Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Striper Surf Day

Well, it's a good thing there isn't another <"p"> in the word Striper! That would make for an interesting coastal activity in CT in March!

So, some might think it is still too cold and wet to golf right now. It is never too cold to golf. Unless there is snow on the ground and the greens are covered for the winter - a common sight in New England. Golfing in the cold requires some creativity and effort - like the people in Switzerland who choose to make Snow Golf a pastime.

The other day, I was driving over the Connecticut River. Upon initial glance at the river, the <'GRINDING'> of the gears began and the churning would not stop. Look at all of that water and potentially, FISH!

The other day, I received a flyer in the mail through a bait and tackle shop I once visited in Old Say. The flyer was promoting Striper Surf Day.
Here are the details:

  • March 8th, 2008 10:00am to 4:00pm

  • River's End Tackle 440 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook
    Click here for directions

  • Live presentations, including "How to Rig an Eeel"

  • Shimano Reels will be introducing a new reel (Spheros)

  • ...and more!!!!


These events are fun because they allow you to interact with other fishing buddies and learn new things. Sometimes, you find yourself receiving an invitation to fish somewhere different. Kind of like golf - you meet someone, they play golf, and the next thing you know, you're playing at their club!

Fishing and golf are a lot alike and seem to attract a similar type of individual. A person who is at ease doing things alone or with others and is similarly comfortable with the peacefulness of each activity, respectively.

More on this later!

Friday, February 22, 2008

Fishing 101

When you started playing a sport - any sport - you were a beginner.

Just think back to your beginning days on the tennis court. Learning about deuce, scoring, foot faults, acing, lobbing, and game, set, match. When you learned how to play golf, a whole new dictionary emerged: par, bogie, eagle, birdie, bunker, drive, chip, and the list goes on. Fishing, believe it or not, doesn't really require an extensive vocabulary. It does require patience...and the possible recognition of a few things in your tackle box... like needle-nosed plyers, leaders, and a Dare Devil.

If you have never fished (or only in a derby when you were 8), the most important thing is to hope to catch nothing...zippo...nada...then, if you catch something, you will be absolutely thrilled with yourself. It is all about managing expectations!

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Fish Eye (it's a Pinot Grigio, not a sporting predicament)


Well, if you have perused the average wine shelf in a liquor store lately, you are well aware of some of the labeling of today's wines. Sadly for some, the wine is horrible but the labeling sells it.

Here are some examples:

  • Mommy's Time Out

  • Jealous Bitch

  • Fish Eye


Fish Eye is actually a fairly nice, light and crisp Pinot Grigio. The label also produces a cabernet, merlot, and a chardonnay. It is great for that summer day where you just don't want anything heavy. Believe it or not, it is offered as a boxed wine, too (which may tell you something about the quality, but it is kind of good). Did I say that about boxed wine?

Here are some of the labels that I would introduce:
  • Roe, Roe, Roe Your Boat

  • Troll in the Motor

  • Bobber, Bobber on the Pond


Of course, I'm only hoping that my non-fishing friends get these!

Friday, February 1, 2008

Castaway on Coastal Oregon


Tonight, I find myself dreaming of a cross-country road trip. I want to take my Jeep, Gertrude, to fish Coastal Oregon for Chinook and Steelhead. Drive my Jeep onto the beach, make a fire, fish all day, relax, maybe cook my catch and just hang out catching fish for a few days.

Some would argue that this sounds like a man's daydream. Stereotypes aside, it is really the dream of anyone who loves to fish. Once it is in your soul, you don't let it go.

I could stop in Washington State and pick up some trout fishing and maybe even Idaho and hit a lake or two. I'm not sure what it is about this year of my life. It feels like everything is opening up right in front of me. This will truly be a year of exploration and adventure for me - I feel it.

I finally got the rod holders put onto the front of my Jeep. Correction. I finally got all of the necessary hardware to have it done. My goal is to have it on by the end of February so that I can drive it on the beach in Provincetown this spring. There is a fishing tournament there in March (more later on that event). Back to the west coast and travelling to it.

I have never driven across the country. I have lived in California, Arizona, Connecticut, Virginia, New York, and Washington, D.C. I have travelled to many states for business - but I have never driven across this country. Maybe I'll make it my 40th birthday expedition.

Ideally, I'd like to go in May. Months between March and June are the best months for Chinook (King) Salmon fishing. Some argue that the fall is good, too (which would probably work better for my schedule). It would also be a great time to travel since it wouldn't be as hot. I could camp out under the stars...or find some luxurious hotels along the way. Tonight, I'm feeling adventurous and rugged. When the time comes, I may fancy plush robes and sandalwood bubble baths. We'll see.

Look at these fish:
Steelhead
Chinook (King) Salmon

How great would it be to drive out there and fish? Talk about adventure. I could pick up a couple rounds of golf on the way, too! And here I was, wondering what I was going to do with my severance check - the Fishing Fund!