Proof that Yesterday was Lucky

When I hit the pillow last night I thought really hard to compare the fresh “Spring Chinook Salmon” I’d just eaten with other favorite eating fish from walleye to snapper.  I couldn’t chose one over another.  But what I did conclude was Mike’s suggestion to go try to catch another “Spring Chinook” for dinner tonight, … Read more

Fingers Crossed for a Spring Chinook

I’m 99% catch and release but when it comes to a Jenny Lake lake trout, a Wisconsin walleye or a grouper in Baja, I make an exception.  Please understand, these species are undisputedly delicious.  Last night here in Oregon, my friend Mike LaSota convinced me that “Spring Chinook Salmon” taste even better than the above.  … Read more

A Week in Oregon Starts Now

It was an enjoyable and productive couple weeks at home since the epic Baja trip.  I got a heap of projects done such as editing Baja photos, finishing a feature article for Voyage de Peche French Magazine and stayed busy with the art as well.  The art included a couple of paintings, almost a dozen … Read more

Playing Catch Up Between Trips

This may have indeed been the longest gap between me posting blogs in the more than 11 year history of my blog.  And a few of you have let me know your concerns because you enjoy it.  I understand.  But there’s no need to panic.  The blog isn’t going anywhere.   I’ve been home since … Read more

A Last Day Magic Yellow Snapper

The wind cranked all night.  I’m sharing a room with Sammy and our hut rattled like we were in a hurricane.  But the blow isn’t as terrible as it sounded. Nonetheless, Grant opted out to rest his bad back and get his vehicle ready for our long drive back to Cerrito’s tomorrow.   Due to … Read more

Yellowtail Get Smart Fast

Our accommodation here in the boonies of Baja is simple.  Our rooms are basically a kid’s fort made of plywood.  We have comfortable beds but only one light blanket.  Evenings have been cool in the 50°s so we’ve been sleeping in our fleeces.  Last night dipped into the high 40°s and I was so cold … Read more

Fly Fishing for Grouper and Snapper

I love all fishing but chasing snapper and grouper from the rocks and coral reef with a fly rod is one of my favorites.  Yeah, it’s mostly blind fishing, but the explosive takes more than make up for not seeing the fish.  And when you hook up, pound for pound both these fish offer one … Read more

California Yellowtail on a Popper

It was another beautiful morning with a Yeti full of coffee here in the boonies of Baja.  Our boatman Riccardo arrived earlier than 7.  When I saw him, I headed for our shack to make sure pals Grant Hartman and Sammy Vigneri were getting ready.  After yesterday’s insane day fly fishing for California yellowtail, I … Read more

First New Species of 2021 – Yellowtail On the Fly

There aren’t a ton of common game fish species out there I haven’t caught on the fly.  Most I’ve had the good fortune of adding to my list over the years.  But there are a few I haven’t and one that I’ve come close with a couple times is the California yellowtail (Seriola dorsalis) not … Read more

So Good to be Back in Baja

It was a rare easy early morning to the Idaho Falls Airport yesterday.  I left the house at 4:05 AM and the roads were dry.  Not an ounce of snow or ice.  The only concern was watching out for animals.  God forbid I hit an elk or a moose.     My flight to Cabo … Read more

Quick Turnaround Just Like Pre-Covid Times!

I’m rested up after that action packed Arizona trip last week.  Granny and I had a smooth and beautiful drive home.  We left Phoenix and took backroads all the way to Salt Lake City.  That meant a ton of Arizona and Utah desert and remote mountain ranges.  We camped in Moab and had a look … Read more

Nothing Like a Little Last Day Magic

It was our last day down here in Arizona and Mike Faulkinbury invited Steve Berry and I to hit some urban lakes near where he lives.  While the numbers of fish caught this week have been low, the size of them has been incredible.  Earlier this week was the massive common carp and yesterday’s grassie … Read more