Musky Poppers

The top water theme at the CARF Outdoors vise continues!

Here we have some XL sized poppers ready to hunt.  Their mission, to make a raucous and piss off some dragons.

The Bruiser.

The popper heads are shaped and formed by yours truly with a dremel, and a lot of patients.  It takes time to shape these by freehand.  One mistake, and it's toast.

Oh, and if you're wondering, these cast like the most wonderful bag of bricks in the whole wide world.

"Mc-Pop-a-lot" - Southern Culture on the Fly aka S.C.O.F.

FSA Custom Rods presents: The Dragon Slayer

The Dragon Slayer

An FSA Custom Rod

Last October (2013), after breaking my 9 wt rod on my fall musky hunt. I was chit chatting with Ed over at FSA Custom Rods, and he talked me into having a backup rod. He didn't have to do much selling on the idea, because, it was already in my head. I mean, why in the world would you not have a back up rod, especially on a fishing trip. I'm such a critical thinker. =)

As the two of us were talking about the build, we both were throwing out the same exact ideas, at the the same damn time. It was extremely hilarious and awkward at the same time. I was starting to think he was literally in my head. We both thought it should be a stealthy build. Black on black with some gunmetal gray mixed in.

"Slate poly, charcoal nylon, gunmetal metallic and bullard black nylon 4 color throop wrap." - FSA Custom Rods

Those throop/tiger wraps really make this rod a thing of beauty. Ed does some outstanding work, and it shows.

More specs on the rod.

• Matte black 9' - 3 pc - 10 wt.
• Double locking nut reel seat.
• Smoke black TiCh snake guides and tip top.
• Full wells cork grip with x-flock heat shrink over wrap.

I could not be any happier with this rod. The grip on it is fantastic. It doesn't get slippery and it seems to have saved my hand a few blisters. It's performed great, and I cannot wait to see what other big fish this rod helps me land...steelhead...tarpon...snook...a shark? Hopefully, all of those!

If you're interested in contacting Ed about a possible build or if you have any questions about rods, fishing or beer (Ed is a fantastic home brewer) I'm sure he'll be glad to answer your questions. He's a good guy, with some serious talent.

Website - FSA CUSTOM RODS

EMAIL - ed@fourseasonangler.com

I BELIEVE IN DRAGONS

The Dragon Slayer

I BELIEVE IN DRAGONS

"HELL FUCKING YEAH!!!!" - Justin Carfagnini

There really are no other words that could express my excitement, except for those above, in bold capital letters. 

I've been hunting this fish for awhile now. Every outing in musky waters I have gotten closer and closer to landing one. From the follows, swipes, blisters, broken leaders, lost flies, broken rods, sore shoulders, and beaten down confidence, I finally caught my mythical creature, I finally, got my musky.

This was such a special catch for me. Not only did I just catch my first musky, it was a wild musky. I caught it while utilizing my preferred method of fishing - fly fishing, and on a fly that I tied! EXTRA SPECIAL BONUS!!

It was also my first outing with my brand new 10 wt rod that Ed over at FSA Custom Rods finished just days before. The rod is now named "Dragon Slayer."

I'm not really big on weighing or measure fish, but I estimated this one to be about 20 inches, but who cares...it's a musky!!!!

I have stared at these pictures multiple times a day since the catch. It's hands down the most beautiful fish I have ever caught. Nothing I have ever caught before compares to the emerald green shimmer and markings of this apex predator - Beautiful Violence.

I can see how guys become totally obsessed with this fish. I believe, that I have just become one of them.

It's known as the fish of 10,000 casts, and to quote my friend, The Fat Gordo - "Now that you got your first, every one after, is just a bonus."