Posts by That Idiot
Take it to a knife smith. They have specialized equipment, experience, and knowledge. They'll be able to put an appropriate grind back on it and address any other issues.
How about this Sprit rig, which requires no hardware for the connection. The forward end of the boom is attached to the mast with another small line called a Boom SNOTTER. This short line shoul...
I am fairly confident that it is the skull plate of a Sea Robin. This link is to fossilized collection pieces, but modern ones would be the same. Not sure how it wound up in the woods of central Co...
It looks like a raccoon latrine (and here) to me. We don't have skunks in my area, but perhaps you do. It could be that. In either case I'd be careful around it and try to find a way to discourage...
That looks to be what is known as a flat "Scandi" grind on the edge. There are a lot of good resources online about how to sharpen this type of grind, but basically this is considered a relatively ...
Here's a decent video detailing just how to do it: Basically filet it like any other fish. Remove the "dark meat" that is pungent and distasteful. Then remove the row of spines. Taste tests descr...
You CAN use the fluorocarbon for tippet. In fact many high quality tippets ARE made of fluorocarbon. What you get by buying the smaller roll of tippet is portability and the ability to convenient...
If by braided line you mean something like spider-wire or power-pro, they wouldn't have the backbone to turn over a fly - especially something you are likely to throw for bass. Most bass plugs ar...
Your concern for keeping the fish alive longer than necessary is valid. I used to like to club fish to kill them immediately. However I now typically bleed by cutting the gills as you describe. Thi...
This type of dry fly floatant powder is quite effective at drying off smaller flies. I believe it's the same silica gel that is used to keep packaged electronics dry. But I typically just press f...
I assume you are considering a new reel with multiple spools. The reel's performance will not be affected except that with a lighter line you will be able to fit more backing. In a 5wt setup that u...
I'll start with a local favorite: great mullein or common mullein (Verbascum thapsus) Introduced to the North America. I've found it from New York to North Carolina. Apparently originated in Europ...
I have found the side cast, and here, to be very useful in the situations you describe. I spent a number of years fishing small streams in the Blue Ridge of VA, and this type of cast gave me better...
In a situation where you don't know when you will find water again, is it better to ration the water you have over time (and ever increasing dehydration) or to drink it to quench thirst as soon as ...
When my friend planned to hike the Appalachian trail, his mother insisted he take her small handgun. I didn't think it would be a great idea in that case, but I'm sure there must be times when such...
Texas has a coast-wide, year-round speckled trout fishery. But Speckled trout fishing is hot in May and June and from October through January.
That is cause by clearcut timber harvesting. Timber harvesters will remove branches from trees that they fell and leave them on site. They will also sometimes leave specimen trees to help repopulat...
Fly lines have special coatings that help you cast and manage the line on/in the water. Under ideal conditions you would use an older line for practice on the land because repeated contact with the...
I grew up around sailboats and live on an island. I have always heard the word "foundering" used to describe a boat taking on water and sinking. I have heard the word "flounder" used in connection ...
I can relate to the desire to fish close to home. I rarely travel more than 30 minutes to fish. However I think you would be missing out on a lifetime experience if you didn't spend some time fishi...
Plant Plants. Birds are drawn to various plants for various reasons. Off the top of my head: To gather nesting material - small twigs or fluffy seeds As a nesting location - good cover or protec...
It would be good to know if you are certain that there actually ARE fish bigger than the palm of your hand in the area. But let's assume that there are. Whenever I come across suspicious fish that ...
Not only is it possible, but it is a great tactic when prospecting a new stream to figure out what's working. You definitely have to modify your cast to keep the loops larger and more open, simila...
Lack of vegetation along the banks will have a number of effects, each of which can affect fish populations. Vegetation will shade the water. This will reduce water temperatures which is typicall...
I tend not to use surface plugs in rough water, merely because I find them more difficult to fish. But are they less productive in choppy water than when the surface is calm?
