What on earth is this

Was surfing the web looking for fly fishing stuff as usual when I chanced upon the site that specializes in Guiding in Asia. One of the locations was india and the target species was a masheer.

Sadly all the information we could get on this site was the usual "this is a fish of a lifetime" pitch that all guiding operations seem to use.

Does anyone out there know more?

Rod reviews

A site that claims to take the guess work out of Choosing a fly rod. We all know that knowledge valuable. Here, we believe that nothing beats knowledge gained through experience.

A quick surf around the site reveals it to be yet another one of those sites where they claim to stand up to the average fly fisho. They claim to give you the full run down of what the rods are truly like on the water and in your hands. What happens when you click on a particular brand would be a "run down" of the rod taken word for word from the rod Company's website.So much for "unbiased" Opinion. clicking on a model takes to immediately to a Buying site. Good bye "helping you make a decision"

Is fly fishing really becoming so commercial?

Go see for yourselves. LINK

More fly art

The Artist at ART on FLY has been at it again. This time adding Salmon flies and saltwater flies to the collection. What was interesting was a picture of what looks like a rapala x-rap lure. Not exactly a fly but great eye candy nonetheless!

We have also been informed that the artist has the mind to part with the works for some $$$$. It'll pay for material and hopefully a better scanner. Believe us, we have seen the works in the flesh and the scanner really does not do the works justice.

Biggins

Hey all,

T brook has left some very thought provoking comments on our posts regarding the Snakeheads and mega Fish posts. Ok. We stand corrected. There are no native snake heads in the US and it seems that those that found their way to the states were part of the "fishzilla" phenomenon.

With regards to the Megafish project, we did a little more snooping around during our lunch break and found out that the guy behind the project was a scientist with the University of Nevada. We personally have not seen a full episode of Mega fish and simply thought that it was a laudable attempt in preserving some of the species that would otherwise not get much attention.

We agree that the "importation" of foreign species and the extraction of species from their natural habitat does nothing constructive for the Ecosystems that they are introduced to or taken from. However, we have to give the benefit of the doubt to the Megafish guys in that unestablished fact (at least to us)that these fish were taken from systems that were already beyond hope or critical. Furthermore,in the case of the Megafish pond in Thailand, we are under the impression that these species are not introduced into the indigenous water-systems but are kept in a pond that is removed from the natural systems.

Of course we are of the view that conservation should be paramount. However, do we picket zoos for importing pandas? that "extraction" of that species from its natural habitat has improved the odds of its survival. Think of the megafish pond in Thailand as a zoo where you are allowed to come into the closest contact with such amazing creatures without having to kill them.

we always welcome the input of all the fishaholics who read this blog. We are all for conservation and furtherance of our sport( you don't have to kill to have fun). The more we learn, the more we grow.

Many thanks again to T brook for the enlightening comments. We will continue to update the blog as more information on this topic comes our way.

We apologize for not putting up a more throughly researched piece. However, that was precisely why we put the links on the posts. We welcome all views and like to allow our readers to come to their own conclusions regarding the topics. Bounce those views off us. the more we learn together the better for our Efforts.

Tight lines!

the Big ones that are not getting away

Anglers always talk about "good" sized fish and it is common knowledge that larger fish tend to pull harder. Some anglers just look for the next "big one" that tops the last Big fish they conquered.

There are fish that are generally considered on the Big list. Marlin, Sharks, Certain tunas, Wahoo. the list goes on. Then there are fish that are big for their species. These are the stuff dreams/ nightmares are made off.

Imagine hearing your guide tell you to pack a 10wt as a light option for a Carp or catfish!



Well, such fish do exist and we have had reports over the years of captures becoming more and more commonplace. With the popularity of fly fishing coming back into vogue, we are hearing more and more of the Mega fishes that are available in the fresh.

National Geographic is currently running a MEGAFISHproject on such Fish and trips can be booked to Thailand where such fish are stocked for sporting and conversation purposes. A new frontier? Conservation being aided by Anglers? sounds great to me

Strike like a cobra, Fight like a bull

A species that can be found in my homeland and my fist fish ever on fly. Presenting the humble snakehead affectionately known as the "Toman" back in my land of birth. A fresh water species, these highly aggressive fish have managed to populate almost every freshwater catchment area throughout the world.

Considered a invasive species in most parts of the world, the snake head shares the same notorious reputation as the well known uropean carp. Not unlike the Carp, the snake head does pull hard for a fish it's size. Difference being that a large amount of poundage to give you a thrill on your 5 weight outfit.

for more information on the species visit :the Snakehead society

More angling related information like lures, flies and tackle required can be gleaned from the pages of:Snakehead PROS

These guys concentrate on the American species but the tactics employed are very much applicable in most places.

Who knows, We might see the rise of new "glamor species" or you might just find that fish that has that special place in your fishing fantasies.

When you have to Scratch that itch

You know the feeling.

Anxious, fretful nights.

Every bat of the eyelids show glimpses of the water that you SHOULD be on.

Looking over your fly box over and over hoping that they would get used soon.

Thinking of where is it your next cast will occur.

You will never let anything stand in the way of your next trip

When you have to go you have to go. Even if it's in the middle of the War zone.
Well done Boys!



If you are looking for your next "Extreme" ( i use that term loosely) fishing destination look up theBaghdad Anglers Club!

Who says girls don't fish

Proof that the Fairer sex can and really do love fishing!Really cool blog. So all you guys out there wondering if it's ever possible for your better half to get into the sport, think no more.



LINK

Grad slam candy

Heading out for that grad slam? A flats trip coming up? still don't know if you've got the right flies? Or do you just want to chuck something more than the standard clouser or Deceiver?

Have a look at these patterns by Gary Merriman.(father of the tarpon toad)They should put you in good stead.



Full story here LINK

Chums

A site that has made for a great office read and our window to much that is interesting in the world of fly fishing.

we are glad to be able to add MOLDY CHUM to our list of friends

We hope you enjoy their posts as much we have been

a decent read

For those who enjoy a bit of a read on swoffing related topics. There's an interesting post on what the author considers "important" in our quiet sport.

Enjoy

link

More wicked color pencil work

'ART on FLY'

Fly Fishin in a minefield

Came across this interesting article highlighting what could be the last spot in the korean peninsula where the native trout are truely free. Click the link below to read more..

http://www.midcurrent.com/articles/trips/card_korea.aspx

wicked color pencil work

Never knew that the humble color pencils we used to stuff up our noses in kindergarden were capable of stuff like this! We've linked the artist's site to ours (the art on fly tab!)

budget milkfishing

Hey all! for all of us who enjoy our flats fishing but Don't really have the bank to do it consistently, here's a little known "secret" the phillipines Holds Milkfish! Easily achievable and a nice little tropicl holiday for the whole family.

You now don't have to drop so much coin to head to the bahamas to hit a milkie! Just a little ray of hope:)

for more info, the person who filmed these videoes posted at: http://flyfishingsg.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=SaltWater&action=display&thread=1084&page=1

enjoy!

Oldie but a goodie

Don't we all wish we could do that??

Fishing DVDs

Hi all,

With the drake film festival (read fly fishing Dvd deluge) just over not too long ago, some of the more notable offerings have found their way into my local tackle store here in sydney. mixed in with the Usual fanfare, were 2 pretty notable mentions.

1.) Drift

2.) Hustle and fish.

Anyway, I managed to get a little preview of Hustle and Fish as well as Drift.

If you are tired of the usual Fish porn out there in the market and are looking for something to entertain the fly fisherman in you during the days you're unable to get on the water, these are the films. Fly fishing Dvds have come a long way from the their humble beginnings of just a couple of dudes with a camera going fishing. Work was actually put into the production and making of the Dvds in question. They offered entertainment with just the right amount of Fish porn to keep you interested for the 1 hour odd. they even managed to give their sponsors some exposure without you feel like you've bought sell-a-vision's fishing products catalogue.

All in all a great watch given that the water's all but frozen at the moment. 5 Degree nights are not really a great condition for fly casting.

Enjoy the snippets and if you're interested, get your own copy at

http://www.confluencefilms.tv/about.php(drift)

and http://www.rollcastproductions.com/ (hustle and Fish)

Enjoy!

Roosters that swim

There has been much hype over the past 2-3 years regarding Roosters on the fly. With Dvd's like "running down the man" exalting the merits and 'Avant Garde' status of this new target on the fly. Even Abel has released a brand new "rooster" color for their reels just to "keep with the times"



But the real question is not a question of whether the rooster is a worthy adversary but if it is all a huge marketing gimmick to sell the next new destination or piece of gear. Guides need business and sometimes there can be too much beating of the drum.

At least it keeps things interesting.

The Queen's Birthday

Every state here in Aus has it's own day to celebrate the birth of the English Queen. (go figure)

All it meant to us when it came for NSW to have it's celebration was that we have one more day to hit the water!

fly casting, spinning and just drift baiting were the go.

the winds played up quite a bit and we stuck to pretty well known spots.This strategy paid off and we enjoyed a decent haul albit the fact that the tiddlers were out in full force!

Spinning in the Rain

Hi all,

We have been having horrible weather as of late. Work schdules and studies have sadly taken precedence over the fishing. Did some fly work on the odd break but had little to show for it.

Thought things would change when all in the team got some time off work over the last weekend.

The first day out was an absoulte bummer with one of our frequented spots not yeilding much in terms of quality fish. Not to say that quantities were encouraging either.


Managed to salvage the weekend though.

Went for a short spin on sunday with Jake. Landed 4 decent flatties and a nice tailor. Dropped a bream. Though all were caught on spin gear, it was a great day despite bad weather and little promise of anything fruitful.

enjoy the pics and tight lines!