Thinking about Carp

Carp on the fly ...

A goal that did not receive a check mark in 2013. Although, I only fished for them when I seen them. This year will be different. I am going to make an effort to go out with blinders, and target these big bottom feeding fish. Dave at Urban Assault Fly Fishing hooked it up with some proven carp flies. I am looking forward to getting out on the water to fish for these behemoths of the lakes and rivers around the Chicagoland area with Dave, and Nick at Brookfield Angler.

Some proven Urban Assault Fly Fishing carp flies tied by Dave. (Photo: Dave)

Being the fly tier that I am, I had to try and tie some of my own carp flies. With some advice from Dave on hook size and stuff. Here is what I came up with. These are tied on a size 6 E601 hook, and large barbell eyes from Allen Fly Fishing.

I think these will do.

Very happy with these flies.

Musky Show

Show season begins here in Chicagoland...

First up was the Chicago Musky Show, at Harper College in Palatine, IL.

I've gone to this show the past 3 years, and the it is clear that they have lost some vendors. Cortland was the only booth there this year that had fly fishing stuff, but only for showcase. I really just attend this show to see all of the beautifully handcrafted lures, ice cream, and to hang out with my friends that enjoy chucking 2x4s for musky.

Highlights of the show (for me)...

1. There were these handcrafted beautiful wood boats there, that I did dare to ask how much one would cost. One thing that really stood out was the bada$$ hood ornament....which was a musky.

2. The ice cream is always a highlight of this show. Unfortunately, the vendor does not have a store, and only does fairs, fests, and craft show.

3. Snakes! I am not a fan of snakes, but I was feeling saucy and decided that I wanted to hold one. A custom rod builder had some live snakes at his booth as a way to draw people in, to see the rods he builds. He incorporates snake skin into some of his builds for some extra fanciness.

Next show is the Chicagoland outdoor show...which is our big show, and I am very much looking forward to this one.

Beautiful

Another shot.

Fish-Dank with the Yum Yum Ice Cream lady. Such nice people and outstanding ice cream!

Not a huge fan of snakes. I believe this is the first snake I've ever held.

7" musky tubes I bought for a friend.

Snow Pike

Not wanting to pack up our fishing gear for the winter just yet. My buddy Dave (Urban Assault Fly Fishing) and I decided to take a float down the Des Plaines River just outside of Chicago, and fish for some feisty Northern Pike.

The day started out a lovely 23 degree's. We were well aware that it was going to be cold, and that we had snow in the forecast, but that did detour us one bit. We spent the first 1/2 of the day casting with no luck. After a few offering changes, Dave, was able to hook up with his first DPR Pike.

An average sized DPR Pike for Dave in the midst of some snowfall (Photo by: Myself)

As the day went on, the snow began to fall steadily, and the temperature was up and down ranging from cold to really cold. Dave continued to hook up and find these feisty pike, and totaled 3 on the day. I on the other hand, was not able to hook up with any. I did, however, have 2 really nice blow ups.

Anchored down in front of a warm water discharge. (Photo by: Dave)

Although, I was not able to hook up with any pike, I would still consider this a great outing. Floating down the Des Plaines River whiled it snowed, chucking big buck tail streamers for northern pike - Hell yeah, I'd do it again!

One of the 2 low head dams we had to portage. (Photo by: Myself)

Broke the oar in half breaking through an iced over section of river. Hand Paddle!! (Photo by: Dave)

Snow, ice, and a frozen buck tail streamer. (Photo by: Myself)