I Need More Space, Therefore I Must Buy  #16

Most every morning, I start out with a hot cup of coffee and the WLBZ channel 2 morning news.  There is one more ritual that has become as much a part of my morning as the coffee and TV. That is the North Woods Sporting Journal. I became a subscriber about three years ago when I first saw a copy of it at the six mile checkpoint. I looked it over and immediately decided that it was a publication that warranted more review. Since that time, it has arrived in my mailbox each month. The stories come from folks in Maine and other states and in reading them, it is clear that they too are passionate about the outdoors.

The most recent months issue had a lot of good articles, but one really caught my eye, and as I read it made me chuckle. It reminded me of home and the number or items I have amassed over the years. The Old Vest, written by V Paul Reynolds also made me think about the subject of this week’s blog, my fishing vest, old and new.

About three years ago, I decided that it was time to purchase a new fly fishing vest. The one I had was quite old, but although it served the purpose, it just didn’t have enough space in it for my things. I bought it at LL Bean many years ago and it had been my lifeline to the water. So, in search of a new vest I went. Having had good luck with the old one, I decided to go back to LL Bean for it. After looking at all the different options, I settled on the river driver vest. There were a multitude of factors that went into my decision, but the tie breaker was the fact that there were more pockets and more pockets translated into more space to put more stuff. Simply put, from the standpoint of the folks in the valley where I grew up, it was “MORE BETTER.”

Now, at the risk of opening a proverbial can of worms, I am not good at throwing out old, no longer needed things. Everything I own has some sentimental meaning to me. TC has tried for years to get me to throw out or donate what I don’t need. Regrettably, most of the time she does not seem to make much headway in her efforts. She read my blog, as she often does before I publish it and she was quick to remind me of something that happened a few years ago. As far as too many pockets are concerned, she reminded me about the time I went to a golf tournament with my cargo shorts. Cargo shorts are the best because they have lots of pockets.  That day, I signed in and got my raffle tickets for the free prizes that would be drawn at the end of the outing. I played my round and then ventured into the club house for the dinner, drawings and prizes. I don’t have a photographic memory but I did remember the number on my ticket. I looked for the ticket, but was unable to find it. I went through every single pocket in those pants, but could not find that ticket. Before they drew, they let us know that in order to claim your prize; you must come up and show your ticket. No problem I thought, I never win anything anyway so the fact that I could not find my ticket was no big deal. They went through the prizes and drew numbers and my number did not come up. Then came the big moment everyone had been waiting for. That was when they drew for the new 32” Vizio flat screen TV. Do you get the drift of where I am going here? They drew the winning ticket, and called off the number. Yup, it was my number. Not having the ticket, I froze and said nothing. They called it out again and then said they would have to pull out another number which they did. The holder of that ticket came up and claimed the TV. As fast as I had won, I lost. That was all because I could not find the ticket in my cargo pants with multiple pockets.  After the event was over, I went to the folks who had put the event on and told them what had happened, and all the way home I stewed over where that ticket had gone. Once I got home, I went through every pocket over and over and guess what I found? The ticket was in one of the smaller pockets within a pocket in my pants. TC has a favorite saying, “LESS IS MORE”, and it was true that day.

So, moving on, I ordered the vest, and as is their custom, I got it the next day. I put it to the side and made the decision to swap items to the new one over that weekend. As the weekend approached, it started to get a bit harder to part with the old one. I had had it for years and it had served me well. I had made a lot of memories with that old vest. Every time I put it on, it made new ones. Now, I had a new vest and new memories would have to be made. It kind of made me sad, but I came back to, it had more pockets….

Well, the weekend came and it was time to remove all of my gear from the old one and find a new home for it in the new vest. I went from pocket to pocket taking things out and laying them on my workbench. I was astounded at the things I was taking out of the vest. Things that I hadn’t seen in some time. I found things that I had been searching for for years. Things that I forgot I had and needed so I had gone out and bought them. Now that I had all of the pockets emptied out, it was time to bring on the new one and find a place for all of the items on the workbench. I carefully inspected the new vest and found pockets inside and outside. I methodically decided where things would go using the ANQFO method, Always Needed Quickly First Out. Those items went on the outside pockets with the less used items going on the inside pockets.  About an hour later, I was satisfied with everything and where it was placed, but I had one big issue. I had packed so much stuff into this new vest, even items that I now needed that were not in the old vest, that I didn’t have any room in the new vest. At that point, I stopped and thought about the reason I had gone out and replaced my old vest. It was because I had run out of room. Now with my new vest, I was already having the same problem and I had not used it yet!

Well, I’m happy to say that I have been using the new vest for some time now and have finally learned where all of the things in it are. I really like the new one a lot, but still have fond memories of the one I left behind. I learned one valuable lesson that day. If you think you have run out of room and need to expand or get a new one to add space, it probably won’t work out at the end of the day. Oh, and by the way, as I walk downstairs to my work bench, hanging on the coat rack just a short distance away is my old fishing vest. It serves to remind me of the good times I had, all the fish I caught while wearing it and of course the one that got away. Did you really think I could part with it?

FROM THE INBOX

This week’s email bag brings a note from a friend in Vermont who told me that he caught a 21” rainbow in a river there with a 6’6” 3 weight echo rod and reel. He says that when he put line on his reel, he did not add any backing feeling he would not need it. Come to find out, when landing that fish, it took him all the way to the reel. He finally landed it, took his photos and released it back to the river. Sounds like a lot of fun.

 I also heard from a reader who told me that he had not fly fished for 40 years but recalls the days when he was growing up and had a stocked pond behind his home. He was allowed to fish the pond only after his chores were done. That drove him to complete every chore assigned to him so he could make his way down to the pond and enjoy a few minutes casting and catching fish. He tells me he would really like to pick that rod up again someday. I hope you do as well.

I am always looking to hear from readers about their adventures, so send me an email. I can be reached at 42adjuster@gmail.com  Also, if you would like to be notified when I post another blog, email me at the same address and I will let you know.       

This week’s Web address:

North Woods Sporting Journal:      www.sportingjournal.com

               

Fishing Season is in Full Swing  #15

Since Memorial Day, and with one exception, TC and I have been in the North Maine Woods every Saturday. We have been visiting the same pond where our luck has been quite good. As a matter of fact, we have been using the same fly all the time, and have been having such great luck, that we have never found a need to change it. I found the pattern for this fly on the internet one day this winter and had made a few of them to try. I cannot believe how good it has been. So good, that I have tied several more over the past two weeks.

Each Saturday when we drive to this pond, the sun is out and the views on the roads in the North Maine Woods are spectacular. It never ceases to amaze me no matter how many times I drive over these roads, what I see for the first time. The sparkling clear brooks and majestic mountains that rise above the tree line are just a few of the things that stand out. Many of those mountains are tucked in by the ponds we fish and their reflections show like a mirror in the water. Simply put, it is breathtaking.

As we get to the pond, there is a small campsite with a parking area and a short canoe carry will get you to the water’s edge. As we have driven into the site the last two weeks, we have found a car in the lot and folks already on the pond fishing.  Yesterday was no different as we noticed a truck parked in the lot. Getting out of the vehicle, we could hear the people talking on the pond. We unloaded the canoe and started to take our gear down to the landing area. As I started to walk back to the truck for another load, I could hear another vehicle driving in. When I got back, a vehicle from New Hampshire came into the lot. In the vehicle were a man and women. They rolled the window down and asked if we minded them fishing on the pond as they could see that there was already one group there. TC and I both told them they were more than welcome to join us, which they did. I think they might have been from Bradford Camps, which is a really nice sporting camp not far from the pond, because they used one of Igor’s canoes that was tied up by the landing.

Over the past three visits to this pond, TC and I have done very well indeed. Now remember, TC has just started to learn how to fly fish. She really began late last year.  However, she has been catching the biggest fish each of the last three visits. She is really beginning to make it look easy. It’s great to watch her land the fish she catches, particularly the big ones she has caught. She really has come a long way in a very short time. Yesterday, she worked on throwing her line out farther and did a great job. She has learned to spot a rise and try to place her fly in the rise which ends up with her usually seeing some action.

As far as the New Hampshire folks, I had to feel for them because I watched the gentleman change his fly at least 10 times without catching a fish. It must have been pretty painful for him to watch us with the luck we had.

Early in the evening last night while we were on the pond, we heard a branch crack in the trees just a short distance from where we were. Shortly after hearing that, we saw a momma moose come to the edge of the pond and look out at us. She put her front hoofs in the water and looked back over her shoulder. That was a hint to both TC and I that there was more to come. All of a sudden, she walked into the water and behind her came a baby moose still light brown in color. Momma walked into the water feeding on plants under the water with the baby following her. It was amazing to see both of them and we remarked that we could not believe how long she could keep her head under water. All along the baby had her ears up and they were both keeping a watchful eye on us. After about 15 minutes or so, they had traveled almost horizontally across the pond and they both walked onto the shore and as fast as they came, were gone.  The worst part of the whole time was that I had not brought my camera with me on the pond. Generally, that is the case when these things happen. It reminds me of the time when I was fishing with my father in law and brother in law and we saw a mother moose teaching her two babies how to swim and I didn’t have my camera then either.

As we left the pond last night, I remarked to TC that it was probably time to move on to other ponds we have not yet visited this year. Plans are to try another old favorite next week. I just hope that we have the same luck there.

I leave you this week with a few photos we took yesterday. They show the beauty of our area, and really drive home the reason we spend so much time in the North Maine Woods.

FROM THE INBOX

I heard from a reader on the blog last week about the secret fisherman. The reader tells me that he employs the Hunt method when talking to others about his travels. That is, “you hunt for it.”

www.bradfordcamps.com          

The Mad Scientist v. the Secret Fly Tyer #14

In my last blog, I talked about one particular type of fisherman. There, of course, are many types, but the obvious opposite is the secret don’t tell anybody anything fisherman. This type shares absolutely nothing of value with anyone, and I mean nothing. They are extremely polished in avoiding particular questions, and are really good at changing the subject.  They will not tell you where they fish, what they caught, if anything, and what they used for a fly. They are often referred to as the “Secret Fisherman.”

                When I started to think about what I was going to write for this week’s blog, I had a vision of a “Mad Scientist.”  Remember them; they were the people who had a room in their basement full of test tubes and electronic gadgets. They were always alone and did not welcome visitors. They were always thinking and probing to develop the next best thing. They worked late into the night and often, they worked on rainy stormy nights with lots of lightning. They talked to themselves constantly, and often answered their own questions. When I thought about it, I immediately thought about a particular type of fisherman that resembled the mad scientist to a tee. If you drill down below the secret fisherman, you get….” THE SECRET FLY TYER.”

                Now, I know through experience that fly tyers are a very unique and particular breed.  They are always looking for the next best fly that will catch the biggest fish.  They spend nights, weekends and months on end in their basement or work shop surrounded by feathers, dubbing, yarn and thread. Generally, they tie alone in secret. If someone comes to visit, they quickly hide what they are tying. They tend to go to sporting goods stores and automatically go to the fly counter and then the book section. They think they are being sneaky as they pick up some of the different flies and check the patterns out. Some have photographic minds and can look at a fly and then go back to their workshops and not only try to tie it, but tie it better. After going to the fly counter they can be found in the book section looking over the fly tying books for patterns. They will occasionally buy one or two, but most generally, they will have brought a small pad of paper and a pen that can be secluded in their pockets. Once they find a fly they like, they copy the pattern on the paper and take it back to analyze.  ARE YOU SEEING A PATTERN HERE?

                The other way that the secret fisherman uses to get intel on what flies are working is called catch and imitate.  This method involves the art of fishing on a pond. Very few items are needed for this experiment. They bring a fly rod to cover their actions and a couple of small plastic bottles tucked away in their packs. If you watch them closely, they are fishing, but their minds are clearly not with the rod. They are scanning the water to see what is landing and what the fish are rising for. When they see a bug on the water that the fish seem to like, they pull out their little container, grab the bug and quickly put it in the container. They carefully put the container in their pack and cunningly look over their shoulder to see if you are looking. But they never say a word about what they have done. Once the fishing is over, they go back to their workshop and try to tie a fly that imitates the bug.

                The trick with these folks is to try to keep them engaged in conversation all the time keeping a keen eye on what they are doing and what they are using for flies. You can generally get a good idea when the fly whips by your ear. But the best time to look is when they are picking up that bug on the water to put it in their container. They are so tuned into that, that they drop their guard, all be it just for a minute.  If you are quick, you might just get a glimpse at the fly.

                Although not as secret as the secret fly tyer, I have to confess that I do engage in a couple of the actions that have been described today. I do go directly to the fly counter and then to the book section. And I do tend to keep a watchful eye on the water and what bugs are landing and being eaten by the fish. I will, however from time to time tell you what I have tied and what is working. And, yes, I do have a workshop in my basement where I tend to spend time at night designing and tying the next best fly. Judging from the last two fishing trips TC and I have taken, I might just have hit the jackpot. That is especially true for TC who has caught her limit on both occasions.

                I often get emails from folks telling me about their trips and travels and I really appreciate that. I am going to add a segment at the end of my blog entitled, From the Inbox where I will share some of the comments and photos that you have sent me. Mind you, I will not share any photos unless you have approved.

FROM THE INBOX       

This week, I heard from a couple of you who told me that you do know someone who resembles the fisherman in my last bog. I had to chuckle at a couple of the descriptions you gave me. I also got an email from someone who told me that they had been fishing with their son last weekend and they did really well. They sent me a photo of the fish they caught. As I understand it, Ben, who is in the photo had a great day on the water with his dad. Ben is just learning the ins and outs of fly fishing and his dad tells me that he would cast, give the pole to Ben and Ben would do the rest.  Judging from the photo, Ben, you are on your way to mastering the art. Good Job and nice fish!

Do you know this Guy? #13

You know, in my mind, there are two types of fishermen. Both have their own distinct traits, quirks and qualities. And both have very different mannerisms indeed. I figured it might be worthwhile to evaluate one of the types of fisherman, and then let you decide if you know anyone that fits this mold.

This person is very happy go lucky, always looking to further their knowledge on any one given subject. Over the hedge that conceals you, you have been watching the neighbor load their vehicle for a weekend excursion. You notice that they have several fishing rods and tackle they are bringing. Then out of the blue, the neighbor comes out of the house wearing a fishing cap with all sorts of small things attached to it. You’re not quite sure what they are but it reminds you of a movie you once watched. Henry Fonda was in it and he had the exact same hat. That’s it; On Golden Pond was the name of it. You think to yourself “how cool is that! You decide then and there that you want to be like your neighbor, so you go to the local sporting goods store and buy a fishing rod, reel, waders and all the fixings. And of course you see a hat like your neighbors and you buy that. You buy a bunch of pre tied flies to finish off the shopping and then head home.
Once you get home, you immediately start putting the flies in the hat. You pull up a picture of Henry on the internet and look to make sure that you have the flies in the same position as he did. You decide to try your hand at fishing the next day, so you call your friends and tell them what you have bought and where you are going. You tell them that you expect to catch the big one and will take a photo and email it to them.  You begin packing your vehicle making sure you have everything you need. First and foremost, you must have a camera to document your trip. This is very important in case someone questions you. Then you pack your gear, pole and other items and of course not to forget your lunch. You have made the decision to go to a stream that you cross every day on your way to work. You start to think about how you are going to attack the heavy deep fast running water, but you are not afraid. There is always danger when the rewards are great.  You also make sure to bring your life jacket so you don’t get into deep water and not have protection.

The morning comes and you set out for the stream. Once you arrive, you get your pole ready, put on your waders and tie on a fly. You put your Henry Fonda hat on and immediately look in the outside mirror of the vehicle to make sure you are looking good. You take out your camera and take a photo of yourself. Then you take out your cell phone and call you buddy to tell him that you have arrived and in the event something happens to you in the deep water, he will know where to find you.  Once you start to walk down to the water’s edge, you find that you are having a very hard time walking with the waders. You seem to feel every rock, stick or other protrusion on your feet.  Then you notice that there are no shoes attached to the waders, just the neoprene feet. Quick thinking keeps you in the game, so you take out the shoes you wore there and put them on. Now that feels better. You finally get to the water’s edge and are standing next to that fast rushing deep water. You take a gulp and put one foot after another until you are in. Once in, you don’t find the depth to be too bad, in fact it is only 6” deep. Still you think, the current is so strong, I had better keep my whit’s about me or I could be swept away. You pull out your camera and take a picture of yourself in the water so they will see that you can master anything. Then you pull out the cell phone and call your buddy to let him know you have made it to the water and will call him when you catch the “Big One”. You begin to fish and all along you are thinking about “if they could only see me now.” There is nothing to this thing they call fishing. You cast your fly out and you immediately get a hit. You pull hard and it feels like a whopper. You are not sure if you have enough stamina to land this beast.  It pulls your line down the current and then you pull and reel hard to get it back. You do this for what feels like an eternity almost to the point where you are not sure you will have enough arm strength to pull it all the way in. You think it’s either him or me. Who will blink first? Ten minutes later, exhausted from the fight, you pull the fish in close to where you can see it. What a monster, it must weigh 5 lbs. You immediately think about how you can enter it into the Guinness world record book as it must be the biggest fish ever caught. You reach for the net to retrieve the beast and then remember that you forgot to buy one. You’re on your own at that moment, how are you going to get him in? You eventually land it next to you in the water and decide to take a photo of it. You snap one and call your buddy to tell him that you just caught a big fish and he should come over for dinner. There will be plenty. You hang up and pull the fish out of the water. You pull out the measure you bought and take a measurement. Congratulations, you have caught a whopping 6” fish. Not quite the fish you thought it was or told your buddy about. How are the whole family and your buddy going to eat from that? All of a sudden, your feet start to slip out from under you and down you go into the 6” of water. Your whole body is down and under. You come up and out of the water like Rambo, only to find that the fish has gotten away and you can see it swimming down the current. You pull out your camera that has all the photos to document your expedition, and the water rushes out of it like a dam that just burst. Dejected and wet, you pull out your cell phone to call you wife to tell her you are ok, but almost drowned and as you pull that out, it reminds you of the time you fell in the pool with the phone in your pocket. You stop and think for a minute about what has gone on and what you told your buddy and a light comes on in your head.
So, you drive home, pick up the phone and call your friend. You tell him about the deep swift water that you have encountered all day. You tell him about the big fish that you caught. It was so big that it pulled you into the water, biting off your hook and swimming away only to leave you in the cold deep water to fend for yourself. And in doing so, you lost all of the memorable photos that you took that you wished you could show him. Then you think to yourself, I can’t wait to get to work and tell my co-workers. They will never believe me….