Fly Fishing Species 2023

[kjackson]

Kelp greenling were never my strong suit as far as identification goes...but it is a greenling. Never did see one quite like that, but the northern Pacific has a lot of really weird fish.  This is a rock greenling I caught on the back side of Kodiak Island about 10 years ago or so--the first and only I've ever seen.  It was a big surprise coming up through clear water.

[BilletHead]

5 hours ago, kjackson said:

Kelp greenling were never my strong suit as far as identification goes...but it is a greenling. Never did see one quite like that, but the northern Pacific has a lot of really weird fish.  This is a rock greenling I caught on the back side of Kodiak Island about 10 years ago or so--the first and only I've ever seen.  It was a big surprise coming up through clear water.

          That is one of the prettiest fish I've ever seen. Thanks!

[Ham]

72) Lingcod

II’m kinda proud of this one too. I changed locations specifically looking for this guy. I had a rocky point with some kelp. I backed out a little deeper to avoid sone of the Black Rockfish and up the odds for a Lingcod.  Got out in the 45-50 foot of water and it didn’t take long. The 9 weight was tested as he really wanted to get back down. I was so Happy to get one that I netted it to make sure I got it in the boat. Pics of it didn’t happen right? Well, he did a death roll in the net and I had the hardest time getting him out. 
it was so fun that I had to do it again. I did not use the net on the second one. It went a lot better. 
After that, I went looking for Cabezon it a deeper kelp bed where I caught my other one. No Cabezon. I think I caught a few Black Rockfish.

Sadly, this was Friday afternoon. I was all out of chances. I took my medium spinning and fly rod apart and washed them In the shower and the reels in the sink to make the lost out in the morning better.

I wish I had figured things out Thursday instead of Friday. I really think I could have gotten a Coho and maybe a King Salmon and almost certainly a halibut. Still, Super Happy with my results. Got me a long way towards my goofy goals. 

[Hawg]

Do you have a jetty where you are? 
 

If you want a low budget unique experience go poke-poling for monkey faced eel on the rocks…

A wire hanger.

A long pole or piece of bamboo.

Some bait.

good time

[Ham]

I Guess I missed my chance

[Ham]

73) Shadow Bass

I made a trip over to the 11 Pt at Dalton, AR with my son yesterday. I was targeting Walleye, Sauger, Chain Pickerel, and Shadow Bass. I also had my Bug Launcher ready for micros.

First stop was a proven Shadow Bass Hole. 

 It took four casts. 
My other targets evaded me, but I was disciplined and focused on the right areas fishing appropriately.

It paid off for Ian. we caught 10 species on the day. Ian had a really nice day with a Nice White Bass and some really nice Smallmouth Bass. 

[Ham]

74) Steelcolor Shiner

feom

War Eagle south of Huntsville, AR

[Ham]

I caught several 

[Ham]

75) Redspot Chub

Flyfer!! 
I had business in Bentonvillie so naturally I hit a spot on the way and a spot “on the way” home. There is an awesome creek in Bentonvillie that really needs a FULL day. I was able to give it an hour which turned into 30 minutes cos I got this guy my main target and I had a Snafu and felt pressured to head home. I’m excited to hit 75! I reached my stated goal. Now, the push to 100 begins. 

[Ham]

76) Hornyhead Chub

well, I misspoke. The Push for 100 started in January, but the intensity ratchets up even more. 
I’m a little surprised  it took me this long, but better late than never. I caught three in just a few minutes once I was in the right spot. these were from Jack’s Fork near Eminence, MO

photo upgrade on my Hornyhead Chub. This fish was caught within sight of my house.