I do this many times during the summer months, I visit a favorite place to toss a few flies for some of the most underrated sport that can be had with a fly rod. We all remember catching these fish as kids, well I'm here to tell you I never grew up. The thrill of tangling with these spunky rod benders still hits the mark. The fish is the sunfish. These guys are found in most every pond, lake or slower moving rivers. They are willing to take any fly presented, they will put a substantial bend in your fly rod and they are so very pretty. I enjoyed the few hours last week fishing for these guys, it's just like it was when I was a kid with one exception, I didn't have to get dirty hands digging up the worms.
If you get the chance to fish for sunnies please do so. Then go home and read some comic books....
Alan
ReplyDeleteOne never tires landing these fish, especially with the fly rod; glad you made the connection and brought back some fun memories. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill I love getting out here several times a year and just fish for these spunky fish. They are what's needed to bring us back.
When I was a kid my grandmother made digging the worms as much fun as catching the fish. I can't wait until my grandchildren are old enough to have the same opportunities. Great post, Alan, thanks.
ReplyDeletemike
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Mike we some places where a turn or two of the shovel gave us a days worth of the wiggliest worms one could place on a hook. Grandkids and bluegills are great, you'll love the times spent fishing with them.
Nothing more fun than Sunfish on a 3 wt. Can't wait to get to White Pines Lake again for 25 or so small ones. Just need a little more snow to melt and have the weather warm up a bit.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Mark you nailed it...3wt and sunnies. Now go get them buddy.
Alan,
ReplyDeleteYou are right about the humble Sunny being a great fish. Spirited fighter and very colorful. Most of us will claim a Sunny as their very first fish. And though now many years in the past the memory of the excitement of that first fish is still vivid.
JJ
Beaverdam
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Joe you are so right about that first fish remaining etched in our minds. Those old baitcasting reels, and black braided line all bought from Western Auto.
Simple times and so much fun.
Sweet post Alan. Need to get back to my roots when the shoulder heals up a little more.
ReplyDeletebillp
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Bill no rush, get healed and catch a bunch.
I'm right there with you Alan. I always say if I ever have to say I never want to catch another sunfish it's time to put away the rod for good. If you don't get the joy in colorful, spunky little fish, you just aren't getting the whole picture.
ReplyDeleteRM Lytle
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Rowan I know these guys are a favorite of yours. Like brook trout they are high on the list and equal in color and sheer tenacity.
Those are pretty looking fish, Alan. We dont have them Downunder here in OZ. My first fish was an uncoloured goldfish and the next species a native river blackfish. The first caught on flour paste and the latter on dug worms. I think we've all caught our share of fish on the "Garden Hackle". Ah, comics! My favourite was and still is "The Phantom" although "Wonderwoman" came a close second! What was/is everyone else's favourite comic hero?
ReplyDeleteKindest Regards,
Steve.
Steve
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Steve old fashioned garden hackle, a part of our childhood. I read Archie, and Beetle Baily.
In the beginning, Boy Scout Fly Tying Kit, Sears & Roebucks SOLID glass fly rod, level D line & pond full of Bluegills
ReplyDeleteGenesis
Unknown
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My that's a lot of memories to ponder. I remember the times at Sears and Roebucks. Uncomplicated times they were.
Alan , they definitely make you feel like a kid again, they always make me smile when i catch them. I also spend a few days a year chasing those little rascals. Nice post Alan.
ReplyDeleteBrad Basehore
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Brad being a kid is good at times especially when fishing. Sunfish are underrated at times but when taken on light tackle they are something to be reckoned with.
Alan,
ReplyDeleteSo good to see my favorites that you have posted here! They are indeed my brook trout and I have them literally in my back yard! They are so much fun to catch on a fly rod! Sometimes, they can be a bit picky but most of the time they are my willing laboratory and sounding board for all the variations of patterns that I hurl at them! Thanks for posting these!
Dougsden!
Dougsden
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Doug yes they can be picky, I've seen this many times.
I know you do love them and they will raise hell when hooked.
As usual what a pleasure to read. Congratulations. Greeting from Chile.
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