Free Fishing in NY

I've been interesting in fishing the Delaware River for a while now. It's headwaters start in NY and as it works it's way south it creates PA's eastern border, until it reaches the Atlantic near Philly.

The upper reaches of the Delaware are supposed to be some fine trout waters, with holdovers as well as wild born browns and rainbows.

Fly Casting,The Belgian Cast - MidCurrent

Having trouble throwing multi-fly rigs, big streamers, sinking lines or some other get-up with a lot of beef at the end of the line?

Try the Belgian cast..... (no, there are no waffles involved.)

Fly Casting,The Belgian Cast - MidCurrent

Tenkara, pink PFD's and jigs made of corn.

I bought my 3 year old a new rod the other day, as her current rod (of Dora Explorer make) took quite a beating last year and I'm pretty sure it no longer works. So I bought her an electric blue and hot pink (yes, the color combination that hurts your eyes the worst) Shakespeare. For $15 it's kind of a nice rod.

As soon as we bought it we had to try it. We only had about 10 minutes, so I tied on a jig with a pink head and chart body and we sat at the closest stream and tossed the jig. No takers but that's ok.

Fishing today?

Nah, I think not. The trees on the right side are usually a few feet from the bank.  And this is after the stream came down. Earlier in the morning the water went to about 50 feet behind where I was standing. 

Take the Pledge

Those fine folks over at Recycled Fish have post a Sportsman's Stewardship Pledge, meaning you take a pledge to be a concerned and water friendly guy or gal, sign up, and they will email you all kinds of info. You also have the option to join and, depending on your level of membership, you can get some pretty sweet goodies.

Recycled Fish is a non-profit organization that advocates a "lifestyle of stewardship" in regards to fisheries and waterways. Check em out, join if you'd like, but I would ask that even if you don't become a member, try and take away at least a little of their approach to conserving your local fishery.

Fly of the Week: Bird of Prey Caddis

Today I picked up the book Fly Fishing Guide to Upper Delaware River by Paul Weamer. The majority of this river is fairly close to my house (between an hour to Philly at it's mouth to about 3 hours to the border with NY.) I have never fished it but have always wanted to. And since a three hour drive is a little far for a scouting trip, I figured this book would be the next best thing.

Here Comes the Sun…..block | Shes a ManiYak!

Stumbled on this blog, and post today while trolling the OBN. Post contains some really good info on skin protection from that fiery bugger, the sun.

I hate to say it but I rarely put on sunscreen; namely because I never remember to buy it. But, after hearing story after story of anglers getting skin cancer, I've built up a wardrobe of lightweight pants, long sleeved shirt, and a goofy floppy hat.

Not that it is total protection, but it's better than nothing. but after reading this post, I may go out and get a bottle of sun screen to throw in the back of the van. Maybe one of these days I'll even use it.....

Here Comes the Sun…..block | Shes a ManiYak!

Happy Easter

Favorite Outdoor food.

The OBN has put out the prompt asking what our favorite outdoor/camping food is. Burgers, steaks, corn on the cob..... how is one man to chose?

I guess if I had to lay the chips down on one thing, fresh caught fish is tops. Steak and burgers always taste good, but when your dining on a fish that was getting it's swim on an hour ago, that's a slice of heaven.

My favorite way (because I suck at cleaning fish) is to gut it, chop of fins, tail and head and then wrap it in aluminum foil and toss it on the edge of the fire, flipping every 10 minutes until done.

Delicioso!

Trout Unlimited Photo Contest

I just received word that TU is having their yearly photo contest, with the winner being included in next years calendar. You also get your choice of some pretty cool gear:

The grand prize-winning photo will be featured in the 2012 TU wall calendar and the winning photographer will win their choice of personalized Winston BIIIx fly rod, a Ross Vexsis fly reel and their choice of a pair of Costa Del Mar sunglasses. 

There will also be some runner up prizes in the form of  Costa Del Mar sunglasses for the top four in the categories of Wild Fish, Landscapes/Scenics, Young Anglers and Anglers in Action. 


Deadline is May 1st, so you better get out there and get clicking. Camera's still click, right? Well, mine does anyway......