That Moon Thing

If you were fortunate enough to live in a place that didn't have cloud cover last night you may have seen one of the versions of this time lapse composite of the lunar eclipse. Not fishing relatate (though the moon phases certainly effect the fishing - especially when the moon is full) but cool, nonetheless.

z~

New Buddy Has Arrived

We brought him home Monday night. His name is Otis. We gave him that name because his litter was born in Otis, Oregon. He weighs 17 1/2 pounds and is 17 weeks old. I'll be training him to accompany me when fishing on foot and also to ride in the canoe and motorized fishing boat. I've had four labs before him so I generally know what to expect. Nice to have a fishing buddy again who can go when I can.

z~

Looking for a New Fishing Buddy

It has been over six years since I lost one of my best friends, a 70 pound chocolate Labrador Retriever named Tiger. I fished and hunted more with him than with any other being. His last year was very difficult and required nearly constant attention. I had a tough time having him finally put down. I said then that I didn't think I could do it again.

Now, well... maybe. Tomorrow I'm going to drive over to the coast to take a look at a few Lab pups. Perhaps I'll bring one home.

z~

February Carp - Nada

Looking at pictures of fish on the Internet is very motivating sometimes, especially when you've been cooped up for an extended period. Today, even while knowing that conditions were lousy, I broke my medical exile and got out on the water for a few hours. I didn't expect much and the results lived up to it. It was dark, rainy, and windy at times. Water temp was very low. It was nice just to get out and carry a fly rod around again even though I never found a target for my fly. All my favorite carp spots were deserted of fish including the nice lake shoreline above and the river stretch below. In fact, the river was completely blown out as you can see.

It will probably be at least a month before I can expect to find some fish venturing out of their winter lairs. Maybe I'll tie some flies. I did cast a bit to see how my wrists would respond. Things went well, though I wasn't completely without discomfort.

I dream of warmer days.

z~

Flies in Waiting

With the feeling coming back into my fingers I'm beginning to think about some fly tying. These were tied last year during May when I was catching and tying up a storm. Maybe one of these guys will be the one that helps me break 30 pounds this year.

z~

Checking In

A quick note to say that I'm still down and out because of the Carpal Tunnel thing. My hands have improved somewhat with the therapy I'm taking. I still don't do well in the cold. Makes my hands turn blue. I'm hoping that surgery won't be necessary since the recovery would probably take me through the prime spring fishing months.

Right now I'm remembering all the nice flyrod carp I caught last year. Hopefully we'll get out of this deep freeze we've been in around Western Oregon and see some good old fashioned 50 degree winter weather soon. I haven't tried casting since the diagnosis, but I just may be able to do it if the weather warms.

In the meantime its Internet fishing and reviewing fishing logs.

A blast from the past... The fish above is last year's big one.

z~