Tuesday, May 31, 2016

No luck fishing the salt...

No luck fishing the salt this trip. I'm looking forward to getting back to the 2 weight and catching some bream!!
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Saturday, May 28, 2016

Spruce Creek Canoe Trail

It was a bit too windy for effective flyfishing today, but we had a fantastic paddle on the Spruce Creek Canoe Trail!!
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Friday, May 27, 2016

We spent a gorgeous day...

We spent a gorgeous day on the beach today. Tomorrow we're paddling the Spruce Creek Canoe Trail and doing some fishing. Hopefully the fish will be cooperative!!
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Thursday, May 26, 2016

Daytona Beach Museum of Arts and Sciences

We took a tour of the Daytona Beach Museum of Arts and Sciences today and, while there was nothing (unfortunately) flyfishing related in the exhibits we visited, there was a very nice collection of blade weapons and early arms. While my knowledge of weapons doesn't come close, my passion for double guns nearly matches that of flyfishing. This is one of two displays of early shotguns. These, two French and one simply marked "European", are examples of flint lock shotguns dating between 1770 and 1800!! The three scatter guns in the other case spanned the 1800s and, I was pleased to see, included an early Ithaca percussion 10 gauge! We ran out of time before we were able to see all the museum had to offer so we will definitely plan to return. Check it out if you're ever in the neighborhood. Who knows, maybe we can convince them to install a flyfishing exhibit!!
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Wednesday, May 25, 2016

You'd think by now I'd learn to wind the line back on the reel It's the simple things in life, that's why I flyfish the small streams.

You'd think by now I'd learn to wind the line back on the reel before I take a picture! Actually, I just leaned the rod on a tree momentarily to get my water bottle out and thought it made a nice shot with the moss covered rocks. It's the simple things in life, that's why I flyfish the small streams.
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Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Here's a beautiful rainbow trout!!

My apologies for such a horrendous photo of such a beautiful fish!! My camera was deep in my sling pack and I'm still learning how to use the GoPro! But, here's a beautiful rainbow trout from the small water of the Upper Chattahoochee River.
 
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Thursday, May 19, 2016

"One function, at least, of true wilderness...

"One function, at least, of true wilderness is to provide a refuge from the crassitudes of civilization-whether visible, intangible, audible-whether of billboard, of pavement, of auto horn-all of these are urban essences; all are negations of wilderness." --Benton MacKaye
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Monday, May 16, 2016

No more office pond fishing....

I was doing a bit of fly fishing on the office pond tonight when a Sheriff's deputy pulled up and asked me to speak with him. Turns out one of the other office buildings that surrounds the pond doesn't think people should be allowed to fish it. I explained who I work for and that I have permission from my building's owner, but, it turns out, he doesn't own the pond. So, until I can track down the pond's owner and get written permission to fish it, my lunchbreaks are going to get very dull! And, just a bit of advice, more a reminder, be nice and polite to the LEOs, they're just trying to do their jobs. While there will always be a few rotten apples (true in any profession), good officers deserve our respect and support.
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Sunday, May 15, 2016

An Interesting Conversation...

I had an interesting conversation with a new neighbor yesterday. He saw my TFO 2 weight leaned against my workbench and questioned how I could get enjoyment out of that as compared to the deep sea fishing he prefers. I think it's all about keeping your expectations in check and enjoying the ritual and the process. Big fish are always fun, but small fish feed the soul. I'll take light rods, small streams or ponds and beautiful little fish any day.
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Friday, May 13, 2016

The popper working on the office pond.

I thought I'd try to show a little more closely the popper that's been working so well on the office pond. It's a pretty sparse tail, but lots of rubber legs!!
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Wednesday, May 11, 2016

A white popper was the fly of the day.

The bluegill are pounding the topwater right now! A white popper was the fly of the day. It's amazing to watch big 'gills fight over it!!
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Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Park Perusal: Riverside Pavilion Park

By: Dawn B. Jeffers
Riverside Pavilion Park, Port Orange, Florida
One of a number of classic cars, customs and hot rods on display
  A short, and pleasant walk just south of my new home, is a wonderful little multi-use park located directly on the Halifax River, and it's brand new. Called Riverside Pavilion Park, it's located in the city of Port Orange, Florida. When you first enter the park, either by car or on foot, you'll notice the mature oak trees and native vegetation. I was told by a park employee that there was quite a bit of work involved clearing out the overgrowth in preparation, but you would never guess that by looking at it now. I think it looks just great, with the oak trees providing lots of shade for those hot Florida days. Under the canopy of the trees, there is a small playground for the kids to enjoy, as well as several picnic tables that are placed to give an opportunity for an outdoor meal or snack. A new building on site houses two bathrooms, water fountains, and two concession areas that plan to open in the future for sales of water, snacks, and soft drinks. There's a nice concrete walkway for walkers and bikers, with three or four seating benches placed alongside. The walkway semicircles the area which features a great kayak launch and a large, newly constructed fishing pier. During my same conversation with the park employee, I was told that plans are in the works for renting kayaks and canoes that will launch directly into the Halifax River. Already in place is an outdoor shower and faucet for personal use, as well as rinsing off the salt and dirt from kayaks and canoes. The launch has already seen a good bit of use in the short time the park has been open, as has the fishing pier. On my first visit to the pier, I was greeted by a large blue heron, waiting patiently to steal a fishy treat from an unsuspecting angler's basket! If you like local nature, there's a plentiful variety of shore birds, fiddler crabs, and on one visit, a 3 foot long black snake came slithering out from underneath the fishing pier! I was unable to determine the variety of snake, but it had no use for me, and certainly was not shy of my presence there! I left it to it's own devices. 
A lovely, shaded playground
  A former mobile home park, roughly about 10 acres in size, was bought by the city and is adjacent to the park. This area has plans for different events to take place in the near future. As I write, there is an antique car show scheduled for Sunday, May 8th, which I'll be checking out. The city also has plans to further develop a 36 acre district that will tie in to Riverwalk. This district will include shops, restaurants,stores, and plans for a multi storied condo.
Concession stand with restrooms
One of several picnic tables overlooking a canal
The brand new kayak launch
A great blue heron enjoying the view of Daytona Beach Shores from the pier
  I'm happy this new park has opened up on the beautiful Halifax River. It's perfect if you have plans to do some kayaking or fishing. It's also a great place to stroll, bike ride, or just sit and relax. And, there should never be any excuses about it being too hot to go outside.  It's on the Halifax River, where there is always a lovely, salty breeze! Go check it out!


For more on this and other parks in Volusia County, Florida, visit Volusia.org.

Doesn't Want His Picture Taken

Another big bluegill from the pond the other night. Why do they put their fins down as soon as the camera clicks?
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Sunday, May 08, 2016

Blueline Scouting

Went up into the mountains to scout some new bluelines today. I didn't get a whole lot of fishing done, but I do enjoy cruising the dirt roads to see whats around the next bend. It's hard to see in this picture, but this waterfall I stumbled on reaches all the way up above these trees. An incredible spot, but too close to verticle for me to try to follow!!
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Saturday, May 07, 2016

Private Pond Bluegill

I was invited to fish a small, private pond tonight and to say it was a successful trip is an understatement!! This big 'gill was easily over a pound and I honestly felt a bit under gunned fishing the 5' TFO Half Weight!! It horsed him in like a champ though, along with a few more and a bunch of small largemouths! Talk about a fantastic evening!!
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Thursday, May 05, 2016

Making plans for the weekend!

Making my plans for the weekend. When I get out of the office I like to get WAY out of the office! If you're getting way out this weekend, don't forget to leave your itinerary with at least one trusted friend. Stay safe out there!!
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Wednesday, May 04, 2016

Where'd I say this was?

After the blueline clinic tonight I realized that some folks had never fished one or really knew what one was, so here's one of my favorites!! Where'd I say it was? I don't believe I said.
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Sunday, May 01, 2016

After a very scientific, clinical survey...

After a very scientific, clinical survey of substantial sample size of the best fly fishers on Instagram, it has been determined that the humble Bluegill is the most underrated fish species caught on a flyrod. Funny, if you think about it, the results of said survey completely negate themselves. Bluegill are our absolute favorite (in case you haven't noticed) and their accessibility to just about any angler in North America is why we chose to use their profile for The Suburban Angler logo!!
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