wes hendrix
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Great info.
Along with the other reasons stated, I nymph with flouro 6X because it seems to have just the right amount of stretch to it. I can set the hook quickly and with force, but still have enough give not to break them off.
Then again, maybe it’s all in my head.
Thanks guys.
Kyle – the run to the Marquesas really wasn’t that bad. Probably 20 minutes crossing over a deep trench. I only feared for my life a couple of times. It’s absolutely incredible out there.
Mark – I completely agree. I’ve used up my Permit karma for the next 5 years I’m sure. We had about 10 legit shots that day; I doubt we’ll be that lucky next time.
Since football season started, I can’t help but compare casting at these things to trying to hit a receiver in stride from 20 yards out. The only problem is they aren’t good route runners. On the one that counted, what started as a crossing pattern turned into a deep post at the last possible second. I just hauled as hard as I could and hoped the line didn’t snag. The 10 wt one-piece Loomis helped, but it really is surprising how fast they cruise on the flats.
Here are a few more shots from landing him:
I usually retrieve right handed, so fighting him was questionable at all times
The handoff
You never realize how bullet-shaped these things are until you get a top-down view
Wes
Chad,
I was there last weekend. Although there were similar floods last year, the damage this year is far worse. Evening Hole is like a war-zone; downed trees, new rock islands the size of a house, and silt everywhere. Lost Creek is completely dry and filled in with rock. It’s depressing.
The good news is there is still life. You’ll catch more small stockers, but there are still large ‘survivors’ in there that made it through the flood. We landed a 19 and I lost one over 20.
Worth the trip because it’s like fishing new water, but be prepared for a shock. I’ll try to post pictures for you later this week.
Wes
Chad,
I make the trip to BB every once in awhile, love it out there. I’ve found it’s the best place near DFW to get my fix. Here’s what I suggest:
Evening Hole: Crowded, yes, but fishing great as of last month. Try some cream midges with 6X flouro in the slow water, or a hackle/SJW in the faster water near Lost Creek. There’s some great runs near the rock wall upsream as well. Also try the tailout below the bridge, sometimes you can get it to yourself.
Zone 2: Slow lately, but I hear it has picked up. If you can figure it out, let me know. I’d probably try a dry dropper rig until you get dialed in. The past few times for me, there just hasn’t been that many fish.
Zone 3: no idea, but I hear Presby falls was fishing decent.
Basically, unless it gets crowded as hell, I’d fish evening hole and the water immediately upstream. Hope this helps.
Dusty – BB might not get much chat room pub, but there are some decent fish if you know where to look. This one took a cream midge on a cold day at Evening Hole in March:
Good luck Chad – let us know how it goes,
Wes
Daryl and Corey – thanks guys. #5 was a complete accident.
Lee – we didn’t get into any on the Arkansas. Only fished for about an hour before the wind, cold, and house-sized icebergs picked up. With all the ice on the banks and no net, I’m not sure what I would have done if I hooked up. Probably jumped in.
John – I had the most fun on the Eagle near Avon. It was the closest to Vail, had the slowest water for easier drifts, and even had a few browns rising in the late afternoons. I also listened to the entire Fleet Foxes album out there, which seemed to make sense. Very cool river.
Wes
Great shots guys. I have no idea how you do that.
I just took a trip through Crested Butte, Vail, and Taos. Hit the slopes 4 days and fished 4 hungover half-days.
Eagle River
Eagle River Brown
Rest Stop
Arkansas River
Still learning how to use a new lens
Red River, NM
All in all, a fun trip that I’m sure took a few years off my life.
Wes
I just got back from an week long snowboarding trip. Snow sucked, but gave me time to land a few of these from the Eagle River near Vail, CO:
Definitely colder fishing than I’m used to in Texas.
Wes
Those are incredible shots. How close were you when you took them?
Not near as impressive as John’s, but I had recent encounter out on my grandparent’s place in central Texas. My dad and I were leaving the blind when we spotted what looked like a bush in the field to our left. We stopped to investigate and I had my D40x with me:
I’m not much of a deer hunter, but I’d heard the larger ones will bed down in the open field in heavy grass to keep an eye on their surroundings. Sure enough, he jumped up and took off after a couple of minutes:
(My apologies for the quality – had to crop them down, and I’m not in the same league as the talent I’ve seen on this board.)
After seeing the photos (and getting the business from my grandfather), my pops was re-evaluating why he didn’t take the shot.
We saw this one the next day – I hope he makes it until next year:
On a side note, I really enjoy all the shots on this site. I feel like I’ve learned quite a bit. Thanks guys.
Wes
I have an Axiom 8. I cast the Ticrx and Axiom at the shop before I purchased, and I thought the Axiom won hands down. I thought the Ticrx was great, but the Axiom was simply more fun to cast. More flex, maybe a bit lighter, and shoots the line out in a hurry.
I fished for it for baby tarpon, snook, and reds in FL – off the deck and from the surf. It performed beyond expectations and was easy to haul right through the strong wind. It’s no Loomis (cast the guide’s one piece GLX – wow), but for the price, I’ve been more than satisfied.
No experience with a 10 though, so take it for what it’s worth…
Wes
Unreal shots, guys.
I can’t come close to those, but here’s my first brown ever – from ‘early fall’ this year:
Wes
I have two Konics – one for my 5 and one for my 8. I’m only in my third year fly fishing, but for me, they have been better than expected. I’ve used them here in Texas, in the salt for Tarpon and Bluefish, and for big trout out west. Love the drag and am fairly hard on them with no noticeable damage except for a few scratches here and there. They are lightweight and, in my opinion, decent looking as well.
If you’re in the market for a machined reel you may take a look at the new Lamson Guru. I don’t know much about it, but after my experience with the Konic, I wouldn’t hesitate to check it out. Hard to beat the price of the Konic, though.
http://www.waterworks-lamson.com/news.html
Wes
Phil,
Thanks for taking a look and providing input. I really appreciate it.
That last shot is a Ladyfish, landed off the rocks behind Spielberg’s house in Naples, Florida. I had no idea they flew like that.
Wes
