New Years Day found five of us "small stream junkies" in a parking lot about to take part in what has become an annual tradition of meeting, fishing and eating. It started four years ago with 3 and has continued bringing 2 additional gents along the way. This year brought some delightful sunny weather, but pretty cold. Getting there around 10, the coffee and donuts were served and devoured. While eating a game plan was presented and it was to be Mark and Pete heading to one area of the stream, while Kirk, John, and I heading in the opposite direction. Jumping in the trucks and my car we started the engines primed for a few hours of small stream angling. But suddenly as I turned the key I heard that clicking sound, the sound of a dead battery. Quickly the call for jumper cables went out and no one had them. So the decision was made for the guys to fish and I would call AAA. To make it short I was told that they would be out in about an hour. That gave me some time to walk to the stream and cast a fly.
I fished this section of stream, and the fly chosen was a streamer, "Edson Tiger". By now the sun seemed to warm up things and hopefully turn the fish on. I could not move to far along the stream for I would not be able to see my car. So casting to various areas that might hold a trout I worked the streamer. On a retrieve I took a violent hit, pulling back I felt nothing, a moment later another hit equally as hard....this time he was on. In short time I held a wild brown. A quick pic and off he went.
The first fish of 2014, on the first day of 2014. A wonderful way to begin the year.
I decieded to head for the car for I thought I saw the service truck. I was right and they were there. It was this time that the other guys were coming back. AAA checked the battery and it had to be replaced, which it was and we were able to finish the day.
While starting lunch, which was hot chicken soup, that was so delicious, "thanks to Marks wife for making it". And some venison chili, along with Italian bread, crackers and tortilla chips. While eating the stories and photos of the mornings angling were told. After cleaning up we hit the stream for a short session. All of us hooked trout this day which made it nicer, but the tradition was continued and that's what I think is most important.
It was a great day to be out on the steam. Beautiful clear, blue skies, good company !! sorry about your battery, but you still managed to get on the board. Gorgeous browns in that stream !! Glad I had the opportunity to fish it and brought one to hand.Thanks for sharing !!
ReplyDeleteTROUT1,
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Pete it turned out to be a wonderful day, I was glad you made it and continued the tradition.
Pete I could tell you some stories about the browns in that stream...real meat eaters.
That's a cool tradition. Nice that you could catch fish without going far.
ReplyDeleteKevin Frank,
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I hope to continue it, perhaps adding a few more anglers.
Great time! Thanks again for the delicious food.
ReplyDeleteApache Trout,
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That it was John. I was happy you were able to make it.
Alan
ReplyDeleteIt is always fun to fish with someone who loves the sport as much as you, it just makes the outing special. I have numbers of fishing buddies I fish with on the lake and the tailrace. I hope you guys survive the weather you are getting now and in the coming days---stay safe. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell,
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Very true Bill. I just came in from freeing my car from the snow, it's one hell of a cold day. They're calling for -15 chills tonight. Not very good for fly fishing, better for hot soup.
Except for the battery, another fine first of the year outing. I look forward to next years adventure. Thanks for the great chili.
ReplyDeleteRKM,
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Kirk it was great, and enjoyed by all.
Thanks for the hot coffee.
glad the battery was a relatively easy save!
ReplyDeleteTexWisGirl,
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Can't say enough about AAA
Nice that you got out with the guys and were able to continue with this holiday tradition. I did the same and will report on the cold day's event, next post. Anyway, you got a good jump (on dead battery and...) on the new year!
ReplyDeleterivertoprambles,
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Walt at first I thought we might not see John, but he made it. I'll need that fresh cranking power with this arctic blast.
Will check that post for sure.
Nice brown Alan! Thanks for including me in the "tradition", I look forward to it and the Chili every year!
ReplyDeleteMark,
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They hold up well in that stream. We are glad to have you Mark, and the wife's chicken soup.
Here's to fishing traditions! Try to stay warm up there.
ReplyDeleteJay,
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Most of them are truly special. That cold just reaches to the core.
A brown like that sure is a good way to start the year.
ReplyDeleteRM Lytle,
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What a good feeling for sure.
That sounds like you guys have a great tradition! I must say that you sure know how to do food right as well. Pretty fish to top things off!
ReplyDeleteDavid Knapp,
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And luckily the weather has been with us for the most part. Must have conversation time and food is a starter.
Glad you were able to overcome and find success !
ReplyDeletepenbayman,
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Very good after all. Mike is it cold up there. -5 on the deck this AM
Now that's a great tradition! Gone are the days of the mom and pop donut shop as evidenced by the box :( One thing remains a constant though and that is friends and fins in the outdoors. Well done!
ReplyDeleteMichael Curry,
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Lots of mom and pop establishments have gone away, and that's so sad. But I recall Mark mentioning a donut shop in his town that may be just that. It was a fine outing.
New Year Day + Flyfishing + Connecticut= Tradition.....wow..who knew that was possible in this northern climate. Must be global warming..lol.
ReplyDeletetim,
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Some truly fine fly fishing can be enjoyed in the winter if the temps moderate a bit and you don't mind the cold.