tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32527538101610587292024-03-12T23:21:24.419-07:00Gotta Stay FlyDaniel Byrnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07638242252172074723noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252753810161058729.post-73730754571272494872014-09-22T17:51:00.000-07:002014-09-22T17:52:04.739-07:00AC Fly Fishing - Summer on the Lower Sacramento Video<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/105940275" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <a href="http://vimeo.com/105940275"></a><br />
This summer I had the opportunity to film my buddy, Anthony Carruesco, guiding on the Lower Sacramento river. The Lower Sac is an amazing fishery and provides fly angling opportunities 365 days a year. Even in the dead of summer, fishing on this river can be phenomenal and in the few days I filmed, we experienced just that. There were lots of hookups and even a few hogs found their way into the net! However, the Lower Sac can be a humble experience if you don't know the river like Anthony does. He knows where your flies need to be at any flow, any condition, and/or any season. Do yourself a favor and book him for a trip! You won't be disappointed!<br />
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<a href="http://www.acflyfishing.com/" target="_blank">AC Fly Fishing</a><br />
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I'm hoping to make this a 4 part series chronicling the 4 seasons on the Lower Sacramento, but we'll see! Lots of other video project ideas in the works as well!<br />
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Stay fly,<br />
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TThomas Goodwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261156684652960032noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252753810161058729.post-77400906761180282352014-05-12T00:10:00.001-07:002014-05-12T00:10:59.670-07:00Stanislaus Fly Fishers - DamNation Screening<img alt="DamNation Poster for SFF" height="800" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7321/14167001794_9d3d01ab9e_c.jpg" width="534" /><br />
On 5/13/14, the Stanislaus Fly Fishers will be hosting a screening of <a href="http://damnationfilm.com/" target="_blank">DamNation</a>. This film challenges the notion that dams, the once prized feats of engineering and human achievement, are in fact crippling environmental ecosystems and killing off once plentiful and abundant salmon and steelhead runs by blocking access to miles and miles of prime spawning grounds. An old theory that "the damage is already done" and that these species can't rebound by dam removal, is shown to be proven wrong is this film as well. As fly fisherman, our thoughts and actions simultaneously fluctuate with the rivers we fish. For myself, this ultimately means that many of my days on the water change with the season and also unfortunately with the scheduled flow releases from our dams nearby. I've often pondered what life was like here in our Central Valley when our rivers ran free. In the fall, when I watch what few salmon are able to navigate the seemingly unnavigable local rivers, I think back to my childhood when my dad would take us to the Knight's Ferry bridge to watch the salmon spawn below. I would always stand there in awe of these marvelous creatures and only now as I've grown older does my appreciation for them deepen. There are countless threats against these fish, but undoubtedly the damming of our rivers were the first proverbial shot fired. If you think about rivers as the veins and arteries of this earth, than unequivocally, dams are the plaque build-up, that over time painfully leads toward a slow death. Just look at anadromous fish population records over time if you don't believe me. Sometimes a metaphorical quadruple bypass is needed and dams should come out. The time for this action is now, before we lose what we barely have left. Come to our screening of DamNation and see for yourself what our future could have in store if the right actions are taken!<br />
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Details:<br />
When:<br />
May 13, 2014<br />
6:00 PM<br />
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Where:<br />
<a href="https://maps.google.com/maps?client=safari&oe=UTF-8&ie=UTF-8&q=Mill+Creek+Church&fb=1&gl=us&hq=millcreek+church+modesto&cid=11823026404596493170&ei=_XJwU7SWFcSHogTp9oCIBQ&ved=0CHsQ_BIwDQ" target="_blank">Mill Creek Church</a><br />
147 Auto Center Ct, Modesto, CA 95356<br />
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Cost:<br />
FREE! (Dinner will be optional for a small cost)<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span>Thomas Goodwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261156684652960032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252753810161058729.post-30627450618570846432014-04-18T22:28:00.001-07:002014-04-18T22:37:55.858-07:00Anadromous Rods - Rivers of Recovery Fly Rod Build<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><img height="534" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7027/13932221684_404bbec5e3_c.jpg" width="800" /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><img height="534" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7077/13932221934_641046b6dc_c.jpg" width="800" /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">I had the pleasure of teaming up with Holland Ney of Anadromous Rods and filmed the process of building a custom rod from start to finish. Unlike just a normal build though, there were many intricate facets added to this rod and well thought out design features. Holland is a master at his craft and it was a blast to witness the high attention to detail he put into this rod as well as all the rods he builds.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; line-height: 17px;"><img height="534" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3766/13931835583_94237bec9c_c.jpg" width="800" /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><img height="534" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3667/13931793335_4732914a94_c.jpg" width="800" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;">The canvas that was to be built upon was a Sage Method 590-4 and because of the fact it is a red blank it fit perfectly with the Rivers of Recovery theme. Rivers of Recovery also donated a custom matching Abel reel to cap off the build. The rod and reel were made to be auctioned off at the Modesto Fly Fishing Film Tour on April 17th, 2014 and one lucky soul walked out with one of the best setups you could dream of!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;">Check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Anadromous-Rods/1438859636346055?fref=ts" target="_blank">Anadromous Rods</a> on Facebook!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; line-height: 17px;"><img height="800" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3726/13931833833_86febcaa7b_c.jpg" width="534" /></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Stay fly,</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">T</span>Thomas Goodwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261156684652960032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252753810161058729.post-84086979262291950162014-03-22T11:32:00.002-07:002014-03-22T11:38:37.785-07:00DIY Drift Boat/Raft Anchor<img alt="Finished" height="800" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3825/13333516255_52bf6d33a0_c.jpg" width="800" /><br />
So this little project started off because simply because I can be forgetful at times. I really didn't need a new anchor, nor was I thinking of upgrading, but after a float one day on a local river I just totally forgot to pick mine up after I took it off at the take out.....<br />
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Well obviously then I needed a new one, so I started looking at prices online and saw that a replacement would run me $80+! I figured it couldn't be all that hard to make one, so I set out to do just that. Let me preface that to build an anchor requires some know-how or at least have friends with the capabilities. I saw some anchors that had steel housings filled with lead and this sounded like a good route to go for multiple reasons. Simply put, it would last longer since straight lead anchors have a tendency to chip away in the rocky river bottom. Plus, all those lead chips pollute the river, so having a steel case would eliminate that from happening. <br />
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Being that I am not a welder, and don't happen to be very good at it, I talked to Daniel and he said he could make that part happen. As an added bonus, he had some scrap steel from a job site that would fit the bill for the casing. For the lead fill, that can be the expensive part if you don't have access to scrap. Luckily, my dad is a member of a gun range that allows foraging for scrap bullets and casings. It just so happens too that he recasts lead bullets and reloads his own rounds, so we have plenty of scrap lead lying around. The last part I needed was a ring eye bolt. After a quick trip to the local hardware store and $6 later, that part was taken care of. Now that I had figured out the logistics and acquired the materials, the build came together. <br />
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1. Scrap steel ready to be cut.<br />
<img alt="Acquire Steel" height="800" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7126/13333497595_d62b4014db_c.jpg" width="600" /><br />
2. Cut steel and tack weld in place. (The measurements for this anchor were 5.5" x 5.5" for the top square, 3" x 3" for the bottom square, and 4" tall. This configuration yielded a 28lb anchor.)<br />
<img alt="Cut and Tack Weld in Place" height="800" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7448/13333883054_1640e7004e_c.jpg" width="600" /><br />
3. Weld up all of the sides.<br />
<img alt="Start Welding" height="800" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3823/13333493955_d903470201_c.jpg" width="600" /><br />
<img alt="More Welding" height="800" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3684/13333495425_693fefd999_c.jpg" width="600" /><br />
<img alt="Finish Welding" height="800" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2863/13333886744_cd77ae0b94_c.jpg" width="600" /><br />
4. Use a grinder to smooth out the rough edges and welds.<br />
<img alt="Use Grinder to Smooth out" height="800" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7267/13333649363_39300c5b15_c.jpg" width="600" /><br />
5. Drill a fill hole and start smelting the scrap lead.<br />
<img alt="Drill Hole to Fill" height="800" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3670/13333656803_5690082a0b_c.jpg" width="600" /><br />
6. Fill anchor with hot lead. (Make sure to be very safe and use protective equipment.)<br />
<img alt="Fill with Lead" height="800" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3828/13333502605_2498b3d3bd_c.jpg" width="600" /><br />
7. Place the ring eye bolt in the lead while it is still hot.<br />
<img alt="Place Ring Eye Bolt in Anchor" height="800" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7178/13333660653_1a6d433b4e_c.jpg" width="600" /><br />
8. Remove the excess lead and let it all cool and harden into place.<br />
<img alt="Let Cool" height="800" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7446/13333904664_46b1360792_c.jpg" width="600" /><br />
9. Ready to hit the water! <br />
<img alt="Finished" height="800" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3825/13333516255_52bf6d33a0_c.jpg" width="800" /><br />
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All in all, this build wasn't terribly difficult if you have access to all the right tools and materials. Basically most of this anchor was made from all recycled materials that were essentially trash before they were repurposed. As far as cost goes, I only ended up having to buy a ring eye bolt and that was it. So far, this new anchor has been on around a half dozen or so floats and has performed and held up perfectly. If you're in need of a new anchor or want to upgrade, think about building one before you buy! <br />
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Stay fly,<br />
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TThomas Goodwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261156684652960032noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252753810161058729.post-18026708641257308152014-03-12T12:22:00.000-07:002014-03-15T12:22:31.200-07:00Mercer's Missing Link<img alt="The Missing Link" height="534" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7418/13111022954_0a89e85403_c.jpg" width="800" /><br />
After a solid year of "testing" this fly, I've realized its potential and it has become a go-to staple in my box. It has effectively replaced quite a few flies that I used to throw and those that haven't tried it, need to!<br />
<img alt="Bunch of Missing Links" height="534" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3787/13110842513_f7aa8134a8_c.jpg" width="800" /><br />
The Missing Link was developed by Mike Mercer and was a variation of Ralph Cutter's EC Caddis. The EC Caddis is an excellent pattern in its own right, but the changes made by Mercer in the Missing Link make the later the best of the two, in my opinion. Originally developed as a sort of caddis cripple imitation, the Missing Link has evolved into a pattern that can be utilized in many different hatches. I believe that it's many features helps it be effective in all those different circumstances. It utilizes the wing of an Elk Hair Caddis, the hackling of a Parachute Adams, spent wings like a spinner, and a slim body like an emerger. I have fished it in both caddis and mayfly hatches with success and even fished it a few times where there wasn't a hatch and got a few fish to come eat it. It truly is that effective sometimes. <br />
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Anyway, here's a short video I put together of the tie for those interested in adding some to their box. Truth be told, I now carry about 6 dozen Missing Links in various sizes and colors!<br />
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Click <a href="http://www.acflyfishing.com/blog/spring-dry-fly/" target="_blank">HERE</a> and check out our friend <a href="http://www.acflyfishing.com/" target="_blank">AC Fly Fishing</a>'s latest post and look closely to see what fly is in the mouth of the fish in the photo. I'm sure you can guess what it is!<br />
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Materials:<br />
Hook: Tiemco 100<br />
Thread: Uni 8/0 Olive Dun<br />
Rib: Pearl Flashabou or Pearl Krystal Flash<br />
Thorax: Ice Dub - Peacock<br />
Spent Wings: McFlylon, Antron, or Z-Lon<br />
Hackle: Dun<br />
Wing: Elk Hair<br />
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<br />Thomas Goodwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261156684652960032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252753810161058729.post-73641093075147905212013-12-28T14:45:00.001-08:002013-12-28T14:48:39.666-08:00Marijuana & Metalheads<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="534" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" nbsp="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/11612105563/player/4b6fe89d58" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="800"></iframe><br />
Last winter I was fortunate to do a multi-day float down one of California's most historic steelhead and salmon rivers, the Eel. Although we never felt a pull, it was an amazing place to be and at the same time very disheartening viewing the devastation man has caused to that ecosystem. There were many hillsides where you would look up and see evidence of deforestation from the logging industry, which subsequently loosened the fragile soil and sediment that has found it's way into that river. To just say the siltation in that river is bad is in fact a huge understatement. The tent I used on that trip still has Eel River silt in it that I've deemed near impossible to eradicate. It's wild how quickly a solid rain can muck up that system. I recall a different trip in which I was fishing a run on the Eel, it started to rain, and by the time I finished the run the river had completely gone chocolate.<br />
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Although the effects of logging in that area are still being felt, there is a new epidemic looming and already making its presence felt in the State of Jefferson. It's pot farming. Growing marijuana in the emerald triangle isn't a new phenomena by any means, but it appears in recent times to be skyrocketing, and there are estimates that there is $7 BILLION worth of marijuana coming out of that area.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/CLOYnGArjfo?rel=0" width="853"></iframe><br />
With the avenue of Prop 215 passing in 1996 legalizing medical marijuana and the subsequent growth of marijuana culture, there is a huge demand for the product. With that comes also an increasing number of people wanting to become suppliers (i.e. illegal and/or legal growers) and an influx of Mexican cartels growing in the area as well. Check out this video and it will show via Google Maps just a small sample of how many farms are popping up in the last few years.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/GMpu0kbsV7w?rel=0" width="853"></iframe><br />
Albeit is a tempting way to make a substantial amount of money and it can be done in a relatively short season, it is creating huge detrimental effects on the ecosystems in which the crops are farmed. Pesticides and fertilizers used for growing can get into the systems resulting in poisoned water. Road and farm clearing ands more to the already terrible siltation problem. Irrigation lines placed in small spawning tributaries can sometimes suck up so much water that it leaves it dry. Not to mention the inherent danger of working one of these farms. Do a quick search on marijuana murders in the area and you'll find a treasure trove of violent stories. There's money in this product and many are more than willing to risk their lives for it. <br />
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So what needs to be done? Like anything, there are always two sides. If marijuana and marijuana farming is legalized in California, it would be an interesting unfolding of events. From a simple economic standpoint, by legalizing it, commercialized interests would get involved, produce the product on a large scale, and subsequently the price would plummet. If this did happen, one would believe that these Mexican cartels and local farmers wouldn't continue their small-scale farms due to the fact that it would not make financial sense for them and they would no longer see the exorbitant profits they once enjoyed. What would happen if things remain the same and marijuana is still illegal? For starters, there is hope that maybe the market will soon become saturated by itself due to the already increasing influx of farming and the price of pot will plummet on it's own. Then again though, where is that proverbial point at which supply greatly exceeds demand and starts causing a huge price decrease? And then once that happens, do these farmers just up and stop producing marijuana? One thing is for certain though, marijuana use and farming is ingrained in part of the culture in the emerald triangle. Legal or not, those types of people will always continue to grow. It's hard to tell what the future holds for both the marijuana industry and steelhead in that area. I guess only time will tell. Undoubtedly though, this is a beautiful area and it needs to be protected.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="531" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" nbsp="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/11612224794/player/bd19188fb1" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="800"></iframe><br />
Stay fly,<br />
TThomas Goodwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261156684652960032noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252753810161058729.post-40399729008965673562013-12-03T22:02:00.006-08:002013-12-03T22:02:56.050-08:00Custom Intruder Flies<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 14px;"><div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/11200664276/" title="Purple & Pink by Thomas M Goodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Purple & Pink" height="333" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2884/11200664276_5f09c5dcc8.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Most of you know I tie my own flies. Always have, always will. Since I've become obsessed with the pursuit of steelhead on a two-handed rod with a swung fly, naturally I've become obsessed with tying the flies for these fish as well. I first came across intruders patterns at a demo at Sierra Anglers from Greg Nault (who is undoubtedly one of the best tiers I have ever witnessed). Like the progressive of most things in life go, I completely sucked at tying intruders when I first started. Most of those first intruders were sentenced to the razor blade and cut up. I stuck with it and kept my standards high and I believe I now tie some acceptable intruder patterns. That being said, c</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 14px;">ommercially tied intruders just suck. Profile in these flies is paramount and commercial versions are simply not tied in a manner to maintain the profile these flies are intended to have. Not to mention that these commercial versions are tied by some poor girl in east Asia who has probably never even heard of a steelhead. Here's a comparison photo below. My tie is on top and the commercial tie is on bottom.</span></span><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/11200696624/" title="Commercially Tied Comparison by Thomas M Goodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Commercially Tied Comparison" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3674/11200696624_c94d2910f6.jpg" width="500" /></a> </span></span><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 14px;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've tied these flies now for awhile for a small group of people and have to decided to offer them more publicly. My flies have caught steelhead from British Columbia to the Pacific Northwest. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 14px;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/11200708606/" title="Fire by Thomas M Goodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Fire" height="333" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3752/11200708606_a1d50fc438.jpg" width="500" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 14px;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I believe in quality flies and that has been my premise since day one. I use only quality materials and am constantly searching for ways to produce better flies. I use stainless steel shanks to prevent rust. The connection wire is coated stainless steel to prevent the hook from sagging, fouling, or catching the bottom. I only use Owner Cutting Point hooks. They're not cheap, but in my opinion they are the best. For storage and protection, each one of my intruders ships with a fly tube. These tubes allow the fly to hold its profile and not get smashed by other flies in a box. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 14px;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/11200808883/" title="Fly Tube by Thomas M Goodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Fly Tube" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7306/11200808883_d18e2fa388.jpg" width="500" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 14px;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/11200670035/" title="Hooks by Thomas M Goodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Hooks" height="333" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5529/11200670035_011c3ff698.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />For starters, I'm offering a 6-pack with tubes for $50 + shipping. If you're interested, email me at tmgoodwin@sbcglobal.net and we can get you started. These are custom flies, so if you have a certain color scheme you have confidence in, I can tie it. Thanks!</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 14px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/11200687536/" title="For Sale by Thomas M Goodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="For Sale" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7446/11200687536_3d88b1f56d.jpg" width="500" /></a></span></span><div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 14px;">Stay fly, </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 14px;">T</span></span></div>
Thomas Goodwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261156684652960032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252753810161058729.post-75791177016298696792013-11-04T18:01:00.000-08:002013-11-04T18:13:44.070-08:00Season Ender<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/10681707174/" title="Eggs, eggs, eggs by Thomas M Goodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Eggs, eggs, eggs" height="600" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7357/10681707174_9dc87d926e_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
The 2013 local river season has now officially ended. Conditions-wise it was tough to say the least. Low flows as a result of the ever hungry water barons and lack of rain took its tole this year. Simply put, a good day numbers-wise was counted if only a few fish were hooked. We had to earn our fish this year. One might think this to be a completely terrible thing, but in keeping the glass half-full, new techniques, strategies, and methods were attempted and sometimes led to moderate success. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/10681647994/" title="Greg's nice bow by Thomas M Goodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Greg's nice bow" height="800" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7419/10681647994_3e493a406f_c.jpg" width="534" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/10681671026/" title="Matt's 18"er by Thomas M Goodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Matt's 18"er" height="600" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5543/10681671026_a746eff0ee_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/10681661494/" title="Spencer with a good one by Thomas M Goodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Spencer with a good one" height="600" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5490/10681661494_3eeb5246cd_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
Albeit overall it was quite dismal on the home waters this year, the one shimmer of hope is that it seems as if the salmon run in all 3 rivers is quite well. Time will tell once it's over but the run seems to be shaping up well. Some really great days were experienced in the weeks leading up to the closure. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/10681691826/" title="Dead King by Thomas M Goodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Dead King" height="800" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2844/10681691826_300f0e0f8f_c.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
In other news, my dad, a few friends, and I made it up to the Lower Sac to try our luck. The egg bite was still definitely on, but that particular weekend seemed to be a popular one with others as well. Lots of boats to say the least, but we still managed a handful of fish everyday out there. Not knowing the river very well didn't help matters either. If you're interested in spending a day up on the Sac I'd recommend hiring either <a href="http://www.acflyfishing.com/" target="_blank">Anthony Carruesco</a> or <a href="http://mattformentofishing.com/" target="_blank">Matt Formento</a>. They're good friends of ours and know the river well and can put you into fish even when the river is pressured. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/10682122686/" title="good friends by Thomas M Goodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="good friends" height="600" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7327/10682122686_6de574a91c_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/10681655415/" title="Lower Sac bow by Thomas M Goodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Lower Sac bow" height="600" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2843/10681655415_557fedd869_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
In the midst of all the hustle of everyday life and whatnot, I did manage to sneak away with the two-hander for just a few short days to do some swing steelheading up north. Luckily for me, I picked a great time and the fish were there and I was able to land a few hot wild fish. A wet fly I developed last season proved to be what worked yet again (it's true about what they say in fly confidence in steelheading). Managed to hook up one on a dry fly skater too but unfortunately it came unbuttoned. Like all good trips, this one was too short, but hey it's better than nothing. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/10682071433/" title="Fall Steelhead 1 by Thomas M Goodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Fall Steelhead 1" height="534" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7347/10682071433_8398c875a2_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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As we head into what's left of 2013, I'm not sure what's on the menu as far as fishing goes. One thing I know is that this is my favorite fishing season and good things tend to happen this time of year, so we'll just sit back and enjoy life and fishing as it happens. Hopefully I'll get to explore some new water and visit old spots that feel like an old friend I haven't visited with in awhile. Either way, exciting times are around the corner and all you have to do is get out there!<br />
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Stay fly,<br />
TThomas Goodwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261156684652960032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252753810161058729.post-14647792287563954912013-08-30T13:10:00.000-07:002013-08-30T13:10:33.225-07:00Sid Fishes<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/EkoCAoe18WQ?rel=0" width="640"></iframe></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's just a cool quick and dirty steelhead fly that'll get the job done. Many shank style intruder flies these days are very overly complex and difficult to tie. Jeff Hickman's Sid Fishes isn't one of those. Simplicity is key with this one. What's truly nice also is that all the materials are easy to find and readily available. With a name like Sid Fishes I attempted to keep the Sex Pistols/punk rock theme alive in this quick edit. Anyway, here is the material list for SID FISHES!<br /><br />Materials:<br />Hook: Gamakatsu Octopus #2<br />Shank: Tiemco 9395 #2<br />Connection: Econoflex Wire, Fine<br />Butt: Ice Dub, UV Fluorescent Hot Pink<br />Rear Collar: Polar Chenille, UV Fluorescent Fuschia<br />Body: Flashabou, Holographic Purple<br />Rib: Copper Wire<br />Front Body: Ice Dub, Purple<br />Front Collar: Guinea, Purple<br />Topping: Flashabou, Holographic Purple<br />Head: Silver Cone, large<br /><br />Thanks for checking it out!<br /><br />Stay Fly,<br />T</span></span><br />
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Thomas Goodwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261156684652960032noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252753810161058729.post-45989882894827637122013-08-21T14:15:00.003-07:002013-08-21T14:17:46.398-07:00The Lower Deschutes<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9534152287/" title="Early morning swing by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Early morning swing" height="800" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2857/9534152287_7ba9fe6452_c.jpg" width="534" /></a><br />
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My girlfriend, Domi, is sick. Doc said bronchitis, complete with a nasty cough and headache. He prescribes the usual antibiotics, so we head to Raley's to fill the prescription and the pharmacist says it'll be about 25 minutes. Definitely needing the drugs we decide to wait it out and head over to the magazine rack to kill the time. She grabs a Cosmo or something like that and I pick up a fly mag off the shelf. Low and behold, what's the first line I see??<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9563602399/" title="You Could Die by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="You Could Die" height="800" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2849/9563602399_cdd6ef44ee_c.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
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"Rowing the Deschutes - You Could Die There"<br />
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Naturally Domi catches sight of this and her mind races. I try and calm her down saying it's probably one of those sayings like "the fishing is SO good you could DIE there and be happy." Not until after reading the article I realize that yup, the author meant it in the most literal way. Having put his driftboat sideways into a rock and having a ton of water crash over the gunnel, he most definitely meant it in the most literal way possible. So I explain to Domi that I'll be taking my raft which is more capable of handling whitewater than a driftboat. Deep down though, I was kind of nervous, with excitement and fear. <br />
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Flashback to before the trip was planned. My buddy, Rick, and I had been trying to plan an Oregon steelhead trip for awhile. During a trip looking for a house to buy up there, he shot over to the Ump for a few sessions. Lightning struck, but he didn't think the Ump was in great shape overall. This low water year, which we are all feeling the effects of, obviously hit the North Umpqua as well. Many of the usual runs just aren't there this year. Naturally we try and think of a back up plan. Ironically, we both mention the Lower Deschutes. Neither of us had ever fished it, let alone even been there. Rick and I, being the "let's do this, we'll figure out the details later" people we are, both agreed that this float trip was happening. Our buddy, Dennis, had already taken time off to fish the Ump but soon realized that the Deschutes sounded like a better option, so he came along with us as well. After committing, the planning started to come into full effect. I naturally hopped on the internet and quickly realized that this float was 31 miles in the desert without any roads nearby to bail out on. Also, it was littered with quite a few Class III rapids. Rick and I both have very limited experience rowing, so I thought this could get interesting. As it turns out, sometimes trial by fire is the best teacher and none of the rapids were way above our ability level. Albeit I did have one rapid that ejected a big water canteen and made the hair on the back of my neck stand up, but hey I'm alive and kept my boat upright. Anyway, I'll shut up now and let the photos do the talking!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9534158733/" title="Canyon country by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Canyon country" height="800" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2885/9534158733_c693d0d329_c.jpg" width="534" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9534157857/" title="Trout on the swing by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Trout on the swing" height="534" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3791/9534157857_10e01323fa_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9534156955/" title="My ride by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="My ride" height="534" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3781/9534156955_c782be427b_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9536942384/" title="Camp 1 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Camp 1" height="534" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2820/9536942384_be9698cfb7_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9534154481/" title="Rapids by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Rapids" height="534" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7363/9534154481_9aef98b02e_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9536939758/" title="Battle wounds by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Battle wounds" height="600" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2829/9536939758_ef5b1c86ef_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9534151313/" title="Sunset after a big pull by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Sunset after a big pull" height="800" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2890/9534151313_5c1d2406b9_c.jpg" width="534" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9534150649/" title="Anticipation by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Anticipation" height="534" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5489/9534150649_dc62bd304d_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9536935344/" title="The cast by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="The cast" height="534" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7392/9536935344_39e7b8079c_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9534148035/" title="Morning sky by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Morning sky" height="800" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2869/9534148035_1d23c0c75c_c.jpg" width="534" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9534147011/" title="Running by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Running" height="534" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3744/9534147011_88b4f6dc72_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9536932668/" title="The fight by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="The fight" height="534" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7340/9536932668_4795eb80ba_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9536932052/" title="Pure joy by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Pure joy" height="534" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3802/9536932052_1997d5df17_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9536930940/" title="Hoping by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Hoping" height="534" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2831/9536930940_499200de28_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9536929944/" title="Bendo by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Bendo" height="534" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7418/9536929944_e007714f7e_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9536929322/" title="Flop by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Flop" height="534" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3811/9536929322_5d23c6d80e_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9536928248/" title="Steel by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Steel" height="534" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2844/9536928248_4740fef5ed_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9536927616/" title="The product of 10,000 casts by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="The product of 10,000 casts" height="533" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3747/9536927616_ac37598bd8_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9536926708/" title="Chrome by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Chrome" height="534" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2854/9536926708_a555b6831e_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9534139377/" title="Waiting by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Waiting" height="534" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7453/9534139377_2d3f2e0d60_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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These next two photos I just have to give some backstory on. Rick had just got a grab but the fish came off. I was standing next to him shooting photos when he made his very next cast. After he shot out his Scandi head, did a pull back mend, and dropped his rod for the swing, he announced, "I'm getting a grab right here." Just like Babe Ruth calling his shot, not even a second after Rick said that, BOOM. He got a grab and his reel was screaming. After I got back home and was checking out the photos, I saw in the metadata in the photos there was literally 14 seconds between these two photos. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9534137247/" title="Setting up the swing by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Setting up the swing" height="534" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5476/9534137247_c7bbb7e9f4_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9534136667/" title="2 seconds after saying, "I'm getting bit here" by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="2 seconds after saying, "I'm getting bit here"" height="534" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3696/9534136667_93f1758ab0_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9534134895/" title="Downstream Run by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Downstream Run" height="534" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5486/9534134895_84da1df740_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9534134237/" title="Bent by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Bent" height="534" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3767/9534134237_725e861f96_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9536919432/" title="He called it by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="He called it" height="534" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3687/9536919432_bea5103c09_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9534132173/" title="Little fella by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Little fella" height="534" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5442/9534132173_72d61414b7_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9534131557/" title="Perfect by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Perfect" height="600" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3717/9534131557_d38bfa7ba0_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9534130897/" title="The Release by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="The Release" height="600" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5530/9534130897_b55d80f173_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9536916674/" title="Screaming Reel by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Screaming Reel" height="534" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2889/9536916674_ee243fb46a_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9536916050/" title="Muddler by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Muddler" height="534" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2831/9536916050_054ca9d292_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9536915198/" title="Rose a fish! by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Rose a fish!" height="534" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7307/9536915198_c2d8be1e1a_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9534128009/" title="Selection by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Selection" height="534" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3815/9534128009_a909b3f0ed_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9536914078/" title="Last Cast by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Last Cast" height="534" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5520/9536914078_1a29d67ce9_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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Stay fly<br />
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T<br />
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<br />Thomas Goodwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261156684652960032noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252753810161058729.post-51282682333230724372013-08-10T10:04:00.005-07:002013-08-10T10:06:23.967-07:00Test Driving the New Spey Line from Sage/Redington<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9415106977/" title="New Sage/Redington Rods by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="New Sage/Redington Rods" height="534" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7284/9415106977_a60c9e20e4_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>\<br />
Many of you know I've become quite a spey junkie in these past few years. After building my Z-Axis 5110-4 and going through the arduous learning process, I can finally make some decent casts. It's truly opened my eyes to new possibilities and literally changed my whole primary focus in fly fishing. I absolutely love swinging the two-hander for steelhead! In my opinion, there is no better method or fish in all of angling. Yes, I do love dry fly trout and I do have a special spot for largemouth bass, but like so many others that first grab did me in. I am now addicted to the swing. The tug truly is a drug. Anyway, back to the topic at hand.<br />
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Bob, of <a href="http://sierraanglers.com/" target="_blank">Sierra Anglers</a>, recently gave me the opportunity to go up to the American River to meet with the Far Bank (Sage, Redington, Rio) rep to test drive many of their new products with the focus on their new spey line up. I've never done much actual reviewing so I'll try and spare everyone the BS and stick to what I thought worked and what seems like another marketing gimmick. With my background in business I understand that in this fast paced world companies have to continue to innovate and push new products out to the market. However, that being said, sometimes there are new products that are good, but just not leaps and bounds better than the previous, older model. I'll try and highlight a few of those as well. <br />
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I'll start things off with what impressed me the most. <br />
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<b><i><u>Sage Method 7126-4 & Sage One 7126-4</u></i></b><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9415107665/" title="Method 7126-4 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Method 7126-4" height="534" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7400/9415107665_b5bb8364e2_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9417877864/" title="One 7126-4 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="One 7126-4" height="800" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2846/9417877864_874bf252b0_c.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
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This 12'6" 7wt Method was the first rod I test drove and let me just say it was awesome! It is incredibly light in the hand, tossed tight loops, and especially had great "feel." One of the big questions about these new 12'6" models was how they would stack up against the now old 12'6" TCX notoriously known as the "Deathstar." The Deathstar is an amazing rod and I would personally love to have one, but like everything it has its purpose. It is an incredibly fast rod and can toss the big bugs and heavy sink tips with ease. However, it does lack "feel" and doesn't load very deep, especially with a Scandi line. Thats where the new Method and One come in. Both of these rods definitely have more feel. They load deeper, but not too deep to the point where the rod feels flimsy. In a perfect world, where I had every rod I wanted, I would put a Method or One 7126-4 in my quiver for throwing Scandi set-ups and still keep the Deathstar for Skagit/sink-tip/big fly work. <br />
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In regards to the difference between the 7136-4 Method and the 7136-4 One, I honestly couldn't tell much of a difference other than the paint job. Both rods are incredible and had similar feel. I would love to own either of them!<br />
<br />
Recommended Line Match-up Casted<br />
Scandi: 540gr Steelhead Scandi<br />
<br />
<i><b><u>Redington 6126-4 Dually</u></b></i><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9415108925/" title="Dually by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Dually" height="800" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2828/9415108925_b8bf95efe0_c.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
<br />
After starting off the evening with the top end rod, I went to Redington's new Dually series. Right of the bat, something that impressed me about this rod was it's styling. Hats off to whoever designed this look. It harks back to early styling of spey rods with an all cork reel seat with chrome fittings. Aside from its looks, this rod casted mediocre at best. It felt somewhat sloppy, but take that with a grain of salt. This rod will also retail for only $249. Stark contrast from the near $1k a new Method will set you back. The Dually is an entry level Spey rod and for a beginner I think it'd be a great rod. <br />
<br />
Recommended Line Match-up<br />
Scandi: 400gr Steelhead Scandi<br />
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<u><i><b>Sage Method 7136-4 & Sage One 7136-4</b></i></u><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9417879578/" title="One 7136-4 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="One 7136-4" height="800" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7368/9417879578_9b51962432_c.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
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These new 13'6" 7wt's were the rods I thought had the most to prove to me. I spent a few days floating the Eel this past winter and I used a buddy's 7136-4 Z-Axis the whole time. I love that rod! It can toss everything from heavy winter junk with T-20 sink tips to a light Scandi line and small flies. Unfortunately, I wasn't really impressed with these rods. That's not to say they didn't cast excellently, but they just weren't much (if any) better than the Z. In my opinion, if you have a Z-Axis model, there isn't much reason to upgrade.<br />
<br />
<i><u><b>Sage One 7136-6</b></u></i><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9417877384/" title="One 7136-6 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="One 7136-6" height="800" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/9417877384_a5c5c07608_c.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
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Although the new 7136-4's didn't impress me much, I thought this rod was cool. Yes, you read that right. It says 7136-<u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">6</u> denoting that this rod is 6 piece Spey rod. To my knowledge, I don't think any other company has made a 6-piece Spey. This would be an awesome travel Spey rod for the person who travels to the exotic locale. Plus if space and length were of concern, this rod would be ideal. <br />
<br />
<b><i><u>New Rio Line Technology</u></i></b><br />
<b><i><u><br /></u></i></b>
One of the cool things about being able to test these new Spey rods was also being able to use the new line technologies that are accompanying them. Rio really is finding the little annoyances of Spey lines and addressing them. One of the first things I liked is that Rio's new heads will feature a small section of bright orange to identify which end attaches to the running line. Although this sounds stupid, I have witnessed and been guilty myself of putting a head on backwards only to find out after I couldn't make a cast.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9417875904/" title="New Rio Head Design by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="New Rio Head Design" height="800" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2824/9417875904_c16fe1670b_c.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
Another little new feature to Rio's running lines is quite impressive. They will feature a 15ft. section of orange running line that is called the "handling portion." This is the portion that will attach to the head and features a small taper before transitioning into the regular running line. The reason it is called the "handling portion" is the fact that it will be a slightly larger diameter thus allowing for a better grip before shooting the line. I test drove this new running line on the Deschutes this week and was really impressed. For those that prefer mono running line, but hate how it grips before shooting the line, you're in luck as well! This new handling portion will be a feature on Rio mono shooting lines as well. Lastly, one new feature on all of Rio's product line is their Connect Core technology. This innovation offer's a significantly less stretch core than their old lines. Connect Core only stretches 7% whereas Rio's old cores stretched 20%. I'm not sure whether or not this will translate to a higher hook up rate but it would make sense if it did. It also potentially allows the angler more feel and quicker and tighter hook sets. <br />
<b><i><u><br /></u></i></b>
<b><i><u>Redington Vapen 590-4</u></i></b><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9415108401/" title="Vapen by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Vapen" height="800" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5494/9415108401_6f1b3ba791_c.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
<br />
Although this was mostly a Spey testing day, I did get to try a few single-handers. Much has been said about this rod already, so I'll throw in my brief two cents. Yes, it does have a non-traditional red grip. Does it feel good? Yes. Would I buy one? Probably not. The reason being is that a new grip really isn't a game changer for me and cork still does the trick. Even though this rod isn't one I would add to my arsenal, kudos to Redington for thinking outside the box and innovating. From a business standpoint, this red grip has got everyone talking and hell publicity is good for the company, regardless if you like the rod or not. <br />
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<u><i><b>Redington Butter Stick 370-3</b></i></u><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9417878286/" title="Butter Stick by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Butter Stick" height="800" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3805/9417878286_f81c2ef549_c.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
<br />
Loved this little 3wt! For those that aren't familiar, this is Redington's new answer to the fiberglass revival. Like a typical glass rod, the Butter Stick is slow and floppy. I'm not a fan of using fiberglass rods for everything, but I love taking these smaller sticks out to the little streams and tossing dries. This rod would be perfectly suited for that! I really was a big fan of the looks as well!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/9415110361/" title="Casting by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Casting" height="600" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5330/9415110361_2384d4df05_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
Hopefully this little review helps those looking into purchasing new products from Sage/Redington/Rio! Just remember that this is just my opinion and especially with Spey rods it seems everyone has different tastes/preferences!<br />
<br />
Stay fly,<br />
T<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />Thomas Goodwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261156684652960032noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252753810161058729.post-46051225475240146562013-06-05T13:49:00.000-07:002013-06-05T13:49:36.704-07:00Bass N' Fly 2013 and Other Bassin' Adventures<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8961950905/" title="Our best by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Our best" height="600" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7401/8961950905_746a785bc2_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So it's been nearly a month since this years Bass N' Fly took place and much has been going down in the GSF world. Lots of topwater bass fishing has been caught, I moved to another state, came back, a pinch of trout fishing mixed in, and Daniel and I finally squeaked on the podium at this year's event. It was great to get the feeling that all of our Delta efforts had finally come to fruition. Our "competitive" bass fly fishing began in 2010 at the Restore the Delta tournament. The fishing for us was tough to say the least (only 1 fish in the well) and I believe the fly fishing winner that year only had a bag weight of 5lbs. On the flip side however, the top gear guy's bag was pushing 50lbs! Quite a stark contrast! Anyway, the next Restore the Delta tourney didn't fair any better and we were skunked. Luckily the raffles were kind to us so we didn't walk away empty handed. 2012 marked the year we did our first Bass N' Fly. I felt that our chances were good but unfortunately our 3 fish didn't get us up in the standings. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8963145736/" title="photo 3 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="photo 3" height="800" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7308/8963145736_0310cbc665_c.jpg" width="600" /></a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Flash forward to this year's tournament and we were primed and ready to get in on the action. Lots of pre-fishing and exploration gave us a good idea of where to start our day. We blasted off around 6:00am and got to our spot quickly. The following that ensued in the next 2 hours sealed our fate. Luckily what took place was good! We bagged 4 of our 5 fish limit at that first spot. Thankfully lightning struck as well and Daniel bagged a nice 4.5lb fish there as well! Our next spot produced our last fish and we nabbed about 4 or 5 more that were keeper size but ended up getting thrown back. That 5 fish bagged proved to weigh in at 10lbs 22oz and ended up nabbing us 5th place!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8961949803/" title="photo 2 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="photo 2" height="600" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5343/8961949803_97ba256e98_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are the results:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bass-N-Fly #5 </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Team Results 2013<br />1. Mike Baisdon/Russ Owens 13.71… 15.71 - 2 lb penalty (5)<br />2. Alex Sanchez/Carlo Proto 11.24 (5)<br />3. Tyler Ganyo/Joe Gigerz 10.71 (5)<br />4. Brian Pultz/Ryan Pultz 10.40 (3)<br />5. Daniel Byrne/Thomas Goodwin 10.22 (5)<br />6. Cathy Case/Loretta Strickland 10.12 (5)<br />7. Robert Johnson/Mike Wier 9.61 (5)<br />8. Ben Byng/Mike Carlson 9.56 (5)<br />9. Joseph Marini/Anthony Iaccarino 9.38 (5)<br />10. Andon Bailey/Steve Ohrwall 8.98 (5)<br />11. Greg Holland/Matt Greene 8.48 (5)<br />12. Paul Gamache/Gary Cox 8.16 (5)<br />13. Dustin Sergent/ Steve Piper 7.28 (5)<br />14. Rod Buchanan/Ron Vanderheiden 6.21 (5)<br />15. Ryan Merin/ David Merin 6.03 (5)<br />16. Stephen Fitzsimon/ Brent Dawson 5.91 (4)<br />17. Toby Uppinghouse/Ron Speroni 5.84 (5)<br />18. Joe Marini/Ritchie Thurston 4.22 (4)<br />19. Dominic Alexander/Mark Kirsten 2.82 (2)<br />20. Tim Lawrence/ Fred Ramirez 2.81 (1)<br />21. Chuck Sterni/Steve Potter 2.68 (2)<br />22. Robert Souza/<br /> 23. Bob Arwine/Larry Summerfield<br /> 24. Neal Pultz/Wyatt Pultz<br />25. Marty Adrian/ Joey Adrian<br />26. Jason Renfro/Rick Anderson<br />27. Dave Roper/David<br /><br /><br />Total Fish = 91<br />Total Weight = 164.37<br />Big Fish = 5.78 (Mike Baisdon)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Daniel and I talk frequently about what it takes to do well at this tournament. One particular variable always comes up as a topic. What is it? A big kicker fish. What is it? That one fish that is just bigger than your cookie cutter keepers. In the gear world, one would aim to have a bag of fish that are all big and not have any of these cookie cutter fish. In the fly world and our experiences in the fly tournaments, one or two of these kicker fish will put you up in the standings. Simply put, one more kicker fish easily would've bumped us up to 3rd place. This year's tournament really hammered this idea home. 15 teams had 5 fish limits. What separated all these teams was the presence of one or two kicker fish. Just a thought but one that seems to hold true in these tournaments. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8961956205/" title="eaten by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="eaten" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8538/8961956205_20a093f064_c.jpg" width="534" /></a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyway, in local news, the topwater bite is starting to gear up into full swing. We've seen a lot of warmer weather these days and that should increase the big topwater blow-ups. The local farm ponds have been extra kind to us lately and have been producing some big bass. There's just nothing quite like a having a big bass explode on a deer hair diver! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8963164176/" title="big_bass by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="big_bass" height="600" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5441/8963164176_9037193f31_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8963171780/" title="B&W by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="B&W" height="600" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3702/8963171780_c5fefedf4e_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lastly in the bass related news, we're hoping to have the balsa wood tying video done here soon. This is a project that has been put on hiatus due to many other life obligations. We also wanted to deliver a kick ass video, so instead of just throwing out a mediocre version we decided to hold off and produce something better. We like to keep our videos fresh and not just the same thing over and over. What this means is hopefully we'll get some awesome bass explosions caught on film to pair with the tying segment. Stay tuned and hopefully that video will be out there soon!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8963165656/" title="balsa by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="balsa" height="600" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7358/8963165656_2a147126e3_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stay fly,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">T</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>Thomas Goodwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261156684652960032noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252753810161058729.post-36326810717205757572013-03-21T16:05:00.004-07:002013-03-21T16:05:47.180-07:00Hogan's Red Headed Step Child<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8577807013/" title="Red Headed Step Child by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Red Headed Step Child" height="534" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8249/8577807013_0c026cea7d_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
It's been awhile since I've done just a photo tying segment, so I thought I'd share another one. Hogan Brown's Red Headed Step Child is a pattern I recently started tying and let's just say the first drift I made with it got a fish. Not designed to really resemble anything, this fly is a great attractor pattern and works simply on the premise that it is different. It's a good pattern to tie on when the ol' PT isn't getting the job done. I prefer the smaller ones (#16's/#18's) and think if you add only a few to your box those sizes are the ticket. Anyway, here it goes!<br />
<br />
Materials:<br />
Hook: TMC 3769 (Size of choice, the one in the example is an #18)<br />
Thread: 8/0 Brown<br />
Head: Czech Glass Bead (11/0 Red Seed bead Silver Lined) (These can be found at craft stores for super cheap and in high quantities)<br />
Tail: 4/5 PT fibers<br />
Rib: Red Wire, Small<br />
Thorax: Peacock Herl<br />
Wing Case: Pearlescent Flat Tinsel<br />
Legs: Red Krystal Flash<br />
Finish: Clear Cure Goo Hydro<br />
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1. Insert hook w/ bead into the vise and tie in the PT fibers. The fibers should extend about 1/2 shank length.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8578892552/" title="Red Headed Step Child 1 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Red Headed Step Child 1" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8511/8578892552_00dacee0aa_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8578892472/" title="Red Headed Step Child 2 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Red Headed Step Child 2" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8525/8578892472_26c25434b4_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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2. Tie in the wire rib on the far side of the hook.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8578892392/" title="Red Headed Step Child 3 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Red Headed Step Child 3" height="534" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8380/8578892392_df84d63f76_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8578892330/" title="Red Headed Step Child 4 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Red Headed Step Child 4" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8515/8578892330_d7a17df8d4_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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3. Advance the wire rib forward. On a #18, 3 wraps is sufficient to maintain the right proportion.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8577788141/" title="Red Headed Step Child 5 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Red Headed Step Child 5" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8529/8577788141_47bf8b6da3_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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4. Tie in the pearl tinsel directly on top of the shank.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8578892142/" title="Red Headed Step Child 6 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Red Headed Step Child 6" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8098/8578892142_41060108cb_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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5. Tie in the peacock herl and wrap forward to create the thorax. (One bushy herl is enough for a #18)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8578892044/" title="Red Headed Step Child 7 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Red Headed Step Child 7" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8111/8578892044_30f8ff26e4_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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6. Using the figure 8 method, tie in two strands of krystal flash. (With a smaller fly, try and minimize thread wraps from here on out in order to not crowd the head)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8577787877/" title="Red Headed Step Child 8 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Red Headed Step Child 8" height="534" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8392/8577787877_921763b23b_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
7. Pull over the pearl tinsel, tie it off, and whip finish.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8578891896/" title="Red Headed Step Child 9 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Red Headed Step Child 9" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8247/8578891896_d3f5e37b1a_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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8. Trim off the pearl tinsel and krystal flash legs. And you're done! (The legs should extend just about to the beginning of the hook bend)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8577787687/" title="Red Headed Step Child 10 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Red Headed Step Child 10" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8369/8577787687_728c2e6879_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
This is a great little pattern and I've started to incorporate some things from it to other patterns. I'm hoping to share a few of those tweaks in the near future!<br />
<br />
Stay fly,<br />
<br />
T<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3a332d; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
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Thomas Goodwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261156684652960032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252753810161058729.post-58288976968657111032013-03-07T14:23:00.000-08:002013-03-07T14:26:48.974-08:002013 Thus Far<div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8538133514/" title="Eel River by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Eel River" height="531" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8387/8538133514_18cb67f057_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
So far the new year hasn't rung in too many good days on the water. Utilizing the catalog of information in my brain on certain spots hasn't worked that well this year. I'm choosing to blame it on the usual suspects (i.e. flows, weather, conditions, lack of skills, etc.). Anyway, that leads me to my next point. When conditions are tough, its a great time to scope out other areas and build upon that catalog of information. Despite the fact I personally haven't had any truly great days on the water yet, I can say that I have fished a lot of different water. This includes places where I have never been before or have only fished once prior. That's also the beauty of the sport. Having a great day but not catching a single fish is still very enjoyable if it's spent on great water with good friends. Exploration and the search will always keep me thirsty. Here are some photos from the beginning of the year. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8537026151/" title="Eel Fog in the Morning by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Eel Fog in the Morning" height="600" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8102/8537026151_f299e7189e_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8537029339/" title="Morning Run by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Morning Run" height="534" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8512/8537029339_71593d8ca5_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8538133040/" title="Tight Loop by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Tight Loop" height="534" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8085/8538133040_d84fcaab03_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8537026565/" title="Striper by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Striper" height="534" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8092/8537026565_d710879de2_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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When things are slow, its also a great time to hit the vice. Whether it be new patterns to try or just restocking, time at the vice can be enjoyable. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8538131516/" title="Yuba Skwala by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Yuba Skwala" height="534" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8386/8538131516_0e90e464b7_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8537050699/" title="Stoneflies by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Stoneflies" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8518/8537050699_8c860918f0_c.jpg" width="534" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8538133234/" title="River Sample by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="River Sample" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8100/8538133234_ec84b9a5f2_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8537026331/" title="Duck Quill Wing Epeorus by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Duck Quill Wing Epeorus" height="534" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8505/8537026331_9e41d466f5_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8538129988/" title="Moving Violation Spey by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Moving Violation Spey" height="534" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8092/8538129988_4a6d90c46a_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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Daniel and I have been working on some more tying videos as well. In case you haven't seen the latest two, here they are:<br />
The CCG Egg<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/St4ximD8d7s?rel=0" width="853"></iframe><br />
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The Dead Drift Crayfish<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/64EHe8z4MQo?rel=0" width="853"></iframe><br />
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We're working on some killer bass stuff and should have a new one out there just in time for topwater season! Stay tuned...</div>
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As always.....get out there and explore!</div>
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Stay fly, </div>
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Thomas Goodwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261156684652960032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252753810161058729.post-9922362690261243842012-11-07T17:40:00.000-08:002012-11-07T17:40:58.906-08:00A Day with Capt. Dan Blanton<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Almost two years ago I had won a guided trip on the CA Delta with Capt. Dan Blanton. For various reasons; whether it be weather or his busy guiding schedule, the trip hadn't happened until last month. This season, he decided to quit guiding and just enjoy the fishing. For some reason decided he still had an obligation to a few people to take em out and I was one of the lucky ones. For those of you that dont know who Dan Blanton is, just Google it. The man is like the godfather of striper fishing out here on the CA Delta. He runs a very popular forum <a href="http://www.danblanton.com/bulletin.php" target="_blank">here</a>, and hosts/organizes StriperFest each year to raise thousands of $$ to protect the CA Delta striped bass.<br />
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For those of you that haven't been out on the CA Delta, or even those who have, it can be very overwhelming. I mean the place can get you lost, spun around, bass-ackwards, and not to mention get you run over by a Japanese barge rolling in to port at any time. Its crazy and definitely nice to learn a bit about the place from someone who has fished there for 40+ years.<br />
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To the day. I met Blanton at his skiff at the Sugar Barge around 7, and he was there already getting things ready. We headed out to the main channel of the San Joaquin and at his first spot we were going to hit up was already taken. Go figure as we roll up the guy is throwing top water spooks and bam catches a 17 lber! I was like this is going to be a good day. We move on to the next spot and the fog is really moving in. First few casts and pow a nice 4 lber. from there we landed a few more and the by that time the tide was slackining and fishing got tough. We headed from spot to spot til about 5, each landing around a half dozen keeper stripers and about the same LMB. Cant say the fishing was great but the time learning about the amazing fishery and techniques are invaluable things that will lead to great days in the future I'm sure. Thanks Dan and can't wait to get back out there. I've been hearing the bigger fish are moving in. Here are a few pics from the day..Stay Fly! D<br />
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<br />Daniel Byrnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07638242252172074723noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252753810161058729.post-52603112972018611552012-10-31T17:54:00.000-07:002012-10-31T17:56:34.075-07:00End of the Season<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8143142149/" title="Adipose by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Adipose" height="600" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8049/8143142149_43e376ed9e_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
As I'm sitting here writing this, the date is October 31st, 2012. The Giants just won the World Series and I'm waiting to hand out candy to trick or treeters. Although this day is just Halloween for most, those that fly fish in the Central Valley of California know this day also as the last day of the season. The decimated population of local salmon that call these rivers home is the reason for this. In the fall these fish are called back to the river in which they were born to spawn and then die. This is a good closure and allows these salmon to not be disturbed, albeit tough for those who fish these rivers frequently. This two month break allows us to spend some time at the vise, restock the fly boxes, and check out other fishing opportunities. It is also a time to reflect and look back on the year. I, along with those I fished with, had a remarkable season on the Stanislaus, Tuolumne, and Merced rivers. The trout fishing was excellent and we were even met with a few river stripers. It was also a definite big fish year with many fish at or above the proverbial 20" mark. Still looking for Hog Johnson though! I know I'll find him one of these days on one of these rivers. Anyway, I'll let the photos tell the rest of the story from this year! Hopefully next year can match the one we had this year!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8143125875/" title="Dead Salmon by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Dead Salmon" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8327/8143125875_aba7a433f3.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8143131445/" title="Rainbow Face by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Rainbow Face" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8050/8143131445_97870a0181.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8143127431/" title="Bob fighting a fish by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Bob fighting a fish" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8466/8143127431_95e9d34b1b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8143134567/" title="The Raft by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="The Raft" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8047/8143134567_5293669559.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8143132737/" title="Greg's nice bow by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Greg's nice bow" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8045/8143132737_f3690aaa69.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8143167452/" title="Striper Head by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Striper Head" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8195/8143167452_d6baa56b56.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8143137071/" title="San Juan Fighter by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="San Juan Fighter" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8468/8143137071_92d0321fba.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8143167694/" title="Rainbow Head by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Rainbow Head" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8325/8143167694_0bf9ac37ef.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8143168264/" title="Tim with a bent rod by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Tim with a bent rod" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8192/8143168264_660e21ab5a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8143136917/" title="Nice Streamer Grabber by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Nice Streamer Grabber" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8333/8143136917_29eeae0ddb.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8143137691/" title="Crawdaddy by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Crawdaddy" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8192/8143137691_246faaa2f0.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8143136055/" title="Greg with a bow in the boat by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Greg with a bow in the boat" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8190/8143136055_93b9cc3532.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8143160532/" title="The Release by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="The Release" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8044/8143160532_d0673b1e60.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8143167336/" title="On the swing by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="On the swing" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8184/8143167336_f9850ba9b4.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/8143168390/" title="Epeorus by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Epeorus" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8189/8143168390_13ed9fc834.jpg" width="500" /></a>Thomas Goodwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261156684652960032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252753810161058729.post-62206118910032532332012-10-01T14:12:00.000-07:002012-10-18T18:22:52.362-07:00The GSF Fly Tying Series Vol. 2 - The Tickler<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">This one goes out to all the swingers! Well.....those that swing the FLY to be specific. With this edition of our Fly Tying Series we decided to go with a pattern for anadromous oncorhynchus mykiss. Yes, that means steelhead! I've become hooked on swinging for steelhead (and trout for that matter) this past year and wanted to highlight a pattern for the swing. After coming across Rich Zellman's Tickler, I knew I had found a pattern I wanted to do for this series. The Tickler is an intruder-style fly, but utilizes some different materials and techniques that I had never seen used in this capacity. It's a fun fly to tie, albeit complex, but definitely worth it! This fly has met many winter steelhead face-to-face and elicited a grab. The color scheme in the original pattern is a black/blue/pink combo, but can easily be changed to suit any tyer's desire. I tied a black/chartreuse combo that I think looks absolutely killer too. Anyway, hope everyone enjoys this video! Thanks for watching! Tie up a few ticklers and swing them this winter! I know I will.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Stay Fly,</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Materials<br /><br />Shank: Waddington Shank, size 35mm or Salmon/Steelhead hook (like Tiemco 7999 or Alec Jackson), size 2/0 cut and straightened<br /><br />Hook: Owner SSW, size 2<br /><br />Connection: Econoflex Craft & Beading Wire, 20lb, midnight black<br /><br />Thread: Black<br /><br />Butt: Ice Dub UV fluorescent hot pink dubbing ball<br /><br />Rear collar: Black turkey flat<br /><br />Tail: Black ostrich herl<br /><br />Body: Fluorescent cerise Krystal Flash for the rear 3/4 and STS Trilobal Kingfisher blue dubbing ball for the front 1/4<br /><br />Hackle: Black pheasant tail, stripped off of the stem and palmered<br /><br />Shoulder: Fluorescent blue ostrich herl over fluorescent blue turkey flat<br /><br />Collar: Fluorescent blue guinea<br /><br />Wing: Pair of fluorescent blue grizzly saddle tips<br /><br />Topping flash: Light blue Flashabou #6915<br /><br />Eyes: Large lead eye dumbbells<br /><br />Head Cement: Clear Cure Goo Thin</span>Thomas Goodwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261156684652960032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252753810161058729.post-43509317968210022572012-09-08T14:45:00.002-07:002012-09-08T14:47:06.789-07:00The GSF Fly Tying Series Vol. 1 - The Wedding VeilRecently, Daniel and I decided to embark on a new project involving filming new and proven patterns in an entertaining way. Most fly tying videos can be somewhat boring and strictly informative. We decided to try and break this mold by producing videos that stay informative but also are entertaining to watch. The fly we chose to kick off this series is the Wedding Veil, created by Thomas Harvey. This pattern is deadly in the water and is sure to bring in some nice bass. This fly also highlights some newer products, such as the Clear Cure Eyes. These eyes are weightless and constructed like traditional dumbbell lead eyes, but obviously without the weight of lead. Because of this design they are also far superior to regular stick on eyes due to the fact they won't fall off. One of the other key points to make about this fly is its customizability. The original pattern calls for a zonker strip for a tail but many different materials can be substituted for this. For example, in the video Daniel uses hackle feathers. Anyway, check it out!<br />
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Stay fly,<br />
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Intro Video<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Sw_khah_A94" width="853"></iframe><br />
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The Wedding Veil<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/FqPxkRPQGkU" width="853"></iframe>Thomas Goodwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261156684652960032noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252753810161058729.post-10483362023134381932012-08-27T16:14:00.004-07:002012-08-27T16:14:51.377-07:00The Dead Drift Crayfish<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7876015550/" title="Truckee River Crayfish by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Truckee River Crayfish" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8300/7876015550_69a78af5fc.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
(Truckee River crayfish)<br />
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A few years back during a random time-wasting YouTube session, I stumbled on Andy Burk's page. After checking out a few tying videos I came across one about a dead drift crayfish pattern tied by Tim Haddon. At the time, I had never tried fishing a crayfish pattern dead drifted so I thought I'd give it a whirl and tied up a few. Last September on the Truckee this pattern proved itself to be a good one for me. After using it on other rivers, such as the East Walker, it has found a home in my box. I typically fish this pattern as the top fly on an indicator set up with a smaller bug such as a baetis trailing. It serves as a great attractor and even if the fish aren't enticed to take the cray it'll get their attention. Anyway, I'm headed back to the Truckee next week and tied up a small arsenal of these and thought I'd do a tying segment on it. Here it goes!<br />
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(A barely hooked EW brown that fell for a dead drifted crayfish)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7875969450/" title="Crayfish eating EW Brown by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Crayfish eating EW Brown" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8297/7875969450_f6dee553d8.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Materials<br />
Hook: Tiemco 5263 #8<br />
Thread: Danville black 6/0<br />
Eyes: Small bead-chain<br />
Weight: Lead wire .025<br />
Antennae: Crawfish orange rabbit fur and turkey tail<br />
Flash: Root beer krystal flash<br />
Claws: Black-barred crawfish orange rabbit strips<br />
Shell-back: Mottled thin skin<br />
Rib: Black wire, size medium<br />
Body: Blend of burnt orange and olive dubbing<br />
Hackle: Saddle hackle, ginger color<br />
<br />
1. Wrap the thread back to the point where the barb starts to flare up.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7875976712/" title="DDC 1 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="DDC 1" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8444/7875976712_c842e4f7dc.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
2. Tie in the bead chain eyes on the top of the hook by cross wrapping them. Make sure to lay down enough thread wraps to firms lock those eyes into place. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7875976500/" title="DDC 2 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="DDC 2" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8437/7875976500_99e1799f4b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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3. Wrap in about 20 or so turns of lead wire and push it back as close to the eyes as possible.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7875976260/" title="DDC 3 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="DDC 3" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8301/7875976260_2b76d3d520.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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4. Coat the thread wraps with some glue (such as Fleximent or Loon Hard Head) and wrap thread over the lead to secure it in place.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7875975894/" title="DDC 3 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="DDC 3" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7110/7875975894_f3dce1395f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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5. Tie in a clump of rabbit fur out the back of the hook.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7875975634/" title="DDC 4 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="DDC 4" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8287/7875975634_9b94ff6fc2.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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6. Next, cut 3 or 4 fibers from a turkey tail off and tie them on one side of the hook shank. Repeat this for the other side as well. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7875975352/" title="DDC 5 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="DDC 5" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8283/7875975352_4ee09eda35.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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7. Then tie in 4 or 5 strands of krystal flash.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7875975108/" title="DDC 6 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="DDC 6" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7266/7875975108_22c4b34e39.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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8. Cut out a piece of think skin that is just a little bit wider than the eyes and just a little bit longer than the hook shank. Taper this piece down and trim it so that it looks like the shape of a coffin. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7875974816/" title="DDC 7 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="DDC 7" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8437/7875974816_3d1976b597.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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9. Tie in the wider end of the piece of thin skin behind the eyes. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7875974492/" title="DDC 8 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="DDC 8" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7116/7875974492_0a17640a99.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
10. Hand blend up a bit of burnt orange and a bit of olive dubbing. This is a good color scheme for the Truckee River crayfish. (See the above picture)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7875974234/" title="DDC 9 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="DDC 9" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7259/7875974234_05a9306f74.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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11. Dub the head of the crayfish by cross wrapping it through the eyes.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7875973882/" title="DDC 10 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="DDC 10" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8299/7875973882_0e061252dc.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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12. Cut 2 rabbit strips that are about an inch long. I like to cut points on the ends of the strips going out the back, but that is just purely aesthetic. Then tie in a strip on each side of the hook shank. Make sure to tie them as close to the eyes as possible. This helps flare the claws out as it drifts in the water. <br />
(Top view)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7875973566/" title="DDC 11 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="DDC 11" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8291/7875973566_5c418ffec8.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
(Side view)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7875973126/" title="DDC 12 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="DDC 12" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8440/7875973126_c7a189c141.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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13. Wrap the thin skin over the head of the fly and secure it with a few turns of thread. Then pull it back out of the way. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7875972820/" title="DDC 13 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="DDC 13" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8308/7875972820_9757f5d962.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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14. Tie in about 4 inches of wire for the rib on the side of the hook shank.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7875972522/" title="DDC 14 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="DDC 14" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8432/7875972522_5bed8a82e9.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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15. Prepare a ginger hackle feather and tie it in at the base of the stem.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7875972282/" title="DDC 15 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="DDC 15" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8427/7875972282_333b89d40c.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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16. Dub a body of the same orange/olive blend. Gradually taper down the body as you move forward. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7875971966/" title="DDC 16 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="DDC 16" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8425/7875971966_5bde0d4397.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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17. Palmer the hackle forward and tie off.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7875971616/" title="DDC 17 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="DDC 17" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8431/7875971616_2370ccf053.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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18. Cut the top fibers of the hackle off so the thin skin has a flat place to lay down. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7875971314/" title="DDC 18 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="DDC 18" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7275/7875971314_42c31746ca.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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19. Pull the thin skin over and tie off.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7875971008/" title="DDC 19 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="DDC 19" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8437/7875971008_bb2819213b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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20. Counter wrap the wire to secure the thin skin and the hackle<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7875970646/" title="DDC 20 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="DDC 20" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8429/7875970646_fa5bbed911.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
21. Whip finish and done!<br />
(Top view)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7875969942/" title="DDC 22 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="DDC 22" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8432/7875969942_8f66de4863.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
(Side view)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7875970326/" title="DDC 21 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="DDC 21" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8422/7875970326_e9a5460afb.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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This fly isn't a 1-minute tie but if you tie it right, it is very durable and should last through many fish. Play with the color combos too. The original pattern uses more olive colors than the one I tie, but customization is one of the beauties of fly tying. Tie up a few and add them to your box! <br />
<br />
Stay fly,<br />
T<br />
<br />
<br />Thomas Goodwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261156684652960032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252753810161058729.post-69284137474450622952012-08-17T15:49:00.000-07:002012-08-17T15:49:12.658-07:00The Lost World of Soft Hackles<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7804505042/" title="Soft Hackle Example 1 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Soft Hackle Example 1" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8428/7804505042_10788c628d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Let's face it.....most people fly fish with the bobber nowadays. It seems that when there's not a hatch, out comes the bobber (with a streamer thrown here and there). This method is undoubtedly effective and there's good reason why this method dominates. However, sometimes on certain types of water, this method doesn't seem as effective. I'm not going to lie, I was a slave to the bobber myself up until this past year, but given my newfound interest in swinging flies, soft hackles were one weapon I could fish with that method. These flies are profoundly simple and have been around probably just as long as fly fishing, but on today's pressured waters, confidence can be found swinging one. One of my local watersheds just isn't good nymphing water in my opinion. The structure of this river doesn't lend itself well to bobber fishing. Swinging is the way to go here and definitely my favorite style of fishing (maybe even more than the dry fly). Numbers of fish caught is something people throw around and on certain water types I feel the swung soft hackle will produce more fish. Oftentimes even in the middle of the day a soft hackle will grab a fish's attention. There's just something about it that elicits an aggressive reaction and a strong take. Anyway, here's an example of a simple soft hackle to get started with.<br />
<br />
Materials<br />
Hook: Tiemco 3769<br />
Size: 14<br />
Thread: Danville 6/0 Tan<br />
Rib: Gold wire, Brassie size<br />
Body: Tan UV Ice Dub<br />
Collar: Hungarian Partridge<br />
<br />
1. Wrap the thread on the hook shank<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7804503766/" title="Soft Hackle 1 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Soft Hackle 1" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8300/7804503766_9b971cee59.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
2. Tie in a piece of gold wire to about the bend of the hook. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7804503766/" title="Soft Hackle 1 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Soft Hackle 1" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8300/7804503766_9b971cee59.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
3. Dub the body. Make sure to taper the body as you wrap forward. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7804504134/" title="Soft Hackle 3 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Soft Hackle 3" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7132/7804504134_f5fc58dbb2.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
4. Rib the dubbing with the gold wire by counter wrapping it (wrap in the opposite direction of the dubbing) and tie off the wire about an eye length back.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7804504294/" title="Soft Hackle 4 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Soft Hackle 4" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7133/7804504294_569b3f1604.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
5. Prepare a hackle for the collar. To do this, pull off the fluff of the feather and stroke back the hackle fibers from the tip of the feather where you wish to tie it in at. The hackle fibers should extend farther than the hook bend.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7804504584/" title="Soft Hackle 5 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Soft Hackle 5" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8303/7804504584_34a0cb5401.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
6. Tie in the hackle.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7804504722/" title="Soft Hackle 6 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Soft Hackle 6" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8431/7804504722_5c7cdd687a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
7. Wrap the hackle collar in and whip finish. When wrapping the fibers, make sure to stroke the feathers back as you wrap.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7804504898/" title="Soft Hackle 7 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Soft Hackle 7" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8444/7804504898_6dccc1bcfe.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
This is just a basic soft hackle. One can get as creative as they wish with these flies. Try different methods and materials. The fish most likely won't care much, but you'll develop confidence in certain patterns. The one in the tutorial is extremely simple but one of my favorites. Caddis colors often work well also. Creativity in these flies can make them fun to tie. Other good hooks to use are the Tiemco 3761 and the Tiemco 200R. The 200R resembles an Alec Jackson spey hook to me and has quite an awesome curve. I've tied some of my favorite steelhead patterns on these hooks for trout and they've worked quite well. Well, next time your out on the river and having trouble getting into fish, give a soft hackle a try. You might be surprised! Plus the bobber can use a break now and then!<br />
<br />
(A few examples of traditional steelhead type wet flies tied on 200R's. These two patterns work great for trout.)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7804505190/" title="Soft Hackle Example 2 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Soft Hackle Example 2" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7128/7804505190_934d3d05df.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7804505392/" title="Soft Hackle Example 3 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Soft Hackle Example 3" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8428/7804505392_ba68283f9d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Stay fly,<br />
TThomas Goodwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261156684652960032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252753810161058729.post-15614396463355340192012-08-09T00:10:00.003-07:002012-08-09T00:10:50.811-07:00The New "Go-To" Streamer<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7744891850/" title="Finished Slumpbusters by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Finished Slumpbusters" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7113/7744891850_f38763bf42.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Everyone knows the tried and true woolly bugger just does work. That fly gets it done time and time again. Its simplicity paired with its effectiveness are what makes this fly great. Another fly that I've come across that could go toe to toe with the ol' bugger is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Barr-Flies-Emerger-Patterns-Variations/dp/0811702367" target="_blank">John Barr's</a> slumpbuster. True to the name, this fly can bring in fish even on a tough day. Up until recently, the methods I saw to tie this fly didn't exactly sit well with me. They were either too lengthy or the fly just didn't quite look right to me when it was finished. In this little walk-through I'll illustrate a few tricks I've used to simplify and quicken this tie. <br />
<br />
Materials<br />
Hook: Tiemco 5263 Size 6<br />
Thread: Danville 6/0 Olive<br />
Head: Size medium brass cone head<br />
Body: Pearl ice dub<br />
Rib: Olive wire size brassie<br />
Wing: Olive rabbit strip<br />
Collar: Olive rabbit strip cut off of the hide and spun in a dubbing loop<br />
<br />
1. Slide cone head on the hook and insert into vise.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7744677518/" title="Slumpbuster 1 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Slumpbuster 1" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8429/7744677518_8b711f07d7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
2. Start thread and tie in about 6 inches of wire underneath the hook. Advance the thread back to the hook bend continuing to lock in the wire.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7744677626/" title="Slumpbuster 2 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Slumpbuster 2" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8303/7744677626_ea6b237cd9.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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3. Dub forward a slightly tapered body. The body should get thicker as you get closer to the cone head. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7744677720/" title="Slumpbuster 3 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Slumpbuster 3" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8301/7744677720_f092ef302f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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4. Tie in a rabbit strip behind the cone head securing the front just with thread.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7744677836/" title="Slumpbuster 4 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Slumpbuster 4" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8307/7744677836_09b8c22d24.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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5. Then carefully split the hairs of the rabbit strip in the rear by the hook bend and begin weaving the wire through. Tie off the wire and clip off the excess. This firmly locks the rabbit strip in place. In John Barr's original tutorial he ties in the rabbit strip with thread at the rear first, before creating the body. This can become cumbersome and get in the way during the rest of the tie. However, I picked up this trick of securing the rabbit later in the tie from Charlie Craven's <a href="http://www.charliesflyboxinc.com/flybox/details.cfm?parentID=37" target="_blank">website</a> and I find it is a much more efficient method.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7744677942/" title="Slumpbuster 5 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Slumpbuster 5" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8283/7744677942_965ce2b624.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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6. This next step is one I've applied to my slumpbusters. Most just wrap the collar with same piece of rabbit strip or tie in a piece of cross-cut rabbit and use that. However, with the hide still attached to the hair I've found this creates too much bulk towards the head. Then it dawned on me to apply a technique I use in many steelhead flies and just cut the hide off and spin the hair in a dubbing loop. In order to do this, first create a dubbing loop and then place the rabbit strip in the loop.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7744678078/" title="Slumpbuster 6 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Slumpbuster 6" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7265/7744678078_1f6c1282f9.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
<br />
7. Next, cut the hide off of the hairs and then spin the hairs. This step and can be somewhat tricky at first but will get easier with practice. If the hairs get kind of clumped up use a brush to straighten them out. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7744678186/" title="Slumpbuster 7 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Slumpbuster 7" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8293/7744678186_0e4153b0fd.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
<br />
8. Then palmer the hairs to form the collar. After each wrap stroke and hold the hairs back so they don't pinch the previous wraps. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7744678326/" title="Slumpbuster 8 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Slumpbuster 8" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8424/7744678326_9446e5a919.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
9. Tie off the dubbing loop and whip finish. Then trim the tail to about a shank length long.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36549562@N08/7744678406/" title="Slumpbuster 9 by tmgoodwin, on Flickr"><img alt="Slumpbuster 9" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8440/7744678406_58e106a4d1.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Just like the woolly bugger, this fly can have many variations with color or materials. To weight the fly a tungsten head can be used and/or with lead wire in the underbody. Legs or flash could be added as well. This is just the base pattern, but one can customize it till their heart's content. As a side note, I like to use rabbit instead of pine squirrel for most sizes. Although this pattern traditionally calls for pine squirrel strips, I prefer the the thickness and length of the rabbit hair better. I think it moves better in the water. For sizes smaller than 8, pine squirrel would be a better option to keep everything proportional. <br />
<br />
With this method, I can whip out a batch of these relatively quickly. They are work horse flies and don't take much time to tie, which is a definite plus. This fly fishes great when stripped in or swung down and across. The rabbit hair just moves a ton in the water. Tie a few up and test them yourself! You won't be sorry!<br />
<br />
Stay fly,<br />
TThomas Goodwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261156684652960032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252753810161058729.post-59892975971122881942012-08-04T17:25:00.000-07:002012-08-04T17:28:02.071-07:00North Umpqua Summer Steelhead<a href="http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/?action=view&current=TMG_20120730_0181copy.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/TMG_20120730_0181copy.jpg" /></a><br />
The trip up to the beautiful North Umpqua this past week was something I'll never forget. This river is by far one of the most amazing rivers I've witnessed and its steelhead runs are of legendary magnitude. This trip meant a lot for me personally. For almost a year now, my buddy Rick and I have been constantly practicing our spey casting and making subtle improvements little by little. Oftentimes, our "practice" sessions wouldn't include fish, but there always was a bigger picture in mind. Walking a spey rod down to one of our local valley rivers can draw attention too. I'd be a rich man if I had a dollar for every person that asked what the hell we were doing with such long spey rods down on our local rivers. Some people are intrigued, and others laugh hysterically. However, practice does pay off, and it did this week. For this fish story however, I'll break it down day by day. <br />
<a href="http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/?action=view&current=TMG_20120731_0076copycopy.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/TMG_20120731_0076copycopy.jpg" /></a><br />
Sunday, July 29, 2012<br />
Rick and I started the journey north by meeting a friend of ours, Dennis, in Sacramento. We piled a weeks worth of gear into Dennis' SUV and took off. I had driven up north into Oregon many times but never up to the North Umpqua. Rick booked a guide named <a href="http://www.steelheadwater.com/" target="_blank">Rich Zellman</a> for Monday, so we met up with him and his dog Bo in Ashland to discuss their plans for the following morning. After establishing a 3:30am wake up call, we continued up I5 and made a right on the 138 that follows the North Umpqua. We camped at Susan Creek campground, which I must say is a pretty nice place to spend a week. I was expecting we be camping in a random spot on a piece of BLM land, so this place was a surprise. At $14/night and complete with clean bathrooms and free showers, it's a campground I think even the non-camping types would be ok with. After setting up shop, Rick decided to stay at camp to get ready for his early following morning, but Dennis and I headed out for an evening session. I was overwhelmingly excited to wet a line on this fabled river and couldn't believe this day was here. Dennis nabbed the first fish of the trip, a small cuttie, on his first or second cast I think. We fished this spot through and then headed up to one of the classic spots higher up river. After swinging through that run, the sun was just about completing down, so I began reeling up my line and BAM! I had a grab. Unfotunately, it wasn't the river unicorn I was hoping for, but came off anyways and was probably just a cutthroat. <br />
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Monday, July 30, 2012<br />
I awoke to the sound of Rich Zellman's Explorer rolling into our campground right on queue at 3:30am. In order to get the first crack at some of the more classic spots, one must get there a solid few hours before daybreak. It can get crowded sometimes. Anyway, Dennis and I got rolling around 4 that morning. We cruised around fishing through various spots that morning ultimately not having any grabs. At lunchtime we met up with Rick and Rich and swapped our morning reports. Rick didn't get any grabs, but he did however manage to raise a fish on a <a href="http://wegottastayfly.blogspot.com/2012/02/tying-ska-opper-steelhead-popper.html" target="_blank">ska-opper</a>. For those not familiar with this method, let me just say its kind of a big deal. Chucking a small gurgler style fly and literally popping it across the surface for steelhead would seem like a ludicrous method, but it does work when everything comes together. Many people fish this method for the chance at getting a steelhead to smack it but it doesn't always happen unless you're a river ace like Rich. During lunch, Rich said this year he's had pretty good luck getting his clients into dry fly fish. All in all, he said he had only one or two days getting completely skunked. The guy just knows that river. Plain and simple. Book him if you want to learn a lot and possibly get a fish of a lifetime. Anyway, even just raising a fish is quite an accomplishment, so I know Rick was feeling good about that. So after a few beers and a nap, it was out again to fish the evening. Dennis and I were met with a gorgeous night, but no fish once again. Once we arrived back at camp, Rick and Rich were sitting there sharing a beer and come to find out Rick got his dry fly fish. An acrobatic fish that checked in at around 6 pounds! Basking in Rick's success we made some drinks and had a few beers to celebrate.<br />
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Tuesday, July 31, 2012<br />
This day didn't bring much for us. A few cutties were brought to hand but that was pretty much the extent of it. Right before dark I decided to head down to the riffle right below our campground. Until this point I had strictly been throwing the sink tip and was trying to get down deep. One of the old adages in steelheading is "fish a fly that brings you confidence." That's pretty much the reasoning behind why I continued, run after run, swinging deep. Because of Rick's success the previous day (and the fact I hadn't felt a grab yet), I finally swapped in the Scandi head and started popping the ska-opper that evening. Nothing slammed it, but luckily switching at this point was a catalyst for things to come. That night back at camp we started to plan out our next morning. That previous Monday, Rick and Rich were unable to get the spot they wanted despite their 3:30am start. We really wanted to check out that spot, so we decided that a 2:00am wake up time was necessary. It seems ridiculous for sure, but definitely necessary.<br />
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Wednesday, August 1, 2012<br />
I'm awoken by the sound of my alarm going off. 2:00am. I started to wonder if this early wake-up was even going to be worth giving up a few more hours of sleep. We quickly wadered up and headed out. Luckily when we arrived no one else was parked there yet. I clicked my headlamp on and started hiking down. We got to the spot, proceeded to park it and cram a nap in before daybreak. I leaned up against a tree and tried to sleep a bit, but to no avail. I checked my watch. It was just a little bit after 3. Shortly there after, I saw a few more headlamps coming down the trail. These 3 guys probably thought they were the only crazy ones to get up that early. I think they were surprised to see us and slightly disappointed to not get that spot. Anyway, after a few hours there was finally enough glimmers of light on the water to wade out. I then stripped off some line off my reel and got ready to make my first cast. This run has a hard outside edge that transitions into softer water with a ledge drop off in between. I made my first few casts and lengthened out a little farther each time. Around my seventh or eighth cast, I was popping my ska-opper across and once it traveled into the softer current......WHAM!!! My reel started screaming and my heart raced faster than ever. I was able to coax the fish in and Rick managed to tail him for me. I grabbed ahold of the fish and for a few moments admired his beauty in the water and not fully believing what just happened. I rose, hooked, and landed a steelhead on a dry fly. I still shake thinking about it. That was undoubtedly one of the most amazing moments I've had fishing. After a few quick pictures, he was back in the water and bolted out like a torpedo. <br />
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During our midday break, we decided to go visit a guy by the name of Lee. Since 1999, Lee camps, studies, and watches a pool where hundreds of steelhead pile up. These fish are here waiting for the winter storms to bring more water down so they can move up and spawn. Lee informed us that past this point there is 26 miles of spawning gravel for these fish to do their business in. Most anglers know that steelhead don't need to eat in the river and their main objective is spawning. <br />
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So why does a steelhead take a fly? That's what Lee is trying to figure out. He has extensively studied the patterns of these fish and what they approach while they are in the pool. Ironically, the number 1 item that is approached by steelhead are leaves. Lee said oftentimes when a fish does rise to a caddis fly or mayfly they'll spit it out after rising to it. Based on his data, the months when the steelhead are the most active in terms of approaches are September and October. While we were there we saw quite a few steelhead get airborne and come out of the water! It was interesting chatting with Lee and take a drive up Steamboat Creek if you're in the area.<br />
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For the evening fishing session, we decided to take a hike and get into some new water. After awhile, I heard Rick screaming downstream from where I was at. So I rush over there, and sure enough, he had a nice hen on the line! After landing it we took a few photos and it was on its way. Rick told me he rose a fish 3 times, changed his fly after each time, and finally got a fish to grab on a muddler swung subsurface. Quite an effort on his part! <br />
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Thursday, August 2, 2012<br />
Unfortunately this day marked our last day. We managed to sneak in a quick morning session before heading out although. I nabbed by biggest cuttie of the trip but no steel was found. The whole time on our 8 hour car ride back I wished we had another week. The more we fished the more I learned. I have to say, despite my original belief that the sunk fly was going to get it done, I was proved wrong. These fish are grabby. If the presentation is good, and the steelhead are there, the dry fly popper will get it done. I can't wait to go back and am itchy to plan another trip soon. Nothing quite can describe the North Umpqua perfectly, so just go there and feel it. <br />
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Stay Fly,<br />
TThomas Goodwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261156684652960032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252753810161058729.post-55253834057158408652012-05-25T14:47:00.001-07:002012-05-25T14:54:53.042-07:00Raftin'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This past Wednesday I got a wild hair and decide to make a day trip over the East Walker. I hadn't been there in a few years and considering it was the middle of the week and not quite yet summer, I figured I might be fortunate enough to not see the crowds that river drums up. Unfortunately, I was wrong. After I fished through the first hole I stopped at, the rest of the day turned into a search for another good looking piece of water with nobody already in it. Ultimately, it wasn't a prosperous endeavor. However, I still did manage to get into a few wily E-Dub browns.<br />
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I started doing some thinking on the drive home and realized why I hadn't been back to the E-Dub in a few years. Solitude. It is just simply impossible to find solitude on that river. Obviously, it has a strong fishery. There aren't too many rivers out there that could withstand the sort of angling pressure the East Walker faces. That fact alone also makes getting into fish there a sort of testament to any angler's abilities. Those fish see tons of flies, so to catch a few of them is quite an accomplishment. However, that being said it certainly is an amazing feeling finding fish that don't see prince nymphs and wooly buggers flashing by their faces everyday. That fact alone is the reason I've fallen in love with hiking or rafting into areas that few can get to. Rafting into places especially is becoming something I'm quite partial to now after doing it quite a bit this past fall and winter. It's awesome to be able to pick a section of river that doesn't have public access and share it with a few close friends fishing some amazing water. Rafting makes that possible.<br />
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I managed to pick up a boat of my own a few weeks ago and am stoked to be able to utilize the freedom it gives. This particular boat belonged to a guide and has seen the waters of Norther CA, the Grande Ronde in eastern Oregon, and some famous steelhead tributaries in British Columbia. Needless to say, this boat is fishy. After making my personal maiden voyage in it, I can attest to that fact. There still is quite a bit of luck in this boat and I'm getting excited paddle down and get into some spots that few get to witness and wet a fly in. Anyway, I had some footage from a float my buddy Rick and I did awhile back so I decided to cut it up and put together a little whitewater video. No fishing in this one. We just put the rods down and enjoyed the rush. Just a warning...the music in this one is more suited for robots than human ears!<br />
Stay Fly,<br />
T
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lQivSu7nVMw" width="853"></iframe></div>Thomas Goodwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261156684652960032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252753810161058729.post-60966546029104928282012-04-19T21:06:00.005-07:002012-04-19T22:25:17.878-07:00A Couple of Killers<a href="http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/?action=view&current=DSCN1480-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/DSCN1480-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />Since the high Sierra trout season opener is just around the corner, I thought I'd tie up a couple of my favorites. The two flies I'm about to show are two of my most productive. I was introduced to them by <a href="http://gilligansguideservice.com/blog/">Matt "Gilligan" Koles</a> almost a year ago to the day, so I decided I'd finally share them now that they've been through the ringer. The "Gilligan Baetis" is one of those flies that at first glance looks entirely too simplistic, but just fish it and shortly that doubt will disappear. I used to fish a similar bead-head pattern on a curved shanked hook called the Barr emerger. That pattern definitely held its own, but the Gilligan Baetis just undeniably out-fished it after putting it to the test. Here it is.<br /><br />Materials:<br />Hook: Tiemco 2457, Size #16-18<br />Bead: 7/64 Gold<br />Thread: Black 6/0<br />Tail: Black Hen Back Hackle<br />Rib: Olive Wire, Size Small<br />Wingcase: Black Thin Skin<br />Thorax: Olive Dubbing of choice<br />Legs: Black Hen Back Hackle<br />Collar: Fine Black dubbing<br /><br />1. Tie in some hen back hackle fibers for a tail. The fibers should extend about a half a shank's length.<br /><a href="http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/?action=view&current=DSCN1469.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/DSCN1469.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />2. Tie in a piece of wire directly on top of the hook shank and cover it completely with thread. Wrap the thread slightly down the bend of the hook. Make sure all of the wire/shank are covered with thread as this will serve as the body.<br /><a href="http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/?action=view&current=DSCN1470.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/DSCN1470.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />3. Wrap the wire forward and create even segments.<br /><a href="http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/?action=view&current=DSCN1471.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/DSCN1471.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />4. Cut a small strip of thin skin about half as wide as the hook gap. At about the 60% mark tie in the thin skin on top of the hook shank.<br /><a href="http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/?action=view&current=DSCN1472.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/DSCN1472.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />5. Dub the thorax.<br /><a href="http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/?action=view&current=DSCN1473.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/DSCN1473.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />6. Tie in some hen hackle fibers for legs on each side of the hook shank. The legs can extend as far as seems fit. (Here's a top view for reference)<br /><a href="http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/?action=view&current=DSCN1474.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/DSCN1474.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />7. Pull the thin skin over the thorax and tie it down.<br /><a href="http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/?action=view&current=DSCN1477.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/DSCN1477.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />8. Dub a small black collar and tie off.<br /><a href="http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/?action=view&current=DSCN1478.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/DSCN1478.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The next fly is an amazing attractor pattern as well as a big fish magnet. A few of my largest fish this year to date have fallen to this fly. The San Juan Worm is straight up a deadly and simple pattern. The problem I found with the San Juan Worm is its durability. Many times after a few fish the chenille will start to fall apart even if the tips are burned. This next fly solves that problem and the materials used also add some weight to help it get down. It is known as the Wire Worm, the Pig Sticker, and the Get Down Worm. Regardless of what its called, it'll nail some fish. <br /><br />Materials:<br />Hook: Kahle Style worm hook #6 or 8<br />Thread: UTC Ultra thread 140 denier Fl. Fire Orange<br />Body: Red wire, Size Brassie or Medium<br />Thorax: Thread coated in Sally Hansen's or Loon Hard Head<br /><br />1. Tie in wire on top of hook starting at the front and proceed to wrap to partially down the hook bend.<br /> <a href="http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/?action=view&current=DSCN1482.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/DSCN1482.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />2. Tightly wrap wire forward making sure not to leave any gaps in between wraps. Whip finish and tie off.<br /><a href="http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/?action=view&current=DSCN1483.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/DSCN1483.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />3. Create a small thorax/hot spot from the 60-80% mark over the wire with tying thread. Create a small hump with the thread and tie off.<br /><a href="http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/?action=view&current=DSCN1484.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/DSCN1484.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />4. With some Sally Hansen's or Loon Hard Head, create a small, clear segment. <br /><a href="http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/?action=view&current=DSCN1485.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/DSCN1485.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Now with both of these tied, I must say the combination of the two is straight deadly. With a typical indi/bobber set-up I'll run the worm first with the Gilligan Baetis trailing. This set-up is my go to in unknown situations. The theory behind it being that the big worm acts as an attractor and a lot of times the fish will rush over to check out the worm but then take the baetis. That's why in lots of situations where I have an idea of what's on the river bottom I'll make my top fly the worm and my bottom fly/flies one that is more like what the fish might be feeding on. However, the worm will pegs many fish by itself too. Give it a shot this Spring!<br /><br />Stay fly <br />TThomas Goodwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261156684652960032noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3252753810161058729.post-73847641603282263862012-04-14T13:33:00.005-07:002012-04-14T19:00:59.500-07:00The Squidro<a href="http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/?action=view&current=squidro.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/squidro.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />Since it's been raining and feeling more like steelhead weather than spring, I decided to add another steelhead fly tying segment. For this one, I continued with another Scott Howell pattern entitled the Squidro. The Squidro is another intruder-type pattern that utilizes rubber legs instead of the typical ostrich, rhea, or amherst feathers that would normally be on a typical intruder. The thinking behind utilizing the rubber legs was fly life longevity and two-tone color combo availability. Anyway, here's a very simple way to tie a Squidro. This isn't exactly the same way Scott ties them, but for the sake of simplicity and saving time, here's a quick version that does the trick. <br /><br />Shank: Waddington 35mm<br />Hook: Size 2 Octopus<br />Connection: 30lb Fireline<br />Thread: Olive 6/0<br />Butt: Olive Ice Dub<br />Body: Copper Diamond Braid<br />Legs: Back- Orange Crazy Legs, Front- Root Beer with Orange tipped Crazy Legs<br />Head: Olive Ice Dub<br />Weight: Medium Nickel lead eyes<br /><a href="http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/?action=view&current=DSCN1462-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/DSCN1462-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />1. Attach the hook to the shank with the Fireline. Making sure the Fireline is doubled over itself and tied down to firmly secure it. <br /><a href="http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/?action=view&current=DSCN1450-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/DSCN1450-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />2. Make a dubbing ball butt at the rear. This can be done by twisting the ice dub on or in a dubbing loop. I prefer doing it with a dubbing loop.<br /><a href="http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/?action=view&current=DSCN1451.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/DSCN1451.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />3. Tie in 2 clumps of crazy legs. One clump on top of the shank and one on the bottom.<br /><a href="http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/?action=view&current=DSCN1452.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/DSCN1452.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />4. Make another dubbing ball in front of the legs.<br /><a href="http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/?action=view&current=DSCN1453.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/DSCN1453.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />5. Tie in a piece of diamond braid and wrap it forward to about the 75% point on the shank.<br /><a href="http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/?action=view&current=DSCN1454.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/DSCN1454.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />6. The next set of legs are tied in a bit differently. Tie the legs in backwards (that is with the tips pointing forward).<br /><a href="http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/?action=view&current=DSCN1455.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/DSCN1455.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />7. Then create a dubbing ball just like in step 2 right on top of the tie in point for the front set of legs.<br /><a href="http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/?action=view&current=DSCN1456.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/DSCN1456.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />8. Next, pull the legs back and secure them with a pipe cleaner or piece of wire. <br /><a href="http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/?action=view&current=DSCN1457-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/DSCN1457-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />9. Tie in the eyes. Then create a dubbing ball and make a wrap in front of the legs and figure 8 the dubbing through the eyes. <br /><a href="http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/?action=view&current=DSCN1459.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/DSCN1459.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />10. Tie off the thread and it is complete! One possible additional step is to add 2 grizzy hackles on top of the fly like a traditional intruder if you prefer. <br /><a href="http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/?action=view&current=DSCN1460-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/tgoodwin/DSCN1460-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <br /><br />This version in the picture at the top is a larger, more winter-oriented Squidro, whereas the one tied here is more of a summer steelhead/large trout color pattern. Tie a few up and give them a swing!<br /><br />In other news, Daniel put together a Facebook page for GSF. If you have an account head over there and "Like" our page!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gotta-Stay-Fly/343207439065602">Gotta Stay Fly Facebook</a><br /><br />Stay Fly<br />TThomas Goodwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261156684652960032noreply@blogger.com0