Fish 0 Stag 1

When I was out on the river, splashing in the distance caught my eye as a Red Stag was galloping full steam across the river towards me. He stopped mid river and stared at me, then turned back and continued up the far bank. It's not so common to see these guys when your fishing, but in April during the roar anything is possible. What a sight!

JAPAN

Yep!

Mr. Kato's backwater Fly Store "Dusk" and top customers.

Mr. Kato admires Noriko's creation.

Mr. Yoshida - Bamboo Rod Builder.

Amago.

Hitch'n a ride.

Beautiful Japan - Countryside.

The approach - #3 weight rods and gentle casting.

Nature's fridge.

Lunch.

Fish'n Buddies.

Man-made obstacles.

HANG ON A MINUTE MATE!

House size boulders with deathly vertical drops, cheap slippery trekking shoes and a light weight tippet had my mate doing the crab-walk as he tried to navigate his way closer to the water to land his catch. I'm pleased to say that he didn't come to any slippery demise and the fish was eventually landed and released, not before a frenzied mob of eels came in for a closer look. I've never heard of a nest of eels but if there is such a thing this was definitely it.

A week later I went back and fished a few eels out for a feed. There were literally 30 in this small area and some were at least 15cm across the back, with a metre of 40lb line, a hook and a bit of beef, I could chose the ones I wanted by just dangling it infront of there mouths. Messy to prepare, but good to eat!

Com'on its Hopper Time!

fish were missing tabs... probably damaged when they were small fellows.

Rock hopping again!

The double foam strip with the yellow on top is easy to see.

Had some fun on some big foam hoppers. I use a really small gape long shank hook by Daichi, which in my mind is harder for the fish to see. Most people here use massive hooks for hoppers, there's no need and they only put fish down. Boy do they eye-ball them before they take. I used red deer hair which is common around here, for the wing. It's very stiff and can survive a real thrashing. I was impressed with it. When tying it in it flares out if you over tighten it. To get around that I just use glue to do the rest.

New Year Fish'n and Fun

The peat stained water brings out the red spots beautifully on this Brownie.

Getting through the weed, Dad waits for the slurp!

A little patience pays off...

The rabbits have been chased, the sheep surveyed. Now it's time for a break.

Wish it was mine...

A new location.... wonder what's in here?

Ashley keeping an eye on the fishing.

Take your pick of leader destroyers.

The New Year brought its weather challenges. The rain came from every direction. Dad's more of a fair weather fisherman so we sat it out and waited for some better weather. And when the sun finally poked through, we fished up a storm!

Merry Christmas

It must be that time again, the Christmas lillies are out and fill the room with their heady aromatic fragrance. Just finishing off a few more damsel nymphs in preparation for some lake action. Thanks for visiting my blog and keep watching out for some movies after this holiday. Have a good Christmas and for anyone in the Northern Hemisphere I'm feeling for ya!

Hentai-ing

Straight from the dark side of tying, Nagoya, Japan comes a new pattern inspired by the anime classic Cutey Honey. A voluptous monster slayer who reveals her breasts as she changes into a costume that matches her cheeky mood. Tied on a longshank #14 using glo-bug yarn, melted mono and a touch of pink paint. Most fishers are surprised to hear that this perky pattern is an emerger designed to bring 'em up off the bottom!

Special thanks to creative genius, Daisuke and also the creators of Cutey Honey for providing the inspiration. Daisuke is currently working on a more technically challenging design.