Why is it that as Fall ends and Winter starts, a lot of fishermen become seasonal fisherman? They are now going to hang it up for the next 3-4 months. It could be age, difficulty on snowy ground, or they just don't like cold noses! I'm sure that a lot of "fair weather" fishermen head to the vise and tie up a lot of flies during the winter months. I'm going to tie more too. How do you like my perch? Others might enjoy more TV, including college bowl games and NBA basketball. Heck, they might even turn on QVC and buy watch that tremendous deal on that omelette maker that their wife wants so badly for Christmas.
Now, just remember... That a happy wife is one that is coddled a little... Just a little. = )
I am an easy person to buy for. A Cabelas gift card always puts a smile on my face. Mainly because I fish all year round. And so my gear gets pretty torn up after all that use. Decisions on buying gear take forever with me! I have to look at every sling or hip pack that is made before I settle on "the one". This time around, it needs to be waterproof. I am tired of rain/snow getting everything soggy. It also needs to have a ton of room inside. I like to bring most EVERYTHING! (I really need to learn how to consolidate) Haha. So, suggestions are welcomed in the comments below. I hear that the Simms and Fishpond packs might be the winners. I went cheap last time with the $29. Cabelas hip pack. It has lasted two years. I guess that's pretty good. But, now it is tearing and I don't have much more time to switch out. So, no time for getting "Winter Blues" when you are scouting for something...
The last few catches this month were pretty nice.
But, the snow has come and the gloves with hand warmers accompany me now...
This has to be one of the reasons that I do fish in the cold months...
It just doesn't get much prettier or surreal. Oh, that freezing fog!
So, I'm gonna forget about the "Winter Blues" and focus on getting things accomplished this month... Maybe get in a few fishing days. But, December is a month of busy shopping days and fun times with the family. There's never a dull moment in ours... = ) My son and his beautiful wife prove that!
RM
ReplyDeleteReally impressed with the perch pattern; I could see monster browns and bows killing this fly. I am one of those shut-ins during the cold months, but make up for loss time during the rest of the year.
BUT---on second thought, if I lived out your way I might brave the weather to land some of those quality trout----glad to be back after a house building break---thanks for sharing
Bill ~ I'm so glad you are back! I hope that new house has a guest room! You never know who might stop by... Enjoy your labors now!
DeleteEmily I'm with you...fish all year. If I can get to the stream I'll toss a fly.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Bill on the fly.
Alan ~ I probably fished around 150 days this past year. And probably 1/4 out of state. It's been quite the journey! Thanks for saying hello.
DeleteI still haven't found anything better than my Patagonia sling pack. I'd like to get a Vedavoo one because I like the company and their products but my Patagonia pack is in excellent condition after years of use. Check out my review of it here:
ReplyDeletehttp://featherchucker.blogspot.com/2014/09/pretty-perfect-pack.html?_sm_au_=iVVq76g73tJ1sF4M
Kevin ~ I will take a look..
DeleteThanks! I'm thinking more towards the sling. I'm a bit tired of weight around my hips when I walk.
So, you classify those two as "pretty nice". I'd like to see "pretty awesome". As for the sling packs, maybe Mike (Troutrageous!) could help. He knows a lot about that stuff.
ReplyDeleteMark ~ Thanks! I will work on that pretty awesome soon! Haha. I'm getting spoiled, aren't I? Yes, Mike has reviewed a few packs...
DeleteWell I've been called worse than fair weather fisherman... The fly looks good enough to eat. Now you've got to send me a River Damsel Special! I wholeheartedly recommend the Vedavoo Beast Sling or if you're really interested in cutting down on the gear, the original Slink pack. Good company, well made and rests easy on your back. Look for further.
ReplyDeleteHoward ~ Do you use perch flies? I will send you one if you do. And yes, I will check out a few more packs before this purchase is made, I'm sure! Haha
DeleteRD, let's see now. I think I qualify as a fair weather fisherman anymore.........
ReplyDeleteAge - Check, Difficulty on snowy ground - Check (I have trouble on non-snowy ground, too)
Cold Noses - Check (Cold runny noses are the worst. It freezes to your face!)
Really like the Perch streamer. I could use one of them under my Christmas tree. (If not, just send me the pattern to play with while I sit around all winter.)
As far as packs go, I have gone through all the various styles it seems. I have a Fishpond Deluxe fanny pack that is hardly been used and a smaller Fishpond version that I ended up using the most. I recommend that brand.... I tried the Simms Sling Pack and didn't care for it at all. That may be because of my back problems though. Good luck as you look for what suits your needs. Have a wonderful time this holiday season with your family.
Mel ~ I will send you a perch fly too... And I hope you enjoy your family time this month too.
DeleteRD - Funny you wrote about the Winter Blues... I mentioned them in my post yesterday. They can be cruel, but I think you're right that staying busy with something you enjoy is the key! Glad to see you're getting out to fish!
ReplyDeleteYikes! Sorry I just saw this... Thanks for stopping by! Only 2 mos more of the chilly weather. Yay for that!
DeleteWell, we've been down the sling pack route before so I won't say anything there, but I can comment on the QVC part. As I recall, QVC started at the San Jose (California) swap meet and I had a chance to peek in while they were filming. Just a small building in the middle of the grounds. They've come a long ways from there.
ReplyDeleteMark ~ I haven't decided yet about the pack. For now, I'm throwing everything in my back pack and putting the day fly box in my pocket and off I go!
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