http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/davo/ This fly fishing forum consists of fly fishing techniques, advice, tips, news, gear reviews and fly fishing discussions among fellow anglers. en Tue, 21 May 2013 21:21:08 GMT vBulletin 30 http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/images/misc/flyfishing_red/rss.jpg http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/davo/ http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/davo/209-kicking-myself.html Sat, 19 May 2012 17:54:04 GMT Well I was all set to do a float tomorrow. Then this morning while taking the cover off the boat to check and make sure all was good to go I noticed what I had forgotten. My trailer registration had expired at the end of April. I had been out of work since December and was coming down to the... Well I was all set to do a float tomorrow. Then this morning while taking the cover off the boat to check and make sure all was good to go I noticed what I had forgotten. My trailer registration had expired at the end of April.

I had been out of work since December and was coming down to the wire on moving to the family lake in Kansas so I did not renew the registration just in case I was leaving. Then at the last minute ( actually 4 days before the move) I got a great job. So excited about staying in Jackson I went fishing to celebrate and totally forgot about the registration. :doh:

Just my luck I don't realize my mistake until Saturday when the County Clerks office is closed. Sure hope there is some clear water next weekend!! Good news is I now have weekends off and should find plenty of opportunities to fish this summer!!

Davo ]]> Davo http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/davo/209-kicking-myself.html http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/davo/201-snake-river-trip-04-31-2012.html Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:21:23 GMT Greg and I hit the river for the 5th and final float for spring 2012. Compared to the previous day the weather was fantastic. Bright sunny cloudless skies all day. Temperatures ranging from upper 60's to low 70's depending on the wind.

Being such a beautiful Saturday everyone and their brother headed for the river. Thanks to the lovely warm weather the river was blown out both above and below the stretch we were floating. This resulted in a huge fiberglass hatch. At the put in the traffic was unbelievable. We estimated we shared this stretch off river with around 40 boats. The previous trip we only saw one boat and that was at the takeout.

The fishing was also a bit off. We still managed to boat about 15 fish. But the dry fly action was only a fraction of the day before. With streamers we moved afew big boys but only brought to hand a couple 12 to 14". I was able to hook up with half a dozen 8 to 12" fish nymphing with a brown rubberleg, also pulled in two small white fish.

Only one fish qualified for a photo op, and that was Greg's biggest of the day.



Now it is time to wait for the weather to get rid of all the snow up high. Hope for some nice warm rainy days ahead!! Like to get the runoff over with as quickly as possible so we can have a nice long season this year.

Till the rivers here clear up I'll just be reading up on the adventures of members who have clear waters to fish.

Wish Everyone Tight Lines and Sunny Days!!! ]]> Davo http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/davo/201-snake-river-trip-04-31-2012.html http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/davo/200-fourth-float-2012.html Sun, 22 Apr 2012 13:02:57 GMT 04/20/2012

The weather man was just a bit off the mark as to how the day would unfold. Despite this it was a good day of fishing. Started out with full cloud cover, some wind and a temperature in the mid 40's.

First signs of a good day happened about a 1/4 mile down from the put in. Nice little Cutty aggressively attack my stream the instant it hit the water. I was lucky to get the hook set it happened so fast. This guy really wanted that fly!!


Several more were brought to hand on streamer as well.






We also managed to find fish rising to dries in several riffles. I already posted in the forum about getting a job offer in one of the runs where we found risers. That added to the already good day on the river.

Eventually the weather turned just a little before the take and gave some sun and warmth. So far this spring has been very good for fishing. Most the snow at the lower elevations is gone now. Things are looking good for a short runoff year. If this comes to pass I think our summer fishing is going to be awesome and longer the usual. This will be a nice change from the last couple of years where we had high water and extended runoff.

Hope everyone is getting out and enjoying the water. Till next time I wish you tight lines and clear skies!! ]]> Davo http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/davo/200-fourth-float-2012.html http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/davo/198-next-preseason-float.html Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:06:33 GMT Hoping to make it out on the river this weekend for at least one day and possibly two. The weather is supposed to be excellent on Sunday with Sunny Skies and mid to high 60's. Saturday is supposed to be a close second in terms of weather with high 50's to low 60's.

The other factor to pulling this of is water quality. After that fantastic trip on the 9th one of the upper tributaries blew out. The river went up 1000cfs. The water clarity went down but was still fishable. Then the weather cooled down and the flows dropped back.

Hopefully these conditions will hold through the weekend. Two more springtime floats would be really great. We would love to get into some dry fly action again!! Just have to see what the future brings!! ;):D:p ]]> Davo http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/davo/198-next-preseason-float.html http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/davo/197-snake-river-float-04-09-2012.html Wed, 11 Apr 2012 20:46:39 GMT Greg and I made it out for another float on the 9th. We could not have asked for a better in both weather and fishing. The past 2 trip the weather was a little cold and the fishing was a bit slow. But on Monday we had nice warm sunny conditions. In addition the fish were up and feeding on dries in... Greg and I made it out for another float on the 9th. We could not have asked for a better in both weather and fishing. The past 2 trip the weather was a little cold and the fishing was a bit slow. But on Monday we had nice warm sunny conditions. In addition the fish were up and feeding on dries in three riffles that we stopped in. For the feeders we were fishing #18 and 20 BWO's and Adams. We also took about 4 fish on streamers.

It was truely awesome to get out and spend time working riffles for actively feeding fish. Some nice fat cutty's were brought to hand and several really nice fish were missed. Been awhile since we worked dries and a little rust was showing on the hook sets. LOL.




All in all it was a great day. And we did mange to bring in some nice fish for their photo opportunity!









Hope everyone else is or soon will getting out for some time on the water. I know I'm chomping at the bit to get back out there. Till next time Good Fishing and Tight Lines!! ]]> Davo http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/davo/197-snake-river-float-04-09-2012.html http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/davo/196-second-float-2012.html Sun, 08 Apr 2012 10:13:29 GMT Okay, the second float of the 2012 season is in the books. Forum member rusty r, friend Greg and my self floated Wilson to South Park on the Snake River in Jackson Hole. We held off a day for some better weather which we got. Nice sunny day but with a good breeze blowing so it was a bit cooler than... Okay, the second float of the 2012 season is in the books. Forum member rusty r, friend Greg and my self floated Wilson to South Park on the Snake River in Jackson Hole. We held off a day for some better weather which we got. Nice sunny day but with a good breeze blowing so it was a bit cooler than Mondays float.

Spent some time popping ice out of the guides in the morning. First few miles were fishless. But things did pick up by midday. The most productive flies were streamers, anything black though a few moved for JJ Specials and I missed one on an FC Salt Shaker in gold.

First fish went to Greg. No photo op as Russ and I were on the opposite bank with the camera with out enough zoom. Next hook up went to Russ on a nice Snake River Cutty.



I followed that up with a little guy taken on a black double bunny.



The fish were pretty slow for the most part. Though a couple of them were aggressive on the take.

The real fun was had on the home stretch. We found some feeders working along the bank in a nice slow calm run. Everyone went to little 18-20 BWO's or Adams. Russ score a nice on.



I had one little guy. But Greg took the day with a nice fat 25" hog. Had to work pretty hard get him netted. Thank God it was a nice slow pool as Greg hokked in with a 8'6" 4wt on 6x.





All in all A Great Day!! Can't wait to go again. Planning on Monday. Till then Tight Lines and Great Fishing!! ]]> Davo http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/davo/196-second-float-2012.html http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/davo/194-2012-season-official.html Tue, 03 Apr 2012 16:03:51 GMT Well we have officially christened the 2012 Season! April 2nd Greg, Tony and myself floated the Wilson to South Park stretch of the Snake here in Jackson Hole. A good day was had by all! Unlike last year the snow is gone in town and on the river. Though there is still future runoff sitting up... Well we have officially christened the 2012 Season! April 2nd Greg, Tony and myself floated the Wilson to South Park stretch of the Snake here in Jackson Hole. A good day was had by all!

Unlike last year the snow is gone in town and on the river. Though there is still future runoff sitting up high in the hills.



But for now the water is clear and at the perfect level for catching a few fish floating.

We put in at Wilson about 11:00AM. The outside temp was about 40 degrees with a 10mph winds. The fish were still slow to get going for the first few miles. We had a bright sunny day for the entire float. So as the wind laid down mid afternoon and the water temp rose to the mid 40's the fish started to get going.

Despite a good midge hatch happening all day there was little to no surface activity till the home stretch. We fished mostly streamers and nymph a couple of runs. Tony spent the day spin fishing.

7-8 fish were brought to hand through the day. We moved 15 really nice fish on streamer as well. This post is not pic heavy due to my absent mindedness. Every year for the first float I have to dig out my gear and re outfit the boat. It is inevitable that something gets missed on the first trip and this year was no exception. Several of the fish escaped their Kodak moment thanks to me forgetting the net. I knew what I'd done as soon as Greg hooked into his first fish. A really nice 20" plus Cutty. Managed him right up next to the boat where he spit the streamer as Greg reached for him. No photo op there!! :icon_redf

We did manage to get a couple to hand for a few pics. Here are a couple of Tony's.






This is one of my three fish. Got him nymphing the same hole Tony got that last one out of. He took a black rubberlegs.



The next float is planned for Friday. It will be rusty r from the forum, my boss and friend Greg and my self. Planning to do the same stretch with a net and some insight on how the fish are behaving. Thinking it will only get better each float!! Till then Tight line and Great fishing!! ]]> Davo http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/davo/194-2012-season-official.html http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/davo/192-first-float-2012-season.html Fri, 30 Mar 2012 18:17:23 GMT Just got off the phone with my guiding boss Greg. Plans are set for Monday the 2nd. Greg and our good friend Tony plus myself our taking the Fly Pod for 12miles of river on the Wilson to South Park stretch.

This is going to be great. I've had a rough couple of months since being let go from my job back in December. Getting out on the river to float and chase some Cutthroats is just what I need to lift the old spirit!! Not to mention curing the cabin fever I've been afflicted with for the last couple of months.

No matter what dark cloud may be haunting me nothing can turn things around like a fishing trip. Be it for a day or a month. Fishing is the cure all for my soul for sure!!:p ]]> Davo http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/davo/192-first-float-2012-season.html http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/davo/129-first-guiding-trip-2011.html Sun, 28 Aug 2011 11:57:46 GMT Man does it hurt to say this, I just did my first guiding trip for the 2011 season. It has been one weird water year to say the least. To not start fishing till early August and not pick up any paid trips till the end of August makes for a tough season. Good news is the river is in really good... Man does it hurt to say this, I just did my first guiding trip for the 2011 season. It has been one weird water year to say the least. To not start fishing till early August and not pick up any paid trips till the end of August makes for a tough season.

Good news is the river is in really good shape and only going to get better. Water is still a bit high for this time of year, but the clarity has really improved. There are a lot of riffles exposed and the fish should be stacking up more everyday.

The PMDs are hatching well and the fish are coming up for them. A variety of Chernobyls is a good choice too. The hoppers are getting active and the fish should be keying on them soon as well. As we move into September the Mahogany Duns and BWO will come into play as well.

On Fridays trip we had pretty good action in the riffles with most the fish being 12" and under, keying on the PMDs. We rolled several larger fish along the banks and in the seams. The bigger fish were taking the bigger Chernobyls and were aggressive in their take. We were using the Chernobyls with a PMD trailer all day.

Due to cool mornings we started late. The fish don't seem to be very active until the sun starts warming the water up a bit. They get more active as the day goes on. Even in the heat of the afternoon they aggressively taking flies!!

Hoping to get back out this week guiding or just fishing with friends. The fishing is just going to get better each day!! With a short season it is a must to take advantage of all the opportunities!! ]]> Davo http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/davo/129-first-guiding-trip-2011.html http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/davo/127-another-members-float.html Mon, 22 Aug 2011 14:36:20 GMT Friday 08/19 Mcnerney and I floated the Canyon stretch of the South Fork. The weather was great as was the company, always a pleasure floating with Larry. Would have been nice to get a few more members to join the fun but everyone was busy. It feels strange to have the first South Fork float... Friday 08/19 Mcnerney and I floated the Canyon stretch of the South Fork. The weather was great as was the company, always a pleasure floating with Larry. Would have been nice to get a few more members to join the fun but everyone was busy.

It feels strange to have the first South Fork float take place in the 3rd week of August. Even stranger to still see the effects of run off. There is a lot of water and it's still a bit off color. But not bad enough to stop the fishing!! water conditions are good enough that everyone who has been waiting all summer is hitting the water. There were very few spots on the river when we did not see other boats.

The high water and color still have the fish avoiding the surface for the most part. We spent most the day and got the most action streamer fishing except for one side channel where we had some PMD action. I actually got my 3wt out for a little action. Caught a couple of dinks and one nice cutty, missed three other really nice feeders! :p

Larry moved a nice cutty early in the morning but had a LDR. Then had a few more short strikes. The action on streamers did not really get going till later in the afternoon. Surprisingly we did not get any action on the Zoo Cougars we normally love to fish on the South Fork. I had some decent action on Double Bunnies around midday. But the real action came after 3:00PM on an old staple in these parts, that being the JJ Special in sizes 2 and 4. Lots of swirls and short strikes and a few LDR's. Managed to bring 4 to the boat. Not the numbers or the sizes we were hoping for but all in all a great day on the water.



You can see the off color of the water here and the big water in the next photo.




The good news is the water will continue to drop from here on and clear as the days tick by. So more riffle will be exposed and the dry fly action will improve. The best fishing is yet to come!! ]]> Davo http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/davo/127-another-members-float.html http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/davo/116-2011-new-fork-members-float.html Sat, 06 Aug 2011 16:40:46 GMT Got back late last night from a two day float on the New Fork river with fysh, mcnerney, cromney and a friend of fysh. A great time was had by all!!! Everyone else went down and settled into camp Wednesday night on. They set camp on the Green river above Warren Bridge. I drove down early... Got back late last night from a two day float on the New Fork river with fysh, mcnerney, cromney and a friend of fysh. A great time was had by all!!!

Everyone else went down and settled into camp Wednesday night on. They set camp on the Green river above Warren Bridge. I drove down early Thursday morning to meet up with everyone after work. Got to the campsite about 8:00AM. Set up my tent and dropped my gear then we head south to the river below Pinedale.

After dropping the boats and doing our own shuttles we shoved off about 11:00AM. We were the only boats on the river. Everybody got at least one fish to hand so no one was skunked. Fysh his friend Todd and Clint( aka cromney) were in Fysh's boat. Larry (aka mcnerney and I were in my boat. Fysh's boat took the day for fish caught!! Larry caught a couple of small browns and missed a couple more plus a couple of long line releases. I had one small brown to the boat and several nice chases with one really nice fish taking my streamer offering of a Double Screamer in spawn colors. Literally taking my steamer, snapped me right off on the take!! Shortly after that my 7wt streamer rod gave up the ghost and folded up right at the second ferull Man that hurt!!:confused: Keep an eye out as I'm sure Fysh and Cromney will chime in with photo's and tales of how the day went in their boat.

The Grey Drake hatch off the week before was pretty much over with only a few lingering around at mid morning. Best result were had by using a dry dropper set up. A nice buggy fly on top like a Chubby Chernobyl and a variety of nymphs below. The Hoppers have not gotten going down there yet but should be arriving in the next week or so as the grasses brown up. The horse flies and mosquitoes we out in force and made multiple applications of bug spray necessary.

After taking out of the river about 7:00PM we stopped in town for dinner at the Sugar Shack. Had a nice but over priced burger and the n headed back to camp. Got nice little fire going and settled in for some chatter and a cocktail. Shortly there after the expected clouds and thunderstorms arrive. While sipping a nice single malt we were treated to a nice light show. Hopefully Clint will share some of the photos he snapped of the lightning! Then it was off to bed in preparation for the next day. According to Fysh and Clint an even bigger storm rolled through about 2:00AM. I have to take their word for it as it did not disturb my slumber. Having been up for over 24hrs nothing was going to disturb me!! Todd who slept with ear plugs in missed it as well. :rolleyes:

The next morning started about 7:00AM. Crawled out of the tent and got to work on a fire and getting a pot of coffee going. Breakfast of coffee yogurt an granola got everyone awake and energized for the day of fishing ahead. As the green was just a bit off color we opted to float the New Fork again. So we headed south to meet Larry at the put in and get the day started. Short delays to get Todd some new fly line and ice up the coolers. We did manage to shave a half hour off our start time of Thursday.

Day two started out with a couple quick calls of fish on. Clint had a few small guys take a dropper at the mouth of Boulder creek. Todd got a couple on both dries and nymphs. Shortly after the start Clint switched over to a streamer and moved a big boy in the middle of the river but he would not take. By lunch he pulled in a couple fat little browns. Clint and I traded of on the oars a few more times About two thirds of the way down in the same hole that held the fish which stole my streamer yesterday I hooked into a really sweet Cutthroat. Nice fat 23" bright colored hog. Big thanks to Clint for the photos!!

trying to get a grip!!


taking a little look!!


Finally got a good hold!!

After that Clint pulled in a few more little browns on streamers. Then on the home stretch I moved a few little guys but had no hook ups. But Larry in Fysh's boat pulled a nice 18" brown on a dry. I'm sure he'll be posting a pic soon!

We took off the river about 5:00PM and headed back to camp. Having to work my on call shift in the morning I had to pack up and head for town though I would love to have stayed another night. Fysh, Todd and Clint were suiting up to wade fish the Green at camp. There plan was to fish a little before the rain hit and then rest up for another New Fork float in the morning. I'm looking forward to hearing how they did.

Floating with a bunch of the great folks I've met here on the forum is just a wonderful experience!! I look forward to doing more of it and hope to do it with more of the members. The friendships I've forge since joining NAFFF are just great!! If you get the chance to meet up with and fish with other members do it!! It is truly a great experience!! ]]> Davo http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/davo/116-2011-new-fork-members-float.html http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/davo/114-first-members-trip-2011.html Wed, 03 Aug 2011 14:23:15 GMT Got our first members trip coming up. So far we have four members spending a few days floating and camping down on the Green River. We floated the Lower Green below Fontanell Res. last fall. That was only a one day trip with a lot of driving. This time we will get off the river and grab a quick... Got our first members trip coming up. So far we have four members spending a few days floating and camping down on the Green River.

We floated the Lower Green below Fontanell Res. last fall. That was only a one day trip with a lot of driving. This time we will get off the river and grab a quick bite in town then head to camp. Sit around the fire and tell tall tales while sipping a nice single malt of a beer or two!!

This will be almost as good and a bit easier than the overnight float on the South Fork that we have ponder for a few years. Have not given up on that one just yet, but this will do in the mean time!!

Have a detailed report and some pics on Saturday. ]]> Davo http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/davo/114-first-members-trip-2011.html http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/davo/113-first-summer-float-2011.html Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:55:51 GMT It is both sad and joyous that on July 28th I got in my first float of the 2011 summer season. We have waited what seems forever and a day for the river flows to come down to fishing level. For my Boss and good friend Greg and I yesterday was the day!! We floated the lower stretch of the New... It is both sad and joyous that on July 28th I got in my first float of the 2011 summer season. We have waited what seems forever and a day for the river flows to come down to fishing level. For my Boss and good friend Greg and I yesterday was the day!!

We floated the lower stretch of the New Fork River just South of Pinedale, WY. Though it is a long hour and a half drive to the put in it is well worth it. The New Fork is a lot like the Green just a little smaller. Slowly meandering through high mountain meadows it offers the opportunity to catch some big browns and rainbows. It is not a difficult stream to float due to it's slow pace and lack of rapids and few obstructions. Most the fishing is along beautiful under cut banks and a few riffles. It seems custom built for great streamer fishing.

We put in about 10:00AM and only float about 20 yards before finding several fish rising to the very prolific Grey Drake hatch. With so many naturals on the water it was tough to get a fish to take an artificial. I started out on the oars while Greg tried to temp the fish with a selection of dries. In the first hour Greg missed a couple takes and had a few LDR's ( long distance releases ). But his persistence paid off and he landed a nice 23" Brown.




Then it was my turn on the rod. The hatch had died down a bit so as per usual I went with a streamer. I started out with bighornflies Area 51 in brown and yellow. Brown and yellow being a killer color combo on the New Fork and Green rivers. Yesterday being no exception! I moved several large fish. Also having several takes a couple of which were really nice fish. All of which ended up as LDR's. For some reason that I have been unable to figure out I have trouble keeping fish on the hook with articulated flies. After about an hour I switch to a Yellow Zoo Cougar. I moved several more fish and had a few more bumps. Then once again persistence paid off!!





We switched off at the oars a couple more times. Greg stayed with the dry action while I continued with the streamers. We both missed several more opportunities proving once again there is a reason the call it fishing and not catching!! LOL.

All in all a great day. The weather was perfect. Water quality was about 75% and should be 100 by next week. One and only problem we ran in to was the take out we chose. I would recommend not using the Gas Wells to take out. This is due to there not really being a take out!! There is just a 5ft drop from the parking area. As water levels drop it will only keep higher. And winching your boat straight up the bank is a chore and a half, not to mention a real abuse of your boat and trailer. ]]> Davo http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/davo/113-first-summer-float-2011.html http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/davo/101-tarpon-day-7-final-day.html Sun, 26 Jun 2011 13:20:35 GMT Well it finally came, the last day of 2011 Tarpon Trip. And we got off to a much better start than Day 5! The guide was on time. We got the jump on the competition for the flat we like best. About 10 minutes after we arrive on our spot 2 other boat came slowly cruising up and then motor for other... Well it finally came, the last day of 2011 Tarpon Trip. And we got off to a much better start than Day 5! The guide was on time. We got the jump on the competition for the flat we like best. About 10 minutes after we arrive on our spot 2 other boat came slowly cruising up and then motor for other waters. The wind was up and there was a fair amount of cloud cover but this was predicted to clear up before noon. Things were looking good!!

Due to our early start and arrival on site we had rather a long wait ahead. This wait became even longer when the Tarpon did not start moving till just after 11:00AM. But unlike Day 5 they did start moving. Also unlike Day 5 we were fishing an incoming tide so instead of trying to stay ahead of the Tarpon we were able to follow there move from the outside of the flat to the inside. Makes it a lot easier to cut them off as they cross the flat head for the creek.

For about the first hour and a half all we got was singles and pairs with no larger sets. These first spooked off the fly each time. I really believe the are much more likely to eat when there are more in the school. Safety in numbers I guess. :p The only problem with that is if you spook one they all follow. Also when you have a school of 5 and sometime 20 or more torpedoes swimming straight at you the fishing version of buck fever tends to set in rather quickly and easily!! :o

Let me paint you a little picture. The flat we like to fish extends East to West. East being the ocean side and end on the West side at the Key. The fish move across this time of the season from South to North. This flat would be huge except there is a thin cut through the middle separating it in to two flats The cut is basically a deep water creek. The Tarpon swing way out around the tip of the southern flat and the move in to the west across a bowl in the middle of that flat and drop into the cut. How far in or out along the cut they pop out to cross our flat is determined by the height of the tide or water depth if you will. At full low tide the come out the mouth of the cut and cross the tip of the flat out at the ocean end. At full high tide the cross way inside at the Key side or land end of the flat. The flat is about 100 yards wide. Tarpon tend to like 4 feet or more of water to move in. The north side of the flat has sort of a lip to it that the Tarpon will only cross all the way inside at full high tide. Until then as they cross farther in they turn out toward the east and move up the edge of the flat to deeper water before dropping into the next creek. There is a hump about two thirds of the way out on the flat that they head for in order to drop in to the creek except at full high tide when they can go straight across inside. This is where we set up to cut them off. Sound pretty simple huh? Well not quite! :(

By this time the wind was building up to 17 to 18 out of the east. and the scattered clouds blowing over were starting to stack up over the Keys to the south and west. These clouds build wider and higher as the day goes on. The significants of this is that these clouds cast an evil glare on the water that cute your visibility to about 20 to 30 feet. This is the distance at which the Tarpon can see you or the boat or both and your busted. The flare off and swim around you leaving you feeling like a deer caught in the headlights. That's why in Tarpon fishing being able to make 60 to 80 foot cast is so important to your success!! Getting the fly in front of them and working it before you get busted.

At this time we started get bigger sets. We never got the really big ones just a bunch of 3 to 6 and a couple 10 to 12. The tide was still coming in so the fish were coming across at us out of the south and we had to pick them out of the glare in time to get a cast in. Add crossing winds of 18 out of the east and now accuracy becomes an issue too. If your not getting busted your missing your mark with no time to recast before your spotted. This happened a lot for the next hour!!:(

Good news is the tide is still coming in and soon the fish will be crossing inside and flaring out straight at you from the west. Bad news is by 1:00 or later those same clouds to the south are also building out over the everglades. But the glare is not so bad till about 2:30 to 3:00. About 1:30 I really got schooled by the only Tarpon we got to eat all week. A set of 6 come up the flat straight at us. Since the wind was now from behind the accuracy was not an issue. We had set up just outside the hump so the fish would flare out to our right before getting close enough to bust us. My first cast is out in front with room to spare. I paused to let the fish get close then started to strip. The lead fish did not like the fly but did not spook, he just flared out more toward the creek. I picked up and made the second cast broadside to the school and just short so as not to line fish and spook them all. I got no reaction from them as I stripped the fly. Then just as I was deciding to pick up and cast again with no chance of get one to make a u turn and follow my fly, The tail fish makes a hard right turn and shoots forward to to gulp my fly. Man was I a deer caught in the headlights on this one. He got me in between strips and was coming straight at the boat. As hard as I tried to strip set I just could not catch up enough line to tighten up on him. I could not believe the miss!! He beat the pants off me!! :eek::D:p:mad::confused:

We got a few more shots after that. But as usual by 2:30 the clouds at built up enough over the Everglades that we had no visibility to the South or the West. This year the Tarpon won!! Total tally for the week was 2 Barracuda, 1 Shark, 1 Mackerel and 0 Tarpon. But it was one heck of a fun week and we will be doing it again next year for sure!! Maybe then I will have better success to write about. Thanks for following along and stay tuned for some Trout tales once runoff is over with.

Davo ]]> Davo http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/davo/101-tarpon-day-7-final-day.html