Right after Makani's visit we flew off on a two week vacation to Japan. Everyone I know who really loves to travel internationally has a special place in their heart for the first foreign country they ever visited. For Tara that was a volunteer trip to Tanzania, for my older brother it was a study … Continue reading Homecoming
Fishing Dojo Blog
Getting Started in Fly Fishing
Someone stopped on the dock yesterday to ask about my skiff and what type of fishing I did. We did not have long to chat because he was waiting for another boat to pull in and pick him up, but he did mention that he was interested in getting into fishing, and fly fishing in … Continue reading Getting Started in Fly Fishing
Whirlwind
Like his name implies, my friend Makani is a bit of a whirlwind of a human being. His enthusiasm and energy seem almost boundless at times, so I wasn't surprised that he agreed to come visit for two days on his way from Hawaii to Alaska. I watched his plane land from the cell phone … Continue reading Whirlwind
The Pace of Things
I'm not sure what to say. I started this blog mainly as a fishing journal that could incorporate photographs. Indeed, I often look back at old posts to remember when something happened, so it has served that purpose, but I also know that a few other people read my blog from time to time to … Continue reading The Pace of Things
The Struggle Bus
Some days when I go fishing it feels like I have boarded the express bus to Carp Town. I hit the water and just get down to business hooking fish. Yesterday was not one of those days. I launched the skiff at a spot that has recently has been producing lots of days of double-digit … Continue reading The Struggle Bus
Realization
In the Pacific Northwest, this land of deep-V aluminum boats, my skiff draws attention. She's a fine little boat and gets quite a few complements, but only a handful of people have recognized her for what she is. One of those people was Trevor, who was doing some tree-work on our property last fall. He … Continue reading Realization
Nuclear Options
The wind through the Gorge last week was, to quote a local boardsports forecaster, "nuking!" While carp fishing from the boat wasn't an option, I wasn't about to stay home. I had to find some other ways to occupy my time. Here are a few of the things I got up to: Number 1: Satisfying … Continue reading Nuclear Options
Wild Cards
During the summer months the prevailing winds blow through the Columbia Gorge from west to east, against the river current, which creates the exciting conditions that draw wind-powered water-sport enthusiasts from around the world. Once in a while we get an east wind. These don't last very long and are rarely very strong. I had … Continue reading Wild Cards
And so it Begins
What a difference a month makes! We took a trip over spring break and came home to some warm sunny days. It's not summer yet, but it's a far cry from frigid winds and cold empty flats. As I predicted, the carp have shown up in bunches. Today I visited the same flat I pictured … Continue reading And so it Begins
Cold Soup
The water in the river is warming up, but there is still no sign of fish in the shallows. Carp aggregate during the winter and, once the water warms sufficiently, probably move as a group towards the shallows in anticipation of spawning. I think it very likely they will appear all at once. Flats that … Continue reading Cold Soup
The Fishing Dojo 