Sturgeon catcher - blue cats

[HideHunter 0]

Didn't want to pirate Iowa FF's thread but noticed you are going after big blues in May.

 

This post won't probably be much help but I'm really interested in what you're doing. I've fished for blues but never with a fly rod.

 

Just had a conversation with several catfish guides from all over the U.S.. The conversation turned to times when the blues were feeding in the upper few feet of the water column. I asked if they knew anyone who had tried a flyrod on them. They didn't.

 

All that said.. a friend and I have been spending a little time targeting channel cats the last couple of years. We have a couple dozen to our credit - my largest a little over 8 - his 15. By far the biggest percentage of fish we have caught (accidentally and on purpose) have come on "black and wiggly" - Bunny Leeches - black Woolly Buggers - etc.

 

These guides told me that when the blues are "up" they are usually feeding on shad - so I'd guess white would certainly be a favored color.

 

I'd be really interested in anyones experience in targeting catfish on the fly rod.

 

Good Luck - keep us posted.

 

 

[Sturgeon_Catcher 0]

My plan is to chase both stripers and blues from Virginia to Ct. I picked up about five books on fishing on the Atlantic surf. As I read them I logged the locations into my GPS (Magelland new one with the big screen). I have selected referenced locations primarily for accessability.

 

By cross referencing the GpS hand held with a lap top program called Maps & Streets, I can see all parking and acces to said locations. The mapping program will turn the stereo off and give me verbal directions. Enough said about location selection'

 

I believe the focus of my flies are going to be primarily bait replicators of one form or another. Stripers and blues - clousers, deceivers, and I'm going to work Wooly buggers and bunnies w/dumbell eyes. Bass -leeches and spun deer hair popper type with silicone and soft head patterns. The catfish - I think bunnies (could use help here). Trout - dries and dropper rigs w/multiple flies. Brown trout - I plan bunnies and classic streamer patterns from Maine guides (now there is some cool books), Going to rely upon John Gulley in Ark for fly patterns for big browns. He has guided that area for quite some time and has participated in the catching and recording of a 37# trophy record brown. Plan is to drift fish the first day, and night fish for the browns the following day. Hope to gather a great deal of info from this man in a 16 hour period. The bonita a surf fish in Fla. going to rely upon sanchez and popovich.

 

I will be carrying my fly tying material and there is sufficient to tie any and all patterns. Didn't have any round legs though. Koosh balls on the way out of town. Carrying 9 fly poles from 7'4wt (25 yrs old) to 14' 10wt spey. Two long casting poles (ultra light 12', Penn pendulum 14' tournament long casting pole (world record cast with this pole 974") Also packing a few bait poles and float tube.

 

The plan is to send fishing reports of my locations. You just gotta love technology. I have the ability to locate positions where I have caught fish and display on map overlay of the area, and send you a picture of the rock he is behind. I say is because I intend to catch and release (after photos) except a couple of stripers and some trout while with my brothers.

 

I am a disabled viet nam veteran and we are wanders. This visit with my brothers represents the 3rd time to see my younger brother and the 4th time for my older brother in 36 years. Returning to a stream that represents my first fishing experience and reason I started tying at the age of 12. My older brother quit tying and I didn't. Wants me to show him how again. Going to be a hell of a trip.

 

Any suggestions on flies for the hammerheads would be appreciated. I think it would be best if I used the big pole on the hammerheads and instead of throwing bait - I;m ciphering on a multiple hook rig with flies along the length rather than bait. Be a hell of a kick to catch a hammerhead even if it was only 30 -60 lbs.

I do believe they come bigger - in which case he can have all or any of 600 yds of mono and best wishes.

 

The list of fish being pursued are as follows. Brim, perch, trout (rainbow Colo, Ark, Tenn, NC, maybe Fla, Catckills, Maine, Montana, Brookies in Maine where I grew up), Bass (small,big), Drum, Hammerheads, Bonito, Stripers, Blues, Sturgeon (gotta try the great lakes on the way by)

 

The trip is scheduled to 59 days and 6 hrs. without time for Great lakes, Catskills and Montana. Original plan was 2.5 mos. And they best part is that it starts in 3 days. Will be fishing in Colo a week from tomorrow.

 

later

Fred

Welcome Home guys

[Redwings1 0]

Fred, That sounds like a trip that would make anyone jealous. I can't wait to hear some of your stories of the road! :headbang:

[HideHunter 0]

Well - I don't know what to say except *I'm Jealous*.

 

The best of luck and I'll be looking forward to those reports. Get 'em! :headbang:

[Sturgeon_Catcher 0]

I wasn't sure if you gentlepersons would be interested - here is the map and I promise last posting of this map. Next map is a detail of the stream with catch locations.

 

 

Each numbered location represents scheduled fishing locations and have 3 to add. +++?

[madkasel 0]

FYI to all that Fred's first fishing report from his Trip to Make Everyone Seethe With Jelousy is posted on the Reports and Destinations - West board.

 

http://www.talkflyfishing.com/index.php?showtopic=12385

[Slacker 0]

WOW! :bugeyes:

 

Keep us updated. Sounds like a once in a lifetime trip. Can't wait to read about your experiences.