Saltwater/baja Guy New To Fort Smith

[zthomas]

Hello all. I moved to Fort Smith from Reno, NV in late July. Went to grad school in Fayetteville from 97 to 01, so the area isn’t completely new to me, but I’ve got a lot to learn.

Grew up fly fishing for trout in Nevada and California, then caught the saltwater bug in the late 90s, moved to San Diego in 01, and got really involved in fishing and exploring Baja. Eventually wrote a book about it called The Angler’s Guide to Trailer-Boating Baja. You can see some Baja pics here. And of course, for anybody interested in Baja advice, feel free to ask about locations, travel, accommodations, etc.

Haven’t had the chance yet to do a whole lot of fishing in this area—a couple of family-type Buffalo floats and a few days of wading creeks within an hour or so of town (recent report and pic are in the Other Ozark Waters section). But I’m having a ton of fun with the smallmouth and anxious to learn more.

I fish fly gear pretty much exclusively in the freshwater, although I’m definitely not a purist. It’s just what I’m most comfortable with. And I’ve got a 9-foot solo pontoon boat. I know, y’all are going to tell me canoes work better for Ozark streams, and I’m sure that’s true, but the pontoon is what I’ve got. Plus, I’m pretty good with the oars but not worth a darn with a paddle.

Look forward to sharing info and stories with everyone.

[AmericanAngler]

Hello all. I moved to Fort Smith from Reno, NV in late July. Went to grad school in Fayetteville from 97 to 01, so the area isn’t completely new to me, but I’ve got a lot to learn.

Grew up fly fishing for trout in Nevada and California, then caught the saltwater bug in the late 90s, moved to San Diego in 01, and got really involved in fishing and exploring Baja. Eventually wrote a book about it called The Angler’s Guide to Trailer-Boating Baja. You can see some Baja pics here. And of course, for anybody interested in Baja advice, feel free to ask about locations, travel, accommodations, etc.

Haven’t had the chance yet to do a whole lot of fishing in this area—a couple of family-type Buffalo floats and a few days of wading creeks within an hour or so of town (recent report and pic are in the Other Ozark Waters section). But I’m having a ton of fun with the smallmouth and anxious to learn more.

I fish fly gear pretty much exclusively in the freshwater, although I’m definitely not a purist. It’s just what I’m most comfortable with. And I’ve got a 9-foot solo pontoon boat. I know, y’all are going to tell me canoes work better for Ozark streams, and I’m sure that’s true, but the pontoon is what I’ve got. Plus, I’m pretty good with the oars but not worth a darn with a paddle.

Look forward to sharing info and stories with everyone.

Welcome to the site I was once a baja enthusiast havent had a chance to read your book but I have heard of it mentioned on the bloodydecks forum once or twice. I grew in So. Cal. and had a place in Colonial Guererro Negro near San Quintin. Maybe we can trade stories sometime.

Jeff

[snagged in outlet 3]

Welcome!!! I've always wanted to catch a rooster on a fly rod. I looked at your links and WOW!!! I'd love to do one of those trips. Cool Pics too!!

SIO3

[zthomas]

Jeff,

Checked out your swimbaits--nice! Yeah, San Q is one of my favorite Baja spots--especially for that late-summer white seabass run. Heading to La Paz in late May, but don't think I'll make it down before then.

SIO3,

Thanks! The guy that owns Baja on the Fly is a friend of mine, and watching him and his guides run the beach for roosters is unreal. I'm just not good enough with the fly rod to even try. They literally run along the beach trying to get ahead of moving baitballs and then boom out a 70-foot cast with a full-sinking shooting head right in front of a feeding fish. And the fight...wow. It's a battle from a boat when you can chase the fish, but from the beach it's just crazy.

ZT