Stupid Fish

I've spent the past two evenings walking stream side; casting what would be to the layman bits of fluff and thread placed on a hook hoping that skill, perseverance, and a little bit of that certain something will result in the perfect drag. Then is that magical moment when the fish, in out case a trout, gently sips the bit of fluff into it's maw and we will spend a few moments battling wills, light from the setting sun glinting off of ripples in the tailwater, until the fish at last comes to hand.

A little late, but....

All but six months into the year, almost 2 months after "trout season" opened, and I finally decided to saunter over and get my license? And admit my shame for all the world (or the three people who still read this) to see? I know. A big "WTF, mate?"

Well, to sum it up, the past year has been a bit difficult over at the FF volcano lair. I will try to keep from going into a "woe is me" litany and say that I've had to move into a much smaller volcano. I was finally able to land a full time gig and about the same time I received an influx of freelance web design work early this year.

This was a great change in my fortunes for which I can't begin to express how grateful I am, I did leave me with very little time for anything other that going to work and them coming home so that I could go to work.

I've finished a few of my projects up and now find that I do have a little bit of time. Enough time to finally get to sneak out to a stream, which is what I did this evening. But I'll post about that later this week.

I've popped on here a few times these past couple months and have seen that more people than ever are stopping by. Not really sure what ya'll are looking at, but I sincerely appreciate everyone that has stopped in and continued to view the site. It's enough to nudge me into making this a priority again, if a middle burner one. My only guarantee is that there really are no guarantees. But do look for a little more updates on my end

Again, thank you everyone that makes (and has made in the past) a stopping point on your search for fly fishing info. While silent, I have noticed.

Tight lines,
Anthony

What the Frack? - Marcellus Shale Tax

Legislation has been passed in PA for impact fees regarding the Marcellus Shale. In case you've been under a rock (made of shale, perhaps...?) Marcellus Shale is a giant natural gas reserve underneath the Appalachian Mountains, covered by PA and NY, as well as WV and MD. Coincidentally, it's also covered by some of these states most pristine trout fisheries.

As you can imagine, when trout streams go up against gas drilling, they lose. Unforutnately, that's not changing.

Congrats to Jason Pepin!

Mr. Pepin is winner of the Jig It Ice Fishing Extravaganza at Escanaba Yacht Harbor in the Upper Peninsula in Michigan, bringing home a pot of $3,000 at this charity event. 


So what did the winning haul look like? A 4.5 oz perch. 


That's right. Out of 400 odd contestants, Jason landed the only fish of the day.

So kudos to him. I hope he gets a fiberglass replica made. One can always use a new key-chain. 

Getting the itch.

Between things popping up in my personal life almost non-stop for longer than I care to think about, I haven't been hitting the water much. Since October, to be technical. In fact all things fly fishing (including this blog) have unfortunately been put on the back burner if not placed back in the fridge.

Well, that bug has hit. The past few days have been exceptionally nice here in PA (today we topped at 62) and my skin is a starting to itch. It's been way to long. Past time to clip on that license, blow the dust off of those rod tubes and fill the crisp, Spring-like mornings with curses as I work the rust out.

No Pants Subway Ride

Just another reason to be thankful I have a car. Check out this Flickr blog of people, riding the subway, with no pants.

Also, the Flyfishinado Parent of the Year goes to the mother who drug her baby girl out on the subway. Thank God some therapist doesn't have to worry about unemployment in about 20 years. Runner up is the obvious mother-with-toddler.

I have only ever been on a subway once. It was St. Patrick's Day (which should tell you about my mental state more eloquently than any words of mine could) and I still remember the remarkable stench of urine that I got to experience. I don't think I would ride one without a Haz-Mat suit on, let alone without pants.

A quick ramble.

I just read an entertaining yet insightful post from one Owl Jones. It's about some tips for new bloggers, and people interested in starting a blog. To paraphrase (and simplify) him, post things and eventually someone will become angry, spiteful,, mocking and downright mean.

I'm going to add to this. If you blog or do anything that the general public will see, you will piss some people off. And they will let you know. Many times at great length; to the point you wonder what they did with their time before find you.

Boredom Begets Innovation

It's the middle of Whitetail season in PA. I didn't go out this year, but my father did, just as he does every year. This year he ended up with a buck and two doe, kind of like he does every year.

And just like every year, we kick around an idea, kind of smile and laugh when it's brought up, then go about the butchering as we have done time immortal. What's the question?

Good-buy, Mr. Scott

One of my favorite online retails, Scott's Fly Shop, has decided to hang up the sign for the last time.

I know, I know, you're supposed to support your local shops, and all that jazz. But I'm a poor young(ish) fisherman and some of those prices are a little too steep. So I use the wonders of the interweb to keep me in fish and the bill collectors at bay.

iPad Apps - A non-exclusive rundown.

Given a laundry list of unfortunate events (hurricanes, colds that don't seem to go away and wonderful bouts of pink eye) it's been a few weeks since I was able to get any water-time. So in the interim I've been messing with some fly fishing apps for my iPad. Here's the good, bad, and ugly.....