Make It Count

Despite a January thaw and a couple of downpours since, ample ice remains on many Connecticut lakes and ponds. It goes to show just how cold it was here in late December when we made the bulk of our ice that we're hanging on to now. After consecutive weak winters, it's refreshing to see photos of things that used to be a given--like smallies and humpback yellows from Candlewood and big browns being iced at East Twin.

I have made it out three times so far this season. Not nearly as much as a younger me with no kids and a flexible job could live with, but the right amount of time for my current situation. I spent two of those days targeting northern pike on a familiar lake and one chasing trout in New York on a body of water I had been meaning to try for years. Each trip was an adventure spent with good company; that's how I prefer my ice outings.

I have taken a couple weekends off in a row now building up the time bank for a potential run up to Lake George for lake trout. Of course a foot of snow just fell there and another foot on the way later this week. That is a likely deal breaker that would keep me on local ice this weekend; a bit of a consolation prize, but you gotta make it count. I'm ready to go wherever that may be. 

Thin ice: didn't need an auger this trip

Beer & Brats: allstar ice combo

Last fish of 2017...a healthy northern pike released to become a trophy (photo credit: Jeff Rubino)

A little meat to sweeten the deal

Nice and toasty over 93 feet of water

First fish of 2018...a sharp looking brown trout from the depths. 

Ice is nice

The Call of Chrome

A few sights from my first trip to New York's storied Salmon River. Good times with great friends.

Hundreds of drifts, dozens of fly changes, few fish. 

Tools of the trade.

Many miles put on the wading boots.

Tommy slays the skunk with no one there to see it (Photo credit: Tommy Baranowski)

Fresh duck wrapped in bacon (Photo credit: Aaron Swanson)

Marveling a fine piece of water. 

Heavy D with some chrome just in from Lake Ontario

Until next time. 

Fall Carping

A close friend of mine has taken his carp fishing interest to another level. He's into it big time right now. While I don't get to join him as often as I would like, when I do he usually brings everything but the kitchen sink and the spot has been pre-baited for days. I joined him and my uncle on two such sessions this week. One night we crushed them with nine carp coming to the net. The second night was a different story, but the three inches of rain the day before had something to do with that. We waited all night for one run-off from a 23-pound heffer. 

I've always enjoyed fishing for carp, yet never crossed the line to where things get serious in terms of top-shelf gear and bait preparation. Maybe someday, but for now sitting in with these guys once in a while is good enough for me. It's such a blast kicking back with a few drinks and shooting the shit between bite alarms going off. And when you do get a water buffalo on the line, man do they pull hard! I'm already looking forward to the next night on the bank. 

Summer Daze

Time is flying by at mach speed. Back in May our family was blessed with another baby girl. She's growing like a weed and doing new things everyday. She also makes it three girls vs. one guy in our household. While heavily outnumbered, I'm holding my own and still getting on the water when I can. It's been a fun summer so far and we're about to kick it up a notch with a trip to Cape Cod tomorrow--it's become a great tradition and one we hope to continue for many years. Enjoy your families and fish when you can.

Endeavors

Editor's note: it has been some time since the last post here, but for good reason. My wife and I recently welcomed a new addition to the family--another healthy baby girl and future fishing partner. Life has been busy, but incredibly good to us. To get the blog going again, here is an enjoyable piece from my friend Chad. To me, it's about taking a needed break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and soaking in lasting memories with family. My own wolf pack leaves for a respite on Cape Cod soon and we plan on taking Chad's advice. You should too. 

endeavors - for my wife, amanda

who knew such pleasure ever
our pedestrian endeavors
pass so quick through the stations
quick like a week’s vacation.

where we were just there together
time slipped like a joyful endeavor
those good times we take
on the beach at the lake.

times move on right in front of me
for me and my family.
we take stock of what we got
and we leap from the dock.

we drink our fruit soaked with wine
beneath the smell of the pines
where we laugh and we stand
with our feet in the sand.

we go down by the water
me my son and my daughter

and I watch her in the light
happy wife happy life.

and we go there on and ever
toiling through the real life endeavors
took down while still warm we learned
all the good times we’ve earned.

and we wouldn’t trade it never

our pedestrian endeavors
right there waiting in the stations
a weeks vacation gets taken.