Fishing before the rain

The forecast was rain and thunderstorms for the day. It looked like we might be able to have an hour of fishing before the rain came, so our Buckeye Veterans Fly Fishing group had a plan.

The forecast must have scared off a few, because it was only two of us fishing. In that hour, we must have caught 12 to 15 blue gills and one big bass got away.

The thunder was getting closer, and drops were on the pond surface as we quickly headed back to the cars. The walk was long enough for both of to get a little soaked, as the rain intensified. Once in the cars, the heavy rain definitely moved in, but we were safe.

We said our goodbyes and headed to our respective homes.

See you on the water.

Brent

Fly Fishing for the Motorcycle Traveler

What I taught at Horizons Unlimited Virginia

I recently attended Horizons Unlimited Virginia to see friends, but also to teach Fly Fishing for the Motorcycle Traveler. HU Virginia is one of many rallies around the world for long-distance adventure motorcyclists. three full days of presentations sharing info on just about everything a motorcyclist needs to know about riding in other countries.

I teach and give tips about equipment and minimalist needs for fly fishing.

I have taught this class four or five times before and it’s always fun to introduce fly fishing to motorcyclists, especially when they learn about the minimalist approach of Tenkara, the Japanese art of fly fishing.

Tenkara is simply a rod, a line and a fly. The rods compact nicely–some models so compact, they fit into a pannier bag rather than strapping it to the bike.

The beauty of my class is the ability to give hands-on instruction and help to participants, like how to set up a first-time user of a Tenkara rod.

Then, there is the casting demonstration if a pond or lake is available. In past classes, we have caught fish. That really “sells” the Tenkara method.

Everytime I teach this class, I hear from one or two of the participants that they have bought a Tenkara rod. That feels pretty good. I did a good job of teaching.

I’ll be teaching this again at Horizons Unllimited New York in October. 

See you on the highway.

Brent

 

Ride, Fish, Ride

I wanted to go fishing, and I wanted to take a motorcycle. So, I loaded my minimalist Tenkara gear on the Moto Guzzi V7 Sport and headed to Stonelick State Park.

After catching four or five blue gills, I packed it in and took the long way home.

See you on the highway.

Brent