New purchase: Emberlit

Just got this a few days ago. Haven't had a chance to try it out yet but have had it assembled and like how well it is built. Can't wait to get a fire going in it.

Esee Laser Strike

Just picked up an Esee Laser Strike. Haven't given it a complete workout yet but I do like the feel of it so far. Watch for a review after I've had time to put it through its paces.

Lessons from my first wading trip

I need to start this by saying that I've never fished for trout and I've never wade fished. I have fished moving water before but only from the bank.

This fall I tried trout fishing in the Smoky Mountains for the first time. Having only one morning to fish, I was really putting myself at a disadvantage from the start. Mix in never having trout fished, nor waded and ultra clear water and you are really at a disadvantage.

I knew going in that my best bet would be to stop by the local fly shop in Gatlingburg, The Smoky Mountain Angler. Hiring a guide wasn't in the budget this trip but they were super nice in the shop and gave me a few ideas of places to try and flies to try.

I hit the water in front of my resort on Friday. Thursday is stocking day for the City of Gatlinburg, so I was hoping to at least hook a stocked rainbow that might have gotten washed down the river.

Finding a spot to safely drop into the river proved to be a little difficult. The banks along that section were pretty steep but I finally found a spot and made my way into the river.

I had gotten up before sunrise so I could be in the water right as the sun was coming up and hopefully avoid any crowds. That plan worked. There was only one other fisherman down river from me.

I slowly made my way along the waters edge over the slick rocks and eventually made my way across to the other side as to have more room to cast.

After a couple casts, I realized that I was standing in the water right next to a large rainbow trout. I knew I had probably spooked it at that point but decided to cast for it anyway as it moved up and down the river. In the process I hooked a tree branch with my fly.
That's when it happened.... I turned to try to unhook my fly. The branch broke. Down I went. In came the water over the top of my waders.
I hurried to stand up as the current tried to push me under and down the river. Luckily I was near the edge and was able to get up before my waders gathered much water. The rest of the morning was uneventful. Being soaked made for some chilly fishing but not terrible. I didn't get cold until I started my fishless walk back to my resort, which fortunately for me, was just across the road.
I did learn a few things though.

• I don't like strike indicators
• Always wear a wading belt. That slowed the water down and kept it from pouring full force into my waders.
• Always tell someone where you are going.
• If you are new to wade fishing, don't wade alone. I made the mistake but was lucky and able to get myself out of trouble.
• Learn to read the water.
• Stay out of the deep, swift stuff.
• Rocks are slick even with spiked wading boots.
• There is always a tree that will try to eat your fly.
• Carry an emergency kit on you. Preferably water proof. I have a small personal survival kit in my fly fishing chest pack.
• Enjoy your surroundings regardless if you catch a fish. Having a large trout swimming next to me was cool even if I didn't get a bite.
• Make safety your number one priority.
• Consider taking someone with you who knows the water you will be wading.

Stay safe out there and enjoy your time. If you have any tips or stories of mishaps during your adventures, tell us about them below.

New EDC item

I picked up this little EDC item yesterday. Actually, I originally picked it up at the request of my wife but since they were so cheap I grabbed myself one to try out. Not like I really needed another knife, but I thought it might be handy. I'll let you know how it works out after I've had a chance to carry it for a while.

Hand drill friction fire fail

I recently attempted my starting my first fire by friction with a hand drill set I made. My first attempts with the set have been a failure. I only know how friction fire is done in theory so this is a learning experience for me.

My first attempts have been using a cedar hearth board and cedar spindle. The wood heats up and I can get a little bit of smoke but the tree I cut it from was still a little green which I think is my problem.

I recently made a new set from tulip poplar that had fallen quite some time ago. The center of the wood was still pretty wet to the touch so I'm in the process of letting it dry some.

Finding suitable wood for a friction fire and being able to actually start a fire that way are the reasons I would never rely on it as my primary method of making fire.

I prefer to strike a ferro rod with the spine of my knife.

What is your preferred fire making method?

What am I doing wrong when trying to build a friction fire?

Let me know in the comments below and I will keep you up to date on my progress.

Review: Esee Izula

 

I recently decided to pick up an ESEE Knives Izula. I had been looking at them for a while and kept putting off actually getting one. Let me just say, I'm glad I finally did. It's already been getting used quite a bit. Specs for the knife are:

Overall Length: 6.25"

Blade Length: 2.63"
Thickness: .156"
Steel: 1095 Carbon
Weight: 2.0 Oz. w/o Sheath 
Finish: Textured Powder Coat (Carbon Steel Models)
Grind: Flat

Pommel: Carabiner Hole 

Sheath: Molded Plastic

I decided to go with the Izula rather than the Izula II because, it was cheaper and it was a 1/2 inch shorter which would allow me to conceal the knife better for when I wanted to do so.

At first glance, I didn't really care much for the looks of the sheath. It looks a little cheap, but it does do its job. It holds the knife without it falling out. The sheath is light weight and holds the knife well inverted, which is how most people will carry the knife if they are wearing it as a neck knife.

That being said, the knife carries well as a neck knife. I think I may still prefer my CRKT Minimalist for a neck knife but the Izula wins the tough knife contest hands down.

The first test for my Izula came in the form of battoning firewood for a small bonfire. I was able to quickly batton the wood into nice sized kindling to start a fire and the knife was none the worse for were. The edge held its sharpness and I still have yet to touch it up.

I really like the knife for belt carry under a shirt. It is hardly noticeable except for the occasional poke in the ribs while driving, which I mostly attribute to a few extra pounds on my part.

The sheath for the knife works well for what it is but there are some better looking aftermarket sheaths out there for the Izula. I may invest in a different sheath later but as of now the factory sheath works fine for me.

My kit was missing two small washers needed to attach the belt clip but that is no fault of Esee. The shipping bag had a tiny cut in it and I didn't notice it until after later, so they probably fell out at some point without me noticing. Nothing that couldn't be remedied with a quick stop in Lowe's to pick up a couple washers.

Other items in the kit included a small magnesium fire starter and ferro rod, whistle, paracord, cord lock, clip, and a couple of key rings to attach the items together.

Overall I really love this knife and feel the kit is a solid value. It will be getting lots of use and I look for it to give me many years of service.

Now having owned my first Esee knife I can see another Esee in my near future. I'm really liking the looks of the Esee 6 and I can say with almost 100% certainty that I will own one soon.

First catfish on fly rod, Bluegill Spawn and Bully's Bluegill Spider

The first full moon of May means that the bluegill are spawning and on the nests. I took advantage of that to get out with the fly rod and get a mess of bluegill for the freezer. Ended up getting a crappie that day and my first catfish on the fly rod. The catfish wasn't huge but at a couple pound put a nice bend in my 5 wt. My fly of choice for the day that seemed to be getting the most bites was Bully's Bluegill Spider.

Fishing Hole Scouting

Hunters scout their hunting spots quite frequently but it's not often I hear of anglers scouting a fishing spot. Scouting new fishing holes is something I've been doing more of lately. If I hear of a possibly good fishing spot while frequenting the local bait shop or even while fishing one of my regular spots I usually follow up by scouting the location.
Many times I will check with locals in that area first to find out the exact location and then I will check out satellite maps and gps coordinates before scouting it in person.
A few weeks ago I scouted a section of a local creek that is stocked with trout and musky. Now I have a plan for that creek in mind when I get a chance to fish it.
Today I scouted two holes on another section of creek for parking and bank and wading access.
I've also been looking at satellite maps of another creek for a white bass spawn.
I feel that simple things like scouting the location ahead of time make for a better fishing experience. Also getting permission from landowners ahead of time can make things go much smoother when you do get a chance to get out fishing. Doing your homework ahead of time means more time spent on the water fishing, so get out and scout those spots.

Fly Fishing for Musky

After finding out that a local creek is home to musky, I've had the urge to fish for them on the fly rod. I'll be using an 8wt Temple Fork TICR-X which is a little on the light side to throw musky flies but at the distance I will be working this particular creek I should be fine. Right now I'm researching musky fishing on the fly so if anyone out that has any tips they would like to share please comment below. I'll keep everyone posted as to how my musky fishing adventure goes.

Men carry knives

I was in a Walmart earlier today and saw a grown man asking cashiers if they had scissors to cut a tag from what appeared to be a wallet. It might sound a little crazy but this makes my blood boil. A grown man had to ask for scissors because he didn't have a knife to cut a tag. He turned away from the cash register I was at before I got the chance to lecture him. What has happened to our society that a grown male no longer carries a knife? From the time my father deemed me responsible enough to carry a knife, I've carried one. My father carries one, his father carried one, his grandfather carried one. When my son is old enough he will carry a knife too. He already has one and is allowed to use it with my help. My daughter will have one too. It will more than likely be pink to match her mothers knife. Where have the grandfathers, fathers and uncles gone wrong that they are no longer teaching out youth that knives are useful tools to be carried. At least carry a small multi-tool that has scissors on it. If you have a fear of pocket knives please grow up and stop your whining. I'm certain you have far scarier knives in your kitchen. For all of you who carry knives, I beg you to reach out and teach kids to use them safely and how to sharpen them. Educate non knife carrying adults too. It's not been that many years ago that no man would have dared go out without his pocket knife. It's time to get back in touch with that part of our past.

Winter fly tying

Wapsi Perfect Popper

This winter has been too cold for me to fish for the most part. The ponds and lakes in my neck of the woods have been frozen. I could have done some ice fishing but I have never been one to trust the ice when the ponds freeze because it rarely ever gets cold enough for long enough that I would feel comfortable walking on it. What is a fisherman supposed to do when it's too cold to fish? If you like to fly fish like I do, then winter is the perfect time to tie flies. Here are some photos of some that I have been tying over the winter.

Flying Ant with Hi-vis Indicator

Yellow Butt Bream Fly

Hi-vis Parachute Adams

Simple Paracord Fly

Foam Mouse aka Rob Snowhite's Foam Depot Fly

Damsel Fly

Morrish Mouse with suede tail

Deer and Squirrel Bead Chain Clouser

Redneck version of Sawyer's Killer Bug

Foam Frog

Dedication

Decided to try out the Eagle Claw Featherlight for the first time today despite the chilly temps. Ended up with no fish and ice freezing on the guides for my efforts. Watch for a more in depth review of the featherlight and the fly line I'm using once I get a chance to fish with them some more.

Buckeye Fly Fishers Fly Fishing Show

Had a chance on the first of February to go to Loveland, Ohio for the Buckeye Fly Fishers fly fishing show. The show was really nice and as you can see from the photo, I picked up a few fly tying items and the guys at the Orvis booth hooked me up with a hat. I also picked up some casting tips that I hope to try out as soon as the weather breaks. It's definitely a show I want to hit again next year and would encourage you to do the same if you live close enough. Be sure to check out Buckeye Fly Fishers at http://www.buckeyeflyfishers.com

Base Layers

For those of you who have to work out in all types of weather like myself, this winter has been brutal. I can't stand the cold and don't like winter. Trying to stay warm can be a real challenge, especially on a budget. If you are like me and don't want to drop the hard earned cash on Under Armour or some of the other expensive base layers the you might want to give the Fruit of the Loom active collection a try. I picked them up for around $10 each and now have several pair for the cost of one pair of the more expensive brands. They do really well for me down to the single digit temps. Anything colder than that and I'm throwing on my Carhartt bibs as well.

What do you do to stay warm when faced with the brutally cold weather? Be sure to comment and let us know.

Sawyers Killer Bug, Redneck Edition

Recently when searching online for simple fly patterns I came across a pattern for Sawyer's Killer Bug. It was a proven fish catching pattern and simple to tie. The most difficult part of tying this fly was finding the correct yarn. The yarn originally used to tie the Killer Bug was discontinued many years ago and even the smallest cards of it go for absurd amounts of money, that is, if you are lucky enough to find it.

I tied up my own redneck version of this fly using jute twine, some copper wire, a hook I had and coloring it with a pink Sharpie. I had to separate the three strands of jute twine and just used a single strand so that it wasn't too think, as the original yarn used to tie this fly is fairly thin. I haven't had a chance to try it out yet because of the weather and time constraints but I think it will serve the purpose. Below is a video I found on YouTube on tying the Sawyer's Killer Bug. As always, feel free to post your comments below.

Fresh off the delivery truck

My wading boots just arrived. Now time to get them tried on and find some water for some fishing.

Waders are here

Just a quick note. Received my waders in the mail today from Cabelas. First impressions are good. Very lightweight and fit well. Thanks to Cabelas customer service for helping me get the right size. They aren't too loose and aren't too snug. They would be perfect if I drop the 5-20 pounds I really need to. Inseam is a little short but I think that may be from not having them adjusted quite right. Just waiting on my Orvis wading boots now. Also, kudos to Cabelas for the target printed inside the wader box. My 4-year-old lives it and has been shooting at it with his toy bow.

Waders and wading boots

Just ordered my first pair of waders and wading boots. Used some gift cards and found a couple sales. Looking forward to the Orvis River Guard Streamline rubber soled boots and the Cabelas Bluestream stocking foot waders I have coming. I'll be sure to post some pics and a review when they come in and I have a chance to try them out. In the mean time I'm going to be searching for local streams to wade come spring.