!

Not much cooking today so I'm hiding out at the ol' puter digging up some deals for the Minions:

Cloudveil's High Tech Clutch Polo for $30 smackeroos...
http://www.cloudveil.com/backroom/mens/tops/clutch+polo+ss+shirt--9147/

Wheatley Green or Blue Anodized Swingleaf Fly boxes for $29.99
http://www.jsflyfishing.com/cgi-bin/item/OF-903215-0000/99910/Richard-Wheatley-Custom-Anodized-Aluminum-Swingleaf-Fly-Box-Shell.html

Sage's Xi2 9' 10 wt. for $469.95
Abel's Super Series Large Arbor for 5 wt. $349.95
Smith "Headwater" Polarized Glasses $39.95
http://www.mrfc.com/MadisonRiverShopping/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=4

Chota's STL Plus Wading Boots for $80.95
http://www.fireflyoutfitters.com/catalog.php?show=all&s=no&p=9.22

10% off EVERYTHING Special
http://www.hookhack.com/specialoffers.html

Simms Classic Guide Vest for $59.98
http://www.redtruckflyfishing.com/Fly-Fishing-Vests-On/c355100-3-1/

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving Minions!
Perhaps she should have used a higher SPF lotion?

Why can't we all just get along? Hah!

Check out the two videos, crunchy funny!

http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/5461551/

Enjoy!

Friday Bacon!

This weekend's diet breakfast.

The world's smallest bacon!

I know this is likely the weakest Friday Bacon post this year. I need help. Somebody please pick up the slack!

There may be good water near this job?

Sales Representative
New England Wood Pellet LLC - Deposit NY Facility

New England Wood Pellet LLC seeks a full-time Sales Representative to oversee all sales activity at its planned state-of-the-art 100,000 ton per year wood pellet manufacturing plant in Deposit, New York.
New England Wood Pellet is the largest distributor and manufacturer of wood pellet fuel in the northeastern U.S., and is growing rapidly.
This is a challenging professional position with advancement opportunity for the right individual. The position will report to the General Manager for Procurement and Sales at the company’s corporate headquarters in Jaffrey NH, and work closely with sales staff located at other company facilities in Jaffrey NH and Schuyler NY. The position will work out of the Deposit plant facility, scheduled to begin construction in November 2009 and to commence operations in late 2010.

• In close coordination with the sales team, develop and implement a sales strategy for the production volume of the Deposit Wood Pellet plant.
Responsibilities
• Cultivate, recruit, and support a network of retail dealers in southern NY (including metro NYC and Long Island), PA, NJ, western CT and elsewhere in the mid-Atlantic region, with a strong emphasis on unparalleled customer service
• Negotiate creative sales and marketing and distribution strategies that complement direct retail sales
• Work closely with retailers and our customer service department to address and resolve product quality issues that may arise
• Promote the use of wood pellet fuel through a marketing campaign that may include advertising through mass and electronic media, cooperative marketing with retailers, public presentations, and other creative approaches
• Build and promote bulk wood pellet fuel sales and distribution, in cooperation with New England Wood Pellet’s Propell Energy subsidiary
• Be the principle public relations representative for the Deposit facility, to include involvement in community events, industry promotional activities, public policy development, local/state/regional regulatory affairs, and other activities
• Assist with other responsibilities at the Deposit facility as needed, to potentially include shipping logistics, wood procurement and other tasks as directed by the General Manager

Required Qualifications
• At least 3 years of proven experience in sales and marketing
• Excellent proven communication skills, both written and oral
• Excellent proven interpersonal and negotiating skills
• Proven ability to work cooperatively as a member of a company-wide sales team
• Efficient, focused work habits and ability to be highly productive with minimal day-to-day direct supervision
• Ability to work occasional nights and weekends, and travel extensively

Desired Qualifications
• 2 or 4 year degree in sales, marketing, communications, business or related degree
• Management and supervisory experience
• Strong personal commitment to and knowledge about renewable biomass thermal energy
• Strong familiarity with the geography of the multi-state region surrounding Deposit

Salary and Benefits
This is a salaried professional position. Starting salary negotiable based on experience. New England Wood Pellet offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that includes health, dental, 401K, paid vacation and holidays, and full reimbursement of travel expenses. New England Wood Pellet is an equal opportunity employer.

Application Procedure
Please submit cover letter, resume, representative writing samples, and contact information for three references to:
Sales Representative Search
New England Wood Pellet LLC
PO Box 532
Jaffrey NH 03452

Application Deadline: November 30, 2009
Please, no phone calls.

This is how they Roll in Merry Old England

News from Kentucky

Minion acquaintance does well on very recent Kentucky whitetail hunt:
This is the one you see after the one you harvest.

The harvest is pretty darn nice as well.

Well done Mr. W.

2009 Films

You've got to watch the fine fishin' filmsmanship at:

http://www.drakemag.com/videos/2009-films

Enjoy!

Friday Bacon!

Pegging the bacon awthum meter!

Bacon flavored "rolling papers." I assume they are used for rolling your own cigarettes.


A baby riding a bacon winged unicorn!
Baby photo tastfully submitted by Southern Gent, (Associate Minion.)
Rolling papers photo found randomly...

Happy Friday the 13th!

Veterans Day

Today we recognize our Veterans, heroes all.


We honor and remember the gallant patriots, both past and present, who have answered our nation's call to duty in both war and peace.

Thank you!

Best Music of the Decade?

Check it out:

http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/lists/2009/11/the-best-albums-of-the-decade.html

Enjoy for FREE!

Somewhere near Yuengling, PA

Some bird huntin' took place this weekend.
Despite some naysayers aspersions, these boys and girl put the smackdown on some PA upland game this weekend.
Juno looks regal with her fine over-under and essentials bag.

Juno brings Curli a chukkar she has recently caught.
Juno then brings Johno a pheasant she caught.
Juno poses with Curli and the day's catch.
Juno looks on nervously as she poses with John and the day's catch.

Juno is some kinda dog, no?

Stimulus Project Update...

From the boatlaunch,
and the front yard,
then the basement,
and the guest bedroom,
from inside the front door,
and the great room ceiling,
and even from behind the garge,
this house is taking a LONG, LONG time to build.

This project has "saved" at least 650,000 jobs!

Hemingway Movie!

Fly fishing insiders are rumor-mongering that Andy Garcia will direct a new film staring Anthony Hopkins as Ernest Hemingway.

Internet rumors imply that the film is scheduled to be released in 2010. Allegedly titled "Hemingway & Fuentes", the film chronicles Hemingway's Cuba years when he committed to paper, "The Old Man and the Sea", befriended Gregorio Fuentes, and fell in love with his 3rd wife.

Will we see Anthony Hopkins taking game fish on a fly rod, or are they going to hire a stunt fly caster as producers did for "A River Runs Through It"?

Hanibal as Hemingway, we'll see how Mr. Hopkins pulls that off.

The Minions are available for casting lessons!

Friday Bacon!

Proof that bacon is the food that makes other food worth eating:


Bacon wrapped scallops!


Bacon wrapped hot dogs!


Bacon wrapped breadsticks!


Bacon wrapped asparagus!


Bacon wrapped apple slices!

Good day to you sirs!

Catch Magazine #8

Enjoy fantastic photography of yet more places I can't afford to travel to.

http://www.catchmagazine.net/

Oy!

April Vokey-Maris

Siloam Springs, Ark. – Lefty Kreh, Barry & Cathy Beck and April Vokey, (Maris’s girlfriend!?), were on hand to commemorate the closing of multiple trout streams for private / exclusive use by Spring Valley Anglers’ members.

Adam Maris, yes Roger is his cousin, is quite proud of his brainchild, “like a country club for golf, but for fylfishing.” It is now the largest club in the country, with 63 properties, 152 miles of private waters and 58,000 acres of private land for hunting in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming and Florida. Members of the exclusive club pay dues of $334 a month, (there are still a few memberships available.)

Maris’s buddy Phil Napolitan is the club’s Vice President.

Yes, this Tulsa boy has done well….

Kreh remarked, “I wish there were more young men like him. If there were I don't think our country would be in the kind of mess it's going to be in."