Mouse'n During the Day Time... ever try it ?

"Mouse'n" is usually a night time venture. BIG browns and bows make mice their bed time snack! I ran across this video and found it to be interesting. Mouse'n during the daytime might make for debatable conversation. I have never considered it. I'll try it someday and report the success (or failure)!

How 'bout we call it "Old School Nymphing"

I have often heard the terms "Czech" nymphing, "French" nymphing, "Micro" nymphing, etc. and wondered what was the big secret of each nymphing technique and what have I missed in my many years of fly fishing. Upon investigation I learned at various times when I fished nymphs, I was applying most of those techniques.

When fishing a long leader with a light tippet because the water was extremely clear and shallow and often one could see the fish and an indicator wasn't necessary, it was actually "French" nymphing! New news to me...even kind of sounds erotic!

If I was in a position where I could easily have been seen by a fish when fishing close to a shallow run or small holding area, it may have been necessary to stalk upstream quietly, try to blend into the surroundings i.e.; behind a bush, rock or other natural blind, and fish the nymph with a short drift without mending. And it was not necessary to use an indicator and it probably would also spook the fish. This method I thought was simply "smart" nymphing, if the intent was to catch the fish...dah! Now I know it was "Czech" nymphing.

Using a very small nymph and light tippet like a #20 on a 7x fluorocarbon tippet because the flies hatching or about to hatch are very small like a Trico or something similar and using an extremely small weight to present the nymph at the correct depth and presentation is now called "Micro" nymphing! When a fly fishing person learns the technique of invading a trout's natural instincts, why is a name tagged to their discovery as an announcement of accomplishment? Maybe it is simply a "merit badge"!

What is this business of finding all sorts of "revelation" terminology for just plain common sense techniques that "old school" fly fishing persons have used for years. If we used a dry fly for an indicator when using a nymph it is known as fishing a "dropper" rig. And if the dry fly was a Madame X or grasshopper we called it a "hopper dropper"! If we fished without an indicator and it was necessary to keep a tight line to feel the hit we called it "high sticking"! And, what smart fly fishing person would use a #12 or #14 nymph when a #22 fly was beginning to hatch? Who would think of tying a #20 nymph on a 4x leader resulting in the knot larger than the nymph? Instead of Mico-nymphing how 'bout tagging it a less fancy name and call it "Logical-nymphing"?

I guess I'm a little too "old school" to understand why the various techniques we have all used for years are now given some fancy name indicating an impression that it is a newly discovered secret or methodology. How 'bout we just call it "Old School Nymphing"?

A Solution for More Enjoyable Fishing Ventures . . . .

...Tired of wading from hole to hole?

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...No boat launch available?

...Is public access limited by private property?

...You don’t prefer to fishing from a canoe or kayak?

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Dave and Karen McIntire are owners and builders of the custom built “Dry Fly” pontoon float boat concept. The Dry Fly float boat may be the best kept secret from discrete anglers who wish to fish waters that are difficult to access or fish effectively. The boats are amazingly light yet extremely durable. The construction is high quality and the service after purchase is unmatched by most typical tube float boat manufactures.

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I am sharing this information not as an advertisement, but for the purpose of informing readers regarding the availability of a quality custom built float boat, built in northern Michigan, by folks who are fellow anglers themselves. I personally own both a custom designed single and the 2 person Double Haul. Both boats have added to my fishing enjoyment. And…. to the enjoyment of my fishing buddies as well!

Catch and Release. . . . A Personal Thing

Often I am asked “Why do you go fishing and then throw ‘em them back after you catch ‘em?” Seems like a logical question from the non, occasional, or even dedicated angler. I most often answer by simply stating, ...“Because the fish I released was my competitor and friend.” That answer generally only begs for a series of more questions to be asked such as, ...“That’s weird, friend and competitor, are you being serious?” ...“Don’t you eat ‘em?” ...“Do you just let the little ones go and keep the big ones?”, or my favorite, “That’s stupid, then why do you go fishing?” The continually asked questions prompted me to think about my reasoning for practicing catch and release. I decided to develop and rehearse a short concise explanation that might make some acceptable sense regarding my personal reasons and belief for practicing catch and release, in addition to the standards of conservation and fishery management. And, my personal support for the vision of Trout Unlimited.

My response now is ...“If I want to eat fish I generally will order it in a restaurant or buy it in a store. I may fish for bluegills, perch, or walleye with the purpose of eating them. In fact, I occasionally enjoy a meal of freshly caught, pan fried bluegills. But, I limit my kill rather than killing my limit. Fishing to me is a contest of wits ...knowledge against instinct ...a competitive event taking place within the environment of the fish. On their “home waters” so to speak! It is the sport of catching not killing.” When my response initiates further clarification or the conversation has created questionable understanding, I detail my explanation which generally results in the thought that, yes, he really is weird! But my answers reflect an accurate description of my beliefs, as difficult to understand as it may be.

Furthermore, I shall continue, “I have developed a respect for fish, particularly trout, in which my relationship with them is that of a friendly opponent. I match my knowledge and skills in catching them against their natural instincts and behaviors. I don’t need to kill them to be victorious. I don’t need to kill them to validate a superior level of fishing ability. I don’t need to kill them to stroke my ego or “show-off” my catch to others. I can do that with photographs! If I catch an extraordinarily large fish, I think to myself as I release it ...“You met your match today, big guy”! And, if I lose a fish, no matter what size it was, I think to myself or maybe even acknowledge aloud without much disappointment ...“You won this time. I better sharpen up or it will happen more often”! Actually, it isn’t a matter of winning or losing as much as how it is played. It is a contest that ends with both of us going home and possibly meeting again someday.

Most often as the conversation continues fly fishing becomes a topic of discussion and the ultimate concluding question is asked, “Can’t you catch more fish with a worm, minnow, wiggler, or some sort of live bug like a cricket rather than that tiny little hook with fur and feathers on it?” When I answer the conversation generally ends in total bewilderment. With a smile and a look of total seriousness I respond ...“Probably, but that wouldn’t be fair, would it?”