Windy City Fishing BBQ at Beck Lake

This past weekend, I was invited out to a local lake that I have never fished before, to participate in a small gathering with some guys from a local fishing forum that I frequent WindyCityFishing.  The man organizing this shin dig is Kevin aka "Bassman29" but he should also be known as the Grill Master! ...or cigar man, because, he owns Utopia Cigars (Great place BTW and he is extremely knowledgeable.)

Grill Mater Kevin

I was at a Lake X this Spring with DanK and Kevin showed up to fish, but he also brought his grill, and grilled us up some sausage when we took a break around lunch time.  Man, what a great guy!  If you're reading this, Kevin, thanks, for the hot dogs!!!

Before cheese was added.  Kevin is a master of char...and I love charred burgers.

These sausages were absolutely delicious!

It was a fun outing.  I seriously got almost next to no fishing in, because, I spend most of my time talking with some new and familiar faces.  It's always great to put a face to a screen name behind the many reports that are put up, and to see who is reading your stuff.

There were quite a few Ascend kayaks that showed up.  Here is mine and Kevins. Awww aren't they cute.

A fellow Windy City Fisher, Keith, has this really badass kayak.  It's called a "SCANOE."  I have never heard of these, and I thought that it was a nickname for his boat, but I was wrong, it's the actual name.  There's a lot of DIY mounts on this water craft.  Those seats are definitely not stock, they're from the bar stools at his parents house...and yes, they still swivel.  My other favorite part is his outriggers.  2 Scotty mounts on each side paired with crab pot floats.  WHAT!!!

THE SCANOE!!!!!

I wish I was able to stay longer than I did, but I had to leave early.  I caught zero fish, but had many many laughs.  After I had left, I learned that there were a few fish caught, and the biggest one of the day went to Keith.  I don't have the picture here, but I'll link you to the post.  It was a very nice LMB.

CLICK HERE FOR REPORT OF THE DAY

More SCANOE with Kevin and Keith.

Looking forward to the next BBQ, and I'll be sure to clear my entire schedule for it!

Weekend Floats

SATURDAY 7/18

I was hoping to fish early and beat the heat, but that plan did not work out. I woke up late. It was forecast to be cloudy and 70/80 until Noon, and then it was going to be clear skies, sunny and in the 90's. I got to the Des Plains River around 9:30ish, unloaded my kayak, and paddled upriver.

What a workout! The water was high, stained, and moving fast due to some recent storms we've had. That did not make paddling up river easy at all, but I toughed it out. I brought some beers with me, and that helped offset the calories I burned paddling. Haha.

A local Chicago brewery - Revolution Brewing - Fist City

There's a very busy road that runs along the river, and it's appropriately named River Road. I started to hear some rumbling, and figured it was just some semi trucks hitting one of the many potholes. Started to hear it some more, and I saw the sky get a little darker west. I quickly checked my phones weather app, and nothing. Same forecast as before. Then I heard the rumbling, again, but that time I was damn sure that it was thunder. The fishing was terrible, so, I decided to just paddle back the rest of the way. The wind picked up and it started to drizzle as I approached the launch.

Right after I got my kayak and gear loaded, and sat down in my car, it started to downpour. LUCKY!

SUNDAY 7/19

I arrived at Busse Lake around 8 and fished until 11:30...I think. Ha ...I really don't remember looking at the clock.

I had an are of the lake known as CWB all to myself. The rogue storm from Saturday churned the water up, so, it was murky everywhere. The water was up, too, so, the weeds that I normally fish with a frog were all submerged. I tossed a frog with my casting gear, and some flies out in some open water parts of the lake. I was receiving a skunk, so, decided to call it a day.

On the way back to my put in, I decided to make a few more casts before I paddled the 25 yards to the take out. Boom! I was rewarded with a froggin' bass, and beat the skunk!

Decided to wear a Hoo Rag so that my racoon eye tan lines don't get any worse.

CPR

All in all, it was a rather interesting weekend. That rogue storm was really something else. I should also note that I'm happy to hear that some friends that were out fishing on Lake Michigan were able to make it off of the water before it got too hairy out there.

Side note - My farmers tan is looking killer!!!

Blue Skies

This past Saturday (05/02/2015) I fished in the GLKFS first event of the 2015 season.

Location - Lake Delevan in Wisconsin. I've never fished it. The water was crystal clear and you could see 20-25ft down.

Start time - 0630.

Target species - Northern Pike.

My results - I arrived and launched 35 minutes late. I missed 5 pike, and ended my day skunked of all species. All 5 follows came on a smaller black baitfish pattern of mine with my fly rod. The lures I was tossing with my baitcaster didn't even warrant a follow. The day was not a complete loss, I did win a Backwaters Fishing Assault Hand Paddle as a raffle door prize. It was a gorgeous day to fish, and my tan lines prove it.

Fist full of feathers, flash, and fur.

Sunday. I needed to stick around the house to help with some of the outside work, so, I lined up my new featherweight and Abel reel fiberglass set up and got to casting. 

My line from Shadow Fly Fishing came in, and after lining it up, it doesn't even load my rod well at all. I figured the 7 wt WF line would be great for my 5/6 rod, but I think there has to be some sort of error, and was sent a lesser weight line. My sinking 5 wt line loads this rod better. I've got to email someone about that.

Well, I managed to miss a bunch of crappie, but I did get to land one. Bo Marley came over to give him a once over, before I tossed the little fish back.

Bo Marley approves.

Lunch Time Bass

With the new job, I am able to step away from the office and down the street to a local forest preserve lake, Busse Woods. I kayak and fish this lake often. Tons of people come here to fish, kayak, jog, and bike.

Once I get there on my lunch break, what do you think I do?
A. Kayak
B. Fish
C. Jog
D. Nap
E. Skateboard

If you guessed "B" you answered correctly. If I were to nap in my car, I'd just stay in the parking lot at work and maximize my napping time. All of the other things I listed, I just don't have time for on my lunch, but you can bet I'll be doing one of those on the weekends.

Not a bad way to end the work week. Friday lunch time bass!

Caught this little guy on a KVD rattle trap. I really need to start leaving my fly rods set up, lined, and ready to go in my car. 

Lake X

I met up my buddy FishDank at 9 am this past Sunday. It was cloudy, windy, warm out (to me anyway), and so damn windy. Did I mention that it was windy? Good thing I had an anchor. It's not a very good anchor, but it does the job, sort of.

I brought out 3 rods. My 10 wt fly rod (I haven't sent in my 9 wt to get fixed, yet.), my baitcaster, and my spinning rod. Eventually, I just gave up on my fly rod, because, it was just too damn windy.

My buddy FishDanK was the first to hook up, on a jig and craw trailer...and what he hooked up with was a freakin' Sherman tank! HOLY SMOKES!!!!

He caught 2 more later in the day. Around 11 am a few more guys from the fishing forum that we post on showed up. DanK knew them from some of the tournaments he's fished, but it was my first time meeting them, and they're a bunch of cool dudes. Always nice putting a face to the screen name. One of the guys Kevin was nice enough to bring a grill and some sausage and hot dogs for a quick shore lunch. How awesome is that!!! Thanks, again, if you read this!!!

I caught 2 bass on the day. Both of them came on a KVD rattle trap. The lake was about 6-8 feet deep with some nice weed beds that I ran the lure right over the top of. The 2nd bass I caught was a nice healthy one, and put my landing skills to the test. I really thought I was going to lose it boat side.

Action Shot!!

Hello and Goodbye.

The fishing is starting to heat up, and I'm getting excited!!!!

Windy.

We're finally have been having somewhat consistently warmer weather (40-50-60 degrees). I had planned to take the kayak out and fish a local lake in search of some hungry Spring pike and musky. I didn't get the early start I wanted, because, it was EXTREMELY windy, but eventually I got out there in the afternoon.

Good times are on the horizon.

What a great day it was to be on the water. I brought 3 of my big flies, and a few spinnerbaits for my baitcaster. There were 2 other guys I am familiar with from a fishing forum out on the lake along with me. They were tossing spinnerbaits, and hooking up with some decent sized bass.

8/0 Musky/Pike single baitfish.

I, on the other hand, did not hook up with any fish. I did, however, came very close to piercing my ear. Lucky for me, the hook missed and caught my hat. I was alternating between my fly rod and my baitcaster the whole time. Switching to my baitcaster when the wind picked up, but in this instance, I was stubborn and decided to try and cast my fly, but the wind picked up even more.

It's instances like that, that remind me not to press my luck, and I hope you all remember that, too! Be careful out there!

If it were to have pierced my ear, I would have had to tie up a duplicate for the other ear.

I also, forgot my waders, and didn't have a pair of sandals with me, either. My feet were frozen. Haha Gotta love the early season struggles. =)

Happy Days!

Oh, how I've missed writing, and reading blogs. I've been busy, but I am looking forward to catching up on all that I've missed!!! I've got some time set aside for that tomorrow.

2014 was a good year.

One of my main fishing/outdoor goals this year was to explore new water, and I did just that. Here are the posts that prove it.

• Gulf of Mexico - Fly fished the Gulf of Mexico and caught my first salt water fish.
• 31st Street Harbor - Lake Michigan - It's a brand new harbor on Lake Michigan.
• Orlando Florida - Caught my first gar on the fly.
• Fox Lake - Fished for the first time from a kayak. Explored new areas and water.
• Illinois River - Fished for the first time, and from my kayak. The river is HUGE!
• Northwoods Part 1 - Explored new waters up North.
• Maumee River Ohio - Wet a line for an hour and found a new place to fish when visiting my best friend.
• Northwoods Part 2 - Returned to the same area, but explored new sections. I love it up there!
• Northwoods Part 3 or 4 - Finally hooked up with my first musky. Cannot get enough of the Northwoods!

The Northwoods would definitely be my pick for favorite trip this year. There is just so much water, and wildlife. I would be happy just getting lost in the wilderness for a few days, without my fishing gear up there.

I was also, successful in catching some new species. One of them has been at the top of my list for years, and I finally did it, I caught my first musky! I'm still jazzed by the thought of that beautiful fish eating one of my flies.

I also, caught my first salt water fish in the Gulf of Mexico, a speck/sea trout, and with my fly rod and on one of my flies. Looking forward to visiting Florida, again!

I even hooked up with my first gar on the fly. It was a nice surprise, and definitely a rush, because, I didn't have a proper leader tied on, because, I was bass fishing. I didn't think I was going to find anything with teeth in the lake that I was fishing.

My biggest smallmouth and largemouth bass of the year. I don't weight my fish, so, I'm just guessing, but I'm sure both of them were between 4-5lbs. I can tell you that both were definitely 20+ inches in length.

Looking back on all of my adventures this year, I can only smile and think about all of the good times. 2014 was great, and I'm looking forward to what 2015 has in store for me. I know that it already has a new job lined up for me, and I start the first Monday of the new year. Exciting!

I'm going to continue my 2014 outdoor/fishing resolution to explore new water for 2015. It's amazing how much of it is out there.

I would like to wish all of my friends out there in blogger world a Happy New Year! Cheers to 2015! (Sorry if I forgot anyone.)

• Dave - Urban Assault Fly Fishing
• Nick - Brookfield Angler
• Mel - Pond Stalker
• Juan - Breaking the Bank
• Mark - Northern California Trout
• Howard - Windknots & Tangled Lines
• Kevin - Feather Chucker
• Teresa - Run-A-Round Ranch
• Mike - Troutrageous!
• Lucas - A Tenderloin Runs Through It
• Bryan - Atlas Fishing
• Jeff - High Plains Fly Fisher
• Daniel - The Impractical Fishermen
• Blake - Illinois Wisconsin Fishing Blog
• Bill - Fishing Through Life
• Tim - Critical Angling

I'll end this post with some of my favorite photographs from this year.

Gizzard Shad - Lake Michigan.

Northwoods Smallie ready to be released.

Wading the Gulf of Mexicco. Such an awesome experience!

My biggest DPR Northern Pike of 2014.

The Fat Gordo and I, taking a break from all of the fun.

Winter DPR Float

I have been itching to get out on the Des Plains River (DPR) 1 last time this year, and I finally got my opportunity. After my morning workout, I loaded up my kayak, and headed toward the river. When I arrived at the launch, the sun was out blazing, and it was a very warm 35 degree's outside.

Paddled up river quite a ways. Pretty much my 2nd workout for the day - I was exhausted. My gear was kept to a minimum. It was hard for me to only bring my 10 wt fly rod, and 3 flies. The first 2 minutes of my float back to the landing, I had a very nice chunky 25+ inch northern pike sort of lazily explode out of the water in a terribly failed attempt to strike my fly. It kind of seemed like it didn't want to go after it, but had to. Sort of how I most of us feel about work sometimes. Don't really want to be there, but need to be. I anchored and casted like a billion times into the same area, but no dice...or pike.

That was the most action I received fishing on my float. I did, however, see a female deer standing near the bank, and soon after that,  I saw a raccoon walking the bank. They were probably just enjoying the beautiful weather just like me. 

Not wanting to end this beautiful day with a skunk. I loaded up my kayak, and headed towards an area I can get a decent cast from shore with my fly rod, not to mention, the spot is always good for at least 1 pike. Upon arrival I was happy to find no one else was there. The last few times I stopped here, there were some characters I didn't get a good vibe from.

If you look close, you can see the fly, flying.

Nothing on Side A, so, I flipped over to Side B.

Graffiti under the bridge.

Side B had the soothing sounds of thrashing water I was looking for.

These pike have dirty mouths.

Happy Customer and Catch

One of my most recent customers had an awesome outing on a river here in Illinois. He was able to hook up with about 7 northern pike with the first flies that he has purchased from me. He was more than pleased with the flies, and the pike were, as well - just look at that smile. :)

CHEESE!

I love hearing about people having success with something that I created. Nothing pleases me more!

I've been sick for the past 5 days. Bummer, because, it was extremely nice out this past weekend with weather in the 40's. I am hoping that I will be able to get out and we a line this upcoming weekend. Fingers Crossed!

Carf Outdoors Decals

What do you think?

I think it's pretty awesome!!!!

Ryan of Dead Weight Fly created me this awesome logo of a smallmouth bass chasing a baitfish fly. If you are not familiar with his work, you should definitely take a minute to peruse his site. Your eyes will not be disappointed. He is incredibly talented! Check out his metal sculptures - one word - RIDICULOUS!

I ordered some stickers with my new logo design on them, and I just received an email that they will be shipped out tomorrow. If you're interested in purchasing a sticker please shoot me an email at - carfoutdoors@gmail.com. 

I will also, be having a holiday giveaway that will include some flies and a few decals, so, be on the look out for that post!

Recent Orders

Finished up some recent orders. Seems everyone has predators with teeth on their mind.

Here are 2  flies that will be hunting down Northern Pike locally for a guy that just got into fly fishing. I've had success with these flies, and I know that they will serve my buddy well.

2/0 bucktail baitfish

These big beautiful flies will be hunting down Southern Ohio and Kentucky musky. Those Clear Cure Goo Jolly Roger eyes on my cotton candy pattern is sure to piss off any musky that it crosses.

8/0 musky flies

I wish I was still chasing musky and pike. If the weather is nice this weekend, I will be fishing.

Option A - Des Plains River for Northern Pike from my kayak. I just don't know if I will have the time.

Option B - Small creek wade fishing for whatever is around. Smallies, creek chubs, bluegill, and tilapia. Haha A buddy of mine caught a few tilapia out of this creek in a certain section this summer. We believe that they were planted there, with hopes that they would sustain their own population. I highly doubt that those warm water fish are still there....but you never know! :)

Bo Knows Kayaking

Borrowed a kayak from my buddy Bobba-Dood. Took the GF out on a local lake for a spin around, and we decided to take her dog Bo, because, Bo knows kayaking. Bo knows...

The outing started out great. Bo started out nervous, as we expected.

Then he became over confident, and then nervous.

...and then he jumped in the water, in the middle of a weed bed, and came out looking like swamp thing.

(unfortunately, I did not get pictures of this.)

Soon after, we paddled back with a wet dog.

The End.

Other fun facts

Bo Knows....

• How to hide marshmallows under my bed.
• How to jump on the dining room chair, table, and grab a bag of snacks for him and Daisy.
• pooping.
• How to howl like he's a big bad wolf.

Time is flying!

After reading and entering in The Fiberglass Manifesto's weekend contest, it got me thinking. Wow, time really is flying by. There are quite a things that I had planned in my head to do this summer, but just haven't found the time to do so.

Some of the things that I haven't been able to do this summer, yet.

• I haven't fished or even thought of quite a few of my local lakes.
• Canoe, camp, and fish on the Wisconsin River.
• Camping at Lake Shelbyville.
• Canoe, camp, and fish on the Current River in Missouri.
• Trout fishing in the Driftless Area of Wisconsin.

I set out this year to explore new water, and I have done so. That's the reason I haven't been able to do some of the things I've been so used to doing the past few years. The change in trips has me missing those other places I once fished. Maybe, just maybe, I will find some time to make a day trip to the Driftless area before the season closes.

Love the streams of Southwest Wisconsin.

I guess if I'm in dire need of trip that will bring trout to hand, I can always explore new water in Iowa or Michigan.

Anyone else have some plans that just didn't happen?

I already know that Mark at Northern California Trout is bummed about not being able to make Half Moon Bay State Beach. Hope you're able to make the best of not going, Mark!

The DPR

It's that time of year when I hunt for teeth. I'm referring to Northern Pike, and Musky. I have caught many pike, but musky seem to elude me. I know that I'm not alone.

This one time I hooked up with a musky, but that was about it. I was bass fishing, and had an 8lb test leader on. My prayers of a the hook being set in the perfect place were not met. I was broke off right in front of me.

I took my kayak out for it's first float of the year on the Des Plaines River (DPR). The outing was short, and upon arriving at my desired put in, I was upset to find that the chain with the closed sign was still up.

Plan B.

Before I put my kayak in the water I made a few casts near a big storm pipe, and I was greeted with an explosion, but no hook up. Then I casted straight out into the river and watched a pike about 17 inches short strike my single pike fly about 5-9 times. It was quite comical.

Belmont Ave.

It was going to be a short outing with the sun starting to set earlier as Fall quickly approaches. I decided to paddle up river and float, anchor, and fish my way back. I ended up going 1 for 3, hooking up with a hammer handle.

Shark week or pike week

Not too long ago a friend of mine hooked up with a pike estimated at 34 inches, a real trophy for the DPR, but there are rumors of 37 +inchers roaming these waters. Looking forward to a weekend outing where I have nothing but time.

Bitchin'

My New Ride

Back in September 2012 my Toyota Matrix was totaled when I hit a deer, and then was hit by 2 other vehicles on my way up to fish Wisconsin's Driftless Area. I've been doing a lot of research, and finally, figured out what I wanted...

I am the proud owner of a used Subaru Outback.

So, far I am loving it! It has all the space I need for my fishing and camping gear, kayak, dogs, and more.

Can't wait to take it on it's first trip.....now....where to go....