Hobby Sports

Today was an interesting day. This is the first time Ive ever had a miserable carp outing and was not upset about it, well up until I snapped my favorite T&T Helix 5WT SW. Thats the second time Ive busted this rod. The first time I snapped the tip by slamming my clouser at it while fishing Newport Bay with Yosh a few years ago. At least that time I was casting to fish. Today on the other hand I broke it retrieving a plastic bag. A PLASTIC BAG!!!! Up until then I was actually having a good time even though I was not hooking up with any fish.

The carp are spawning and have taken to the tules to mate. They are making quite a ruckus and its very entertaining and quite scary at times when youre not ready for it. Its the same feeling when a quail suddenly flushes at your feet after a long day of seeing no birds. It startles you pretty good. I literally saw 100 carp today. Most were thrashing in the tules. Others were chasing others off. I saw a pod of about 6, shoulder to shoulder causing havoc, splashing water everywhere. The fishing was near impossible. Firstly the wind was out of control. The 5wt was quite the chore to cast. Secondly most fish were in the reeds and the garbage, both natural and man made, in the water was excessive. Youd hook up on something almost every other cast. Its was annoying. Not that it mattered as the fish were all tight lipped and refusing even the most perfectly presented fly. There was one giant thrashing about in the center of the water that probably provided me the best opportunity for a catch. Unfortunately he was bit out of casting distance although that did not stop me from trying to get a fly to him. I got in the water in an attempt to give me better casting room. In doing so the muddy ground started to give and I started sink slowly until my wellington boots started to fill with that nasty ass smelling water. I managed a few casts where actually good ones too but he refused all my offerings before I repositioned myself. He was big, may have been as big or bigger than the 9.5lber I caught just a few days ago.

The carp were pretty tolerant of my presence and not nearly as spooky as usual. In fact I had several near my feet before rushing off. I even had one bump my Wellingtons. Eventually I realized that these fish had no interest in eating so I mentally quite fishing although I did throw a line here and there. That is when I should have stopped. I made one cast and got caught up in a plastic bag. Foolishly I yanked it to shore thereby snapping the tip section. GREAT. I guess its off to Marriotts to send it back to T&T.

On my trip to Japan last spring, I made some purchases at Sansui fly shop. Whenever Im in the Tokyo area I look for items that I cant get here in the US. One of such items was the TMC wingburners (the other items are posted here). When I came home I thought of a way to organize them on my fly tying desk. Since Lou is a fabricator, I asked if he could make me a holder. I gave him a general ideal on what I was looking for and he took it from there. As he is a rookie fly fisherman, I traded him some flies for the work. I finally received it yesterday when we went dog training.

TMC wingburners are unavailable here in the US. I have a total of eight of them. Each package comes with a pair of burners. I bought some caddis, mayfly and cranefly wingburners.

This holder is made from leftover material that Lou used for building his kennel.

More items not sold here in the US. This wing material that are used with the wingburners.

This is what the mayfly wings look like when burned.

I tied several of them last year but Ive yet to really try any of them. I always seem to forget to do so.

A close up look at one of those flies. The extended tail is made from tools also unavailable here in the US, I used the C&F Design Extend Body Twister.

In Italy



In France

By local standards this Brown is a trophy.

Its been years since Ive fished this much.  Part of the reason for my lack of fishing was I lost most of my past fishing buddies to domestication and part of it was my other hobbies started to take up more of my time.  but now things have changed.  Chul and I hit the local mountains this afternoon and fished a tributary that he had fished not too long ago.  I wanted to the check it out since last year Chul was able to land a 14 incher out of this trickle of water.  As its one of my favorites, I chose to fish my much too neglected Sage SLT 1 weight.  This rod was, up until I bought my NAC 49" 2/3 weight, my go-to local mountain rod.  The last time I fished it was on carp when I was trying to catch a  carp on every rod from 7 weight down to a 1 weight but its been years since its been on trout.

Rattlesnake crossing the trail.

While walking on the trail, Chul was pointing out an area that he had slayed several fish before when I yelled out WHOA!  Halting immediately, Chul saw me pointing ahead on the trail where I saw a huge rattlesnake.  This guy was old and fat, he slithered into the ivy and was gone.  I was shocked to see a rattler here as it is rather shaded from the canopy from the Alders and I would have thought the snakes would prefer the rockier and sunnier areas.  When we arrived at the tributary Chul noticed how low its gotten from the last time earlier this month.  After reaching the end of this small stretch of water and only catching a few dinks we hiked out of this part and moved on to the main body and started making our way to the bigger pools up ahead until we saw some knucklehead throwing rocks in it.  Leap frogging ahead of him, we saw a fly fisher already working the next stretch of water. So we moved further up.  We fished the next section and I managed a 6-7incher in very small pocket water while Chul worked a small pool and managed a 10 incher.

We made it to a one of the huge pools and I managed a 12 inch brown trout that looked as if it came from the Owens River.  If I showed this photo to anyone, they would be shocked to know that this fish came out of this dinky water.  Its shocking.  We moved to the next pool and it seemed the fishing halted quite a bit.  Even getting dinks was proving difficult.  On this pool I managed another brown that while not as big as the last was a nice specimen.  It was probably 9-10 inches.  I missed a few more and lost a few good ones when my tippet failed.  Continuing to move upstream, Chul fished a pool where he missed a nice 10 incher the last time he was here.  This time he managed to coax him to hit the fly and took him out of his slot that it called home.  We arrived at the waterfall and at my second cast I managed a nice rainbow.  Chul had a nice fish on until he bumped his rod on an overhead branch and lost the fish.  Several casts later the hole shut down.

Nice Rainbow

We started to make our way out fishing a hole here and a hole there.  Chul managed a few dinks but the fishing had shut down on the river for whatever reason.  Perhaps its the changing barometric pressure or something but we were convinced its the wacky weather that is coming in.  We hiked out of there and got in the car and headed down the mountain.  By this time it was past eight and when we reached the bottom we found our selves on the wrong side of a locked gate.  Oh crap!  It was past 8PM now and pitch black.  I saw a silhouette of a man on the other side of the gate and when he came into the light of the car I noticed it was a cop.  I got out of the car and he let us know that the gate closes at 8 and you can be cited it you dont make the closing time.  I apologized and he opened the gate and let us go without incident.  I thanked them and wished them a good night.

While searching the net, I found this cover of Vogue magazine from their October 15, 1936 issue which shows a lovely lady shooting a side by side wearing a brown hat and a pheasant tail.  At least the lady has style sporting a SXS with double triggers.  Its the only way to go for a true sportsman (or woman).

This cover made me think, would I ever see such a cover in my lifetime on the current Vogue?  I highly doubt it but Ive been wrong before.  If they did though Id buy it.  But Im sure my $5.99 is safe from that.  I wouldnt doubt that those NY-types with the current Vogue have probably burned this cover and wiped out any evidence it ever existed. 

Anyways it would be interesting to see what the current Vogue equivalent of this cover would look like? 

A Dogs Life was a short lived show that each week featured a particular breed of bird dog . Aired on OLN, it was hosted by Jamison Parker of Simon And Simon fame. I really wish this show was still on air. Showcasing various breeds and set in various hunting scenarios, A Dogs Life may just be one of my all time favorite bird dog shows. As an owner of a Deutsche Drahthaar I particularly enjoyed that episode.

Each episode explained in detail the breed showcased, all the strengths, personalities, history, and even an advice segment from Steven Smith and a vet segment with Doctors Foster and Smith. All that and it even included the dog at work hunting. The show was even sponsored by Filson, my garment of choice while bird hunting in the States. Jamison even hunts with a side by side. I wish the show was on DVD because Id buy it. If your considering buying a bird dog for the first time Id suggest you watch the episode of your desired breed.

The show, and all episodes can be seen here.


Another show, Ill mention since it is also on the same site, which is not nearly as good, Bird Dogs Forever can also be seen here. It is nowhere near as good as Jamisons show although it looks like it aired much longer than A Dogs Life. Bird Dogs Forever can even be purchased on DVD.

Here is a recipe I like to use when you have access to live shrimp.  Its easy and good.  Although, if you are on cholesterol meds, you may need to double up on them if you eat this. 

Unfortunately the pictures did not come out as well as the dish.

Ingredients:
Whole live shrimp
Uni
salt
Mayo

Last night I had no intention of fishing but when I woke this morning I had an itch.  So I headed to the local carp water without taking it consideration what the recent rains may have done to the river.  Once I reached the water I realized it was going to a waste of time.  The water was up even more than last time and it was completely black.  Visibility was only a few inches so I wouldnt be sight casting today.  For the first time ever in my brief carping career I finally saw clooping carp (or rising carp).  Ive only read or seen it on video, never in person.  My carp box has very little in a dry fly selection and I tried an emerger dry  without much success.  I moved toward shallower water where I could briefly spot cruising and tailing carp.  With even the most perfect cast to these fish, they refused.

For whatever reason, this retarded state of California has changed the name of the Department of Fish & Game to Department of Fish and Wildlife at the beginning of this year.  Why would they do such a thing?  Who knows but in the opinion of this sportsman there is an agenda among antis to chip away our ability to hunt. 

The definition of game:  animals under pursuit or taken in hunting; especially : wild animals hunted for sport or food (2) : the flesh of game animals

The definition of wildlife:  living things and especially mammals, birds, and fishes that are neither human nor domesticated

One word- the old word- has implications of hunting and sport.  The other is merely living things and had no implication of sport or hunting.

This is a subtle way to slowly chip away at our rights to hunt.  Call me paranoid but in a state with so many non-sportsman and antis I think my hypothesis is on the money.  When a DFG commissioner loses his job for legally hunting a mountain lion in another state in Idaho, than you know this state is out of control.  Let us not forget that certain hunts are now banned from using hounds.  Its only a matter of time an attempt ban all types of hunting with a dog. 

Given the current economic condition of California, is it prudent to change the name?  Dont we have bigger issues to handle.  How much will this name change cost?  Remember all logos from banners, uniforms, hats, patches, decals, websites, etc. need to be eventually changed.  All that is time and MONEY that this state does not have.  Keep in mind all uniformed DFW workers pay for their uniforms and hats etc. (although they get a small stipend but Ive been told it is not enough). 

California again you prove how stupid you really are.  It is no wonder every other state in this union hates your guts.  And rightfully so.  I labeled this under humor because California youre a joke.

I decided to put to use the bounty of the last hunt. 

Ingredients:
Saddle of Cottontail Rabbit and liver (you can use the legs if cooking for more than one person)
Mushrooms
Diced Shallots
Green Onion
Butter
White Wine
Chicken Broth
Fresh Herbs- I used Chives, Thyme and Rosemary since that is all I had
Penne Pasta
Parmesan cheese

Dice the liver and saddle of the cottontail in bite sized pieces.  Slice the mushrooms.  Chop the herbs.  Grate the cheese.

Cook the Pasta in salted water.  Heat butter in a pan and add the diced shallots and green onions.  When cooked add diced rabbit until half way cooked.  Then add the sliced mushroom and herbs.  Deglaze with the wine and broth.  Reduce liquid to about half.  Add cooked pasta and toss. Retain the cooked pasta water. Then add the cheese and toss.  If the pasta is too dry add pasta water.  Of course season along the way.
 

My first real hiking boot ever was a Lowa. I have always been a fan because every pair Ive ever worn have been very comfortable. It has always seemed to me that they require little to no break in period. Ive never had a blister or hot spot with their boots.

I have acquired two new pair of Lowa boots. My father picked a pair of Desert Elites for me. These boots retail here in the states for over $300 and Ive seen them go for over $400. But for some reason, these boots in the UK are going for far less, around $200 USD. I have read that the British SAS and other Special Forces wear these boots. Perhaps there was a contract that was not fulfilled and now the UK has an overrun of these and thus the cheaper price there. My father picked these up from a UK dealer and bought a pair for himself and a pair me for roughly the price of one set that could be bought here.

Other than trying them on, I have not tested the boot. Although on our last hunt my father wore his and said they were very comfortable. One great thing about these Elites are that they are still made in Germany. They are water repellent and breathable and are 8 inches tall. Although these are desert boots they are more than capable for mountainous chukar terrain. Afterall the Brits are wearing these in Afghanistan. One thing I have to get used to is that these boots have closed eyelets. This is because these are designed for paratroopers and open eyelets can get caught or cut up cords. For me this takes some getting used to as all my boots have open eyelets. These boots will be my early season mountain quail boots or hot weather boots.

The boot is a combination of cordura and leather. Tongue is well padded and mountaineer styled.

Eyelets are closed throughout. The tongue is attached to a nice soft leather.

Lowa Renegade GTX Mid

Not knowing that my father picked me up those boots, I picked up another pair of Lowa boots for everyday use or camping. I have a pair or Timberlands I bought years ago because I read that Ed Viesturs wore them. Those were Chinese made junk. I couldnt believe Ed would ever wear a boots like that. I guess he gets them free but since he makes a living mountaineering I would expect that he would go with a more reputable boot company. Maybe he just wears those while in camp and not when hiking to the base camp. Most recreational boots found at outdoors stores are now made in China. Just go to REI and look for yourself. That is just sad. I, for one, will not purchase any of those.

These Lowa Renegade GTX Mids are not German made but at least they are not made in China. It is my understanding that these are Lowas most popular boot selling more units worldwide than some boot companies sell in one year. I can see why. These are some of the most attractive boots on the market.

Like every Lowa Ive owned, this pair is out of the box comfortable. The monowrap comes up and wraps to the middle part of the boot which not only provides stability and durability but lessens weight as well.

These boots have trekking style lace ups which wrap around the contours of the foot. These are open eyelets.


There is a stabilizer in the sole that works like a shank. The soles are Vibram.

Made in Slovakia. Ill take that to China any day.

So far Ive only worn these around town so I can not yet comment how they will do in the field. These boots will be for everyday wear, hiking, fly fishing, camping, off roading and other. Since Ill likely be hunting in the following months, its unlikely these boots will see any "real" use until the hunting season is over. I will however be bringing these to Texas while I take a CSAT Rifle course with Paul Howe in February.

When I get more "real" use out of these two boots I will make a new entry to report.

After placing an order on the 1st of April, my order from Linder finally arrived. Ive ordered items elsewhere from Germany and Ive never had to wait so long for a package. I was pretty surprised on how long DHL Germany had held my item. I checked the tracking number and the package sat at several distribution centers for days before moving to the next stage. That being said Ive finally recieved my package.

I order a wild boar head trachtenmesser, a letter opener and bottle cap opener both with a Drahthaar figurine.

These Bavarian style knives have no belt sheath as they are intended to be carried in the specifically designed side knife pocket of German hunting pants or lederhosens.

I upgraded to the Forester sheath with has stags stamped on the German silver fittings.

Here are the close ups of the sheaths:


I chose the Wild Boar head model. Ever since Id seen one in a Frankonia catalog back in the early nineties, Ive always wanted this knife. The handle is genuine stag. Its funny when I was younger I never liked stag handles but now I really like them now. I actually prefer them now over wood.

The boar head is pretty detailed.

I also chose the "decorated" blade similiar to my Laguiole knife.

As a Drahthaar owner and lover, I purchased some of their Drahthaar figured items as well. I chose the cap lifter and letter opener. Both have genuine stag handles. You can tell by the picture below, the handle on the cap lifter is much smoother and less textured like the letter opener and my knife.

Unlike in Germany where the Drahthaar can be considered the national dog, here in the States, the Drahthaar is not a very popular breed. As such finding Drahthaar themed items is very difficult. So once I found out Linder had a few items I decided to snatch them up.

The figure deplicts a drahthaar proudly holding a hare in its mouth.


It was a long wait for some items that are difficult if not nearly impossible to obtain here in the states but they have finally made it home.