Thursday, May 30, 2019

Vedavoo: Reel Service Project VI

VEDAVOO started the REEL SERVICE PROJECT as a means to raise funds for worthy causes and in this case, Captains for Clean Water.  VEDAVOO messenger bags featuring the original artwork of marquis artists Paul Puckett and Jorge Martinez were built as prizes for those who support these efforts.  100% of the proceeds from will directly benefit the featured charity.  All construction, materials, artwork and administrative expenses have been donated.







Artwork by Jorge Martinez

Artwork by Paul Puckett

The Vedavoo Reel Service Project VI ends on June 1st



Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Ibo Island - Mozambique

Back in September of 2018, I left the country.  I traveled to the country of Mozambique (That's in Africa for those that are unaware).  I spent time wandering around the capital Maputo, and then traveled all the way to the Northern part of the country to Ibo Island, which is located in the Cabo Delgado Province, and is an island part of the Quirimbas in the Indian Ocean.

A celebration on the island during our visit.
Ibo is an amazingly beautiful place filled with amazing people, and I was saddened to hear that a Cyclone hit the region and caused major damage.  Cyclone Kenneth had the force of a category 4 hurricane.  Upon hearing the news, I contacted our host at the lodge we stayed at during our visit with hopes that everyone was safe, but did not hear back for over a week.  Electricity on the island was knocked out, and so many homes were totally destroyed.

Below you'll find a link to a news article talking about and showing the damage that has occurred in the region.  I have also included a link to Oikos, and a direct link to donate to support Mozambique.



Casa Das Garcas - Sign outside of the lodge.
A young kid watching the morning tide roll out.
Taking in the Indian Ocean from the Casa Das Garcas pier.
Anchored on a sand flat in the Indian Ocean.
One of the many beautiful sunsets witnessed.

Monday, May 6, 2019

LEM Boulevard Bike Helmet

This Summer I plan on riding my bike a lot more.  With the more bike riding, I got a new bike helmet from LEM Helmets.  One of my plans for this Summer is ride around the Twin Cities, spot fish a bunch of places, and stop at some breweries.  My homie Grant of the Brown Trout and Bridge Beers Podcast is an avid rider of bikes, and he's down.  Should be a lot of fun!

Fun colors on the box
Lots of air holes to keep my head cool
Safety and style
Slapped a CARF Creative sticker on the new helmet, because, that's what I do.  I have stickers, and they need to be stuck.  Here's a short video of me working on my magic skills.  Let me know what you think! 



Sunday, May 5, 2019

Gear Swap at BMFS

Bob Mitchell's Fly Shop in Saint Paul had a gear swap.  There was a lot of cool stuff there.  There were also a bunch of cool people.  Here are some photos I took while I was there.

Outside of the shop.
Outside of the shop Patagonia was showing off their new wading boots, and then under the BMFS tent the grill was going and there were hot dogs and chips for all.

Steelhead Talk
There was a lot of fish talk going on, and in the photo above Mr. Sherlock was talking about steelhead, per usual.  He likes to toss an egg pattern first before using a streamer - I'm kidding.  That's how you get him "triggered" haha :). 

Hot dogs and chips.
Sam trying to get Aaron to give him all of the goods for free.
There was a lot of old gear that found new homes, and will find new fish.  There were so many fly rods this year! So many!

Inside the shop
The Legend - Wilderness Bill
The Man, The Myth, The Legend - Wilderness Bill made an appearance to the gear swap.  He's known to wrestle Canadian gators in his sleep, and chug bottles of maple syrup by the gallons, and destroy Costco sized pizzas with 1 bite.

Wilderness Bill scores!
Wilderness Bill is also good at hunting down some seriously good deals!

Big thanks to Bob Mitchell's Fly Shop for the hot dogs, and hosting a fun event!

FYI - I don't know what is going on with my Google account and blogger, but it won't let me traditionally reply to your comments.  I have to instead create a complete separate comment to reply back.

Wednesday, May 1, 2019

TenCARFa

We're getting to have a Spring here in Minnesota, and I have been able to get out and enjoy it.  Other than the trout in the State Parks of Minnesota, the only fish I am able to get out and target are currently panfish.  With it being Spring and all, I went out for a walk around a local lake, and decided to bring my Tenkara rod.

With a beaded San Juan Worm tied on the end of my Tenkara USA Hane rod recommended to me by The Tenkara Master Blaster himself, Troutrageous (Tenkara Angler Magazine), I went out and dominated the sunfish!

#icatchsmallfishtour
During the walk I stopped at the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory.  Within the conservatory there was a Japanese garden and there were so many Bonsai Trees.  I was thoroughly impressed, because, I have never seen one in person.  Since FOREVER I thought a Bonsai Tree was a specific species, but I was completely wrong.  I had no idea that it was an actual art form of growing much larger trees, but stunting them to be mini.  I was amazed, and conducted 30 minutes of research when I got home, and purchased a Bonsai Tree seed kit for Colorado Blue Spruces.  Soon, I will be a master of Bonsai.

I hope I possess the skills to Bonsai.
Also, I must give a shot out to Cheech of Fly Fish Food, because, he dubbed my style of Tenkara as TenCARFa, and I think it's RAD.  Thanks!

All the cool kids are raving about TenCARFa.