Outdoors With Sportsman Matt

Good Evening Fishing....

2011-07-20T23:43:00.003-04:00

Well it's vacation time, so why not some evening fishing?
First fish of the evening...

My friend Ed from work joined us, nice 13" smallmouth on the fly.....

This was Ed's first trip out with us, and I believe his first time trolling flies with a fly rod, and a few hours later, Ed was very happy he made the trip down to join us.

Sportsman Matt goes riding.....

2011-07-20T23:27:00.004-04:00

And I rode 1093 miles yesterday in under 24 hours.

I left at 2AM from my home in Charlton MA, rode to Sutton MA to the ATM, then over Central Turnpike back to 395 south, to 95 South to Milford CT, turned around, rode up 91 to 89, stopped to pay respects to my maternal grandfather and great grandfather and great grandfather's brother, then off to Swanton VT for maple syrup, then over backroads to Orleans VT. From there took 91 South to St Johnsbury, then route 2 across VT, NH, to Palmyra ME, where I got back on 95 North to Bangor ME, then turned around and rode back to Blackstone MA.

One hell of a ride on the Big Ruckus.

And in memory, last time I was here was 15 years ago to bury the ashes......

A little background on Frank Carleton, he was a Vermont farm boy, who became a trucker back before interstate highways, and then settled down to become owner of a heating oil company.

He was an old school sportsman, fishing fresh and salt water, hunting for deer and fowl back in the pre war and post war prime of hunting, where it was skill and luck rather than fancy gadgets to make a productive day.

Trip to Singletary this morning.....

2011-07-09T17:37:00.002-04:00

Well we hit the water at 6am, and had some smallmouth action, but near a weeded area, dad hooked this nice Crappie....

And I hooked onto this 16" smallmouth.....

And to make the old fella feel good, I let him have a picture with my 16" smallmouth before releasing it back to the lake......

All in all 3 hours of fun.

Been Busy,Busy, Busy!

2011-07-09T17:02:00.002-04:00

So I've been lax in blogging lately, mainly due to several things. First to occupy my time is work, then my family, my girlfriend, my fleet of vehicles, working on my father's house, then last but not least, fishing.

OK, Fishing should be up there, and it is at times, so keeping with the timelines of things....

First I finished rebuilding the little red scooter and got it tested and reliable as you can get with chinese technology.

Then in April I completed the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course. This enabled me to get my motorcycle license without taking a separate road test with a State Trooper at the RMV, and I get an additional 10% off on my motorcycle insurance. I have to say that if you do proceed with a motorcycle license, take the MSF course. I took mine in Gardner MA at the SM Motorcycle School. Two days and you'll be riding safely and confident.

Now May 1st was the Kids Fishing Derby at the Orange Gun Club in Orange MA, a day of chaos and free hot dogs. Holly took 2 nice brookies, Cassie took 1 brookie, neither was large enough for a trophy, but they ate plenty and had fun, which is what it's all about at the club.

May 8th, fished the Millers, took plenty of Browns, nice part was getting there at 6AM, and not a soul showed up until after 9AM, so my father and I had the whole stretch of the Bearsden to ourselves.

May 14-16th I flew down to Tampa Florida. Definately not my place to be, had fun at the wedding Saturday night, Sunday was a waste of a day, and back in Boston MA by 11AM Monday morning. Would I do it again, maybe depending on the accomidations and itinerary.

May 21st was the MA-RI Council of Trout Unlimited's Spring Meeting, cookout, and fishing weekend. because of a scheduling screw up, instead of Indian Hollow, it was at Trout Brook in Holden MA. Cast a few flies before work, but it wasn't as good as Indian Hollow.

May 22nd, East Branch of the Westfield, fished from the Gorge downriver to the beaver pool. Plenty of Rainbows, Browns, Brookies, and Atlantic Salmon parr action even with fast water and spinning gear, as the fly gear was useless, drifts were upstream 30 feet to downstream 50 feet in less than 3 seconds, far too fast.

May 30th, left for Pittsburg NH, trailer in tow, and caught plenty of browns, rainbows, brookies, and landlocked Atlantic Salmon over 5 days. Stopped at National Powersports and test sat on a couple Royal Enfield motorcycles, one which will be the new exploration vehicle next year.

June 5th, attended the Central MA TU chapter Family Day. Cookout, fly fishing for trout, and general fun, even Holly and Cassie had fun.

June 19th, went out on Lake Singletary again, caught a couple smallmouth, and had a tank malfunction, namely a hole in the bottom of the poly tank, had to come back in on electric power only, new tank ordered later in the week as old tank was 15 years old.

June 26th, went out early in the morning fishing with my father on Singletary, trolling flies, and took a nice 14" Largemouth bass, along with a few large Crappies in the 12-13" range and a surprise, White Perch in a 12-13" range. Plenty of fish, and plenty of fun that morning.

June 27th, last night off for awhile, went to see Bad Teacher at the movies with Audrey. I laughed through it, and look at it as it was an ok movie, then went to dinner at Uno's afterward.

July 3rd, went to the movies to see Larry Crowne. Definately a good movie, could used better writing, but worth watching. then went to work, working straight from June 28th to July 10th, gotta love OT!

Sportsman Matt is back.......

2011-02-13T12:00:00.001-05:00

Yes folks, I'm back. I've been busy, and despite all the weather in the North East, I've been holding my own so far.

Now unveiling my new ride for this season......

A 2006 Honda Big Ruckus PS250.
This is the Urban Tank of Scooters, a workhorse.

It also means that because of it's size, a Motorcycle license is required. Also has to be registered as a Motorcycle.

On the positive, it weighs in at 389 pounds, can be manhandled if needed, and of all the scooters out there, this is the one that's designed for offroad riding.

Definately a Sportsman Matt Approved and Endorsed Ride!

My New Fly Fishing Exploration Vehicle

2010-11-08T01:00:00.000-05:00

Something I picked up off Craigslist

Pictures are Pre Modification.

Trout of the Swift River

2010-11-01T01:00:00.000-04:00

For those wondering where I've been last month, here's what I've been chasing.

Nice 15" rainbow on a Size 20 Hare's Ear Nymph

Campfire in a Can

2010-06-08T11:52:00.004-04:00

A small propane powered campfire to replace the old wood campfires of old.

To get into a touchy area for me and others, the reason manufacturers are coming out with stuff like this is that a few years ago some broad (I'm keeping it clean folks!) from Worcester MA, saw an Asian Longhorn Beetle in her backyard. So she called the EPA, USDA, Media, etc...

Next thing you know, they are cutting down square miles of hardwood trees, banning export of hardwoods from areas that "may" have beetles, and new legislations to make people pay through the nose for firewood, and of course make them poorer in this Depression. (Yes folks it's a Depression, the government just doesn't want to admit it)

So with bans on importing firewood, plus fines and confiscation laws put into place to make the ordinary folks pay even more, it's no longer feasable to burn wood in a campground.

So this is my way to combat the tyranny of stupid governmental laws, the campfire in a can doesn't burn wood, doesn't import bugs, and doesn't create soot and lots of smoke. But it does use Propane, so carrying an extra 20# propane tank is required.

Indian Hollow Fishing

2010-06-01T12:00:00.000-04:00

Nice Rainbow taken on Saturday 5/22 from below Knightville Dam

And a Salmo Salar, The Leaper.... Caught on Sunday 5/23 from below Chesterfield Gorge

Hopefully that little Atlantic Salmon will get nice and big over the next several years and return.

BTW both fish were released unharmed other than their pride.

Kid's Fishing Derby didn't go as planned!

2010-05-05T12:00:00.000-04:00

As the picture shows, no fish, and boredom waiting for a bite.

The big kids pond had a couple fish come out at the beginning, the little kids pond netted almost all the fish taken for the derby.

On the positive, there were plenty of hot dogs, chips, soda, juice, water, and entertainment with all the lines being tangled as the little kids kept trying to fish the big kid pond.

The Sportsmen Classic gets jacks and more....

2010-05-01T18:05:00.001-04:00

Kid's Fishing Derby Tomorrow....

2010-05-01T12:30:00.000-04:00

I almost forgot, the kid's fishing derby is tomorrow at the Orange Gun Club. Ages 0 to 14 get to fish the clubs 2 stocked trout ponds, with prizes for the kids.

Pictures to follow...

The Sportsmen Classic gets jacks and more....

2010-04-28T18:00:00.001-04:00

First I installed the levelling jacks on all 4 corners. Also in this picture you can see the RVQ Grill mount just above the trailer tire below the window, the Mud Daubber Screens on the heater vents, and the step carpeting to help keep the camper clean.

Then I added the LP Port for the RVQ BBQ Grill and Little Red Campfire in a Can.

I also added the Mud Daubber Screens over the heater vents, helps keep wasps and other critters from building a nest in the burner assembly of the furnace.

Also not seen are the inside modifications, additional hot water heater bypass plumbing, winterizing suction port for the water pump, queen sized matress in place of the 2" thick Full Xtra Long matress from KZ, plus the venerable Classic Flies Sign.

First Trout of the Season.....

2010-04-25T18:00:00.000-04:00

April 25th, cold, wet, drizzly, day. Set up the 10'x10' Portable Awning for cover. Also perfect for spinners and spoons.

I volunteered to help the local Amateur Radio Club out with radio communications for the annual River Race in Sturbridge, sponsored by the Sturbridge Lions Club. So while I was waiting I cast a couple times....

And hooked this nice 12" rainbow. Too bad it did a self release before I could pick it up, but notice the Orange Rooster Tail.

Then a couple future Rogue Angels showed up and tried to outfish me...

Until the Pirates of the Quinneboag River showed up!

BTW the River Race was a success, 112 canoes, kayaks, and rowboats participated.

Maxx Air II Cover Installation

2010-04-22T18:00:00.000-04:00

Yes it only takes a few minutes each side, along with an adjustable wrench, 3/16" drill bit, cordless drill, and a phillips head bit. Line it up, mark where the brackets go with a Sharpie, and drill the 4 holes needed to bolt the brackets to the inside of the roof vent.

Plus side is that now with the Maxx Air II cover installed, I can air out the trailer no matter what just by leaving the vent cover inside open.

The New 2010 KZ Sportsmen Classic 19BH

2010-04-21T12:00:00.001-04:00

Yes, It's official.

The 2010 KZ Sportsmen Classic 19BH has arrived!

Now for the fun to start, as this is a basic model, with a few necessary items needed to make it into the ultimate fisherman's portable retreat.

Three Days and Counting Down!!!

2010-04-18T07:00:00.000-04:00

Three more days and I pick up the New 2010 KZ Sportsman Classic 19BH Travel Trailer, my new base of operations when in the field away from home.

Soon I will no longer be camperless!

I Officially Own My Travel Trailer!

2010-04-03T07:00:00.000-04:00

Got my title today for the new camper.

This means that I own my camper outright.

I'm getting more excited every day.

18 more days to go until I pick it up.

March is over... April awaits

2010-04-01T07:00:00.000-04:00

So I ended March on an up note. Still camperless. Still can't breathe out my nose.

But I did pick up a nice new toy.

An American Tackle Rod Smith Pro Rod Lathe.

And I finally finished my 8 foot 4 Wt 7 Piece Fly Rod, and my 5 foot 5/6 Wt 1 piece Fly Rod.

And I finally bought my fishing license.

And I finally spoke to a doctor who recognized my problem breathing through my nose, and proposed a solution.

So I'm ending the month on a good note.

20 more days until I pick up the camper...

Camperless in Massachusetts...

2010-03-15T21:00:00.000-04:00

As the title states, I am now camper-less.

I sold the Sunline for a fair price Saturday to a fellow from New Hampshire, who braved the weather to see it, and with the help of my father, loaded it on my truck to deliver to his home in New Hampshire Monday morning.

It rained and was windy, Sunday morning as I went out to go to breakfast, noticed my canoe was missing off my truck cap on the back of the old C1500 Chevrolet my father was planning on rebuilding after the head on accident.

First I had a few choice words, then went out to find it on the ground 8 feet away, the wind picked it up off the roof rack of the cap and tossed it across the ground, complete with a couple dents too.

So now Monday morning I left with my father to take the venerable Sunline camper on it's last trip with me, it was a long, hard drive, with the wind and rain buffeting the camper from all directions. Luckily we made good time, leaving at 6:15AM and arriving at the new owner's home at 9:30AM. The surprise was that the clouds broke as we got there, the sun was out and the sky was bright blue. Beautiful weather compared to the drive. So we unloaded the camper, went over the winterizing stuff and the little facts about owning one of these campers, and Dad and I left, leaving a little piece of me behind with the memories of the fun trips I had and the conveniences of a small home away from home where I went.

Of course the Sunline is now on it's 4th owner and still rugged and solid enough for years of more adventures.

I'm going to miss that camper.

It's March, been a fun few months....

2010-03-08T12:25:00.002-05:00

First, I finally got back to blogging. I've been busy the last couple of months, and things keep getting tossed and turned everytime I turn around.

January we did a trip to the fly fishing show, the kids got to tie some wooly worms and collect more brochures. Then in February I got my tax return back, bought a new amateur radio transceiver that's more portable than the ones I use now. I also received a new phone, the My Touch Fender Edition from T-mobile as an early Valentine's Day gift from my girlfriend, then tackled the Springfield RV Show at the Big E with a full entourage (myself, my father, my girlfriend, and my daughters) We walked all 3 buildings, looked at several dozen trailers and various motorhomes, collected several brochures, and afterwards tried to go to Olive Garden in manchester CT but due to a long wait due to being Valentines Day, had to go to Hooters for dinner. Other than being a Sports Bar, my girlfriend's "I'm going to kill you" stares, and the over driven sound system with the Daytona 500 on several big screens, the burgers were good, and the price wasn't much more than going to Olive Garden for dinner.

Then the following weekend I took Saturday the 20th off, did a road trip with my father which encompassed the following itinerary:

Breakfast at Annie's Country Kitchen in Sturbridge MA
Sportsman Show in Springfield MA at the Big E Fairgrounds
Cabelas to shop for a new fly reel for my father's saltwater fly rod
Stop at All RV to pay for my new travel trailer (KZ Sportsman Classic 19BH)
Then Mohegan Sun to have the buffet, play the slots, and buy some Krispy Kreme Donuts.

Then Sunday the 21st, my father met up with my girlfriend, her daughter, and myself for a trip to Ikea in Stoughton MA. Had lunch, bought a bedroom set for the girlfriend's daughter, and a new couch for the living room.

Now it's March, got the trailer registered, in the process of selling the truck camper, and getting a couple rods ready for fishing season.

More to come with pictures as soon as I get the bugs out of the new camera, computer and tethering system.

Been a long couple of months...

2010-01-08T19:30:00.003-05:00

Howdy, I've been busy getting ready recovering from the Christmas Season, adapting to a 5 day work week, and have come to a slight standstill on the truck camper project.

But do not dispare, as Friday January 15th to Sunday January 17th is....

The Fly Fishing Show in Marlborough MA.

Prices to get in went up, $15.00 for 1 day, add another $10 for each additional day if you buy the ticket for the additional days on the first day.

Looking foreward to it, convinced my father to take a trip and look around, plus the girlfriend's daughter is going to be so thrilled to attend (she has no say in the matter because it's a "Professional Day" at her school so I'm watching her for the day)

Plus I'll be going Saturday morning with my daughters, they have kids day run by the New England Fly Tyers, who teach the kids how to cast a line and tye a flie.

Pics will be coming.

Add in plans will be in motion for the camper project, the existing truck camper, and several fishing trips.

Stay tuned.....

Laying out the Floor Frame

2009-11-12T18:35:00.003-05:00

The First of many parts cut to size...

And the framework laid out on the living room floor...

Starting this project is going to be fun, and later this winter the whole project is headed to a new location, where more workspace is available and the final assembly will take place.

Keep watching...

Construction has commenced....

2009-11-11T18:19:00.002-05:00

I've been busy the last month, did a trip to Salem Ma to the Witch Museum, the Haunted Trolly Ride, and House of Seven Gables. Definately a good rest and relaxation trip. Throw in a new co-worker and two days off a week in a row, I'm actually able to work on the new truck camper project.

After getting all this literature and books about RV construction, I broke down and bought the Glen L Acapulco Plans.

After spending several weeks reading, measuring, checking, rechecking, and budgeting, I finally bought some lumber and started construction.

First thing is that you need to lots of 2x2s which are actually dimensionally 1 1/2" by 1 1/2"

So a trip to Home Depot produced a 2x14-16' for just under $17.00

Then after cutting it in half, the ripping commenced. Recommendation... Do not rely on a battery operated saw to rip 2x stock. I can get only 14 feet of rip before the battery goes dead.

But the plate vise I used to hold the lumber (capacity is 2x6) worked well.

Here's a pic.

Planning for the Future Sportsman Camper

2009-10-04T00:00:00.000-04:00

Howdy folks, been a little while since I last posted. Been busy at work and also busy working on the plans for the new truck camper. Well I went and did something I didn't plan on. I ordered a book from England called "Travel Vans" by John Speed. Nice book, talks about European RVing and Camping trips around Europe, along with how to plan and build a RV for travel.

I read this book cover to cover several times since receiving it last month. It's well worth the 23.99L (British Pound) including the shipping to the US.

I also went and bit the bullet and bought the plans from Glen L in California for the Acapulco Camper. Nice blueprints, very basic construction, and best of all, I can build this in sections over the winter and do the final assembly when the weather is good and dry. Overal the camper will be 7 foot wide, have an 8' floor, a extended cabover sleeper making it about 13'8" overall length, and a center height inside of 6'4".

I'm also modifying the plans from Glen L, bringing the combination of Old School and New School together for the next 20 plus years. First is the plans call for the bed to be 64" wide between the tailgate opening. I've only got 60", so the first thing is to narrow the base by 4" overall. Second the overall floor is actually 8'1", so i would need to pull the tailgate off the GMC when using the camper. But with a floor length of 8'0", I can keep the tailgate on and use the tailgate as a deck or porch when entering and exiting the camper. So the camper is getting shortened 1" in length.

Other modifications include a Fantastic Fan, a roof vent over the sleeping area of the cabover, a vent over the bathroom area, rubber roof, aluminum siding, 4 corner jacks, an insulated floor, and modern windows, a modern door, and LED lighting. Toss in a 12V Refrigerator, propane heater, and possibly a hot water heater also.

And to start the project off I purchased the SMEV Sink Stove combo off Ebay, a nice little package of a 2 burner stove and stainless steel sink attached. Overall it's 31" by 13" by 5" with a sink 13" by 9" by 4 1/2". So I'm already started in planning, and will be starting construction next month.

Funny part is now I find that staying in the truck camper is more relaxing, especially when out on a fishing trip or just out sight seeing the countryside. It's like staying at a hotel on wheels that I don't have to pay for unless I stay in a campground, plus I can retire to after a long day of fishing.

Stay tuned and keep looking.

"Rolling" Fish!!! New Form of Fishing?

2009-06-24T19:00:00.000-04:00

I was reading the Field and Stream Fly Talk Blog the other day, and Kirk Deeter was talking about a friend who was into cutting off the hook of a fly to make it hookless and fishing just to see the fish take the fly, tug a little, and have the fly come out without harming the fish. The friend called it "rolling" the fish.

Now I am all for having fun, but this sounds like it would be fun to try, especially when it's warm out and the trout are deep and you don't want to stress them by having them out of the water to dehook them.

Heck Tim Romano's wife has pictures of him stalking lizards around a pool using hookless flies at a resort down south of the border.

Maybe there is something to be said, definately would gain approval from the animal rights people, but PETA (People Eating Tasty Animals) would object.

Moffitt Angling System... Will it work?

2009-06-24T18:00:00.000-04:00

I received a package today from China.... I ordered the Promo-18 fly package from Moffitt Angling (http://www.moffittangling.com/) last week and it arrived yesterday but because they require a signature on International Deliveries, I had to go to the Post Office and sign for it.

So here's what I got....

18 Hookless flies tied on Rubber Loops
5 Threaders with Foam Floats on one end
10 Circle Hooks
1 Hook Removal Tool
and the instructions in a plastic case.

Will it work? It should, but I won't know until later.

A couple of questions came up though....

Seeing the hook catches the mouth on the outside instead of the inside, is it considered snagging? even though the hook is in the outside of the lip?

If you attach multiple of these hookless flies on your leader but have only one hook, is it considered 1 fly or multiple flies?

I didn't get any answers from Moffitt Angling, but I did send them an e-mail stating that on their site it did not say anything about having to sign for the package or the fact that it would be coming from China.

The patterns look easy to tie, and I'm working on a vise system to try and tie some of these flies myself.

Now with that said, if it is considered snagging, and I don't want to do anything harmful like that, then I could just tie on one of the flies on the end of my leader, and go "rolling" (more on that later)

How To Be A Trout Bum Days 7 to 9

2009-06-17T19:13:00.005-04:00

OK, Here's the last of the Trout Bum Trip.

The initial plan was to drive to Pittsburg NH, get a campsite, fish for 3 days, catch some trout and salmon, and feel great.

What actually happened was....

The 6+ hour long drive up through some beautiful countryside.... (got to talking over an hour with Bob Donnelly, a Native American Indian who works at the Visitor Center off Route 93N just below the Lakes Region, and who knows a lot about fishing New Hampshire, along with drawing maps of where to fish for the trout and salmon. Really nice fellow to talk to.)

Crossing the 45th Parallel, 1/2 way between the Equator and the North Pole....

Arrived at Lake Francis Campground, got a walk in sites with Electric and Water both nights. Rasonable rates too, $30.00 a night.

Fished the inlet to Lake Francis, helped an elderly gentleman from Connecticut land a nice Salmon.

Fished the Bridge Pool the next morning. Crowded, plus one fellow took a 21" Brook Trout around 11AM, lots of big fish were pulled out that day.

Getting bored due to no fish, I went sight seeing and scouting. Way too many fishermen in a lot of the spots, and the spots without fishermen were without fish.

Did get up to Lopstick Lodge, bought some flies and a guide book. Got some info while I was there.

Went back to my new site, right across from the site I had the night before. Campground was crowded due to start of Memorial Day Weekend.

Went back to Bridge Pool on the way home, then drove up to the Catch and Release between the First and Second Connecticut Lakes. Decided to drive home, fishless, but need to pick up my girlfriend and her daughter at Airport in Rhode Island that Saturday Afternoon.

Meanwhile on the road trip back, I did get stopped at a roadblock at Mile Marker 95 on Route 93, just below Franconia Notch. US Customs and US Border Patrol were checking cars and trucks for illegals and smugglers. They asked if they could look in the camper, I told them not a problem, and the remark by the border agent was "Damn, that's a small bathroom" when he opened the door to the bathroom / closet.

All in all, I loved the trip. It was with downfalls and disappointments, but I did learn a lot of new things and learned where to go for next time. So there may be a future saga of being a Trout Bum... someday.

How To Be A Trout Bum Days 4 to 6

2009-06-15T18:00:00.005-04:00

Sorry about the delay, been under the weather since returning from the trip, plus the one fly competition.

So here goes....

Left Indian Hollow, had tick removed, stopped for replacement vent regulator arm and gearbox at Diamond RV, stopped for gas, resupplied the fridge, and made it to the Mohawk State Forest.

Had the best campsite, paved right to the edge of the site, and minimal levelling required.

Also had the Cold River behind the site, some really nice boulder strewn pools of gin clear water.

Not far from the Deerfield River, and the Cold Meets the Deerfield about 1 mile from the campground entrance.

Unfortunately no pics of fish, broke off 3 leaders fishing the turbulence of the Deerfield and Cold River flows meeting. Did raise one fish near the surface, but broke him off. I was bummed. But I did get my Tenkara Rod out for a nice 10" rainbow in the pool behind my camp site on the Cold River. Unfortunately he spit the fly just as I was getting the net out. But the people in the neighboring campsite saw the whole thing, and were surprised there were any trout in the pool.

Two nights in the campground were it for me, I had to preside over the Millers River TU meeting that Wednesday night, then drove home, clean up, resupply, and get some rest.

Next stop Pittsburg NH, home of large Brook Trout, Salmon, and beautiful wilderness.

Recap of the One Fly Competition

2009-06-07T19:00:00.000-04:00

OK, here's what happened.....

Woke up late....

Drove 75 miles north to Millers River....

Went up to the Bearsden...

Had the place to myself.....

Tied on Black Wooly Bugger....

Fished for an hour...

Caught nothing...

Went to Lower Catch and Release on the Millers....

Talked with another angler....

Didn't cast anything....

Time ran out.....

Went to cookout at Wagon Wheel Campground....

Dried out waders....

Helped clean up....

Drove to work....

No Fish at all...... :(

Millers River One Fly Competition and Free Fishing Weekend

2009-06-05T13:42:00.002-04:00

It's that time again, the first weekend in June, free fishing weekend in MA, where you don't need a license to fish June 6th and 7th.

Also the Millers River TU is holding the One Fly Competition, you can fish one pattern of fly, can't change colors, but you can change size of the fly. Also you can only fish the Millers River only, no tributaries or feeder streams. And the competiton runs from dawn until 12PM, with a cookout and awards at the Wagonwheel Campground in Wendell MA.

Further details, check out www.millersrivertu.org

See you streamside.

Being a Trout Bum Recap Days 1 to 4

2009-06-02T12:00:00.003-04:00

How to be a Trout Bum.....

Take one angler...

Add in one truck and camper to make life soo much easier...

Added bonus, my father actually attended Satuday to do some trout fishing! good thing I brought the extra lawn chair and portable awning!

Add in some wonderful campgrounds next to water...

Add in some trout....

And some great fishing action...

And throw in a cookout... even my daughters showed up for the cookout....

And a good old campfire at the end of the day....

This is the life!

Of course there were several mishaps while during the first 4 days....

Limited Cell Service if you have Sprint or AT&T. Verizon and T-mobile don't work at all along the river or campground.

Slipped on rocks in Chesterfield Gorge, got swept downstream by current, soaked cellphone which using for photos, and broke the 4 foot fly rod on Saturday.

Thunderstorms Saturday Night blew out the river, so fishing was really tough, almost non existant on Sunday. Also had the lifting mechanism on the center roof vent of the camper separtate at the gearbox making opening the vent impossible.

Monday at 4Am woke up to find a Deer Tick burrowing in my right leg, packed up quickly and drove to the nearest Emergency Room, 10 miles away on backroads. They removed it, and started me on antibiotics for next couple weeks. Also got vent fixed, $12.00 kit at Diamond RV in Northampton MA. (Right off Route 5 and 10 North)

Coming Soon.... Trip Reports and Pics

2009-05-31T13:00:00.000-04:00

OK Folks, I've been overwhelmed with computer issues and going through the mail that piled up while I was gone.

A short recap of my 9 day Trout Bum trip....

Travelled a whole bunch of miles and 4 trips to the gas station...

Fished 5 rivers, the Upper Connecticut, East Branch of the Westfield, Millers, Deerfield, and Cold Rivers...

Soaked my cellphone a couple times...

No Cell Service in half the places I went...

Hooked 6 fish and broke off 5 of them...

Broke 2 fly rods...

And got bit by a Deer Tick possibly carrying Lyme Disease.

So with that, I'll be posting more on the trip later this week...

How to recharge a camper battery if.......

2009-05-14T00:01:00.000-04:00

OK I know this definately sounds like a redneck joke.

How to Recharge Your Camper Batteries without spending lots of money on rewiring your truck.

When I bought my GMC, it came through with no tow package, and the nice little pigtail of light duty wires to hook up your standard turn and brake lights through a 4 way connection to the trailer.

What I needed was the hevy duty wiring package which includes brake controls and 12v charging line.

For a large sum of money I could have this, compliments of GM, as they make a replacement harness that plugs into the plug behind the cab over the gas tank. It will give me a 7 way connector for a 5th wheel or camper, and a 7 way for the rear of the truck to tow with.

So being the thrifty person I am (ok, so I'm too cheap to get the harness)

I went to Walmart, home of everything you wouldn't need, but realize you can't live without it.

I found a set of jumper cables 20 feet long. The idea, jump the batteries in the bed of the truck from the alternator to charge the batteries.

So this is what I have to charge when I need electricity in the camper....

12 Volts when the truck is running, charging 2 deep cycle batteries. Only downfall is it only works when stationary, but then again I only draw a few amps a day for lights and the fridge, so I may only need to do this once or twice a trip.

Now I'm off on vacation.... see you streamside.

Fishing the Millers River

2009-05-11T20:00:00.001-04:00

I think it went well yesterday, I got my father to head out with me to fish the Millers River for the ever present "stocked" trout.

It was a good day, except for the breeze which was more of a constant 10 to 40 mph wind, and the large grey clouds which turned the temperature down dramatically when they shaded the landscape from the sun.

On the plus side, we caught over 22 fish, all in the 10" to 14" range.

On the down side, I thought my refrigerator was broken, I went to load it in the morning only to find the flame detection meter in the white instead of the green. After spending 5 minutes trying to relight it, I decided to open the cover and see if it was working. It was. Later on I pulled the refrigerator out and there was voltage at the meter, but the meter wasn't moving. So for now I have to open the cover and check the flame manually, not a problem, but makes more work for me.

Trout Stocking on the Millers River

2009-05-08T12:00:00.001-04:00

It's Official. Mass Division of Fish and Wildlife will be working with the Miller's River Chapter of Trout Unlimited to stock the Upper Catch and Release section of the Millers' River today at 2PM.

They will be working with Harrison Anglers to float stock a good portion of the river with Brown Trout.

Then on Saturday May 9th, the Upper Millers will get a special Kid's Stocking of Rainbow Trout compliments of the Millers River Fishermens Association.

Looks like I'll be spending time up in the Upper Millers this weekend.

See you streamside.

Indian Hollow Here I come!!

2009-05-07T08:00:00.000-04:00

May 15th to the 18th I'll be at one of the states most overlooked almost gin clear waters. If you click on the link below, You'll end up on the MA-RI TU Council Webpage for Indian Hollow:

http://www.ma-ri-tu-council.org/Indian-Hollow.html

This is a once a year event for me, where I see old friends, catch some nice trout and salmon, and just relax. The key to starting a nice vacation.

From the site:

About Annual Indian Hollow Campground Weekend, May 15 - 18, 2009 Annual Council Meeting at 10 AM Saturday, May 16.
Fly fisher men and woman from all over Massachusetts and Rhode island make the yearly Indian Hollow Weekend a must. They all envy our Taconic Chapter being located in the beautiful Berkshires and surrounded by the many fine Trout Streams there. Members of our Chapter will be camping out at Indian Hollow Campground from Friday noon to Monday noon. Camping is free. Come and enjoy it with your friends. A large rental tent is erected in the center of the campground and the Council caters a free Saturday lunch. Marc Hoechstetter, one of our very active members provides the material and builds a huge and I do mean huge bonfire for the Saturday night entertainment.
John Salemi reported 6 fish in 7 casts - although your catch may vary.
The nights are usually cool so bring a jacket for the evening campfire. The river is heavily stocked with good size trout for this event.
Mike Shepard once took a nice Rainbow trout pushing 5 lbs. The following year Dwayne Anderson did the same thing.This is a catch and release river. Other nearby streams are not.
At a large upstream pool you’ll often see beaver in the early evening. Gene Chague watched a moose cross the river one year. Paul Ouellette saw a huge salmon leap in the air below the Rainbow Pool. Bring a few pieces of fire wood if you can. Free fire wood is scarce. The campground has hot showers at the men and women’s toilet facilities.
This is a fine chance to commune with nature and your fellow TU members.
For those of you who like Google Maps, Click here for more info.
Read more about Indian Hollow at the Taconic May 2006 Newsletter
Basic Directions:
In the center of Chesterfield on Route 143 is the Town Hall, a large white columned building. Next to it is South Street.Turn (south) on South Street and follow it to the TU signs for 2.3 miles to Indian Hollow Road. This is a dirt road which leads down to the campground, a fly fisher’s Shangri-la there on the Westfield River.

This is the beginning of my annual fly fishing vacation, where it ends, no one really knows.

Loop rod techniques gone Tenkara?

2009-05-06T22:00:00.000-04:00

I was reading the Field and Stream Fly Talk Blog the other day when I came across a posting about Tenkara.

What the heck is Tenkara?

Well if you click on the link:

http://www.tenkarausa.com/index.php

You'll come to their webpage, describing an old Japanese fishing technique, which turns out is similar to what I've been doing with the loop rod, and the old timers have been doing with the old cane poles down south. (Only thing is that the boys down south use bait on a hook, not flies)

Tenkara uses a 11 to 13 foot telescopic rod and only 12 to 14 feet of line. Not anything long distance, unlike the Compleate Angler which "caste a lyne of 15 to 18 yards" makes long range work sort of a thing of the past. Of course my daughters were fishing the Kids Fishing Derby and casting only 10 to 15 feet from shore using spinning rods, bobbers and 3 to 4 feet of line under the bobber to a nightcrawler on a hook. They know that the trout run close to shore, so why cast out so far?

If you read The Fly Fisher's Craft, then you are familiar with the loop rod and long braided horse hair lines, furled leaders, and many different flies.

The nice part is they simplify the casting in pictures:

Photo Courtesy of Tenkara USA

And Simplify how to land the fish:

Photo Courtesy of Tenkara USA

Another technique, maybe it will catch on. I'll keep you posted and let you know how Tenkara works for me.

Orange Gun Club Kid's Fishing Derby

2009-05-06T19:53:00.004-04:00

On the First Sunday in May the Orange Gun Club in Orange MA, hosts the Kids Fishing Derby. This is open to all kids from age 0 to age 14.

My daughters have attended this 6 years strait. Cassandra took the trophy this year, knocking her sister out of contention for it with 30 minutes to go in the derby.

Of course Holly had the first fish recorded and the largest for her age group for the first 90 minutes of the derby. The nice part was that her first fish was a tagged 11 7/8" Rainbow, so she got a special prize for the tag.

And here's Holly holding up her 11 7/8" rainbow and her sister's trophy fish, a 12 7/8" rainbow.

Way to go girls!

Field and Stream losing the Huntress!

2009-05-05T08:00:00.001-04:00

I checked into the Field and Stream Huntress Blog only to find out that "due to budget constraints, Field and Stream is no longer going to run the FSHuntress blog after April 30th"

This is very heartbreaking.

Kim Hiss started the blog back in 2007, and has had a rather large following. She is very talented with her writing in the blog and her articles.

But unfortunately the big wigs at Field and Stream decided to axe the blog.

It is an extremely sad day in the world of hunting

Good Luck with your future endeavors Kim.

April was a tough month.....

2009-05-01T19:45:00.001-04:00

Howdy all, I'm back after a really rough month. April was the roughest month of all months.

First I got my new bow, a Ragim Wildcat 24# 68" takedown recurve. Shoots well, I just need lots of practice.

My Radio from Yaesu was finally repaired a second time. The first time it was "supposedly" repaired, yet on the return trip they found more problems with the repair from the first time around.

On April 14th, I crushed the last 2 fingers on my left hand while repairing a garage door at work. I spent more time doing paperwork and safety training than I spent at the emergency room that night.

And I caught a flu bug, no not the H1N1 Swine Flu ( If I was ever so lucky) but I have been fighting it for 2 weeks, and spent a few days home from work because of it.

But on the plus side, I've been reading, surfing the web, working, and getting ready for Indian Hollow Weekend and the start of my vacation.

More on the Orange Gun Club Kids Fishing Derby, Trout Stocking, Indian Hollow, and the Millers River One Fly Competition coming soon.....

The Loop Rod, A modern day version

2009-03-31T00:25:00.003-04:00

I started on this a few weeks ago, when I read the Fly Fishers Craft. The concept is as old as Dame Julianna and Sir Isaac Walton. Using a rod of fair length and limberness, with a line of 15 yards and a leader of 9 feet, with one or more flies, one could catch fish. Now with that said, the old rods were made of different species of wood, one being lancewood, which I haven't the feintest idea of where to get some of that. Also I don't know much about braiding horsehair or silk for fly lines, so I'm still learning about this and turning this into a modern day project to kill some time and relive the old days of fishing. With that I opted for modern day materials, Fiberglass, Cork, Rubber, to create my own version of the Loop Rod.

Behold the Loop Rod, ready to go out on the town, it's line hanging from the switch, by the door, ready to go. Just add a leader, flies, and some trout waters for a day of fun. Notice the cane or walking stick shape, sort of hides the fact that I am going to go fishing, but the unsuspecting may think I'm out for a stroll with a new hiking or walking stick.

Here's more of the modern day Loop rod, not to be confused with LOOP Rods. (More on them later)

The butt, a rubber doorknob style cap press fit over the cork tape grip.

The other end of the cork tape grip, not pretty yet, but taped until I can figure out what I want to do about a decorative wrap, if any. Maybe I'll just shrink tube the end, as a possibility.

Another Doorknob Style Rubber End Cap, press fit over the telescopic rod end.

Once removed, the rod pieces can be pulled out and friction held in place to give the rod a length of 9 feet. Notice the metal rod tip, a small loop inwhich to tie or handshake connect the loop from the line.

And what shall we use for a line, well they used horse hair for fly lines with braided loops in the ends. I don't have the patience to braid horse hairs or make loops. So I turn to Cortland.

Slip the loops on the 15 yard fly line, (Cortland 5DT Floating) and go out and enjoy. Just attach a leader to one end, and the other loop to the rod tip. Casting is more of a roll cast or spey style cast, not too much overhead double hauling casts on this one.

Scouting New Places

2009-03-27T17:42:00.004-04:00

I decided to take a little side trip on the way in to work. This had to be one of the best days in March, slight breeze, sunny, and in the 60's.

Hit the A1 Site pond in Westborough MA

Nice place, unfortunately you need to portage the canoe in to get to the water.

And the trees and stumps make navagation by boat really tough.

But it's fun to watch the Purple Line of the MBTA cruise by headed to Boston.

Too bad I had to go to work, I could have stayed out here all day.

One note, if you do drive down to the water's edge, beware that you need either a good ammount of speed or 4 Wheel Drive to get out around the ruts, the boulders, and the trees before you hit the pavement.

Slight Disapointments....

2009-03-25T09:00:00.000-04:00

Here's a condensed version of my latest disapointment.

I ordered a Rifle It / Shelf It overhead shelf for the GMC a month ago from Cabelas.

It came in Tuesday.

I tried to install it late Tuesday Night.

Nothing lined up perfectly, except for the sun visors....

They were right at my eye level and couldn't see the road without looking below the sun visor.

Needless to say, the pictures in the catalog are deceiving, the shelf sat down 3" below the top of the windshield....

Back in the box... Looks like another road trip to Cabelas.

The New Canoe

2009-03-24T21:03:00.003-04:00

I decided that this year I needed to get into the remote areas a little better. So I went out and bought a 12' Radisson Canoe from Pelletiers Sporting Goods in Jaffrey NH. I was thinking of a longer canoe, but at 34 lbs, you can't beat it for carrying it across fields and through the woods.

And of course if you get a new canoe, what's next.... The maiden voyage.

From the shore of Jenks Reservoir, Bellingham MA.

"It handled beautifully in the wind, tracked straight, and stayed afloat even when I switched to the rear seat" (big mistake....almost swamped the stern)

I saw this on eBay........

2009-03-16T21:18:00.000-04:00

I saw this on eBay, a neat little truck camper for sale, too bad the auction ended before I could bid on it. Someone is going to have a blast travelling with this one.

Nice 8 foot camper, with jacks and propane.

And an Icebox and sink....

The dinette converts into a bed... Definately an 80's pattern on the cushions.

And a stove built in to heat your food. What else would anyone need.... other than a toilet?

This is definately giving me ideas about how to build my fishing camper, like the 1955 PM drawings and plans.

Road Trip

2009-03-09T00:44:00.004-04:00

Yep, Road trip, to............

Cabelas in East Hartford CT and across the street....

UConn's Stadium.

Worse part is having a Cabelas this close to home makes my wallet shrink!!!

Loop Rod, Sort of.....

2009-03-06T18:00:00.000-05:00

What is this... A cork in a length of graphite tubing?

Actually no, It's the first 3 sections of a 12 foot 4 section Shakespear Panfish Telescopic Rod.

Each section fits inside the other and telescopes out when needed. These 3 sections will be the blank for my modern day loop rod. Just tie a fixed length of line on the end, add a leader and fly, any you have a modern day version of what Walton, Webster, and countless others in the past have used.

For a more modern approach to this, check out this thread:

http://www.sexyloops.co.uk/cgi-bin/theboard_07/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=5;t=5887;st=0

Next is the lines to use.

Stay tuned......

A Surprise from the F&S Huntress

2009-03-06T17:44:00.004-05:00

I was surprised yesterday when I opened my e-mails. I saw the name, Kim Hiss a.k.a. the F&S Huntress, in the sender column, and what was even more surprising was the e-mail itself.
I was the weekly F&S Huntress Gear Giveaway winner. Wow, That's cool. And my prize, Muzzy 4 Blade Broadheads and Tinks Scents. Wow, what a surprise. And I was surprised, as I wasn't trying to win anything, just contribute to the blogs and earn more stars under their new revamped site. So far in 2 months I've gotten over 13,000 points and a 3 star rating. Not too hard, but it does take time.

I've added a link to Kim's Blog. Click on F&S Huntress in the Link box or click here:
www.fieldandstream.com/blogs/fshuntress

And for more Field and Stream stuff, check out the revamped site at:
http://www.fieldandstream.com/

Now for some more fun. I've been reading the book A Fly Fishers Craft, and getting more info and ideas. Sad part is the more I read and think about it, the more it may become a reality. So next up.. The Loop Rod.

Also I haven't forgotten about the Truck Campers, I've got to put the new refrigerator in th Sunline when it get's warmer and I can take the cap off the truck. As for the truck camper buildup, that's going to be back burner until summer, maybe build up the shell by fall.
More to come.....

A Fly Fisher's Craft

2009-03-06T17:26:00.003-05:00

I read about this book last year, and was on my want list within the next couple years. But I was surprised by my girlfriend one night last month. She was at Building 19, a discount closeout store that deals with closeout and discontinued items, like books, furniture, cookware, clothing, etc. , and found this book in the rack.

An excellent source of information about fly fishing, with historical references, and modern day approaches. After reading this, I've set off to try and build a modern version of the loop rod.

Field and Streams First Fly Swap

2009-03-06T17:12:00.005-05:00

Sorry about being away from the Blog, too much work and too much snowfall the last few weeks.
But there is news, good news.

First the wonderful folks at the USPS delivered a package today.

It was from the First Ever Field and Stream Fly Swap.

Enclosed was my foam fly box with flies from:

BuckHunter, Liotus, 3WGT, Swimswithtrout, Etangls, K.Florian, Kucho, K.Kosovich, K.Goetz, and Myself Sportsman Matt

Some really cool fly patterns for the first ever F&S Fly Swap. Also a piece of history, as I was involved with the very first fly swap on record with Field and Stream and it's other readers.

Why I like and hate February!!!

2009-02-13T22:43:00.002-05:00

First off, I like February because of the following....

The Camping and RV Show at Eastern States the 13th to the 16th

The Outdoor Sports Show at Eastern States the 19th to the 22nd

The fact that I get my tax refunds back.

Planning camping and fishing trips around the area.

New fishing shows on VS, Outdoor Channel, CSN, ESPN

Valentine's Day with my gal.

The things I hate about February.....

Owing Taxes to the IRS or State DOR (Finding out after you spent 5 hours figuring the forms out)

Exise Tax is due on my truck (Went up from last year... almost double)

Everyone and their relatives are doing the same big ticket shopping that I am on the same day at the same time because they got their Tax Refund back at the same time.

Snow and Ice covering everything I would rather be fishing or working on.

Having to wash the salt of my truck on a daily basis, even when parked.

Planning my vacations for the year so management can tell me no because someone senior to me has that week off.

Having to replan my vacations because management told me no I couldn't have this week off but offer the 3rd week in November as the only one available because no one wanted it.

So there you have it, why I love and hate February, and the events I'm headed to.

On the Road Internet Option

2009-02-02T00:00:00.004-05:00

I've been busy the last couple weeks, fighting snow storms, rumor mills at work, and trying to get on the internet while on the road. (Never know when you'll need Mapquest to get to or from a good hunting or fishing spot)

So I've been working on tethering the cellphone to the laptop to use, and it works.

So here's what I did. I started with a Nokia 6301 phone from T-mobile USA, the Blackberry USB linking cable, and an Acer Aspire One Netbook (smaller than a laptop but it still does the job)

First make sure your phone is Internet 3G ready. You'll know because all the info on it will say 3G Internet or E-mail and IM capable. At same time get USB cable to connect phone to laptop or computer.

Second is to see if the manufacturer site has the software to connect the cellphone to your computer. You may have to download this. If no software is available, return cable to store. If you have the software, run program and follow directions.

Third thing is to test to see if the phone and laptop work together. Try downloading pictures or text messages from your phone to the laptop or computer.

Last things to do are enable the phone to access the internet on the 3G network, and set up the software to connect to the 3G network, and add the proper internet package onto your bill.

The internet will be slow, like dial up speeds as far as getting and receiving data and showing web pages, but you can send and receive e-mails, update blogs, send photos, and other things. While out in the campsite, while on the road, or at a friends place where tying into their phone lines wouldn't be appreciated. As long as you have a signal, you can get info in and out.

The drawbacks to this are several things. First is the battery charge on the cell phone will go down drastically, as you are sending and receiving information through the phone on a continuous basis as long as you are "online" with the phone. Second is that some companies charge unlimited time for a set rate, some charge per text or kb of info sent or received. They also set certain speeds, you may find that your login and download speed are slower than dial up networking. Third is the info can be captured and hacked into by professional hackers, so don't use it to buy Grandma's Cookies with your credit card. Last thing is the battery life of the laptop in the field. You may not have 110VAC power available, but you can get a 12V to 110V power inverter to plug the laptop into to charge the battery up from your vehicle.

So that's my portable internet solution for my trips.

And the next generation truck camper goes back 54 years

2009-01-14T13:37:00.005-05:00

I've been looking into building a new camper for fishing trips around the countryside, someplace to keep dry, sleep, and eat on occasion. Unfortunately the cost of a new camper that will be obsolete in 10 years is way more than I am willing to spend. Also I plan on trying to keep this for at least the next 40 years, at which time I'll be in my late 70's. So I referred back to some books I received from my grandfather's bookshelves years ago.

And inside I found the following article... House Trailer

Above is the framework and drawing of what the structure is made of.

Below is what the frame work is made of and how to load it era 1955.

Last is the sheathing and suggested layouts, along with sealing the roof and other tips.

Hopefully I'll get this going within the next few months... around my fishing schedule.

The Fly Fishing Show cometh.....

2009-01-14T13:31:00.003-05:00

It's that time of year again....

Yep, the Fly Fishing Show in Marlborough MA

January 16th-18th 2009

And the best part is when this arrives in the mail....

The Rod is done....RECoil guides

2009-01-14T13:21:00.003-05:00

Well, I've finished the rod, here's a pic with the Hardy St. Johns 3 7/8 reel. This is going to be my rod and reel for freshwater fishing all of 2009. Now I just need to get out. Check out the guides though.

RECoil Single Foot Guides available at www.rec.com

They Flex, can be crushed......

And spring right back into shape. These have become my preferred guides on any rod.

Nice part is when they Ice up, you just crush them and the Ice falls off as they spring back into shape. The perfect guide for winter fly fishing.

Rod finishing... My Rod is done!

2009-01-06T14:05:00.002-05:00

Here's a picture of my home made rod dryer. A 3/8" square piece of key stock inserted into a 1" rubber chair leg cap. the Blue tape is there to prevent the motor from falling off the table. Also I wrap the end ot the rod with tape to make a snug fit between the rod and the cap. The motor is a BBQ rotisserie motor I purchased from Lowes. Turns the right speed to apply the finish to the wraps and dry the finish without the sagging of the finish to the bottom of the rod.

Another picture of the motor and cup assembly.

This is the other end of the support system for the rod, also my rod wrapping box, cut 2 notches and pull the tread through a bobbin pushed through the cardboard. The books under the box are to keep everything level. The rod in the picture is my 4' 6/7 wt 1 piece custom rod I built to fish freshwater this year as a challenge, this will be the only rod I will use to fish freshwater in 2009.

And finally some of my rod storage, an old gun cabinet converted to a rod cabinet. (Someone commented that I have too many rods awhile back) The 9 foot 2 piece rods don't fit as well as the other rods, so they sit across the doorway at an angle. Best part is the bookshelf underneath for the fishing books, from rod building to travel to writings by Gierach. Also what fly fishing bookshelf would not be complete without a copy of "The Compleate Angler" by Sir Issac Walton?

Rod Building Guides and Spacing

2009-01-06T01:52:00.004-05:00

So now I have the grip on and started on the guides.

I used a couple computer programs and finally ended up with the guides placed where they needed to be, especially when I flex the rod. To accomlish this I used a white china marker and ran it up and down the inside spine of the blank, then measured from the tip the recommended spacing and marked the blank with the china marker. The marks can be seen on the right and a finished wrapped guide on the left of this picture.

And an overall view of the tip, 1 guide, and the remaining marks for the other guides.

With that, now I am going to see about getting one of these.....

Joff's Backyard Bar-B-Que in Bellingham,MA. A delicious Stacked Burger, Chili Cheese Fries, and a tall Root Beer. Enough to keep you full for the day if not longer.

Rod Building, Creating Grips and Reel Seating.

2008-12-29T18:56:00.005-05:00

OK, so now here's a couple photos of my rod building secrets.

First is the Cork grips, I'm building a fighting butt on the blank.

Then I sanded and taped off the Fighting Butt and made Reel Seat Spacers to take up the gap between the inside of the reel seat and the blank.

A test fitting to make sure the fit is right.

And the assembly using Loctite 5 minute epoxy with the mixing tubes.

Glue the reel seat in first and the grip on afterwards. below the final product.

Finally Done building the rod for Christmas......

2008-12-23T11:55:00.002-05:00

Well, here's the pics of the rod I was building for my girlfriend's father. Nice 4' 6/7wt E-glass Rod.

Merry Christmas to all......

Rough weekend.... time to build a rod or 2

2008-12-16T03:05:00.003-05:00

Well, I've started on bulding the fly rods this past weekend, mainly because I only have one day off before Christmas Eve, the due date for custom fly rod#3 to come off the bench. I appologize for not having pictures of the rod construction of fly rod#3 up but I do have a photo of the finished grip and reel seat. Also I have custom fly rod#4 started, the cork fighting butt end has been epoxied in place and the cork rings are glued together, ready for turning in the lathe or drill press, along with the fighting butt. I think fly rod#4 will go on the shelf for a couple days while I get fly rod #3 finished.

As for outdoors events,deer hunting with a shotgun season ended this past weekend, and muzzleloading / primitive arms deer hunting season started today in MA. Fishing on the Swift was cancelled due to scheduling conflicts and a real nasty ice storm this past week.

Oh well, it was a good weekend to stay indoors as long as you had the essentials, water, heat, power for the fridge and lights.

Winter Doldrums.... No more

2008-12-10T13:39:00.003-05:00

Fellow Fishermen, have you often thought that just because it's winter, that fishing is over until either the ice is solid enough to stand on or spring comes through? There is a solution.

For those who haven't tried it yet, try tailwater fishing. Tailwaters are the discharge from dams that pull water from the bottom of the reservoir, where the water does not freeze and stays anywhere from 40 to 50 degrees. I've been fishing one tailwater here in Massachusetts, the Swift River, with relatively good success. Nice part is the section of the river is a Catch and Release from July 1st to December 31st each year. Just remember that in November and December that the water is warmer than the air, and ice can be a factor to either make or break your trip.

On the bench back home, I'm working on rebuilding some rods and as soon as some parts show up, will be building some custom rods this winter. Keep watching to see how to build a fly rod, it is not that hard to do and the pride you get from catching a fish on your own creation is priceless.

Welcome

2008-12-06T01:11:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Outdoors with Sportsman Matt.

Each post will have something to do with being outdoors around New England, from fishing and hunting, to camping and exploration.

Please feel free to bookmark this blog, tell your friends and coworkers, and enjoy the outdoors.