Fishing or Work?

Every so often I over do it with fishing and not getting my work or the basics of life done.  I’m in the dust this time and once you fall this far behind you need to decide, fish or write long detailed blogs.  I chose fishing so today blog is short.   Bob and I … Read more

Milking My Final Days of Wisconsin Summer

Summer on my home water here in Northern Wisconsin is almost over for me.  That’s because in a week I head for the Red River in Manitoba for channel catfish and a few other cool fish.  Then its straight up to Gangler’s North Seal River Lodge.  I should get home from Canada on September 12th … Read more

Never Cancel A Fishing Trip Because of Wind

I planned a big adventure with Granny this week to pack up our Outcast Striker Raft and explore a new river.  Based on my Google Earth research of the stretch I chose, there were plenty of shallow raft-dragging rapids, a potential portage and being this is a boggy location, one could expect an abundance of … Read more

New Water and Full of Bronze Backs

I grumble about an early morning once in a while, but for the most part I love them.  My alarm was set, but as usual I was up without it by 4:15 AM.  Today Bob and I met at 5:45 which meant a before daylight departure from home of around 4:50.  I look forward to … Read more

Back for the Big Ones of Chequamegon Bay

Howie and I hooked and lost a couple honkers last week on Chequamegon Bay of Lake Superior.  Mine was likely a gigantic smallmouth bass.  We never saw it.  Howie’s was for sure a big northern pike but it severed his bass leader in seconds.  Today we left Washburn at sunrise with hopes of redemption.   … Read more

Up Before Daylight Again

Getting up before 5 AM to go fishing has been tough lately.  It hasn’t been like a month ago when I popped from bed with pleasure.  I’ve really been dragging.  The only thing I want to do is flip over and keep sleeping.  So when Bob called me last night and asked me to be … Read more

Kicking Off August on Chequamegon Bay

There were a few times today where I caught myself thinking “Is it really August?  What happened to July?  But I ask myself this every year.  The fact is, once July 4th passes summer seems to go faster.  Maybe it’s the shortening of the days.  Or perhaps we slowdown which in turn speeds up time.  … Read more

Redhorse on the Fly

July 26 & 27, 2023  I like getting on the water early.  I’m a fan because first light is excellent for smallmouth bass.  We also beat the canoe crowds.  But launching the Blue Bathtub yesterday was different.  It was day one of our first overnight float trip since we moved to Wisconsin and we started … Read more

Huge Scary Fish Cause Weak Knees

We’ve barely had temperatures above the mid 70°s for almost two weeks.  There’s been a few solid thunderstorms and rain mixed in this timeframe too.  Both the cool down and moisture were well needed because from about Memorial Day till the 4th of July it had been very warm and dry.  My Hayward neighbor can’t … Read more

Bring on the Rain

Yesterday I mentioned getting my moneys worth this summer – meaning I’m fishing like a madman.  Today I’ll tell you I’m feeling it.  I love every ache and pain and this kind of tired, but man, I woke up one minute before my alarm went off.  That was 3:59 AM.  And every inch of every … Read more

Lily Pad Eating Deer

I’m getting my moneys worth this summer.  It seems like it should be early September I’ve gotten out so much.  But heck, its only mid-July.  There are a ton more hot days and bass to catch.  But today, despite a nice early start on a nearby lake, Granny and I could hardly buy a fish.  … Read more

A Visit with the Articulate Fly Podcast

I’m often asked, “How did fly fishing become your way of life and how do I do it?  There’s no quick answer.  It’s been an adventure filled journey.  Last week I sat down with Marvin Cash and we broke it all down for the Articulate Fly Podcast. You can listen here:  A fly Fishing Life … Read more