TBT: Morning Bites + Epic Evening Catfish! (Old COAF Days)

Some days you just feel pulled back to the water, and today was one of those days. I started my morning at the Main Pond, bundled up against the cool air and hoping the fish were awake. They were. I picked up a few and settled into that peaceful rhythm that only a quiet morning bite can bring.

While I was working the bank, I watched another angler hook into a surprisingly nice catfish. Seeing a fish like that come out of cold water always gets the excitement going. It’s those little moments—your own catches mixed with the wins of the folks around you—that make community fishing spots special.

But the day wasn’t done with me yet. As evening rolled in, I felt that familiar tug to head back out. The pond looked completely different under the softer light. Calm water, cooler air, and that feeling that anything could happen. Even if the bite slows down, evenings like that are worth every minute.

Fishing isn’t always about numbers. Sometimes it’s about showing up twice in one day because the water just feels right.

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Bass Eats a Dragonfly on Camera — Matching the Hatch for Real!

What pattern should I use?

Every once in a while, the water gives you a moment you couldn’t script if you tried. In this clip, Average Angler Life watches a bass come up and absolutely crush a dragonfly right off the surface — and the camera catches the whole thing. No setup, no staging, just pure topwater instinct.

Seeing that strike in real time sparked a question: if bass are willing to eat dragonflies like that, why not try matching the hatch with a simple dragonfly fly pattern? So in this video, I break down the moment, react to the strike, and tie a clean, straightforward dragonfly imitation designed to sit right in that danger zone where bass love to ambush.

Whether you’re a fly angler, a pond hopper, or someone who just loves watching nature do its thing, this clip is a reminder of how wild and unpredictable the water can be. Moments like this are why we keep casting — and why I keep a camera rolling.

Have you ever seen bass key in on dragonflies where you fish? Would you throw a dragonfly pattern, or stick to frogs and poppers? I’d love to hear your take.

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Freezing Day Surprise: Catfish Caught in a Stocked Trout Pond

Despite the freezing temps, I decided to hit a pond that had been stocked with trout a few days earlier. The plan was simple: make a few casts, see if any trout were still cruising, and try to squeeze in a quick catch before the cold chased me off. After working the bank for a bit, I managed to land one nice trout — not a fast bite, but enough to make the trip worth it. But the real surprise of the day wasn’t mine. A group of fishermen down the shoreline were absolutely dialed in. Between the three of them, they’d already stacked up eleven trout… and then things got interesting. Out of nowhere, one of them hooked into a catfish — in a trout pond, in freezing weather. Total curveball. Watching them fight that catfish in the cold was honestly the highlight of the morning. It’s one of those reminders that fishing always has a way of surprising you, even when you think you know what’s in the water. Some days you’re the one catching. Some days you’re the one watching the magic happen. Either way, it’s all part of the fun. Tight lines, Average Angler Life 🎣

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Did He Really Catch a Gar That Big? Proof Ball Fishing Collab

Gar Size Check: Fisherman vs The Proof Ball

Every angler has that one buddy whose fish “gets a little bigger” every time the story gets told. You know the type — the gar that was *maybe* two feet yesterday somehow becomes a four‑footer by the weekend. In this fun collab YouTube Short, a fisherman proudly holds up a solid river gar… and I jump in remotely with the Proof Ball to “make things official.” It’s all in good fun — a little fishing humor, a little friendly fact‑checking, and a great way to show how the Proof Ball works as a quick visual reference for your catch. No tape measure on screen, no guessing from the comments, just a simple tool that keeps the stories honest while keeping the laughs rolling. Why the Proof Ball? Because it’s the perfect way to settle those classic fishing debates. It’s small, easy to carry, and gives viewers a consistent size reference in photos and videos. Whether you’re showing off a PB or just having fun with friends, it adds a playful twist to your fishing content. The Collab Moment The fisherman lifts the gar with pride. I pop into frame remotely, holding the Proof Ball like a referee stepping into a heated game. “Looks legit… but let’s make it official.” It’s quick, it’s funny, and it gets people talking — exactly what a good fishing short should do. Would you trust the Proof Ball on your biggest catch? Drop a comment and let me know. Tight lines, friends. — Average Angler Life 🎣

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Micro Fly Rod Fun: Tiny Fish, Big Laugh — “Get the Net!”

Micro Fly Rod Fun: Tiny Fish, Big Laugh — “Get the Net!”

There’s nothing quite like micro fly‑fishing to remind you how much joy there is in the small stuff. In this live highlight, Average Angler Life is out chasing tiny fish with a tiny rod — and after a handful of misses, the moment finally arrives. A fish hits, the rod bends, and the excitement kicks in.

With a grin, you hold up the Proof Ball to check the size… and then comes the joke that seals the moment: “Get the net!”

It’s playful, lighthearted, and exactly the kind of humor that makes micro fishing so fun. The fish may be small, but the energy is big — and the Proof Ball adds that extra touch of curiosity and comedy.

This clip captures the spirit of Average Angler Life perfectly: enjoying the outdoors, celebrating the little victories, and finding joy in every cast, no matter the size of the fish on the line.

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Can the Proof Ball Measure a Goliath Grouper?

Can the Proof Ball Measure a Goliath Grouper?

There’s something special about watching two anglers battle a Goliath Grouper — the power, the tension, the sheer size of the fish. As the rod bends and the drag screams, I suggest with a spark of curiosity: Could the Proof Ball measure a fish this massive?

It’s a playful moment, but also a genuine question. The Proof Ball is designed to help anglers estimate length quickly and consistently… but a Goliath Grouper isn’t exactly a “standard‑issue” fish. As the fight unfolds, I hold up the ball, wondering aloud whether it could handle a creature this size — or if the grouper would simply laugh at the attempt.

It’s a fun blend of fishing excitement, gear curiosity, and that signature Average Angler Life humor. Whether the Proof Ball could actually measure a Goliath is up for debate — but the moment captures exactly why we love fishing: the surprises, the questions, and the stories that come from watching someone hook into something unforgettable.

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One 8-Inch Bass, One 4-Weight, and the Banned Fly That Still Counts

Mobile Fishing Livestream 139 (Spotify)

I hit the little neighborhood pond this morning with nothing but a 4-weight, a phone on a stick, and one pattern tied on: the infamous “Banned Fishing Fly.” No backup flies, no net, no expectations.

The water was still, the pads were nowhere, and the bass were tiny, exactly like they’ve always been in this spot. I spent an hour stripping that single fly through the scum, working the edges, letting it hang, giving little twitches. A couple of bluegills swirled, a turtle photobombed the frame, and I was honestly just enjoying the quiet.

Then, right at the hour mark, a little 8-inch largemouth darted out from under a lily pad and crushed it like it owed him money. The 4-weight bent perfectly, the fish jumped twice, and I laughed out loud at how ridiculously fun a hand-sized bass can be when it’s the only one that shows up.

I unhooked him, watched him rocket back into the weeds, killed the live stream, and called it the best morning I’ve had in weeks.

Proof that you don’t need a 7-weight, a 20-incher, or a pile of fish to make a trip perfect. Sometimes an 8-inch bass on a 4-weight and a fly that’s supposedly “banned” is more than enough.

Tight lines and small-water smiles!

Tips for my next lure!

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Mastering the One Feather Fly: A Pond Fly Fishing Adventure

Mobile Fishing Livestream 138 (Spotify)

Hey fellow anglers! If you're anything like me, you know there’s something special about those quiet moments on the water—the soft ripple of a cast landing just right, the suspense of watching your fly drift, and that electric jolt when a trout finally commits. Today’s livestream captures all of that raw, unscripted magic in a way only a true mobile fishing session can. This wasn’t a polished studio shoot or a carefully edited highlight reel. This was real-time, boots-on-the-bank, wind-in-the-mic fishing—just the way we like it. The One Feather Fly took center stage, and if you’ve never fished this pattern before, you’re in for a treat. It’s one of those flies that looks almost too simple to work… until it does. And when it works, it *really* works. The Setup: Going Mobile on the Pond Picture this: a crisp morning, the kind where the air feels clean enough to drink. You’re standing at the edge of a quiet pond, phone in one hand, fly rod in the other, and a small fly box holding the star of the show—the One Feather Fly. No fancy gear, no backup camera crew, no retakes. Just you, the water, and whatever decides to rise. The livestream kicks off with a quick rundown of the fly itself. The One Feather Fly is exactly what it sounds like—one feather, one hook, one purpose. It’s a minimalist’s dream and a trout’s worst nightmare. The host even ties one mid-stream, turning a simple break in the action into a mini masterclass. If you’ve ever wondered how to get that perfect “breathing” motion in your hackle, this is the moment to watch closely. The Hunt: Strikes, Misses, and Pond-Side Wisdom Once the fly hits the water, the pond comes alive. You can almost feel the tension through the screen as the fly drifts past lily pads and submerged logs. The camera sways with each cast—classic mobile filming charm—but that just adds to the authenticity. This is fishing as it happens, not fishing as it’s edited. Early on, the One Feather Fly proves its worth. A couple of rainbows rise with that telltale porpoising motion, and before long, the host is hooked up with a feisty 14-inch trout. The fight is pure adrenaline—head shakes, short runs, and that triumphant moment when the fish finally slides into the net. “That’s the music of the wild,” the host says, and honestly, it’s hard to disagree. But fishing wouldn’t be fishing without a few humbling moments. A leader knot gives out at the worst possible time. A gust of wind turns a perfect drift into a tangled mess. And of course, there’s the eternal debate: “Was that a strike or just the fly ticking bottom?” The host breaks it all down with humor and honesty, sharing pond-specific tips that only come from hours on the water. Key Takeaways from the Session:

• Pond-Specific Tactics: Stillwater trout demand patience. Let the fly settle, drift, and breathe. The One Feather Fly excels here.
• Gear Hacks: Mobile fishing means traveling light. A 4-weight rod, 5X tippet, and a small net are all you need.
• Mindset Shift: “Every cast is a conversation.” Slow down, watch the water, and let the fish tell you what they want.

Why This Fly (and This Stream) Will Change Your Game The One Feather Fly has been around forever, but seeing it used in a real, unfiltered livestream reminds you why it’s a classic. It’s versatile, subtle, and deadly effective when fished with confidence. This stream blends education, entertainment, and that unmistakable #fishingIRL vibe—laughs, close calls, and the quiet satisfaction of a well-placed cast. If you’re gearing up for your next pond trip, tie a few of these flies and give them a shot. And when you hook into your next trout, you might just find yourself thinking back to this very livestream. Tight lines, friends. Until the next rise.

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Trout Fishing Double Limit on Blue River OK! Day 2 (Live Replay)

Mobile Fishing Livestream 137 (Spotify)

Back for round two of trout domination on the breathtaking Blue River in Oklahoma! Wrapping up this epic weekend (Nov 1-2, 2025), I nailed another full limit on rainbow trout on Day 2—capping off a weekend stringer packed with feisty fighters, highlighted by a beast that taped out at 17 inches!

Relive the livestream replay loaded with non-stop action: bigger fish testing my line, trickier currents, and my advanced tactics that turned tough spots into trophy zones. From sneaky nymph drifts to explosive dry fly takes, you'll see every nail-biter up close in those crystal waters.  

If Day 1's frenzy got you hooked, this delivers the payoff—heart-racing reels, pro-level breakdowns, and that unbeatable angler's rush! Smash LIKE if you're plotting your next Blue River trip, SUBSCRIBE for more limit-out legends and exclusive gear reviews, and comment your biggest trout story below (mine's in here!).  

Binged both days? You're a fishing boss—drop a  for the full weekend vibe. Missed Day 1? Link in the cards—catch up now! Who's hitting the river this fall? Gear check and trout talk in the comments. #TroutFishing #BlueRiverOK 

Tips for my next lure!

Centerpin on the Blue!

Drifting into Podcast Territory: My Latest Chat on Drag-Free Trout Magic

Mobile Fishing Livestream 136 (Spotify)

Anglers, if you've been following my recent river ramblings, you know that drag-free drifts on the centerpin turned a casual outing into trout heaven—no PB drama, just easy strikes and pure flow. Well, I couldn't keep it to myself, so I hopped on the mic for a fresh podcast episode diving deeper into that chill session.

In this quick-fire chat, I break down the setup that had fish slamming my line, share three no-fuss tips for nailing those natural presentations, and spill why centerpin is the ultimate Zen for river days. Whether you're a newbie mending your first cast or a vet chasing that perfect seam, this one's packed with actionable vibes to get you out there sooner.

Tune in below (Spotify) for laughs, hookset stories, and a bonus hack on reading water like a pro. It's under 20 minutes—perfect for your commute or pre-fish coffee ritual. What's your wildest "easy catch" tale? Hit the comments; let's swap stories!

Tips for my next lure!

Centerpin on the Blue!