Let me tell you about my Grandpa. He used to tell me, "Son, slow down a bit and enjoy each day, you got plenty of time! Go now and put some rocks in your pockets. That will help you stay grounded. Especially, on a windy day!"
This past week has Tornado's ripped through the South, my Grandpa's voice could be heard. "Son, make sure you got some rocks in your pockets if your going out on a windy day." This last few days have been full of thoughts and prayers for my friends from the South. Hope that all of you managed as well as you possibly could and know that Prayers are coming your way.
This last week also had several days of very high winds here on the Front Range in Colorado. Just being outdoors was a struggle at times, let alone, any ideas of going fishing. I would have needed a bunch of rocks in my pockets on those days! I was content to spend my time indoors and knocking out a few more flies for my fly box, doing some blog work, and surfing the net. Now, before I get away from rocks in my pockets, let me say that I often use rocks in my pocket to symbolize a hodgepodge of things I have going on in my mind or things I have decided to give some thought, too. So here, I will toss out a few Rocks In My Pockets:
**Came across a new site too me Mountain Brook Fly Rods. Now they offer an interesting line of fly rods, reels, rod cases, etc. This custom rod case really caught my eye. Now, is this not beautiful.
**I have been eyeballing glass rods of late that are affordable to someone on a (Senior Citizens Budget). Everything from Eagle Claw Featherlight, to Cabela's CGR Series, to Echo's new glass rods that just hit the market. However, this new series from Green Caddis Outfitters has my attention. This is the Green Caddis Outfitters "Ruby River Glass Rod".
**Ok, here is the last Rock In My Pocket for today. Now, I have been somewhat slow to adjust to the crazy weather pattern and get out there and fish, but, I can share with you some fishing "tidbits". I am going........................ Here is a couple of reasons why I get excited about stalking the ponds in my area. How about a 19" Crappie? Wouldn't that make you a bit giddy? Not a rumor! Then there was this guy (meaning the fish) that charged out of the water just yesterday and nailed a small trout being reeled in from shore on one of my local ponds. Fish also has been verified, no rumor! My Grandson was fishing with his buddy, Marcos. Marcos did it up well!
This is a 35" Pike
Looks like I had better be tying up some big ol' nasty Streamers.
This fish was released to swim again!!
Thanks for your post and your thoughts Mel. Very heartfelt. And wow, what a pike! Makes me very jealous, any from the Esox family are my favorite fish to chase.
ReplyDeleteThank you, in return, Bryan. I know those of us in Northern Colorado had an outpouring of well wishes, prayers, sent our way from all over the country after our severe flooding in September. Those things are very important too those in life threatening situations. I was also jealous after seeing this big Pike. I have not fished for them with a fly rod before, but, makes a guy want to get with the program.
DeleteHey Mel, those are some amazing fish! My thoughts are also with the folks who live anywhere in the country that experienced those tornadoes and flooding. Well, I'm going out to load up on a batch of rocks...
ReplyDeleteSure enough, Howard! We had the flood and the Thousand Year Rain, they get the Tornado's and some flooding. Prayer time is well spent and well meant in these type situations. Those rocks will soon have a first name, you will see!
DeleteI always carry a few rocks, probably the reason I'm still kicking.
ReplyDeleteThose Mountain Brook Rods are sweet.
Great to have you stop by the blog, Alan! Appreciate the comment. You keep those rocks in your pocket my friend. Sure enjoy your great blog. The Mountain Brook Rods, actually, made me think of you when I saw them. Do use fish with Graphite, Glass, Bamboo, just curious.......................?
DeleteMel, I fish graphite. I do have a fine glass rod, my first ever fly rod.
DeleteI fish it a few times a year.
Thanks, Alan, What is your go to rod for small stream fishing?
DeleteI've never heard any sayings about rocks in your pocket. I like this, though. I know it is helpful for some people to carry an item or object around with them that is intended to remind you of something specific. Maybe we could all benefit by carrying a small rock in a pocket that is to remind us: "relax, enjoy the day, don't sweat the small stuff, this too shall pass, etc".
ReplyDeleteHave fun choosing a new fly rod. I would really like to get a 10WT rod. There is a company in Michigan called Mystic. Sorry, no fiberglass rods. I thought about getting one in the $200 range, but it is made in Korea. The Michigan made one is around $500. I know it is made of finer components, too. How do you weigh the pros and cons of supporting Americans that make stuff here? This is an expensive justification for me. Not sure what I'm going to do, yet.
You know, David, I haven't heard the term used too much any more, but, my Grandpa used it to teach me a few things back in the day. I have never forgotten it! That is a good thought on carrying a small rock in our pocket for good, basic, daily thoughts. As far as rods go, I am not sure where I will end up at either. In my case, my only glass experience is with Eagle Claw Featherlights and Fenwick fly rods. Like many, used glass, then went to graphite rods, and now, kind of looking at the glass scene again. In my case, I do have to justify any expenses on rods as I am a senior citizen living on a fixed income from Social Security. Anyway, glass or graphite, the pondering is ongoing right now for me. I do support, and always will, American made products. If only an American product can be found in my price range.
DeleteMy kids always look for rocks and walking sticks or things of interest. I used to do the same like old lures or knives and even mess around on old foundations or timber from homesteaders you'll find around where I grew up in British Columbia.
ReplyDeleteJosh, makes for lots of memories and a great way to unwind and reflect on another time and another place.
DeleteMel,
ReplyDeleteMy wife and I lost everything in a 1,000 year flood in 07. We started over on higher ground and that's where we are at currently. It was extremely painful to see your world in ruins. I did save the fly fishing gear though.
On the rods, I love the Fenwicks, Featherlights, and all the other classic glass out there. Go with what fits in your budget and love every second of it! If it throws a line, that's all that matters. Check some older posts on my blog for various glass offerings from the last 50 years and some pike flyfishing goodness too.
Ryan (MNFishhunter)
I love catching pike on the fly. Get to tying those big streamers, because, you're going to have a blast!
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of the phrase you speak of with the rocks, but I like it.
Hi, Justin. Welcome back to my blog. I don't mind tying the big streamers. I would rather tie big than small in most all cases. I may have to take a look at a bigger Bass and Pike combination rod and reel.
DeleteI think the "Rocks in my pockets" may have been a generation thing. Not for sure, but, never hurts to keep a few around.
Most definitely. I have found tying big pike/musky/bass streamers take just as long as tying copper johns and other intricate small flies...but that could just be me. Let me know if you would like to make a trade. I'll tie you up some big flies that are proven for me up here for pike, and you can tie me whatever. :) ha I'm not picky and neither are the bass and bluegill around here.
DeleteThank you, Justin, I just may to take you up on that fly swap! Let me get some necessary gear together (Rod and Reel Outfit) first. Those Pike would obliterate what I usually fish with I am assuming.
DeleteMel
ReplyDeleteSome sound advice and food for thought. A 19" crappie is unreal, on any tackle, can you imagine landing it on one of those glass rods? Thanks for sharing an informative post.
Thanks, Bill, you are right about that size Crappie. The biggest one I have ever come across out west here. When you think about the fact that the Crappie has such a soft mouth and often times the hook simply tears out of their mouth, scrapping it out with a nineteen inch fish and landing it is very remarkable. Thanks for the comment.
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