Been a while.

Things got messed up.  But getting ready for spring fishing.  Filling the fly box. 

New Rod Build - Epic 476

I wanted to see what all the fuss is about with fiberglass rods.  So I decided to build myself one.  I saved up some money and ordered myself an Epic 476 in soo blue. 

It took about a week to get in and I was impressed. I tried an experiment with thread but it did not work out. So I ordered some YLI to wrap up the Snake Brand Guides.   Also ordered an agate stripping guy from J.E. Arguello.

One that didn't work

Much better

I decided to stick with the Ritz style handle that Zeb from Snowman Custom Rod Works showed me.  I love the feeling of this style.  It gives you a great ergonomic feeling and power.

The reel seat is nickle silver and a maple birdseye insert.

Got everything together and matched it up with a Hatch Fintastic reel.

Casting fiberglass is very different then graphite.  The Epic made my graphite feel like a broomstick.  It does take some getting use to.

I have only taken it out twice for an hour each time.  Only a little rock bass and a three inch wild brownie were landed.  So I am still waiting to see what fiberglass feels like with a decent fish on it. 

Hopefully that will come soon.  

Rises

I have been seeing a lot of bugs on the water, but I have not seen any rises. A couple here or there but not a fish that committed to eating off the top. 

That ended last Saturday.  I finally was in the right place at the right time.  Saw four fish rising in one hole. 

I cut off my nymph and picked out a dry. I was so excited that it took me five minutes to get my tippet through the eye. 

All the while the trout just kept coming up. Just adding more to my excitment. 

I finally got the fly on and cast out to them.  First drift, I had a take but no hookset. After the third cast, I got a nice little brownie in hand.  

Got to say.  Dry fly fishing is exciting and that made my day. 

Lunkerfest

Robb asked me if I was interested in going to "Lunkerfest" this year.  It's a tournament put on by a local fishing club. They stock trout from 14 to 30 inches in the Lehigh River.  With 100 tagged fish for prizes and stuff. 

I never been before so I thought I would see what it was about.  So woke up at 5am and picked Robb up around 6:30.  We went and registered around 7. 

Since fishing didn't start till 9. We went to a diner for breakfast and coffee.  We were both a little hung over and tired.  

After breakfast we headed back and found that it was packed as hell. It reminded me of salmon fishing in NY.  Definate combat fishing, which I do not do. 

We decided to stick around a bit and watch the circus. And that was exactly what it was. 

(About 200 people and 6 boats in a hole)

We waded down river from the madness but didnt get any hits. 

After a while we just left to hit another part of the river. 

I don't fish rivers much and of course got the skunk. But enjoyed the view and got to bring out the switch rod. Which is always fun even though I still have a lot to  learn to cast it. Robb even gave it a shot. 

Ended up taking Robb back and then went to meet up with my brother at a stream. 

Gotta say.  I am much better that steam fishing then rivers. First cast I had a fish on. 

Ended the day with a couple trout and Brett (brother) got five. 

Might head back to the river during the week to see if I can get any left overs from Lunkerfest.  But we'll see. 

After work session.

Got out after work yesterday.  I went to a stream I have yet to fish this year, but has been good in the past.  Within two casts I landed my first trout.   Walked down stream, casting into holes here and there.  The fish were there and they were hungry.  All fish were caught nymphing.

I did see a couple sulfurs coming off the water and was excited to finally hit a hatch. But it never developed and ended the day with nice rainbows and browns.

Took a while to figure what they wanted.

I was away on vacation last week.  Got back yesterday and wanted to get out.  

Went out today and I couldn't figure out what they wanted.  Finally got one to take an egg. After that nothing for a while. Switched up to the most natural flies I had and finally got hits again. Trying to set to hook with size 24 nymphs is not easy and I need practice on it. 

Some times the fish have to win.

Went out sat and sunday morning.  Not having much luck lately.  Was able to hook into a couple but non landed. 

I started to feel the frustration set in.  Then just looked around. Watching the wild life.  The ducks, geese, squirrels, and fish. It humbles me and just enjoy being in the outdoors. 

It was a good weekend fishing.  Wether it was by myself or with friends and family.  I love it.