Striper Surfing
Wild stuff.
Saturday, January 31, 2004
Fantasy Update
My team took a turn for the worse yesterday. I have 118 points and am now ranked 9,943rd. Mike, round up some players to form our own league, so at least I can compete against people who know as little as I do.
My team took a turn for the worse yesterday. I have 118 points and am now ranked 9,943rd. Mike, round up some players to form our own league, so at least I can compete against people who know as little as I do.
Thursday, January 29, 2004
Fantasy Fishing Update
After day one of the Chain of Lakes Tournament, my team has 238 points and is ranked 1608. If I'm reading the chart right, though, that's in the top 88.5 percentile, which means a lot more people play this game than I suspected. My man Tim Horton is in third place.
After day one of the Chain of Lakes Tournament, my team has 238 points and is ranked 1608. If I'm reading the chart right, though, that's in the top 88.5 percentile, which means a lot more people play this game than I suspected. My man Tim Horton is in third place.
Tuesday, January 27, 2004
Fantasy Fishing Update
Ok, I browsed the rules, and I sort of have an idea how to play. I picked a team for the Harris Chain of Lakes tourney on Jan. 29th.
It's almost like Polo. You need five guys with collective ratings totaling fifty points.
Here are my anglers, and why I picked them:
Tim Horton--Same name as the Canadian doughnut chain.
Kevin VanDam--Watched him fish for smallmouth on TV once.
Woo Davies--His name is "Woo."
Pete Gluzek--Needed a Pete.
Tim Loper--Needed a guy worth exactly 4.1 points to fill out my team.
We'll see how the boys do on the 29th.
Ok, I browsed the rules, and I sort of have an idea how to play. I picked a team for the Harris Chain of Lakes tourney on Jan. 29th.
It's almost like Polo. You need five guys with collective ratings totaling fifty points.
Here are my anglers, and why I picked them:
Tim Horton--Same name as the Canadian doughnut chain.
Kevin VanDam--Watched him fish for smallmouth on TV once.
Woo Davies--His name is "Woo."
Pete Gluzek--Needed a Pete.
Tim Loper--Needed a guy worth exactly 4.1 points to fill out my team.
We'll see how the boys do on the 29th.
Fantasy Fishing
I'm bored, snowed in yet again, and I'm thinking about joining this Bass fantasy league. I know the names of only two or three professional bass guys, but why not? I'm an NFL football junky (I have the direcTV Sunday Ticket), and my fantasy football team finished DFL. (I can tell you I was 3-1 with Marshal Faulk and 0-10 without him, but that's neither here nor there.) Maybe my absolute lack of bass tournament knowledge will work to my advantage. Any other players out there? I'm willing to work a little Calcutta action on the side.
I'm bored, snowed in yet again, and I'm thinking about joining this Bass fantasy league. I know the names of only two or three professional bass guys, but why not? I'm an NFL football junky (I have the direcTV Sunday Ticket), and my fantasy football team finished DFL. (I can tell you I was 3-1 with Marshal Faulk and 0-10 without him, but that's neither here nor there.) Maybe my absolute lack of bass tournament knowledge will work to my advantage. Any other players out there? I'm willing to work a little Calcutta action on the side.
Monday, January 26, 2004
Trout Snobbery
Great article on dispelling the myth that trout are smarter and more worthy than other fish.
Great article on dispelling the myth that trout are smarter and more worthy than other fish.
Carolina Stripers
If you can't wait until the spring run to catch striped bass, take a trip down to North Carolina.
If you can't wait until the spring run to catch striped bass, take a trip down to North Carolina.
Saturday, January 24, 2004
Thursday, January 22, 2004
Winter Reading
It's cold outside, and I don't ice fish. I mean, I like to drink and all, but indoors.
If you're looking to read a fishy book, this shad book from John McPhee is one of the best I've read. I don't even fish for shad (though I was on the boat when my brother caught a hickory shad by accident) and I couldn't put this book down.
If you're feeling academic, here are the two definitive papers published on whether fish feel pain:
From the good Scottish people who brought you cloned sheep, the study that claims they do.
And from a University of Wyoming zoology professor, the study that says they don't.
It's cold outside, and I don't ice fish. I mean, I like to drink and all, but indoors.
If you're looking to read a fishy book, this shad book from John McPhee is one of the best I've read. I don't even fish for shad (though I was on the boat when my brother caught a hickory shad by accident) and I couldn't put this book down.
If you're feeling academic, here are the two definitive papers published on whether fish feel pain:
From the good Scottish people who brought you cloned sheep, the study that claims they do.
And from a University of Wyoming zoology professor, the study that says they don't.
Tuesday, January 20, 2004
Record Catfish
In most states that allow noodling, it's illegal to noodle blue catfish, like the one this angler caught, because they're classified as game fish. I wish they would allow it. One of the greatest things I've ever witnessed was Don Brewer and Jerry "Catfish" Rider noodle for much smaller 30-40 pound flathead cats in Eufala, Oklahoma. (More on that another time.) I'd pay to see them wrestle a 100-pounder.
Don't know what noodling is? Here's an article from espn-outdoors.com.
There's actually a noodling documentary. Check out this video that features Jerry "Catfish" Rider.
I'd also recommend this cool book that talks about noodling and other obscure Southern traditions.
If all this makes you want to try it, don't. Both guys I went with had their arms skinned raw by catfish that didn't want to be noodled. I got in the water with them and I thank God that a flathead didn't bite down on my hand. (Or a beaver or some kind of water snake.) But it's fun to watch someone else do it.
In most states that allow noodling, it's illegal to noodle blue catfish, like the one this angler caught, because they're classified as game fish. I wish they would allow it. One of the greatest things I've ever witnessed was Don Brewer and Jerry "Catfish" Rider noodle for much smaller 30-40 pound flathead cats in Eufala, Oklahoma. (More on that another time.) I'd pay to see them wrestle a 100-pounder.
Don't know what noodling is? Here's an article from espn-outdoors.com.
There's actually a noodling documentary. Check out this video that features Jerry "Catfish" Rider.
I'd also recommend this cool book that talks about noodling and other obscure Southern traditions.
If all this makes you want to try it, don't. Both guys I went with had their arms skinned raw by catfish that didn't want to be noodled. I got in the water with them and I thank God that a flathead didn't bite down on my hand. (Or a beaver or some kind of water snake.) But it's fun to watch someone else do it.
Monday, January 19, 2004
Fishing Trip Ruined by Reality
For the holiday, I had planned to head to the old powerplant outflow and cast a few bucktails. It was a balmy 34 degrees today, so it could have been bearable. But that idea died a quick death at the hands of a household emergency: frozen pipes. The other day, when the temperature dropped to one degree, with a wind chill in the negatives, our kitchen pipes burst. Today, we had a carpenter remove the kitchen cabinets, break a few tiles, and cut a hole in the sub floor. Then the plumber came in and fixed the pipes. We had standing water under the floor and the plumber scared the wits out of my wife with talk of toxic black mold, the kind that killed Ed McMahon's dog. My wife threatened to sell the house and move us back to Manhattan. She's an attorney, she can make it happen. I've decided it's in my best interests not to push for that new nine-weight fly reel just yet.
For the holiday, I had planned to head to the old powerplant outflow and cast a few bucktails. It was a balmy 34 degrees today, so it could have been bearable. But that idea died a quick death at the hands of a household emergency: frozen pipes. The other day, when the temperature dropped to one degree, with a wind chill in the negatives, our kitchen pipes burst. Today, we had a carpenter remove the kitchen cabinets, break a few tiles, and cut a hole in the sub floor. Then the plumber came in and fixed the pipes. We had standing water under the floor and the plumber scared the wits out of my wife with talk of toxic black mold, the kind that killed Ed McMahon's dog. My wife threatened to sell the house and move us back to Manhattan. She's an attorney, she can make it happen. I've decided it's in my best interests not to push for that new nine-weight fly reel just yet.
Friday, January 16, 2004
Do fish get hangovers?
My friend Brendan always pours a beer into the water to appease the fishing Gods, but this is going too far.
My friend Brendan always pours a beer into the water to appease the fishing Gods, but this is going too far.
Angling Travel Trouble
This is from an AP wire report today:
Separately, the European Union (news - web sites)'s head office drew up a list of items that passengers boarding in any of the 15 EU nations will be banned from taking onto planes. The list ranges from guns, explosives and machetes to ice skates, fishing rods and paint thinner.
Here in the States, I've had a lot of problems recently traveling with fishing gear. I invested in travel rods that fit in overhead bins, but now, for the most part, I'm not allowed to carry them on. I hate checking rods. I know too many people who've had them "misplaced."
But reels, too? I used to put them in my carry-on, but the last time I tried this a TSA agent said I could use the fishing line to strangle someone. He made me go back to the ticket counter and check it through baggage. I thought to point out that the belt in my pants would make a much more effective garrote, but I didn't want to check that, too.
My new solution is to Fed-Ex my fishing gear to wherever I'm going, and buy the insurance so I'm covered if Fed Ex somehow loses it.
As far as bringing aboard paint thinner, I see nothing wrong with allowing two quarts per passenger. As long as it's for personal use.
This is from an AP wire report today:
Separately, the European Union (news - web sites)'s head office drew up a list of items that passengers boarding in any of the 15 EU nations will be banned from taking onto planes. The list ranges from guns, explosives and machetes to ice skates, fishing rods and paint thinner.
Here in the States, I've had a lot of problems recently traveling with fishing gear. I invested in travel rods that fit in overhead bins, but now, for the most part, I'm not allowed to carry them on. I hate checking rods. I know too many people who've had them "misplaced."
But reels, too? I used to put them in my carry-on, but the last time I tried this a TSA agent said I could use the fishing line to strangle someone. He made me go back to the ticket counter and check it through baggage. I thought to point out that the belt in my pants would make a much more effective garrote, but I didn't want to check that, too.
My new solution is to Fed-Ex my fishing gear to wherever I'm going, and buy the insurance so I'm covered if Fed Ex somehow loses it.
As far as bringing aboard paint thinner, I see nothing wrong with allowing two quarts per passenger. As long as it's for personal use.
Wednesday, January 14, 2004
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
Belize Bones
At least this article from espn-outdoors.com admits it, bonefish are really frustrating.
I've been fly fishing for bonefish three times--total fish hooked, zero--and each time I came away wanting to break a bunch of stuff and snap my rod into little bits. The last time I went, in the Caymans, I had four shots at bones in one day. The guide yelled at me because I couldn't see the fish. Thanks. That's why I'm paying you, to be harassed and scolded. When I finally saw one well enough to take a shot, I hit the bonefish right on the head. Hey, at least my casting's accurate. Then I got the lecture about leading the fish. The second two shots, the fish swam right past like I'd offered them a cigarette butt. The fourth, the fish actually followed my fly! But during the strip-pause action, the "weedless" fly hooked a piece of turtle grass and the best shot I had disappeared in a puff of marl.
People talk about these fish in majestic terms. I want to catch one, to say I did it, and then get on with my fishing life and back to more cooperative species. And if I'm down in Florida, I'll stick to snook.
At least this article from espn-outdoors.com admits it, bonefish are really frustrating.
I've been fly fishing for bonefish three times--total fish hooked, zero--and each time I came away wanting to break a bunch of stuff and snap my rod into little bits. The last time I went, in the Caymans, I had four shots at bones in one day. The guide yelled at me because I couldn't see the fish. Thanks. That's why I'm paying you, to be harassed and scolded. When I finally saw one well enough to take a shot, I hit the bonefish right on the head. Hey, at least my casting's accurate. Then I got the lecture about leading the fish. The second two shots, the fish swam right past like I'd offered them a cigarette butt. The fourth, the fish actually followed my fly! But during the strip-pause action, the "weedless" fly hooked a piece of turtle grass and the best shot I had disappeared in a puff of marl.
People talk about these fish in majestic terms. I want to catch one, to say I did it, and then get on with my fishing life and back to more cooperative species. And if I'm down in Florida, I'll stick to snook.
Saturday, January 10, 2004
Thursday, January 08, 2004
Bad Salmon
I haven't been able to eat salmon since an "incident" at a friend's wedding. I bet it was farm raised.
I haven't been able to eat salmon since an "incident" at a friend's wedding. I bet it was farm raised.
Tuesday, January 06, 2004
Fatties Exposed
Well, the secret's out. I just opened the Feb/March issue of Saltwater Fly Fishing to the article "Hooray for Boneheads." It's about the phenomenal false albacore fishing in Southeast Florida. Basically, it's about a trip with Scott Hamilton, the offshore flyfishing pioneer in Palm Beach. The author, Tom Gilmore, writes, "Our group released more than 400 false albacore, with nine fish weighing 17 pounds or better." In four days. Believe the hype. The fishing's so good down there, in fact, that it's spoiled albie hunting up North for me, where it's too damn psychotic. I'm bummed that, with the word out, I'll probably never be able to book Scott again for an albie trip, but I'm glad to see the guy get his due.
Well, the secret's out. I just opened the Feb/March issue of Saltwater Fly Fishing to the article "Hooray for Boneheads." It's about the phenomenal false albacore fishing in Southeast Florida. Basically, it's about a trip with Scott Hamilton, the offshore flyfishing pioneer in Palm Beach. The author, Tom Gilmore, writes, "Our group released more than 400 false albacore, with nine fish weighing 17 pounds or better." In four days. Believe the hype. The fishing's so good down there, in fact, that it's spoiled albie hunting up North for me, where it's too damn psychotic. I'm bummed that, with the word out, I'll probably never be able to book Scott again for an albie trip, but I'm glad to see the guy get his due.
Monday, January 05, 2004
Prime Time Fishing
One of the funniest bits of unnintentional comedy I have seen in a while happens to be fishing-related. For the first time, I watched Deion Sanders host "The New American Sportsman" on ESPN. He and a bunch of his buddies fished a bass lake in Mexico.
The segment consisted of Deion talking trash to his friends, who give testimonials on the side about what a great fisherman he is and how fishing is a place for him to get away from being "Prime Time." I am now a big advocate of the show, though only the segments in which he's involved. You won't learn a damn thing about fishing--but you'll laugh your ass off.
One of the funniest bits of unnintentional comedy I have seen in a while happens to be fishing-related. For the first time, I watched Deion Sanders host "The New American Sportsman" on ESPN. He and a bunch of his buddies fished a bass lake in Mexico.
The segment consisted of Deion talking trash to his friends, who give testimonials on the side about what a great fisherman he is and how fishing is a place for him to get away from being "Prime Time." I am now a big advocate of the show, though only the segments in which he's involved. You won't learn a damn thing about fishing--but you'll laugh your ass off.
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