32 degrees is what we had to come home to after a week in Florida of testing some new saltwater furled leaders for BlueSky. Sanibel Island was a great spot to call home base for our time in Florida. The driver over the causeway to Sanibel helps set the tone for the whole week which was to relax, fish, an eat some great seafood. Sanibel Island is a 12-mile island, which is covered with heavy cover of mangroves and white sand beaches. The first couple of days we spent in the car heading to some of the local fly shops in the area and showing them our product. All the shop owners and staff where very welcoming and provided some wonderful feed back about the needs of the saltwater angler.

 The next couple days where spend walking the beach looking for cruising Snook in the surf and talking to many people asking us “what are you fishing for” seems a fly rod on the beach is still out of sorts even in southwest Florida. One of our highlights of the trip was a 3 hour kayak adventure back into the mangroves of Tarpon Bay to bird watch. The nights provided much need rest after our days adventuring and we found ourselves return to the same local hang out most nights where we conquered the mounds of seafood and Key Lime pie.

The last few days we had a guide for the white knuckle hair blowing ride into the mangroves seems these guys pride themselves on going really fast in shallow water. I looked at the GPS once as it read 47mph then look over the side to see the bottom racing by. We landed many trout and ladyfish on the trip and even had a pod a dolphins boat side to check us out. The Redfish where not going show up on the grass flats this trip so we beat the bush most of the days. We are already in the planning stage to make to back in June for the Tarpon migration off the beach, but until then we will look at the pictures and remember the friend we made down there.

From the Journal of Chad Hertler

Here is a quick review of this years salmon trip.  The drought of the summer and fall of 2012 had taken its toll on river fishing.  Instead of fishing the first week of October we moved our trip back a week in hopes that more fish would move into the river.


We typically fish a location that the locals affectionately refer to as “the Hole.”  Due to the low levels of water, there were few fish in “the Hole” this year.  Thus we thrust into finding some new water to fish downstream.  By God’s grace, we found the water and the fish.


As I drove down to the Kewaunee River Monday morning from Green Bay, I sensed that God wanted me to focus on enjoying Him and not to evaluate the quality of the trip based on the number of fish that was caught.  This helped position my heart to be in an attitude of worship and thankfulness.


Monday morning we fished upstream where we traditionally do.  By noon, it was evident that there were few fish.  My friend Nathan told me of another spot one mile down river that has held fish in the past.  He had some business to attend to in Green Bay during the afternoon.  I was on my own to find this spot.


As I walked with my Bible in hand, this is what I saw:

Eventually, I located the spot. I intentionally sat on the bank and observed for 10 minutes.  During that time I gazed in astonishment to see 10 salmon launch themselves in the air.  I looked further and observed and a fisherman across from me hook one fish after another.  At one point, he yelled across “That is about the 20^th one I have had on today!”  Needless to say, new found enthusiasm pulsated through my veins as I scampered back to my truck to retrieve my waders and fly rod.  This was the start of one of the most memorable fishing experiences I have ever had.

First landed male of the day.

The placed we fished offered deep holes. This provided an immense challenge in fighting the fish.  I had torqued the drag as tight as I could on my Redington reel.  Despite this, the king salmon pulled line out with ease.  

We didn't keep any of the fish we caught.  We were simply grateful for the opportunity to tussle with them. 

The weather was harsh.  Rain, wind, and cold temperatures.  Funny how it doesn't feel all that bad when you are catching fish.

Nathan.  This is our 3^rd annual trip together.  Nathan not only owns BlueSky Furled  Leaders, he also serves as a fishing guide.  His product is sold world wide-including outlets like Cabala's and Bass Pro.   He is not only an experienced fisherman, but also a man of integrity.

 I think the action was as steady as last year.  What made this trip different was a new location and fewer people.  Typically during the peak of the Salmon run one can anticipate crowds-not this year. I am grateful for another year to fish the king salmons of Wisconsin’s Kewaunee River.  To be among friends, enjoying God in His creation. It truly was a memorable experience.  Chad H.

Salmon Season Coming Soon

As I drive around Northeast Wisconsin you can tell Fall is starting to show.The smallmouth bite continues to be hot and I had a great day of fishing on Monday in the fog. Seems wired to be casting poppers in the middle of the river sometimes.The piers on the lake shore are starting to show life again and I was out for a walk today and seen a few fish caught.The rivers are no where even close to being ready. We need allot of rain to get things started. I'm guessing we may see a late start to the season unless we get some rain soon. All in all it's a great time of year, so much great fishing to be done before winter arrives again.

I look forward to returning to meet some friends I only get to fish with once a year and  the smell of the fall mornings.

 Nathan

Summer Smallmouth

 Team BlueSky was on the river Wednesday afternoon and the top water bite was great.Cloudy skies and cooler weather really turned these fish on. Remember dark color top water bugs on cloudy days! Here is a shoot of Jim Hauer with a 20" smallmouth. Great fish Jim! There is still time to book a smallmouth float trip before fall sets in. Give me a call for some open dates.

Smallmouth Fishing

Here are a couple of pictures from the last outings.I hope you are enjoying the summer as much as I am.

Blue Sky Furled Leaders

We are now the new owners of www.blueskyfly.com. Make sure you check out the web page and order you furled leaders.They cast amazing!!!!

Smallmouth Bass Season and Wind

The season has been open for about three weeks and I think the wind has blown at least 20mph everyday.I am heading out tomorrow since they are only calling for 10-15 mph winds, we'll see.On the days I have gotten out I have caught some big fish.One day last week we ran into the crew at Tightlines fly-fishing company from Depere at the boat ramp as we where putting in. I talked to Tim the owner this weekend and that day there where five 20" smallmouth caught and released on the river.Those are some impressive numbers! In out boat we had two 18.5",19" and one 20.5" fish.The fishing is only getting better!The Murdich minnow have been taking it's fair share in the morning,but I find myself switching to top water about noon. The Whitlock sheep minnow has been very hot.Fish have been tight to the bank as in slack water with deep drop off's near by.Good luck and drop me a email if you have any questions