Tuesday, December 27, 2016

The Trout Pond

You probably can't see the ice on my truck, but it was 28 degrees when I left the house this morning.

Icy Float Tube
More ice
I wanted to float around the pond one more time before the year ended. Float around the pond I did. I did a complete circuit of the pond. First I used the Thin Mint. Then the pink/black Woolly Bugger. Tried a big fat bead head nymph. Then the one that caught the big Rainbow over in the Mokelumne River. When nothing showed, I even tried a purple streamer. Sometimes those work, but not today.

Water temp: 49 degrees. 

I got back to launch and Yuki was fishing off the bank, so since he didn't bring his yak, I tied on the Thin Mint and started a second trip around. I got about 1/3 of the way and my legs started cramping so I turned around and headed back. It got to the point that I wasn't sure I could get back. The legs were tightening up rather quickly, but I made it.

Trout Pond fish - 1, Mark - 0

When I got home there was a package in the mail box from Alan over at Small Stream Reflections. I had forgotten I'd won the fly box with some of Alan's flies in it.

I have to compliment Alan on a really great job. The fly box is awesome, The flies are, well, small (they always look so big in his pictures), there is a lanyard to carry it around your neck, and I can't wait to try the flies come opening day next year. My 3 wt, a light leader and I'm off. I have the exact place I plan on using them and hopefully the little native Brookies with be cooperative.

A big thanks Alan, well done.

Winner
I think I'll try one more time this year and see if I can add a fish or two to this years dismal record. I still have 4 days before the year runs out. 

Stay tuned.
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10 comments:

  1. cofisherDecember 27, 2016 at 7:50 PM

    We'll give you points for the old geezer try! Nice box of flies.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousDecember 27, 2016 at 9:09 PM

    Most definitely fish those Soft Hackles as soon as you think you can. Floating line, leader, and you are all set! Congratulations on winning the box of flies from Alan. He is a Master at tying and fishing Soft Hackles. Also, I applaud my fellow Geezer Hall of Famer for making it out in the tube. Sounds to me like you hit them with the a good selection of lake flies for sure. Were you fishing a floating or sinking line from the tube?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Bill TrussellDecember 28, 2016 at 6:43 AM

    Mark
    I have a feeling you will score using the tube before the year ends. I'm not up on my tubing, can you explain how you maneuver around the lake.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mark KautzDecember 28, 2016 at 8:33 AM

      This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    2. Mark KautzDecember 28, 2016 at 8:37 AM

      In a float tube, flippers propel you and you're always going backward. Only thing you have to be aware of is the guy behind you. Almost got one yesterday. Don't want to hook him on the back swing. Go to Cabelas and look at the Float Tube Cumberland.
      It's give you some idea.

      Delete
  4. PatDecember 28, 2016 at 6:57 AM

    These are the cold days that hip flask comes in handy. (After you're off the water and not driving, of course.)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mark KautzDecember 28, 2016 at 8:34 AM

      Being a non-drinker, I have to settle for coffee consumed in mass quantities.

      Delete
  5. Brk TrtDecember 29, 2016 at 5:23 PM

    Mark I hope to see one of those soft-hackles in the lip of a trout.
    Good luck buddy.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Michael AgnetaDecember 30, 2016 at 7:47 AM

    Glad you got out, even though it didn't bring any fish to hand. Always nice to squeeze whatever fishing out of 2016 you can before it's over.

    ReplyDelete

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