Fish Painting

A painting art of Koi fish or Japanese carp , an ornamental domesticated varieties of the common carp that are kept for decorative purposes in outdoor ponds and water gardens. This fish painting clip art also available in wide screen size. It great for desktop wallpaper background. Need some modification for use in powerpoint template ( You can crop it, change level or add new layer with 50% of opacity.



Koi
Koi (鯉?, pronounced [koꜜi]) (English: /ˈkɔɪ/), or more specifically nishikigoi (錦鯉?, [niɕi̥kiꜜɡo.i], literally "brocaded carp"), are ornamental domesticated varieties of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) that are kept for decorative purposes in outdoor ponds and water gardens. They are also called Japanese carp.

Koi were developed from common carp in Japan in the 1820s, and are still popular there because they are a symbol of love and friendship. A variety of colors and color patterns have since been developed; common colors include white, black, red, yellow, blue, and cream. The most popular category of koi is the Gosanke, which is made up of the Kohaku, Taisho Sanshoku, and Showa Sanshoku varieties.

History

The carp is a large group of fish originally found in Central Europe and Asia. Various carp species were originally domesticated in East Asia, where they were used as food fish. The ability of carp to survive and adapt to many climates and water conditions allowed the domesticated species to be propagated to many new locations including Japan. Natural color mutations of these carp would have occurred across all populations. Carp were first bred for color mutations in China more than a thousand years ago, where selective breeding of the Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) led to the development of the goldfish.

Carp are known as koi in Japan. Of the various domesticated carp species, the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is one of the more commonly used in aquaculture. Common carp were first introduced into Japan by way of China between 400 to 600 years ago. Common carp were first bred for color in Japan in the 1820s, initially in the town of Ojiya in the Niigata prefecture on the north eastern coast of Honshu island. By the 20th century, a number of color patterns had been established, most notably the red-and-white Kohaku. The outside world was not aware of the development of color variations in koi until 1914, when the Niigata koi were exhibited in the annual exposition in Tokyo. At that point, interest in koi exploded throughout Japan. The hobby of keeping koi eventually spread worldwide. Koi are now commonly sold in most pet stores, with higher-quality fish available from specialist dealers.

Extensive hybridization between different populations has muddled the historical zoogeography of the common carp. However, scientific consensus is that there are at least two subspecies of the common carp, one from Western Eurasia (Cyprinus carpio carpio) and another from East Asia (Cyprinus carpio haematopterus). One recent study on the mitochondrial DNA of various common carp indicate that koi are of the East Asian subspecies.[5] However another recent study on the mitochondrial DNA of koi have found that koi are descended from multiple lineages of common carp from both Western Eurasian and East Asian varieties. This could be the result of koi being bred from a mix of East Asian and Western Eurasian carp varieties, or koi being bred exclusively from East Asian varieties and being subsequently hybridized with Western Eurasian varieties (the butterfly koi is one known product of such a cross). Which is true has not been resolved.

Etymology

The word 'koi' comes from Japanese, simply meaning "carp." It includes both the dull grey fish and the brightly colored varieties. What are known as 'koi' in English are referred to more specifically as 'nishikigoi' in Japan (literally meaning 'brocaded carp'). In Japanese, 'koi' is a homophone for another word that means 'affection or love'; koi are therefore symbols of love and friendship in Japan. An example of this is given in a short story by Mukoda Kuniko, "Koi-san". Koi tattoos have also become a popular trend in North America.

Just One More Whitefish This Year Please

December 26, 2009

Normally, if you suggested floating the South Fork of the Snake River between Christmas and New Years I would respond with, “Ha! No thanks! Snow and ice covered boat ramps, brutal cold, no fun and no way.” I can’t stand when my guides freeze up every cast. However, when friend Rob Parkins, a well know fishing guide and fly tier here in Teton Valley, asked that I join he and another friend , Zack Dalton, of Rio Fly Lines, to fish the day after Christmas, I surprised myself when I answered cautiously, “Maybe.”

Robs offer to me came about a week or so ago. I said if it wasn’t unbearably cold I’d be interested. Assuming that it would be, I never gave much thought to the idea again. But on Christmas Eve Rob was visiting the house and was quick to let me know he and Zack were still going. Since my hunt to Minnesota and Iowa two weeks ago, I’ve spent most my time hunched over art projects waiting for a new excuse to get outdoors. I knew by now that temperatures for the day after Christmas were predicted to be about 12 degrees Fahrenheit along with sunny skies. Surprising to most, 12 degrees isn’t too bad around here as it’s generally a dry cold and with sunshine feels considerably warmer. With all that in mind, my response was, “I’m in.”

Despite being 5 below zero when I woke up this morning, Rob picked me up at 10am and one could already feel the suns warmth. When we met Zack who was arriving from Idaho Falls at the icy boat ramp at the Palisades Dam, it was already about 10 degrees and continuing to rise. While they did our short shuttle, Dam to Husky, I rigged my 6-weight Ross with 10 feet of straight 0X Rio Flouroflex Plus tippet and attached two flies. Usually my streamer rig is about 18 feet of 0X (Shockingly long to most), however, knowing my fly rod guides were going to freeze, the shorter leader would be easier to handle. When the boys returned I offered to row the drift boat across the river to so they could nymph below the dam.


There are huge rainbows and cutthroats taken with regularity directly below the dam on nymphs. If your wondering why I rigged up a streamer it’s because I’m not a big nympher. Despite many years of competing internationally and applying European nymphing tactics to my daily fishing, it’s not my favorite method. My heart is really in dry fly fishing and I’m known to enjoy chucking streamers. I knew Rob and Zack would cover the water well without my help and until it warmed up I’d be content popping some photos and giving moral support.

Fishing was slower than expected. Although Zack nailed a fantastic rainbow on his first drift with a mysis shrimp, they caught only one other trout and a handful of whitefish. Rather than waste a day there we floated down to another favorite run. I struggled to get more than three casts in a row without having to crack ice out of my guides during the drift. That diminished my fly in the water time and I realized my highlight of the day was going to be lunch.

Rob took charge of lunch putting four huge elk burger patties on the boat size charcoal grill. Both Zack and I felt as though we were on a guided trip and indulged on the delicious lunch. Between eating and cooking, they nymphed the run and I dredged, slowly stripping my two streamers. Zack landed a beautiful cutty but then followed with a hand full of whiteys along with Rob and me.

We floated the rest of the short float in an hour hap-hazardly fishing as we drifted along. I avoided a skunk by landing two nice rainbows and Rob nymphed up a good brown and a “mighty whitey”. While spending much of December working on art projects, preparing for the show circuit and gorging around the Holliday table, it was great to hit the river again. The thought of floating the last week of December will never again be considered a “not a chance” deal. In fact, I’ll just bet there will be another fishing report posted here shortly!

Jeff Currier Global Fly Fishing Web Site

Where do tropical fish wholesalers get their fish from?

Hi, I recently purchase some fish from a wholesaler. I know that regular fish shops purchase from them, but I was wondering where does wholesalers get their fish from? and why doesn’t fish shops just buy from them instead of the wholesalers?

Fish for consumption:
I know of an independent fish shop that buys straight from the source, but further inland they’d probably buy from a wholesaler because the wholesaler might provide a delivery service whereas the source might not.

Ornamental fish:
I know that for marine aquariums almost all of the fish are fished straight from the reef and sold. Same reason as above though for aquarium fish shops not buying straight from the source (unless the wholesaler does the fishing as well): transportation of the fish is probably provided by the wholesaler as opposed to the people who go out and catch the fish. To be honest, at a quick glance I think tropical marine fish are a bit unethical to buy/encourage the trade of by the looks of this article: http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/8-5-2006-104634.asp

Freshwater aquarium fish are different though (presumably because freshwater is easier to maintain compared to sea water); apparently in the US most of them are bred in man made ponds in Florida.

‘Relative to other aquaculture ponds, tropical
fish ponds are very small, averaging 25′×75′,
with a maximum depth of about 6 feet’

I’d imagine the wholesaler will have the fish imported to a certain state or country from the source and then individual aquarium fish shops will buy from their nearest wholesaler. The aquarium shop won’t have to import a small number of fish from a long distance (costing alot per fish) as opposed to having the wholesaler import lots of fish from a long distance (not as much cost per fish delivered) and it probably working out cheaper for the aquarium fish shop and the consumer.

Test Post #2

Royal Wulff. Sizes 10-16.  A truly regal fly,  the wulff is one of the best looking trout flies one will ever fish.   It was one of the first flies I ever bought and is a challenge to tie properly. 
On another note this blog should be good to go.  Now only if I can stick with it.......  We'll see......

The First Post...

An Elk Hair Caddis. Ink and watercolor. Best in sizes 12-18. This is the first post and is only a test of the operation of this system.

freshwater aquatic planted aquarium/tank

aquatic plants
Mosses – Christmas Tree Moss
Fissidens Grandifrons “Planiccaulis”
Fissidens Nobilis
Vesicularia Dubyana

Foreground – Anubias Barteri var Nana “Veriegated”
Cryptocoryne Becketii
Cryptocoryne Wendtii “Green Gecko”
Eleocharis Parvula (Japan Version)
Eriocaulon “Australia”
Eriocaulon Cinereum
Eriocaulon Robustius
Eriocaulon “Taco”
Pogostemon Helferi
Ranunculus Papulentus

Midground – Microsorium Pteropus “Windelov”
Nesaea crassicaulis
Rotala Indica “Uliginosa”

Background – Aponogeton Madagascarensis
Crinum Calamistratum
Echinodorus “Oriental”
Echinodorus “Ozelot”
Echinodorus “Ozelot Green”
Echinodorus “Red Flame”
Hygrophila Balsamica
Limnophila sp
Nymphaea Micrantha
Microsorium Pteropus “Narrow Leaf”
Microsorium Pteropus “Tropica”

Most Popular Marine Ornamental Fish In The Hobby

There is a enormous choice of fish available to saltwater tank hobbyists. They come from hundreds of species and come in all shapes plus sizes. However, there are a handful that time in addition to again garner notice from the community due to their beauty. Let us take a look at these recognizable marine fishes.

At number one, we have Amphiprion Percula plus Amphiprion Ocellaris. They make up the most popular in addition to recognizable saltwater fishes for sale in the industry. They have even been represented on the big screen as the star of the hit animated feature, Finding Nemo. However, to most marine enthusiasts they are simply known as the false percula along with the true percula.

Both species have differing number of dorsal spines . Amphiprion ocellaris sells for very low due to large amounts being collected from the seas. The pricier specimen between the two is Amphiprion percula as less are collected. They both do well in the tank plus are good selections for experienced or new enthusiasts.

The second prize goes to the blue tang as well as the yellow tang. They are the poster child of the tang family with both of them generally featured on a diversity of posters promoting some product or another. The movie Finding Nemo also starred the blue tang. There, she was identified as the clumsy Dory. Yellow tangs are usually more pricey than blue tangs.

They are both top candidates for captive life if they have ample room to swim and are treated for any parasites that came in with them during shipment. Like It must be noted however that all tangs are susceptible to lateral line erosion as well as particularly ich. Ensure they are given a diet that is rich in greens as they are algae grazers in the wild.

Finally, 4 angelfish make up the last spot. They are the queen angelfish, emperor angelfish, french angelfish as well as the stunning flame angelfish. All four fish typically garner good demand from marine fishes keepers. In terms of price, they cost the most compared with the other fishes mentioned. Excluding the flame angelfish, the rest can go for a few hundred in particular if they are large plus in great condition.

Flame angelfish are the cheapest angelfish of the bunch. Among the dwarf angels, flame angelfish are by far the most popular. Feed angelfish with a nice balanced diet consisting of greens and meaty selections. They are also known to consume corals in the wild so be warned.

For a very in depth article concerning Amphiprion Ocellaris along with its close cousin Amphiprion Percula, do drop by the authors hubpage for how to guides concerning a selection of saltwater aquarium fish as well as corals.

Blizzards, Beer and a Pheasant

Usually you expect a fishing report from this blog, however, this weekend I found myself in South Eastern Iowa on a pheasant hunting trip. It was a get together with some of my old college buddies from Northland College in Ashland, WI. We studied together there over twenty years ago! Remarkably, we continue to stay in touch like family and do some really fun trips together.

Although this particular trip has been an annual for over a decade, I’ve never been able to go because it occurs in December. Getting time off from the old retail job during Christmas season was next to impossible. But now with my new career, I gave myself the time off and don’t plan to miss such excursions ever again.

There were eight of us total. We expected more, but the blizzard that ripped through the heartland last week put a damper on some schedules. I lucked out by flying into Minneapolis Thursday night just scathing the huge storm. A couple of the fellas are from MN and asked me to co-pilot their road journey to IA. It was a great idea as we got extra time to catch up and I got to see some country that I rarely get to see.

Our precise destination was Marion, IA at our colleague Mike Birmingham’s family farm. It’s a gorgeous estate where he has turned the farms corn crib into his house. It overlooks the property and at any given moment you could watch whitetails feeding on the edge of the oak forest or pheasants in the snow covered corn fields.

Birmingham greeted us in his driveway with open beers. He was quick to inform us, we’d be drinking quite a few of these because pheasant populations were horrible from consecutive harsh winters and serious floods from last spring. This wasn’t bad news to us for the true meaning of the visit was to catch up with old friends. Two of the gang had been hunting the farm for two days and literally saw one bird. That was enough for me to not even pick up a gun (I’m not a serious hunter or a good one) and let the others get their best shot.

That proved to be a wise decision. Despite spending Saturday on another private farm, only a pheasant and a rabbit were taken amongst the crew all weekend. While most the boys spent their time carrying shotguns and running the dogs, I enjoyed a snowy walk through the oak forests where I jumped the occasional whitetail deer.

Today I’m travelling home and as one can imagine after a weekend of post-holing through deep snow and late evenings with old friends, I’m flat out exhausted. It was a great four days and I look forward to our next get-together. From what I hear, it’s warmed up in ID and I just may sneak over to the South Fork on foot for a couple hours this week to fish some midges. Stay tuned. . .

Jeff Currier Global Fly Fishing Web Site

Freshwater Aquarium Maintenance – Preventative Measures To Keep Fish Thriving

Freshwater Aquarium Maintenance is relatively easy to do. Regular maintenance will help to keep your aquarium sparkling. Water will need to be removed and added every week to every two weeks and the gravel at the bottom needs to be cleaned with a special vacuum cleaner. Always check the apparatus of the tank every day to make sure everything is working and the fish are thriving.

Water changing is one of the most important steps to keeping your aquarium healthy. Changing water keeps the chemicals at a level that is not toxic to fish in the aquarium. Many things make a tank dirty including waste from the fish, uneaten food, and the respiration of the fish and this can create ammonia which is toxic to fish. Toxins are removed when you do a partial change of water. Another thing that must be done to maintain your aquarium is to remove excess garbage from the gravel in the bottom of the aquarium.

When you are performing regular maintenance on an aquarium it is important that anything electrical be turned off and unplugged so that you do not get shocked by mistake. Turning everything off for just an hour or so will not do any harm to the fish. Remove all ornamental objects from the aquarium but leave live plants in. Gravel vacuums should come with the aquarium and if not purchase one at the pet store. You cannot do without one. Put the nozzle in the gravel and move it back in forth. This will stir up a great deal of dirt but keep going until the stuff coming into the tubing looks clean.

Purchase one bucket and use it only for aquarium maintenance and nothing else. To remove water from the aquarium put some plastic tubing in and the bucket on the floor with the other end of the tubing in it. Start siphoning out the water and remove about half. Once that is done you can slowly and carefully put fresh water back in but check the temperature because the new water should be close to the temperature as what was removed. If not you can shock the fish. If the place that sold you the fish told you to add dechlorinator do so before replacing the water. Check the pH of the new water. Normal pH for a freshwater aquarium is around 7 or 7. 5.

Filter cartridges need to be replaced on a monthly basis. If your air pump has a filter you will have to replace it regularly as well. Some filters can be washed with water and replaced. This will help your pump to last much longer. If the inside of the aquarium gets a little green you can use an algae scrubber pad on it just before changing the water. Also make sure to clean the hood monthly so that the lights will give the ultimate light to your aquarium.

Avoid overfeeding fish in a freshwater aquarium. The amount of food the fish eat in a 5 minute time period is what you should feed them, no more. Food that drops to the bottom of the tank makes the water cloudy and feeds algae. Find out how many times a tank of fish needs to eat from a pet store. There are some that should be fed once a day or twice a day and some less. With regular maintenance your aquarium should provide a healthy environment for tropical fish for a long time.

Maui council member wants to wipe out callous aquarium industry practises

A bill introduced by Maui County Council Member Mike Molina may tighten up the rules for how aquarium fish is treated after being caught in Maui waters. Existing animal welfare laws only stipulate that ornamental fish collectors must maintain facilities that can keep the fish alive and “in reasonable health”.

“The reality is that the inhumane treatment is inherent in the trade,” said environmentalist and dive operator Renee Umberger. “They don’t consider them to really be animals. That’s why it’s important to change the (legal) definition of what the state considers pets.”

The new bill would piggyback on superseding state laws and is intended to make sure that ornamental fish is treated well. Molina also hopes that the bill will raise awareness about overfishing and the fragility of Hawaii’s reefs. Over the past two decades, Hawaii’s aquarium reef fish population has declined by nearly 60 percent.

According to statistics from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, Maui fishermen caught aquarium fish valued at $32,478 last year. In the entire state, the value of all caught aquarium fish was roughly $2 million in the same period.

Robert Wintner, owner of Snorkel Bob’s, now questions why Hawaii is endangering its reef fish population for a mere $2 million a year when hundreds of local jobs in the multimillion scuba and tour sector depends on the wellbeing of the reefs.

Examples of what the Molina bill is suggesting

• Prohibition of several industry practises, such deflating the swim bladder, exposing the fish to air, and temperature changes of more than 2 degrees.
• Mortality rates and dead fish disposal methods must be documented.
• Causing the death of an ornamental fish will be considered an inhumane treatment of aquatic life.
• Violation of the law would be a misdemeanour. The fine would range between $500 and $2,000 and up to a year in jail.

Before the bill goes before the full County Council, it needs to be assigned to a committee for further discussion.

More Art, Less Fishing and Moose

December 5, 2009

There isn’t much snow on the ground here in Victor, Idaho, but the winter temperatures have arrived. It’s seriously cold and with the exception of a run or a hike I’ve been inside working on various art projects. It’s the exact weather needed to get me off the rivers and on to my work. Most of the artwork I’ve been doing is filling orders for Christmas. These include watercolors of cutthroats, brown trout, rainbow trout and even a muskellunge to name a few. It’s been great fun working at home for myself.

It would be a lie if I claimed I could go a whole week without fishing. And sure enough, a trip to Jackson Hole for a few hours of errands today turned into a quick jaunt up to the Jackson Lake Dam in Grand Teton National Park. Although most of the Park is closed to driving during the winter, the road to Moran Junction and to Jackson Lake remains open. From the dam runs the Snake River. Because the water running through the dam comes from the bottom of Jackson Lake, it’s warm enough that it doesn’t freeze. The warmth attracts baitfish such as Utah Chubs and whitefish that in turn bring in the predatory Snake River Cutthroats and brown trout. The dam turbines also blow through some lake trout from Jackson Lake itself. If you can stand the brutal temperatures, you often catch numerous fish until you’re so cold you can’t move.

Today such fishing was not the case. I fished with my friend Mark Kuhn, better known as “Milkfish” and between the both of us managed only two fish. I caught a brown and a laker. It was a surprise to do so poorly, but perhaps the fish were a little “doggy” because it was literally only five degrees.

Two nice fish certainly doesn’t call for a bad day, however, due to the slow fishing and severe chilly conditions, we opted to head home early to perhaps see some wildlife. Sure enough, our drive hardly let us down. We saw a coyote, hundreds of buffalo, elk, and best of all, several rutting bull moose. One of the bulls was quite large and I managed a few photos. Unfortunately, all I had was my point and shoot Canon so the photo you see is the best I could get. Hopefully in a few days I’ll round up a shot from Milkfish who had a nice camera and a zoom lens.

Global Fly Fishing web site

Guide To Fish Pond Building

Outdoor ponds make an excellent addition to your garden. You can install a pond as an accent or as a centerpiece of your backyard’s overall design. However, a pond can also serve a more fulfilling purpose; a place to raise fish.

Now a pond is neither an aquarium nor a fish farm. Aquariums are aesthetic, a place to display ornamental fish. Fish farms are practical, a place for breeding fish. A backyard pond is a happy medium. It’s a place to show off your fish but at the same time allow them to live and breed in a natural setting.

Why Build a Fish Pond?

When does a pond become a fish pond? Obviously, it’s when your pond contains fish! But that doesn’t mean you can simply buy a bunch of fish and dump them into your pond. A fish pond is specially built not only to contain fish, but also to keep them alive and healthy. Why should you build a fish pond? A few ideas come to mind:

- Taking care of fish is a challenging and enjoyable hobby.

- A fish pond is an attractive feature that adds to the beauty of your backyard.

- Challenge. Some water gardeners aren’t satisfied with a simple self-sustaining pond. They want to constantly test their horticultural and husbandry skills; and nothing provides a better vehicle for this than taking care of a pond full of fish.

Tips for a Healthy Fish Pond

Every feature of your pond should be carefully considered and controlled. The pond’s many parts should work in harmony for the benefit of your fish. Here are some key points that you should remember to make your backyard pond thrive.

For example, water quality should be maintained. Fish are susceptible to diseases and also high nitrogen levels. Your fish pond will surely need a good filtration system.

Build your pond so that it’s well away from trees and shrubbery. This will reduce the amount of debris that falls into your pond and prevent your filter from becoming clogged. This will also save you a lot of tedious maintenance work.

Finally, spend some time researching your fish’s needs. Each fish has its own requirements that you would do well to consider when sizing your pond. For example, goldfish need very little space and you can stock quite a lot even in a small pond. Koi however need a lot of room to swim and thus you’ll need a bigger pond. Happy fish make for a successful pond and a satisfied pond builder.

Want to find out more about Pond Building, then visit Michael W.’s site on how to build the best outdoor pond for your needs and dreams.

Kochi Ornamental fish show proves popular

The exhibition named 'De Aquaria' started on November 24 and would continue till November 30.

The aquatic fish like Giant gawro, Albino, Pearl Arowana, Oscar, Red tail Catfish and Guppy tail Molly, which is most sought for its vibrant blue stripe 'Emerald Butterfly' have become the focus of attraction.

"The fish is named Emerald Butterfly, a marine water fish, which we have imported from Singapore and is very colourful one. Since the show started people in large numbers have been attracted towards it mainly because of its vibrant stripes and it really looks great," said Antony V.S, a salesman at the exhibition.

The cost of Emerald Butterfly is more than 5,000 rupees a piece and the availability is rare at the exhibition as the demand is high in the international market.

Around 450 varieties of marine and fresh water fish are lined up in water filled tanks for the visitors, which they find an eye glittering masterpiece.

"I am seeing such different types of fish here. We are able to see such fish for the first time here; I haven't seen such fish anywhere else. I have come here for the second time today," said Satyajit Kumar, a visitor.

Stalls for locally available fish, glass bowls, aquariums and other accessories have also been put up on sale for the fish lovers.

I Love My New Boss!

On October 25, 2009 I became self employed. All I can say is, “I like my new boss”.

This has been one of the fishiest November’s of my life!

From Baja to Idaho - here’s a few photos to remember from this great fishing month!

Bill would regulate aquarium fish harvest

WAILUKU - Maui County may significantly tighten up rules regarding how aquarium fish are treated once the ornamental fish are caught and before they reach pet stores worldwide.

A bill introduced Tuesday by Council Member Mike Molina would piggyback on superseding state laws, which animal rights and reef experts argue are too weak. The measure is intended to help mitigate Hawaii's evaporating reefs and fish populations and treat the animals more humanely. It does not pertain to game fish.

Molina said even though the bill will not lessen the number of fish taken, it will raise awareness about overfishing and the fragility of Hawaii's reefs.

The bill would give Maui island animal control officers the authority to ensure that aquarium fish essentially are put on legal par with other pets, such as dogs and cats. It would prohibit aquarium fish harvesters from harming or killing the fish, whether they intend to or not.

Existing law states that aquarium fish collectors must maintain facilities that can keep the fish alive and "in reasonable health."

However, the need for Maui County Code regulations is clear, Molina said. Over the past 20 years, Hawaii's aquarium reef fish population has declined by 59 percent.

"The reality is that the inhumane treatment is inherent in the trade," said environmentalist and dive operator Renee Umberger. "They don't consider them to really be animals. That's why it's important to change the (legal) definition of what the state considers pets."

What impact the law would have is unknown. Critics of the industry said it is lightly regulated by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources' Division of Aquatic Resources.

According to DLNR statistics, last year a half-dozen Maui fishermen used net traps to catch 12,129 aquarium fish valued at $32,478. Statewide, almost one million fish were sold for nearly $2 million.

But Umberger said DLNR officials were told in meetings this year that the number of fish captured is greatly underreported, by as much as 10 times.

The commercial capture, handling and transportation of aquarium fish leaves the industry with a 99 percent mortality rate within a year of capture, Umberger said. She called it "the disposable pet trade."

Industry officials have said the mortality rate is as low as zero.

Robert Wintner, owner of the local Snorkel Bob's chain, questions why Hawaii would not only put at risk its reef fish population for $2 million a year, but also the multimillions of dollars and hundreds of jobs provided by scuba and tour companies.

Wintner said he and a like-minded group of others spent the past year developing the county ordinance after repeatedly being rebuffed at both the Legislature and Gov. Linda Lingle's office for legal reforms.

In September, the County Council banned shark tours in Maui County waters, although none currently exist. The ordinance prohibits any business that charges customers to enter the ocean to feed or attract sharks for viewing.

But Umberger said lax laws prevented those advocating more regulation of taking aquarium fish because, unlike shark tours, the state already has aquarium fish statutes on the books.

"For $50, just about anyone can get a DLNR aquarium permit to empty any reef you want in Hawaii, except in an marine-protected area," Wintner said.

And if it's a question of the county or state not having the money for enforcement, Wintner promised to come up with the cash to pay for 24-hour surveillance of Maui's near-shore waters for aquarium fish violators and poachers.

DNLR Division of Aquatic Resources Administrator Dan Polhemus did not return a call this week seeking comment. A member of Maui's aquarium fish industry declined to comment for this story.

Molina's bill would do the following to require the humane treatment of aquarium fish:

* Prohibit many industry practices, including withholding food for more than 12 hours; deflating the swim bladder; trimming the spine or fins; exposure to air; and temperature changes of more than 2 degrees.

* Include causing the death of fish as being an inhumane treatment of aquatic life.

* Require documentation of mortality rates and disposal methods of dead fish.

* Provide that violations would be a misdemeanor with a fine between $500 and $2,000 and up to a year in jail.

Molina's aquarium fish bill still needs to be assigned to a committee for further discussion before it goes before the full County Council.

Baldies, Beaves and More Good Fish

November 27, 2009

This is insane! A week ago winter set in but yet again disappeared. We floated the South Fork in Swan Valley Idaho once more and didn’t get even a flake of ice in the fly rod guides. Float fishing and ice-less stripping guides should have been a thing of the past three weeks ago, but our season keeps going and going and going . . .

The weather was mostly cloudy with temps reaching about 42 degrees. There wasn’t a breath of wind and when the sun occasionally broke through it felt like 50. You wouldn’t expect a better day in early October.

I fished with Tom Montgomery, whom I introduced in my November 24th report. We expected a third to join us, Andy Asadorian, but not only did Andy not show up but we didn’t even hear from him. A little weird but it’s a fact. And when a fishing partner drops out at the last minute, fishing is always good. Today was no exception.

Despite a late start of noon, Tom and I agreed upon a goal of twenty fish to the boat. That was a bit eager, and although that didn’t quite happen, we managed fifteen. We floated from Husky, also known as Palisades Creek launch to the highway bridge. This is about a nine mile float and with dark setting in by 5pm these days there’s no time for stopping. This meant a constant drift with the most effective method of fishing, stripping streamers. I used my usual rig of several streamers on straight 0X Rio Flouro-Flex Plus tippet. Normally my best streamer color on the South Fork is olive, but today the black and silver screamer streamer knocked them dead. It was an even mix of rainbows, browns and cutthroat. Although we caught at least one quality fish of each specie, our nicest fish was a cutthroat. What was amazing about this cutthroat (in photo), while I was fighting him he spit up an 8” white fish! Impressive!

Fishing was so good today I forgot to mention the wildlife. November on the South Fork never disappoints. I’ll guess we saw hundreds of ducks and swans, at least five bald eagles, a family of beavers and a whitetail.

That’s about enough for now. Supposedly it’s going to snow and get nasty tonight, but with all this talk I’m going back to the SF tomorrow!

Global Fly Fishing Web Site

Thunnus Albacares aka Yellowfin Tuna, Aint No Chicken of the Sea

November 24, 2009

Winter is finally here and my days on the water will be fewer. In a way it’s a good thing because it will keep me indoors and perhaps I will get some work done. For those unaware, I worked at the Jack Dennis Fly Shop in Jackson, Wyoming for over twenty-three years! In August I gave my resignation and October 25, 2009 was my last day. From here on out I pay the bills solely working for myself.

My new career will continue in the fly fishing business. For years I have spent much of my time on the road speaking at fly fishing clubs and sport shows. In 2010 I will do even more of this. I am also an artist and will follow my dream of making this a major part of my career. I sell my work on my website and through the Wyoming Gallery in Jackson, WY. With my new free time I plan to become a better artist, explore more mediums, exhibit at art shows and expand into more galleries.

Although I won’t be fishing as much for the next couple months, I expect to get out at least once a week and report about each wintry adventure. I will also report on my progress with the new career beginning today. I just completed my first painting of a yellowfin tuna. This is a Christmas present so I won’t give too many details other than it was caught on a fly rod. I can tell you from experience, tuna, specifically yellowfin tuna, are the hardest fighting fish in the world!

Global Fly Fishing Web Site

Al Jaraf Fisheries Commences Ornamental Fish Breeding And Supply In UAE

Al Jaraf Fisheries L.L.C.; the country’s leading commercial seafood producer, commenced farming operations of ornamental fish. In addition to breeding and supply of different ornamental aquatic species, the company is offering customized tanks and aquariums for pet collectors as well as commercial establishments including hotels, restaurants and offices in the UAE.

Al Jaraf Fisheries is a part of Pal Group a leading business concern of Abu Dhabi. Prior to the introduction of its ornamental line, the company has been mainly involved in aquaculture and seafood trading since 2005. The company began the commercial production of shrimp within its lined pond facility in Barmid Island and finfish breeding in Al Ajban by 2006.

“The expansion comes in line with the growing demand for quality ornamental aquatic life and its less than adequate supply. We believe that with the help of its infrastructure, Al Jaraf has all elements to offer the best product and service to maximize on the segment’s lucrative potential,” said Dr. S.D. Gopakumar, Manager at Al Jaraf Fisheries.

The company aims towards becoming a leader in ornamental fish production by employing the finest technologies and its industry experience. And to further ensure a comprehensive experience for its customers, the division is designed to offer end-to-end support including consultation and maintenance.

Trout Bum - Patagonia

Since the great mother nature has chosen to bless me with almost a month straight of rain, my time fishing has been a little limited. So instead I've been spending my free time at the bench trying to stockpile up my fly collection for this winter and probably spring too. I also spend a lot of time looking for videos on the internet so that once this blasted rain does decide to quit, I'll have the motivation to get out in the cold. This video isn't new but its still pretty cool. Check it out!

Tips Choosing Your Online Business Topics

The first thing you should specify in starting to build an internet business website is to choose the topic. Why is this so necessary?

Currently the Internet has become a "jungle" of information. Internet users prefer a specific web containing specific information related to the information they need.

For example, if they want to buy books, then they will find the famous web booksellers such as amazon.com.

Despite the fact amazon.com also sells health and beauty products, but the average visitor does not buy amazon.com health and beauty products from amazon.com, because amazon is more synonymous with the bookstore. Amazon likely visitors will go to another website if they need health or beauty products.

And you should also remember, amazon able to provide various types of products the internet is because he is a big company who already has a high reputation. So although the health and beauty products or other products not sold, the sale of books that have been able to control every aspect of the cost of supplies is not a book. Amazon.com stronger for it because he has a capital of millions of U.S. dollars.

Well .., if you are just starting an Internet business, your website should focus on only one or two types of products only. If you sell herbs (just an example), then the topic of your website only related to health. Do not try and suddenly you are also selling the phone on the website. Your visitors will think your business is not professional and they will move another kewebsite more specific selling herbal medicine.

My advice, choose a topic for your business website with perpedoman to:

Interests and Hobbies you.
For example, if you like maintaining ornamental fish, then you will be excited and perpeluang to succeed in ornamental fish trade, since it is your hobby or interest. If you create a website or blog about topics that you are not interested in, then over time you will become bored and ignore the website or blog.

Your knowledge.
You have the knowledge and experience on the topic. Taking the above example of ornamental fish, if you know a lot of the ins and outs of ornamental fish, you can provide tips and guidance about ornamental fish. The netter interested in ornamental fish will come to your website or blog to read the information on ornamental fish while buying your products (ornamental fish, aquarium, food advertising, etc.).

Market demand sufficient.
Do not promote barangan not / less desirable people, as your goods will not be sold. Do not also promote the goods that are not useful or violate the law.

You are able to provide.
Do not promote products that you can not sell or provide. Customers would be disappointed if they purchase order that you can not meet. Disappointed customers who typically will tell their disappointment to others, so it will be extremely harmful your online business.

Actually there are still other things you need to pedomani in selecting topics for your business website. However, four points above is the most important.

Fishing With the Gurus

November 20, 2009

It’s possible this was the last day of float fishing for 2009. For when we hit the boat takeout at dark this evening, we felt the temperature plummeting and smelled snow in the air. Winter may finally be arriving.

This was a special day on the water for more reasons than the fact that it could be the last this year. I was fishing with two close friends and long time guides of Jackson Hole Wyoming, Paul Bruun and Tom Montgomery. Both men descended on the Jackson Hole guide scene in the 70’s and to this day are considered the best in the business. Furthermore, Tom is a professional photographer whose photos grace the covers and pages of magazines and catalogs. Paul is a well known sports writer for our local paper and writes for various national magazines. I’m proud to say, Paul even wrote the foreword to my first book, “Currier’s Quick and Easy Guide to Saltwater Fly Fishing”. Fortunately for me, both my older friends took me under their wing back in the 80’s when I arrived on the Jackson Hole scene and have shared knowledge and friendships ever since. I have been very lucky to have such mentors!

Tom has been sick as a dog for a week. Today was his first day out of the house so we took it easy on him with a casual start of about noon. We went to my November favorite, the South Fork, the river I’ve been reporting on this blog just about daily. Temps weren’t bad, about 45 degrees, but the wind was awful. It was blowing steady at about 20mph with gust recorded up to 40mph. Sounds like a rough day to cast, but just imagine rowing in it!

Nevertheless, veterans like us are fearless and after a shaky launch at the Irwin Slide we were on our way. Although there were fish rising in slicks between whitecaps, this was a streamer day and with Tom on the oars Paul and I were launching heavy bugs into the wind in no time. I was tossing streamers on my 6-weight Ross fly rod. However, had I known when leaving the house that it would be this windy I’d of stepped up to a 7-weight. Just a little extra backbone for this kind of wind would have been nice. But without the option, I simply shortened my leader and went for it.

It turns out, today was the slowest day of fishing I’ve experienced this week. Between the three of us, we caught a total of about ten fish. However, slow as it may have been, this was truly another bonus fishing day. I need to keep pinching myself – THIS IS LATE NOVEMBER!

Global Fly Fishing Web Site

No Ice In the Guides and It's November?

November 18, 2009

As long as the temps stay warm enough that the guides don’t freeze, expect continuous reports. Today I headed back out with Ed and Lucas and did what should be impossible in mid November; we floated nearly the entire canyon of the South Fork of the Snake. We shortened the normally twenty-six mile float about five miles by pulling out at  Wolf Creek. I often do twenty mile floats in July during the longest days of the year when flows are high, but to do it during these short days of November in low water conditions is unheard of. We put on the water in freezing cold temps at sunrise and got off in freezing cold temps well after sunset. Luckily, in between we had a sunny day with temps reaching a high of about 45 degrees and the fishing was excellent!

Although there were plenty of rising fish eating blue wing olives and midges, this was a full day of chuck-and-duck streamer fishing. With lots of miles to cover, we did not have time to stop and work rising fish. Such a shame as we could have absolutely hammered the fish dry fly fishing. One thing I have learned over the years is that just before winter truly sets in, the trout around here gorge themselves every chance they get. Unless a major cold front or snowstorm sets in, November is a superb month for anyone who loves to fish small dries to quality trout. The action may only last a few hours in the afternoon, but it is non stop. You can get all sophisticated with your dry flies if you like, but the fact is that these fish are trying to put on weight for challenging winter conditions. I can see a size 18 Parachute Adams on the water easily so that’s about the only pattern I mess with. The normally selective trout eat the fly like it’s going out of style!

Plunking streamers on the heads of risers would normally be a sin, but yesterday as we covered water fast, this is exactly what we did. Sure, many of the trout ran for their life, but the big boys often came for a look and many got caught. The action was steady all day however, particularly good early and late. Many people think the water needs to warm up but today was not the case. All in all I believe we landed about thirty fish consisting of mostly cutthroats with a spattering of browns and rainbows.

Global Fly Fishing Web Site

Nunya - Creek

November 17, 2009

There will be many days on this blog where you will not be informed of the location where the story took place. Sorry folks, but that’s the way the real anglers work and today is one of those days. Even though fishing wasn’t that great, I still can’t tell you where I was.

I fished with friends Ed and Lucas. They picked me up at my house about 8:30am and we headed on out. Later we were doing what I do a lot lately, chucking streamers. On this river, because of its size, I tossed only two flies and on a shorter than normal leader. My usual streamer leader is a 15-20ft long piece of 0X Rio Fluoro-Flex Plus tippet material. To most streamer fishers this sounds absurd because they use short stout tapered leaders. Short and stout makes sense for turning over big flies. I used such a formula for years. But trust me; fish the long 0X leader for a couple trips and you will be amazed! Once you develop the casting stroke it turns over just fine. It also sinks efficiently and helps give you direct contact from you to the fly. You rarely miss a strike. And to top it off, 0x Rio Fluoro-Flex Plus is 14lb test so you can land a big fish fast or rip down a tree branch when you miss that target!

All that talk and unfortunately I must tell you again, fishing was slow. In total we landed seven fish. Four of the fish were decent with one large brown of about 20-inches. It was a gorgeous fish that Lucas caught while dredging a deep pool. One of today’s highlights was a moose that was very annoyed to see anglers floating this late in the season. With her ears back, she stood her ground as we drifted on by.

Global Fly Fishing

AEG Iceland

I like to think I'm a pretty dedicated fly fisherman, but I've gotta give these guys props because I don't think I could fish 25 straight days without catching a fish. Well done and nice fish!

Preserve fish and Aquarium Decoration

Here is a series of tips and useful guide for beginners to undergo maintenance hobby Fresh Water OrnamentalFish. Species Freshwater Ornamental Fish can live in some very long time if cared for properly. Therefore, you must have a long-term commitment before you start keeping fish or ornamental fishcultivation.

Here are the steps you need to do before you start keeping fish or Ornamental Fish Farming:

Find information as possible before buying the fish. Consider the following factors:
How much Fresh Water Fish is when an adult and if you have an aquarium large enough to accommodate the body size of Ornamental Fish as an adult.

Find out about the water temperature, pH range and so on. What kind of food you eat fish
Temperament species of FreshwaterFish. Are certain species suitable for fish, coupled with your existing or want to maintain in the future. This factor is often overlooked by penghobist.

Is the species you will be able to keep the breed quickly? If so, do you have the equipment at the time of breeding fish? (find unique ornamental fish and cheaper in the store Ornamental Fish Selling & SellFish)

Do fish to be purchased susceptible to certain diseases?
Buy a fish tank as big as possible in accordance with the budget and space you have. Aquarium Fish Farming Ornamental major cause of water in the aquarium more stable. For example, if the heating temperature is broken, and the shops were closed, the water temperature will be more stable in a large aquarium.

Learn about the aquarium nitrogen cycle. This important process you must understand if you want to succeed in maintaining the ornamental fish freshwater.
Learn aquarium equipment before you buy.

If you love to read, buy books on freshwater fish look at the Ornamental Fish Selling & SellFish. Reading books is the fastest way to get the information you need to keep fish. Magazine subscription ornamental and aquarium fish is also one easy way to get tips and you continue to learn new things in this hobby.

Provide many hiding places for fish. Hiding places will be refuge for fish and will reduce the stress levels of fish.

Sell aquarium water test kit to monitor the aquarium nitrogen cycle (look at the aquarium equipment Fish Shop & Ornamental FishStore). You can buy a test kit to test ammonia, nitrites, nitrates and pH. You also need to test tap water when using piped water.

Do not put the aquarium in the window. Sunlight entering the tank will cause the explosion of green algae. Direct sunlight will also cause the water temperature increases in the aquarium.

Do not follow the rules 1inci fish per 1 gallon of water. A better rule is 1 inch of fish per 2-3 gallons of water.

Deklorinasi doing tap water before it is inserted into the aquarium.
Sell aquarium filter which has a cartridge, so you can replace one when it is dirty, look for ornamental fish here ikah Shops Fish & Ornamental Fish Shop.

Do not rinse the filter with tap water use in the aquarium water that you have the time to change the water filter. Kloramin in chlorine and tap water will kill the bacteria-killing nitrites and nitrates in the filter.

Sea-Run Cutthroat

So I had a few free hours last Sunday and decided to head out to the Harrison River in search of my first elusive Coho salmon. I haven't caught a coho yet, but I also haven't fished specifically for them either. So Sunday was going to be my day dedicated to catching one. Unfortunately, I got skunked...and got poured on for almost five straight hours. I did however, meet an awesome local man named Tom who let me tag along with him.

Tom has been fishing the Harrison for 25 years so I figured I lucked out getting the chance to fish with him. We fished all morning and neither one of us were able to hook up with a Coho. Apparently they have began moving up the river preparing to spawn. The Coho action was slow so we decided to target some of the smaller Sea-run cutthroat. With light tackle these fish are a blast. The best thing about them is that once they stopped biting, I tied on a different fly and lengthened my leader and it was pretty much like starting all over - the bite was on! I fished a rolled muddler minnow, an olive wooly bugger, a blue clouser, and each of them produced a number of fish. Now that salmon season is coming to an end, I think I might try to target these fish a little more...especially once the salmon eggs start washing downstream!

Aint No Lakers Here

November 10, 2009

Fishing wasn’t too great today. I took my webmaster, Ken Holder, down the South Fork. Ken works for United Airlines and is based out of the San Francisco area. He has a home in Jackson and gets out to this area about five times a year. He and I have been busting our butts on my website a few hours a day since Sunday so it’s time for a break. I never like to leave an empty seat in the boat so my friend Rob Parkins from Victor came along with us and took the backseat.

You couldn’t ask for nicer weather for mid November. It reached a high of about 45, there was no wind and it was partly sunny. Perhaps that’s why fishing wasn’t as good as yesterday, and remember, we didn’t try too hard yesterday but still caught fish.

The first run from the Husky boat ramp to the rapid was nearly dead. I always boat a few fish here. In fact, yesterday we caught five fish in this run. However, today the one fish we did catch was unique for this river - a lake trout. Yes a lake trout! In all my years on the South Fork that was only the second one I’ve seen there.

This was my treat to Ken for all his hard work on my website so I chose to row most of the day. Although Rob would have been happy to share the rowing duty, I only had him relieve me for about an hour towards the end. All I wanted was few casts and a fish. Overall we landed about eight fish. Seven of them were cutthroat and one rainbow.

Despite the slow fishing it was a great day to get out. Any day your guides don’t freeze in November is a treat. Our days are numbered now as we all know the ground will soon be snow covered, high temps will be below freezing and the rivers will be close to frozen.

Mouse Patterns???

This is a trailer for the video that won the 2009 Drake Flyfishing video contest. Well deserved!

Sweating to Shivering, Home Sweet Home

November 9, 2009

It’s hard to believe you can go from casting barefoot on a beach in Mexico to barely squeezing into your waders because you have on two pairs of long underwear and the thickest fleece pants you own. But in the world of jets it happens all the time. In less than 48 hours I experienced such a scenario. In fact, the shock caused me to freeze my butt off today!

It was our end of the year Jack Dennis Fly Shop employees & gguides party, a favorite event. We float the South Fork of the Snake River in Idaho. Jack Dennis buys us a huge breakfast at the Angus in Swan Valley, Idaho and all the beer for the day on the river! What a guy! And let me tell you, we do eat big and drink a lot of beer.

I’m not sure if fishing was just so so or if we just didn’t fish hard enough. I’m thinking the latter because we literally drift fished the first two miles of the upper South Fork then tied all our boats together, put our feet up and drank beers and smoked cigars. It doesn’t get any better. When we did take time to fish we threw streamers. I like my 6-weight with the Rio Aqualux Intermediate Line with multiple flies. I always have an olive Kiwi Muddler and a small wooly bugger attached to a long flouro leader. Even though it wasn’t about the fishing, we nailed a few. I would guess our boat landed a dozen fish. It was a nice mix of cutthroats, rainbows and browns. Home sweet home again!

Global Fly Fishing Web Site

East Cape Relaxation Day & Cool Species

November 7, 2009

There’s nothing like a day fishing solo on water you’ve never fished before. Today was nearly exactly that. I say nearly because I did have a driver today to run me from my hotel in Cabo to a couple spots up the East Cape. But this person, Iban, didn’t speak English or fish for that matter. He just kicked back and watched me fish. Oh, and took a couple photos for me!

The day started early with a long ride north up the East Cape towards Los Barrilles. I have fished up here before, but today we were trying some new beaches recommended to me. When we arrived at the first beach I thought I went to heaven. Compared to yesterday where the surf and wind beat me to death, this place was calm and surf was nearly nonexistent. I strung up my 10-weight Ross fly rod and reel with a Rio Saltwater Tropical Intermediate line and a big popper. You may wonder why not a floating line for popper fishing. The answer is, in the surf with the waves, if you use a floating line, your popper just kind of jumps from wave top to wave top. An intermediate line helps keep the popper on the water. If your popper was small than the intermediate line likely would sink it, but in the tropics I almost always use big poppers because I’m hoping for big fish like jacks and roosterfish depending on my location.

I made my first cast right about where we parked the truck and started working my way up the beach. I had a landmark of a jetty about a mile away that I planned to fish my way to. On my first cast I had a nice roosterfish chase my popper to my feet. Which brings up a point, to those new to roosterfishing, don’t let the roosters see you. I like to back up while I’m retrieving my fly so by the time my fly reaches the beach I’m well out of sight. I even get into a crouch like I’m stalking a trout on a spring creek when a fish is following. If they see you standing there forget it! I made several more cast the direction the big fish came from but he was gone. With the exception of a baby rooster and a few small Pacific Jack Crevalles, my efforts went unanswered.

After about two hours I reached the jetty I’d seen from the start. I poppered the water thoroughly then changed my rig. I strung up my 8-weight with a Rio Deep Sea 200gr line. This line has a 26ft sink tip that with a Clouser tied on gets me down deep. On my first cast I landed another peanut of a roosterfish followed by a handful of jacks (both crevalles and greens). It was a blast after the slow beach walk. When I reached the end of the jetty I let the fly sink deep and caught a beautiful Pacific Dog Snapper. The next cast produced the unusual look down fish. Not only did I catch this one, but I caught one on my next twenty casts!

I played around the beaches of the East Cape until I couldn’t see anymore today. I continued to pick up an array of species while switching back and forth from my popper to the Clouser Minnow. What a fantastic day and a great way to end a Baja adventure!

Global Fly Fishing Web Site

Sand, Crabs and Cool Surf Fish

November 5, 2009

Sam Vigneri and I are still in Baja. Our attempt to catch a marlin ended yesterday and today we rested up by sleeping in until about 7am. Once awake, we headed to Todos Santos to have breakfast with Grant Hartman and his wife Giselle. After the superb Mexican meal, they spent the day relaxing while Sammy and I opted to chuck flies in the Pacific surf.

Grant gave us excellent instructions as to where we may find a few fish. At our first stop we wandered out on to the beach and sized up the fishing challenges. It was simple, the breaking surf was huge and the tide was just beginning to drop. Fly fishing the surf is one of the most difficult forms of fly fishing there is. You almost always have a strong wind blowing directly in your face making it difficult to cast. Crashing waves make it even more difficult by not only taxing your ability to physically stand without being swept out to sea, but also play havoc with your fly line. It’s simple, as you strip line down on the beach while retrieving your fly; waves roll up the beach and wash the line away. As you go to make the next cast, it’s hard to shoot the line because it is getting sucked out to sea by waves. Toss in the fact that your line is gritted up with sand and you can hardly get the fly out there!

A couple tricks that work for me are first off, use a stripping basket. Stripping baskets strap around your waist and rather than stripping line on to the beach, you strip it into the basket. By doing so you don’t have to fight the waves when you go to shoot a cast and you will get a lot less sand on the fly line allowing it to slide through the guides much easier. In addition to the basket, I like to use a 9½ foot long rod. The extra 6-inches helps elevate my backcast over the top of a steep beach. Most of the beaches along the Pacific Ocean are steep and today was no exception.

Four hours into our fishing we were absolutely getting our butts kicked. Neither of us had a strike. We where exhausted, soaking wet and had plenty of sand in our hair and everywhere else you can think of. Worst of all, we completely lost our confidence. Sometimes the surf appears so inhospitable that you just can’t imagine fish live in it!

We kicked back and had some fun catching a few crabs. While doing so I noticed some rocks becoming exposed from the dropping tide. Sam and I both agreed the rocks looked worthy of a few casts so we put on the old Clouser Minnows and placed some casts around the rocks. I picked up a croaker on my first cast then next cast another. I think they were yellowfin croakers, but any verification would be appreciated. I called Sammy over and as I took pics of my second croaker he hooked into something different. It actually put up a heck of a fight. I think it’s some sort of surf perch. I plan to research it this week but if you know please tell me.

Sammy and I had a great week despite challenging fishing. It’s always good to spend time with old friends and that we did. Sammy and I fished until sunset and tomorrow he will head back to Wyoming. I have one last day and will solo the beaches of the East Cape.

Global Fly Fishing Web Site

No Naps, There's a Marlin Out Here

November 4, 2009

Today was Sammy’s and my last attempt at a marlin on the fly with Grant Hartman. As planned we left Cabo Harbor early and traveled up the Pacific side of Baja for over an hour. Then we pointed our bow out to sea and started dragging our hookless teasers. We expected a weather change of wind and clouds today, but instead it was exactly like the previous two days, calm rolling seas with hardly a cloud in sight. Figuring a change in weather was needed to get the marlin feeding meant to me that we would not find our prize.

Unfortunately I was correct and in fact, even the dorado didn’t show up. It was simply a brutal day and at 3pm the hum of the motors and lack of action had us all borderline insane. What such a day does to me is make me eat excessively and take numerous naps. Thank God we didn’t have a case of beer or I’d of probably drank it all!

In order not to go crazy Grant, Sammy and I were swapping stories. I was well into my “tiger story” when while gazing out to sea over Grants shoulder I saw just the tip of a marlin tail 50ft away. As I jumped up to confirm my sighting a wave rolled just right that I could see the whole magnificent fish beneath the surface, it was indeed a marlin. It took the boys a few more waves to get the view I had, but when everyone confirmed we had a marlin in range they jumped into action. Let me make this clear, this was not an active marlin in our teasers, but rather a sleeping marlin on the surface. While Grant began to circle the great fish with the boat hoping he would charge a teaser, our mate Arturo launched a live bridled hookless skipjack the marlins direction attached to a large spin rod. He let it sink, but the marlin ignored the treat. After several attempts the marlin sank from sight. Sure enough within seconds a tug of war was on as the marlin tried to take the live skipjack from Arturo.

This marlin was by no means the aggressive one we needed. Arturo easily pulled the skipjack away several times before at last he was behind the boat. I was fully ready and launched the 8” tandom-hooked 6/0 popper at the marlin. By now he was fully identified as a striped marlin of about 130 pounds, a perfect candidate to test my new Ross Momentum LT #8 reel. By now Arturo had yanked the skipjack out of the water and we hoped the marlin would think my fly was it. Unfortunately, this billfish was smart and expressed little interest. He false charged my fly twice before disappearing to the deep.

My heart was pounding as Arturo tossed the skipjack back out several times with no response. Then suddenly the marlin appeared on the surface again. We motored his direction and Arturo cast the skipjack right at him. The problem was it was over the marlin and the line crossed his back. This evidently scared the living crap out of that marlin and he took off gray-hounding as if he was hooked. That was it. That big boy was a mile deep after that. We dragged the teasers through the area for two more hours but nothing. No marlin this trip.

Global Fly Fishing Web Site