Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Hank Patterson's Holiday Extravaganza

Chet's nuts roasting on an open flame...

Chet's nuts tickling your nose.

Monday, December 24, 2012

Aspen Extreme's Home Water?

Yampa, Dabba, Doo!!!

YAMPA DABBA DOO!!! from Tatrofish Films on Vimeo.

A little weather appropriate feeshing footage...

Merry Christmas Minions!

Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the land, not a creature was stirring, except Minions tying up a fresh batch of Gink & Gasoline's "Christmas Tree" flies.



Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight!

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Dooms Day Avertted?

With the apocalypse being avertted perhaps it is time to concentrate on the important things such as planning our next steelhead trip and maybe a new years outing on spring creek?

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Hooke goes to Pulaski

Kinda sorta looks just like one of our trips, except for the fire...

Fly Fishing Vibes Pulaski + Hooké! from HOOKÉ on Vimeo.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Minion Gifting Ideas

Sadly this holiday season has a distinct lack of really cool stuff that I really must have.
However, there are several capital ideas that are shared below:

Abel nippers and appropriate nipper lanyard - a little pricey, but who doesn't want them?


A laser-awesome t-shirt from Stripn' Flywear,

A sommelier's tool from CRKT,

Appropriate art from Derek DeYoung,



Titanium goodness from Acosta Designs,



Who doesn't need a new "lumbar" pack, Westwater from Fishpond,

A bottle opener and remote target from Larue Tactical,


The Lawn Trout game,

Lighted barbecue tongs,

Nip n' Sip from Loon,
 
 A customized/personalized beverage dispensing service,

A tactical earpiece for your iPhone,

For those who need more "bangin'" in their britches, shotshell boxers,

A 60 round mag, just in case,

A custom granite vise base,

And finally toasting vessels for celebratory libations.
Happy Chriskwanzfestimas!

World Peace...

is my wish for the holiday season. I know, I know, wishful thinking. How about just a little "peace" streamside then?
Reposted from way back in 2009;
What is fishing etiquette?

Etiquette is simply following commonly held social conventions. Some of these social conventions or rules are well known, others, not so much. The intention of this article isn’t to create a formal written code, but rather to put some generally held ideas about good angling behavior in writing so that we can all have an enjoyable day on the river.

First, consider these two questions; “How do I want to be treated?,” and “How does common sense apply?” Answering these two questions will cover just about all possible fishing situations and the answers can usually be easily applied to insure that everyone can have a pleasant and relaxing angling experience. Some guidelines for peaceful coexistence between anglers enjoying the Upper Delaware River system are shared below.

Boat Launching: Let’s start where boaters start, at the boat ramp. So you’ve decided to launch at the Norbord Pool and a crowd has gathered there at the “ramp.” Other drift boats, canoes, kayaks or pontoon boats will also be waiting to launch. There may also be other vehicles, tourists, anglers and commercial traffic in the area. To keep things moving along efficiently and without conflict it’s important that everyone respect their position in line and their time on the ramp. Rig and load your boat before you back down the “ramp.” If you are not ready and there are others waiting, it is respectful and polite to let them move ahead of you in the launch queue. Once you have launched your boat, quickly move it off to the side so that others can launch safely. When there is a current, the downstream side of the ramp is the more efficient choice, that way you won’t interfere with launching activities when you get underway. Remember to park well away from the “ramp” to avoid potential incidents and to ease access. When in doubt, ask for advice.

Passing Others: You are now underway and enjoying the best fishing East of the Mississippi. You are approaching a wading angler, and you must plan ahead for how to get past them while minimizing the disturbance you create. The best choice is to pass behind them. Avoid rowing while passing unless it is required to keep control of your boat. If the water is too shallow to float, quietly get out of the boat and, as quietly as possible, walk your boat behind them. Be a good sport and don’t fish the wader’s area as you pass, poaching on a wader’s spot will cause conflict that none of us need, and besides, you’ll be down river quickly and be able to start fishing again. When in doubt, the wading angler always has the right of way. Occasionally there won’t be enough space to pass behind the other angler. There are several ways to resolve this troubling situation. First, you can hug the opposite bank if the river is wide enough to avoid the water he or she is fishing. Another option is to pass close to him or her on the center river side. Last option, get out and drag the boat behind him or her. Wading anglers can and often will step back toward the bank to let a boat through without disturbing the water they are fishing. When in doubt, and to maintain cordial relations, always ask the wading angler for their preference.

 Downstream from the wading fisher you approach another boat. When the other boat is anchored, and its occupants are obviously fishing on one side, pass far on the other side. If you can’t tell, or aren’t sure, ask which side they prefer that you pass on. Always give as wide a berth as possible and avoid unnecessarily disturbing the area. The same rules apply when overtaking a drifting boat. This however, should be a very rare occurrence as respectful boaters do not race downriver passing others to get to the hotspots first. If the occupants are fishing to one side, pass on the opposite side, again giving as wide a berth as possible. When passing actively fishing boats, giving a wide berth, besides being considerate, will also keep you out of the way of their casting and prevent an accidental hooking. Remember that the vessel being overtaken always has the right of way. Again, when in doubt ask. Don’t’ Cut In: It is very bad form to cut in front of an overtaken boat and poach their run. Continue down river a considerate distance, best case, all the way to the next pool or riffle, before you begin fishing. If you really want to fish the water occupied by a boat or a wading fisher, hold your boat back and wait for them to move on.

Some other tips to help us all get along: Please don’t ever horn in on someone else’s fishing spot unless invited. It is usually best to not ask for permission. Everyone will have a better experience if you find an alternative area to fish. Don’t anchor or fish within casting range of another angler. Since you don’t know how far they are capable of casting, a good assumption is more than 100 feet. Don’t ever intentionally put down the fish, no matter how much they frustrated you, the next angler deserves a chance to be frustrated by them too.

The Upper Delaware contains spookier fish than most visitors normally encounter. Because of this it is common to fish a long downstream drift so that the target fish sees the fly first and not the leader or fly line. Anglers here normally progress downstream instead of upstream as we would expect elsewhere. If you have any doubts, a friendly conversation should easily sort it out.

Releasing Fish: Catch and release fishing is enforced downstream from the Rte. 17 overpass to the marker near Hale Eddy Bridge, but you should treat all the fish you catch with respect and limit your take as much as possible. Treating a fish with respect means: wetting your hands and net prior to handling the fish to protect its slime coating, not squeezing the fish, not toucking the fish’s gills, cutting the line close to the hook if the hook is embedded too deeply, and keeping the fish in the water as much as possible. You really don’t need to keep fish to demonstrate your skills as an angler, try taking a picture of your catch instead. These fish are way too much fun and too beautiful to only catch once.

Litter: The Upper Delaware is scenic and beautiful, let’s keep it that way. Local organizations spend hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars each year to keep the banks clean. Help them out by taking home everything that you carried in. Riverbank landowners are our hosts when fishing. Please show respect to landowner’s property. Don’t risk bank postings by leaving a mess. And yes, monofilament trimmings and cigarette butts are litter too. Do your part by picking up a few pieces of litter before you begin fishing, it is satisfying to contribute to the well being of this great resource.

Anchoring: When anchoring, drop anchor quietly, and when it’s time to move on, leave quietly. Be mindful of where you anchor. Fishing, getting a rest or a snack, are all acceptable reasons to anchor. When you do anchor, remember to select the right location. Be careful not to block prime water or a narrow channel which can make passing difficult for others.

 Darkness: Unless you have significant experience on the river and have confidence in controlling your boat after dark, don’t stay out after dark. If you do feel safe boating after nightfall, make sure you have the required safety equipment with you, and yes, all boats have the same requirements. When retrieving your boat at night, avoid shining vehicle lights or any other lights upstream. This can temporarily blind other boaters and make safe navigation much more difficult.

 Take Out: You’ve reached the Ball’s Eddy ramp to conclude your fishing adventure. While you are asking the other anglers how they did today, also ask about the order for boat retrieval. Wait your turn to take out and when it is your turn, be ready. Don’t dilly dally! Once your boat is on your trailer, pull it up and out of the way. Wait until you are out of the way to secure your tie down straps, take down your rods, pack up your garbage, take off your boots and etc. If you are waiting for your trailer to reach the ramp, encourage others to proceed ahead of you.

Usually using common sense and treating others like you’d like to be treated will result in a pleasant day of fishing. However, you will occasionally cross paths with curmudgeons and other miscreants, sometimes in waders and sometimes in another watercraft. When you do meet one of these people it doesn’t help to get excited or angry, it’ll only ruin your day. Don’t let them get you down.

Remember, this is supposed to fun and relaxing. Be safe out there!

By: Coach Charter Member of Minion Flyfishing
International Man of Leisure

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

A December Fish?

Are there any willing parties whom would like to assist me in capping off my venture off catching a trout every month of 2012. I'm thinking spring creek on Sunday perhaps. Or maybe a venture to Erie whom is posting reports using  phrases such as "red hot" one weekend soon? Also on a side note I have 10 birds left at the preserve to have released (maybe some redemption for a poor showing)  so the dogs may do their thing.

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Hank Patterson on Greenback Conversation

SPECIAL EDITION! A Tebow to the Paralyzer, right in the choad...

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

What the Buck?



B.L.U.F. (Bottom Line Up Front) this is a big deer.  Better pics to follow.

PA Coydog?




No more chasing deer for this doggy.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Wisconsin


Wisconsin has cheese curds that squeak and deer. I will drop off curds to stew before he departs for deer camp



Revised so the pictures may be seen by all sorry for the delay

Brownilicious Daydream

Interesting montage of YNP area feeshing.

Brownilicious Daydream from Chris Cutler on Vimeo.

Friday, November 16, 2012

Like the Vibe on this One by

Hooke


Hooké + Music! from HOOKÉ on Vimeo.

Friday Bacon!

Bacon Jam!
Bacon Jam Recipe courtesy of Leite's Culinaria

Ingredients 1 1/2 pounds sliced bacon, cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces 2 medium yellow onions, cut into smallish dice 3 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled 3/4 cup strongly brewed coffee 1/2 cup cider vinegar 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar, or less to taste 1/4 cup maple syrup (the real deal, please)

Directions:

1. In a large skillet over mediumish heat, cook the bacon, stirring occasionally, until the fat is rendered and the bacon is lightly browned, about 20 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to paper towel-lined plates to drain.

2. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon drippings from the skillet and reserve for another use. Add the onions and garlic to the skillet and cook until the onions are translucent, about 6 minutes. Add the coffee, vinegar, brown sugar, and maple syrup and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the skillet, for 2 minutes. Add the bacon and stir to combine.

3. If making this on a stove top, reduce the heat to a bare simmer and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the liquid almost completely evaporates and turns syrupy, 1 to 1 1/2 hours. If making this in a slow-cooker, transfer the mixture to a 6-quart slow-cooker and cook on high, uncovered, until the liquid almost completely evaporates and turns syrupy, 3 1/2 to 4 hours.

4. Let the bacon concoction cool slightly before transferring it to a food processor and pulsing until coarsely chopped. Spoon the bacon lusciousness into individual jars or other resealable containers and refrigerate for up to 4 weeks. Transfer to a pan and rewarm gently over low heat prior to indulging.

Delicious on egg snadwiches!

Monday, November 12, 2012

Behold AGAIN!

Simulated Zombie targets, fully biodegradable of course available now from Zombie Industries for the low, low price of only $89.99 plus shipping. ABle to withstand 1,000 various caliber centerfire rounds, but only a few shotgun blasts. Order now!

Behold...

the Almighty Inebriator!

Why Everyone Likes Loop!

Hot, I mean hottie!

LOOP USA!!! from Marc Crapo on Vimeo.

Saturday morning via...

Shillelagh!
Stew trying to take credit for Shillelagh's awesomeness! The game lands didn't stand a chance.

Friday, November 9, 2012

Pheasant

 
We did OK, Juneau had a great morning and  put up 6 birds  (Curli not sure how to spell her name). 
 



Thursday, November 8, 2012

I know of persons whom this may interest


Amendment 64 Passes: Colorado Legalizes Marijuana For Recreational Use

Follow the link bellow to be enlightened of this situation

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/06/amendment-64-passes-in-co_n_2079899.html


Friday, November 2, 2012

Halloween Bacon!

After the tasty bacon ranch wings at the Lightstreet Hotel, I just had to post some Halloween Bacon. The Photoshop version:
The real life version:
And a Happy Halloween to all the Minions!

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

A Little Sumpin' fromt he DSR?

The pin part not so much, but nice production fellas.

Precious Chrome from The Marble Trout on Vimeo.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Friday Bacon!

Hours Early!
A fine couples ensemble for the totally addicted twosome.  She looks good enough to eat and him, well, not my brand.
Hers and,

His!
Now no staggering around like a zombie sayin' "Must eat bacon, mmmm bacon."

From the Pittsburgh Post - Gazette

Cathy and Barry Beck...

http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/sports/hunting-fishing/couple-fly-fish-around-the-globe-year-round-658445/
I'm jealous!

Cast & Blast = Nice!

Fly Cast and Blast from Bay Street on Vimeo.

One for Bear...

the Sexy Tracy Moore.

The Sexy Tracy Moore Fly fishing the Big Horn with Montana Matt from Tracy Moore on Vimeo.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Of Fly Rods and Freedom

A nice video with a kickin' sound track I just happened upon.

of fly rods and freedom. from WY Fly media on Vimeo.

Nice brown trouts too.

New from Hank Patterson, Your Fishing Guide

Just a little tiny barn door to let a piglet out, I mean a big barn door, like a hog door is what I mean.

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Double D's first salmon


This is the video...

I wanted you guys to watch last night. Particularly impressive was the marlin's laser like targeting the fisherman's friend's noggin with the wooden rack.

Northern Most Sandy

10/21/12 - A short repast on the final morning of our most recently completed foray afield.
Stew redeemed the whole adventureless adventure with this finely wrought piece of steel.
Mr. Dunn handled the assist with aplomb.
Stew poses for the obligatory "grip and grimace."
 In this semi-comical interlude, Bear successfully, and with grace, rappels down a particularly steep and muddy creek bank using an unknown fisherperson's "donated" salmon stringer. 
I do agree that this is a much improved use for the finely crafted blue rope stringer.

No fish expired, nor were unduly injured, due to the efforts of this band of Minions.