Lunker Hunt

Sunfish Identification, Know Your Stuff?

2012-01-26T17:49:42-08:00

A dude named Wayne shot me an e-mail recently. He was building a sunfish identification quiz and was interested in using some pictures of mine. After I saw his work I got excited about being included in such a project and granted immediate permission. Click here to take the sunfish quiz, it ain't easy but you'll learn a couple things...and no, I will not tell you how poorly I scored.

Next he needs to build a quiz to help me keep remember how to ID stripers, whites and "wipers."

Crawdad Fly Giveaway

2012-01-16T19:52:20-08:00

I'm giving away these fantastic flies and it is super easy to enter. Simply click this link and leave a comment on the Facebook picture it takes you to. Comments on this blog post are appreciated, but won't be considered contest entries...you have to comment on Facebook to enter.

If you're handy with a vise, click here for video tying instructions.

Gear Review: Glacier Pro Angler Glove

2012-01-09T15:02:20-08:00

Someone at Glacier Glove was paying attention when I said summer gloves "are not my bag." With winter approaching, they came back with a new opportunity: Pro Angler Gloves. I told them another review would be great but I couldn't promise any fishing with the gloves - ice fishing isn't my bag either. There is no shortage of other outside type stuff going on around here in the winter... namely my second passion: shoveling snow. For some reason they found that agreeable.

Little did we know how mild our December would be and getting this review complete took a little longer than expected. The gloves arrived on December 14th. It was a freakishly warm day at 54 degrees - foreshadowing perhaps? Cold weather trials would have to wait..maybe it would snow and I'd have the review done by Christmas?

Fingers in "liberation mode"

First impressions were favorable and no initial quality issues were evident. These gloves had enough features to make me think they are worth the hefty price of $40. They are constructed of fleece lined 2mm neoprene, they call it G-Tek... whatever the heck that means.

A Velcro strap at the wrist would keep the gloves in place. Slits in the thumb and index finger allow those fingers to be liberated in situations such as knot tying, picture taking, txt messaging or nose picking. Small patches of Velcro secure the finger flaps out of the way. The middle finger has a nice textured patch for traction. I slid the gloves on, they fit loosely but not too bad. Perhaps I should have checked out the glove sizing chart before ordering size large.

Fleece lining

Most of the glove is water proof, with the obvious exception of thumb and index finger. Having previously fished with 100% waterproof neoprene gloves I was anxious to know if water intrusion would compromise the insulating properties of these gloves, better get out and try it...

I took my fly rod and these gloves to Powerton on a day that happened to stay below freezing. I started fishing without any gloves just to verify that it was in fact cold outside...and it was. I only lasted a few minutes before reaching in my pocket for the gloves - the warmth was just about instant. Stripping wet line across my right index finger put a noticeable amount of moisture into the glove but everything stayed warm. Very warm to be exact, and that is a HUGE plus for these gloves. I think they are even warmer than my other neoprene gloves...water and all. That will outweigh any potential issues.

The fly fishing trip did reveal a couple weak spots for the gloves...at least for me. Apparently, I use my middle finger while tying improve cinch knots... something I didn't realize until this trip.

I just couldn't get a knot tied without taking the gloves off, and taking them off to tie knots was a pain due to the wrist strap. I'm thinking the gloves could be improved by adding a slit for the middle finger and/or removing the wrist strap.

I also ran into a slight quality problem while fishing. A thread came loose inside the right hand index finger, and stripping line also pulled the thread out farther. I snipped the thread at the root and the problem disappeared, but my gloves are missing about twelve inches of thread from somewhere...I think it came from the fleece lining near the finger slit.

I came home and threw the gloves on a shelf in my garage and three days later grabbed them to fish again. They were still wet on the inside and cold when I put them on. It only took a few minutes to warm the moisture and be comfortable again. Storing the gloves indoors helps to dry them out more quickly.

On New Year's Eve, I took the gloves hunting on Grandpa's farm in Missouri. The weather was so warm, maxing out at sixty-eight degrees, I never even took the gloves out of my pocket. I had another chance to hunt the following weekend.

I brought the gloves and Granddad's shotgun to Banner Marsh to try and find some upland game. The day started cool and Glacier's gloves were a great addition.

I was hoping the gloves wouldn't interfere with my trigger finger, and unfortunately that wasn't the case. With this particular gun I could not fit my finger into the trigger guard. I think all guards are unique so you may not have this problem with a different gun. I peeled back the flap on my trigger finger and secured it on the Velcro. I prefer my trigger finger to be bare anyway so this was great, but it revealed another minor design flaw.

The Velcro patch used to secure the fingers when they are folded back works pretty well as long as you don't move your hand much. While hunting, it didn't take long for the flap to get loose and... well... flap around. It really wasn't a big deal functionally, but the Velcro didn't fulfill it's duty for extended periods of time. The Glacier team could improve this area - potentially by using larger Velcro patches.

Flap flapping

The gloves did a great job keeping my hands warm while fishing in twenty-five degree weather, but hunting in forty-five degree weather was too much. Around 10:00 in the morning, I had to take the gloves off to stay cool... my hands had been sweating inside.

As a whole, I am very pleased with Glacier's Pro Angler Gloves. Keeping wet hands warm while fishing is a huge challenge to overcome. While fishing, my hands were warm... not "warm enough" but actually warm. I did have a few minor issues but nothing severe enough to make me forget how warm they are. I'm definitely going to use the gloves again for future fishing and hunting trips. Maybe someday we'll even get some snow to shovel.

I'm sure you'll be happy with a pair.

Hand modeling: Costanza has nothing on me

Disclaimer: The Glacier Gloves featured in this post were provided to me free of charge in exchange for an honest review. I am not an expert on fishing gloves, or any sort of glove for that matter, and such a position allowed me to provide this review from the perspective of an outsider to the fishing glove industry. Lunker Hunt is not officially associated with or sponsored by Glacier Gloves and is accepting no other compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review. My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established. This disclaimer is getting pretty long, huh? Maybe I should just stop typing it.

Bonus section for those still reading: You'll quickly learn where to NOT wipe your runny nose on these gloves. The Velcro patches leave a small but painful mark when repeatedly rubbed on cold tender nose skin.

Also click here for a similar review from Yukon Goes Fishing

Diamond Scales and Gold Leaf Fin

2012-01-06T17:12:45-08:00

A bluefin tuna recently sold for $736,000 in Japan. The fish weighed 594lb (field dressed I suppose) and will result in a $90 loss for every sushi roll sold. Those Japanese are crazier than we thought.

At $1,238 per pound, I'm beginning to rethink my preference for fresh water fishing - sustainability be damned.

This One Is For Ivan

2012-01-03T18:46:10-08:00

I don't care what they say about Missoula and its residents. Anyone who makes delicious canned beer like this is "A-number-one" in my book.

I couldn't resist...it even says "We Make Water Fun!" Perfect for any Missoulian who is also a Fluvialist and enjoys canned beer.

Graduation Day - Clay to Feather

2011-12-30T03:00:04-08:00

I was pleased to see Bass Pro stocks a full line of 16 gauge loads from eight through two, even a couple brands to choose from. The local Gander Mountain keeps just eight shot...and only one variety: Italian.

With some luck tomorrow, Granddad's bolt action will return to her upland glory days.

In case you are wondering, it is a Mossberg 190d bolt action 16 gauge. Until now I've only used it on clay, so far I'm in love. I'm curious how long it will take to remember it isn't a pump.

=================
PS. 400th post....woohoo

My New Video Camera

2011-12-29T07:58:16-08:00

The missus noticed my recent post about the Kodak Playsport she bought last year. This past Christmas, she sneaked something special under the tree for me - at the meetings, we call that "enabling."

I took my new Panasonic HM-TA20 camera fishing the other day and you can see the results below. No fancy music or editing...just a four short clips to see how it works. Try it in HD if you like but don't adjust your volume, there is no sound until the final clip.

With one trip under my belt, here are the first impressions on the TA20:

Picture/video quality still poor in low light but...
...this one comes with a LED flash to use for picture and video.
Close-up capability is better than the first gen Playsport I had previously.
I'm loving the little tripod that comes with it, you'll be seeing my face more.
3" screen is awesomely huge but...
...touch controls are more difficult than buttons
I forgot to stick it in the water to see how that works.
I'm not crazy about the idea of a permanent battery
Grabbing stills from video will come in handy

Here's a close-up of Dangle lounging in our dim living room - taken in 2MP mode

And here is a still I pulled from the 720p video. I also cropped it down some.

Whatsit Wednesday - Mystery Tool Addition

2011-12-28T04:00:08-08:00

Santa stuffed my stocking with this doodad and I have no idea what it is. The big jolly bastard was unavailable for comment and his little helper weren't no help at all.

A Mediocre Year, Lets Rehash It

2011-12-27T04:00:03-08:00

Oh what a year 2011 was. She had some ups and downs and will live forever in my memory due to certain reasons. The past couple years I've put together a recap story; a means to celebrate my perpetually limited success in blogging. Seeing as I'm inconsistent in every other aspect of my life, why not take something serious for once and do it again...you've got to start somewhere.

We've picked up some new readers along the way. Here is a great chance to catch up and see what you missed - all wrapped up in one tidy package. The following is the best Lunker Hunt had to offer in 2011. For previous year recaps, click here.

In January, I unveiled Clif's Crawdad in it's latest form. A bass fly whose degree of tying difficulty is only offset once you get it wet. For video tying instructions smash your finger on this link.

I caught wind of an $8000 fly fishing reel and the creative juices flowed. The result was some of my finest work. A holier person than I might even say I was inspired by God.

One of the biggest draws of the year was my Oscars post. Many thanks to a few of you who liked it and linked up.

Still wallowing in the depth of winter, more fishing related content came in February without me actually fishing. The poster series in which we probably offended you.

In March, things were finally starting to get fishy around here. I got out of the gate in a hurry with a nice grain fed trout, albeit one I snagged in the ass. I followed up with one of my first videos.

Another big hit came when I showed off my fishing hat and chronicled its journey to becoming something the missus would rather not have in the house.

In late March, I journeyed to the land of big sky and big trout: Montana. Fishing the Bighorn River for three days produced so much content I ~~milked~~ spread it over three posts. The preview, the video and the pictures.

I decided to give the Google what it wanted and authored a post rife with information and commonly used keywords. Many people would like to know how to fish Senkos...and I obliged.

Winning some stuff from OBN is great, but then you gotta go through the work of using and reviewing it. Luckily the Berkley Havoc baits were a treat.

In May, the gills came shallow and I had two or three of the most exciting outings of the year. Catching gills on a 3wt is the most fun a person should have...sadly my hoopty noodle broke and such fun is no more.

So you want to be a blogging superstar and enjoy benefits of marginal value like me? Here are some blogging tips, and how to connect your profession to your blogging addiction.

Some of my 2011 fishing goals took luck, others took work. One goal in particular took both and I struggled immensely in attempts to kill it.

Brady came in from Colorado and I showed him how much more fun bass are than trout...and he loved it hard.

The 5th Annual Toothless Beaver Fishing Trip went off with fewer injuries than average. Plus, no one was arrested and we caught more than just a buzz.

"We've been polishing this turd for years, and it still looks like shit." - Click here to enjoy some hilarious hijinks from the Red Neck Fishing Derby in Bath, IL where fishing poles are not allowed.

I went after a noble game fish and ended up with a disgusting gar...believe me, I was happy to have it too.

It took me exactly six minutes to catch the same fish twice...well I think it's the same fish and could use some help knowing for sure. What do you think?

Dave put on sensible shoes, we explored some new waters in search of smallies and I snagged an Asian carp. The experience left me thirst for more; I even designed the Asian Carp Snagging Fly^TM.

Bass Pro Shops opened a store very close to my home. I braved the crowds on opening day to see what the fuss was - having tying materials nearby is a good thing.

A business trip to China left me with a day to play. I spent part of it fishing. I can now say I've done that and probably won't do it again. Part 1. Part 2.

As the Alabama Rig took the bass fishing world by storm, I jumped on the band wagon and poked fun and the idea. This post is a gold mine for google related traffic and has become my second most popular post of all time...no small feat in such a short time.

I wrote my final blog post in November...but didn't publish it. I still have it saved as draft and on certain days my trigger finger starts to itch.

A fishing trip during hunting season can be a treat, if only due to interactions we have with "those other" outdoorsy type people.

In December, I took my final fishing trip of the year (or so I thought) and penciled in the first couple lines of a country song...yet to be completed.

So there you have it: a mediocre year summed up in one giant mediocre blog post. Here's to a great 2012 for you and yours...and may I retain the conviction to avoid publishing "that one post" and keep this shit show going for another few months.

I'm Not a Proud Man

2011-12-24T08:09:20-08:00

Cooling lakes, the savior of winter fishing

Having already sworn off fish 'til spring, I surprised myself Thursday when a txt asked if I wanted to wet a line, a fly line no less. The surprise came with how little thought I gave the suggestion.

All in the name of "chasing the dragon" I guess.

I busted out the long underwear for the first time and layered up the torso and extremities. My truck's thermometer confirmed what I already suspected...I was going to freeze.

It pays to know fishing regulations. In my case, it paid to know people...who know other people who read the book. With duck season closed, Powerton is open again for fishing - from shore only. This was new information to me, but luckily there is a guy out there named Troy who is more addicted than me. And luckily Troy knows how to get in touch the The Mark. And The Mark has my phone number.

To match, first you must catch

~~I learned pretty quick about the local forage.~~ My first fish took a Crystal Schminnow with authority and put up a great fight. In my opinion, shiners will compete pound-for-pound with any game fish out there...~~I cast him twice before noticing~~ a real treat on my 8wt.

White Bass?

Asian carp came into the lake during floods a few years ago. I was surprised to see the number of anglers trying to snag them. Apparently Asian carp chunks make great catfish bait and Powerton is a local legend for monster cats. The shore was littered with butchered carp ~~carcasses~~ ~~carci~~ ~~carcassi~~ bodies.

[Bloody Asian carp picture censored]

The crowd was light, much lighter than I've ever seen. I guess that just means there are fewer of us idiots around these days. One highlight of the day was an early exchange between The Mark and another angler:

Catfisher: You guys catching anything with those fly rods?
Mark: Not yet.
Catfisher: I didn't think you would.

Hybrid Striper?

I can never tell with certainty the difference between stripers, white bass and their hybrids. I came home and looked it up...apparently I should have taken a peek at their tongues, but I'm thinking I caught some of each - four in total, plus this little guy:

The intention, albeit a small example.

It took a while to find a bite, but I figured it out and caught all five fish within the last hour. Fly selection didn't seem to matter as much as location....and when I struck gold a mob of three kids surrounded me. It was almost instant, and the little buggers did their best to get in my way. They learned damn quick to speak up before crossing my rear.

4 hours, 25.0 miles and 6 degrees later

The weather guesser promised a high of forty. Having endured four hours, I knew my truck thermometer would prove him wrong. It's tough to walk away after unlocking a secret, but the wind can be down right cruel and relentless.

Flat Pictures, Empty Words

2011-12-19T04:00:15-08:00

The problem with words is they are a translation.

The mind can think in dimensions words will never represent. Transferring thoughts into words is a difficult task. That is about the best way I can describe it.

To those who come close, I salute you and envy your mastery

The problem with pictures is they are a translation.

I have never seen a photo that spoke to me as real life does. Sometimes, I see one that comes close, maybe even stirring emotion

To those who come close, I salute you and envy your skill.

Why are you here? Go do something, see something, think something.

More Like Kodak NO-sport

2011-12-14T04:30:05-08:00

I like to take things apart when they stop working..and sometimes when everything's fine.

I can no longer do anything but watch it cycle through menu options like a button is stuck, but I can assure you the buttons are not stuck.

This piece of crap Kodak Playsport is going in the garbage. Any recommendations for something similar that doesn't suck balls?

Gear Review: TFO Clouser Fly Rod

2011-12-12T04:00:18-08:00

About a year ago I was flush with Christmas cash. I decided to use the moola to upgrade my bassin' fly rod and took to the interwebs for research. After a few hours, it was narrowed down to the Temple Fork Outfitters Clouser, a Redington Predator or the Sage Bass Series. The Sage ~~was~~ is just too damn expensive for normal folk, so it was ruled out immediately...which left the other two...

The Clouser was a smidge more spendy, but the short length of the Predator rod scared me away - at the time they only offered a 7'10" version. A little extra length would help out while fishing from the low perch of my kayak. The Redington boys liked to brag about the short length because it fits in under bass tournament length regulations...if they only knew that was the deciding factor for me, perhaps not in the way they intended.

I searched high and low for the best price and discovered there were no retailers offering deals; they all held onto the MSRP of $249 like it was *bleeping* golden. The Predator was going for $200 at the time (now $250) and the Sage was somewhere north of four bills (now five and a half.) I chose to buy my rod from the man himself; Mr. Clouser sells his namesake rods through an on-line store. This was also the only site I found to offer free shipping on the full range of TFO Clousers from 5wt all the way up to 10wt - most stores only sold the 5 and 8wt models and charged shipping. I suggest you take a look at that link above if you're in the market.

I selected the 8wt model, ordered it up and sat tight through Snowmageddon 2011 to wait for the shipment. Shipping was pretty quick: about a week. The rod was actually sent directly from a Temple Fork Outfitters facility in Texas. The day after the rod arrived, I received another package and letter from the Clouser shop directly. The package contained a spool of RIO Clouser fly line and a short letter I have since misplaced. It frustrates me to have lost the letter because I was saving it with the purpose to add a picture to this very post. Anyway, to paraphrase what I remember the letter said:

Thanks for puchasing a rod, it should ship soon from TFO in Texas. Here is the line I designed to use on your new rod. -Bob

Perhaps I may have mentioned Lunker Hunt and my intent to write this review...I guess Mr. Clouser wanted to make sure I wasn't using cheap line to evaluate the rod. I ended up ignoring his advice and used RIO Smallmouth fly line for the full season, though I intend to spool up with the RIO Clouser line next year. I smell an 8wt line shootout post in the future.

First Impressions

The 8wt model is eight feet, nine inches long and breaks down into four pieces at twenty-eight inches each. It weighs five and a half ounces.

The blank finish is a unique shade of blue. The thread wraps are a matching blue with grey and silver highlights. They claim the rod is protected by a TiCr finish to guard against impact from heavily weighted flies - a feature I am unable to independently verify.

The grip is mostly burl cork with rubberized cork accents and the fighting butt (6-10wt versions only) is oversized and rubberized. The up-locking reel seat is metal (aluminum I assume) and anodized in a chocolatey brown finish. Everything around the handle is comfortable and firm.

There are a total of ten guides (excluding the tip) and are all double footed. The first two are ring style and the remaining are stainless steel snake guides. The tip-top is stainless as well.

Each section has tiny yellow dots near the ferrule to help get everything in a straight line and the male ferrule portion is colored grey - I suppose that helps to quickly determine which end is which. When fully assembled, a little grey coloring is visible at each joint - I consider this the only ugly feature of this rod and would prefer to see it all blue.

Near the handle, they included a quick line weight identification feature. My rod has a thick red bar and three thin gold bars. The red one indicates five, and each gold bar indicates one each...so five plus three equals 8...my rod is an 8wt....get it? I guess a 10wt would have two red bars and no gold ones.

The rod came in a blue velor sock, but I was disappointed to find a rod tube was not included. Even though this is not a top of the line rod, I think something at this price point should include a protective rod tube.

Another disappointment I immediately discovered was the lack of a hook keep - another simple feature you only miss when it's not around. Not a complete deal breaker though; you can't catch fish without a hook in the water anyway. On the TFO site they currently claim "hook keepers have now been added" so I can only assume this oversight is now corrected.

The "wiggle test" revealed an action earning this rod a new nickname (previously revealed) "the blue broomstick." Fast action and muscle are worthy attributes for someone planning to throw heavy flies, which crater rather than present.

As with all Temple Fork Outfitter rods, the Clouser comes with a life-time no fault warranty. This selling point goes a long way in my book, especially since the demise of my previous rod.

As a whole, I was impressed with the rod out of the box and couldn't wait for ice to thaw in Illinois (and beyond). The next step: give it a swing.

How it Works

Flash forward eleven months and with a season of use under it's belt, I am now comfortable commenting on performance. As stated, I kept the 8wt rod paired with RIO Smallmouth WF8F - a very good line in my opinion. I'd be curious to see how it handles a WF9 or a heavier sinking line. I did not upgrade my reel, but a cheap plastic St. Croix reel was a perfect balance and otherwise deserves no mention.

The fast action allows for some spectacular casting displays while being unforgiving in the same instant. The rod begs you to exceed your license and get too much line in the air. I had overshot my casting abilities with this purchase and learned to practice applied restraint.

While casting large wind resistant and weighted flies, I was never short on muscle. This is what the rod is designed to do, what it is marketed as and where it excels. Large poppers, furry streamers and heavy bottom bouncers snap out of the water with ease and stay off the ground in the rear. Belgian casting helped when I was using really heavy flies and roll casting worked if the fly was light.

On several occasions I used the Clouser rod to throw "traditional" flies like nymphs, emergers and dries. In my opinion it is too much rod to effective fish these. It will reach out a country mile with light flies, but I lost accuracy and had difficulty dropping the fly gently. No one reading this will consider an 8wt if they intend to fish dries, but the point deserved a mention.

I took this rod just about everywhere in 2011. It accompanied me to the Bighorn in Montana, I used it to wrestle grain fed trout in East Peoria, it pulled smallies from the Vermilion and Mackinaw, and it fought largemouth in quite a few area lakes.

With enough backbone to fling dumbell eyes, it makes sense for me to have no trouble landing fish. I also had the luxury of choosing how to fight 'em depending on the circumstance. In fact once the fight started I felt the rod was too stiff in most cases. The only fish to give me trouble was the hawg shown at right...but I tail hooked that one and still had sufficient leverage to bring it to hand.

Wrap it up Already

The Temple Fork Outfitters Clouser series of rods are a great value. At $250 (a little less for the 5wt version), the rods are reasonably priced well below the more expensive Sage Bass Series. The Clousers currently priced equally with Redington Predators but I can't compare performance without having swung the later.

If you purchase this rod and use it for bass, saltwater, or salmon (probably any species preferring large flies) I am sure you'll be pleased.

Action Shot - Tangled Up with a Mackinaw River Smallmouth

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Disclaimer: I paid full retail price for this rod in January of 2011. I have no association with Temple Fork Outfitters, Bob Clouser or any other company/entity named herein. I disclosed that Mr. Clouser probably tried to ensure a fair review by providing quality line, but as you read I ignored his advice - who would ignore his advice anyway? This guy. The review presented above is my honest evaluation of the merits and demerits of my TFO Clouser 8wt rod. It's my every day stick and will continue to hold that position...probably until I slam it in the tailgate, at which point I'd be happy to own a new one (courtesy their warrant...this time with a hook keep). Do I get bonus points for working in a Rod Blagojevich reference?

Caption Contest - Jackass and Belly Edition

2011-12-08T04:30:01-08:00

Is this a fishing picture? Depends on the caption.

"________________________________."

Enter your caption in the comment section below. This isn't really a contest because I'm not going to pick a winner...if I did the prize would probably suck anyway. Should anyone else choose a winner, more power to 'em.

Missed One Nibble, Froze Two Kibble

2011-12-07T04:30:01-08:00

"Are you fishing today?" asked the birthday girl.
I knew the correct answer was, "No."
"Why not?"
"Everywhere is closed because of hunting."
"What about Charter Oak?"

Was this a trap?

I missed one nibble, froze two kibble

and swore it all off for the year.

Big Shirley the Bass

2011-12-05T04:30:03-08:00

Everyone has seen giant fish in pictures, the kind of fish that garners a blurb in the local paper. Just search the google if you haven't seen one. But has everyone seen one in real life?

I have and this is my story.

I was fishing with my father-in-law at a local state park. The bass hadn't spawned yet but it wasn't technically "ice-out" fishing either. Just early spring when bass wake up with hunger pains. The name of the game is slow fishing, slow catching and big dreaming of egg-laden females in a class that begs the question:

"Where is the nearest certified scale."

I was throwing a senko, blue and black, and we'd positioned the two-man boat in a favorite spot. The boat was in twenty feet of water and a short cast could land on a large shallow flat. It's a perfect spot for prespawn fishing where the women set up deep, keeping an eye on the boys who head shallow first.

As my worm came out of the water to start the next cast, the biggest goddamn bass I have ever seen came out of nowhere and swiped at the worm. She was within a pole's length of the boat and her movements rippled the surface without a splash. Her mouth was open and as big as a cereal bowl, her eyes were popped out and I saw the body's full width as it turned and slowly swam back down...never to be seen again.

It's the kind of moment where you are completely speechless as the weight of it all sinks in. I dropped the worm in a desperate move to turn her back, but that fish lives only in my memory and the human mind has a way of playing tricks with such stories. I have no pictures and no corroborating accounts, just me and the slow motion reenactment that haunts me to this day.

Was she really that big? Time has blurred my estimate on her weight but I do know one thing for sure: she was a pig. With every trip to that lake I go to a certain spot first. Shirley she is there; too smart to fall for our tricks.

A Proclamation of the Season

2011-11-28T03:43:31-08:00

I'm burning through serious quantities of fur

Whereas, it will soon be colder than Eskimo snot, all the nearby water will soon turn solid and the nation of Lunker Hunt does not recognize ice fishing as an enjoyable pastime; and,

Whereas, I now have a place to fondle material prior to purchase, a freshly organize tying desk and a reasonable supply of dried hardwood to burn; and,

Whereas, I don't really enjoy tying flies unless there is nothing else to do and/or my box is running low; and,

Whereas, there is nothing else to do and my box is running low.

Therefore, be it ordained by me, the fly tying season is officially open.

Apocalypse Fish and the Social Net

2011-11-27T09:09:48-08:00

Dave and I planned to fish but had trouble deciding on a spot. The chance for success was slim due to cold water temps so I was trying to limit my gasoline bill. While the missus cooked a delicious breakfast casserole, Dave acted as advanced scout. His report from Charter Oak came back with windy conditions, dead lily pads and no fish. Dave went looking for a heavier coat and I checked The Facebook...social networking is a wonderful thing:

Arkham City? I am not "Lol."

Too cold to fish? After shaking the wimp out of Mark, we agreed to meet up and try out his new sportsman's club membership. The experience was unique to say the least.

All of us caught fish, ~~Mark and I~~ some more than ~~Dave~~ others, but what made the day interesting was the constant sound of gunfire. The lake is almost completely surrounded by shooting ranges, and the late breaking warmth brought the gun nuts out in full force. It was like fishing in the middle of a g'damn zombie apocalypse.

"That sounds like a giant gun."
"Yea, it's at the hand gun range too."
"I wonder what kind it is."
"It's barely a hand gun."
"I think it's a two hand gun."

I'll call him "Black Stripe"

If the lake fishes like that in late November, it may be worth another look in May. I may even check into membership options...if I can forget the sour taste of my last club membership.

It would be a perfect excuse to buy that hand-cannon I've had my eye on. BOOM! BOOM!

Big Fish, Big Picture

2011-11-20T13:02:41-08:00

Beta testing is complete and the change is live. To celebrate this new Lunker Hunt layout, please enjoy this big picture of a big fish (originally posted as a small picture in 2008):

The reason for the shake up: now I can choose the "X-Large" setting for pictures instead of manually adjusting the code for a width of 550 pixels. Hopefully the site is a little more reader friendly too...what do you think?

Mud Butt Print and Huge Racks

2011-11-20T12:50:58-08:00

The Illinois autumn hasn't started until you see antlers peeking over tailgates. And it turns out certain deer hunters will thank a fisherman who kicks up three deer in an afternoon...albeit sarcastically.

The honey-do list had me reorganizing the storage room this weekend, most likely Saturday. With the cold snap ending in time for the weekend, I cautiously pointed out the Sunday forecast included 40mph wind...a perfect day for interior domestic work. It turned into an easy negotiation and the Sunday fishing plan became Saturday fishing.

October and November in Illinois add a curve ball to planning an outing on water. The duck/goose hunting lobby must be strong because ~~some~~ the best public lakes are closed to fishing and all have additional restrictions for anglers. This is when it pays to have an understanding of public access spots to rivers and creeks. Unfortunately, such spots have the added danger of the deer archery season that opened on October first. If a dude is hard up for some fishing the best he can do is wear bright colors, keep his head down and trust fellow outdoorsmen to look closely before shooting.

I found my fall fishing cap and set out with smallies on the mind. I knew the bite would be tough with nightly air temps dipping below the freeze line. I'd be fishing a new spot, but if I could find a wintering hole maybe I would get lucky enough to drop an offering in the tiny strike zone - the stars would align and I'd beat my chest with glory.

It was easy to find the public access point, it was marked by ten other trucks - each with a whitetail sticker in the window - some with camo lettering declaring the importance of "huge racks." I suited up and saw my first dead deer of the year, antlerless and petite.

Me: "Looks like you've already had some luck"
He: "Ahhh, he's just a little skip"

Under the bridge, I missed three strikes before finally landing the first fish. A sign of life: at least the chub are biting.

Three kids showed up to throw rocks with Grandpa. They arrived just in time to see me lose footing and bust ass. Luckily I had the presence of mind to toss the rod far from potential damage...into the frigid knee deep water.

Gramps: "Come over here because he's fishing on that side"
Kid #1: "But I want to talk to him"
Kid #2: "You can't, he's a stranger"
Me (falling): "@#&%!"
Gramps: "You okay?"

I rolled up my sleeve to retrieve the stick and started hoofing downstream away from shame and toward my impending glory.

I spent too much time working a root ball, a couple more chubs came to hand but still no sign of bronze. Three deer sneaked in and settled in a nearby thicket, only to scare the crap out of me when I finally gave up on the the hole. The deer headed off downstream, and I made a mental note to not be a huge sissy when I saw them again.

Where the creek bent, it also entered an unfishable section of ten foot shear walls. From the mouth of the "mini canyon" I could double hall downstream into the deepest water around. Close enough to work a small area of the hole and just far enough to cause a wind knot...or twenty.

If there were still smallies in this creek, that was the spot...I'm sure of it but I wasn't far from where the creek dumped into a river...there may be no smallmouth in the creek at all. This is where the gamble on location would pay and I tried my hardest to cash in. The small section I could reach was worked over with every presentation I could manage: buggers, Clousers, crawdads, meat whistles and mad toms - fast, slow, slower and slowest.

Back at the bridge I saw my butt print in the mud. The kids were gone and the hunters were starting their second shift. I wondered if my rear window was fit for the bass sticker it displays...without it there would be room for a sixteen point silhouette and camo letters.

Me: "I spooked a few downstream, you might want to head north instead"
He: "Thanks"

Before and After - Domesticated

2011-11-07T04:00:08-08:00

Not long ago I shared my tying space in this post. Sunday things got a lot more organized...and just in time for the fly tying season.

Before

Activities such as fly tying are still relegated to the basement, but we're making great strives toward eventually having ~~equal rights~~ a spot on the main floor.

After

Now I just need to find a desk lamp, procure a chair and fabricate something to hold the vise.

I am accepting wagers on how long it takes me to "unorganize" the new desk and can offer even money for all dates after December first.

Written and Unpublished

2011-11-02T04:30:02-07:00

Fishermen have their last cast. Wing shooters have the second barrel. Neither enjoy using it, both usually do. Depending on the day, it's a last chance or final hurrah.

It dawned on me recently that Lunker Hunt won't last forever. Eventually I will publish my last post. It is inevitable but the question of timing isn't exactly clear. Hopefully it happens before I piddle out with apathy, sloth and higher obligation.

Did I really start this site with an expectation of not finishing? Will it end with a fizzle or a bang? I'd rather go out in style.

As such, I have begun writing my final post. There it sits in the pile of other unpublished work, to be tweaked and adjusted over time. Maybe someday you'll read it.

Alabama Rig, Applied to Life

2011-10-30T07:00:10-07:00

If you have only a mild interest in bass fishing, you've heard about the "Alabama rig." Or "umbrella rig" as it's known in certain other bass fishing circles. It's all the rage these days on the tournament circuit.

Photo courtesy of thealabamarig.com

The R&D team at Lunker Hunt Laboratories is pleased to present the concept refocused....

Alabama Conference Call

Alabama Bullets

Alabama Golfing

Alabama Motorboatin'

Alabama Pisser

Pink Alabama Ukulele

A Match in My Pocket

2011-10-26T04:00:16-07:00

In the canyon, wind does terrible things to fly anglers. Shear walls grab the breeze, accelerate it to a gust and redirect it's aggression. The angle of attack seems to change randomly and quickly.

A day alone on the water was my birthday wish and I returned to the scene of the crime to catch a few bass and maybe snag an Asian carp or two. The carp were no where to be seen, but the smallies did not disappoint.

In a certain pool, I was constantly seeing them slurp the surface. I took a quick glance around and saw no bugs, so I settled on a #16 gray/dun traditional dry. I brought a little too much muscle but such was the opportunity presented and I'd be a fool to ignore it.

After the first cast yielded a shad, I had a thought about you trout guys. I thought about how easy you have it; your quarry broadcasting their position in such a way. At least feeding bass are somewhat difficult to locate...

After the second or third fish, I started to realize why you like it so much. The challenge of rolling over and delicately laying down a dry is the sort of challenge I love...and it ain't easy with 3X tippet and 8wt line.

After the third or forth fish, I felt bad for not inviting Dave. So I sent him a TXT to rub salt....

"Shad are taking #16 dries on the Vermilion right now."

At the truck I finally saw a bug...

I had a perfect match all along.

Far East Fishing, Part Two: Stink and Spatter

2011-10-25T04:00:07-07:00

Another well dressed local and a new favorite picture

The water glowed with the rainbow of petroleum products. In the calm between gentle breezes, my nostrils filled with sewage smells. The movement of my line kicked up a froth where it entered the "water." After a few casts, the white feathers on my spinner were rusty in color. And every turn of my reel spattered the stuff on bare knuckles.

Traveling light

The previous day's scouting (click here for part one) revealed the kink in my plan; I had arrived in China without the goods to snag Asian carp. But I had a chance to fish in China and wasn't going to give it up easily. Surely, there are predators to keep carp in check...

...and don't call me Shirley.

Anything packed is something to be carried through an airport and I traveled light. I brought my new Eagle Claw Trailmaster rod, a medium action spinning reel, line clippers, a clamp and a small box of spinners and grubs - if I was to choose just two lures they were going to be deadly. I wasn't sure about the space availability for casting fly line, so I left that reel in the states.

I set up shop on a canal, far enough away from the no fishing sign to play "ignorant American" if any military tanks showed up to smoosh me. I wasn't the first to fish there; a well worn path through shrubbery opened up to a standing spot on the concrete wall that held back the canal.

I held my own T! Party

Maybe the site of a white guy fishing is strange. Maybe my "short" seven foot rod was the problem. Or maybe it was my slow even retrieve. I was a sight to see for the locals. A steady stream of foot traffic and e-bikes carried rubbernecks past my spot.

I didn't have a fishing license and wasn't even sure I needed one. Not long after starting, two columns of policemen jogged by in formation and synchronized step. I avoided eye contact and started working my way a little further from the "no fishing" sign.

My line and rod were a little too heavy for the 1/16th ounce jigs, so I switched up to a 1/8th ounce inline spinner. The extra distance was perfect for casting the full width of the canal but was negated by a local who pulled up on an e-bike and started dunking bait directly opposite me.

After moving to a new spot, I was really starting to be grossed out by the smell in the air and water on my hands. I had to pause as a row boat came through with government workers straining debris from the surface; their boat heavily laden with a morning's work.

Where's the feesh? Not here.

At least they made an effort...but the whole situation was just too disgusting and I wasn't sure what kind of fish would be living in water like that. I packed it in after an hour of nothing and headed to the room to scrub my hands and take a nap.

The goal had been accomplished, I wet a line in China and the next goal will be to handle a Chinese fish. At work it is starting to look like I'll have more chances in the future. It's not a matter of if I need to go back, only the question of "how soon?" Maybe next time I'll find someplace other than a major industrial hub to fish...there was hardly enough soap in the hotel to wash the disgust from my fingers and nose.

At a minimum, I know there is ample space for a fly angler to stretch his arms...imagine the funny looks that would garner. I may try it, if only to give them something to talk about.