Just Call Me a Jerky Boy!

Pic Courtesy of:livingwatersreserve.com

This post is all about my favorite thing to eat in the outdoors.  Outdoor Blogger Network has put in a prompt for Favorite Outdoor foods so I figured I would share my favorite.  Although I could probably think of about 100 things that I enjoy eating outdoors, there is one that I have to bring along anytime I go out to do anything.  JERKY!!! No I am not insulting my fellow readers/bloggers.  Beef,Turkey,Buffalo,Deer etc. Jerky. I prefer Deer Jerky over the rest but am content with any choice of Jerky.  I love the saltiness of it and the fact that you do not have to refrigerate it at all.  I can plow through a big ole bag of Jerky if given the chance.  I like the Hickory Smoked flavor above all the rest, with Teriyaki being my second favorite.  If you play your cards right a bag of Jerky can last the average person a full day of nature.  I on the other hand have a problem making it last a couple of hours.  I would share my Deer Jerky recipe with all of you, but then I would have to.... well you know the rest:)  I would have to..call my homey Aaron who has the best Jerky recipe around!! Yo what up holmes can I get that:)  I know your out there Grey Wolf. Howwllar!  He also makes some kick a$$ custom jewelry!   Check it out for yourselves!  Great gift for Mothers Day! http://www.etsy.com/people/lonesomehobo

 There you have it, just call me a JErKy BoY!!

Back to fishing as soon as I can!! Not soon enough!

All signs point to: GO FISHING !!!!

Date: April 17th   Air Temp: 40-50 degrees   Time: 8:30-12:00 a.m.

Today I was awoken  by the sun, yes the sun shining through the curtains.  I thought it was supposed to be cloudy and windy.  Well at least they got the windy part right.  The wind was whipping and the temp was low 40's.  Everyone is still asleep so I decided it would be a great opportunity to get some quick fishing in.  I made some coffee really quick and threw on some sausage and fried a couple of eggs.
  
I accidentally spilled some coffee on the counter and noticed it kind of resembled a fish chasing a fly...it must be a sign:)

Am I going crazy?

Everything taste better in Cast Iron:

YUMMMMMMMMMM

I think I have been reading so many fishing blogs that everything is starting to look like a fish.

I headed out to one of my nearby streams and was ready to do some fishing.  Once I arrived I realized it was a lot windier than I thought.  Oh hell, oh well.  Grabbed my fishing gear out of the trunk and strapped on my camera.  Threw on another layer, this being my fourth layer.  The  wind was chilly and cut through my layers like a knife.  Maybe it will warm up as I hike.  The sun was out but was hidden most of the time, either behind a cloud or behind a rock bluff.  The water was a little murky looking but clear for the most part.  Here are the two main flies I used today.  These were trailed by a smaller nymph creation.

                                                                                                                                                 
I fished a few holes and quickly discovered that this was going to be a difficult casting day.  Forget everything I know about casting and it is time to improvise.  The wind just couldn't decide wich way it wanted to blow.  I drifted a few into the rapids and down into hole.  No Bites.  Just huge waves on top of the water.  After no luck fishing the first few holes I decided to meander up to the next hole along a bluff.  It was still shaded which made my hands turn numb but apparently the fish were jiving on the still water pockets.  OK I will give it a try.  Figured out which way to adjust my cast and plunk a few flies in.  I ended up catching 4 fish out of the same little spot.  Right where the rock comes down behind first fish in pic.

First Brownie of the Day

After catching another one that got off right when I went to grab it, this was the next fish to come out of the hole.

Hump Back and Big Tail Fin

He put up a nice fight and caught him on the fly on the right from above.  Some  of the holes were to small to drift into on such a windy day so I decided to drift a fly down into hole from above.  Usually this gets the little ones to rise and take the fly at top of the rapids.  Here is a little one, so beautiful.

Tiny But Beautiful Markings

I continued fishing with reckless abandon.  The wind was just brutal.  I almost caught myself in the face a few times but was able to bend and adjust.  I have never hooked my skin on windy days but have had flies whap me in the side of head a few times.  Small price to pay.  The sun felt so good when it would appear in the sky.  I just had to keep fishing, even though my inner core was pretty cold.  Wheres my coffee when I need it.  Caught this fish on same fly as one above,right under a log.

Lost my fly in the tree above on my next cast in

Switched to the fly on the left to test it out and it also produced some results.  Here are a few fish caught on this fly.  

Picture Day buddy, Smile

This last fish was one of my favorites.  I had fished this hole and saw a fish go to strike my fly, but unfortunately my hands were both busy adjusting my belt and pants.  I ended up catching a fish out of the hole but it was not the one I had seen go after the fly before.  So I continued upstream and figured I would come back and tempt the fish again in a little bit.  After hiking upstream and making my way back I realized I had lost my lens cap. Crap.  Went back upstream, nothing.  Got all the way back to where I first discovered it missing  and there it sat.  Sweet.  Lost my tippet line too.  Found it on the way back.  Sweet.   I finally was able to get back to the hole where I missed the fish and tossed my flies in.  I landed it right next to the stump and BicketyBang.  Fish ON!  I am almost positive it was the fish I saw strike at my fly from before.  

I thought this fish had beautiful markings and the red on the fin was cool

I decided that it was about time to get to steppin and was unaware of the time.  Of course the sun started to stay out longer on my hike back and it seemed like the temp was up a good 10 degrees.  Oh well, you gotta get out and fish when you can.  Sometimes that means fishing at the worst times of day.  I guess that just makes it that much easier when you get to go out on the perfect day.  I love it all.  

This stretch of stream was hit with a trout kill, manure spill about 5 years back.  I love catching any fish out of this part of the stream.   I was super happy that there are some decent fish in here and not just fingerlings.  I think if I see wind in the forecast again I will make sure to head out and give it a go....  Until next time.....

Tight Lines to all.........!!!

NO TRESPASSING - No Hunting or Fishing - BUMMER!

 Date: April 13 2011 Air Temp: seemed like 100  Time of Day: 1:00 pm- 5:00 pm

 Photos from this post are by: Ocean Ewing

 Ok, so I can understand the hunting part, with guns and all.  But come on fishing too.  What a bummer.  Miles and miles of stream but only a small amount accesible to the public.  Ah the key word is public.  So suppose I stop and ask every farmer and household along every stream out there....?  That is the challenge I have set forth for myself this summer.  I am going to ask every last soul out there for permission  to fish.  I know a lot of people will say" I know a stretch that so and so lets me fish."  Not Good Enough.  I am hoping to be able to say" I dont really know a stretch that I 'm not allowed to fish."  Easier said then done no doubt.  Sometimes some of those wise old farmers can be a little intimidating.  Plus you have to deal with the people who come from out of state and purchase huge amounts of land with stream front, but the only time you see them out is when they are out plastering the native Wisconsin trees with NO TRESPASSING signs.  And for some reason the only time they are up visiting their "Pole Sheds" (aka houses that they hardly pay any taxes on) is when you decide to go out to the stream to see if the coast is clear.  And as you slowly cruise by in sheer amazement of the most gorgeous "hole that will never be" you see them throwing a "don't even think about it " glance your way.     Oh Well I have nothing to lose, and a ton to gain.

So today my first stop was a farm that had some nice pastured creek and ran up against a lot of limestone bluffs.  The see through water with the dark green holes...Yes I can picture it as I type.......

I asked the lady that was home who I should ask for permission to fish the stream on the otherside of the road.  She told me that they owned it and I could fish that part plus the other two parts on the otherside.  Ok that was way to easy.  Well either way thank you a ton.  One farm down, only about 200 more to go....

Since I had both of the kids out there today, it kind of turned into more of a scouting type deal... We were out at a really sunny time of the day.  The fish were easy to see and so were we...:)

I still wish I had half of the energy my 4 year old daughter does.  Even after being out in the sun hiking around all day, she still put up a fight before finally passing out for the night. 

We ended up finding atleast 15 good holes and a bunch of nice spots to stop and just enjoy the scenery.

My Son Ocean.......To be or not to be?? Deep in thought.

Looks like a great spot for a lunch...

After stopping for a bite to eat, we continued onward to what await us next up around the bend.  By this point it was getting a tad bit hotter than they forecasted.  Had to shed some layers and take a walk through the water to cool down the waders.

Is there something on my back???

These guys became best friends for a couple of hours.

One of the few small guys I managed not to spook.

We ended up catching about 3 trout and missing a few more.  The stream was beautiful as usual and all good things must come to an end.  We ended up coming to another spot marked with a butt load of NO TRESPASSING signs owned by someone else.  It was just a scotche to hot.  I will save that farm for another time...

I will try my best to post every new stream I get permission to fish on.  I can't wait until that one spot, that one stream, that next huge lunker, or beauty Brook... the fishing next adventure........ I suppose one of these days I will get turned down when asking for permission to fish.  In that case I will just have to strap on my chest waders and keep my feet in the stream.  Wisconsin laws are you must keep your feet wet at all times...if things start getting to deep I guess I could always float it:) 

Until Next Time.......

Trout MaGee Mobile....coming to a farm near you!

Tight Lines from Trout MaGee!    

Some run for cover when they hear Severe Weather, I run for the trout stream!

Date: April 9 - 2011 Air Temp: 60's  Water temp: Hi 40's Low 50's  Time Fished: 5-8:30p.m.

 They are calling for Severe Thunderstorms again.  Great.  Just when the streams were starting to look tip top.  I know its already getting late, but I decide it is never too late.  I decided to head out to a stream about 40 minutes away.  I knew it would be a haul to get there, but it was worth the drive time.  It is a stream that is out in Amish country.  Then again I think every stream around here is in Amish country...  Thats fine by me because where there is a gravel road there is usually a sweet trout stream nearby.  Nothing but the sound of nature.....

Good Old Two Rivers..............??

Things were looking pretty good and no clouds rolling in just yet.  Lots of little risers. 

Lots of little Risers.....

 Got a call from a buddy that lives nearby saying he was out on the Kickapoo River floating down on a canoe.   I hope that he got to catch a few trout out there. Either way I am sure the canoe trip was sweet. I headed out and it wasn't long before the little risers were on the attack.

Healthy Little Brookie

Chubby Little Brown

Another Healthy Little Guy

This one really put up a fight:

Don't worry I released this one too!

A lot of the creeks where I live have natural springs spilling in, it seems like they are everywhere.  I always want to take huge drink from them, but prefer to stay parasite free.  I guess the camelbak will have to do the trick!!!! Maybe I will buy one of those purifying bottles.

Yummm, looks so tasty!

Since I got out there so late, it wasn't long before darkness started to set in.  Say goodbye to the sun.

I kept fishing until I couldn't see anything,  had to go by feeling.  I like to drift down into holes when the darkness creeps in.  I ended up with a few more fish caught using this technique.  This is when having a 3 wt. rod really helps due to the sensitivity of the tip.  It started to get hairy, so instead of losing a bunch of flies and leader I decided to make this my last hole.  I had to crouch and cast underneath the huge tree going across the hole...good old side arm technique.

Can't wait to fish this hole when I can see better...!

These guys just didn't want to stop biting... Fine by me.......

Looks like I caught someone out past their curfew.........!

All and all it was a beautiful night of being on the trout stream.  The fish look healthy and the stream has new holes.  I can't wait to discover what is next up around the bend.  It never did rain.. not yet anyway.  Until Next Time...

Tight Lines.....................

BASS SEASON SOON!!!! NOT SOON ENOUGH!

Well hopefully soon the Lakes and ponds will thaw.  I am getting  pretty excited about heading on the lake at 5:30a.m. coffee in one hand, tackle box and pole in the other.  I love getting out there and being the first one out on the lake!  A lot of the lakes nearby aren't huge but are still a good size and excellent fishing.

Usually when I go out with my brother, he fishes along the shoreline about 20 feet out.  I always toss on a jig set up and sink it deep on the other side of the boat.  Slowly jigging off the bottom.  This is the reason I choose to fish like this most of the time.-

 When the bites cease to exist doing this method, I of course am not against switching up to the weedless worm and bombarding the banks.  It always produces results.  All of these pictures of Large Mouth Bass are taken from White Mound Lake in Sauk County Wisconsin.  It is a beautiful little lake.

Older Brother Taj

I love Bass fishing just as much as I love any fishing.  I love the amount of force the Bass puts into its strike.  And as if that is not enough, they never disappoint when it comes to putting up a good fight.  I like to use a light weight rod and 4lb test to fish for Bass.  I am a strong believer in Murphy's Law.  I figure if I catch a huge Bass on a tiny set up then it is meant to be.  My older brother always harrasses me about it, but hey I have seen him untie his knot on a monster Bass because he uses 12 pound test so he thought he could just wrench it into the boat...No such luck.....

                    Well now that I posted these pics I am even more excited.  I hope this helps anybody else who has the " I cant fish for bass in a boat, because the lakes are froze blues" excited to go.  I am looking for some deep dwelling lunkers this summer........................

Hopefully next time I post something about Bass I will have some Brand new pics...........................And a shredded thumb......

New Creations....

I like to fish flies that I know catch fish.  But there is the part of me that likes to take those flies and tweek them here and there.  Some of the patterns I use are exactly where I want them, and some need some improving.  Whether that be weighing them down or making them lighter....  Here are a few new patterns I will be testing out this week.......They are tied using a lot of the same materials..but each fly is different in it's own way........

All of these flies are usually trailed by a smaller fly about a foot and a half down. 

What's up Sandman?

Grey Wolf - no doubt...

Tight Lines..............!

Ocean Fishing.....Young Ansel Adams..?

 So today was another beauty out there.  After sitting inside for most of the day like a bum, I talked the kids into going out on the stream by our home.  It was about an hour and a  half before the wifee would be home so I figured a nice little hike would make the time go faster.  Grabbed the fly rod and new creations and told my son  he could be the photographer today.  He seemed pretty pumped to be the man behind the camera today.  My daughter Sephora grabbed her soccer ball and decided that is what she wanted to do while out there.  Let's just say that there was not a whole lot of fishing going on today...... Oh well, here are some of the pics that my son Ocean was able to catch.......

 Forget fishing, throwing sand is a lot funner........

"White Buffalo" calf.  Actually this is a cow.

A Bald Eagle flew straight above when he took this one...

Little Guy on....

This is a reflection pic of a tree he took, I flipped it upside down and it is crazy......

Whooping Crane.........

Baby Brown....She just has to be the one to release each fish.....hilarious !!

Eyes to the sky......good day for a cruise...

I like how he captured the pine trees and beautiful clouds...

This is one I actually took.....what are they eating bro....?

Sometimes kids get tired of fishing.. I try to make sure that its not just the fishing that we are out there to do.  If they want to spook a good trout hole by throwing rocks, floating sticks, or just to play in the water, fine by me.  Like they say, " you know there's other fish in the sea, there is......."  I am looking forward to the next time we head out..  I had a great time seeing the trip through his eyes.....the next Ansel Adams...?

 Until Next time,

Tight Lines to all..............................................!