Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Tiemco Fly Pit Lanyard and C&F Design Vertical Belt Patch

Here is a couple items from two Japanese fly fishing companies that are currently unavailable here in the states.  The first is the TMC Fly Pit Lanyard (given current exchange rates this item is about $32) and the second is the C&F Design Vertical Belt Patch ($20).
A recall a few trips ago that my fishing buddies were mocking the lanyard as a fishing accessory.  While I agreed that the current stock of lanyards available here in the states look pretty ridiculous I did state that the method of carry was a good idea.  So when I saw this new item from TMC Japanese site I made sure to have my folks to pick me up one while they were in Japan.
The lanyard is adjustable for length so that it can dangle as short or long as you wish.  Neoprene tubing adds comfort to the neck.  Two accessory rings are attached to each side and are adjustable to desired location.
Compared to C&F fly patches, this TMC is disappointing.  First unlike their counterpart, this Tiemco is made in China.  The foam is not slitted so will eventually be needed to be replaced.  Also it will not securely hold the hook as slitted foam.  Despite this does allow for more flies to be carried and the two halves are separated by a dry fly and a wet fly section.
Ventilated side holes allow water to escape and evaporate.  Overall I'm not too impressed and I might just replace the fly patch with a C&F version.
My intention is to use this for trips similar to my first turkey hunt when we backpacked into a valley thinking we may have had a chance at trout.  On trips like that when fishing is not the priority, I like to keeps things minimalistic and lightweight. 
For me, Southern California trout fishing rarely do I ever fish with streamers so I almost never carry them.  My fly boxes are generally organized in such a manner that streamers get their own box.  Most of my regular fishing spots don't warrant me carrying an extra box.  So as a result I almost never trout fish with streamers.  I wanted to change that so when I saw this new item from C&F I knew I wanted to add it to my collection.
This patch is simple and lightweight, its basically made of foam and lined with plastic.
A magnet secures the lid and the flies within.  The slit pattern is their streamer pattern.  I don't think it will carry many but for what I need it for, it will be more than adequate.
This patch is intended to be carried on a belt or strap via a Velcro attachment that can be rotated 90 degrees. 

Friday, June 6, 2014

"We Are Not Leaving This Canyon Without A Fish"

Last weekend Chul checked out our favorite local watering hole and found that in one section, fish despite the low water conditions were still somewhat thriving.  So after work we decided to check it out further up.  For whatever reason I was not myself.  I simply could not keep up and was fatiguing way too fast.  With temperatures high and since it was already past 2 PM, we decided to checkout out the lower sections.
On our way in we ran into a pair of Fisheries Resource Volunteer Corps members and chatted them up.  They believed that maybe a grow site upstream as the lower section was covered in algae, most likely from fertilizers.  We left them and headed to check out the lower section. 

The lower section was low and the large fishing holes were all blown out from the last storm.  On the way upstream we found two rattlesnakes, one baby that was stream side and another fully grown adult. 
I came across this rattler when we bushwhacked our way to the trail.  The adult was coiled up hiding under a boulder.  I could only see its profile but I knew it was big.  It was at least 4 or more inched tall.  Our intention was make it back in town by six but as we wasted too much time exploring the lower.  Despite having little energy in the fuel tank, we decided to head to the headwaters where Chul knew the fish were holding.
Because of my low energy it took longer than usual to reach the upper sections.  When we reached it I saw a group of three college aged boys that at a distance looked as if they were fishing.  As we approached them we noticed that they were trying to spearfish these precious and vulnerable trout with makeshift wooden spears.  Chul rightfully lectured them as they crossed a hole I was fishing.  What a bunch of numbnuts who watched way too many "survival" TV shows.  Idiots.  They left and we hoped they did not ruin the few large holes left.  Apparently these dipshits did not spook the fish.  We managed several good fish with Chul having the best and most fish of the day.  Unfortunately the best fish of the day, a healthy 12 incher was lost when I tried to help land it and it flopped off the line.

Monday, June 2, 2014

Feels Like I'm Studying Back In University

Honestly I never thought I would liked turkey hunting.  Sitting silently and motionless in camouflage waiting for a bird to come into range to shoot it on the ground didn't really appeal to me.  So when I was invited on a hunt I was somewhat reluctant.  To make it more appealing and add a bit more of a challenge I decided I was going to take one with an air rifle. 

My knowledge of this bird is somewhat limited and so I went into the season I had to rely heavily on my hunting partner's knowledge to try to get us onto birds.  After the first hunt I started to do so last minute studying trying to help improve our odds.  When the hunting season ended I decided I'd study up to help increase my chances when the fall season begins.

I picked up The Wild Turkey: Biology & Management from James G. Dickson. This book seems to be the most complete book I've seen regarding the subject of this elusive bird.  The information goes beyond hunting and hunting techniques and that information is only briefly covered.  It is filled with much more, just about anything you'd like to know about all the six subspecies of turkey found here in the US.  There is so much information it reminds me of a college textbook.  With this book I'm hoping I'm going to be much more prepared for next season.