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

Cabela's confirmed for Ashwaubenon ,will this hurt small business ?

Cabela's confirmed for Ashwaubenon

100,000-square-foot facility planned

ASHWAUBENON - Local officials have confirmed Cabela’s is coming to a piece of Ashwaubenon land owned by the Green Bay Packer 

"Cabela's loves Wisconsin. This is our third Wisconsin store," said Cabela's CEO Tommy Millner.
You will no longer have to drive to the Milwaukee area or Prairie du Chien to visit Cabela's.
The official announcement came Friday morning.
The outdoors retailer will be located in the Village of Ashwaubenon.
The store will be built just off Highway 41 along Lombardi Avenue.
The 100,000-square foot facility is expected to open by next summer.
"Cabela's customers live in Wisconsin," Millner said. "It's one of what we call our next generation stores. We have one in north Seattle and Dallas, Texas. So these are big market stores."
The store will create approximately 175 jobs.
Ashwaubenon Village President Mike Aubinger says plans have been in the works for about a year.
"This is a great day for Ashwaubenon, great day for the Greater Green Bay area; it's going to create jobs, increment. It's going to create more trips here, it'll increase our tourism," said Aubinger.
The land is owned by the Packers organization.
The team has been trying to develop property for a couple of years.
However, the Packers had trouble finalizing a plan, because 11 acres of the land is wetlands.
Then last year, the state Legislature passed a law to allow the site to be developed.
"With the permit we got through the DNR, we could have filled-in 3 acres of the wetlands under the permit, but we're only going to fill-in 1.65 acres," explained Packers President Mark Murphy.
Murphy says the organization is partnering with Ducks Unlimited to protect the remaining acres.
The team will also look to restore other area wetlands.
Wetlands education will also be part of the development.
"We're going to put a conservation easement on the property," Murphy said. "We're going to put up a series of signs and kiosks as well as a viewing platform."
Work is expected to begin within the next 60 days.


This will have a big impact on our community! I am not a big box store fan.I wonder how many jobs and small business will be lost due to them coming in. I will still take my local fly shop and all the local knowledge

Saturday, May 19th, Tight Lines will be hosting a customer appreciation open house

Saturday, May 19^th, Tight Lines will be hosting a customer appreciation open house as a “thank you” to all who support our store.   Our Sage and Rio representatives will be joining us for the day to demo equipment and answer any rod or line questions you may have.   This event will be free to attend and we encourage you to bring your friends.  It promises to be a ton of fun, so stop by and help us celebrate spring!

The shop opens at 10:00 am and we will be closing at 5:00 pm.  Fun all day long!

    

Classic Angler Partner Program

Monday I had the privilege of hosting Harold Beck through the Classic Anglers Partner Program.The program pairs less experienced anglers with more experienced host partners in effort to help people get more involved with fly-fishing.Some times all it takes is someone to show them a few extra tips and there off and running.If you would like more information about the program please email me a nregister@netnet.net and I can help you get connected with a host partner.

First Fish of the Season on The First Cast of the Year

You know your going to have a good day when the first cast of the season you hook a hot Steelhead.There are some good's number of fish in all the river's right now,but with the warm weather it will not last long. Have fun out there.

Finding Joy in Fishing Beyond Catching Fish

As a angler with some experience you get to a point where catching fish isn't as important as it use to be.Don't get me wrong I still get all jacked up on my way to the stream.But I have started to enjoy the whole experience allot more and the thrill of watching someone else land a fish

.I guess that is what the allure of guiding is to me.Last night at the Fly Fishing Film Tour there was a film called Doc and The Drakes.(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niu_Br7i7O0)
The gentleman that was a doctor and lives with serve Parkinson's that has limited his fishing time due to the disease.The whole story Doc had missed fish after fish until the last day at sunset where he final hooked up with a 25" Brown Trout which was brought to the net.The rejoice of the Doc and the guide was well worth all the missed fish.

Last summer I had a chance to guide Don Larmouth a local fishing legend and author of "Tarpon on  Fly" http://www.amazon.com/Tarpon-Fly-Donald-Larmouth/dp/1571882707 His Parkinson has limit him to short boat fishing after a life time of angling for the giant's of the deep.On one of our days we lost a 21" plus smallmouth bass at boat side after landing four in a row.Anther morning we where met by the flying ant hatch which we landed fish to Don's exhaustion.I hold those two days as some of the best fishing memories of my life.

Here is a clip from that day
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbagFEnnIRY&list=UUk37wa4d6s8rPHQJMnkkIwQ&index=7&feature=plcp

Thanks Don for the memories

Smallmouth Video on a Fly

This video was shot in Michigan with Kevin Feenstra, but it is classic Wisconsin Smallmouth on the fly as well.

Into The Air Adventures offer affordable half day trips with fly rod and light tackle

Click the fish to watch the video

Salmon Rod

I was in Joe Bargin Hunter today and saw they had some Redbone 9' 9 weight fly rod on sale for 68.00. This would make a great Salmon rod. I think they had 7 in stock.


Information about Redbone
http://www.redbone.org/rods.html

An Update

Well we are getting to the time of year where I am going crazy! All the fishing shows, movie tours and everything else we do to keep ourselves busy until fishing starts again are drawing to a end.The boats are ready the tackle and flies have been gone threw way to many times and I am caught up on all my fishing magazine reading. Steelhead season will be brief this year with the lack of snow melt. Ice out will be quick  and the water will warm fast.So make sure you take advantage early because I am sure it will be over sooner than anyone of us would like.

Next Meeting of the Green Bay Chapter of Trout Unlimited is

Next Meeting of the Green Bay Chapter of Trout Unlimited is:

Thursday Feb 2nd from 7-9pm

Rivers Bend Supper Club, Willow Room #2

792 Riverview Dr., Green Bay

41 to Velp, head west, Rt on Riverview Dr.

It’s movie night, sit back and enjoy pizza & popcorn with a cash bar.

We will be showing: 

Night of the Hex

Off the Grid - featuring Tight Lines staff and smallmouth

Why Fly Fishing - with interviews from John Gierach, Joan Wulff and James Prosek.

Please bring a bottle to add to the “Bushel O’ Booze” for the Banquet.

Speaking of the Feb 16th banquet, did you get your tickets yet? 499-5307

Door prizes, raffles, please help make this year even more successful than the last.

We need our members to attend.  Invite a friend.  If you have never been, your guaranteed a good time.

Hope to see you Thursday night and at the banquet.

Randy Rake

VP, GBTU

rrake@new.rr.com

264-8366

Classic Anglers Meeting Tonight

Our February Program

TRIPLE SHOW

     By JOHN GREMMER

Images, exciting video and tying – three great mini- programs by veteran fly fisher, tyer and photographer John Gremmer.

 

First: Taking Better Fishing Pictures and Twenty of John’s Best.

 

Second: John & Tom’s Excellent Smallmouth Adventure – fast paced amazing video of big smallmouth top-water eats crushing The World’s Greatest Smallmouth Fly.

 

Third: John shows how to tie The World’s Greatest Smallmouth Fly.

 

WHEN:       Monday, February 6, 2012

              Program starts promptly at 7 p.m.

 

WHERE:       Legends Brewhouse and Eatery

              2840 Shawano Avenue

              Green Bay, WI

 

Free program Sponsored by the Classic Anglers of Wisconsin.  A Federation of Flyfishers Club - Contact Jim Hauer 920 430 1231

Another Project Boat Done

Drift Boat Updates

Well I thought I post some pictures of the work I have done to the drift boat this year. I added a graphite bottom as well as some casting braces.I look forward to getting it wet soon!!!

Fly Fishing Film Tour Coming to DePere

Electronics Recycling Drive

Electronics Recycling Drive
Saturday, January 14th 2012
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary
1660 East Shore Drive, Green Bay


Out with the Old, In with the New!
Wondering what to do with that old computer, fax, printer,
TV, other electronics or household appliance?
Friends of the Wildlife Sanctuary & Norsec Computer Recyclers are holding an Electronics Recycling
Drive at the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary on Saturday, January 14th, 2012 from 9:00 am to
1:00pm. Norsec Computer Recyclers LLC provides an environmentally responsible solution to
electronics disposal needs.
Drop off old TVs, computer equipment (monitors, CPUs, mice, keyboards, fax, printers, network
equipment & any standard office equipment), household electronics such as CD, DVD, & VHS
players, stereo equipment, vacuums, clocks, Satellite receivers, phone systems, cell phones, game
consoles, household appliances like microwaves, washers, dryers, refrigerators, dehumidifiers & stoves.
We also recycle Lead acid, Nickel Cadmium and Lithium Ion batteries. Basically if it plugs into a wall,
we can recycle it. However, they do not accept dry cell batteries, or florescent light bulbs.
Computer monitors, televisions and appliances containing freon are subject to a $10.00 recycling fee per
unit. All other standard computer components and household appliances are recycled at no charge. You
can also bring your aluminum cans to contribute to the drive.
The drop off area will be in the lower parking lot of the
Nature Center at the Wildlife Sanctuary. A portion of
the recycling fees will go to support the
Friends of the Wildlife Sanctuary.
Thank you for helping the environment and
supporting the Friends of the Wildlife SanctuaryJ

Cabin Fever Days 2012

Calling Female Anglers

Next Meeting of the Green Bay Chapter of Trout Unlimited is:

Thursday Jan 5th from 7-9pm

Rivers Bend Supper Club, Willow Room #2

792 Riverview Dr., Green Bay

41 to Velp, head west, Rt on Riverview Dr.

Peggy Farrell of UWSTP and the Becoming an Outdoors Woman program is the guest speaker.

 

Peggy is the International and Wisconsin director for BOW, Becoming an Outdoors Woman. Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) means becoming more competent, more confident, and more aware. BOW is an outdoor skills program that offers women a chance to grow.

20,000+ women attend BOW events every year. In her 16 years with BOW, she has welcomed thousands of women to the outdoors by teaching them beginner-level outdoor skills that help them better enjoy nature and feel more confident. 

Farrell's outdoor writing has been published in magazines including Wisconsin Natural Resources, North American Hunter, and North American Fisherman and has been featured in a variety of newspapers and on-line publications. Her diverse background includes training in natural resources, journalism, public relations, advertising, editing and publishing, and hunter education. Farrell has a master's degree in environmental education from UW-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources.

This is a special program geared to women who fish, and for men to bring their wives.