Cookie-Cutter Cuts and some Leftovers

When Josh and Shane told me of the awesome days they had been having, my mental salivation glands kicked into overdrive.  And when I finally saw the pictorial proof, the little hook-set craving monster inside me began to purr.  Needless to say, I was grateful when they extended an invitation.  These cuts are just as the title says, "cookie-cutter."  They all range from 16 to 20 inches on average and most have vibrant red panels on their gill-plates.

The fishing was wild.  It was slower than previous trips, according to my fishing companion duo, but was still a bit like shooting fish in a barrel.  We started out fishing nymphs and various wet flies.  Things were moderately consistent, but then the fish started rising all over to some unseen bug.  We assumed they were midges since we couldn't actually see anything.  Following this hunch Shane and I tied on anything we could find in his dry box that had black on it.  The fish were smashing anything dark.  I think Shane got a bit annoyed that I kept asking him for a new fly because the one I was fishing became shredded.  Five or six flies later, a sore arm, and an inch of snow covering anything horizontal, we called it a day.  Shane and Josh headed to West Yellowstone to grab a couple burgers and I headed back home to family and a warm bed.

There were a smattering of brookies thrown in the mix. 

Shane tagged a nice healthy 20ish incher.

The fishing duo.  Calling it a day.

The Leftovers

Salmon fly fun... yes please!

 

Belly.

The color diversity in one river is amazing. 

Either this guy is one of those eternal optimists or his eyes were just bigger than his stomach!  Either way it is always fun to catch an unexpected brookie.

Snake.  Bust I love those rings.

I don't know about you, but this guys seems a bit spotty to me.  Bad joke, oh well.

Just in case you wanted to throw something away... in... the... middle... of ... nowhere.

Leftover carp footage.

Mostly just the takes... with some previously posted pictures.




Outside of this, things have been pretty quiet on the home-front.  It's funny how things feel so much better when you try harder to be a better person, but that things also have a tendency to fall apart at that same time!  I'm sure it's all part of the plan, and it definitely keeps me humble, if that is the intention.  Whatever it is, both pairs of waders miraculously started leaking a day or two after I began the media fast, I broke my 8wt the day before that, and hours at work cut back.  The current situation is preserving many a carps lips and keeping me in responsible-not-fish-so-much-mode. Despite this, I can honestly say I feel happier and much more productive.

See you back out on the water, just as soon as I find more time, fix my waders, and get the 8wt repaired.

Best Catch. EVER. (Part 1)

(This was designed to be posted at the end of April, but due to a month long hiatus from the internet it is now being posted.  Better late than never.)

How can you top your best catch ever?  Simply put, you can't.  It was the best sight fishing I will ever do in my life.  Fortunately, I landed her.  And now I get the pleasure of "sighting" her everyday.  It is the kind of catch and release I will never tire of, though it is different from the first time.  What is the difference?  Well, when I let this one go, she is still fun to catch, and yet is never really un-caught.  I still remember the day when she was brought to hand.  It was six years ago from today.  I love you sweetheart.

Just as awesome, but caught from the kiddie pool.

When the first was landed, my world of fishing changed forever.  It is still a passion and always will be, but as these little ones grow it will hopefully become a legacy.  A legacy that strengthens relationships and instills an appreciation for the beauties of this world.

Number three is on the way.  Can you guess what the gender is?

Have you hugged a carp today?

Carp can be a bit tricky to land, especially without banking them.  They are tough buggers that don't quit even after a good fight.  I usually take a large net, but forgot to bring it this time around. 

Who needs a net?  Shane showed us how it is done with his patented "carp hug." 

This also was Josh's first time chasing carp on the fly.  I'm pretty sure that he is now "hooked."  I love seeing people's first reaction to how strong a carp fights on a fly rod. 

Josh with his first landed carp.

Josh's first carp fought on the fly.

The triple.

Gold.

Sight fished this behemoth.  Quite enjoyable.

Taking a step back...

While driving home from our carping trip I had the strong impression that I needed to do some rearranging.  I'm a husband and a father.  I believe that God has blessed parents with the inspiration to teach and guide their families down the best paths in life.  I can take a hint when it's given.  So I am doing a media fast.  That means cutting out the internet for entertainment purposes (wasting time) and spending more time with my wife and children.  I will also be cutting back considerably on my fishing so I can focus on what should be my top priorities.  I believe this is what needs to be done so my kids and wife can see they are more important, because they are.  I have only set the fast to last a month, but who knows, maybe it will last longer. 

On that note, see you in a month, maybe.

Class is in session...

School started back up yesterday.  I thought I would visit some old haunts and give the 3wt some exercise.  She doesn't like it when I don't take her out for long periods at a time.  I think I managed to get back on her good side though.

There are plenty of surprises to be had whilst fishing.  Here is one I did not expect from the Henry's Fork.  I must say it made my "fishing" day.

Love me some brookies.

These fish were healthy.  This guy was a chunk.

I am learning that it is folly to underestimate the drive fish have to spawn.  They will travel quite a ways just to find the area they once knew as a little minnow.

A quick chop job with a different location.



Some pics of the event.  I'm still trying to decide whether or not these cuts are in fact residents, or just seasonal visitors.

 And just like me, he went back to his school.