He/She's got the Look!

New fashion statement?

What are your feelings on looks?  When I was growing up, I admired fly fishing enthusiasts.  Not only because it seemed like they had it all figured out, but because they looked the part.  They were the epitome of fishing to a non-enthusiast.  I thought that in order to be a fly fisherman, I had to look like a fly fisherman.  

This thought consumed me for some time.  I concerned myself with having the proper gear so at least I looked like I belonged, because I certainly didn't feel like I belonged early on.  This recently came to my mind when my buddy and I were standing near my truck after catching some spring carp.  We looked the part.  Waders, packs, nice gear, etc.  A car pulled up and asked if we were catching anything.  My friend and I, fully aware that they were not referring to carp, chuckled as we responded.  "A few," we said.  "Well, you sure look like professional fishermen," he replied as he put the vehicle into gear.  

Did that gentleman leave that day thinking we were professional fisherman?  Was he sold on our accomplishments and prowess as anglers simply because of how we were dressed?  While those questions might seem silly, consider it for a moment.  Who is going to be the most influential person in the meeting?  The one with the armani suit, or the person in business casual?  At first glance, are you going to ask for help on a construction project from an individual with a nice tool belt around their waist, or a guy/gal wearing an orange vest?  Perception is everything in this world.  People are prone to jumping to conclusions before all (or any) facts can be gathered.  

You can't argue with the results...

While this phenomenon may be good for business in the marketing world, it is NOT good for fly fishing.  I've stopped caring about my appearance long ago.  I don't care anymore if you think I look silly, because I'll be catching fish.  I might even be catching more fish than the person with all the new gear and fancy gadgets.  The fact of the matter is that I only need a fly rod and a box of flies to be successful on the water.  Everything else is a luxury or optional convenience.  Please, whether you are just getting into the sport, or a veteran of the game, DO NOT FALL INTO THE RHETORIC!  Trust your instincts and not what some poster boy for the sport tells you to use.  Dress comfortably (for your style and your wallet) without feeling the need to "fit in".  Like saying goes, "fish like nobody's watching".  You'll have more fun and you'll catch more fish.  Stay positive and don't worry about what others think of you.  They don't know jack!

Anyone looks good with a fish on!

Fishing with Bitterness

Burt with a hefty and battle tested Oahe Bow

My name is Buddy Seiner, and I'm an elitist.

The first step in the recovery process from being an elitist (AKA - Head up your ass syndrome) is by admitting there is a problem.  I found out today, that I have one.

It was 65 degrees in Pierre today.  After enjoying most of the day, and doing a few projects, I decided to head to the marina to chase rainbows (if the pike would let me).  Fellow fly enthusiast and Golden Bone pro staff member, Jason Burt, agreed to join.  While many trips were taken throughout the winter months, only northern and musky have come to hand for me in 2015.  We were optimistic that today would be a good day for rainbows.

The day was made when I stepped into the water.  Bald eagles were calling from their cottonwood perches, Canada geese flew in perfect fighter jet formations overhead, while fat black midges clumsily glided through my personal space over, and over again.  I could have very well stood in the water without a rod and still enjoyed that moment in time.  It was beautiful.  And it was about to get better...

"FISH ON!!"

Burt's first Bow in Oahe Marina

I heard Burt yell from across the marina.  My first thought, "Please don't be a northern, please don't be a northern".  *SPLASH* A green back erupted from the water, thrashing as a big rainbow does when hooked in the top lip.  I started into long, wader-laden strides, toward the fight.  This was a special moment for Burt...His first Oahe marina rainbow.  A few photos were followed by accolades and excitement.  Burt experienced all the symptoms that came along with my first, and most recent, marina rainbow.  Excessive excitement, shaking, huge, shit-eating grin, more shaking, and anticipation!  It was fun to be a part of it.  Not long after, Burt hooked into another football shaped fish, and we started the process all over again.  **FIST BUMP**

Now, it wasn't long after that second fish that my problem reared it's ugly head.  Somewhere in between fish 1 and fish 2 some anglers staked a claim on the opposite shore where the ice had cleared.  "That's a great spot," I told Burt.  I've fished alongside bait guys many times in that marina, and it usually ends in them asking me what I'm using to catch fish.  I know anglers experience great success when using live bait for these big rainbows.  We all know that Rainbow doesn't want to be fed, Rainbow wants to hunt.  Still, I had never personally witnessed live bait anglers land a toad rainbow (technical term) in the marina...  Until today.

After Burt released his second fish, I waddled over to my spot to proceed with what I call fly-casting. Soon, I noticed one of the guys hauling in a big, fat rainbow.  My heart sank.  "No!" I thought as they tossed it on the ice heave.  Then the other guy landed one.  Bitterness entered my heart.

How, on a day like today, could I be bitter about anything?  I commented to Burt, "For some reason, that really bums me out."

Burt reminded me that if it were a walleye or a catfish, we wouldn't give it a second thought.  He's right.  And I completely understood.  So why did it not remove the bitterness?  Why was I still upset that those anglers on the opposite shoreline had bucketed two beautiful rainbows?  Am I becoming an elitist of catch and release?  Was I becoming a, *GULP*, fly fishing SNOB??

Step two in the recovery process is proper reflection.  After having some time to reflect, I feel I've determined the root of my elitist evening mentality:

1 -  There are very few places in South Dakota where this experience can be had.  These big fish don't come along every day.  Yes, we are catching rainbows, a very prominent resource in our state, but they are catching fish that have already beat the odds.  These fish that have come from an unnatural hatchery setting, been thrown to the wolves of the wild, and survived.  And then they stumble across a hapless minnow twitching on the end of a crappie rig.  Well...  Rainbows are placed in the South Dakota great lakes because they would not be there otherwise.  They are placed here for the enjoyment of anglers (both in fight and table-fare).  Their size has nothing to do with the reason they are there.

2 -  It shouldn't be that easy.  For some reason, the idea of these guys tossing out some bait and hauling in what holds on made the work that I put in to catching fish seem less meaningful.  This is complete bull-shit as you can already tell, but I'll write more about why to make myself feel better.  I have caught more fish via fly than I could have imagined.  Essentially, I'm creating a very realistic food source imitation and presenting it in a very appetizing way.  Who is cheating here?  I was intrigued by fly-fishing because of the challenge it offers.  Yes, there are still challenges that exist, but I can more easily overcome them with the fly.  I almost always have the advantage.

3 -  This resource might not be around forever.  We need to preserve it so future residents (mainly myself in the future) can catch bigger fish.  This is so selfish!  Again, Jason was my voice of reason here.  This resource was put here for all anglers to enjoy.  If some want to enjoy it on the dinner table, why shouldn't they do that?  It's like my brain abandoned every bit of skilled dialog training and fishing zen I've received and was switched to negative scenario auto pilot.  What if they discontinue the stocking program and they completely wipe out the rainbow fishery?  What if they chop up that fish and leave it in the freezer for 3 years?  Bladdy, bladdy, blah.

January Marina Musky

4 -  I wasn't catching anything.  For the first time this year, I had zero takes.  Not even my good pals the northerns were showing my fly any love.  I am supposed to be out-fishing the bait anglers, right?  This is a competition, right?  This is proving my worth as an angler, right?  Wow...so wrong.  I've said many times that I could die any day completely content with the number of fish (and their size) that I've  caught over the years.  I should have been pumped, not only for Jason, but that two other anglers got a chance to experience the rush of a rainbow.  It's a great feeling.  

The last step in my recovery process is acceptance.  Yes, I had a weak moment.  It happens, and might happen again.  I know I'm not an elitist.  My progression as an angler is my own, and not that of any other.  I love fishing, and will always share a common bond with anglers of all specializations.  I'll be out on the water again tomorrow.  If live bait should win the day, maybe I'll wander over to their side of the marina...to ask them what they're using.  

It's time for a Trout Stamp

Minnesota Trout and Salmon Stamp - 1982

In 1977, Wisconsin offered outdoor enthusiasts an opportunity to financially support the development and restoration of sustainable trout habitat through the purchase of a trout stamp.  In 1982, Minnesota followed suit with a similar program that is still in operation today.  In fact, 24 out of the 50 states have an available stamp for residents and nonresidents to purchase (in many states it's mandatory) that will support trout stocking and habitat efforts.  Those states and the costs of their respective stamps are listed below.  The resident price is first followed by the nonresident price for each.

Alaska (King Salmon Stamp) - $10

Arkansas - $5/$12

Colorado (Habitat Stamp) - $10

Delaware - $4.20/$6.20

Georgia - $5/$20

Illinois - $6.50

Indiana - $11

Iowa - $12.50/$15

Kansas - $12.50

Kentucky - $10

Maryland - $5/$10

Minnesota - $10

Missouri - $7

Montana (conservation license) - $10

Nevada - $10

New Jersey - $10.50/$20

North Carolina - $13

Pennsylvania - $9.70

Rhode Island - $5.50

Tennessee - $18

Texas (Freshwater Stamp) - $5

Virginia (also lifetime stamp option based on age) - $23

West Virginia - $10/$16

Wisconsin - $10

First of all, congrats to all of these states for taking measures to ensure funding exists for essential habitat projects.  I've had many conversations about stream restoration, habitat development and conservation education projects, and the number one reason for few of them making progress is lack of funding.  Many of the states above are solely using their funds for sustaining a fishable population of trout in an area where they would otherwise not exist.  That's not necessary in South Dakota.

I'm not going to be a homer and pretend our trout fishery is the best in the country, because it's not.  Do we have a sustainable trout population?  Yes we do.  Do we have opportunities to catch trophy trout?  Oh ya!  Do we stock specific waterways to ensure catch rates continue to be high?  We do that too.  We have a little bit of everything in South Dakota, but why not make everything better?  We have boots on the ground and great people passionate about making a difference.  If we only had the money (and a prioritized list of projects that would strengthen our fisheries system and create an overall better ecosystem for fish and fishing enthusiast).  Let's start with a trout stamp.

Through July of this year, GFP had reported selling 115,375 resident and nonresident fishing licenses.  That doesn't even include the 43,176 adult and senior combination licenses sold.  So I'll punch 160,000 into the calculator to make it easy.  In order for this to gain any traction, a mandatory stamp must be offered to license holders who indicate an intention to pursue trout during the license validation period.  For them, a $5 stamp (or $10) will be required to fish.  Without researching the proper data, I'll guess 25% will pursue, or plan to pursue, trout with their license.  That would be 40,000 outdoor enthusiasts chipping in an extra $5 ($200,000 for you playing at home) each year for habitat conservation, restoration and stocking programs.  It's not a lot, but it's a start.  And these are funds that would not have made an impact otherwise.  So, SDGFP, South Dakota Legislative officials, fishing enthusiasts;  what say you?  Can we get this done for South Dakota?  I believe we can.

Why not Gary Creek?

Late September offered a rare chance to visit Deuel County in northeast South Dakota.  This county is home to Gary Creek, said to be the only home to naturally reproducing trout in eastern South Dakota.  While I've been to Gary, SD many times, I've only ever fished Lake Elsie, located in town next to Buffalo Ridge Resort.  This is stocked annually and holds some decent rainbows.  This year, I was determined to explore more of the creek to see if, in fact, it holds fish.

Gary Creek winds its way through Deuel County farmland until eventually reaching a portion of town designated as Game Production Area by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks.  This allows access to hunters and fishers alike.  I walked through prairie grasses along a fence line my decent into the densely populated forest was immanent.  Like at an art gallery, I stopped to take in the beauty of this particular area before following the rough trail down to the clear creek below.  That sound is intoxicating. The trickles and gurgles of the creek as it winds through thick brush and trees.  This place has potential.

Under the canopy of overhanging trees, the creek runs cold and clear.  Other vegetation surrounding the creek make for difficult fly casting.  I press upstream, casting (slingshotting) my soft-hackel hares ear into pool after pool.  Only the occasional curious creek chub would be brought to hand which brought back fond memories of catching chubs in Rapid Creek while my brother and I were kids. Not one trout bolted from the bank, sought refuge under brush as I moved upstream.  Only the chubs darted here and there.

While Gary Creek has many of the components necessary for a sustainable trout population, I can see why they no longer call this place home.  But why not Gary Creek?  Habitat restoration efforts are going on all over the country to create and improve sustainable populations of while trout.  Gary Creek could be one of those projects.  A lot needs to be done, and that means dollars will need to be spent.  We have a difficult time finding funds for projects on our already productive streams of the Black Hills let along a current dead zone in eastern South Dakota.  Partnerships between GFP, South Dakota Trout Unlimited membership and the Black Hills Flyfishers will be required to move forward with actually work getting done.  Funds could come from fishing enthusiasts around South Dakota with the opportunity for them to purchase a trout stamp.  However we raise money, the time is now to start on projects that will make South Dakota a better place.  Let's get something done South Dakota!  Why not start with Gary Creek?

Taking photos with video - save time, save fish

I only need one (1) second to get a photo of a fish out of water.  

Are you a professional photographer?  Are you making money by taking photos of your "trophies" that are smaller than most of the fish being caught round the world?  I'm guessing that most people are not, and you have no reason to leave a fish gasping for air on a bank while you try to set up your point and shoot camera for a shot you're not prepared for.  I've ranted about it before...10 seconds is too long for a fish to be out of water.  Anything more will be compromising a life for a silly photo that will nary be seen after its upload.

Most "average Joe" fisherman like myself, just want some cool shots for memories or videos that might be put together for friends and family.  Trying to take a snapshot of yourself after catching a fish can be a difficult task.  I know some great fishermen who have a developed systems that allows them to get great photos (most of the time) while keeping the fish healthy for release.  I'm not one of those guys, which is why I use video to take all of my fish photos.

Not professional, but still a nice shot of a beautiful browny

Hear me out.  All of my photos are taken from Go Pro Hero2 videos.  Video quality and cost are no longer correlated to a point where you must pay too much for a camera that takes great video.  A waterproof camera will not only take high def video and a great snapshot from the editing table, but it will give you the piece of mind knowing you can set it on the bank for a quick fish video without worrying about it falling in or getting wet.  With the fish in the net you are able to start the video (remotely with the Hero 3) leave the fish in the water until you are ready to set up for "the shot", lift the fish and release the fish.  It's that simple.  Stop the video and begin the cycle again.

Again, I get that you aren't going to take professional photos with this method.  I understand that there may be the occasional water spot on the lens that will show up on your image.  What's so bad about that?  I say it adds a bit of authenticity to an always perfect, photoshopped, filtered world of photos.  Yes, I often wish I had the resources and time to reach a level of photography that others would find desirable.  I have a great deal of admiration for what wildlife photographers can do with a camera and enjoy their work often.  Maybe someday I'll join their ranks.  Until that time, I'm proud to say I can release a fish in under 10 seconds and still have a great photo to show for it.  I'm also content preserving the memories of great adventures and fish encounters one video at a time.

Here Kitty Kitty Kitty...

"Wiskers" - Photo courtesy of Jason Burt Studios

I have a new favorite species to pursue with the fly.  At least until I make another trip to Lake X1-27/b.  Admittedly, my Carp infatuation did not last very long.  Don't get me wrong, I still love chasing the fumanchu sporting badass of the mudflat.  But there is a new fish species with facial wiskers that I'm beginning to love even more.  The channel cat...

Channel cats have really been on lately.  Clousers, buggers, san juan'ish style patterns have all been catching fish.  These fish are voracious!  They have been devouring flies on site with reckless abandon.   They have no regard or respect for the condition of our flies, or for the strength of my right arm after the fight.  These fish are STRONG!  So strong, in fact, that I'd be willing to bet that a five pound channel will outfight a five pound common 9 times out of 10.  Did I already mention that they are hungry?  When they are feeding, look out!  Fish on consecutive casts is not atypically when you get into some hungry kitties.  Carp can sometimes take patience, stealth, cunning, strategy and skill.  When you're on your game, you can catch a mess of carp.  But your presentation has to be REALLY GOOD!  Kitties don't care about presentation.  King cats just want to eat.  Bad cast?  No problem for the cats.  Fly swimming sideways?  eh...cats will eat it.  If you haven't already, add catfish to your flyfishing bucket list for the year.  You, too, might have a new favorite prey.

Slimy and Ugly

Does this look ugly and slimy to you?  

The other day I told a kid I enjoyed fishing for Carp the most.  When I asked if he liked carp he replied, "Not really..."  "Why not?" I asked.  "I don't know... they're ugly and slimy," he replied.

I would argue that anyone that has had the opportunity to admire a carp up close, or pursue them with a fly rod, would refrain from using descriptive terms like "ugly" and/or "slimy".  I understand that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and is completely subjective.  I don't expect everyone to share in my fascination of this species, or even enjoy fishing for them as much as I do.  I only ask that you refrain from judging a fish before you've fished for it and/or touched it.  Put a northern and a carp in a slimy grudge match and the northern will come out slimier every time.

I believe the common carp has a bad rep for two reasons:

1 - Their lifestyle (depending on the fishery) is a bit less lavish than people would like to see.  Thought, by many, to eat trash and live in "dirty" water, commons make their living scavenging for any aquatic worms, insects or crustaceans that await.  They are always seen while fishing for other species, and every-so-often, caught by accident when one grabs a nearby crawler or hapless minnow.  When the fight is on, there are nothing but positive remarks from the angler hauling in their trophy.  That is until they see that pretty face smiling back at them.  Then it's, "Oh (explative)!  It's only a (explative) carp!"

2 - Their status as an invasive species and relation to Asian/silver carp don't do them any favors.  Their reputation as a "trash fish" is becoming stronger by the day.  I don't know how much research there is to back it up, but Common's can cause damage to water ecosystems by harming native aquatic plant species with their feeding habits, muddying waterways, contributing to increased algal blooms and have the ability to procreate rapidly and resist extreme change in conditions.  They are well oiled evolutionary machines.   I need to continue digging for research connecting the common carp to the loss of fish and waterfowl in a particular body of water.  I don't know if such a thing exists.  Regardless, it causes folks to be concerned, and that concern morphs into disdain for an entire species.  They've been around since 1880 in the midwest, and our fisheries are pretty amazing.  Where's the evidence that suggests otherwise?

Live and Let Live: Note to the Fly Fishing "Purist"

WARNING!  I'M ABOUT TO STEP ONTO A SOAPBOX.  YOU MAY BE ENTERTAINED, DISAPPOINTED, OR DISAGREEABLE WITH MY OPINION.  AND THAT'S OK.  PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT THIS POST IS NOT DIRECTED AT ALL FLY FISHING PURISTS, JUST THE ONES THAT ACT LIKE ASSHOLES...

I firmly believe in the "live and let live" philosophy of life.  Being accepting of other individuals and their beliefs, race, sex, religion, etc., is an important value of mine.  This relates to the fly-fishing world as well.  So I have one question for the self-proclaimed "fly fishing purists";  WHAT THE HELL IS YOUR PROBLEM?

Give it a break already!  Your pompous, "we do things the right way and you don't" attitude is getting you nowhere!  This frustration stems from my recent trip to Rapid City, S.D. to view the F3T.  One of the F3T representatives was an obvious purist.  At one point during his on-stage "performance" he began drawing names for the available prizes.  After asking everyone if they were excited about 100 times, he quickly realized that some individuals folded their entry cards before entering them into the drawing.  Some do it for luck, some do it in hopes of creating a slight advantage, others may do it out of habit.  Regardless of the reason, "Mr. Purist" goes on a little rant about this topic.  I'm paraphrasing here:

After selecting the first entry out of the cooler:  

"Oh, it looks like we have some cheaters in the crowd tonight.  What, are you guys bait fisherman too?  I guess I'll just take all of these cheaters out of the drawing.  We don't want any bait fisherman winning prizes on the F3T!  Oh, here's a bait fisherman.  Here's another one!  Sorry, no prizes for you today, CHEATERS!"

Using the terms "bait fisherman" and "cheater" interchangeably is what has me upset here.  If you only fish with flies, great.  If you only practice catch and release, we're happy for ya.  It's not for everyone.  When you begin to look down upon, mock, and ridicule other fishing enthusiasts who don't believe in what you believe in, you are crossing the line in my book.  How is a fisherman using a worm on a hook to bring some fish home to his family different from you buying/tying a San Juan worm pattern that is arguably more effective and efficient at catching trout?

I believe this to be a major reason others may be hesitant to try fly fishing.  It's branded as an almost elite group open only to those who have the money and means to provide sufficient experiences.  Novice anglers are likely afraid or worried of the more experienced anglers or "purists" not accepting them into the fraternal angler clique.  We all want to belong, and having even one more fly fishing enthusiast cannot be a bad thing.  So purists;  the next time you have an urge to make others aware of your fly fishing savvy and expertise, think twice.  It only hurts the sport...and your reputation.