Finally shark video

I finally got to finishing the shark video footage - sorry for the delay.  We had about an hour of footage and I was able to cut Jon's down to 6 mins which is longer than I would have liked but there is such quality stuff.  Any enjoy and don't tell me about spelling errors. 

I also took some good pics when we snorkled Looe Key - my camera works under water and I think they turned out pretty well.

Good spring smallmouth action

Matt , Tim and I met in Grantsburg Sunday for a 10 mile float.  We were pretty sure the weather was going to cooperate and really liked that it was dead calm.  Spring is normally pretty windy so it was nice to not battle the wind - especially when it's your first time rowing a drift boat (so I can fish).

In total we had 16-18 smallmouth with I think 4 were 16 inches or bigger.  Best fish of the day was Matt's 18 incher caught on a popper.  We were moving through water at a pretty good pace and then really slowed is down the last mile and worked the shoreline.  We had to get half of our fish from that stretch.

We also landed 4 walleyes with Tim having one keeper.  We tried out the Clackin' Minnow after Pastika's had a good report with them.  It worked really well in the slower deeper stretches of the river like the shot below with Tim rowing.  But once it got to 3-4 feet or shallower they snagged pretty quickly.

Northern WI Muskie Opener

Well Muskie opens in Northern WI this weekend.  Hopefully the weather cooperates and we can get some good fishing in.  There is a 30 cubic yard dumpster being delivered (which I can't even imagine how big that is) and should keep me pretty busy among the other Memorial Day cabin chores.

The bad news is that Blake's back is acting up (the photo and been doctored).  Not only does that mean I might have to load a dumpster, etc, etc, by myself but more importantly I need someone to row the boat so I can fish a little.  Get well soon Blake.

Matt is scheduled to be the 3rd in the boat and if you just mention the word Muskie he'll be there.  Look at that mug - he is pissed he had to walleye fish at all. 

First Float of 2011

Just a quick post before I get back to work on sorting through all the Florida pics/footage (we have shark video!). 

Blake, Brian and I floated the St. Croix from Dry Landing down to Riverside.  Weather conditions were challenging to say the least - but at least the wind was at our backs.  The plan was to get a few walleyes for the gang back at the cabin and have a traditional Wisconsin surf-n-turf dinner (turf being Brats).  No walleyes but Brian got this nice smallmouth.

Tthe real news however is that Blake got his first Muskie - ever.  He got it on a Purple Descent Flat Rap size 08.  Brian had been hoping for a chance to play guide and sprung to action quickly but I think we need to work on netting technique.  Anyways - congrats are in order for Blake - now we need some bigger ones.

Tarpon - will this be the year?

Heading to Big Pine Key tomorrow morning with the family.  We are staying on a channel and I have my tide charts in hand.  Monday and Wednesday we have charters scheduled - hopefully this will be the year I hook a tarpon. 

It's actually been really easy to pack for this saltwater trip.  Maybe it's just my lack of experience but where Montana, Alaska or even the Brule requires layering, waders, nymph rod, streamer rod, flies depending on water clarity, indicators, split shot, etc etc. - this is 8wt, box of flies, some leaders and flip-flops.  I just have to remember to wash the salt of my gear each night before we hit the cigars.

Kinni and Willow Race trout fishing

Brian and I hit the Kinni Tuesday morning and with the weather forecast we didn't know what to expect.  He was out Saturday and had a great day so we were hoping for the same.  Fortunately it started off great.  We each had a bunch of fish right away on hare's ear, princes, orange scuds, etc.

We fished the Kinni for a few hours and fishing slowed so we went to smaller flies.  We picked up a few more fish but were losing patience.  We packed up and took the short trip over to the Willow Race and the break helped us refocus and we picked up another bunch of fish with Brian getting this nice brown.

That was my first time on that river and I really liked it - it was a good change of pace.  Much thicker brush along the stream but a lot of pools and nice tailouts.

We didn't cover too much water before the snow started to fly and I remembered I had 3 boys I needed to take care of.  Overall I think we at least had a dozen fish a piece with Brian besting me as usual - and he gives me first dibs most time.  He was even retying flies and untangling lines - what a guy.

Officially Spring

Brittany, the boys and I are heading to the cabin this afternoon.  We are going to open it up and get ready for summer.  The boys are liking it more and more every year.

Also excited for the Keys the first week of May.  This shot is from F&S about half a mile from our place on Big Pine Key.  I have really high hopes that I'll get my first tarpon.