The Weekend Wade

Sitting here doing overtime and trying to use my ADHD to benefit me some how, usually I just get distracted and look up multiple thing about fishing, hunting, gardening, hiking or a combination of all. I am planning my next trip and with spring right around the corner I have a lot to do being a new home owner and an avid gardener. I'm trying to manage between all my outdoor activities that I love and my family and work life. I got my coffee, I have my lap top and I have Wifi connection and some time. This will be my "Where's Waldo" Carp and Smallmouth trip. I want to head to Grand Traverse bay in Northern Michigan ( Since Beaver Island is off the table this year, That sucks alot ) I am planning on driving up there on one of my weekends off and staying two nights and fishing 2 full days and one morning before I leave. Its about 6 hours drive from Indy but I hope to leave early morning or late night after my shift. That's the plan but the details ...

Clouser for the win! that is what I yelled out loud as I hooked my first white bass ever on a creek that has yet to be named ( that's my spot! I'm not sharing.) This fishing trip was just random after a chat with another guy at the fly shop Fly Masters of Indianapolis He mentions that the white bass should be running, I wasn't even there for pan fish flies, I was on my usual carp fly material hunt for an order of flies that I was tying up for another angler ( hit me up for some flies anytime, message me or contact me through email if your interested.) So after checking out I quickly headed towards the creek in a hurry. I always keep my waders and a 6wt in the car, with some general bass flies and a carp box. As soon as I get there I see 3 other cars there and think to myself "this was a bust" I immediately think this was a waste of time and gas, I kinda like fishing by myself or with one other buddy. I quickly slide my pants off and am now in my boxers in a p...

Well this has been a busy week, Time to regroup and get that fishing stuff in order. I just had my birthday and that was a great time but now it's back to business. First order up is this great bass fishing we have here in the midwest (nah.. I'm not giving my spots up) The creeks should be packed here in about 6 weeks and I will be ready, no doubt about it. Don't know the big excitement over white bass? Catch one on a 3wt and then let me know, if that doesn't get your blood pumping you're dead. These fish slam various streamers and eat with vengeance. I was lucky enough to get a hold of some great info about a local spot that I had fished before but not for white bass, and oh lord I was missing out on some great early spring action on the fly! White bass fly fishing is as exciting as catching smallies with the opportunity to catch dozens of fish in a few hours. In late April I hit the creek every chance I had, after overtime and on my days off ripping lips o...

Here I sit, exhausted, restless and over worked. Fly fishing is alwasy on my mind, whether it be tying, fishing or planning the next big trip ( haha, jk I dont have money like that.) I've been so busy these past weeks doing overtime that the other activities in my life get pushed to the wayside. Although, this past weeks have been hectic, I did make time to go to the Indy boat and travel show along with the deer and turkey ( Yes I try to hunt, Just like fishing I'm no good.) It's the largest Outdoor expo in the Midwest and It's a good time, held every year at the fair grounds in Indianapolis. My first stop was at the Moving Waters booth, it was a great set up with lost of apparel and a huge great big selection of outstanding kayaks and paddling as well as great information about the local waters and fly fishing. I want to thank them for having a great set up and promoting Indiana and kayak fishing. Even though fly fishing wasn't the main focus of the expo th...

River trash aka the common carp (click the link for a cool article on the history of carp) are the most exciting and finicky fish in fresh water. People dont just compare these amazing fish to bonefish without a good reason. The carp is a true sport fish and deserves its spot in the river. So that video was pretty exciting, I loved the perspective of the carp angler and the approach. Anyone that doesn't think carp can be a game fish, is simply a fool. These fish are naturalized within the river and lake systems and have earned their spot along with bass and trout as well. The world of fly fishing for carp is exploding all across the United States as anglers see the potential for these fish and target them specifically. The world of carp is ever expanding and being created, their are carp specific fly tourneys, The midwest golden bones , The 3 rivers carp cup tournament I plan to fish both tournaments and try my hand at fishing competitive. I urge anyone in the near are to head ...

Carp!?!?! Those fish are trash! That is what I always hear, right after I tell them I fly fish for alot of carp. Their for some reason is a negative opinion about carp and also carp on the fly. I know where I grew up there was always carp and always this opinion of carp in my area. I was always told that carp are "trash fish, Bottom feeders" and they "eat bass eggs." Truth is carp have been here for years are extremely picky and eat a lot of different insects, and are now part of the river system. I hope to change people's opinion on fly fishing and carp in general. Mainly carp are considered bottom feeders and that they kill off or eat the eggs of "game fish" or "native fish" This opinion is not exactly true or correct. Some aspects of the opinion may be correct but are mostly a generalization. I'm not here to get in a debate about carp, that would take all day! I'm cool with less people catching these bad ass fish and I also kin...

Just let me take time to describe the taco grip smallie on the fly. These are bronze, green and black wolves of the water. The small mouth bass is not the most beautiful fish in the water but truly deserves the attention that it gets. These fish are not in the most beautiful scenic places like trout or steelhead are, they are a working class fish just like the loyal enthusist Like Chris Vaughan (pictured above) of the smallie talk podcast that dedicate their time, money and energy to these fish. Arguably the best fighting fish in the warm water category, these fish are athletes, gangsters of the water that eat flies viciously without hesitation. When these fish take you feel the line straighten immediately, while the drag begins to rip. They can spit a fly out just as easily with their high flying acrobatics right after setting the hook. The camouflage that these fish have in their native waters is a perfect blend of stealth, perfectly mottled to match the structure, water clarity...