jonny5

Snipped from a report posted yesterday on fishbc. Not me as I am no where near 70 years young. ----snipity snip---- It's been a long time since I contributed to this forum, but I want to relate the tale of my most recent, and perhaps, most exciting fishing experience ever. And in doing so, help readers to realize that a fishing trip to the tropics doesn't mean you have to re-finance your house. I'd read about it for years, seen videos and done research and finally, in my 70th year, found out why people rave about fishing for tarpon. My son and I just returned from 12 days in Rio Lagartos at the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula and I'm ready to go back. Our fishing was done primarily in the mangroves and what a challenge! We got off to a great start as my son landed the first tarpon he hooked and I subdued my second one, but it didn't pay to get cocky. At the end of the 2nd day my score was 2 for 18. Yet, I was elated just to have hooked so many baby tarpon. We were fishing in very daunting locations, pools about as large as your living room, bordered by overhanging trees and filled with snags. At times there wasn't even room for a back cast. Oh, yeah, the occasional croc added to the hazards. One time I had to cast over one of the saurians and then flick my fly off its back on two consecutive retrieves. But the biggest challenge was trying to tame a fish that thought it could fly, considering the time spent in the air and trees. They bounced off the trunks, smashed into the bushes and managed to get under any convenient barnacle- encrusted log available. I knew what I was supposed to do, but the timing was off. About the time I was jerking on the line to set the hook, the crazy fish would jump and have no slack. I'd lost about 2 dozen, before things finally came together. One day I started 4 for 4 and had a total of 9 before we went in. These weren't big fish--the big ones were left hanging from the trees--but I was very happy. Our trip started at the end of February and it proved to be an excellent time. There was little competition--we saw 3 other fishermen, who only stuck around for a couple of days--and we never suffered from excessive heat. On the contrary, it was so cool at times that there was no need to even use the fan in our room. Probably the major drawback was the wind. We did look for tarpon in open water most mornings, but the wind quickly came up, making it too hard to see fish. We also lost a couple of days when cold fronts moved in. But that gave us time for bird-watching--for instance, 30,000 flamingos frequent this International Biosphere Reserve--or exploring Mayan ruins. Our guides, Carlos and Ismael, came from Rio Lagartos Expeditions (www.riolagartosexpeditions.com) and they did a great job of finding fish for us. In addition, Ismael is a professional bird guide and excellent naturalist so we had the added bonus of a running commentary about the local flora and fauna. However, guiding for fly fishers is relatively new for them so a person might get more advice elsewhere. We didn't have any problem with that at all despite being complete novices in dealing with these "silver princes." They don't have all-inclusive packages, but that didn't prove to be a problem either. It's a family run business which includes a cafe, Isla Contoy, and posada. Everything is close enough that it's like staying at a lodge, but the price is much better. Rooms are very basic, but clean, and the food is excellent. Our total expenditure for 12 days board and room was $700! Expect to pay about $250 for boat, guide and a day of fishing which is supposed to run from about 6AM to 1PM, but we never got in before 3PM. From all I've read, this place can't be be beat for a combination of great fishing (we caught snook and barracuda also) at an extremely reasonable cost. And the people are wonderful. It's just what a penny-pinching old pensioner like me has dreamed about for years, but never thought it would be affordable. Check it out. I'd be happy to furnish more info upon request.

I couldn't say for sure what a tarpon fights like but the jacks are a fast moving fish when hooked. Unlike any trout or salmon for sure. I got an 8 pounder on a spinning rod and saw the thing heading for the mangroves increadibly fast before he turned and headed for the boat... the trick is getting them while feeding and not spooking them.. They are not shy when there is food around, as in when you are snorkeling with a bag of shrimp, but they tend to stay way off when your fishing... so like I said, chum and fly might work well. You'll be surprised at how hard they fight, and how big they can get. check this website, nice info and I have definately seen some in the 30+ range in mexico where you're going. http://www.flyfishingameliaisland.com/Gian...da_Fishing.html

Punta Allen, thats what I meant. My bad. Anyways, you could try out there. That bridge is worth a visit for sure. Tonnes of fish around there and nice scenery. Make sure you stop at the park entry and pay the 8$ or end up getting chased by the "police" on a motorbike. Or you could chum and fly off one of the rocky beaches near the resorts... lots of jacks that would give you a real run for your money.

The city of tulum is north(?) of a wildlife preserve. This preserve contains punta edwards, which I did not see but is popular with fishers. A 30 minute taxi ride will take you into the reserve and at the bridge you can find a trail and walk into the lagoon. Bring bug spray and watch out for crocs. (I am not kidding). In the lagon you will find huge schools of bonefish (small bonefish though). The occasional cuda eating the bone fish, and of course a few crocs. Its a really cool place, and a canoe or flats boat would make it better if you can find one... I had a great time in that lagoon, but I only found out about the crocs when I was leaving. Heres the lagoon. http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&...&iwloc=addr I walked up the north most chanel of the cut near the parking lot (you can see the trail if you zoom in). Oh and tulum is a cool town. There is a beach side area, and a central town. If I went again, I would stay in the town, rent a jeep, and explore more of the wildlife preserve.

Makes me miss the island big time! Those are some really nice pics that bring back the memories. I used to hike, camp and fish all over the place out there. Steelhead are really tough to catch in the winter, especially on the fly, but thats part of the game (like 99% of the game really ). Summer runs are the way to go, they'll actually move to hit something. J5 Only 170 sleeps left till I'm off to Terrace for another crack at it.

Here are my thoughts on the paper you posted. 1. I couldn't find info on the stats, but it looks like median values with +/- standard error. Is this true? 2. There appears to be no decrease in abundance or biomass of brook trout when comparing 1985 and 2005. 3. Brown trout are also pretty consistent between 1985 and 2005 for biomass but not total numbers (except for section 4) which would suggest that the fish are relatively stunted as opposed to decreasing. 4. Section 4 seems to have decreased numbers and biomass which means there really are fewer fish. I known nothing about what section 4 looks like, but perhaps you could elaborate. Is it the poorest habitat, or approximately the same. Is there good cover? Do cows get into the water there? Is there a factory farm near by? etc... Given that section 4 is the furthest downstream then you may have a point that fish are being killed off, but they may simply be moving out of poor habitat. Either way a potentially interesting observation. As for livers... The question is what would you test for. I know nothing about livers, but I have a friend who might be interested.. but how to get a fish as the stauffer is one mean ass river... I will get in touch with this guy as I know he will be here mid july and I promised him some fishing...

Thats a very good suggestion. If there is a chemical affecting the fish, look directly at the fish. There are many examples where toxins are "amplified" or concentrated as they make their way up the foodchain as they are often fat soluble and get stuck in the fat stores of the animal.

Short notice, but if you like trout bum diaries, then you might be interested to know of a screening of new AEG material. Check the website, it looks great. Not sure which film they are showing, but it looks like it will be new material. http://www.flyfishingfilmtour.com/Schedule.asp Tickets available online Wednesday, March 12, 2008 The Uptown Screen and Stage 612 8th AVE SW Calgary

My gas chev gets almost the same gas milage with the camper on as with it off... ALMOST. However, I don't think it matters too much what you choose. Gas or diesel each have benefits. Diesel runs at lower RPM most of the time, and so they tend to last longer. Diesel may produce more HP at lower RPM, but gas can rev higher and produce more total HP. Parts are alot more expensive for diesel engines (fuel pump for example) but SOME are pretty long lasting engines. Most gas engines don't last as long. If I had to choose, I would go with a diesel as they tend to last longer, and slightly better fuel economy. Paired with a standard transmission and 3.73 gearing for a nice cruising speed. .02

I fished for a few hours on my way through highlevel/manning area once. I caught a few dozen walley and some mooneye or goldeye on streamers... Seems that "fishy" looking water has lots of fish in it, or I was really lucky and hit a few schools of fish. Also saw 1 mother bear with 3 tiny cubs (black bears) while fishing, so be aware. Where abouts are you heading? If you get a chance go into the woobbuffalo park for a look. It is spectacular and you will see all kinds of wildlife if you keep quiet. J5

Check with Vic at STS guiding if hes doing any sturgeon fishing in the fraser at that time. They have a REALLY nice jet boat that can get right into the canyon looks like a really fun way to spend the day. and the fish are pretty big too.

Thanks for the contact fella's, next time I am up that way I will check it out. J5

Howdy, anyone know where I can get a pair of matching wooden reel handles and hardware somewhere in town? thanks, J5

Get one of the alarms that phones your cell phone, and get yourself a nice peice of 1x1. Scum bags stole my battery once... good thing it only slowed me down from getting to work, if I had been going fishing I would have flipped.

I think something like this was already posted, but here is an article about westslope cutts... ------ 'Cutts may make endangered list By Carol Picard Feb 09 2008 The federal government is considering listing the westslope cutthroat trout as an endangered species in Canada, given its low numbers and rapidly declining population. The designation, if successful, would only apply to the genetically pure cutthroat which is native to western North America. The species readily hybridizes with other trout, particularly rainbow, but the genetically pure population is in a precarious position due to competition with non-native fish and habitat degradation, according to an assessment done by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). The public consultation process under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) opened on Dec. 27 and goes until April 25. After that, depending on the volume and nature of responses received, listing could take anywhere from nine months to a year and a half or more. The Bow River system in Banff National Park is the fish's most northern habitat, and in 2006, the genetically pure strain of the species was only found in five isolated spots, according to Shelley Humphries, aquatics specialist with the Lake Louise, Yoho and Kootenay Field Unit of Parks Canada. "It used to be incredibly prolific in the area, but it is really only left now in isolated headwaters" and a few small creeks, Humphries told last week's (Jan. 30-31) Montane Ecosystem Science Workshop in Banff. "COSEWIC has recognized for a long time that this species is in trouble, and it recommends it be listed as endangered." The cutthroat, which has black spots clustered along its spine and down to its tail and bright orange-red slashes beneath its lower jaw, can't readily be distinguished from the hybridized cutthroat/rainbow and DNA testing has to be done to determine the pure stock, she said. In 2006, Parks Canada staff electrofished and netted in 19 lakes in the mountain parks, clipping the fishes' fins for DNA sampling. They found pure cutthroat in only five locations. "We knew about one, the other four were a surprise," she said. DNA testing on samples taken in 2007 isn't yet complete, she said. Along with angling, the major threats to the fish in the national parks have been aquatic fragmentation caused by road and dam building and historical stocking practices, in which non-native populations were introduced to lakes and streams for sport fishing. "We haven't stocked for cutthroat in the park for a long time, but that could be a restoration move in the future," said Humphries, noting, however, "we were prolific - we went far and wide. "Many areas may look pristine, but under the water surface it's not. There was only one major watershed that was never stocked, the Dorner. Overall, the populations may look fairly pure, but we're seeing a lot of historical hybridization because of the stocking." Prior to construction of the Spray Reservoir in the 1950s, the province removed pure cutthroat trout and put them in Marvel Lake, from which brood stock is now taken, she said. Fred Nhytka, a species at risk biologist with Fisheries and Oceans in Winnipeg, said already the federal agency has received numerous requests for further information, primarily from outfitters, sports shops and anglers; not surprising given its popularity as a sport fish. Anyone is welcome to submit comments outlining how the listing would affect their livelihood or personal lives, Nhytka said. If the fish are listed as endangered, several prohibitions would be attached to it, including a total ban on catching the fish, unless that is allowed in whatever recovery strategy is drafted. Under the SARA legislation a recovery strategy must be drafted within two years of the listing. To comment on the proposed listing of the cutthroat visit www.sararegistry.gc.ca and go through the workbook on the site. The deadline for submissions is April 25. sararegistry website link to add your comments.

UofC... Hey brent what chem courses you taking? Student for life, and enjoying it.

Interesting read. Like the finding that foam indicators spooked the fish more than yarn indicators. I figure that the popular spots on the bow are so heavily nymphed that using a corkie indicator puts the fish down.

Ok, sorry to bug you again, but just to be sure... if this was tied with white biots, that would be a prince then? Anyways, just thought I would ask so I could learn something. Cheers, Jon

vs The reason I am pointing this out is because I find it funny that someone would add shell back to a famous fly and give lessons on how to tye it. Maybe I will start tying the Jonny-5-Curlies caddis (it has a dark and bushy wing)

why not call it a prince?

Yo Al, if it helps to get Sean around, tell him I'll buy him a coors lite every time I go ;-)

Maybe you should hang up the fly rod some days and sharpen up the old auger... Sounds safer!

I may not have personality, but you're ugly.

Wondering when its going to start up? Don't want to have tie at home, and not drink beer and bs ect... Anyone know?

Nice fish, nice pics. I have the same rod but one weight up.