WINTER IS HERE

Winter has definitely arrived, and fast.  The weather I've been experiencing up here in Minnesota is usually what I expect toward the end of December and January.  My vise is out and fly tying is in full swing here at CARF Headquarters.

With winters arrival comes ice, and up here in Minnesota a whole new season of fishing begins.  Hard Ice season aka Ice Fishing but my homie Jay "Lord Boogie" Johnson calls it "Man Fishing."  I have a sonar, but nothing else.  I'm in the market for a rod, auger, jigs, and some homies that want to get out and hit the hard water here in Minnesota.

A whole new world of gear for me.  I'm kind of a sucker for gear, too.  I've been eyeballing the 13 Fishing Descent and Free Fall Ghost Reels.  I've never used them.  They visually make me happy, and I know that's not a good way to shop for gear.  Suggestions for rods, reels, and line welcome!!

Frozen shoreline on the Rum River.

BMFS: HOPS AND HOPPERS 11/07/2017

Drinking beer, tying flies, and telling lies.  Another fun night spent at Lake Monster Brewing in Saint Paul Minnesota for Hops & Hoppers hosted by Bob Mitchell's Fly Shop.  I typically tie 1 fly at these gatherings, and spend the rest of my time hanging out and talking with the homies.

Hops & Hoppers

It's always interesting to see what others are whipping up at the vise.  On this night there were quite a few trout buggers being tied, along with some big musky, bass, and salmon flies.

Bret at the end admiring the work of Sherlock.

Grant Meyer with his laser like focus.

I forgot this man's name, but he's only been tying a week.  He tied his first woolly bugger on this night, and it was nicer than any woolly bugger that has ever left my vise.

First woolly bugger lookin' woolly buggery.

Micah Crider loves black hats and driftless trout.  He and his wife have a pretty sweet blog with some great photography and stories.  You should take a minute and check it out - The Driftless Flyer.

Michah Crider workin' it.

Just because it's an open fly tying night, doesn't necessarily mean you have to tie flies.  I like to consider fly tying an art, and while Mr. Sherlock was skillfully creating steelhead flies with a hook and vise, Charlie Forbes was right next to him showcasing his skillz with paint and a brush.

Sherlock and Charlie doing thangs.

...and not long after the above photograph, Sherlock was showcasing the powers of super glue.

Sherlock.  Nuff said.

Sherlock.

Charlie does some amazing work, and I am a fan.  If you haven't, you should really check out his Instagram page for more of his work.  It was a really great to see him meticulously paint his works at the open tie night.  I think he should do it more often.

Charlie Forbes creating something magnificent, per usual.

Before he goes to sleep each night, Bobby Nacho's tosses back a few musky flies to keep his musky game strong.  

Bobby Nacho's

Looking forward to the next open tie night I am able to attend.  My goal is to tie more than 1 fly next time.  I'm shooting for 2....Baby steps.

MY GEAR

Camera - http://amzn.to/2hnMwkD

Lens - http://amzn.to/2hhdHJS

**The above links are Amazon Associate links**

DENVER - LOOKOUT

Denver - I'm coming for you!  I've got a plan ticket booked for October 21st through the 28th.  No real agenda other than to explore, hike, fish, and camp every single day.  Sounds like a good plan, right?  Of course it does.  I have been relying on the interwebs to provide me lists of places to go/see and things to do, but now I am asking for help from whoever I know that is there in Denver or the surrounding area to provide me with your hot spots.

I'm kidding.  I'd never ask anyone for their hot spots, but if you would be so kind as to tell me cool places to hike that have some epic views near camping and fishing, that would be killer!  I've never been to Denver or the state of Colorado, and this will definitely be my first time exploring the Rocky Mountains.  I am super stoked for the trip.

One thing I do have on my list of things to do is eat at The Buckhorn Exchange and have some Rocky Mountain Oysters.  Crazy to think that one would be excited to willingly put Bull testicles in his/her mouth, but I'm game.

Any other recommendations for places to go hike, camp, fish, must do's, and maybe your favorite brunch place.  All information is much appreciated!

Maybe I'll even get to visit with +Howard Levett!