Guys, Flies & Pies sponsor JP Ross Fly Rods has posted a new video. In this video JP talks about the components he uses and various ways your rod can be customized. I really enjoy the rod tubes they have, and how they can laser engrave the cap. Also, you can get the reel seat engraved and the butt cap. All these options, along with choice of wood for the insert and style of reel seat allow you to really have a nicely customized rod.
And, if you have a business and are looking for a nice gift for your employees, give JP a call and talk about getting matching rods for the gang. And, if you are doing this please consider putting me on the books before the rods get handed out! I can always use another rod!
LINK: JP Ross Fly Rods
Monday, August 29, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
The First Trunk Loop
As I mentioned yesterday, I'm having my wife sew me up some trunk loops to make tying down my kayak easier.
I'm excited that this worked well. However, after inspecting my trunk a bit closer, I think I might make these with a rivet instead of the hose, then screw the strap directly to the trunk so they are fixed to the trunk. This would mean they'd be in place all the time and I'd just have to flip them out when needed. This weekend I'll make up a riveted strap and see how well it works.
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| Test fit, ready to be sewn |
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| Loading up a bobbin of a different kind |
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| Sewing it together |
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| Check out those cute hands! |
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| The finished product |
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| Late night test run |
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| It works!!! |
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| Just hanging out |
Thursday, August 25, 2011
A Short Float
This past Tuesday night, my wife and I made a deal, a deal in which she promised I could kayak EVERY day for the next week and a half. Well, I took the deal, not necessarily because of that, but because I knew I had to. But, I wasn't going to let a chance to go fishing from my "yellow banana" pass by. So yesterday after work I quickly loaded up the kayak and headed out for 2 hours. I got to fish for about an hour and a half. A short trip, because like most every other night in the next week and a half, there was something already on the calendar. So, there's a chance a week and a half of kayaking "every day" will turn into 2, maybe 3, trips. I'll take what I can get.
I started off by exploring a very tiny opening in the weeds which was barley 5 feet across in some parts. I got pretty close to a great blue heron and he flew away. I determined with limited time, and the slow speed I had to use to navigate in such a tight area, I'd turn back to the main part of the pond.
The wind was pretty strong and consistent so I kept close to the reeds to keep from getting swept away from the water I was fishing. In the end, I missed all the strikes and caught nothing. It was still nice to get out in the wind and learn that I could be successful in the kayak.
I got home from fishing and found a package waiting. Getting fishing related mail is great!
It was my 24 yard roll of webbing/strapping.
While out at the store I picked up a few more supplies.
I'm going to use this stuff to have my wife sew me up a "soft rack" for the kayak and some trunk loops. Here are pictures of what I've found online, what I'm trying to make myself. I think we'll be successful in making it work, and it will make strapping the kayak to the car easier and quicker.
If you don't tell anyone, I'll let you in on a secret.....I wish I knew how to sew. Last night I wanted to get the stuff made, but my wife had more important things to do. Hopefully in the next week we'll be able to get at least the trunk loops made, since I'm still trying to find a place that has pool noodles (for the soft rack) still in stock this late in the summer.
I started off by exploring a very tiny opening in the weeds which was barley 5 feet across in some parts. I got pretty close to a great blue heron and he flew away. I determined with limited time, and the slow speed I had to use to navigate in such a tight area, I'd turn back to the main part of the pond.
The wind was pretty strong and consistent so I kept close to the reeds to keep from getting swept away from the water I was fishing. In the end, I missed all the strikes and caught nothing. It was still nice to get out in the wind and learn that I could be successful in the kayak.
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| Ready to go |
It was my 24 yard roll of webbing/strapping.
While out at the store I picked up a few more supplies.
I'm going to use this stuff to have my wife sew me up a "soft rack" for the kayak and some trunk loops. Here are pictures of what I've found online, what I'm trying to make myself. I think we'll be successful in making it work, and it will make strapping the kayak to the car easier and quicker.
If you don't tell anyone, I'll let you in on a secret.....I wish I knew how to sew. Last night I wanted to get the stuff made, but my wife had more important things to do. Hopefully in the next week we'll be able to get at least the trunk loops made, since I'm still trying to find a place that has pool noodles (for the soft rack) still in stock this late in the summer.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
A Successful Fishnic
Last night we loaded up the kids and met our friends and their kids at a local park for a fishnic (fishing + picnic). We enjoy some subs and sandwiches for dinner and then off to the park for some swinging and playing for the kids. After a quick bathroom break we headed down to the pond. This is one of those ponds where many skeptical (likely non-fishing) people have asked "there are fish in there?" Well there are fish in there....um...I mean there are NOT any fish in there...regardless of what I show you in the pictures to come.
It was a great night fishing with our friends and bringing in some fish for the kids to enjoy!
Brian has a few photos on Flikr....click here!
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| The walk in photo shoot. "Take my picture." |
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| One of a few small bass |
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| Brian's first of the night |
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| Tyler brings one in |
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| Brooke fighting a bass |
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| Even at only 4.5 years old, this kid can pop a popper like a pro |
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| Say cheese...covered poppers! |
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| Brian lassoed this post, can't leave a picture like this out! |
Brian has a few photos on Flikr....click here!
Monday, August 22, 2011
Buck Pond
Last Saturday I was able to get out in my kayak for the 2nd time (3rd kayak trip for those who are counting.)
I went to Buck Pond which is a pond that feeds into Lake Ontario. I've lived near these ponds for all but a few years of my life. Growing up I have memories of worm fishing there with my dad and siblings, and even once with my Grandfather on a rare trip to NY. I fished these ponds more when I was younger, and more when I was a lure fisherman. Since I switched to fly fishing over a decade ago, I don't fish those ponds much anymore...and that will now change since my trip last Saturday.
I loaded up my kayak just before 6pm and headed out. My wife picked me up some new straps to secure it to the roof and I was pleased how well they worked, and grateful for the peace of mind that they provided more safety than the way I first strapped it down a few weeks ago.
I put in at a small parking spot and got a play by play from some young boys fishing with their father. "He's got a boat. He's putting on his life jacket. He's getting in his boat. He's IN his boat." It was nice having a fan club, and even better that I didn't fall out, since I'm new at this whole kayaking thing.
I almost didn't stop at the pond because it was 80% filled with surface weeds. I decided I'd try it anyway and I'm glad I did. I was able to fish for about an hour and a half before I paddled back to the car before the sun completely set for the night. It took about 20 minutes or so, but I caught a nice 12 inch bass. Of course, there's no photographic proof because I'm still too worried about flipping to bring a camera. There were a few big fishing jumping around the pond, and I missed a ton of hits. I'm not sure if I need to set the hook differently since I'm sitting so close to the water, or if it was just bad luck. Either way, I ended up with another 6 inch bass bringing my total fish for the night to 2. I had one nice fish on but while trying to reel up the slack line to fight it off the reel, it went into the weeds and left me with nothing but weeds on a hook. It was big enough to try to get it on the reel. I really wish I had seen and landed that fish.
I got out of the water just before dark and 2 spin fisherman where on shore. We made small talk, about kayaks, and then he noticed my fly rod. He said I was crazy for trying to fly fish on a kayak. I said it's the only type of fishing I do.....and then he called me an elitist. I switched to full time fly because I was more successful...and I like tweed! Of course, I caught 2 fish, and from what I was told, they caught none. So, don't call me an elitist....I'm a "successful elitist!"
As you can see from the image below, I only fished a small portion of the pond, and there is plenty more to explore!
I went to Buck Pond which is a pond that feeds into Lake Ontario. I've lived near these ponds for all but a few years of my life. Growing up I have memories of worm fishing there with my dad and siblings, and even once with my Grandfather on a rare trip to NY. I fished these ponds more when I was younger, and more when I was a lure fisherman. Since I switched to fly fishing over a decade ago, I don't fish those ponds much anymore...and that will now change since my trip last Saturday.
I loaded up my kayak just before 6pm and headed out. My wife picked me up some new straps to secure it to the roof and I was pleased how well they worked, and grateful for the peace of mind that they provided more safety than the way I first strapped it down a few weeks ago.
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| Strapped and ready |
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| Google Street View, no weeds |
I got out of the water just before dark and 2 spin fisherman where on shore. We made small talk, about kayaks, and then he noticed my fly rod. He said I was crazy for trying to fly fish on a kayak. I said it's the only type of fishing I do.....and then he called me an elitist. I switched to full time fly because I was more successful...and I like tweed! Of course, I caught 2 fish, and from what I was told, they caught none. So, don't call me an elitist....I'm a "successful elitist!"
As you can see from the image below, I only fished a small portion of the pond, and there is plenty more to explore!
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| So much water, so little time |
Thursday, August 18, 2011
New Shelf In The Tying Room
Recently my wife painted the walls in the fly tying room (sure, it's 3/4 her office and craft stuff, but that other 1/4 of the room is mine....and therefore it's the fly tying room.) Since the painting I haven't had a chance to put my tying stuff back in place, but I plan to move in only some materials at a time, so it doesn't get too crowded too quickly.
Well, last night I added a vise shelf. I have young kids and I figured a shelf on the wall behind the desk would be a good place to put my vises out of the way and out of reach when they are not in use.
Here are a few photos of the progress of setting the shelf up.
Now I just need to start bringing in more stuff to fill the wall.
Well, last night I added a vise shelf. I have young kids and I figured a shelf on the wall behind the desk would be a good place to put my vises out of the way and out of reach when they are not in use.
Here are a few photos of the progress of setting the shelf up.
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| One lonely vise |
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| A vise party |
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| Complete with a GFP sticker! |
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