Check out these poppers from Fly Fish Food

 

http://www.flyfishfood.com/2013/05/rainys-foam-popper-bodies.html

I've never ventured into tying my own poppers, but I may have to give it a try this year.  I'm hearing that the small mouth bite is really hot right now and I'm itching to go.  In E. Tennessee we're blessed with some truly great small mouth waters near by and I don't have to travel all that far to get into some good action.  

 

Check out the Latest from S.C.O.F

 

http://www.southerncultureonthefly.com/

I've really enjoyed SCOF since it debut in 2011.  This is the best zine in the business as far as I'm concerned and it just so happens to be centered out of the Southeast!

If you haven't already, check it out and give it a follow.  It's always full of knowledge and the southern culture fly fishing experience.

The Summer Issue looks to drop in July.  

Clear Cure Goo

So I just jumped in head first and bought some Clear Cure Goo.  After talking to a few people and doing a little research online, I realized all I really needed for most of my personal tying needs was the light($29) and a bottle of CCG's "hydro"($21).  I'm really excited to use CCG and see what my results are like.  Everyone I've spoken to has praised it giving it 5 stars.
After I get the chance to try it out, I'll be sure to post some pictures of a few flies and let you all know what my thoughts are about the product.  I'm most excited to make some bomb proof midges for my local tailwaters. 

Weather Check and Ready to FISH

We've experienced quite the assortment of weather thus far this year in East Tennessee.  This isn't abnormal, but we've had tons of rain, some snow, ice, really low temps and really high temps.  Its a never ending roller coaster here when it comes to weather.  That's part of what makes TN such a great place to live.

My local river(Clinch) has continued to be blown out with TVA pushing 2 or more generators for a couple weeks now.  They also have the sluice gates open and this is producing water flows of over 15,000 cubic ft per second.  I've seen a few pictures posted around Facebook and other message boards of some areas of the Clinch and the waters are well up in the trees.

With the amounts of rain we've had I don't anticipate much tailwater fishing time until March.  I have my fingers crossed for a good sulphur hatch this year.  Last years hatch seemed a bit inconsistent and wasn't nearly as good as the one we had in 2011.  I've got my fly boxes loaded with various sulphur imitations and I hope to get to use them.  A couple of them are new variations that I think could be killer!

2013 -- Fly Fishing Resolutions

Happy New Year!  I'm expecting great things in 2013.  Early last year when I started this blog I didn't anticipate the lack of fishing I would get to do in 2012.  I fished less last year than any of the past 5 years.  I'll be honest that it was frustrating at times, but that's what life throws at us sometimes.  Other priorities (family, work, etc), will always come first.  I hope to be able to find more time on the water this year and also explore new things in connection to fly fishing.  In 2011, I did a fair amount of small mouth fishing and it was great.  Last year, I was only able to manage 2 small mouth trips.  2011 was a great year for me and produced some great fishing memories.


I would like to share a few of my Fly Fishing Resolutions for 2013. 

1.) Get my family more involved on the River.  My oldest son will be turning 5 this Summer and starts Kindergarten in the Fall.  He's been on a couple fishing trips and has had a blast.  I've got a goal for him to catch a trout this year by himself.  I think he's up to it!  :)

Here is a picture of Andrew and his first trip ever to the Clinch River back in April of 2012.  We mostly played in the water and threw rocks, but he had fun and it is a memory I'll have forever. 

2.)  Obviously - More time on the water.  Doesn't really matter where, but I would like to explore the Smoky Mountains more and learn to become a better small stream fisherman.  I'd also like to get a few trips on the South Holston and Davidson River this year.  I've fished both of these rivers over the past few years and they are terrific.  Both have their quirks and totally different styles, but both can reward you with a great catch.


3.) Tie Flies! and learn new patterns.

Little fish, BIG fun

My family ventured out to my grandmothers pond last weekend for Andrew's 4th birthday.  The fish are small but action was fast and fun!

Happy birthday buddy!

Trouthunter Tippet Review

I recently saw a Tippet Shootout  in Fly Fisherman Magazine.  They did an excellent job and it was extremely detailed.  The shootout left me curious about Trouthunter products so when I recently ran out of tippet, I decided to give it a try and placed the order.  I'm usually one who supports my local fly shops on purchases like this, but I wanted to see what all the fuss was about and if I could tell a difference. 

One unique thing I noticed when I was placing my order was that Trouthunter offers half sizes in tippet.  I thought this was pretty cool so I ordered 5.5x.  I typically use 6x for most of my fishing on my home river, but I thought the extra .5 of strength wouldn't hurt. :)

Spool design - I really like the spool design A LOT!  The tippet comes off the spool very smooth and does not kink or have any memory or curling.  The lack of line curl is due to the large arbor spool.
Fishing - I've fished this tippet a handful of times now and have been impressed.  It does knot really well and seems strong yet supple.  I'm far from any type of line strength expert, but this tippet does seem to get the job done quite well. 
Cost - $22.95 for a 50m spool.  This is a better deal per meter than most of your other top tier tippets on the shelves of your local fly shops.

Conclusion - This is an excellent product at an excellent price.  I expect great things from this spool of tippet.  Can I tell a big difference between this product and Rio, Orvis, or Frog Hair?  No, but it's cheaper and the "tippet scientist" say it's stronger so I'll take their word for it!  Well done Trouthunter!

I also ordered a couple 10ft. leaders - I haven't gotten to fish those yet, but I'll be sure to post a review of those as well.

Thanks!