Flyfish Gaunaja Honduras

New Salt Water Reel by Saracione

 The new Islamorada fly reel by Saracione Manufacturing Co. is designed for the extreme; Big Bonefish, Big Permit, Big Tarpon and Giant Trevally. Each reel features a large multi-disc carbon fiber drag system, treated with fresh and saltwater impervious grease for smooth action wet or dry. The drag system is controlled during the play of a fish with a repeatable lever action control arm. The drag control is enhanced by an engraved position indicator around the circumference of the reel frame. Drag settings are strong and positive in position, and repeatable time after time during adjustment. Further drag refinement is controlled by a preset “Range Set” knob that controls the lever drag range. This knob allows you to preset the entire drag range of the lever for the precise drag settings for tippet strength prior to fighting a fish. By setting your preferred drag load setting with the lever in the (1/2) drag position the reel allows you to increase and decrease drag load during the fight; resetting each drag position and load precisely without question.

The reel features a large arbor spool with a large easy palming rim for added control, and a large counterbalanced handle knob. Each reel is labeled in the target line class specification as a designated model; #8, #10 and #12. Line specifications are listed in 20lb micron for the #8 and 30 lb micron for the #10 and #12 models. All components are made from aircraft quality 6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy are anodized with a beautiful corrosion resistant finish while all other components are polished stainless steel with a black Delrin handle knob for absolute durability.

Read more about it here.

Delivery begins October 1, 2012 ORDER YOURS NOW.

Tips on Casting in the Wind with Tim Rajeff

When you go saltwater fishing more then likely you will end up casting in the wind, so why not be prepared for the conditions. A little advice; practice with the rod you will be casting, practice some more and watch this video by Tim Rajeff on tips to increase your line speed to cut through the wind. 

Oysters Anyone!!!

Caption Sapo shucks oysters.. 

Tegan investigates the catch of the day, and yes she did try a piece.

Lime, picante, and oysters, delicious!!!! 

The Blues Don’t Get You Down, They Lift You Up.

Bourbon Street

Blues Singer

New Orleans has always fascinated me. Partly because Iwas born in the South, Tennessee that is, raised on grits and collard greens, I've always has some sort of connection to the southern soul. So when Hannah invited me to join her, Amanda Switzer, and Mike Ward in Louisiana for Red Drum fishing, and with the encouragement from Marty to go on the trip, I took the opportunity. These days it’s a rare chance to take a fishing trip, when you have a business and a three year old to take care of. So, I jumped at the chance. Visiting the city of music; sitting in a dingy bar, listening to the blues with a whiskey in hand has always had some sort of romantic appeal.

Masquerade Mardi Gra Mask

In the last five years the residents of New Orleans have witnessed two major disasters, Hurricane Katrina, and the latest being, the BP oil spill. Even amidst the tragedy, citizens that truly love their city have stuck around to rebuild it and contribute to the flourishing regrow. New construction is ever going and people haven’t stopped living. Fishermen are up at the crack of dawn collecting oysters off shore, mullet, and catfish are plentiful. Retail shops are ever preparing for the infamous Mardi Gra, and music in the French Quraters echos out of every steet bar and cafe.

Fisherman with Oysters

Long Leaf

The week started out with hurricane warnings and rain, needless to say we got blown out. We attempted to fish the second day I was there, the wind still blew 20 knots and the temperature didn’t reach 40. The following next two days were windy and rain. The forecast predicted sun on the day I was leaving, so I called Marty and said we might have a chance to fish, with his blessings I changed my flight.

Gjuro

Hannah and I meet our guide Gjuro Bruer (Gjuro has been guiding the Gulf coast for 9 years and is top notch!) on Saturday morning, at a little café for coffee, biscuits and gravy. The southern hospitality is infectious.

Guide Hands

The cold air chilled my bones, but the clouds slowly dissipated and the sun was breaking through. We are excited to get on the water! Bundled up and ready to go Gjuro starts the motor, we head out. Zigzagging through the bayou’s and marshes is exhilarating. We see Egrets, green and blue Heron, Porpoise and Seagulls; it’s encouraging to see so much life after the BP oil spill. Gjuro makes a comment that worries him, that is, the disbursement that was put on top of the oil covered a lot of spawning ground for fish. We can only hope this does not have any ill effect in coming years. Only time can tell.

Great Egret flying over the Bayou.

We arrive at the fishing grounds; the water clarity is maybe a foot, not the best conditions for sighting fish. Gjuro keeps up the search, we spot a few, and I make a cast, no takes. We have a great time on the water, talking fishing stories, Bourbon Street, the flex of rods, and a lot more.

photo by Hannah Belford

The fact that I did not catch a fish is trivial. If anything, it gives me the drive to come back. I am grateful for the time spent exploring an area I always wanted to visit. It's fantastic to see the Louisiana coast flourishing with life.

When you're blown out on a fishing trip, what do you do? You go site seeing, drink a lot, eat po-boys, oysters, and jumbos, and have a good time! When you’re in New Orleans the blues don’t get you down, they lift you up.