Welcome New Minions

I will take this opportunity to officially welcome the two most recent additions to the Minions, the spritely "Bear,"

and the always affable raconteur Richard "Dick" Carroll. 

May their blog contributions be both pointed and obtuse.

SIMMS FRESTONE WADERS

A year ago this past week end I was involved in a steel head trip to the Salmon River. After this trip it was decided that I needed to invest in a new pair of waders. I did some research and decided to order a pair of Simms freestone waders primarily for the fact that Simms claim to fame is that they are the only manufacturer of waders in the United States. The waders came in in a box labeled Boseman Montana, I tried them on and put them in a box. On a trip to spring creek the next week this tag was observed.

I contacted Simms and explained my disposition and they told me that the only way they could compete on the market was to go over seas with the freestone line and that they would exchange the waders for a different line made in the USA. However they did not say that it would be at the expense of the small fly shop where i ordered them. So I decided to leave the issue at that until now. After having the waders for less than one year they are leaking large quantities of water from the seams which is a lovely surprise when on a trip to the Salmon River in less than favorable temperatures.

Kel-Tec Shotgun (KSG)

Kel-Tec Shotgun: I want one!

Check out the Kelt-Tec webpage for details.

Today's Catch

A break in the weather permitted a couple hours on the water.

This just in...

AnglerSurvey.com has posted the list of the most popular fishing equipment purchased during 2010. And the winners are:
* Top rod and reel combo brand: Shakespeare (23.6% of all purchases)
* Top fishing line producer: Berkley (12.8% of all purchases)
* Top hard bait brand: Rapala (25.7% of all purchases)
* Top soft bait brand: Zoom (13.3% of all purchases)
* Top spinner bait brand: Strike King (16.7% of all purchases)
* Top hook brand: Eagle Claw/Lazer Sharp (28% of all purchases)
* Top sinker brand: generic (29.7%), Water Gremlin (12% of all purchases)
* Top fly rod brand: LL Bean (25.6% of all purchases)
* Top fly reels brand: Orvis (17.5% of all purchases)
* Top fly combo brand: Pfleuger (6.5% of all purchases)
* Top fly line brand: Rio (32.1% of all purchases)
* Top fly leader brand: Rio (31.2% of all purchases)
* Top fly tying material brand: Wapsi (14% of all purchases)
* Top fish finder or sonar brand: Humminbird (34.7% of all purchases)
* Top tackle box brand: Plano (45.5% of all purchases)
* Top landing net brand: Frabill (33.4% of all purchases)
* Top fishing knife brand: Rapala (22.4% of all purchases)



Read more: http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/illinois-outdoors/2011/02/top-fishing-equipment-brands-for-2010.html#ixzz1FCN3WsPt

New Fly Fishing Show coming to a T.V. near YOU?

West Branch Resort Video

You'll want to turn down the volume on this trip report for Browns on the Upper W.B.

Brown Trout in the Morning from West Branch Angler on Vimeo.

Deadliest Catchiest

A new fishing crew member of the popular TV show “Deadliest Catch” was found dead in a motel room in Alaska, the police reported on Wednesday.


‘Deadliest Catch’ is a Discovery channel reality series. One of its ships called Time Bandit, where Justin Tennison had worked, films the crab fishing industry in the treacherous waters off Alaska.

Authorities said Tennison was found dead in Homer on Tuesday afternoon. Lt. Randy Rosencrans, a Homer officer, said they discovered beer, hard liquor and small quantity of marijuana inside the room.

Two rooms were listed under the name of Tennison and guests staying near the rooms had complained about loud noise. Police supposed a party was being held Monday night in the motel room.

Discovery spokesman Josh Weinberg said Tennison’s posthumous debut will be on the series’ upcoming season that is scheduled to start in April. A statement posted on the official website of Time Bandit said that Justin was tough as a bull and was an all-around good hand.

Weinberg released a statement that says Discovery was disheartened by the news. They are sending their sympathies to his family, as well as his fellow crew members during these tough times.

On Wednesday afternoon, the cause of Tennison’s death was still unknown. Rosencrans informed that foul play is not suspected. Later Wednesday, an autopsy was performed by the state medical examiner’s office.

Tennison’s death comes more than a year after the “Deadliest Catch” fishing vessel Cornelia Marie Captain Phil Harries died of a massive stroke at the age of 53.

Friday Bacon!

Something to freshen your breath prior to your big night out on the town...

the reason you freshen your breath prior to a big night on the town.

Somebody told me there are 2 beautiful women in this picture.  I didn't notice.  All I saw was bacon:-)

Tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow; Can you say RUGBY?

11:30 am = Pregame Festivities
12:00 noon to 2:00 pm = THE MAIN EVENT, ENGLAND vs. france
All the glorious awesomeness can be found on BBC America