First Shad of 2014

First_Shad_2014

It was super windy today so the fishing was tough. I caught this fish using a #6 Pink/ White Kip Tailed Clouser with 5/32 hourglass eyes using my 7wt rigged with an AirFlo Extra Super Fast Sinking leader. There were more airboats on the water than I have ever seen ( like 50) due to some Gator Shootout or something. The noise and general jackassery frustrated Marci and I so much that we left the water early, even though the Shad seemed to have finally arrived. The run has started later this year than years past, probably due to the warm fall and winter. Note to my future self, double check when the Loughman Lake Lodge Gator Shootout is happening for the year, and avoid Jolly Gator at all costs that weekend.

Here is the 2013/ 2014 fly box:

Pink, Pink/ White, Orange, Orange/ White kip tailed clousers dominated the December tying sessions this year. I did not add any new chartreuse patterns this year as they have not worked as well as pink and orange flies. There are still plenty of shad darts left from prior years, but the kip tailed clouser has really become my fly of choice. Only when the bite is tough do I tend to try older/ different patterns. There are a couple of other patterns for panfish/ bass if the shad are not cooperating.

Shad fishing on the St. John’s River

Shad fishing on the St. John’s River south of Highway 46 on 02/02/2013. The shad run is starting to pick up. This video shows the typical technique I use. Cast upstream slightly, allow the current to pull the floating line until it is perpendicular to the shore, mend the line upstream, and then begin stripping once the line is perpendicular again. This technique ensures the fly has enough time to sink to the bottom.
This year I have found that 5 feet of fast sinking Airflo leader attached to the fly line along with 5 feet of 2x level tippet attached to #6 size flies weighted with 5/32 dumbells gets the fly down quickly and allows better presentation on the swing.
We started the day in 40 degree weather which warmed quickly to the mid 70s. Flies like orange/ white, or pink/ white kip tail clousers or shad darts have worked best up until today. Today, the solid orange shad dart was the only thing they would hit. It is amazing that something that has been successful on one day can be completely useless the next. Contrasting colors were all they would hit over the last month, but after a couple of cold dreary days, followed by a couple of clear days and they keyed in on solid orange. Just when you think you have figured it all out, they change!

First Shad of 2013

I woke up early this morning and hit the St. John’s river. I caught 6 shad, several bass, crappie, sunfish, bluegill and even a catfish. 20+ fish today. I plan on savoring every moment of the Shad run this year. With a new son or daughter on the way, I am sure free time will be at a premium next year, although I will still try to get on the water and hone my skills so that I may one day share the experience with my kids. That is neat to think about!

I spent most of my free time in December tying flies for this year’s fly box seen here…

And here is a picture of the 1st Shad of 2013…

I caught one shad on an orange and white shad dart tied on a #6 hook with a 5/32 dumbell eye. All of the rest were caught with a pink and white kip tail clouser minnow tied on a #6 with a 5/32 dumbell. The water is still high on the St. John’s River and the current relatively swift for this waterway so I fished with a 5ft fast sinking leader connected to about 5ft of 10lb level tippet. This combination seemed to work well.

Birthdays in Sanibel 2012

Marci and I decided on Sanibel Island for our birthdays this year. We rented a private condo (L-6) at the Sanibel Arms which was a great condo only a couple of hundred feet from the beach and easy access to beach launch the kayaks. On Thursday the 20th (Marci’s Birthday) we made the 3.5 hour trip down to Sanibel through the middle of the state. We would opt to stay on 75 on the way home as even though it is about 40 miles longer that way, it is quicker because you can cruise at mph. After getting checked in, we decided to grab a late lunch at the Lazy Flamingo where I enjoyed the Oysters on the half shell and Marci enjoyed a fish sandwich. We then proceeded to make a shopping spree to stock our fridge at the condo with plenty of food and booze for the weekend. We made it back to the condo just before the rain, which was brief and cooled the temperature about 10 degrees. We made a round of cocktails and hit the beach for a walk and some shell collecting. I think we made it about half way to the lighthouse before turning around. For dinner, Marci chose Prosciutto and Tortellini ala vodka, which we enjoyed at around 9:00pm.

Friday (my birthday) we started the day at 8:00am and after a tasty breakfast of bagels, peanut butter and bananas, along with some delicious Kona coffee, we hit the beach with the kayaks and were on the water by 9:00. We were quickly greeted by a pod of dolphins includin a baby. The weather was a bit overcast so the fishing was off but, we made the paddle to the lighthouse and stopped for pictures. Check out some video…

After playing on the beach around the lighthouse for a bit, we made our way back to the condo by yak, stopping about half way for a “drift-nic” comprised of ham and cheese po-boys and a couple of beers. Since we were in no hurry we really just let the current do most of the work and slowly drifted the majority of the way back, just relaxing and taking in the rays. After beaching the yaks in front of the condo, I soon saw a huge flock of birds attacking the water, I made my way out to the mayham and landed 5 ladyfish in about as many casts. After a nap during the afternoon rain storm, it was soon time for cocktails, a walk on the beach, and a steak and potato dinner. We’re just easy like that. 🙂
On Saturday we were up even earlier (7:00am) and after a breakfast, we made our way to Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. This is a great place to do some kayaking and fishing back in the secluded mangroves. I got a grandslam today (4 species of fish landed!) Three trout, one catfish, a ladyfish, and two Jack Crevalle… no a bad day if I do say so myself. Marci fished some but, gave up after getting stabbed in the hand with a Mirodine and opted to finish reading her book Life of Pi. She was also entertained by a friendly manatee, dolphins, and she even saw a shark.

Were off the water by around noon and stopped at Island Cow for lunch and to watch some of the Gators game. I had the reuban, she had the bang bang tacos. The sandwich was good, but Marci made the winning choice. After lunch we decided to stop in to Norm Zeigler’s Fly Shop where we met Norm himself. Norm literally wrote the book on fly fishing for snook and invented a fly which I have been tying for a while called the Schminnow. He was a friendly guy with an interesting story and we were happy to support him by grabbing a couple of t-shirts and a fly that he tied. Unfortunately I was not able to put any of his tips for fishing for snook from the beach to use as the overcast weather continued to make spotting Mr Snookie difficult. We decided on Doc’s for dinner, which was AWESOME, and we highly recommend it to anyonw visiting Sanibel.

Marci and I always have a good time for a birthdays, it has become a tradition. While we generally try some place new every year, we are always on the hunt for something so good, we just can’t resist going back every year. I think Sanibel may have my vote!

Check out more pics HERE.

Here is a video of me landing a HUGE jack crevalle at Ding Darling…

Labor Day 2012 in Vero Beach

Chad and I were lovingly invited by Aunt Donna and Uncle Mark to stay with them in Vero Beach for Labor Day. We packed up the kayaks, fishing gear, various beverages, and headed south for the long weekend. We got an early start on Friday, as my office closed early and Chad took a half day. After a quick stop for lunch and an important stop at ABC, we arrived at the beautiful condo on Vero Beach. Donna, Mark and Reagan arrived as well, and we headed up to the 13th floor of the building, we had the top story facing the ocean (amazing). We quickly dropped our stuff and headed out to check out the city and get directions to the home of Mark’s parents. They live on the river in Hell’s Pocket, a perfect launch for our kayaks from their dock.

We got back to the condo later that afternoon and cocktail hour was upon us. We spent hours on the wrap-around balcony talking about our lives, our family, and how amazing it was to be together in this special place. Reagan interacted with us so wonderfully, she is a really good girl and I am really impressed by her manners and ability to talk with adults. Eventually, we ordered pizza and then proceeded to talk into the night. What great family time together. At one point, the moon was perfectly positioned in the night sky and we took a million pictures of it. Reagan took the best one with her learning pad device, despite the fact I had a really nice Canon camera! What a great start to a great weekend.

EARLY Saturday morning, we headed out with kayaks in tow to the river. Sometimes, we are so impressed with our stealthy ability to get the kayaks off the car, loaded, and into the water. This morning, stealthy we were not! It probably took us an hour to get the yaks assembled and off the dock, a funny thing happened that the sprinklers were on full blast in Mark’s parents backyard, so we were soaked by the time we launched! Also, my spinning rod snapped in half as we rounded a corner, leaving us with only 2 rods. What a morning and it was barely 8:30!!!! We finally got it together and set out on the beautiful river – we decided that I would use Chad’s spinning rod and he would cast on his fly rod. You make due!

We spent hours within a mile of the river house, the fishing was so good, we didn’t want to leave! I caught a fiesty Jack Crevalle and Chad caught 4 trout. We took a break off the kayaks on a beautiful spoil island preserve called Indian River 36 for a few hours. Chad shore fished and I read. I am part of a book club at work and we are reading _Life of Pi_. Chad and I are a great pair, we are so comfortable together, we both like to be outside, we just go with the flow of the day and relax.

The heat of day set in and it was time to cool off and rejoin the Baileys. We headed back to the condo and settled in for an afternoon of Gator football. Donna’s two sons, Parker and Peyton also joined us that afternoon. The evening was really nice, we decided to stay in and cook spaghetti. We all stood in the kitchen and talked shop, it was really enjoyable to just spend time with the Baileys.

Sunday morning, we launched super early again to an epic day of fishing. The bite was on! Chad caught 9 trout, 2 Jack Crevalle, 1 mangrove snapper, and (drum roll, please), his first snook on the fly! This earned him a grand slam for the day! He was really happy! I didn’t have a shabby day myself, 6 trout, 1 of which was the biggest fish I have ever caught! I made a great stride in my fishing career this morning, I am now un hooking the fish ALL BY MYSELF! Yes, you would think, really Marci, this is a big deal??!?! It is, I am now comfortable enough to grab the line, unhook the fish, and do it alone.As we rounded the corner back to the dock, the whole Bailey family was fishing away. Donna and Parker caught fiesty Jacks, Peyton caught a small Bonnethead shark, and Reagan caught a honker-sized sheep’s head. The morning couldn’t have been more fun, we are a world-class fishing family!

After some lunch back at the condo, we headed out to the surf. Chad and the kids eagerly swam out to the waves and started body surfing. Mark, Donna, and I hung back on the shore to watch. After a while though, we decided they were having WAY to much fun, so we all decided to get in the surf. SO MUCH FUN! I haven’t laughed so hard, or drank so much salt water, in a long time! We finally tired and headed to the pool for a dip, then headed back to the dock for some evening fishing. Finally, after an awesome day, we retired back at the condo for a quiet night of take out pizza and conversation.

Monday morning, Labor Day, we decided to get an early start out of town in order to beat the crowds on the roads. We got out by noon, leaving the Baileys with the rest of the day to play. Unfortunately, Mark later that afternoon was bodysurfing and tore his Achille’s tendon – poor Mark, his MS 150 was in a few weeks and he was trained and ready to ride. As of this posting, his surgeon successfully repaired his tendon and he is recovering well.

Labor Day weekend 2012 will go down in the books as a great weekend with family. It is wonderful to know that we are surrounded by loving people – we are blessed!

For more pics check CLICK HERE!

Anna Maria Island

This weekend we joined Mike and Mindy in Anna Maria Island for some fun in the sun. Mike’s brother Tommy has a great beach house right on the grand canal. We got in some fishing from the boat on Saturday morning and got in to some ladyfish and small trout. Before we left, and before the sun was even up actually, I got a nice 19″ trout right off the dock. He is now resting peacefully in my freezer. Later that same evening, I took the kayak out and had one of those epic fishing experiences. 30+ fish on the fly ranging from decent size trout, huge ladyfish, and a school of jack crevalle. Of course, this is the one time I left the GoPro at home!

We had a blast with Mike, Mindy and the kids. It is so nice to spend some time together, eating, drinking, and having fun. Great weekend!

Shad fishing with Tanner

Fishing with my Godson Tanner on the St. Johns river. With the fight this fish gave him we thought he had hooked his first shad. We were surprised by what he did have on the end of the line, and, it ended up being the biggest fish of the day!

Tanner has also been learning to fly fish and caught quite a few specs and bluegills this day.

We had a blast!

My first shad on the flyrod

I accomplished one of my fishing goals for 2012 on 01/21/12, I caught my first Shad on a fly rod, and I did it on my new Scott A3 5wt using 1x tippet! What a fight, I played the fish for nearly 5 minutes before it tired out. I bought this rod in November to be used during this year’s Shad and Crappie Derby, and maybe a little pan fishing. The wind was up on the St. Johns River, but, I stuck with it and after a few hookups, I finally landed this fish.

I shot the video with the GoPro Hero2 in 1080p and did the time lapse using a small egg timer that I customized to support a GoPro mount, similar but not exactly like this one…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJOx7wtt62Q

I actually used a small LadyBug egg timer that I got at Bed Bath and Beyond for $3.50. It is smaller and easier to store.

One thing to note, in playing with the GoPro when fishing, I think shooting in 960p rather than 1080 gives you a better first person perspective. In 1080, you get the wide shot but miss the action at the reel.

Music: Ulrich Schnauss- Nobody’s Home

Panfishing after work

You know… sometimes this is what it is all about. We can’t always get out to the river, lake, lagoon, or ocean… but there are quiet, beautiful places to be fished all around you. Tonight I stopped at my local pond on the way home and fished for an hour. With my 5wt Scott flyrod in hand, I started casting a Quill Gordon and found no love. When I want to catch panfish, there is one fly I can always turn to, my Simple Marabou Damsel Fly Nymph. While the fish are not always whoppers, you would be surprised what will hit this fly. Tonight I found perch, bluegill, and crappie.

It can be quite therapeutic to get in some fishing after work… to detach from the busy world, TV, cellphone, and computer. I filmed this evening with my GoPro Hero2 so I knew I would be plopped down in front of a computer soon enough, but to be honest, it was nice to extend my fishing fun after dinner while I edited this video. I hope that you enjoy!

If you would like to learn how to tie my “go to” fly, the Simple Marabou Damsel Fly Nymph, check out this video…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpqMb34FfH4

Please practice catch and release when fishing small ponds, streams, and retention ponds so that future anglers can enjoy fishing as much as you.

Music- Jorman Kaukonen: Water Song

Thank You So Much!

2011/2012 Shad and Crappie Fly Box

2011-1012 Shad Fly Box

I am adding this post 12/5/2013 because I found my original Shad and Crappie Derby fly box picture for the 2011/2012 season on my Facebook albums that I posted 12/10/2011 and wanted to archive it on our site. I take a picture of the fly box each year as I usually tie flies in December that I will end up fishing during the shad run in Jan-Feb and want to be able to look back at patterns used each year. While I did fish the run in the 2010/2011 season a couple of days, I did not catch a shad, and really had not developed a true understanding of what I needed to catch one. Looking at this box, I see the beginning of a transformation in patterns I tied and fished. Each year going forward I hope to take a picture and show the evolution of flies I tie and throw.