Honesty - what a concept!

I love fishing.  

I love cooking and baking and eating. 

I also enjoy watching a variety of cooking and fishing shows on TV and the internet.

So – when I see a combination of food and fishing TV – I get excited! 

This morning, June 28, 2014, while having breakfast, I caught an episode of “Farmhouse Rules” on Food Network TV.  

Nancy Fuller - Host "Farm House Rules"

The title was “Fly Fishing”.  I was excited! 

The cinematography was excellent and the production teased with enough trout/stream footage to keep my interest. They were fishing the Kinderhook Creek in upstate NY.  

Kinderhook Creek upstream of Hankey Mull Road

While I have not fished the Kinderhook, I have driven past it many times traveling on holidays spent with family in the NYC and CT area, and always thought I should fish there some day.

The film footage was excellent and the recipes sounded great.  However, one of the things that the star of the show, Nancy Fuller, said early in the show was something to the effect of - she hoped that if they didn't catch any trout that she would have time to buy some trout to cook for her husband David (good name) for dinner.

Well – they all got to the Kinderhook and were all fly fishing and you could tell that they all – except for Nancy, admittedly – knew what they were doing. 

I was thrilled – fishing and cooking – could it get much better!!!!  Well – a local brew or vintage would have helped!

Nancy asked for and received fly fishing help and it all looked very "Real and Honest."  TV at its finest.

And, I was happy - until the first trout was hooked.  

They pulled it up out of the water and it was very obvious that the fish was not only NOT fresh caught, but already gilled and gutted.

Then, they caught a few more – even putting some in a creel showing the tail wiggling – they did not, however,  show the head of the trout being wiggled by hand.  I’ve had some film and video producing experience and this was a very obvious “special effect” – and the trout did their own stunts!  Honestly!

More trout were caught (uh huh) – and as some were brought to net, they were spinning in circles – they looked like cut-bait herring being fished for king salmon in the Pacific ocean!

I have never caught a trout that after being hooked, eviscerated itself and started spinning.  Yet – that’s what all the trout did.  I was no longer happy.

Now, at this point, Nancy – and Nancy, I love your show – Nancy could have come clean and admitted that the fishing was TV magic and the trout were store bought trout and not caught during filming.  

She set it up early in the show!  

It could have been a highlight of the episode!

But no – not once did Nancy tell us that the trout they caught on the Kinderhook were actually from her, or Food Network’s fish monger, or local grocery store.  

The honesty would have been entertaining and refreshing.

Now - all that being said - I am still a fan of Food Network and Farm House Rules – I just hope that they are more forth-coming with the facts of the stories (especially the fishy ones) in the future. 

Nancy and David – I’d love to see you on the water!

Dave

So Near and Yet So Far

As I was sitting there at the window table with crisp white tablecloth, white plates, elegant silverware and a glass of ice water because they couldn't serve wine until noon, my thoughts drifted to the expanse of water just beyond the window and I thought 

“So near and yet so far”.  

A thought that may have crossed many minds under many different circumstances – 

some classic – some not so much.

The Classics -

#1 - “So Near Yet SoFar (1912)”

Movie by DW Griffith

Starring: Mary Pickford

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5NcEOifqOk

#2 - "So Near and Yet So Far" –  a song written by Cole Porter, for the 1941 film You'll Never Get Rich, where it was introduced by Fred Astaire singing to Rita Hayworth.

#3 - "So Near and Yet So Far" was later recorded by Ella Fitzgerald on her 

“Dream Dancing” album with Cole Porter.

You can hear Ella by clicking here.  

Classic – not so much?  

MY

“So Near and Yet So Far”

Fishing on Easter weekend 2014

My wife started a tradition when we got married back in 1975 for us to spend Easter weekend with her Mother and Sister and the entire contingent of relatives.  That contingent grew over the years, and even with a hiatus when we moved to the west coast, it was very easy to pick it up when we moved back to the east side of the country.  

However, we were still about 7 hours away by car – but much better than the flight from Oregon or California.

Easter weekend, along with Easter Mass, always included lots of food and beverage and fun and conversation, but with the East Branch of the Croton River – my favorite trout stream – being just a few miles from the festivities, I started a tradition of my own – fishing the East branch of the Croton River on Easter Weekend!  (see my post "Another East Branch Easter" on 4/8/13)

I figured I wouldn't be missed and I could still hear most of the conversation while fishing 12 miles away.

But, traditions evolve, and this Easter, we – my wife and eldest daughter – spent Easter weekend with my youngest daughter in New York City where she lives and works.  One of the cool (do people still say “cool”?) things is that her apartment is only a few blocks from my first apartment in New York City on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.  As I mentioned, changing traditions is not a slam dunk, they evolve, so we were fortunate to have dinner on Good Friday in the City with Denise, Nicole, James and Kellen.

I don’t get to the City often, but over the past 24 or so years, it still looks very much the same, even with all the construction and renovation – the charm and excitement and neighborhood feel and pace of life, remain intact. 

And, as the old ad campaign stated – I Love (heart) NY (city and state).  

But I also love to fish, and this Easter had all the earmarks of being a fishless weekend.  

But, I also love my daughters and wife and knew we’d have a great time – regardless of how fishless it might be!  

Lottsa Love goin’ on here!

This Easter would be the first since leaving the west coast that I didn't pack 3 – 5 rods and reels and waders and boots and vests – and…well you get the picture.  I only brought one rod and reel.  The 9’ IM6 4 weight I built for James.

It was his 2013 Christmas present from my family – better late than never…I hope.

From Friday night at Nick's Family-Style Restaurant and Pizzeria on the upper east side, to Saturday breakfast at Bagel Bob’s and Lunch at the Former “Honey’s” in Croton-on Hudson, to dinner back in the city at Beyogula, every meal was delicious and very special.  But, Easter Sunday brunch topped them all. 

By 11:20 am I found myself sitting in a Boathouse, a mere 6’ from a picturesque lake on a beautiful sunny day.  From my vantage point I could see a rocky shoreline blending into a wooded landscape with granite outcroppings that curved gently out of sight only to come back into view on the far side of the lake with a breathtaking backdrop.

At any one time there were 5 to 15 rowboats in view plying the water.  Each searching for their own perfect day, then suddenly this peaceful scene was kicked to the sidelines – 

 – a huge golden image inches under the surface swam toward me as if on a mission, breaking the lake’s glass-like surface then plunging to the depths,  only to surface again –  out of range.

Not the best visibility, but it was BIG.  

This finny friend was followed by the biggest snapping turtle I’ve ever seen!  The shell was at least 24 – 28 inches long and with the long neck and tail it covered close to four feet in length. 

The snapper was followed by several more fish in the 10-15 pound range – teasing me! 

I reached for a suitable fly to tie on and then realized that while I was so near to the fish, I was yet so far from being able to make even one cast!  I didn't have any equipment!  

And, even if I had a rod, I was separated from the lake by a wall of glass!   Another month and the glass wall would fold to the side and provide open air dining, and a little casting room!

I'm sure you realize by now that I was not at a wilderness lake.  The Boathouse and lake were in New York City’s famed Central Park.  

To see more click Boathouse Restaurant Photos:

And while I didn't catch any fish I was able to order a fish – cod to be exact.  

Delicious - even if I didn't catch it myself.

And, after brunch I found more NYC fish, this time at a fish market.  Part of their incredible array of food were some interesting fish selections – including:

“Wild Pike” at $9.99/lb. 

Those are not wild pike - even the one on top

THESE are wild pike - Walleye to be more specific.

So, on the drive home as the sun set on our Easter weekend, I had to admit that I had a really great time in NYC with my family.  

Sunset in Pennsylvania on the way home.

And, while I was not able to catch anything, I was able to help my daughter Meghan make a catch.  

A small furry one.  

In her apartment.  

She trapped it with the duct tape I gave her.  

I think I’ll design a fly after it and name it after her!  

But, that’s another story.

See you on the water!

And NOT behind glass!

Dave

What’s your Favorite Wine?

Actually, I have three Favorite wines:

Red, White and “I want to go Fishing!”

I guess that last wine is more of a whine than a wine, but according to my wife, that’s the one I indulge in the most!

And who can blame me?  

I suppose I should take my own advice and have patience, 

but sometimes you just need a good w(h)ine!

After all, there’s world class fishing surrounding me from Lake Erie for Smallmouth Bass and Walleye to Niagara River Steelhead, Salmon, Lakers, and Browns, Cattaraugus Creek for Steelhead and Smallmouth Bass in the lower Cat and Rainbow and Brown Trout in the upper Cat, Oak Orchard Creek for Steelhead and Browns, and many lakes, ponds and trout streams!

It’s much easier finding wine than finding time.

But, I do enjoy a glass of red or white on occasion – before, after, and during fishing trips – and, I can identify with fine wine, aged to perfection – at least something gets better with age.

And, as I always say, “I drink no wine before it’s time – and, it’s time!"  I saw that on a bar towel.

If the letters look fuzzy - it's time to STOP drinking wine!

Speaking of time, it’s time I got to the point.  

While shopping for wine one day I started to notice that there were quite a few wines that had a fishing theme.  So, I got out my cell phone and took a few pictures to share with you.

OK - no fish in the name - however, as a fly tier, Feathers are a major component for
tying flies that you fish with to catch fish that...well, you know.

And, along with the wine, I also found some other beverages with a fishy theme.

My Dad was a sailor and he liked to fish!

I might fish with this  - but for this - no.

Always nice to have a fishing buddy!

And, a champagne toast to close.  And, it’s on SALE!

For you Iron Chef fans - Salmon champagne goes great with trout eyeball ice cream!

However, I’m more of a beer guy than a wine guy, so now, I’m going shopping for fishy Beer, but my wife will assure you that I’ll never give up my favorite whine!

Everybody!

say it with me – 

"I want to go Fishing!"

See you on the Water!

Dave

Tribute to Patience

What’s that old saying about patience? 

“Patience is a virtue, possess it if you can.

Never in a woman, seldom in a man.”

I’m sure there are other versions, but, the point is, it’s not easy to have patience.

There’s a local radio station that has a daily contest where the caller needs to name five items in the category of the day in 30 seconds.  It could be naming five songs by a particular artist, five things in Thanksgiving dinner, names of your five fingers, five things found in a tackle box and so on.

After fishing for most of my life, I thought that they might ask a caller to name five activities or situations that require patience.  Waiting for 5:00pm Monday – Friday is one that’s on my list - Waiting for Friday as well.  Waiting for water to boil, Christmas, summer, Opening day of trout season, most anything to do with family  – I guess I’d win the contest easily.

Fishing, of course is an obvious choice.  My biggest challenge about being patient in a fishing context is waiting to actually “go” fishing.  I don’t have nearly enough opportunities and get impatient waiting and grouchy if the day I get to go has a howling blizzard or thunderstorms with solid rain.

Blizzard of  2014 ruined a winter steelhead trip

May 2013 - I'll fish in a lot of bad weather, but Hail NO!

It also takes patience to wait for that bump on your line that tells you a trout just bit, or watching a trout rise to a dry fly and having the patience to wait until it closes its mouth before setting the hook.

East Branch Rainbow on a DFB Con Fly

East Branch Brown on the same DFB Con Fly

Another thing that requires patience is building fishing rods.  It’s a very detailed process and care needs to be taken every step of the way.  

But, it also takes patience when someone gives you a photo of a rod blank and says “Merry Christmas!” 

That’s exactly what my two daughters, wife and I did to James.  When I planned his Christmas gift back in the Fall of 2013, I thought I’d have plenty of time to build it before Christmas, but I didn't count on stuff that just happens and takes up time.  But, it is now complete as evidenced by the following photos.

On the Drying Rack

4 piece, 4 wt., IM6 Graphite, Translucent Grey Blank

Black wrapped guides with red highlights on the ferrules

Rosewood Burl and Titanium Reel seat

Now I just have to figure out how to get it to him – patience, James, again!

See you on the water!

Dave

Since September – A Lot’s gone under the Bridge

My last post was way back in September.  A lot has happened since then.  

Some good, some not so good.  

Fishing activity was very limited.  I tried to get out a couple of times but I just wasn't in the right place at the right time.

I pass it everyday and fished it a couple of times so I thought - why not today?

It only took a glance to answer that question - Chocolate River -
even the graffiti looked better than the high muddy water.

October wasn’t totally fishless.  However, it was definitely a fish of a different color – orange – or more specifically - “pumpkin.”  I saw a photo of a scene from Finding Nemo 2 and I thought that it might be something I could turn into a Halloween jack o’ lantern. 

My rendition is not really close to the original, but it was fun to carve.

Back to fishing stuff!

I was able to find the time to build another fly rod last fall – a 12’, 7 weight Spey rod.  Here are a few photos of its construction:

Handle in my handmade handle vice

Starting the wrap - two-tone brown on an Olive blank

Wrap finished and Flex Coat finish applied and on the drying rack - all 12 feet!

Finished product!  Looks really great in the sunlight - better on the river - I bet!

I have yet to test it on the water, but Spring is just around the corner and the Steelhead will be staging soon to run up and grab a few of my DFB flies. I CAN HARDLY WAIT!!!!!!

I also have 6 more rods in the Queue – I just need the time to build!

My last fishing foray was back at my favorite trout stream, the East Branch of the Croton River the day after Thanksgiving.  As you know, I always try to get back to the East Branch when we visit relatives for the holidays.  This time it was, as I mentioned, Thanksgiving.

I knew there were fish in my future – the signs were everywhere – even in the Thruway rest areas on the drive down.  Here are some of the displays in the rest stops.

Then, once in CT – there was the food and fun – and for me the fun included the fish!

Food, as always, was outstanding.  And this time I managed to contribute a bit with some help. And the two who helped me were Nona and my Mom.

The feast was held at Janet and Nona’s house.  And it was truly a feast.  Along with the Turkey and fixins, there was the antipasto – a meal in itself.  This time, I was called on to pinch hit for Nona with Roasted Peppers.  With Nona’s recipe and calling on the Italian 25% of my heritage, I managed to pull off a respectable bowl of roasted red peppers.

Stage 1 - pick the best peps you can

Stage 2 - Need a good FAST char - too long in the heat turns the meat to mush

Stage 3 - no skin, no seeds, NO rinse = great flavor

Stage 4 - Some like to leave them in big chunks - I prefer the thin slices that let the seasoning seep deep

Stage 5 - Finished peppers ready for a crusty piece of bread, fresh mozzarella, and a touch of balsamic glaze -
Thank you, Nona!

And, after the Turkey bones were picked clean, I took the carcass and with my Mom’s recipe and some spices and celery, carrots and onions made turkey noodle soup for the next day.

Everybody in the pool!

Hand needed, hand rolled paper thin and  hand cut -
I watched my Mom do this many many times -
 she made it look easy - it's NOT!

Not as good as Mom's, but not too shabby -
Thank you, Mom!

But, the food highlight for me came a week later at home when I was able to feast on Janet’s Eggplant – again.  

Simply the Best!
Thank you ,Janet!

She’s been very kind over the years by giving me my favorite dish of all time to take home to enjoy later.  And this time, it was extra special because she included a jar of her incredible sauce – it could make my 10 year old Topsiders taste good!  

But - Back to the Fish!

The Friday after Thanksgiving was very cold – high barely 30.  But the day was clear and wind free and I dressed for the cold.  The fishing was slow.  I met a few fishermen who had very little luck, but that was better than mine by late afternoon.  Then, I met an angler who told me of a spot a mile downstream that gave up 5 trout – the best I heard of that day.  He used a #14 gold ribbed hare’s ear in combination with a #20 midge pupa.

By the time the conversation ended, it was late afternoon and the sun was heading down.  I decided to take one more shot at a spot I tried last Easter.  I hooked, played and lost a nice rainbow Easter weekend 2013 and thought I’d take the hike and get in another try at the same fish.

With the sun falling fast, I got in two drifts and connected with my Easter friend.  This time, after several minutes of trying to shake the hook as she did last Easter, she let me slip a net under her and posed for a photo before she went back home.  

16" of rainbow caught on the 10'6" 5 wt. switch rod I made - made my day!

She took the Gold ribbed Hare’s ear recommended by the angler I met earlier.

I went out again the next morning to try the spot recommended to me.  

Looks like a nice day - looks, as they say, can be deceiving!

Unfortunately, while the sun was again very bright and no wind, by 10:00 am the temp had only reached 23.  My boots and waders were in the car overnight and were very solidly frozen!  It was really a challenge getting ready.  Then, my line frequently froze in the guides.  

I spent a few hours testing the new water, but got not a bite.  And the only other angler I saw was a feathered one – I hope he had better luck.

Can you see him?  He's the one wet wading in nearly freezing water.

There he is!  Great Blue Heron - stone still waiting for the moment to strike.

Here's a shot a bit closer and warmer!  This one was from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/onlineguide/
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology Online Bird Guide - it's a really great site.

But, things got really interesting later that night. 

After dinner the Saturday after Thanksgiving, my wife fell and broke her ankle in three places.  

After spending the night in the emergency room, we decided that we would not leave on Sunday as planned, but head home Monday morning and get to the Buffalo Orthopaedic Group (where my daughter Kristin works) and get set for surgery.

So, since we had to stay an extra day, my first thought was, of course, one more day to go fishing! 

No, I didn’t go – cold front still hanging around.  But my wife did tell me it would have been OK – 

I love my wife!

She’s on the mend and the rivers can’t stay frozen forever, so everything is getting back to normal – in more ways than one - 

but it will take some time and patience and understanding of the meaning of 

"family".

See you on the water!

Dave