Fly Line Love....

After stripping a fly in on a far off flat in Belize 2 years ago, I glanced down to the pile of line and noticed what you see above.   Quite a message there in the line right?

My guess is that it's probably not a coincidence.

My Warhorse Stick

Everyone has one rod in their lineup that's a beauty to cast,  stands strong against the toughest fish and lasts a hell of a long time.

I picked this eight weight up as my first "expensive fly rod" in preparation for my first bonefish trip and knew it would be my go to for throwing indicator rigs for steelhead (in my pre-spey days).

This girl is my Warhorse. 

From the most pristine flats of Ambergis Caye Belize

To the dirtiest, nastiest, skankiest carp water, it keeps rolling.

It has steelhead, carp, smallmouth bass, bonefish, permit, barracuda, salmon, suckers, whitefish and probably a few other fish to it's credit.  It's age has started to show but onward we go to fight more fish.  It's a miracle I havent broken it yet, knock on wood.

So this leads me to this question.  What's your fly rod warhorse?  Feel free to send me your story, and we'll post it up here at Chucking Line and Chasing Tail. 

send your stories with pictures to jmills81 at hotmail dot com

Thanks!

The Flip Side of 4am Wake Up Calls...

Is that your fishing buddies tend to conk out as soon as you hit highway speeds, leaving you and the highway all by your lonesome for hours on end.

4 AM Wake Up Calls....

Are pretty cool when these are waiting for you.  Time to smack a few bass in the face.

Estate Sale Treasure...Grand Coulee 1933

Amongst the junk in an estate sale I randomly visited today, I struck gold.  Staring back at me was a beautiful picture framed up of the Grand Coulee of the Columbia River, dated 1933. 

Before the concrete, before the turbines, before the electricity.  This is what it looked like at the exact location where the dam went in.  You can see the construction beginning and at the same time you can see the last remaining farms and buildings of the era, including a raft that appears that was used to fjord the river.

I am pretty excited to find this gem, let alone for $7 bucks. 

Tell me again why the forgot to build a fish ladder?

Staring at Water, Looking for Ghosts

I started to think it was possible to will a Bonefish to me.

Even with 4 mornings of blanks, it was a blast.  The weather was right, the sun was right....it should have been game time.  But in reality, Hawaiian Bonefishing is a tough gig. 

There's so much to learn.  There's so much to absorb and try and key into, only time on the flats brings true success.  Tides, flies, retrieves, bottom structure....and oh yeah, the tides. 

3 different flats, all different.  All with the same results.  Am I discouraged....

No

Will I try it again?

Ya gawd damn right I will, given the opportunity. 

Hawaiian Bonefish 4, Josh Negative 4

Back from Oahu and the bones defeated me, soundly.  After 8 hours of flying with an 8 month old with a double ear infection I dont have the energy tonight to throw up a proper write up.  That will have to come tomorrow.

Until then, know this.  DIY bonefishing on Oahu can be done, but it aint easy....even with local intel.

But hell, if it was easy....everyone would be doing it.

Barnyard Bonefishing in Hawaii

In preparation of chasing bones on the flats in Oahu, I thought I'd hone up my skills on the flock of barnyard bonefish that inhabit the flats in front of our accommodations on the North Shore.

This band of beaks fit the proflie.  Cagy, great eyesight, discerning palates, but I was up to the challenge.

Using natural cover to shield our progress to the flock, we made our way into striking distance.

I locked into my targeted barnyard bonefish....

Dropped the hammer....

And promptly stubbed my toe.....

Till next time, till next time.......

In The Shadow of Commerce....

Live amazing examples of wildness. 

And sometimes, they eat our flies.

Almost Ready....

Just a few more to go and we're ready to rock. 

Oahu bound Monday.  Boom!

Hawaiian Bonefish Math...

So add all this stuff up and together,

You get flies like this, 

And this.   So the net result should be....

Headed to Oahu in a few days.  My fingers are crossed.

Walmart's Entry Into Strike Indicators...and Happy 4th!

Ahh, just kidding!

But Carson said he hopes you all had a great and safe 4th of July!

And Down Goes My Watering Hole....

Today I find myself down a killer watering hole.   Far West Billiards in downtown Spokane has closed it's doors.  10 years plus for a bar in Spokane, let alone anywhere, is a long ass run for anyone.

The Fly Fishing Degenerate Council spent many a night here discussing the merits of what ever rod we were lusting for, what beer we were drinking or trips we were planning on going on.  Yes, I have been a bit drunk here a few times as well.

For the past 3 years, it was our pre funk spot before every Fly Fishing Film Tour and the last 2 years it was the site of the very successful Hooks and Hops night for The Silver Bow Fly Shop.

Andrew and Yvonne of Far West were clients, but more they were friends.  You could not have chosen to work with two greater people for over 7 years.  

So goodbye Far West, so long and good luck to everyone who works there.  You will be missed