Let 2009 Bow Season Begin!

Great start to the 2009 hunting season. My fourth bow hunt and I arrowed a beautiful doe at Coke's Camp around 5:30 p.m. Weather was 20 degrees colder than the average and it had been raining since yesterday. Used new Beman MFX Team Realtree arrows with Shuttle T-Lock broadheads and they did NOT dissapoint! Awesome blood trail and she was down within 50 yards. I love doin' the backstrap boogie!

O-Dog Strikes Again!

Great morning at Uncle Coke's pond with Owen and my God-Daughter Caroline. Owen and Caroline caught 7 nice Bluegills (not counting the ones released). Owen also helped me reel in a nice Largemouth Bass too, which I caught on a Texas-rigged plastic worm. I took home the Bass and cooked it up for us as a treat. Fishing with Owen is quickly becoming my favorite thing to do. Another year and he'll be casting a fly rod like a champ!

Bass Fishin' with Owen

I took Owen fishing at Uncle Coke's pond Saturday. He caught five Bluegills and a small Bass with the rod his Uncle John gave him when he was born. I cast one out myself using the same rod. I felt a bite, set the hook (lightly, figuring it was another Bluegill), and saw a huge tail splash. The rod doubled over and somehow I fought a 3lb. Bass to the shore on his baby rod with floss-like line.

My Future Angler

My future angler, Owen, working out his gear. I think his first word was, "Flies." Expecting another boy in August - soon I'll have my own guide staff.

MDTU

I am now a proud board member of Trout Unlimited, Maryland Chapter. I will be serving on the Communications/PR Committee with Maryland's very own Dan Rodricks (of Baltimore Sun and WYPR fame). If you are a fly fisherman/woman or are simply concerned about conserving, protecting and restoring North America's cold water fisheries and their watersheds, I urge you to join Trout Unlimited.

Slab of the Week

Headed out this evening around Lower Glenco (Gunpowder River) with my Scott S4 and Bauer M2SL reel and had an interesting evening. I started off catching my share of those annoying little "Fall Fish." I then caught a tiny Brown and a huge Rainbow! I also caught a Sulphur on my waders, although not much bug action was going on overall. Most of the fish I caught were on a Sulphur. During one back cast, I caught up in the scrub and lost my fly. Since I was having success with the Sulphur, I faked the rest, applying Poo Goo and Dri Shake to a Green Drake and a searching pattern - seemed to work when they were at their whitest. Cool evening. Fished 'til dark.

Memorial Weekend Giggin'

We had a big crew for our camping expedition at Coke's Camp - 11 total. We had a blast. Grillin', drinkin' fireworks, tree stand inspections, guitar and stories by the fire...well, you get the picture. We had a late night foray with frog giggin' at a nearby pond. One pass from two groups yielded 11 big bullfrogs. We even brought the little ones with us to enjoy the experience.

Sulphurs on the Gunpowder

Great mid-day action on the Gunpowder. Caught five decent Browns on a dry fly (Sulphur). They weren't just sipping either - they were hammering the fly! The new Scott S4 cast like a dream and the Bauer M2SL reel had the smoothest action of any reel I've ever owned.

My New Baby

Your buddy pulls on the oars to line up for the drop and you make a rapid fire cast into a small eddy as the boat spills through the narrow drop. You high stick over the froth to get a few precious seconds of dead drift on your dry fly. That’s all it takes to bring the big brown to the surface. Now you’ve got to land him and there’s no back rowing to slow you down. With knees jammed in the lean bar, the boat bucks through the rapid, while you put the heat on and reach for the long handled net. Scott S4 flyrods www.scottflyrod.com handle the big tough stuff. High line speed, tight loops and power. Bring it on. What can I say...I am in love with my new Scott S4 10' 4wt. All Scott rods are built by hand, one at a time, from the highest quality materials. Paired up with my new Bauer M2SL reel www.bauerflyreel.com and, well, what more can I say. Stay tuned for fish porn.

Rockfish Opening Day

Luckily for me, my friend Curtis had a change in plans today, allowing us to get out for opening day of Rockfish season here in Maryland. Nothing beats a killer sunrise over the Chesapeake Bay on a beautiful 80 degree day.

There were a lot of boats as one would expect, yet not too much fish activity. We were only about 5 miles south of the Bridge and trolled with boat rods, planer boards, and a hand line around Thomas Point. The winter jellies were snotting up our rigs and we constantly had to clean them off. We ran 12 lines and caught two nice fish - 35" and 31". We were hoping for a third, but we had to head home early.

Browns On The Rise

Went out on the Gunpowder today and had a great time fishing. Started off nymphing with tandem midges and hooked up with two - lost two others jumping the hook. Switched to a small black stone as they started hitting the surface. Caught another and probably missed about twelve.

Fish On!

Took Owen to a fishing spot north of the MD line today with his buddies Anna and Caroline. It's a perfect place for little kids, since there are 7 or 8 different ponds all stocked with various fish (trout, land-locked striper, bass, bluegill, etc.). Here he shows off his angling skills on a bluegill. Not bad for 2 years old!

Limbrat Étouffée

Kill tree-dwelling vermin, remove PJs, take to flame, chowdown. Drive safely. It's really that simple to get a good meal of squirrel. Limbrat whackin' is truly bigfun any ol' way ya choose it - bow and arrow, pistol, rifle, scattergun, slingshot, falconry, grenades, and my favorite, flamethrower. How can ya go wrong?

First Trout of 2009

My friend Coke and I scouted a new spot along the Gunpowder River this evening. The main season opens on the 28th, but this was an open "put and take" area we had wanted to investigate. As the picture shows - a small Brown and a respectable Rainbow. Should be delicious in the skillet or smoked. Can't wait for warmer temps.

From Feathers to Fins

Well it's the end of another memorable hunting season and looking forward to some exciting angling. This picture was taken by me from our goose pit the last hunt of the year. Thought it looked kinda cool shooting up at the stacked decoys in black and white. Might print it and frame it. Kind of a different shot. Hope everyone had a fruitful season - looking forward to throwing some flies soon.

First Wet Line of the Year

Today was oddly warm here in Maryland - especially after temps in the low teens and crazy ice. Relative I guess, since it was about 43 when I got out on the water, but by mid-day, the sun came and the jacket came off. The water was a bit low, but flowing. Had one small Brown strike and that was it. Look at this gorgeous background. This is one of my favorite entry spots. Now that's a Sunday morning...

My Two-Year-Old Nuge Fan

Owen, my two-year-old must listen/dance to Ted Nugent's Stormtroopin' every night before he goes to bed. He even dances just like the Motor City Madman!

Backstrap Boogie!

My friend Ted with a beautiful 8-pointer he harvested from our deer camp Saturday evening (gun season) following Thanksgiving Day. This is the second nice buck Ted has taken from there and the second 8-pointer taken since opening of muzzleloader season. Was planning on getting down there to hunt that following Sunday (which was allowed in our county for that date), but turned out to be a horrible weather day.

Good Bye to My Buddy

It is with a heavy heart that I post this. I had to put Gunner down Saturday (11/16). He was my best buddy for over 12 years. A lot of you knew him and I will miss him terribly. My house feels empty, despite three of us and Lucy, our black Lab. This was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. Hopefully he is chasing ducks, geese and squirrels somewhere pain-free.

The Gander Lander

It's about that time! Next Saturday, November 15th is the start of goose season for us. We were out today builing a new roof for the pit. We even brought the lil' uns with us to help brush the blind. Owen (pictured far left), Anna, and Caroline worked very hard with Coke, Greg, and myself to prep for what we hope to be another great season of goose hunting. We saw a string or two of around 100 (or so) geese fly overhead, so hopefully the temps will lower and the feathers will drop!

Muzzleloader Starts with a BANG!

My friend Coke was successful this weekend at deer camp. This is his nice 8-pointer from Queen Anne's County taken in the eveing hunt with his muzzleloader.

Talkin' Turkey and Other Things

My friends Greg and Coke (Greg's father) had a great hunt in the north-central mountains of Pennsylvania. Both got two great Toms with varying beard legnth. The coloring of Greg's fan is pretty light and will make a great mount. After an hour or so of stalking the gobbles in the hilly mountains, Greg closed the deal - and by a tree with an old horseshoe nailed to it nonetheless...'nuf said...

The second picture is of a Fallow Deer (doe) Greg saw while in the forest and just had to take it. A nice 125-150 yard quartering-away shot through a small opening between two trees dropped the doe instantly. Beautiful shot! Too bad full-mounts are so cost-prohibitive.

High on the Hog!

I had a great time this weekend in the beautiful north-central mountains of PA with my friends, Coke and Greg. I stalked this wild boar (sow) with my Hoyt V-Tec and was very pleased. Only about 30 minutes into stalking did I manage to arrow this beautiful red Russian boar. After my first shot (27 yards), which was right on the button, she turned aggressively towards me, ready to charge and light me up with those razor-sharp tusks. I had enough trees between us to allow me time to finish it up with another arrow (or two). They are very hard to take down as I learned and very aggressive fighters. While not the Erymanthian boar, I am very pleased with my harvest and look forward to enjoying the feast.

Lake Wallenpaupack

Me and my brother-in-law, Jonny, trying some shoreline fishing at Lake Wallenpaupak over Labor Day weekend. I have never seen so many boats smashed into one area of water in my life - it was a constant wake! This was the only piece of water we could relax in for a few minutes. We ended the night around a big bon fire and enjoyed a fair amount of adult beverages. The highlight was fly fishing in a kayak under the moon. Beautiful weekend!

Soul of the Knife

My friend Coke and I, who are both admirers of well made knives, recently made a trip to see Tom Adkins, famed knife maker, in Delmar, MD. Tom is one of the few craftsmen who actually forges his own steel. All of his knives are handmade and can take 80+ hours to complete. This skinning knife is made from carbon steel. The handle is rare desert ironwood and MD whitetail antler, with a brass separation ring and guard. Tom is a great guy and is an active member in the Furnacetown Blacksmith Guild. His prices are super reasonable and with any purchase, you receive a certificate of authenticity, detailed care instructions, and free sharpening for life. Sheaths are crafted by him as well, each with a date and number. If you have something specific in mind, he can create just about anything for you. These knives are top-notch.

All Tied Up

In my fly tying nook at home in the basement. Fresh and saltwater patterns abound - replete with fur, feathers, chenille, Dacron, cement, and a sundry of other goodies (including good scotch!). This has quickly become my off-season hobby. I've even caught a few nice trout on my own flies - the true testament to success!

Get High on The Hog

Last May, Coke, Greg and I ventured down to the Buck & Boar (http://www.buckandboarofsc.com/), in beautiful central, SC, to get on the Pork Chop Express.

The property that makes up the Buck & Boar has been managed exclusively for wildlife over the past 20 years. Over 30 food plots and year-round supplemental feeds ensure their herds grow to reach their full potential. You see plenty of game because they do not over hunt their herd. You are hunting a wild herd of animals. Do not confuse the Buck & Boar with a canned hunting operation. The animals are wild and elusive, not stocked farm animals. The hunting is fair chase so be prepared to hunt hard and shoot straight.

Everyone at the Buck & Boar was was extremely gracious - they worked hard to put us on hogs - stalking, stands, etc. If you call, ask for Troy or Dwayne. The accommodations were nice and homemade meals even nicer. I love that Southern sweet tea! We spent the nights sitting around a fire butchering our meat (as all men should do), and recounting the excitement from that day's hunt. These are true Russian-bloodline boars and are BIG and MEAN.

We were on the tail end of a hunt with another group, who used hound and catch/bay dogs and a 7" or 9" K-Bar, and that's it. The dogs flushed out a boar out and chased him into a pond. The dogs swam after him, goin' at it, and when they finally chased him close to shore, this guy (standing in 4' of water) shoved that K-Bar right into the old pump station. Just seconds before, that monster boar sliced at him like a croc on crack, almost disemboweling him. Talk about exciting hunt. Phew! One thing I learned real quick that day - boars can swim, and swim well.

The Vulch Strikes Again

My friend, Dave, gettin' down with the back-strap boogie. Nice over-the-shoulder shot from 60 yds. - double lung. She ran another 120 yds. through thick, thick stuff, with only a little blood trail. We were only equipped with one of those million candle-powered lights (that run out after 10 minutes) and a lantern from camp. We found her and got her out, but Dave left his light at the scene, which was now dead. Somehow he found his way back in total darkness and recovered the light. Amazing. PA deer hunters always know what they're doing.

Dog Trainer Extraordinaire

Tim Carrion and his Chessie, Tucker, competing at the American Chesapeake Club's (ACC) Field Trial Specialty in Winslow, New Jersey. Tim is a good friend and a great trainer/handler. If you're ever in Maryland and want to run your dog with folks that know what they're doing, light me up.

Wood Duck Craze

Me, Greg and Teddy (and trusty Cabella) hunted a small rain-filled pond at our Queen Anne's deer camp one night at dusk. The Woodies came out from the woods after engorging themselves on acorns, and stopped by to get a drink. It was like a scene from Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds. Needless to say, we crushed 'em within 2 minutes. Three hens and three drakes. What a fun shoot. We went back to camp and cooked up the hens for dinner and kept the drakes for mounting. Beautiful birds.

Deal Island Take II

We were fortunate enough again to draw a permit to hunt Deal Island. Limited out with my Boys, Butler and Voelker. What more can I say?

Islamorada Snook

Another successful trip to Islamorada - The Sport Fishing Capital of the World, with my friend and guide extraordinaire, Capt. Greg Poland. If you're in Islamorada, you must look him up: http://www.gregpoland.com/. Absolutely great guy who really knows his stuff. Has a flats boat and an offshore boat to catch whatever you desire. I got to handle the flats boat - really nice boat custom made by Hells Bay Boatworks. Afterwards, you can enjoy libations and other fish stories back at the Lorelei. This morning, we were attempting to catch Redfish, Tarpon and/or Snook (pictured here) on light spin tackle. Islamorada is one of my favorite quick trips during Maryland's cold weather season.

The Men From The Boys

Sometimes we must go it alone. It is in your blood or it is not. My friend's bailed on this early, cold and rainy morning, but I ventured on. I was about halfway through a mile and a half woodland trek in search of one of my secret spots - busting with Rainbow, Brown and the occasional Brook. This photo was taken roughly from my phone and texted to those couch bums. I hope they were all nice and snugly, spooning each other, while I was having a great day. Caught a nice Rainbow and two decent Browns on a fly that I tied.

Sea Duck Hunt

Me, Curtis, Greg and Teddy after a wildy successful sea duck hunt aboard Ted's "Swindler". This was actually the kickoff to my full-day bachelor party, starting with this trip before sunrise and ending around 8:00 p.m. (for me) - vomiting on all fours in my buddy's (very public) backyard. My brother-in-law, Johnny, helped me home and got me into bed. He is a saint.

Trout Bums

Guide extraordinaire, Jason, from Backwater Angler (http://www.backwaterangler.com/), Greg and myself on a fly fishing mission on the Gunpowder River. It was early and pouring. I got on about three nice trout with a tandem midge rig before having to bail due to serious thunder and lightening. Since that trip, I have forgone using split shot - upgrading to that tungsten putty stuff. You can customize the size, placement and it won't tangle on back casts - plus it holds where you put it (especially on a knot).

Giggin'

Me and Coke after another successful night of giggin', although, this represents only one pass or so of the pond. Usually, we start out when it gets dark and do three passes, while enjoying libations back at camp between rounds. I broke all records (for the camp) and gigged about 17 huge Bullfrogs, thus the knickname "Gig". I am still unchallenged to this day. Some of my greatest memories afield are from camping and giggin' with my buddy Coke.

That's My Boy

One-year plus and Owen has already been fishing twice. Once on a boat in Lake Placid with his Uncle Johnny and once at my friend's Harford County pond. This day we were with Papa Coke, Cort and Caroline. We caught 20+ fish - Croaker, Pan, Blue, Sun, etc. Great spot for kids, as the fish seem to throw themselves on your hook. No patience needed...yet.

What a Woman

In retrospect, it was probably foolish for me to teach my (Irish) wife how to handle a gun, but nonetheless...she is a great shot and enjoys the range. If you own a gun - any gun - make sure you're a member of the NRA.

Good Deal

Ahhh, Deal Island hunts - stuff dreams are made of. Limited access and always lots of ducks - and lots of species. Me, Jack and Mike (and Cooper, the relentless retriever) limited out quickly this opening day of the 3rd split. Gadwall, Black, Widgeon, Pintail, et al.

Spring Bow Season

Opening day of Spring bow is so rewarding - enjoyable weather and lots of deer activity. This nice doe (dressed) came in at 110lbs. Meat in the freezer and just before dark! First time using the Hoyt V-Tec. with a Muzzy Zero Effect Rest, Gold Tip arrows and Magnus Stinger 2-blade broadheads. Very pleased.

Now THAT'S a Fish!

No PhotoShop here. My friend Curtis and I with our catch for that day on the Chesapeake Bay. He always puts us on the fish and if not, someone must have brought a banana on the boat. The monster was 45.5" - makes my Rock look pretty small.

Bass Time Baby!

Not to toot my own horn...but this Largemouth Bass would have won me some serious dough in a competition. What a fish! Was having a lot of success throwing pearl Bass Assassins with chartreuse jig heads and deep-diving crank bait (somewhere in Pasadena, MD).

My Huntin' Buddy

Great shot of Gunner from my boat on the Patapsco River - locked on to a flight of divers before we could even see them. It's tough watching him get older. He's about 12 now and has slowed down substantially. I still try to take him with me from time-to-time - he'll hunt with me until the end.

Goose Season

Last year's goose season was good - as it always seems to be. Our goose pit in Harford County has become like a second home to me. Great memories. Hopefully with the way the economy has been going, suburban sprawl will slow or stop, allowing us many more seasons before the pavement finds its way in.