CDone

Talking with Dave at Fishtales today and he said there are always extras at the bottom of their bins, so I would guess if you ask you could grab one or two. He also mentioned he's trying to get them to package just the caps, so someone could just buy a bag of caps if needed. Was gonna grab one of the New Zealand Indicators but they only had green or white wool and that won't work with my eyes, will wait till they get some more orange. Colin

no, but I'm sure one of these would

do they come with extra caps? I can see myself dropping a couple every time I'm out. I want to give the New Zealand indicator a try. Colin

We went in March last year, as it was a family vacation with the chance to fish a couple days, we stayed at the Iberostar Mojito in Cayo Coco.($525 a week on Sunwing right now). Nice resort, great people and we had a great time (tough to leave). As far as the fishing goes March is a tough time as it can be very windy, I did a walk and wade on a large flat South of Cayo Ensenachos, very windy with a constant wind blowing over my casting shoulder, saw lots of bones had a few hook-ups but my bad shoulder really caused me a lot of grief. We were supposed to head out in a skiff the next day but it was way too windy. I'm sure there are areas where you can get out of the wind if you travel around. The guide we used said the best times are November and May. Lots of guys fish the flats just south of the Melia Cayo Coco so there is definitely some DIY opportunities as well you can hire a taxi for 10 CUC's to take you out to the flats, most of the hotels have someone they use for this. I'm jealous, we were planning on heading down next month but life got in the way, hopefully in May of next year. Colin

My catahoula/heeler cross Loki is quickly becoming an awesome fishing partner, not overly interested in the fish (although will take a look when in the net or in hand), will not wander away from me when on stream and has shown no interest in birds, squirrels, ect. Has a piercing bay/bark, (think coon hound mixed with sheep dog) that lets me know when someone or something is coming close but that is controllable with a quick 'no'. Loves the water and can swim well so I have no concerns about crossing streams with him or spending time in a boat, a far cry from my previous mutts (huskies).

Do you have all your components lined up (guides, reelseat, grip and thread)? If so I could give you a hand with it in September after I return from vacation. I'm set up with a power wrapper and a multi-rod dryer, but still have a hand wrapper if you prefer that to get the hang of wrapping. Haven't done any heavy stuff since my days on the Island, but its all pretty straight forward. Let me know if you're interested. Colin

Sorry to hear, I'm assuming you are at the Childrens Hospital, if so you're in good hands. We never wish this stuff on our children but when it happens its good to know there is a facility like the Childrens Hospital to take them to. Stay strong and don't forget to take some time for yourself, an hour or two on the river provides a whole lot of clarity on these types of situations. Colin and family.

Quoted almost $700 to have our dog neutered and micro chipped here in Mc. Towne. Nanton quoted us $250 and talked us out of a micro chip (who has a chip reader anyways) and suggested a tattoo instead (anyone can read a tattoo). We were quite shocked at the difference in price, Nanton will get all our animal related business. Colin

Nanton Vet Clinic, about 1/3 of the cost of our regular McKenzie Towne Vet on similar procedures. Great folks to deal with as well, real straight and honest. Definitely worth the 45 Min. drive. Colin

We had Emily in ours in New Zealand at 5 months, also brought along a Baby Bjorn, as well. and before everyone passes judgement on me. water was only knee deep, I had been lugging her around all day while everyone else was out fishing, and I just needed to 'pretend' I was fishing. She certainly enjoyed herself though. Colin

Yup, and the sister-in law put 2 more through it as well and then it got handed down to another cousin, its been around thats for sure. Colin

The backpack was a constant for us, New Zealand, Vancouver Island, Livingston and Upper Oldman. Daughter went everywhere with us, slept lots too. Colin

Reservoir at Lomond (15 min.east on 22) used to be decent for hammer handles, but they raised the height of the berms this year and flooded all the shoreline, sure the fish are still there though.Pine Coulee is great for Small walleye (leeches work well) and pike, but as was mentioned a little further than 45 min (not much though). Theres a lot of small in-poundments south of the city that hold pike, just got to explore. Colin

Contact the Nile Creek Fly Shop (250 757 2095) ask for Courtney, he should be able to help you out, what rod was it? Best case scenario is they send you a new section and you give me the broken one to send back to the shop. Hopefully it is a rod they have in stock. Colin

So heres the info I have so far. Free workshop and get together- Saturday May 23rd 10am til 2:30pm at the Glenmore trail Boat Launch (we will be upstream of the bridge as to stay out of people launching their boats way). Private workshops, max 6 persons each.- Sunday May 24, 9 to 12 and 1 to 4. message Courtney (Islandguy) for more info on these. Colin

I've been talking to Courtney Ogilvie from Vancouver Island, and he and his wife Val are planning on being in Calgary the weekend of May 23rd and 24th. He would like to put on an open Spey Workshop/Demo day on the Sunday (24th), focus on light weight (trout) spey rods, switch rods and spey casting with the singlehand rod. This would be a day long event with plenty of opportunity to try out some differnt outfits or fine tune one that you already have. I know a lot of guys on here have had a chance to cast with Courtney both at the expo and on his home waters on Vancouver Island and you know how good he is at getting things to work for you. As well Val will be there to work with any of the ladies that are interested or already into Spey casting. I'll be updating location and timing over the next little while, as well there is an opportunity for some small class/private lessons on the Saturday, and maybe some tying demo's if we can find an appropriate location. Cheers Colin

wish I could swing a few extra days off, I'd be in for sure. Colin

There are quite a few nice little motels right at Qualicum Bay (2 minutes from the shop) Kingfisher is definitely nice and only 10 minutes or so north of the shop. Best part about the Qualicum Bay properties is you are right on the water and there is always decent cutty fishing right there. Courtney will drag you into some remote rivers so be prepared for a couple pre-dawn to dark days but they will be worth it. You will be too early for trout fishing in the Elk River (Campbell River area) but the Little Qualicum usually holds some decent fish year round if you are willing to walk a bit. You could always bring a float tube and check out Spider Lake (just west of Qualicum Bay) Bass may be active depending on temps and there are some decent trout in there as well. Check your regs. As far as flies go, the shop will have the latest and greatest for the area, if not the boys will whip a few up for you. Rolled Muddlers, small California Neals, or any small alevin pattern will probably be working off the beaches. Colin

Sous Vide has been around since the days of Escoffier, certainly nothing new on the culinary scene, although the advances to the immersion heaters has definitely made this method of cooking available to all. I've had success by using a Food Saver, pot of water and a good digital thermometer. My only concern for the home cook would be preparing foods that may contain certain types of bacteria that will reproduce in an anaerobic environment like you have when you remove the oxygen (vacuum seal) and then heat at lower temps. Cases of botulism have been reported especially with mushrooms. I personally like to prepare multiple meals this way and they freeze them, then you can basically 'boil in bag' for a quick dinner. Colin (ex Chef of 30+ years)

Is it gummy soft or just 'tacky' feeling? wipe the head of the fly with an alcohol wipe after hitting it with the light, should remove any of the tacky feeling. I use the CCG Hydro, thin like water, two coats builds a nice head. No Tackiness at all. Colin

water was flowing against the north bank below the bridge where its normally a huge gravel bar, it would be nice to see the ice dig out some new holding water. Colin

Not sure if anyone has seen these or not, but I was in Mapworld (DT Calgary) and I came across 4 map books for Alberta that had listings of all crown lands as well as names/business owners of individual sections. Might come in handy for folks looking for access to streams, hunting areas, ect. Pricey, but I could see them being valuable for reserch. Colin

Got a chance to try out the both new Beulah Opal surf rod (11' 7/8) and the Mystic (11'3 8wt) on a small Vancouver Island stream for Chum salmon and the odd Coho last weekend, using a short shooting head system developed for Nile Creek fly shop that was perfect for the size of this river (picture Upper Oldman/Crowsnest size). Lots of fish up to 15+lbs and never felt under-gunned and if any of you have targeted Chum salmon you know they can be mean and nasty and destroy a lot of gear. Most fish did come on the swing but stripping did produce the odd one, we we're fishing Epoxy Minnows and the hits were violent to say the least. Chrome female Chum still with sealice.

I'll pop in on Saturday. Colin

Any Revelation blanks in that order Dave? Need a 9'5wt. Colin