The Fin - Show Me The Fish!

Bristol Bay Update: Proposition 4 Goes Down in Flames

Sickening, just absolutely sickening is the extent to which short-sighted politics and economics permeate our present day society.  Rational irrationality I say; we are a culture now characterized by moral fragility and subversive corporate hegemony.  Proposition 4, which was voted on yesterday in Anchorage, Alaska has apparently failed; yet again, the corporate fat cats have been able to squander an ethical, logical, and sustainable proposal despite a mass of oppositional efforts from the Alaskan intelligencia.  It is unknown how this proposition would ultimately have affected the Pebble Mine's possible inception, however, its failure marks a clear step in the wrong direction and an unfortunate continuation of Alaskan exploitation.  Keep your eyes peeled for a comprehensive article discussing the Bristol Bay controversy in a grander scope.  -Kevney

San Juan River Extravaganza: Land of Tiny Flies and Monster Rainbows

Racing daylight and road tripping it back to Georgia, I made space in the itinerary to do a pilgrimage trip to the tail-water mecca that is the San Juan River.  My college roommate and I fished it the majority of the day yesterday.  I had heard stories of legends, tales of epic fish, and forewarnings of the technicality and unique nature of angling required to dupe the picky San Juan River Bows; 6x Flouro and size 24 Midges, quite the task when trying to land a 5lb. plus fish.  As we all know, the San Juan is one of North America's most impressive tail-waters, and possibly North America's finest Rainbow Trout fishery both in population and quality of fish.  The river lived up to every ounce of its reputation, and though the morning was somewhat difficult, as it took me a little while to dial in, the afternoon fished incredible.  I landed 8 quality Bows, hooked and fought another 6, and nearly landed the fish of my lifetime after a 20 minute, nail-biting battle.  Like a Tarpon, this fish hurled itself to the skies, arching, bending, and crashing to the water's surface on five different occasions; it was the most incredible single fishing experience of my life.  After that 20 minute, utterly jaw-dropping battle of attrition, I experienced only slight pain after seeing the size 24 Glass Beaded Zebra Midge pop from its mouth three feet from the net (which it wouldn't have fit in anyway).  After regaining my composure, I continued to fish and by 5 o'clock, they started feeding off the surface.  I tied on a size 20 Cinnamon Ant with a size 22 Griffith's Gnat dropped behind; I landed my only Brown of the day, which topped out at 16".  I found one of the most difficult parts about fishing the Juan was figuring out the depth to where the fish were most actively feeding; this depth seemed to be in the 3-4' range.  All in all, a great day on a world-class fishery.   

Montana Spruce Moth Hatch

Contrary to popular prediction, the Spruce Moth has once again blessed the Gallatin River angling community.  With the area's bountiful hatches of the past two years, expectations for this year's hatch were grim, and thought to be sporadic at best. However, once again swarms of these tree killers have clouded the morning skies, and added to the already healthy diet of Gallatin River trout.  Their appearance came relatively unnoticed for the first few days of the hatch, as fish were merely investigative in nature, not yet keying in and realizing the free lunch sitting on their doorsteps.  This surface serenity was, however, short lived.  It quickly gave way to a full out frenzy on the water's surface.  The hatch is primarily a morning occurrence, and with the low light of the early morning sun, fish are able to look to the heavens with ease, feeding with ferocity and relative indiscretion.  The hatch has appeared to muster up greater numbers by the day, but just like any bug, who knows how long this entomological boon may last.  So fish now and not later anglers, as this is not an experience you will want to miss. 

Fly Tie of The Week Part Trey: The Clouser, Saltwater Fly Extraordinaire

A versatile, widely trusted, and flat out deadly saltwater fly, the Clouser Minnow has long been a favorite of Striper fisherman and Redfish anglers alike.  With endless color and material variation, this fly can be fine-tuned to suit a fishery near you. An easy tie, this is a great fly to introduce your tying abilities to the saltwater spectrum.

Step 1: Place a size 2-10 standard saltwater hook in vice.

Step 2: Attach and wrap thread to 1/3 distance down hook shank.

 

Step 3: Tie in dumbbell eyes (red, yellow, pearl) by figure eight wrapping over middle of eyes and shank. Use tight wraps to ensure a solid hold, and ultimately the eyes should be perpendicular to the hook shank, approximately 1/3 the length of the shank down from eye of hook.

 

Step 4: Wrap thread to two eye lengths behind eye of hook. Tie in clump of white Bucktail on top of shank, aligning tips using fibers of equal length, and having tips extending 2 1/2 hook lengths past shank.

Step 5: Trim butt ends of Bucktail close to tie in.

Step 6: Lay Bucktail over center of dumbbell eyes. Wrap thread behind eyes and over Bucktail to the end of shank, securing it on top of hook.

Step 7: Return thread to directly in front of dumbbell eyes and turn hook point side up for remaining steps.

 

Step 8: Tie in desired color of crystal flash on the bottom of the hook (opposite of white Bucktail) directly in front of eyes, having ends even with tips of Bucktail (here we tie in two colors of flash).

 

Step 9: Tie in darker, complementary colored Bucktail on bottom of shank atop crystal flash, and directly in front of eyes, making sure length is slightly longer than flash and white Bucktail (again, here we tie in two shades of Bucktail)

Step 10: Trim ends of Bucktail to create tapered head.

Step 11: Create desired head by wrapping thread over trimmed butt-ends of Bucktail, covering the area thoroughly.

Step 12: Whip finish on head. Cement or epoxy all exposed thread on head and thread on hook shank over preliminary white Bucktail.

Step 13: Double haul in front of Striper's face.

(End product)

All photographs by Kevney Moses

Tied by Jimmy Armijo

Ruby River Stream-Access

Recently, the Public Lands Access Association filed suit against Madison County concerning fencing practices, which limit stream-access to the Ruby River. A long debated and hot tempered issue, both sides have refused to give any ground, pun intended. The practices in question concern fences which parallel the roads and attach to guardrails connecting to bridges in three specific areas crossing the Ruby River. The Madison Stockgrowers Association, along with a host of local landowners, have sided with Madison County; involving themselves, their constituents, and their large pocket books in an effort to assuage the mounting case in their opposition. This past week in Virginia City, MT, state District Judge Loren Tucker overheard arguments and depositions in the case; ultimately stating he believes a resolution is in sight. Though the landowners cite the protection of livestock and the livelihood of the commuting public as reason for the fencing arrangement around these bridges, the underlying rationale surrounds the land interests of a covetous few, who take every opportunity they can to bend and contort the present public stream-access regulations. As bridges being public rights of way to access public water, the Public Lands Access Association feels as though this fencing encroachment clearly infringes on the right of the public to access THEIR state apportioned waters. With an end nearly in sight, we here in Big Sky pray for the determent of these fences, and the righteous and lawful relegation of the despotic Ruby River landowners' case, which supports sheer political malfeasance.

Time Elapsed Photography: An Explanatory Tutorial

I have started toying around with time elapsed photography; it has proven a skill not easily honed, but the fruits of the labor can be visually dramatic and mentally intriguing.  For its significance in fishing, those shots you see of an angler immersed in the Upper Sac, or surrounded by the magnificence of a raging Great Smokey Mountain creek, where the water has the appearance of a cloud, hazily flowing by, are the result of time elapsed photography.  First off you, the photographer, must have someone, a subject, working with you, holding motionless in whichever pose and position you dictate.  Photographically, the process involves a fine tuning of exposure and aperture; a unison between the two, where one acts against the other, ultimately creating the desired effect.  Exposure controls the amount of time the shutter is open, and aperture determines the degree to which the shutter is dilated, whether wide or narrow.  Think about it this way, when the shutter is open for a longer time period of time things in motion will inherently appear blurred, whereas a short exposure will yield a crisp picture expressing a distinct single moment in time.  When the exposure is set low, where the shutter is open for a greater amount of time, and the aperture is set high, where the shutter is narrower, the two will waltz to the tune of a beautiful visual medley.  Because the shutter is open longer, allowing more light to pass through the shutter, aperture must be increased in order to limit excess light and counteract overexposure.  Additionally, two things are necessary in order to ensure the image’s purity and clarity: as alluded to earlier, the subject (if present) must remain completely still, and two, the camera must be mounted on a tripod or secured in a stable position.  Just as the elements in motion will create distortion, a camera, in even minimal limbo, will greatly diminish visual comprehension, ruining the image’s technical efficacy.  Also, these photographs are best taken in low light conditions, as the decreased aperture can only do so much in limited the entry of light allowed by the extended exposure.  I’m sure I use little of the proper photographic dialectic nomenclature; however, if you follow these few loosely technical axioms, the learning process will be short and the product sweet.

Echo2 – 590fw – 4x Fly Rod Review

Echo2 – 590fw – 4x:

Everyone knows how difficult it is to find a fly rod fine tuned to your own unique style of casting.  I usually find myself adjusting my own stroke to the feel of whatever rod is in my hand.  Nothing is perfect, but the Echo2 series rods, a product of Rajeff Sports, have made innovative strides in dealing with this specific issue.  Designed by long time casting instructor, and world class casting champion, Tim Rajeff, the Echo2 freshwater rods are built for performace, utility, and situational diversity.  Though this 9', 5wt. rod was created with big river fishing in mind, by no means does it strictly adhere to this one-dimensionality of usage.  Like no other rod on the market, with the purchase of an Echo2 you receive two different tip sections, each having a distinct feel of its own.  At first I assumed this to be a marketing ploy, but after casting and testing both tips, I realized how far from the truth this really was.  The 'A' tip, standing for 'Accuracy', and the 'D' tip, representing 'Distance', deliver two completely different degrees of action, performance, and feel.  A diagnostic breakdown of the two tip sections is somewhat counterintuitive, so bear with me.  The 'A' tip, again, designed for accuracy, is the softer of the two tips, yet, it maintains a faster action than the stiffer, medium-fast action 'D' tip.  Because the 'A' tip is considered softer, it actually loads the rod faster by having additional flex and quicker loading capabilities. Whereas the 'D' tip is stiffer, it forces the loading process out of the tip section and down the entirety of the rod, therefore loading the rod at a slower and more purposeful pace.  If you have trouble differentiating between the two tip sections, which I would find hard to believe, sit back and watch someone else cast the rod; you will notice a marked variation in where the rod loads between the two tip sections. 

Personally, I really like the rod and priced at $269.95, you will be hard pressed to find a rod of its equal at such an affordable price.  It has an aesthetically pleasing 'cranberry' finish, adorned with titanium coated guides, along with a nice maple and nickel coated reel seat.  By no means do you get the lush looks of a Winston, but you also won't pay the extra $300 for the unnecessary accouterments that come standard with a rod of that 'caliber'.  I found that in casting the rod, the 'A' tip lived up to its acronym; the thing is spot on even at great distances.  Though the 'D' tip is quite different in its feel and action, I can't say that I was able to throw more line with it in comparison to the 'A' tip.  However, I did find that the 'D' tip yielded a softer presentation on the water.  My only complaint with the rod is related to the handle.  Made from nice cork yes, but it felt a bit beefy in my hand, and after casting it for an entire day I thought I might have developed rod-induced carpal tunnel.  Other than that the rod has it all; from fast water to slow water it has the power, touch, accuracy, and utility to suit almost any trout fishing situation.  And though it is designed to throw small to medium flies, I tried chucking some big nasty Galloup streamers, and it was still able to get the job done.  The picture above features a nice Upper Madison Brown, which was caught using this 5wt. Echo2; it proved hardy enough to even land this toad.   

Utah River Access Legislation

What do I think about Colorado's river access laws…an example of pure bureaucratic fallacy marked by political cowardice and irrationality. We have all heard the terrifying stories of those Napoleonic, mentally insufficient farmers of Colorado pulling guns and pistol whipping helpless boaters on the river; those psychos hold their precious river bottom quite dear. I think it’s mostly a power trip, resulting from birth with small genitalia, maybe, but regardless, it is unfortunately their right. Utah, up until this past Tuesday, maintained similar policies for their waterways; however, on that epic Tuesday, the Utah Supreme Court finally made strides in amending and clarifying the much debated state river access laws. And I quote: "We hold that the scope of the easement provides the public the right to float, hunt, fish, and participate in all lawful activities that utilize the water. We further hold that the public has the right to touch privately owned beds of state waters in ways incidental to all recreational rights provided for in the easement, so long as they do so reasonably and cause no unnecessary injury to the landowner." What they are basically saying here is that while accessing a river via a public right of way, you can now wade, walk, fish, or boat while having the entire river, and its bottom, fully at your disposal. Now, let’s all sit back, put a rest to the polygamy pot-shots, and bask in the glory that is Utah. Cheers.  --Kevney

Fishing DVD Review: TARPON (1974)

TARPON (1974)

I have never been a huge fan of fishing or hunting based productions, for that matter, a few years ago I almost stopped watching them all together.  Usually it is some cliché bore some redneck raping and exploiting the wildlife which we pursue for what we ‘call’, a sport.  To me watching two overweight bums, biding their time watching Jerrry Springer in a kush, fully furnished hunting blind resting over a food plot, or Joe and Tom Nascar fishing the Gulf for Lemonsharks, live-lining with a balloon in 6 feet of water is not what I call a sport.  It’s ridiculous and honestly, it is quite disgusting .  It is not the killing or the catching, but rather, the way with which it is accomplished.  Not only does it create a negative typecast for the outdoorsman, but think to where it leads our youth?  Screw video games and movies stripping our children of their innocence, it’s you Jimmy Houston.  Where did Fred Bear go, I’m know he’s dead, but really?  Where have our romantic, awe inspiring outdoor oriented films and productions gone?  Where is the love for the pursuit and the challenge? Where is the love for fishing, not catching?  I assure you this DVD will answer these questions and more. 

Filmed in the transcendental Florida Keys landscape, we see fishing at its finest, presenting its fundamental and intangible essence. The film is a Keruoac-est angling classic with a beat generation innocence and zeal.   I quote author Thomas McGuane, “TARPON is a gem and, frankly, a window on better days.  Without a profound respect for tarpon, this celebration of their majestic power and the enchantment of their pursuit, could never have been made.  Tarpon fishing was and is a dream, and this may be the only time it’s been captured.”  Here, McGuane speaks with candor and poignancy. This DVD is a masterpiece and ultimately serves as a mold, and status quo, for fishing films to come.  Originally filmed in 1974, the short film was lost to time; like a forgotten artwork appearing in your grandmother’s attic, and quite literally in this case, it reemerged recently from a barn in Normandy, was remastered and finally put into production by Guy de la Valdéne.  Authors Thomas McGuane, Richard Brautigan, and Jim Harrison are featured in the film, along with top guides and conservationists of the area, and with original music for the DVD created by Jimmy Buffet (pre-margaritaville…just pure slide guitar genius). 

Thomas McGuane refers to this film being “a window on better times”, and similarly this window applies to the DVD itself.  Beautifully produced, incredibly filmed, and composed with an eclectic like-minded group of passionate individuals, it has an inherent sincerity, with an earnest humility and honest nature. The film is simply joyous; an exposition of true candor, and a beautiful thing so rare to see.  Not just a fish movie, the creators imbued the film with underlings, if not overtones, emphasizing conservation and ecological perspective.  These progressive anglers and lateral thinkers extended a hard-earned, wholesome respect for the animal that is the Tarpon, caring deeply for the protection and extenuation of their ecological health as a species.   Ideas which then lay dormant, and far ahead of their time, the cast ominously reveal their sentiments about the probable diminishment of the species through human pressure along with a need for a wholehearted effort in protecting the species and the conservation of aquatic life in general.  They make connections and predictions in citing “the same thing in Palm Beach with Snook that used to be up on the flats”, ultimately going far enough to say “(he) thinks (they) are seeing the end of it”, the end of the Tarpon era.  They include a ten minute segment highlighting a half-day trip aboard a 1970’s party fishing boat.  You watch as thirty some odd vacationers pull everything and anything out of the sea, eventually being heaved onto meat hooks back at the docks for picture time.  There is no commentary during this bit, and none is needed.  Without being injurious or overzealous, they present a situation for you to view and become opinionated about all on your own.  This film might not just be a look on better days, but also on worse; let us be thankful for the leaps and bounds humanity has taken over the past thirty years with regard to conservation. 

The film is not only a call to arms for conservation, but in my opinion, is also an angling manifesto.  Brautigan refers to the sport as “massively miraculous, a very powerful force, extraordinary; so extraordinary as to create immediate unreality in the process upon contact with the fish.” They all note that “the challenge and fun of that ‘play’ has a great deal to do with the enjoyment of this fishing”, showing their deepest adoration by referring to the fish as “children of Atlantis rising from the sea.”  So many of the things I have felt about fishing, yet have never been able to fully express, are substantiated, and decompressed in this film; an austere created and a passion unfolded.   Revealing these sentiments, I end with a quote from Jim Harrison on his feelings about fishing, as he magnificently sums up the spirit of this cinema classic: “Who said that we go through life with a diminishing portfolio of enthusiasm?...So you try to seek out in life, moments that give you this immense jolt of electricity.  It is a tranquilizer better than any chemical tranquilizer.  So you try to have something that gives you this electricity, and freshens up your feeling about being alive.” 

2008 Simms Wading Boot Product Line Review

Here is a rundown off the 2008 Simms wading boot product line.  Enjoy.

Simms G3 Guide Boot:  This boot is the Rolls Royce of the Simms product line, having supreme comfort, stability, durability, and convenience.  With this extensive construction, the boot does sacrifice preferable weight, and obviously, price.  Being interiorly lined with neoprene, the G3 not only has a low absorption rate but also, combined with a highly flexible tongue, has a nearly effortless entry and exit.  High-density black felt soles are stitched and cemented to the bottom of the boot making for high durability and traction.  Personally I think they look like the crew of Apollo 13 may have worn them, but a great boot if you are out for the zenith of comfort and convenience in wading.  Retail $179.95

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Simms Guide Wading Boot:  Redesigned in 2008, the new Guide Boot has a few more bells and whistles than its predecessor.  The boot looks rugged, and acts accordingly; they are just about bomb proof.  Excellent ankle support, durability, and longevity of use classify this boot.  Similar to the G3 boot, the Guide Boot is interiorly lined with neoprene, adding insulation and ease of entry and exit.  Don’t expect the boots to shrink nearly as much as the subsequent model, as the 2008 Guide Boot is constructed with water resistant “no-shrink” leather.  Retail $159.95

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Simms Rivershed Wading Boot:  Much lighter than the G3 and Guide Boots, the Rivershed is built for the hiking angler.  This subtraction of weight does not diminish support or durability, however.  The full synthetic construction makes the boot easier to clean and refurbish, and highly decreases the boots absorption rate.  Again, interiorly lined with neoprene, the boot is pretty lush and very comfortable to wear.  High-density black felt soles also come standard, as well as a full perimeter high-density rubber banding which increases protection and durability. Personally, I think it is the best boot on the Simms line, both in price and utility for the field.  Retail $139.95

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Simms Headwaters Wading Boot:  I actually just purchased this boot, and honestly, not pleased.  Poor stability, poor protection, poor traction, and most definitely not made for a foot with any sort of an arch.   This boot replaced the sturdier 2007 model which was dually produced by Keen and Simms.  Simms pretty much kept the mold from the previous model, but downgraded the high quality Keen elements with a cheap, shoddy design; very lightweight, yes, but poorly thought out in my opinion.  Sorry Simms.  Retail $99.95

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Simms Freestone Wading Boot:  Redesigned in 2008, it is really just the same old boot; still extremely durable and very affordable.  Changes…interiorly lined with neoprene, generous gusseted tongue aiding in ease of entry and exit, full synthetic construction for minimal water absorption, and a new more aesthetic look.  Not lightweight by any means, but a great boot at a great price with good support, durability, and comfort.  Retail $79.95

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Simms Flats Sneaker:  I’m sure there are some ‘good guys’ that happily own this shoe, and I’m  sure that in the right situation these genteel sneaks are useful, but let me say this…if you ever catch me wearing them, I give you every right to kick my ass. Retail $99.95 (In the mean time, just buy some Tevas.)

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Simms River Sandal: Great product; I have never encountered a displeased customer owning this shoe.  Highly adjustable as far as sandals go, and very comfortable, this wading shoe is also heavy-duty and nearly indestructible.  A tough high-density toe guard will protect your dogs with great efficacy in any wading situation, and the textured rubber foot-bed combined with a felt sole yields superb traction on most surfaces.  Retail $79.95