I Love It When A Plan Comes Together!

Link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/607031796/the-brave-streamer-bass-fly-zonker-fly

I'm not the smartest guy that you will ever meet.  I'm a person that's a lot like everyone else.  I have a lot to learn and I do dumb things quite often.  That's not self deprecation but rather just the honest truth.  However, what I do have working for me is that I am curious and I love to learn.  Specifically, I love to learn about fly fishing and how to catch fish in local waters.

Thanks to some mentors and fellow anglers, I have learned how to catch hybrid striped bass on Blue Springs Lake.  I have fished this lake for over a decade and I don't know much about it, with one exception.  I know that if three factors are combined, an angler has a decent chance of catching hybrid striped bass from the bank and more specifically from the dam of the lake.  On Sunday morning, all three factors aligned along with the chance for me to hit the water.  Here are the aforementioned factors in no specific order:

1. It has to be the month of April.

2. There needs to have been a substantial amount of rain.

3. Wind needs to be out of the south.

When you put those three things together, you have a very good chance that you are going to catch some hybrids on Blue Springs Lake.  Is it a foolproof plan?  No, because nothing in fishing is foolproof in my opinion.  However, I have caught hybrids on Blue Springs Lake more times than not when all of these factors are present.  For that reason, I only fish the lake based around these factors aligning just like they did on Sunday morning.  The results were what I was hoping for.

I arrived at the dam around 7:30 and started throwing my favorite streamer on an 8 weight into the wind.  That's a bit of a problem with these conditions though.  When the wind is out of the south, you have to cast into the wind.  But like an old-timer once told me, "If you aren't casting into the wind, you are wasting your time."  I was able to cast as far as I thought I needed to and I watched my floating fly line for takes.  After about 30 minutes of fishing, and missing a couple of hits, I watched my fly line dart down in the water and then start moving to my left.  I knew it wasn't a rock or a branch so I gave a proper strip set and the fight was on.  

There was a solid run, followed by some violent head shakes, and then a prolific run that was into my backing in a matter of seconds.  It was a long fight with a lot of gaining ground and losing ground but eventually I netted the beast.  The tale of the tape was24 inches and over 6 and 1/2 pounds.  The leviathan was released  and swam off to fight another day.  I ended up catching another hybrid that was about 2 pounds as well to complete my successful morning.  I wish I could fish for this species all year long.  I honestly think that this is the hardest fighting freshwater fish I have ever encountered.  Unfortunately, I only know how to catch them in optimal conditions.

Oddly enough, every fish hybrid that I have ever caught in Blue Springs Lake has been caught on the same fly.  It is called The Brave and I've written about it many times on this blog.  It's profile, motion, and color combination are apparently something that the hybrids like which means I like it as well.  If you're thinking about chasing hybrids, smallmouth, largemouth, or any other species of fish that eats 3-4 inch baitfish, it would be a pleasure to fill and order for you.  I'm not trying to pressure you into buying flies from me but would sure like to help you if you want to try this streamer out.  On the other hand, if you want to tie your own or just want to see what all the fuss is about, just click the link below for more details about the fly or to place an order!  Regardless, thank you for reading and good luck on the water.

Link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/607031796/the-brave-streamer-bass-fly-zonker-fly

You Never Know Unless You Go!

Last Sunday, I felt antsy.  I needed to do something but I wasn't sure what to do.  I offered some options up to Wendy and she opted to lounge around and take it easy.  Then she gave me "the look".  I played coy and said, "What?"  She said, "Just go!  It's a nice day but don't be gone for too long."  I wasn't about to turn down that invitation but I did so with a little reluctancy.  I wanted to get out of the house but the wind made conditions less than ideal.  With a little hesitation, I grabbed a 5 weight, a box of flies, and headed to the truck with Waylon.

When we arrived at the HOA pond that I had decided to fish, I was greeted with a little good fortune.  The wind was blowing against the dam that I like to fish.  For most of my life, I have been told, "If you're not casting into the wind, you're wasting your time."  I knew that there was at least a chance that I could hook into one or two of the white bass that live in this pond.  Experience told me that they usually start moving into the dam and are pretty aggressive starting in April.  On my 5th cast, I hooked a fish.  It didn't take long to feel power that was greater than a bluegill and runs that were unlike a largemouth.  When I saw the fish twist and flash just under the surface, I knew I had a white bass on the line.

It fought hard and put a heck of a bend in my 5 weight.  I was hoping that I wouldn't lose him as he started to tire and allow me to bring him into the shallows.  As he approached, I reached out as far as I could to grab him by the lip but had to be careful to not slip.  I was only wearing some slip-on shoes (Hey Dudes to be specific) and didn't want to ruin them with lake water and muck from the bottom of the lake.  As he came closer, I saw 2-3 other white bass with my catch and was both scared they were going to interfere and excited that their presence meant the possibility for more catches.  

I ended up putting a strong grip on the catch (not too strong though) and landing the critter.  While I will readily admit that I am not a white bass expert and that I don't know much about what qualifies a white bass as "big" I feel confident in stating that this was a big white bass...to me and for this lake.  It ended up weight almost two pounds and was 17 inches long.  I've heard stories of folks hitting white bass runs just right and catching fish like this all day long, but for me, this was a memorable catch!  On top of things, I actually completed a slam.  I caught four different species and they all fell to the olive tail/white body/olive hackle wooly bugger.

I have to admit, I sure am glad that I took Wendy's advice.  I could have stayed home in my recliner.  I could have avoided the windy conditions.  I could have went to Bass Pro, ran errands, or changed the flapper in the guest bathroom.  However, I'm glad that I took the opportunity to go fishing and experience a surprisingly good little trip.  It's also a reminder that you never know what is going to happen when you go fishing.  I've stated it a thousand times and I will state it a thousand more times; this is one of the most alluring parts of our sport.  Fishing can be a little predictable but you can never predict exactly what is going to happen.  The state longnose gar was caught when some folks were crappie fishing.  Just click here to watch the video and I suggest you do because it is an incredible story!  I took my middle school fly fishing club on a fishing trip in a wind advisory after a weather roller coaster last week.  They had never caught or seen so many fish on any previous trips.  One club member caught 43 hybrid bluegill!  So the next time you have a chance to go fishing, and even if you go halfheartedly, just remember that you never know what is going to happen!

I (Finally) Completed My Final College Degree!

I am still in the process of getting readers caught up on events that occurred during my hiatus from posting on this blog. While this post isn’t fishing related, I wanted to let everyone know that I was able to close a chapter in my life last spring. Before my break from the blog, I had mentioned quite a few times that I was working in my third and final college degree. Last May, I was able to participate in the graduation ceremonies for my Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Technology. This degree is between a Master’s degree and a Doctoral degree. In the education system we refer to it as a super Master’s or baby doctorate. Either way, I’m done with college! The next college classroom that I am in, I will be the professor. I’m not sure if that is something that I want to do or not, but it’s at least a possibility. The good news for me can be boiled down to this: less school work equals more fishing and that sounds good to me!

Catfish Now Magazine Article

Link: https://catfishnow.com/MAG/2024/04/11/catfishing-on-the-fly-by-anietra-hamper/

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by a writer and was asked to contribute to an article that she was working on.  The article was about catching catfish on a fly and she wanted me to give her some information about the topic.  We had a great conversation and I am proud to let you know that the article was recently published.  You can access the article by clicking on the link below.  I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed contributing to it!

Link: https://catfishnow.com/MAG/2024/04/11/catfishing-on-the-fly-by-anietra-hamper/

A Great Show!

The 2024 Tri-Lakes Fly Fishing Expo is a wrap!  I had the pleasure of running into some old friends, meeting some new friends, and enjoying the presence of folks that love the same thing as me.  I sold a few flies, sold a few books, and shared a lot of stories with some really nice people.  I'm already excited for next year because there is just something about being around people that have a passion for fly fishing.  Thank you to the Tri-Lakes Fly Fishers for putting on such an amazing event that gets better every year.  The location, set-up, and behind the scenes work is greatly appreciated by me as well as other folks.  Nathan Bettencourt and other members of the organization, if you're reading this, you do an amazing job and bring a lot of joy to a lot of folks with me being one of them.  I will see you next year and thank you again for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the show!

 

TRI-LAKES FLY FISHING EXPO- BE THERE!!!!!!!!

I state this without any exaggeration or hyperbole; I would love to see you at the Tri-Lakes Fly fishing Expo in Clinton, Missouri, on Saturday!  It is always a pleasure to meet folks that I am familiar with on social media as well we folks that I don't know but they know me!  Regardless, I would like to meet you.  I will have a table set up and a banner as well in case you are looking for me.  I will be selling copies of my book, some flies, and shooting the breeze about the sport that we love.  If you have the time and means, please come to the show.  I don't know a single person that has ever walked away from the show and called it a disappointment or even underwhelming!

 

Fishing off the Coast of The Dominican Republic

I know, I know...this isn't fly fishing or Missouri-related content.  I'm sorry.  I just had to share this story because I don't fish in saltwater very often.  Last summer, Wendy and I were asked to join a couple of our best friends at a destination wedding in the Dominican Republic.  I made sure to not bring up fishing one time prior to to the trip or even during the trip.  However, when the bride and groom brought up the idea of fishing, it felt downright rude to advise against the notion.

So we chartered a trip out to into the great blue yonder.  If you've never been on a chartered fishing trip in the Gulf of Mexico or the Caribbean, let me explain how things go.  The deck hands do all the work.  They bait the lines, watch the lines, and constantly monitor.  The captain drives the boat and is always on lookout.  The anglers sit around (some of them vomiting off the side of the boat) and take turns reeling in fish that have been hooked while trolling.  Yes, it is fishing!  No, there isn't much skill involved.  Luck plays a role but you had better be the right person at the right time.  When I describe it this way, it inherently sounds a little boring.  With that being stated, a born and raised Missouri boy doesn't get many chances at catching saltwater fish so it was actually a lot of fun.  

Wendy ended up landing a barracuda and I had the pleasure of reeling in a Mahi Mahi.  Wendy was a little bummed that she didn't catch something bigger, with more mystique.  I was bummed for her too.  She was happy for me to catch a species that I had never caught before.  I had always wanted to catch a Mahi Mahi and they are every bit as beautiful in person as they are in pictures and on video.  No, it didn't require much skill on either of our ends but the pictures with the hero poses are ones that will live on as long as the memories!

 

Meet My Buddy, Bruce

Have you ever seen something and instantly knew you had to buy it?  If so, I can relate!  When I saw Bruce at a roadside business that sold concrete statues, I knew he had to come home with me!  I've always loved the myth of Bigfoot/Sasquatch and have always marveled at the possibility that this species might actually exist.  Maybe it does, and maybe it doesn't, but regardless, the possibility has always fascinated me.  

As a community of people that love and appreciate the outdoors, some folks have adopted Bigfoot/Sasquatch as a symbol.  The symbol represents the idea of "leave no trace" and I like that.  I dig the idea of venturing into the wilderness and not leaving anything behind but my anxiety.  No trash, a few footprints, and maybe even a better environment than what I found before is something that I hope I am able to give back to nature.  It's a small fee when compared to what the outdoors has given to me as well as a restored soul and sense of belonging.  These are a few of the things that I think of when I see Bruce as he stands as a reminder, near my front door, of all things good and pure.