Showing posts with label of. Show all posts
Showing posts with label of. Show all posts
Monday, August 12, 2013
Change of Plans Should Have Just Watched Euro
With the tides optimal today, the original plan to go back and fish the bay, but that plan was scraped because of various reasons. So I planned to just stay home and watch the soccer tournament until I had a last minute bright ideal to fish for trout and try out my new bag from Mont Bell. Chul, although planning to head out to the Sierras to fish some real trout water tomorrow, was up for some local trout exploration.
I think once we saw cars parked along side of the road before the parking lot, we should have known something was up. Today was a zoo. Since school is out on vacation, our trout rivers are now packed like a Tokyo subway station during rush hour. There were a hell of a lot more people than we expected for an early Friday morning.
We headed downstream further than we had ever been, looking for a huge plunge pool under the waterfall. Knowing full well that the water would have already been occupied by cliff divers, we still headed toward it just to see if it was worth fishing in the future. In front of the falls, was a long pool that held several more-than-respectable fish. We concluded that the huge pool must have monster trout in there, promising to return someday before the swimmers could ruin the pool.
We bypassed the circus and moved downstream fishing pocket water along the way. The fish were plentiful and aggressive but none of any significant size although much larger than the fish I was catching at the East Fork a few days prior. Eventually the area became to wild and we were unwilling to bushwhack in the jungle. Way too much poison oak here. So we turned back and headed upstream to the divers. We found a nice pool just before the divers and caught several fish here. We moved on from there catching fish here and there catching fish along the way. With dinner plans, we quit around 3PM and started to head out. The hike in todays heat was brutal. Fishing SoCal waters during the summer is like this, I suppose, but I never can get used to all the crowds. I go to the outdoors to get away from people not to engage with them.
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Big Browns of the Golden Trout Wilderness Beware
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| Brown Trout Beware, Im coming after you. No more eating our precious Golden Trout. |
Ive been told that the Browns in our Golden Trout Wilderness are eating our precious native Goldens. People have told me that there are huge Browns in there and if caught they must not be released. The next time I get back there Ill do my part. I want one of those monsters. I tied this fly just for the cause. I cant wait to try it out.
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| We want to keep as many of these alive as possible. |
Friday, August 2, 2013
Department of Fish and Game Loses The Game Now Wildlife
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.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Mountain Buffalo One of the Greatest Hunting Films Ever
My off seasons are usually spent watching hunting videos. This season is no different. Recently I received a package of four DVDs. One of which I just finished watching. Without a doubt, Mountain Buffalo is the greatest hunting film I ever seen. Narration is available in a number of languages including English, German, French, Danish and Spanish. The German client scene is subtitled.
The film takes place in Northern Tanzania near Mount Loosimingor as Rainer guides and narrates each hunt. Watching the film you quickly realize that this film is much more about the hunt and the stalk rather than the kill.
If Mark Sullivan or Mark Buchanan films are your cup of tea youd definitely find this film a bore. Unlike those films Mountain Buffalo is shot in documentary style. The production, cinematography, editing and narration is simply amazing. The film follows three cape buffalo hunts. Each gives you look inside Rainer Joschs hunting philosophy and style. Rainers words illustrate this “The pursuing of an animal shall only become interesting when the hunt provides a challenge to the hunter. The taking of an animal should not be too easy, the risk of an unsuccessful outcome adds mystery and personalizes the hunting experience and is therefore a prerequisite...”
I truly love this film and I found out that Rainer has made a new film. Apparently it is already out in Europe and I cant wait until it comes out here in the US.
Monday, July 22, 2013
MVL Skunks Off The Boat For One Of Us
Green water, high winds and cold weather coming this weekend made fishing today rather difficult. Encouraged by seeing a nest of huge panfish on our last outing, we went back to the same location to entice some of those fish to take our flies. That was not going to happen this time. Although it was tough to see through the water, it appeared that fish had gone. We fished several hours and for me I didnt even get some much as a bump all day despite throwing just about every fly I had and using every type of retrieve. Chul on the other hand at least caught, although small, a largemouth and a respectable bluegill. when he caught the bluegill he had a huge LMB follow. We hoped the it would charge and take the panfish. Chul even dangled the fish just above it to see if the bass would take. But it did not, it just stood underneath it staring. Hard day for the both of us but at least Chul got to feel fish. Rough.
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Handful of Juvenile Bass at MVL
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| One of many cookie cutter juvenile that attacked our flies all day. |
Small bass is better than no bass. With the weather consistent the last few days and with cool overcast conditions, I was pretty confident the fishing would be pretty good. In the three hours of fishing, we managed several a piece, I lost count but we had at least 6 or 7 trout-sized bass to the hand. We noticed at least 5 bass in the over 8 pound range. Two of which followed our boat for sometime though they refused to open their mouths. I had one of those chase my 11 inch bass but refused to attack it. It seems that there are two kinds of bass here- juvenile 10-11 inchers and monster bass. Ive yet to catch an average bass here. Since this lake has a slot limit, Im not sure if people are pulling all the 12 to 20 inch fish out of here and that is why we see the extremes in sizes.
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| One of many tight lipped lunkers in this lake. |
Monday, July 8, 2013
The Grand Opening of Pacific Sporting Arms
Today was the grand opening of John Herkowitzs Pacific Sporting Arms. The old man and I just got back from the new location just down the road from Perazzis US showroom. The store is nice with plenty of room for all the guns John wanted to stock but had no room for at this last location. John once told me he would like to carry more rifles but didnt have the space for it until now. Today he had several from double rifles to repeaters mostly of Teutonic origins (Blaser, Ferlach, Sauer and Kreighoff among others) from 308 to 500NE. The majority of guns in his old store were more competition and clay based so its nice to see John is now stocking more hunting related guns than before as well. He had side by sides in stock including several from Grulla, Simson, and Holland and Holland among others.
Like Jerry and Jims store Ivory Beads (now closed), this store is a place to hang out a shoot-the-shit with the boys. It even has a lounge to have a beer or rest your legs. PSA is now loaded with various fine guns and all the accompaniments that go with them. I imagine Ill probably be spending a lot of time here as John depletes my savings account.
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| Krieghoff Drilling 20x20x30.06 |
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| A Fine selection of rifles |
The Blaser and Perrazi reps were on hand to answer questions and help sell their guns. I wanted to talk to the Blaser but since he was helping another customers with a F3 shotgun I had no time to talk rifles with him.
It looked like an excellent turnout with several people filling out their DROS paperwork. So I wish John the best of luck as he is a good man and with any luck Ill win the raffle (even though I didnt care for the gun but thats okay if its free).
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| Free caps to everyone who attended. I really like the logo on this cap its much better than their old cap. |
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| Green Onion bread |
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| tripe |
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| Homemade hand cut noodles |
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| Lamb and green onions |
Had a Bit of a Scare
Two samples of Kaisers urine, the bloody urine and one from the following day which appears to have cleared up.
After hunting all day we heading back home for a long drive. Kaiser worked hard the past day and a half. When we finally arrived home I took Kaiser out to urinate. While relieving himself I noticed that his urine had blood in it. I couldnt really tell as it was around 9pm by now and the artificial lights outside made it tough to really see. So I let him in and found a flashlight to check. He had pissed on an empty planter that had some light dried leaves in it. I saw that his pee did in fact have blood.
Having never dealt with anything like this, I freaked out a bit. After I showered him I called the local emergency vet to see if I should have him checked out now or if I should just wait till the morning to see my regular doctor. they told me to come in. So I did.
The vet checked him over. There are a few causes of bloody urine such as eating poison, trying to pass a stone, among others and the vet asked me question so to see if these could be the cause. Another cause is overexertion. When a dog overexerts himself his muscles breakdown and is passed through the body through urine or feces. The doc x-rayed the dog to see if he was trying to pass anything, she also did other tests such as blood and urine analysis.
After some exhausting tests, the main culprit was overexertion. With the results in from the analysis in, it was determined that Kaiser had some abnormal readings that concerned her. She worried that he could suffer from some kidney damage and suggested that he say overnight so she could put an IV in him so he could recover quicker and reduce any chance of kidney damage.
I left him there for the night to pick him up the next morning before 8am.
I arrived at 7:30am to pick up Kaiser and after paying the $710 bill we were off. The vet said he should be fine but have him rechecked in three days to make sure he didnt suffer any damage.
Im having several hunts that are becoming extremely expensive but as long as my dog is okay, Ill just have to live with it.
Friday, July 5, 2013
First Fish of the Year
Just got back from carping. I started just after 10am. The last time I hit these waters was in late summer, so I was not sure what to expect. To my surprise the jungle I had to ford through, and basically stop my fishing last summer, was now all gone. It has been completely mowed down, making it perfect for casting. With all the tules and vegetation removed, you no longer need to pick your shots as you can now cast anywhere. There are some disadvantages though as these spooky fish will see you and bolt once they see your silhouette. That was not much of my concern today though as I forgot my polarized glasses.
I chose to use my favorite rod,the T&T Helix 5wt SW and one of my least favorite reels my Orvis Battenkill 5/6 Disc. I normally do not use that reel other than for use at the casting club, which I havent been to in ages. The reason I choose to use that reel was because I know for a fact that the reel is loaded with a 5 wt floating line. In fact I dont think Ive changed that line in over 11 years. My other reels I typically use are my Tibor Tailwater but I know I split the line the last time I used it and Ive yet to replace it. The other reel is a Tibor Freestone, one of my favorites, that I used last year but I soon realized that it was loaded with a 6wt floating line. The Battenkills line is so old and dirty my casting sucked. Im sure most of it was the fact Ive not casted in months but nonetheless Im blaming the gear.
A lot of mallards on the water. Where you all of you during the hunting season?
Without polarized glasses it was not only tough to see the fish but to see direction they were facing. Also it made it difficult to see where the fly in relation to the fish and whether or not it was even taken. All this resulted in me losing my first fish. I felt it strike and I stripped it right out of its mouth. He did not spook though and I casted to him again. He took and spit the fly out this time before he decided he had enough of that spot.
Moving on I found what I thought was pair of carp and casted to one of them. Realizing that one of them was not a fish I casted to the other. This time it was a fish, he fought me for a few minutes. He seemed lazy and did not give much of a fight. No real big runs and barely bulldogged me. I managed to land him and weighed him at 5lbs.
No other action after that as I spooked at least 5 or 6 more sunning carp. I gave up just after noon. The breeze was adding chop to the water so sight casting became impossible.
Found this guy on the banks. Someone doesnt like carp.
Monday, July 1, 2013
First Birds of the Season Moores Place
The Hubertus Small Game Knife ready for gutting.
The Quails of the day taken with a Merkel 47E and a French U/O.
Kaiser and I take a rest while searching for chukar.
I missed the early dove season. I missed the early season mountain quail. I missed the regular season opener. The Rover was packed last week and I was ready to go up until I hopped in the drivers seat and the truck wouldnt start. As a result the trip was cancelled as I went to go replace the battery. In addition to that I had them do my routine maintenance. They found that I needed to replace my front bushings. Great start to the season.
After a lousy start, I decided to today was going to be the first time out. I was in no mood to wake up early to beat morning traffic I choose to leave the house late morning. We arrived the on the hunting fields at 3pm. Within only a few minutes from the car, we flushed a loose covey of about 8. I took a 30 yard right to left shot. I missed with the first IC barrel of the 20 gauge Merkel 47E but managed him with the second Mod barrel. My intetion was to climb to get some chukar so I was using B&P F2 Classic #6. I with my father through a dried out riverbed where weve had great luck in the past. No other birds appeared. Once through, I decided to climb the mountain for a chance at chukar. I left dad at the flatlands and walked parallel to each other. I climbed higher than Ive ever climbed on this mountain. Unfortunately Kaiser and I were unable to find any birds. Unlike me, dad managed better than I. He flushed two small conveys and took two quail for his efforts. We met back at the truck by this time it was alittle after 5. We began driving out, not far from the main road a covey of at least 20 flushed to our right. Stopping the car, we jumped out and pursued the birds. Singles and double flush wild but shots were difficult as we were in some thick stuff along with a forest of cholla, yucca and other desert plants. We managed none of those birds. These birds acted like late season birds. They must be holdovers. After all the rain this spring Im surprised I didnt see more birds and more dumber young birds.
Kaiser and I are not in hunting shape. This is completely my fault, I should have done alot more to get us ready for the season. Oh well. Im typing in motel and Im beat. Pictures for some reason will not upload so they will go up later.
Friday, June 28, 2013
The One Of Two That Got Away
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| Should be me holding that damn fish! |
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| The proof- San Juan Worm that I mocked before stealing from Chul and tying it on. |
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