Ham

I conned Dave into joining me at BSSP today. I’m still pushing the Easy Button whenever possible to maximize the number of species on fly. Dave and I fished last year and I had a nice trip with Marty and John before John moved to the east coast years ago. It’s kinda becoming a little bit of a tradition. I hope I never make the mistake of being there during the Catch and Keep season, but the C&R season is manageable. It’s better if you get there on Friday and if the weather is awful. Thins the crowds and the trout are extra dopey on Fridays. Full Disclosure: while I am not there for the trout, I still want to catch the dopey things. I live on the White River and I can trout fish whenever I want. (Within reason right). I go for the multi species aspect of it AND To restock on 1/100 oz micro jigs for micro fishing. So, for me, today’s goals were to 1) Hang with Dave, 2) restock my micro jigs 3) get an Ozark Sculpin on fly 4) get a Northern Rock Bass on fly 5) catch 31 or more fish Day started off pretty chilly, but it turned out to be a beautiful day with lots of radiant heat from the Sun and minimal wind. First item of business was hitting the park store. I was able to get my micro jigs and a few other items. We probably got started about 9 AM and Dave quickly started catching fish. I was getting looks, but struggled to actually catch an Ozark Sculpin for like 10 minutes. The shorter TGO Bug Launcher makes the roll cast for Sculpin easier and you can manipulate the fly better. It’s all sight fishing. So, I thought I would be able to pound numbers of Ozark Sculpin, but I couldn’t. Dave was thumping them. I rolled a beadhead fly out there and two big Boi sculpin were fighting over it. One was much more Brown and less blotchy. I got hopeful that it might be a Banded Sculpin. Banded Sculpin are widespread, but not high in numbers anywhere; don’t catch a Banded Sculpin every year even. I for sure had never even had a shot with fly before. I actually did not screw this up. I Carefully worked him and snatched him when he finally engulfed the fly. and just like that a Flyfer was caught. I was fired up. people were rolling in and the trout were being even more weird than usual. I wasn’t catching that many fish. we worked our way down river catching one every now and then, but not big numbers by any means. water level and flowed seemed higher than usual and wading in non felt boots sucks. I gingerly worked my way around below the Whistle Bridge. I started picking up a few fish. I got a Smallie and then a Striped Shiner and then another Smallie. I was still looking for that Northern Rock Bass. Well, I found one. My Day was made. All I needed was a few more fish, but I was satisfied already and could have left right then and been ok. I picked up a few more fish. I got some trout in heavy current and I got a few on a Stimulator fly. That was fun. I hit my self imposed deadline of 3 PM and shut her down with on 29 fish brought to hand. So, I said my Goodbyes and started the run home. A very enjoyable day.

the trip started out kinda funky when a windshield wiper failed me. Ok timing though. I was able to replace it w/o a struggle. shout out to the guy throwing this Yo Zuri 135 pencil popper on 8 lb mono. #easycomeeasygo

I took a mosey down to the Arkansas River today. The siren song of Striped Bass lured me down there. I wanted one on fly. the trip down Hwy 7 was obscured by clouds.Honest to Goodness, it rained on me every minute that I fished and most of the 3 hours down and the three hours driving home. Long story made short cos I’m cranky. I got a couple of Stripers, but I’m still looking for one with a flyrod. I got a couple of Bass and a White Bass on fly that hit hard and fought hard. I thought maybe I had gotten that Striper I was looking for, but no. I got a nice Spotted Bass on a swimbait and some yellow bass on smaller Swimbaits Pretty decent results for 4 hours at a new rod me location in terrible weather. I’m cranky because the power assist on my brakes in the truck failed on the way home. I white knuckled it, but I had to cancel a trip I was going to make with CajunAngler tomorrow. Sucks.

13) White Bass

12) Largemouth Bass

What the heck John? I think I tried to borrow a fly rod from you to fish the Creek of Goodness to add some stuff on fly, but I was rebuffed. Maybe it was just too hard to get to your gear considering the minimal time between the request and your departure to meet me at the fishing hole. I honestly didn’t think about it before hand. I bought new luggage specifically to carry more fishing gear. I’ll try to always have micro, spinning, and fly rod gear with me going forward.

I’m surprised that I didn’t get to hear about the Big mystery fish that straightened your hook in Texas or the sturgeon that you had the immaculate connection with, but I can feel your pain for sure. I’ve lost multiple big mystery fish and uncommon fish that I had hooked. I still haven’t caught a Silver Carp and I’ve hooked > 15. I will wholeheartedly agree that finally catching the target that you have been chasing for years can be almost overwhelming. When I Finally got my Lifer Orange Spotted Sunfish, it really got my heart racing and my hands shaking. I was so completely Happy.

I also have caught 8/10, but only 4 on fly. I’m so relived to have gotten a musky and to not have to ever worry about trying for another one.. 😆

There was a gentleman that lived upstream from Rim. He had an old gray Shawnee and an old Rat Terrier. He would anchor is boat and wade fish. All he ever threw was a non descript looking grey scud he tied. He was dang good with it too. Basically, pocket lint with a hook. it’s been a while since I’ve seen him, but it been a while since I wade fished at Rim.

Tamiami Trail. But I wouldn’t wade there on a bet.

I got a photo upgrade on Creek Chub too.

11) Smallmouth Bass

I’m Glad to hear that you are continuing to improve. Hopefully Every day gets you closer to being able to fish without pain and without restrictions.

I’m getting everything loaded up in an envelope and plan on getting the flys with a check in the mail today.

I’ve been very disappointed on multiple outings to Bass Pro to find a bare spot on the shelf for the item I wanted. And this was before Covid made that more common! I actually shop as Bass Pro a lot less because of it. But, you can order on line and have them ship free to store. I’m not sure what their free shipping minimum purchase is.

You did ask specifically about BPS. I like the suggestion to get a Good line, leaders, tippet, and gear at Bass Pro AND then get the reel and rod off Amazon or local. I have a Max Catch reel in the 4 weight size. Works great, but the first one was flawed. Try it as soon as you can to max sure the drag works etc. Phil Lilly had a Great deal on a fly rod at his shop. I bought that same rod in the 6 weight and really like it. I thought I got a Great deal getting it for $85 (and I did really), but Phil had some for $60. I’m not sure if that’s a thing anymore. Call his shop. I’m pretty sure it’s the Rudder Stream Explorer Series. Perfect travel rod. If it gets lost or stolen, you’re not out a ton. I might get a 5 weight.

10) Dusky Striped Shiners small fly + aggressive fish = Boom

9) Striped Shiners another aggressive predator. I saw an occasional rise and stripped my fly down and across. I got a lights out bite pretty close to me.

They have a Big Mouth for sure and are cannibalistic so the little guys have to watch out for their cousins, but I’m not sure about them being drag peelers , Lol.

8 Knobfin Sculpin super fun little guys

I'd say that you got a heck of a deal.

I hope you see more. I have plans (or maybe hopes and dreams).

7) Brown Trout Good ole Salmo trutta made an early appearance This was an adult and kinda kicked my butt for a while. The 3 weight was not really enough pole.

Ok, I know that spot. I just didn’t know the name. I’ve wade fished and boat fished there.