The Sandhills

While fishing in the beautiful Black Hills this past weekend, I was reminded of a trip we had taken down to the Sandhills of Nebraska a few years back.  It was also brought to my attention that a video was never produced.  Well, I hope this one accurately portrays the beauty of the area and the fish we had an opportunity to view up close and personal.  It was a great trip!



Snake River from Buddy Seiner on Vimeo.

White Bass Bonanza

I love talking to other anglers about their fishing experiences, fly fishing or otherwise.  Lately, I've happened across of number of folks who had a disappointing year in 2014 fishing for white bass.  You see, in Pierre, SD, we have a very special resource in our white bass population.  During the spring spawn and throughout the summer, they can be found in large numbers throughout the Missouri River system.  These fish are usually fat and sassy and very willing to take a variety of patterns.  And when you do it right, they rival walleye as table fare.

I can hardly recall an occasions where the white bass fishing has been less than stellar.  2014 was no exception.  I have expressed my surprise when the conversation briefly goes to white bass and thoughts or fears about low numbers.  While the numbers are not all time highs, they were still pretty great last year.  The fish did seem to be more particular in the patterns they favored, but were still very willing to take when presented with the right fly.  I remember one day in particular when I stood next to another angler at my favorite white bass spot hooking fish after fish.  His pattern offered the same color scheme as mine, however, was different in size and weight.  He did not hook a fish.  I offered one of the "working" flies, but he was content.  Awkward turtle moment...

Here is a short video featuring a few of the fish caught in 2014.  Early season fish were some toads!  Here's hoping for a 2015 run that rivals it.  Enjoy.



Whitey Ford Fourteen from Buddy Seiner on Vimeo.

Tying to Catch a Fish

The annual Bighorn River adventure holds a special place in the hearts of Tuesday Tyers members who have participated.  When I first joined the group, spectacular tales of fish catching, river tips and tricks, and planning talk for future trips filled our tying nights.  When I was invited to tag along, I was nervous.  "What if I don't catch any fish?" I thought.  It wasn't until I joined this group on their adventure that I realized that catching fish (while always a goal) was not the ultimate objective.  This trip means more than just fish.  It is an escape... from others and ourselves.  It is a chance to wade waste deep in water with thousands of fish who are happy to set up in the feeding lane behind your legs.  A chance to drift effortlessly down a river full of beauty and majesty.  A chance to meet friendly folks both enjoying the resource and using it to make a living.  All of this while trying to get close to some of the most beautiful fish one can imagine.

I'm bummed to not be going on this year's adventure, but excited for those who are planning to attend.  To help them get ready for the trip, and to provide a few laughs in the process, here is a video of last year's adventure.  Mostly just fish being released, but some good memories mixed in.  Enjoy!


 
Bighorn 2014 from Buddy Seiner on Vimeo.

TOP LIP Productions

I've been daydreaming of catching carp lately.  It was almost 60 degrees yesterday and I almost drove out to Lake X to see if I could hammer one in December.  Fortunately, I stuck around the house and played with the girls.  I have a lot of fishing footage from this year, so it's finally time that I sit down and showcase some of it.  Threw this together last night.  Enjoy.



Top Lip from Buddy Seiner on Vimeo.