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A review of Tenkara: Radically Simple, Ultralight Fly Fishing

January 31, 2011 by · 2 Comments

Tenkara anglers or anyone wishing to learn more about tenkara fishing will be hard pressed to find a more enlightening book then Tenkara: Radically Simple, Ultralight Fly Fishing, (affiliate link) by Kevin C. Kelleher, MD with Misako Ishimura.

From the start Dr. Kelleher grabbed my attention. In his introduction he writes of his struggles with western-style fly-fishing. Tangled lines, over loaded vests, the time needed to rig up, all conspiring to make fishing less enjoyable.

He contemplates enforcing a self-imposed rule, “…that I will quit anything that gives me a headache or makes me cuss.” It was those frustrations that lead him to tenkara.

Boy, can I relate to that.
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Need some new friends?

January 30, 2011 by · Leave a Comment

If you are interested in adding some new fishing friends to facebook or twitter then Jason Puris who runs The Fin did you a solid.

Jason posted a great list, Fishing Friends I’ve Made Online – Social Networkers Who Fish Too.

Yours truly made the list for which I am both honored and grateful. More importantly I am in some outstanding company.

Check out Jason’s list and see if you don’t agree.

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Conservation politics

January 28, 2011 by · 6 Comments

Kirk Deeter recently posted on Field & Stream’s Fly Talk Blog, “I get angry when a discussion about a conservation concern – like oil and gas drilling in Wyoming or Utah, or maintaining roadless areas in Idaho or New Mexico, or a proposed pit mine in the headwaters of the world’s largest wild salmon fishery — degenerates into a “political debate.”
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Innovation for conservation

January 26, 2011 by · 3 Comments

When I saw a innovative use for old fly line from the folks at Fly Vines I was more than curious, I placed an order.

Conservation as a business model is always a winner in my book. Fly Vines is a great example.

My order arrived earlier this week.

Fly Vines lanyards and bracelets

The lanyards are well constructed and use a simple snap ring as a safety release.
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A toast to Jim Range

January 20, 2011 by · 4 Comments

Two years passes way too quickly…

The following is a tribute I wrote for the News Virginian two years ago:

There are some columns one would prefer never to write. This is one of them.

Please indulge me as I reflect on two people who are no longer with us. Not to mourn their loss so much as to celebrate their lives.

Jim Range and Jean Ince (courtesy of John Ince)

On Tuesday morning one of my very closest friends lost his battle with cancer.
He was like a brother to me. The best man in my wedding, a hunting and fishing partner of many years and the voice on the other end of the phone keeping me strong when trouble came. And oh, the whiskey we drank.
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Fly tying prompt

January 17, 2011 by · Leave a Comment

The Outdoor Bloggers Network ran a contest last week with folks from Montana Fly Company for a shot at some very cool fly tying tools. I needed a push to do some fly tying so with OBN’s encouragement I tossed a couple a comments in to the mix.

Drum roll

Yup, the ole random number generator did me a solid and it was winner winner chicken dinner!

So when I get the goods I will post some pix, tie up a few shop-vacs sadler style and give a review of the tools. Might even try my hand at some tenkara flies. Can you say sakasa kebari?

stay tuned…

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Simple things make sense

January 17, 2011 by · Leave a Comment

I am always on the look out for new ideas that go the simple route. That is why tenkara fishing is so appealing. So when I came across Fly Vines this weekend I was blown away.

These folks are making lanyards from recycled fly line! They are also making bracelets and sunglass keepers.

What an outstanding idea! Conservation as a business model is always a winner in my book.

It certainly fits with my whole tenkara mind set so I immediately ordered a couple of lanyards and bracelets to them check out.

I will post an update with pictures as soon as the goods arrive.

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Tenkara tea!

January 16, 2011 by · Leave a Comment

Yesterday the mail gal brought a special treat to the Middle River Group HQ, tenkara tea!

Retweeting one of @tenkarausa‘s tweets entered me in a contest to receive some new Tenkara USA Tea.

And luck smiled on me!

bourbon isn't the only thing that tastes better in a tin cup...

The tea comes in a handy tin with a measuring spoon and bamboo whisk. The rod is sold separately. The recommended cup is ceramic but I like a tin cup stream side.

Disclosure

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Tenkara fans stay tuned!

January 13, 2011 by · Leave a Comment

Looks like those of you who want to learn more about tenkara fishing are going to get a treat. My good friend Craig Mathews of Blue Ribbon Flies has been hinting in his newsletter about a tenkara adventure:

I will fish today. After a week of brutal cold windy conditions it looks like the weather might be favorable to spend a few hours on the river this afternoon. Tomorrow Phil and I will be fishing and filming using Tenkara rods. My good friend, Yvon Choiunard, called last week and asked for some Tenkara footage for the Patagonia website but due to the nasty weather we’ve not been able to get out. The forecast looks favorable so make sure you check out our blog for the fishing reports we will file on our next two afternoons of midge fishing on the river.

I have been waiting to see if Craig and Phil get their tenkara on. It looks like they did and we are in for a treat!
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Seems like only yesterday

January 12, 2011 by · 4 Comments

When the good folks at the Outdoor Blogger Network posted their most recent photo prompt, Outdoor Photo Prompt ~ Favorite Outdoor Places…, asking, “Where is the one place you’d trade all your leftover Christmas candy canes to go visit for a day?” it was a no brainer.

Four and a half years ago I was standing on the banks of the Madison River at $3 Bridge in Montana enjoying one of the most special days of my life. It was the only time I was there and didn’t fish.  Would trade the Christmas candy and then some to go there any day.

The wedding party at $3 bridge

Filed Under: Fishing, Photos, Travel · Tagged: , , ,
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