Let's Not Forget the Trusty Kayak...

A couple of years ago I asked my wife if I could get a Kayak or canoe for our anniversary. Because she is the greatest wife in the world, she not only obliged me but she got one of the best you can get: an Old Town Twin Otter.

For a fat guy like me who needs all the exercise he can get, I have to tell you that paddling around in this Mercedes of the waters is a wonderful way to put the arms, back and chest through their paces. And I've just started fishing from it. There is something about being two inches from the water line, no motor, just me, my fishing pole and paddle that is, well, is truly relaxing and takes me away from it all.  And of all the times I've gone kayaking, I think the best was outside of Monterey, California on the ocean with sea otters swimming around us.  Incredible.
But there seems to be as many types of kayaks as there are automobiles in the world and find the right one for you can be daunting. There are those types that you see folks shooting through or over rapids (not for me) and there are the little ones where the single paddler seems implanted into the body of kayak but is peddling slow and steady, taking it all in.

I hunted around the Internet for a couple of weeks and came up with my choice.  May not be for everyone but I found it a great and easy way to get into kayaking.   A couple of good sites to learn more about kayaks are here: Kayakonline.com or Paddling.net or perhaps the best of all smart-start-kayaking.com which really breaks it down for the beginner (without trying to sell them everything).

Belize and an Ocean of Bonefish...

I'm really looking forward to going here in Belize and staying at the El Pescador Resort  in August. Yes, it will be hotter than hell but it is a beautiful resort and the fishing will be amazing. Bonefish, Tarpin and a host of other species. You'll be getting my report when I return -- and I'll share with you how I'm going to plan for the trip (equipment, clothes, etc.). Should be a tremendous learing experience for me and maybe helpful to you.

Where to Fly Fish?

http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/fishing/regional/fishresources/coldwater.html#rainbow
If you are wondering where to fly fish, I have found there are lots of places to go fly fishing just about wherever you may live. But I have to admit I also like to think and dream big. A couple of years ago, I was wandering around a used book store (a habit I can't seem to break) and came across Fifty Places to Fly Fish Before You Die by Chris Santella (Stewart,Tabori and Chang,2004).

It is a wonderful book written by some of the best guides in the world describing their favorite places to cast the magic flies. A fun read, a great addition to the coffee table and most of all, a wonderful way to engage friends and family in the joys of travel and fly fishing. And this August I am going to my first spot in the book! One down, 49 to go!

Welcome!

This blog is dedicated to the guy and gal who likes to fish, shoot and enjoy the great outdoors - but is closer to being the beginner than the expert guide. I'm learning as I go and hope this blog can help you learn, too.