Cabela's TQR, And......

While browsing a local Cabela's I noticed a rod that was marked down, actually several marked down. But this model caught my eye, especially the bottom line price. I picked it up to check it out a little closer and to get the feel of it. I noticed it was a 2wt, and only 5ft. It was 2 piece and had a cork reel seat. The blank was a nice olive color and the cosmetic stuff seemed OK. The rod is Cabelas TQR, I guess that means tight quarters rod. I'm going to pair it up with a few reels to see what balances, and give it a test today. Another nice feature is the cloth bag and hard tube, along with the mark down price of $76.00.

Cabela's TRQ

Veal meatballs, cooked with fresh Roma tomatoes, garlic and parsley.

Venison slices with onions, mushrooms, and served over noodles.

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Reflections Of 500 Posts....Thanks All.

On April 10, 2010 I put forth my first post. It was not much, more or less telling of my new venture. The very first comment was made by "Apache Trout", and that first post landed me three followers. Since then I have managed to find 274 more people that find the same joy in the small streams of Connecticut and beyond. They have also endured some of my cooking, fly tying and thoughts on books to videos and gear. I try to be informative, and at times inspiring. While I like writing about my adventures, I prefer to post photos and let them tell the stories.

My love of fly fishing, and wild brook trout from small streams have been my focus and will continue to be. I appreciate all your comments and try to give my best responses. So in keeping with this blogs theme here are some photos of past posts showing the beauty of small streams, both in and around. In the last photo, my grand son Ethan is lovingly holding his first wild brook trout. It was a very special moment for him and me.

Thank you..........

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Brook Trout And Yellow Bucktail

We enjoyed another snow storm Friday, reminding us it's still winter. Depending on where you live in the state you received from 4 to 20 inches of snow. Saturday dawned sunny and bright with air temps into the 50's, and the melt began.

I could not fish Saturday, but I was able to get some free time yesterday, and took advantage of it. I arrived at the stream around 10:30, or 11:30 or whatever. The change in time to day light savings will have things screwed up some for awhile. The sun was doing its work and the air felt good. The stream was up and somewhat and off color from the melting snow. As I walked along the stream to my first location I looked for any surface activity or the presence of insects, either in the air or on the ground. There was no trace. I tied on a Picket Pin and began fishing. I worked the stream in various locations without so much as a bump. Several other flies used brought the same result. Perhaps the snow melt was the reason. After stopping for a spell to eat an apple, I chose to tie on a streamer. After several casts into a deep pool I noticed a trout follow the streamer. A half hour later, and several other streamers there was no hookups.

I tied on a yellow wing bucktail, with some red for a head dress and sent it off to hunt. Several slow drifts later and fish on. Soon a wonder of a wild brook trout lay at my hand. As I photographed its beauty in the water I said to myself, yellow and red= brook trout. I was able to bring another to hand, and tempt one who had a move or two and escaped. It was a great day.

Wild brook trout, in very healthy condition

A simple bucktail

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New England, New Zealand, and Salters

While taking a drive the other day, scouting a new stream I came across a few of these. Maple trees tapped and collecting sap the way they did it years ago. Most syrup producers use newer methods of plastic lines and larger collecting sites. Looking around I noticed there were 4 trees with buckets. As I got closer I could the sap dripping at what appeared to be a good pace. Perhaps the owner does not do this for a living, but just for his own use. This is a sweet time in New England.

This is a wonderful DVD. It's about two anglers who stumble upon a cabin in New Zealand. They find a journal that belonged to an angler from years past. Great brown trout footage, as well as a look at wild New Zealand.

The Sea Run Brook Trout Coalition, I have posted a link below to its home page. They are doing great work with this marvelous char. From Maine, to Long Island, with Connecticut, and the Massachusetts Islands. Check out their latest newsletter.

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