Canoecopia

Wow - As expected the Canoecopia show did not disappoint. Looks like I have most of the drool cleaned off the chin after eyeing up plenty of new gear. The show brought to the surface my complete kayak fishing jones that, given the current ice and snow levels, will not be satisfied for some time. Oh well. Maybe on my upcoming trip to South Carolina - at least a chance to paddle! Three boats caught my eye, the Native Watercraft Ultimate Angler 12, Mad River Canoe Synergy 12, and the Wilderness Systems Tarpon Sit on Top. Any of these rigs would do the trick. Check out the video below (complements of the Orvis folks via You Tube) nice Native Watercraft boat in action.



Tight lines out there - don't let the guides ice up!
Trout Buddha

PS - Check out the Media > Tips and Techniques section of the Native Watercraft site for excellent videos.

Early Season is Here

Anyone know where this stream is? No? Good!

Just kidding. This one is in Colorado - likely on some BS private water. One thing we have in Wisconsin - nice access. Lets keep it that way. Well the official early - catch and release single barbless hook artificals only - trout season is here (isn't that the official name?). Unfortunately I still remain an arm chair angler since I decided to forgo the large snow drifts and slippery banks (I'm a total light weight). As they say - Soon Come Ya Man! I will be on the water soon enough. Reports indicate that the ever resilient trout population of southwestern Wisconsin remains in good health despite the floods of this past August. These same reports indicate that streams themselves may not be as familiar with new holes forming and old holes filling in - anglers will face something new on some of their most familiar locations.

Thanks to George Hesselberg and the Wisconsin State Journal for a nice opening day article (2/28/08 and the source for some of this info). Most helpful were the links they provided to the Wisconsin DNR site dedicated to the early season. Check out the video on Tips for the Early Season by Mike Miller DNR Stream Ecologist and avid angler. Mike is a great guy who is always willing to share his knowledge.

Trout Buddha (hoping to get out soon)

PS - Next big event! Canoecopia March 7-9 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison. Think fishing Kayaks! The worlds largest paddle sport expo!