11-07-2005, 08:56 PM
FH,
Never seen an Osprey around these ponds, though if one ever showed up he'd probably get so fat he couldn't get off the ground.[
] I'm sure you're alluding to the ease of spotting these colorful trout. They probably wouldn't last too long in more "natural" settings for that reason.
The photo essay approach does make for some interesting reading. The pictures do most of that. It's the reason that fishing magazines sell so well. If you took the pictures out of them, not many people would buy them. It also makes for a more interesting forum - which, along with his constant stream of fishing wisdom, is why Tubedude keeps this place so fascinating. I just wish more guys who post would add pictures. Digital cameras keep getting cheaper and cheaper. A 2 or 3 megapixel camera is all that's needed to post pics on the web. The bigger megapixel models work well, too. Any takers?
Back to your questions...
The club rules don't restrict us to flyfishing only. In the C&R lakes other methods are allowed as long as you use single barbless hooks with no bait and carefully release your catch. I flyfish them because most are relatively shallow so they are fairly easy to reach with either a floating line or a slow sinker. And I prefer the method whenever there is a fair chance that it will work.
Actually, I have underused my private club membership over the past several years so I'm trying to decide what I'll do about it. It runs out in December unless I renew. The club has around 25 lakes and ponds and 15-17 river locations. A guy could spend all his time on private land if he wanted to. The indecision comes from having too many other good places to fish - and also from my absolute addiction to steelhead - which takes me out of the stillwater category sometimes. Though the club's river locations see many steelhead, it's an issue of proper timing - catching the fish when they come through.
The ponds typically are stocked with standard rainbows. Because its mostly C&R the fish have a much greater opporunity to pack on the pounds, which really keeps me interested. Fish from 2-4 pounds are not uncommon. And they love to eat flies. Fishing from a float tube is perfect for fly fishing. I'd rather catch and release a 4 pound trout than catch and keep a 12 incher any day. That's not to diminish anybody who feels differently. I've had a full life of fishing with lots and lots of 12 inchers.
I guess I sound like some rich country club type dude but actually the club cost is quite reasonable - or I wouldn't be able to afford it. It's within the reach of the average working guy with an understanding wife - especially when you compare it to running all over the country in an automobile at the present gas prices.[
] (At least that's what I told Mrs. zonker.)
This ain't a commercial, so I'll shut up. I just didn't want anybody thinkin' I was a gotrocks kind of guy. I'm not.
z~
[signature]
Never seen an Osprey around these ponds, though if one ever showed up he'd probably get so fat he couldn't get off the ground.[
] I'm sure you're alluding to the ease of spotting these colorful trout. They probably wouldn't last too long in more "natural" settings for that reason. The photo essay approach does make for some interesting reading. The pictures do most of that. It's the reason that fishing magazines sell so well. If you took the pictures out of them, not many people would buy them. It also makes for a more interesting forum - which, along with his constant stream of fishing wisdom, is why Tubedude keeps this place so fascinating. I just wish more guys who post would add pictures. Digital cameras keep getting cheaper and cheaper. A 2 or 3 megapixel camera is all that's needed to post pics on the web. The bigger megapixel models work well, too. Any takers?
Back to your questions...
The club rules don't restrict us to flyfishing only. In the C&R lakes other methods are allowed as long as you use single barbless hooks with no bait and carefully release your catch. I flyfish them because most are relatively shallow so they are fairly easy to reach with either a floating line or a slow sinker. And I prefer the method whenever there is a fair chance that it will work.
Actually, I have underused my private club membership over the past several years so I'm trying to decide what I'll do about it. It runs out in December unless I renew. The club has around 25 lakes and ponds and 15-17 river locations. A guy could spend all his time on private land if he wanted to. The indecision comes from having too many other good places to fish - and also from my absolute addiction to steelhead - which takes me out of the stillwater category sometimes. Though the club's river locations see many steelhead, it's an issue of proper timing - catching the fish when they come through.
The ponds typically are stocked with standard rainbows. Because its mostly C&R the fish have a much greater opporunity to pack on the pounds, which really keeps me interested. Fish from 2-4 pounds are not uncommon. And they love to eat flies. Fishing from a float tube is perfect for fly fishing. I'd rather catch and release a 4 pound trout than catch and keep a 12 incher any day. That's not to diminish anybody who feels differently. I've had a full life of fishing with lots and lots of 12 inchers.
I guess I sound like some rich country club type dude but actually the club cost is quite reasonable - or I wouldn't be able to afford it. It's within the reach of the average working guy with an understanding wife - especially when you compare it to running all over the country in an automobile at the present gas prices.[
] (At least that's what I told Mrs. zonker.) This ain't a commercial, so I'll shut up. I just didn't want anybody thinkin' I was a gotrocks kind of guy. I'm not.
z~
[signature]