Fly Fishing

Today's adventure took place: Ridley Creek State Park

I took The Rooster fly fishing for the first time on Sunday, and we both had a lot of fun. He had a couple of minor tangles, but I honestly lost more flies to snags (3) than he did (1). He was getting some nibbles, but couldn't set the hook, and struck out. (I managed to hook a small largemouth, which snapped the end of my leader off when I was trying to get my fly back. )

Not bad for an almost 10 year old. I made him read part of my first-time guide to fly fishing in advance of the trip, and it helped prepare him. He is excited that he can fish almost any type of tackle now (although knots are still my job). It was only about 3 months ago that I moved him from a trigger cast to a regular spinning reel, so it is another big jump.

Don't be afraid to let them try new stuff - the sooner the better. He has amazed me every time. The coolest part was the group of kids with spinning rods in their hands that were totally jealous of him standing in the Fly Fishing Only area - and amazed that "Kids can do it too"!

Notes to remember:

1. Knots are tough to tie mid-stream. Practice.


2. Bring a net for landing and un-hooking fish. Hemostats too.


3. Baby nail clippers - perfect for trimming tags (end of knot). Keep hooked onto the vest.

We may not get back out this year (unless we hit a warm stretch), but I am already looking forward to going again next year and seeking out new streams to practice our new skill on.

Knots

Today's adventure took place: on the web

After many frustrating attempts at a 'nail knot' when getting our gear ready on Saturday, I ended up making a knot that I pretty much hope will hold....

I found the following after the fact:

• Tip: Use an inflation needle (for balls and such) as your 'nail' and pass the tag through that! Genious!


• Animation: A great video that shows the knot step by step, with different color strings for the two lines - something I wish all tutorials would use.

Hope these help!

Encroachment

Today's adventure took place: Newlin Grist Mill

Nothing better than a mid-week trek to the trails.......

Last week, we all loaded up and headed over to a small local preserve, Newlin Grist Mill, for a few hours of quiet trail exploration. It is a place that my wife really enjoyed going to visit as a little girl, and we had been there a few years back for an impromptu birthday party.

Life never seems to live up to our memories. I was honestly disappointed at a couple of turns.

There is a pay-to-fish area - great for the kids, and, with no site fees, a great way to make money. I get that. However, the creek that runs through the property is posted OFF LIMITS - No Trespassing. The gentle creek is one of the real attractions there, and for it to be off limits was disappointing. No dipping of toes, checking for crayfish, nothing. Of course, the fisherman in me was dying to get a crack at the trout I could see from the bank! My suggestion would be to offer an annual catch-and-release, fly fishing permit for anyone wishing to fish the creek. It would bring in extra revenue (I would pay for one), and allow them to take down some of those ugly signs.

The most disturbing facet of the trip was the proximity of the McMansions. I was honestly mortified at the sight of the old cabin replica flanked by a McMansion not 75 yards behind it. The iron fence, the fake-wood deck, the radios blaring...argh! I go out into the woods to get away from all of that, the constant encroachment all around, and yet here it was, smack in my face.

We saw a doe up on a hill, spooked a rabbit in the brush, saw tadpoles and came across a frog. We had a nice walk. But the proximity of the (overbuilt) new development and the No Trespass signs all took something away from the whole experience for me. The trail itself was well maintained, but bland and directionless. It was an aimless wander and not one that I anticipate repeating.