Maryland Weekly Fishing Report Overview | September 24, 2015

Via MD DNR:

By: Keith Lockwood

This Saturday is National Hunting and Fishing Day and sportsmen will be celebrating the wonderful fishing and hunting opportunities we enjoy throughout the United States. It is a wonderful time to reflect on the heritage that has been passed down for generations. What better way to celebrate than to take a youngster or perhaps an elderly person who can no longer freely enjoy outdoor activities because of their age. There will be a celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day this Saturday September 26th at the Associated Gun Clubs of Baltimore grounds at 11518 Marriotsville Road, Marriotsville, MD. The event runs from 10am until 4pm and admission is free. Featuring exhibits from more than 30 sportsman clubs, conservation organizations and local businesses, visitors will enjoy exciting activities including spin-casting, hunting dog demonstrations, as well as instructor-led archery and target shooting. This is a wonderful family event and there are fun activities for everyone. 

Photo courtesy Keith Lockwood

Maryland Weekly Fishing Report Overview | September 10, 2015

Via MD DNR:

By: Keith Lockwood

As is often the case when someone asks you what you're fishing for, one will often name one target fish species, or a group of species. When an angler heads out with a family member such as a son or daughter or a very good long-time friend, there is often a hidden answer deep inside us that is kept there; one that is almost too precious to share with someone outside of the pairing. A father might know that the real reason for this fishing trip was to be closer to a son or daughter and much is shared that would never come out at a sporting or group event. It is a one on one in a relaxed setting where inner most feelings just seem to gently flow out in conversation. The same can be said for a good friend that you are sharing the journey of life with through the years. Much is said and shared while fishing together, and if you catch a few fish, all the better.

Maryland Fishing Challenge entrants will be arriving at Sandy Point State Park early in the morning at Sandy Point State Park this coming Sunday September 13th for the awards event. The base of prizes has really been upped this year with an additional $25,000 in cash prizes being given out as door prizes and drawings in the three divisions of the Fishing Challenge. There will be a lot of happy anglers such as last year's winner of the Bass Pro boat, motor and trailer package. 

Photo courtesy of Fisheries

Fly Product...TLTFF Review of the Redington SonicDry Fly Waders

Click the above photos to expand.

Christmas morning of 2012 was pretty amazing, it was my daughters first "real" Christmas (where she could actually take in what was going on) and it was the day I received my first pair of waders that didn't have the name Bass Pro Shops, Redhead, White River, or Cabelas on them. The last present my wife handed me was a pair of Simms Freestone Stockingfoot waders...I was STOKED. But due to having a baby, and honestly not fishing that much that winter, I didn't really give them a shot until Spring. And even then, I did most of my fishing in places where waders weren't really needed. Before I knew it, it was summer and putting on those waders meant two things, I was going to fish freshwater (most likely the Gunpowder) and I was going to sweat enough to wonder if my waders had a leak at the end of the day. I know some of you are asking, why didn't you just wet wade, and thats a good one. But for those of you who don't fish the Gunpowder, you don't know that in order to her to the honey holes, your going to have to hike through knee deep poison ivy and chest deep thorns.

Its a fact that when I fish I stay very well hydrated and with that, one must urinate...naturally. One of the things I have hated about every pair of waders that I've owned, is the unclipping, sliding down the waders, taking aim, and avoiding dribble getting into your front wader pocket and I know that is something any male angler is familiar with. For women, as I've heard, its even more of an inconvenient process. Now Redington hasty solved your problem YET ladies, but hang in there. As for us gentlemen, they have. They weren't the first, but if you read on, you'll find out a little something or two that gives these waders the edge, and caused me to ditch my Simms before I was at the half-way point of the review...and no, it doesn't (entirely) have to do with urinating.

Fly Product: Ascend FS12T Kayak

Via Bass Pro:

I want...gear envy BIG TIME!

• Ultra-stable hull makes it ideal for fishing
• Advanced hydrodynamically shaped hull design
• Deluxe padded adjustable seat
• Personal dry storage hatch
• Bow dry storage hatch
• Multipurpose sternwell
• Molded foot braces
• Open cockpit storage
• Dual position, quick hold bungee paddlekeepers
• Dual flush mount rod holders
• Full-tackle rod tender
• Drain plug and multiple drain holes
• Maximum weight capacity: 350 lbs.

The ultra-stable hull of the FS12T handles almost effortlessly, making it ideal for fishing. To make it perform even better on the water, we packed it full of comfort and performance features.  The FS12T starts with an advanced hull design that utilizes an extended keep with performance rocker and strakes to deliver the maneuverability, tracking, stability, and easy paddling fishermen want to get to their favorite spots quickly. A large open cockpit area includes the ergonomic Adjustable Cushioned Seating System for comfort, five-position foot rests, deep position cup holder, large catch-all tray big enough for a standard-sized tackle box, and other work areas. The FS12T's dual flush mount rod holders make transporting rod and reel combos easy, while the fully adjustable, light tackle rod tender holds your rod with 360º of horizontal adjustment and vertical rod tip adjustment. The large 18'' x 10'' dry storage hatch in the bow provides storage for dry bags and other gear. Dual quick hold bungee paddlekeepers let you set your paddle down for a quick rest or a quick cast. Built-in multipurpose sternwell gives you a convenient storage space large enough for a five gallon bucket, dry bag, or other gear with a built-in bungee to secure your gear. There are multiple drain holes in the sternwell and footwell areas. At the end of the day, the threaded and sealed drain plug allows you to quickly drain excess water, while the four molded-over rubber grip handles make carrying the kayak easier. Made from the highest quality virgin high density linear polyethylene. Length: 12'. Width: 31". Weight: 68 lbs. Maximum weight capacity: 350 lbs. Made in USA.

Advanced Hull Design:Incorporates an extended keel with performance rocker and strakes for maximum maneuvering, tracking, stability, and ease of paddling.

Adjustable Cushioned Seating System:Ergonomic seat design with closed-cell custom foam package reduces wear and fatigue.

Molded Foot Braces:Five-position foot braces will fit anyone approximately 5'2" to 6'6" in height comfortably.

Drybag Dash Storage System:Watertight removable deck plate with integrated watertight PVC soft storage bag.

Multipurpose Sternwell:Extra-large-capacity sternwell will accept a five gallon bucket, baitwell, milk crate, cooler, or doubles as general space for a dry bag.

Rod Tender:A light tackle, fully adjustable rod holder with 360º horizontal movement and vertical rod tip adjustment.

Boom...Morgan

Daily Deal...WR Fly Shop Emerger Fly Tying Bench

Via Bass Pro:

• Hardwood construction
• Holds fly-tying tools and components
• Non-skid base
• 11 wells keep components in their place

Crafted of hardwood, White River Fly Shop's WR-Emerger Fly-Tying Bench is a compact, portable fly-tying station that turns almost any flat surface into a fly-tying laboratory. The bench conveniently accommodates tools and componenets. The WR-Emerger Fly-Tying Bench includes a pedestal vise mount, non-skid base, tool holes, and movable storage rods. There are 11 wells or pockets to manage hooks, beads, cement bottle, hair stacker and other items used in creating an arsenal of hand-tied flies. Dimensions: 11.9" x 7.7" x 2".

Boom...Morgan

Daily Deal...TFO Casting for Recovery Rods

Via Bass Pro Shops:

Normally $150.00, now only $89.88

• Translucent purple blanks with pink lettering
• Includes distinctive pink rod sock
• $25 contribution made to CFR for every rod purchased
• Manufacturer's unconditional lifetime warranty

Founded in 1996, Casting for Recovery is a national non-profit support and education program for women who have or have had breast cancer. CFR gives women a chance to gather together and learn to fly fish. These rods are built on translucent purple blanks with pink lettering, and come complete with a distinctive pink rod sock. A $25 contribution will be made to CFR for every rod purchased. Manufacturer's unconditional lifetime warranty.

Comes in both 5wt and 8wt.

Boom...Morgan

Fly Products: Balzer Jewel Fly Rod and Titan Reel

About a month or so ago I got a package in the mail with a new rod and reel in it from PS Fishing. The package included a rod named the Jewel 255 TX and a reel called the Titan Fly Reel, both made by a German company named Balzer. I really didn't know what to think when I initially used them, I was totally unfamiliar with the companies but I guess thats good, no bias. Along with this gnarly package of goodies, I got a phonebook sized catalog from Balzer. Its amazing, after reading through its entirety, that I've never heard of this product. These guys have a legit team and carry as much gear as Bass Pro. Balzer has most of their products imported from Germany into the US and P&S Fishing is the North American retailer for Balzer.

Anywho, going into this review, like I said, I had no idea what to expect. Here's all I had to go off of for the rod, other than the actual demo (which was yet to come at that point).

Jewel Fly Fishing Rods 255 TX

4 sections versatile travel fly fishing rods in convenient transport length. Line class: AFTMA 5/6. Jewel Fly fishing rods are supplied in hard shell rod cases. 

Item # Length Sec- tions Transp. Length Weight AFTMA Handle Price Qty 11185/255 8' 5" 4 30" 4 Oz 5/6 Natural Cork $95.92

Rods are built from featherweight rod blanks with outstanding casting characteristics and an extremely unobtrusive design, just as fly fishermen want them to be. Reel seat made of stainless steel and woven carbon. The biggest closest to handle guide is equipped with SIC (Silicon-Carbon Metal Ceramic) inset.

In a nutshell, these are superlative fly rods at affordable prices.

As you can see, the rod comes in at just $95.92. This initially made me put the rod into the same categories as the White River Dogwood Canyon or Cabela's Wind River rods, initially. The only difference in my mind was that this rod came with a legit rod tube, loved that.


So, the it was time for a demo...I strung it up for a go at Waterworks Park, our local bass reservoir. Right from the first cast I was awestruck. Not only did this rod cast and feel like a $200 Sage or G. Loomis but it caught fish like one too. I had an awesome day, with double digit fish in hand and more hooked up on. I'm not saying it was the rod but it gave me an awesome opportunity to demo the rod. The casting range, flex, action all fit the category of, rather than a starter rod, something you may string up for every trip you want to take within the 5/6 wt rod range. Not only does the rod have amazing feel but it just looks pretty. With its woven carbon reel seat and red flair when the sun hits it, it really just makes you look good too. At 8'5" and a 4-piece design, this rod was made for good bass trips, especially with the little fighting butt that Balzer has added on, convenience.

After a few demos at Waterworks, I refuse to leave this rod at home for any trip now. Overall, this rod gets a serious 5 out of 5 stars. You cannot compete with the price for the quality of this rod. It shoots line, casts far, and its stiffer backbone helps you put that 1/0 hook right through the gill plate of a 22" Pickerel, no complaints here.

On to the next one, the Titan reel. When I first picked it up, not too impressed. It looked like something you pick up in the bargain bin of no name products at your local tackle shop. The reel is made of aluminum and coated with titanium alloy. The titanium alloy sets weird on the reel making it look like some sort of art class, painted clay project. Its not uniform and just doesn't look too pretty. The reel is loud as well, almost like a Martin or Pfleuger reel, just not as smooth as higher end reels. Here is the description from the P&S Fishing site.

Titan Fly Fishing Reels Fly fishing reels with elegant appearance and technology for the more demanding. Wonderful fly reels with an outstanding technology and offering a unique price performance ratio. The reels can be adapted for left-hand use in a matter of seconds. The aluminum body and spool are coated with a fine titanium alloy. The jerk-free high performance drag enables fly fishermen to play even large fish safely to the end. Reel is supplied with transport bag. Item # AFTMA Class Price Qty 10798/056 5/6 $33.20 10798/067 6/7 $40.48 10798/078 7/8 $40.56 For the cost, one really cannot complain. The one I got, matched the rod, it was a 5/6 wt reel. I strung it up and gave it a go on the same day as the Jewel Rod demo and wasn't too impressed. The drag didn't really do that great of a job and the noisiness just was a turn off. Fish were caught and the reel didn't spool when they ran so no complaints there. After that day, I put the reel back in its travel case and laid it on the shelf. I put my G. Loomis Venture 5 on the Jewel 255 TX and damn, perfect bass combo. Needless to say, this reel got a 2 out of 5 stars. I want to take a second and thank P&S Fishing for sending us some legit stuff to review. The rod has made its way into my wall rack among the elite rods such as my St. Croix, G. Loomis, and Orvis. It is now my #1 bass rod and I plan on making many memories with it. I hope y'all find this review helpful. Check out P&S Fishing's full lineup on their website, including their fly gear. You can also check them out on Facebook. Boom...Morgan

Daily Deals...BPS, Backcountry, Fish Itch, and Deals on the Fly

Via Bass Pro Shops:

White River Paddlefish Pontoon

Regularly $429.99, now $314.88

Our Paddlefish Pontoon is the ideal entry level pontoon that performs exceptionally well in both moving and still water, and the pontoon’s elevated seat offers an angler a great vantage point for sight fishing as well as all-day comfort. Designed with 8’ pontoons to provide you with a very-smooth riding watercraft with high maneuverability, the Paddlefish is equipped with oars, strong aluminum oar locks, a convenient easy to reach tackle pocket, plus a mesh cargo deck with enough room to store all the gear you need for a full day of fishing. Constructed with a three-piece corrosion resistant steel frame, rugged 600 denier PVC and 5mm vinyl bladders, this high-quality pontoon’s total load capacity is 300 lbs and weighs only 56 lbs making it easy to transport.

Features: 3-piece steel frame Mesh cargo deck Stripping apron Two 5.5’ 2-piece oars Rugged 600 denier PVC and 5mm vinyl bladders 2 clamp-on oar locks 1 pocket Load capacity is 300 lbs Easy to transport, weighs only 56 lbs Some assembly required Via Backcountry:

Eagles Nest Outfitters SingleNest Hammock

Regularly $54.95, now only $43.96

From a palm-lined beach to a backcountry campsite, the Eagles Nest Outfitters SingleNest Hammock is a dream come true for ultralight backpackers and lazy bums alike. This woven nylon hammock packs down to the size of a softball in its integrated stuff sack, and its triple-stitch construction helps it support up to 400 pounds. Carabiner clips on each end make for quick attaching to a hanging kit or other anchor.

Possibly one of the best purchases of my adult life...I got one of these when I was in college and its still going strong. It has a lot of options and accessories too. You can't go wrong! Learn more about ENO at their website...well worth the check.

Via Fish Itch:

Line Cycle Line Catcher

Regularly $14.99, now 50% off at $7.50

I love m' fishin', I love m' lake, and I love m' boat. That's why I'm real fond of this new Line Snatcher from Line Cycle Fishing. See, Line Cycle Fishing is the first company to figure out how to recycle every type of fishin' line on the market--not just monofilament, but braided and fluoro, too. This here Line Snatcher's gonna be my gift to m' boat, cuz it sets up the S.S. Itchquod to be a floatin' recyclin' center. The Line Snatcher picks up where another great little tool--the Monomaster--leaves off, cuz this sucker can wrangle big ol' wads of line. Once you load it up with old line, Line Cycle will help ya make sure it all gets recycled--which turns yer line into something new, rather than junkin' up the lake, chokin' up wildlife or tanglin' up yer prop! How's that fer showin' some love?

Via Deals on the Fly:

Fishpond Cloudburst Gear Bag- Steel Blue

Regularly $225.00, now 51% off at $109.95

Functional features aside, this has to be the sexiest gear bag to be found. Packed with so many features that you will be finding new ones every time you use it, such as zip-out waterproof rain cover, boat gunwale hooks and waterproof molded bottom.

Features:

• Carry-on sizing for valuable reels and gear
• Durable 1680 ballistic nylon fabric for rugged durability
• 10 External pockets
• 20 interior pockets/pouches
• "Zip-out" waterproof cover for 100% coverage

Boom...Morgan

Daily Deal...Simms Pursuit Sandals (for Men) & Redington Rod

Just found this deal in Bass Pro Shop's online Outlet Store. The Simms Pursuit Sandals for men...

Regularly $99.99, now $69.88.

• Anti-slip, non-marking Vibram® sole
• Heavy-duty rubber toe bumper
• Anti-microbial footbed
• Pull-on heel loop

Ideal for river or beach adventures, with tough 1,000 denier polyester open webbing for ventilation, hydrophobic lining, anti-microbial footbed, and a pull-on heel loop for easy entry. Color: Gray/Black. Imported.

LS sent me this deal from REI. The Redington Red Fly 4-Piece Fly Rod (5 & 6wt)...

• Perfect for backpacking, rod breaks down into 4 pieces and fits into included Cordura® nylon case
• Fast-action, 4-piece graphite rod offers easy casting
• Graphite is constructed of a blend of 51- and 42-million modulus graphite
• Carmel-color blank with silver trim wraps

Regularly $180.00, now $70.93.

Boom...Morgan

Kinda Not Really a Big Deal

So Bass Pro just added a shit-ton more stuff to their fly fishing clearance section...check it out. I may order one of the Hardy Reels.

Tight Lines...Morgan

First Post

The first post is always awkward because it's tough to find a good start to a blog...I guess. So I'm just going to wing it and if it's awkward, so be it, I tried.

I'll use this as a continuation of my about me section since I was given a word limit...typical for me due to how much I usually talk in person.

Anyway, to continue what I started, I fished all types of species and tackle all around the East Coast, from the Florida Keys all the way up to Nantucket Island off the coast of Cape Cod, Mass., from Tarpon to Bluefish to Sharks. I loved saltwater fishing. Then I went off to college near Harrisburg, PA where I learned about freshwater trout fishing, a sport that had me “hooked”. I had freshwater fished before as o most people for largemouth bass and panfish but the concept of stream and creek fishing was totally new to me. Soon after putting my first Rooster Tail on my brand new Bill Dance Edition Quantum rod and not to long after catching my first few trout, I learned about fly fishing. Type of fishing I’d heard about but had never really seen. On my next trip to Bass Pro, I entered into a drawing and won a beginners fly rod, a Pfleuger 5/6 wt. rod with a few flies. After finally getting the casting technique down and hooking up with a few fish, I decided I had to further my knowledge in the sport and read more about it. I purchased the Orvis book on fly fishing and started to watch Youtube videos about the sport. Soon thereafter, I bought a 5 wt White River Hobbs Creek rod and G. Loomis Venture 5 reel along with a fly box, some Rio line, a leader, some flies, and a chest pack. Next thing you know, I am (after spending more money) tying my own flies, have caught hundreds of fish, and have added two more outfits to my collection of over 10 fishing rods (which include fly, spinning, trolling, etc). Currently, I am taking on the beast of saltwater fly fishing. I'm slowly learning how much more amazing fly fishing is through realizing how diverse it is within itself as a subcategory of the overall sport of fishing. Being on the water is paradise to me and fly fishing has made it that much better. This is my blog of stories, knowledge, and the pursuit of adventures and memories to talk about until the day I die.

Tight Lines...Morgan