Alaska

Honestly, I have no idea what to say about this trip. Mike, Dan, Justin and I headed to the Royal Coachman Lodge for a week of fishing, and to leave my dad's ashes in some of the places he loved. Pretty clear that dad was with us the entire time, as the fishing, the experience, the place...it was all just amazing. The group at the Coachman is outstanding. All of the guides were respectful, as well as being top notch at their jobs. It is a tough thing, laying your dad to rest again, but he wanted to be up there, and I think we found some great spots and moments.

More later, but for now it is best to let a few photos tell the tale...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos are from a variety of cameras...the good ones are likely Justin or Dan's.

 

Huge thanks to my friends for going with me. I had a few tough moments up there, and simply couldn't have done this alone.

 

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Alaska

Been a slow year on the blog, for that I apologize.  Frankly, my energy has been spent elsewhere, which I don't regret.  I'm also about to take off for Alaska with some good friends.  This trip is a repeat from several years ago with my dad, and while I am excited to see that great state again, I'm a little nervous as well.  I'm bringing my dad with me, intending to spread his ashes on many of the places he loved.  This will be a bittersweet trip, but I plan to do my best to focus on the moment and find the joy...that is what my dad would have done.

We all fly to Anchorage on Sept. 12th and I'm sure I'll have something to say about this trip.  I've been reading through the old reports (Sept. of 2011 if anyone is interested) and found this comment from my dad.  He really was the best.

It was a trip that was truly an adventure as well as just plain fun. It was comically difficult for John to have the guides do everything for him (I loved being pampered totally!) and he was always jumping out of the boat in the middle of the river to cast or land a fish (which is normally fully frowned upon and not allowed. One can wade fish fine but it begins after going to shore and having a steady platform to exit and reenter). After the first day, the word got around that his ol' man didn't worry about him drowning and was secretly hoping he'd slip and soak himself so they just put up with it and hoped he didn't break an ankle during landings. We had a woderful time and we didn't even have to untangle the fly lines when John wasn't paying attention and cast when I was casting to poach a fish in front of him. When he would whine about me supposed to be fishing out and down from the boat, I would just turn off my hearing aids.

Every single lunch break, a fabulous affair with each item served by the guide as I relaxed in wonderful style, John would keep fishing. Of course he'd hook one just as my coffee was being poured or the guide was fixing my soup after handing me a huge sandwich and they would get this anxious look to grab the net and move to the action. I pointedly informed them that this was a Union Shop and they were entitled to serve me and enjoy their own meal and forget about John. He could land his own fish or loose them! We were going to have lunch! So, to compromise, the guides ate fast. John beached many a bruiser anyway and always held the fish up trying to make me jealous or something. I'd raise my coffee cup to acknowledge that yes, I did see that battle. 
The Reel John Montana

Horse head

Fishing is getting tougher, but if you work for em, you can find em. Hooked this big horse head today on a size 10 hybrid. Dark clouds, rain, and 20 mph winds...not exactly a carpers dream but the best time to fish is when you can fish.

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Haven't had time to write

But the fishing has been pretty good of late. Only issue is the weeds. Bring heavy tipper and hang on tight. The low water and weed cover is a tough combo, but there are still fish to be caught!

Been fishing this Swift Flyfishing Epic bandit, an 8 foot ten weight glass rod. Super fun!  Paired with a ridiculously loud Orvis battenkill Spey reel, it makes for an entertaining set up. Elia went with me this last outing, and introduced me to her "stealth" mode. This seemed to consist of laying in the water with just her head showing and crawling along the bottom to avoid spooking the carp. Not super effective, but she sure enjoyed it. 

Get out and fish!

Lake MI

 

Halfway through the trip, and fishing has been tough. The water temps are down and we didn't get any sun until this afternoon. Still, getting to fish meat is always a great change of place for me. J stuck this 24 lb beast on a giant black closer, and Travis got this 23 on a big bunny leech.

I managed a 20 lber on a bunny leech today, and a handful of other fish. Having q great time, but hope the fishing heats up a bit!

 

 

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A few pics

The spring season on the Columbia has been memorable. My buddies and I have been just crushing large fish, with more 20 plus fish to hand at this point in the year than I can remember. The water has been low, and the big fish have been more accessible than most years.

 

Overall, the fishing has just been outstanding. With the low water, fish have been easy to spot and takes have been memorable. The catch? We are going to pay for this great fishing as the season continues. The weeds are already up and causing issues...too early for these weeds! On a recent outing with Travis, we spent the day hunting, and finding big fish. We even managed to feed a bunch of them flies, but we lost most of them to massive weedbeds. The weeds are hear to stay.

 

We still have months of fishing ahead of us, but the back end of July and August are going to be super tough this year. There isn't much water, and the weeds will be brutal. Get out there if you can over the next few weeks!

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Carpocalypse 2015!!

It is time! Want to catch fun fish, win cool prizes, and share in the fun? No need to show up on my home river (but I hope to see you at the kick off event and fish along we have planned)...this year, you can join the fun online! Click HERE to register. Sign up, post photos, visit the sponsors and have a gray time chasing carp!

Huge thanks to Orvis, Costa, Carp Pro and Scientific Anglers...these guys love carp!

 

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Clouds are the devil

You cannot underestimate the importance of direct sunlight when chasing carp on the fly. Today, Teri, Ross and I stalked the flats of the big C with zero light. It was rough. Fish were caught, but when you can't see the fish week, getting any semblance of numbers on the board is tough. On the big C...inches make the difference between and eat, and an ignore. Despite the challenges, we all stuck some fish!

But really, who cares about numbers when the weather is warm and company is good. Fishing with Teri and Ross is always a pleasure. They are both expert anglers who are out there for one thing...to have fun! We enjoyed the little moments today, and it was fantastic.

Oh...and the "guide" even got a fish or two as well.

 

 

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Quick outing

I owe a big report on the trip with Cam, Wendy, Dan, Trevor and Travis...but I just haven't had time to write it. Too many things happening at work and home, will get something together soon.

Had to put up a few photos of today's outing though. Elia and I wet waded some river, and it was stupid fun. She fell in several times, the wind was up and water cold but Elia is a trooper. She just loves being out there, and isn't bothered but crap like cold water. She laughs, nets fish, fights fish, digs in the mud and is just a phenomenal companion.

She was soaked all day, and not one word of complaint. Instead, I got to hear her talk about all sorts of stuff, and come up with creative names like "fishfish" and "Mr. Fishy" as we landed carp after carp. No twenties today, one nice 18 lber but I laughed my ass off all day long.

We even got close enough for her to see a couple of eats, which she thought was really awesome. Fantastic day on the water with my little girl.

 

 

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Carpcon

Just off the river after four days. The fishing wasn't epic, but the company sure was! Cameron from The Riberglass Manifesto, Dan from Carp Pro, Wendy Berrell from Fishing and Yhinking in Minnesote and Trevor from FlyCarpin all descended on the river. Travis from Trashfishing and Funhogging joined as well. It was an all star crew, even with a hack like me along to bring down the overall skill level. More to come, but I wanted to post a quick thanks to all the boys and their families...what a great time!

 

 

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