Today is day 764 of our two-week Covid-19 quarantine. I'm currently experiencing a dull ache behind the eyes and a feeling of listlessness. It's been quite a while since I last went fishing or hiking or snowshoeing or anything exciting. My consumption of random trail mixes has also increased. It's not a great combination.
To say that we are living in strange times is probably the understatement of the century.
My Step
There’s a set of steps on our favorite river, right at one of our favorite holes. I’ve found that the second step is wonderfully perfect for eating a nut and banana sandwich, sipping on a cold beer or just enjoying the views. These steps are a spot I’ve used to warm up. The spot I was bitten by a brown recluse spider and the place where I watched Jacob catch one of the biggest browns I’ve ever seen. This is where I’ve met strangers traveling by on the trail, where fellow fishermen have plopped down next to me for a quick chat.
Read moreSnap!
Snap! There it is, that moment every angler knows, and maybe the most frustrating part of the whole sport.
After spending some time, perhaps quite a bit of time if the flies are small and the air is cold, tying on your weapon of choice, your tippet snaps. It's a moment of grievance followed by profanity followed by frantically checking to see if you've fumbled the knot or if the tippet's gone bad.
Starting The Year Off Right
During the beginnings of this year, the rod shop at the Between Two Banks' household has been busy, partly from the inclement weather, but mostly due to work. A few of the projects include two C. Barclay fiberglass blanks, a few bamboo blanks in the process of being planed out, and most recently a commission build.
A few months ago, when the order for this rod was first placed, it was decided that this would be an original taper. There were many conversations, lot's of math, and a few sleepless nights, but in time a taper was born. Soon, demo blanks were being built and yard casting in 20 degrees began. Eventually, it all came together with a list of Between Two Banks signature tapers and finished 7'9" five weight.
Read morePeace, Love, & Fishing
It's often said that days of cold, wet, and clouds can turn into some of the best fishing days. I always tell myself this before I leave the house on what I know is going to be a foreboding day.
"It's okay that you won't be able to feel your fingers, the fishing is going to be great!"
Let's just say this isn't always the case.
Read more#stockers
In Delayed Harvest water (stocked) Jacob will out fish me just about every single time. I suppose that it has something to do with his job and my hate for farmed fish.
Either way, I'm ok with it. But, it sure does make my life a little easier when they throw in some pretty ones.
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