Saturday, January 27, 2018

A Step Behind...


So, Howard has called me out.  He says that it's time for a blog post.  I have lots of excuses. But mostly, this winter has consisted of a few cold outings to lakes and rivers without much fanfare. 



 A fish here and there and a cup of hot chocolate waiting for me when I get home.  
  

December and January are always challenging fishing months. 

First, to find lakes with open water or rivers with deep pools and possibly a midge hatch to fill up a winter's day.  Second, to find fish that are willing to move a little in their deeper winter homes.


Today started a little later than usual.  Waking up early to meet up with friends, my body just wasn't wanting to move.  So, I sat down to tie a few flies.  Then, I threw a batch of cookies in the oven.  I figured that I might as well have some trail food for my friends.  I then started packing my gear.  It was 9:00 am.  I was supposed to meet up at 8.  Well, better late than never, I guess.  But, I was still feeling a step behind the whole way.  Maybe the fresh 
air would do me good.


It was fishing.  Not catching.  And the still air had no sounds of fish rising.  It happens. Sometimes you have to dig down deep to get what you are after.  A stick of TNT might have helped.  Just kidding.  At least there wasn't any wind... Ha!  So, fishing became more like casting practice.  I casted out, waited ten seconds for the weighted wooley bugger to drop, strip... strip... strip.  Wait a few seconds.  Strip, strip, strip.  Repeat.  


Then, all of a sudden, a grab of my fly and poof!  I stood there dumbfounded as to why I didn't set that hook!  Was I asleep?  I guess so...  There wasn't a fish to the net.  There wasn't a streamer at the end of my line either.  All that was left was a River Damsel standing alone shaking her head for having slow reflexes on this cold winter day...  

Sometimes it is better to stay in bed.  =)


13 comments:

  1. Tis far better to have played and lost then not played at all. I think I just made that up for this special occasion. You are still getting out while I AM in bed. In my dreams I always catch them all. Maybe I should learn to make cookies?

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    1. Howard ~ That would be great if you could make the next trip's batch when I come out. Thanks! Hahahahahaha

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  2. Seems that even in Utah, those buggers are faster than we are.

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    1. Mark ~ It's true. You can't get distracted even for a minute! =) Hey, I am planning a trip out to Sacramento in June... Hope we can finally meet!

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    2. Count on it. Just let me know when and where. The only time we plan to be gone is the 14th through the 17th, but since I've not made reservations yet, that can be changed for a chance to meet RD in person. Here's my email address. markkautz1946@comcast.net

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    3. Sure, Mark gets to meet you in June. I'm relegated to any month too cold to fish!

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    4. Oh, you big baby! Howard, I will hopefully get out there by the end of Sept... If I have any money left after Canada. Lol.

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  3. Those winter outings can be difficult. Cold is unforgiving, and with a lack of tugs the cold gets worse.
    Hot chocolate and cookies does make the day.
    Nice getting out Emily.

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    1. Alan ~ You are absolutely right! The cold does get worse when there are less tugs. I never thought about it that way... Haha OK. We are going to have to fix that. =)

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  4. Emily
    I've found with me that slow fishing days breaks my concentration, and the fish seem to know that. Hats off to you for combating the cold; I don't fish when the temps are below fifties---all of us need spring to arrive early this year. Thanks for sharing

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    1. Bill ~ I would love to fish with you in the 50's. Sounds marvelous! It's been a mild winter here, but it always seems colder at the lake than the river because you are standing in one spot longer. Take care...

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  5. Hear hear! The trout need to learn to tune their metabolism to ours. I was baffled by a brookie yesterday that was much to quick for me, even on his third take. The water's 35 degrees, I'm not even as cold as you, slow down! Haha

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    1. RM ~ I love brookies~ But, I only get to chase them every once in awhile. Lucky you! The fish will always be faster than us. =)

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