Elia and I went for a walk today today, and of course I brought the fly rod! Unfortunately Elia wasn't in the mood for the backpack, so I didn't get the chance to use the flyrod. We went to a lake I know in search of a monster koi that might go 20 lbs. It has been too cold for a few months for him to be out and about, but we found him today! That fish is an absolute beast! Elia and I followed him around the lake a few times, watching the ducks and nutria swim around. Along with that massive koi we saw tons of carp, most looked to be about 8-10 lbs, but there were several larger fish in the mix, as well as a few little ones. After Elia got tired I took her home and put her down for a nap. Kelly came back a few minutes later and could see the carp-crazed look in my eyes! I quickly threw my rod in the car and rushed off to the lake.

The fish were still there, and for a couple of hours I threw flies at carp in various states. Some were cruising fast, and not interested, others seemed to be sunning, and were equally tough. Eventually I spotted a couple of slow movers and got a couple to look at the fly. I missed at least one or two of these fish before hooking up on a gold ribbed hares ear. After a couple of nice runs I got the chance to test out my new net. It works well, and the fish weighed in at 7 lbs. At this point the big koi still hadn't shown up, so I kept at it. Just a few minutes later I managed to hook a really nice fish that took me into my backing not once, but twice! My Hardy was screaming, and I drew quite a crowd of dog walkers as the fish kept screaming out into the middle of the lake. After a prolonged battle with a full audience, I managed to bring the fish to net. He weighed in at 9 lbs and fell victim to a rubber legged hare's ear. A father and his two young girls walked down to the edge of the lake to check out the fish.

As I stood there retying some knots I looked up just in time to spot the big koi. He came floating into the area I was fishing. I quickly finished my knot and made one false cast well to the side of the fish to check line distance...He bolted out of there like I jabbed him with a stick. That was it for the day, one shot, and I never even got the fly to the water.

I'll get that fish eventually. It was good to see my backing today!