Is is time to switch torubber-soled wading boots?

Interesting article...Never thought how my wading boots could transfer organisms from one river to another...

http://www.idahostatesman.com/outdoors/story/837705.html

Which boots do you prefer?

I use the rubber ones myself...just because I was able to pick them up cheaper...

Cheaper isn't always better though :)

-Michael

Fly fisherman accidentally reels in great white shark

Check this out...This is crazy...A Great White on a Fly Rod

http://www.yahoo.com/s/1105056

Testing Fly Reels With A Four-Wheeler

Testing Fly Reels With A Four-Wheeler



This is some crazy stuff!

Anyone have any other crazy ideas on how to test a fishing reel's drag
system?

Love to hear your stories...

-Duke

Iraq Vets Fly-Fishing Back to Health...

Flyfishing for Vets...This is a great program...

I'm always in support of helping our veterans...


David Erickson photos / Whitefish Pilot -- Iraq War
veterans Capt. David Folkerts, far left, and Staff Sgt.
Brian Mancini, far right, share a laugh with Project
Healing Waters founder Ed Nicholson on Friday.

Project Healing Waters helps disabled veterans recover from emotional and physical wounds

By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot

It's not easy to think about a horrifying and bloody war in a foreign desert when you're standing waist-deep in a clear-blue Montana trout stream, with a fish on the line and a cool breeze rustling the leaves. For a group of Iraq veterans visiting Whitefish last week, that's exactly the point.

Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. is a non-profit based near Washington, D.C., that is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled military personnel through fly-fishing and fly-tying education and outings.

Last week, eight Iraq War vets took part in an all-expenses-paid trip to Whitefish to take part in the International Conclave hosted by the Federation of Fly Fishers.

"The goal is to give these guys hope, give them a hobby and help them enjoy life again," explained fly-casting instructor Jim Valle, an attorney from New Jersey. "It's extremely relaxing and therapeutic. A lot of people say fly-fishing is sort of a Zen experience. I know it kept me alive. I would come home from working on murder cases, in a bad mood, and my wife would tell me to go out to the yard and fly-cast. It worked."

Staff Sgt. Brian Mancini is currently a patient at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. While on patrol in Iraq in 2007, he came about as close to death as any living person can get. The huge scars on his face and head allude to the story of the day his life changed forever.

"We were on patrol on July 23 last year, we were in a hellacious firefight, and we got hit with an E.F.P.," he recounted while taking a break at Whitefish High School last Friday. "I lost my right eye, all the teeth on my right side, and my whole forehead is titanium. My whole face is rebuilt. I had extensive tongue damage, and received third-degree burns. I lost consciousness about five minutes after I got hurt, and I had extensive brain-tissue damage."

An E.F.P. (explosively-formed projectile) is a directional explosive designed to destroy armored vehicles, so one can imagine the amount of damage it can inflict on a human being.

Mancini, who served as his patrol's medic, said the young medic he was training that day ended up performing first-aid on him.

"He saved my life," Mancini said. "It was ironic that the student saved the teacher."

Mancini spent the next three weeks in a coma and was in a semi-conscious state after that.

"I woke up with my whole family around me," he said.

After being flown from Iraq to Bethesda, Md., he was sent to Walter Reed to begin extensive rehabilitation. About three months ago, one of his friends introduced him to Ed Nicholson, president and founder of Project Healing Waters.

"I had done some rod-fishing, so I thought I'd give it a shot," Mancini said. "It's an awesome program. The doctors and nurses can prescribe all the medication they want, but getting out in nature is healing in itself."

Mancini said he participated in several outings with the program, and he was hooked right away.

"It gets you away from the day-to-day grind of occupational therapy," he said. "The pain doesn't go away, but it's not as prevalent when you're out fishing. It's a combination of beautiful landscapes and being out in the wilderness, the water and being around great people."

The people involved with Project Healing Waters are a big reason why the program is so great, according to Mancini.

"There are so many amazing people who are willing to give their time," he said. "All these guys that came on this trip have significant injuries, and this program helps show that it's a positive life we're in, and fly-fishing allows us to make a connection. That's the biggest thing, showing you that you can do things again, despite the injuries that may have occurred. Life's not over -- it's just about finding those small pleasures again."

Retired Army Capt. David Folkerts, now the program manager for the organization, was one of the first veterans to take part in the program. Folkerts was injured during a route clearance mission as a platoon leader and medic in Taji, just northwest of Baghdad, in April 2005. An improvised explosive device, or I.E.D., exploded and sent shrapnel through his left side.

"It blew me up 20 feet in the air and severed several arteries in my arm," he recounted. "My buddies put a tourniquet on and flew me to Baghdad. They told me when I woke up, 'You're probably going to lose your arm.' But they were able to take a vein from my leg and saved my arm. It was pretty amazing."

Folkerts spent eight weeks as an inpatient at Walter Reed. He spent the next three years as an outpatient recovering from physical and emotional scars of the war.

"I definitely suffered from P.T.S.D. (post-traumatic stress disorder)," he said. "It lasted about a year."

Folkerts found out about Project Healing Waters while he was recovering in Walter Reed and started attending some of the outings.

"I fell in love with it," he said. "The program did a lot for me. Fly-fishing was an incredible outlet. It's pretty depressing in the hospital, and trout don't live in ugly places. The peace and serenity you get from being out in nature is amazing. Also, the difficulty of fly-fishing gives you a sense of accomplishment."

Nicholson started the organization four years ago after retiring from 30 years in the Navy.

"I was at Walter Reed for a non-combat-related injury, and I saw guys hobbling around," he explained. "I just went up to them and said, 'Hey, do you want to go out fishing?' One thing led to another, and the next thing you know, we had a nonprofit."

Project Healing Waters relies on donations and corporate sponsorship to pay for the fly-fishing outings.

"It grows every year," Nicholson said. "We're franchising our program at veterans hospitals and bases across the country. More and more veterans are getting the benefit of our services."

The program is open to disabled veterans from any war and is currently helping a mix of mostly Vietnam, Gulf War and Iraq War veterans. The organization has more than 30 programs in hospitals around the country.

Nicholson is a firm believer in the therapeutic benefits of fly-fishing.

"It is an extremely enjoyable sport for anybody," he said. "For someone who has lost some mobility, it builds confidence in your ability to adapt to everyday activities, especially as far as your hands go. The emotional state of mind is improved, and it provides a mental and physical boost for these veterans just when they need it. It helps people who never thought they would enjoy it."

For Mancini, fly-fishing has helped him validate a very simple yet important point.

"You don't have to stop enjoying life just because you got hurt," he said.

Interest in hunting, fishing dropping...

By DAVE GRAM, Associated Press Writer
Sat Mar 29, 1:39 PM ET



STOWE, Vt. - Bob Shannon is an avid hunter, a fishing guide and owns a tackle shop, but he sometimes struggles to get his own son out into Vermont's woods and fields.

"He'll be sitting there with the video games," Shannon said of 9-year-old Alexander. "I finally had to lay down the law last summer: 'If it's a nice day, you're outside.'"

Shannon's challenge reflects a larger problem plaguing many state governments: Revenue from hunting and fishing license sales is plunging because of waning interest in the outdoors.

"We're losing our rural culture," said Steve Wright, a regional representative for the National Wildlife Federation. "There are so many distractions, and we're not recruiting young people into hunting and fishing."

Sales of Vermont hunting and fishing licenses have dropped more than 20 percent over the last 20 years, leaving the Fish and Wildlife Department pleading with lawmakers for extra funding.

Other states report similar drop-offs:

_Arkansas hunting license sales dropped from about 345,000 in 1999 to about 319,000 in 2003.

_Pennsylvania sold about 946,000 hunting licenses in 2006, down from just over a million in 1999, and a peak of 1.3 million in 1981.

_Oregon had 100,000 fewer licensed anglers last year than in 1987, and 70,000 fewer licensed hunters.

_West Virginia sold 154,763 resident hunting permits in 2006, a 17 percent decrease from 1997.

The trend means trouble for some fish and wildlife agencies, which use license revenue to finance preservation programs for endangered species like peregrine falcons, bald eagles and loons. Game wardens also help with law enforcement, joining searches for lost hikers and skiers.

In the search for new sources of revenue to support fish and wildlife programs, Vermont lawmakers are weighing legislation that would dedicate part of the state's sales tax revenues to the Fish and Wildlife Department.

"The issue here is that most of our fish and wildlife agencies were set up to fund conservation, based predominantly or entirely on one set of users" — hunters and anglers who pay license fees, according to Dave Chadwick, senior program associate with the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies in Washington.

"They're shouldering the whole burden for a benefit and an amenity that we all enjoy," Chadwick said.

Other fundraising strategies range from sales taxes on outdoor sporting goods, as in Texas, to Florida's surcharges on speeding tickets, said Douglas Shinkle, a policy associate at the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Some states are trying to boost efforts to recruit new people — especially young people — into hunting and fishing.

A West Virginia legislator has proposed offering hunters' training courses in public schools, allowing seventh- through ninth-graders to opt for instruction in topics ranging from survival skills to gun safety.

Arkansas has used some of its dedicated sales tax revenue to recruit new hunters. However, the state's hunter education program graduated 11,891 people under 30 years old last year, down from 16,596 in 1998.

Vermont sponsors youth hunting weekends, typically three a year. Oregon has started youth mentoring programs that match kids up with experienced hunters. Minnesota has two staff members reaching out to the state's burgeoning Southeast Asian population, said Jay Johnson of the state Department of Natural Resources' hunter recruitment and retention program.

Wright said it might be an uphill battle because of everything from video games to the growth in structured activities like team sports and music lessons.

But Shannon said he has met with some success. After he laid down the law with Alexander last summer, the boy went out fishing almost every morning, he said.

Bob Shannon holds a stuffed wild salmon in his Fly Rod Shop ...

I can't believe I read this!

Get your kids off their fat asses and make them go outside...

What is this country coming to?



Bob Shannon holds a stuffed wild salmon in his Fly Rod Shop ... - Yahoo! News Photos: "Sat Mar 29, 12:32 PM ET Bob Shannon holds a stuffed wild salmon in his Fly Rod Shop in Stowe, Vt., Wednesday, March 26. Shannon says he struggles to get his 9-year-old son, pictured on a poster in the background, to leave his video games and get out into the woods and rivers to hunt and fish in Vermont. State fish and wildlife officials say there has been a decline in sales of fishing and hunting licenses, whose fees help protect wildlife.(AP Photo/Alden Pellett)"

Women and Fishing

Women and Fishing

More and more women are learning to enjoy fishing each and every day. And, why not? Fishing is a sport that doesn't require exceptional strength, stamina or height. Quite the contrary, fishing is a sport of agility, finesse and patience…skills many women already possess. So why don't more women fish?

Successful fishing requires knowledge of various types of fishing gear, tackle, and an understanding of the quarry. Fish have a variety of feeding habits, behavioral patterns, etc. and these characteristics influence how to go about fishing for them.

Traditionally, men learned how to fish when they were boys from fathers and grandfathers. Even if this training was lacking, it's no big deal for a guy to hang out with other guys who enjoy fishing and learn the ropes from them.

For a woman, though, the process is apt to be somewhat more difficult. Some girls are fortunate enough though to have their father teach them how to fish. Often times this happens when there are just girls in the family.

Women like these learn how to bait their own hook, remove fish from the line, and even clean the fish once caught. Some people would call these women “tom boys”…Whether they are or they aren’t…One thing for sure is that they know how to fish!

For women who weren't brought up fishing as I was, all is certainly not lost. Although learning from a boyfriend or spouse is not out of the question, a significant other may not be the best place to get your first fishing pointers.

Your honey may not have the patience that you will need to learn proper fishing techniques and he may be a bit condescending as well…not exactly conducive to an enjoyable learning experience.

Try instead local women's fishing clubs. Check online for groups in your area that are specifically organized by and for women. Many groups are primarily centered on fly-fishing but not all are.

Also see if your community college or local university offers any fishing courses. Often fishing classes are offered in the adult education, physical education or recreation departments.

Of course, you can also start at your local library, checking out books on fishing and learning a few basic techniques that way.

Your local fishing outfitter or marina may have more information as well and would also be a good place for information and to network with other fishing women.

Another option is to go online and search for websites catering to women and the outdoors.

Other groups, both national and state, promote fishing for women. There are seminars, fishing adventures and special fishing events scheduled year-round in many areas of the country which are organized especially for women anglers.

Fishing is also a great hobby for women because it doesn’t cost a lot of money to get started. Compared to other hobbies, the start-up costs for a good spin or bait-casting set up aren’t all that expensive. For $200 you can buy a great beginner rod and reel. As a side-note, fly-fishing equipment is generally a little bit more money but still very reasonable.

Some women don’t fish because they think they need a boat…Boy, they couldn’t be more wrong. You don’t need a boat to go fishing. Many great fishing spots can be reached without a boat. All you have to do is ask around and look at a few maps to determine which places can be reach by car or trail.

So women if you’re looking for an enjoyable and challenging hobby why not take up fishing? Learning how to fish can take a little bit of work but it’s a lot like riding a bicycle. Once you learn how to fish, it’ll become a part of you. In fact, you may even become addicted!

The waters are calling…Go show those boys what you can do!

The ABCs of Fishing Rods

The ABCs of Fishing Rods

See yourself standing on the bank of a swiftly moving stream in the shade of a gnarled willow, your fishing rod bent beneath the weight of an unusually large catch…

Whether or not you land that fish depends on the decisions you made at the shop -- primarily the type of rod you bought!

Your rod is the most important tool you will use while fishing and you can chose from a wide range of types, styles and lengths.

A fishing rod is a shaft of graphite, fiberglass, steel, wood or bamboo used to catch fish.

The fishing line is connected to your reel and threaded through the eyes of the rod out through the tip. Different rods will have different types of tips depending on what type of rod it is. Some tips are made for casting and others are made for trolling.

The base of the rod is where the fishing reel is mounted. Different rods are for different reels. Some are for fly fishing, some for spin-fishing, and even some for bait-casting or trolling.

Fishing rods vary in length from 4 feet (for children) to 16 feet; with the average being around 6 feet long. You pick your rod length based on the type of fishing you’ll be doing. Often you’ll find stout shorter rods for trolling and the very long rods for casting.

Here’s some advice for selecting your rod based on where you’re going to be fishing…

If your fishing hole is located next to trees with overhead branches, you'll need a short, flexible rod. This will allow you to cast easier. You want a flexible rod so that it can bend without snapping in half.

The flexibility of a rod is determined by the diameter. Light rods are thin and flexible, while stronger rods are thicker and more rigid.

For open terrain, flexible, thin rods that are 10 to 12 feet long are good, unless it's too windy. If it happens to be windy that day, you may find that a little short rod will make it easier to cast.

Some people also choose their rods based on the type of water they are fishing…

Fresh Water Or Salt Water?

Freshwater fishing occurs in lakes, ponds, rivers and streams, while saltwater fishing is done in oceans, bays and along the coast. Choose a rod appropriate to the environment of where you'll be fishing.

You should also give consideration to the species of fish you are going after.

Short, strong rods are best for landing big game fish. Stronger and thicker rods should be used for large aggressive fish. Generally a smaller lighter rod should be used for smaller fish.

Some people enjoy fishing with a slightly smaller and lighter rod than you actually need because it’s more of a challenge. Just be careful you don’t break your rod and lose your fish!

Some people select their rods based on the material of the rod.

Common types of fishing rods include bamboo, fiberglass and graphite.

Bamboo rods can vary from a basic inexpensive pole with a line attached to a very expensive, handcrafted rod that is used for fly-fishing. Bamboo rods run from $5 up to hundreds of dollars for handcrafted fly fishing rods. If you are not planning to do fly-fishing, fiberglass or graphite rods are best.

Fiberglass rods are good for beginners and kids and they're reasonably priced. They come in many lengths, flexibility characteristics, and require very little maintenance.

Many experienced anglers prefer graphite rods, because they are very lightweight and extremely strong.

Lastly, you should select a rod based on how well it fits you.

Your goal should be to find a rod that fits your arm and is comfortable. If you have trouble finding one that fits you best, ask someone with experience to go along or just ask the staff at a fishing store.

I hope you put these tips to use when selecting your first or next rod.

Tight Lines!