Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Holy Carp.



Whew.

I've put in a decent amount of time working this local bayou in Houston. I've learned how and where to spot these fish. I've dreamt about catching carp the last three nights. I've named a few stretches of water. The Buffalo Hole. Pleco flats. The Falling Rat Bridge (Falling Rat for short. It is exactly what it sounds like). The Trash Curve (also exactly what it sounds like). The names aren't pretty, but, man, these grass carp are a fun challenge. I've got a few more days to recreate some magic and possibly get some more footage.

Stay tuned...

ps. if you haven't stopped by the OBN in a bit, they are getting at it again, so get over there and see what you can find...

Monday, February 11, 2013

Wish Me Luck

On the 3rd walkabout in the local Houston bayou, I not only found a full bottle of Tramadol (someone is probably missing that, bigtime), but I also found where the big boys are hiding..... Now just to find out how to get a take. There probably won't be a video if I don't land a fish; I did that last time. No, this time, we mean business. I'm in the mood for a Houston, winter carp. I've got until March to make this happen.

Wish me luck.

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

What Houston Has to Offer

I've been sent to Houston for a month of hard work, but somehow, my fly rod ended up in my hotel room. I've got some plans for some urban outings over the next few weeks that will hopefully provide for some cool footage, and, hopefully, my first carp on the fly, among other species.


I've noticed there are some great resources down here including the Texas Fly Fishers, a huge organization of fly fishing enthusiasts. I may end up trying to connect with them if time allows. I'll keep you all posted.


********************
Update:

See the video "Carpocalypse" showing the culmination of my Houston experience HERE.

Monday, January 28, 2013

Video: I can't, won't and don't stop.

I lost some of the video from my phone, so this already slim picture got all-the-more shorter. For a nice write up of the outing, see Kevin's blog. And no, I can't tell you what stream this is.



Another day trip to the mountains finds a great stream with eager brookies with some TU pals. Fishing a special stream in Washington National Forest, we re-aquainted ourselves with these little fish for the first time in 2013. There's no doubt about it, when it comes to trout fishing, I can't won't and don't stop. 

Filmed with a GoPro HD
Music: Beastie Boys "Sure Shot"

MyLeakyWaders.Blogspot.com

Saturday, January 26, 2013

OBN Gear: Avex Autoseal Waterbottles

The Outdoor Blogger Network has always been striving to connect people, share stories, and occasionally provide opportunity to try out new outdoor gear. A few weeks ago, another chance at sampling some new products came by as Avex donated some of their Autoseal Waterbottles and coffee mugs.

The Brazos Autoseal Waterbottle was what I found at my door step.

The bottle is quite awesome. I've used it out fishing once and on the treadmill many times. I find the bottle easy to use, easy to clean, and not nearly as clumsy as my other "standard" water bottles. There are no lids or wide mouths or straws to mess with when you want a drink. You just press a button, and go to town. 

Now I figure you can look at this a two ways. 

1. What's the big deal. A bottle is a bottle. As long as it hold water, I'm good. 

Response: I agree. I don't need a lot of bells and whistles. I need something that functions reliably and won't break. That was my view on bottles until I got my hands on this one. The ease of use with this bottle is amazing. Not having to twist off a top, and balance a full bottle so as not to spill on your lap or face is surprisingly a nice feature. Also, My big nose isn't hitting the rim of a wide mouth bottle that I usually drink form. 

2. I like bottles that don't spill and are easy to use.

Response: This is one of those bottles. 

(from the Avex site)


One-handed, BPA-free plastic water bottle automatically seals between sips.



  • This BPA-free plastic water bottle has no cap to remove, no spout to open – making it perfect for one-handed use during activities.
  • This water bottle features patented AUTOSEAL® spill-proof & leak-proof technology - simply press the button to sip and release to automatically seal.  The AUTOSEAL® lid automatically seals between drinks to eliminate spills and leaks.
  • Easy transport with a convenient clip-on handle that attaches to gym bags, backpacks and gear.
  • Easily track water intake with volume markings on the bottle.
  • Spout shield covers and protects the spout from dirt and germs.
  • No plastic odors or taste with FDA-approved, BPA-free Tritan™ materials.
  • Water bottle is top-rack dishwasher-safe.
  • 25 oz. capacity.


They even have a handy "how to video." Enjoy the extreme music and fancy graphics. 




So, in conclusion. If you are happy with your water bottle and it is working fine, I'd say stick with it.  In order to decrease excessive consumption, there is little sense buying something new when what you've got is working.  And if a bottle hold water without leaking, it is working. If you are in the market for a new water bottle and want to try something innovative, Avex Autoseal is a great option. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.



Disclaimer:

My views are my own. I get to keep the bottle, but I don't know anyone at Avex, so I don't really feel pressured to give a biased review. I try to be honest. However, since I like the product, I may be biased (but at least I'm being honest about that). Whatever you use, Avex, Nalgene, or old crinkly Avian water bottle, just drink water. It's good for you.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Looking for Inspiration

James Prosek's "Ocean Fishes: Paintings of Saltwater Fish" found its way into my stocking this Christmas and have loved paging through it.  Here is a great video with a behind-the-scenes look at Mr. Prosek's book.



Friday, January 18, 2013

Rest Easy, Friday Night: Vol 13. Vampire Weekend

Vampires are still relevant, right? Edward Cullen and stuff? Great.

For this Friday night, I want to share with you another set of songs I truly enjoy. Vampire Weekend is who? Let's ask Wikipedia..... 

Wikipedia?

Yes, David.

Who is Vampire Weekend?

"Vampire Weekend is an American indie rock band from New York City, that formed in 2006 and signed to XL Recordings. The band has four members: Ezra Koenig, Rostam Batmanglij, Chris Tomson, and Chris Baio. The band released its first album Vampire Weekend in 2008, which produced the singles "Mansard Roof", "A-Punk", "Oxford Comma" and "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa". The band's most recent album, Contra, was released in 2010." 

Wow. That was easy. Now we are all up to speed.

When it comes to which album is better, I've heard great arguments for each. However, I think whichever one you hear first is the one you'll end up liking the most. This is also the case with the movies "Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels" and "Snatch." It just so happens I saw Lock Stock first and listened to Contra first, so these are the ones I like more.

"Horchata"



White Sky  - I love this song. It makes me smile :)



Taxi Cab - let's slow it down a bit




I Think Ur a Contra 



now go to bed kids.