A New Year's Ramble...............................

Good Morning!

 
 What a rush! I see I have not posted since a little before Christmas so thought I would kick it in gear with my first post of 2015.  I am thinking that there were several small things I wanted to post about.  While, perhaps, none of them is worthy of a full post on their own, maybe collectively they will make for a heads up on what is and has been going on here at Pond Stalker Headquarters................ So with that I will begin my ramble...................

We had a wonderful Christmas season here at Pond Stalker Headquarters.  In fact, it was probably one of the best Christmas's with family in recent memory.  Also, received some blessings from BlogBuddies, Fly Tackle Dealers, and Facebook fly fishing friends.  More on that in a minute.

Recently, I went in and had my Flu and Pneumonia shot.  Results, I got sick!

 Oh, well......... At my age you try to take whatever precautions you can.  But, still, I don't like being sick,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

A friend asked me the other day about what I thought of the current issues we have in this country about Homeless Veteran's.  I didn't waste any words in telling her what I thought.  Take a minute if you will, and, contemplate on this.........................

 Folks, we have a problem here in the land of the free,,,,,,,,,,,,,'Nuff said.

Ok, lets ramble for awhile about how great is to have a wonderful bunch of guys and gals who support our blogging efforts and our efforts through other social networks like Facebook in my case.  I want to give a shout out to folks who made my holiday season extra special.  First off, all of the Contests and Giveaways from fly tackle dealers over on Facebook always adds to the fun.  I enter a lot, and most often, don't win a thing.  However, I still feel good about that as friends are winning and that makes me happy! I did win a dozen flies that I am looking forward to receiving from a new Fly Shop down in Eagle Nest, New Mexico.  

Thanks, Tim, from Eagle Nest Fly Shack

I, also, received an after Christmas package of fly tying goodies from my long time blogging friend, Owl Jones Art & Design.  Now Owl is a fly fisher, fly tyer, and artist.  We had talked about sending a long a few things that I could use, but I have to tell you Owl, you out did yourself here and I am very grateful for your blessings.

Also, want to send along a shout out to my friend, John Wood at JWFlyfishing.  John has provided flies to me to be field tested once I can get on the water.  Please take a moment and have a look at John's Blog and website.  He has some great patterns that I think will excite the fish wherever you may be.  He, also, makes some beautiful custom fly fishing nets, and, I will be picking up some of his Twisted and Tied Leaders to play with this season.

I have saved some exciting news for last on this post.  The other day, one of those sick days, I received a message from Phillip Butterfield at Average Joe's Fishin Poles.  He wanted to know if I would be interested in becoming a Field Tester for his custom made fly rods.  After a short conversation, an agreement was finalized, and, I am soon to be the owner of a 
Blue Halo 8' 4-5wt Fiberglass Custom Build to my specifications from Phillip.  As Phillip said too me, "Have a happy Halo New Year".  I have so noted on my side bar at the top of this blessing from Phillip. 

I am very excited about 2015 and my time on the water.  May your year be filled with blessings and happy hook ups.
 

2014 Bluegill Blitz Wrap-Up. The Winner Is............................................

Ok, I have been focusing on the fun of the 2014 Bluegill Blitz and haven't posted for a week or so. 
Now that the Blitz has come and gone,  yesterday was show and tell day on this years Blitz, thought I should post a re-cap for all my readers and followers who were interested.

As I understand it, there were over (30) participants from across the United States, who spent a couple of weeks of the month of May plying their local waters for a Bluegill with a fly rod.  Simply, the largest fish, length wise would be declared "Master Bluegill Fly Angler" for 2014.  All for fun and giggles mostly, but hey, it was the first year of the Blitz.  So, perhaps, bigger and better things to come.

Anyway, Brandon Bailes, has been announced as this years winner of the 2014 Bluegill Blitz.  Just want to say congratulations to Brandon for his Bluegill.  Here is a picture of Brandon catching something other than a Bluegill.

Now, to show everyone that Brandon is a versatile angler, here is winning photo of his fine Bluegill.

I am a brave soul so I won't keep you wandering any longer about the fish I entered.

Trust me, their is a Bluegill somewhere in that picture.  I dropped it in the grass and was so small anyway that it could not be seen with the camera.  Woe is me.............................................................

I think my buddy, Greg McBill, caught it a bit later on.  The benefits of Catch and Release!

Oh, and for those that read my blog regularly and know of Bill Trussell's effort to catch some big Bluegill on his annual quest, well, Bill was a participant in the Blitz and did well for himself.

Here are Bill's fish entry's for the 2014 Bluegill Blitz.

Darn it, Bill, that won't work in a Bluegill Blitz.  That thing eats Bluegills, anyway!

Ok, Bill, can catch a Bluegill and does on a regular basis.  Wish he would share but I would have to travel to Alabama to catch Bluegill like this one.  Great Bluegill, Bill, although it wasn't the longest, it was one I will surely remember.

That is almost (10") of a brute Bluegill.  So, Bill knows Bluegill.........................................

I am already looking forward to the 2015 Bluegill Blitz.  Have fun Bluegill anglers.

The 2014 Bluegill Blitz!

One of the really good things that I can say about my time over on Facebook is that I have met and communicated online with a number of really good people.  These folks have shared a love for a number of things we have in common.  For example, Warm Water Fly Fishing Group that I joined has a great group of guys and gals who share their love for warm water fly fishing.  Lots of pictures of successful fishing trips and a flow of good ideas to keep one interested in warm water fly fishing. 

One of the great things the Warm Water Fly Fishing Group has spawned is the 2014 Bluegill Blitz.
Fellow Colorado warm water fly fisherman,  John Doddridge, has came up with a great idea for some online fun combined with fly fishing for the ever popular, Bluegill!  After you have clicked on the links and read about the 2014 Bluegill Blitz then take a minute and consider if you would like to  participate.  Fly Fishing, Fun, Bluegills, Pictures, Good Times, Meet New Online Friends, what do you have to lose.  Hope you check it out!

Ok, there are a few rules.  Yea, rules, but even those are simple and fun.
Official Rules:
1) Bluegills and Sunfish of all types are allowed. Not allowed are LM Bass, SM Bass, Carp, Drum, Catfish, Warmouth, Crappie. You get the point. Cheaters will be MOCKED!
2) You may submit ONE picture of your LONGEST fish. In the picture you must clearly show the length, and your ID number. 
3) All anglers must be signed up by 5pm on April 30th. ID numbers will be issued between 6pm and midnight on April 30th through a PM sent to each anglers competing.
4) Pictures may be submitted on the Warm Water Fly Fishing page anytime on Sunday May 18th.
5) All fish must be caught using a Fly Rod, Fly Reel, and Fly.
This is for The Warm Water Fly Fishing page Bragging Rights Only.

That's it. Send me John Doddridge a personal message if you want in and I will add you to the list. You must be on the list by 5pm April 30th. Otherwise contact me at johndoddridge81@gmail.com

Bluegill fishing time is here!