A quick update on a fishing opportunity in our area - Trout Derby at Frisco at the Warren Sports Complex! The intent was to give our Readers an idea about what to expect when fishing the pond... more like a lake at Warren Park.
A Frisco kicked off the trout fishing and then others tried their luck. As it turned out when I fished it Super Bowl Sunday, the fish were there as anticipated... just needed to be prepared to use the appropriate bait.
I noticed Mice Tails fished under a bubble float and Super Dupers worked for a majority of fishermen - see items below for reference.
Video of last Sunday's trip to a new place... pond in Rockwall, Texas. Check out the video, key item to suggest is to try the retrieve I used to limit out - The Twitch and Stop Retrieve!
Harry Meyers Park in Rockwall has two ponds... there is a third one but it may not have been stocked with trout.
Stocked with Rainbow Trout last weekend, I decided to check out the Park and maybe wet a line and limit out on trout.
When I arrived, I quickly noticed how small the ponds were. No worries though, I observed a number of fishermen catching trout using lures and bait.
Icy conditions has the Team indoors. No worries, can always talk about fishing! Another in the Let's Talk Fishing Series!
This round I talk about upcoming trout stockings in our area - Collin County, Texas. There were foure stockings planned for the cities of Frisco, McKinney, Prosper, and Murphy.
Also, I mentioned fishing Waterloo Park Pond in Denison, Texas and the gear that I used and the retrieve that worked for me.
I do discuss Centerpin fishing as well... a new fishing technique for me that calls for using a drag free reel that has the ability to spin freely.
Plan was to fish Waterloo Park Pond in Denison with Centerpin Combo but switched last minute to a One-Handed Spey Fly Fishing Combo that used the OPST Commando Head 175grn on a 4wt, 8ft fly rod.
Cold and windy morning, I decided to keep it simple and use on fishing fly - an Olive Near Deere. I would adjust my retrieve and depth until I limited out.
Do check out the video where I find the pattern limit out!
Note: I used a 175grain OPST Commando Head not a 200grain as mentioned in the video.
This round I talk about fishing flies and details on a recently posted long form video. In particular I mention fly tying and suggest learning to tie your favorite fishing fly.
Instead of buying materials for different patterns, focus more on the material to make your favorite fishing fly! Learn to tie it well before moving on to other patterns.
The results are a two for one special!
Improving your fly tying skills without spending money on material you may not use.
You have a hand-tied fishing fly of your favorite pattern!
Suggested Fly Tying Kits posted below for reference:
Compiled videos from past posts about fly tying with a mix of fly fishing that may be of interest to some. It is a long video that includes several quick tying demonstrations as well as dialog about fishing them.
I tied most of the patterns using a Peak Rotary Vise. It is the last tying vise I purchased, and I don't plan on purchasing another vise. In the past I used a simple vise offered in a kit, moved to another vise that was heavier duty, and then to a discount rotary vise that I have since converted to a tube fly tying vise.
Do check out the video, and do try one or two of these patterns on your own tying vise!
Here I workout the hardware kinks of the video streaming gear I purchased recently. It's a trial run that resulted in an out of focus video. Apologies!
The intent was to talk about the second NGT Centerpin Reel that delivered the other day. In fact, I liked it so much, I ordered another one.
One reel I have mounted on a 11-1/2 foot Cabelas TLR Switch Rod... no longer made unfortunately. The other reel is mounted on an old Bass Pro Shops 8-1/2 foot downrigger rod.
Both work well but I do like the lightweight Switch Rod with its extra length for controlling the drift of the float.
Love the reel! Stay tuned for more videos of yours truly fishing with it!
Short on time but open to available fishing opportunities, made a quick trip to the local pond for Centerpin Fishing for Bullheads using the Simple Dough Bait Recipe.
This time, I let the dough bait harden overnight, and then coated it with some flour. It stayed on the hook well, but I did need to dip it in water before baiting the hook.
Give it a try, and do check back liking the NGT Centerpin Reel decided to order a second one. It delivered Friday, plan to show it at the next livestream!
Still working out the hardware issues with my streaming gear. This round I missed the autofocus... meaning I should have went the manual focus as the focus cursor shows when I use autofocus. Apologies for the annoying cursor.
The intent of this video was to demo a fly fishing tip for setting up a tandem rig when fishing two fishing flies. I call it the "hang loose measure" because I use the Hawaiian hand gesture to measure the length of line for rigging the trailing fishing fly to the lead one.
This round I continue to work through streaming hardware issues as I learn to use the system. Gotta little more "learnings" to do!
That said, I managed to show the different lures I use when ultralight baitcasting aka BFS Fishing. They range from inline spinners to small crankbait and other lures as well as a few vintage ones from the past!
Of note are the 1/16oz Rooster Tails that seem to work on local ponds. Additionally, there was one vintage lure I used to catch a nice one - see video below.
Another in the Let's Talk Fishing Livestream Series! This one is about suggested fishing flies for the Blue River in Oklahoma... but in short order, they should work elsewhere, too!
Key Take Aways:
Do have Mop Flies handy. Fish them under an indicator as a single fishing fly or the lead fly in a tandem rig.
Near Deere or Wooley Bugger are another one to have as the ready. Similarly, fish them like the Mop Fly - single or tandem rigged. But, be prepared to fish them without an indicator when the trout are wanting a faster presentation.
Pat's Rubber Legs fished 3-4 feet, even deeper at times are a consistent producer when the temps are cold and the trout are lurking deep waiting for a meal to pass by. Slow is the word when fishing a Pat's Rubber Legs!
Keeping this recipe simple, plus stays on the hook better than bread! Do give it a try... bait stayed on the hook and casted easily with the Centerpin!
Video had me at the local pond where in the past I have caught some nice size Catfish. I normally used bread back then, but I have also had success with dough bait.
I also used spinning gear and freelined the bait - both and bread and dough bait. With the Centerpin gear, I have the added float and split shot. I am not certain if this may be the reason why I am only getting the smaller Bullheads.
Or, the Catfish I caught in the past may no longer be in the pond. I sure do hope they are still there!
For more details, see the article... Click Here for the Simple Dough Bait Recipe!
Apologies for the test livestream last night. I was working on a video switcher hardware and thought I was streaming unlisted.
Did get some of the bugs worked out, but still need to figure a way to monitor audio to make sure sound is coming through.
No worries, have a workaround for now.
This round I talk briefly about the Centerpin Fishing at the local pond using bread and then later a dough bait recipe from an article I posted a few years back.
Additionally, I mention a fly fishing tip that helps older fishermen with a touch of nearsighted vision line their fly rods a little more easier!
Also, I mention an app that I am working on to check your hookset, at least the timing of it. Stay tuned for more. Will post soon as I get it working.
Decided to fish the local pond to verify if there were still fish lurking in it. In the past, the pond held some nice size Catfish. I suspect there may still be a Bruiser or two but this round I managed three good sized Bullheads.
I used the NGT Centerpin Reel and a Cabelas TLR Switch Rod for the rod/reel combo, and then I used bread formed into bread balls for bait.
The drag free capability of the Centerpin made for some interesting strikes as I watched the fish take the bait and run with it.
Overall, I am excited to add this fishing technique to my fishing arsenal! Do give it a try. No need to spend lots on the reel... if you can get the NGT before stocks run out. The reels is shipped from England and takes a few weeks to deliver, so do plan accordingly!
Happy New Year! No fishing today. Did shoot some trap today to ring in the New Year. Plus... here are two trout recipes that are both simple and tasty.
Here are two ways the Team likes to cook trout. Simple but tasty recipes that fishermen can quickly turn the day's catch into dinner! The first recipe calls for trout fillets while the second recipe uses whole trout that have been gilled and gutted!
Both recipes pan fry the trout in a skillet for 5 to 10 minutes each side on medium-high heat. However, the fillet trout recipe uses olive oil and melted butter, and the whole trout recipe uses peanut oil or similar high heat oil.
Pan Fried Garlic Butter Trout Fillets
Three Rainbow Trout - filleted
Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Flour
Butter and Olive Oil
Garlic Butter Sauce of your choice
Dry fillets with paper towel, season both sides, coat with flour, and then pan fry in melted butter and olive oil. Serve with a bed of rice pilaf and cover with garlic butter sauce.
Spicy Peanut Oil Pan Fried Trout
Whole Rainbow Trout
Season Salt
Thai Chile Peppers
Dry cleaned trout with paper towel, season both sides and internal cavity liberally with season salt, and then place three whole Thai Chile Peppers inside the trout. Let sit for 1-2 hours at room temp, then pan fry in peanut oil (or other high heat oil). Serve with your favorite sides.
PS... Here is the infographic referenced in the video.
Our intent is to show you that "Average Joes" like us can catch fish with the right gear bought at a discount and combined with practical practice in the field. Anyone can learn to fish - be it fly fishing, kayak fishing, or fishing in general.
Watch us through trial and error succeed as well as fail on our fishing trips, and then see how we apply lessons learned in the field so you can try them in your area!
We primarily fly fish and kayak fish but are always ready to use other methods and gear as the fish dictate. Do browse videos we have posted, and do send questions, suggestions, and fishing tips! We often post answers using comments or will reply with a video if needed!
"1) That parking on the E side of the Catch and Release (off 7) - is that just for parking, and there is still a hike up to the high point of the C-n-R?"
The parking on the East side off Hwy 7 is just for parking. It is designated as a walk-in area only and no camping.
Refer to Blue River Map below.
It is a 2+ mile hike to the Catch and Release area from the parking area on the East side of Hwy 7. For a shorter hike - about 1.3 miles, enter at the parking area furthest West of Hwy 7.
Parking Area Furthest West from Hwy 7
"2) I think the C-n-R is barbless? Kind of silly if you ask me, but my memory banks are full!"
The Catch and Release area is barbless. See excerpt below:
"3) Are the stockings good in the C-n-R area? Still a mystery Easter egg hunt?"
Changes each Season with larger trout noted in past stockings. For this Season, have been monitoring reports that indicate sizeable trout in the area. Picture below was posted 6 days ago.
19" Rainbow Trout - Blue River C-n-R
For more details, here are videos that may be of interest for anyone wanting to fish the Blue River Catch and Release Area:
First trip to the C-n-R, taking the "long route"...
Blue River's catch and release section was stocked recently. Gave it a try, ended up doing a lot of walking and scouting the river. First time fishing the C&R section. Trout are there, next round... plan to take a shorter path and do less walking and more fishing!
Was able to fish with the OPST Commando Head on the 9' 5wt. Does cast well in tight areas... roll casting and switch casting to where the fish were lurking was easily done!
Next trip to the C-n-R, taking the "shorter route"...
Headed back to Texas from Oklahoma City, decided to make one more stop at the Blue River Catch and Release area. Caught one, lost a number of others... still had a great time! Plus: Learned the parking area furthest west is best for accessing the C&R.
Detailed video of the C-n-R with key points noted in the video timeline:
Fished the Blue River in Oklahoma last Saturday - November 7. Plan was to fish the Hughes Crossing area for trout to make another catch and cook. Struck out though. That said, made the run North of HWY 7 and fished the Catch and Release Section. After a wrong turn or two, made it to the area and had a fun time catching, losing, and landing a trout or two.
Did see an armadillo on the walk back to the parking area, and stopped by the Fly Library to add a fishing fly or two to collection. Overall, a great time on the Blue River!
PS: Longer than normal video, have key points noted in the video for reference.
Hughes Crossing: 1:06
Walking In to the C&R: 2:09
Fly Library Stop Inbound: 2:57
Fishing the C&R: 4:49
First Trout Caught: 6:52
Fishing and Missing Trout: 10:49
View of Retrieve Used: 17:20
Walking Out of the C&R: 18:29
Armadillo: 18:50
Lesson Learned - Go Left not Right: 19:54
FYI - Post Marker: 20:21
FYI - Go Right not Left: 22:37
Fly Library Stop Outbound: 21:26
How I Check My Hook is Barbless?:
Ever wonder if your hook is barbless when fishing an area that requires it? Try this fishing tip!
Answering the mail on the Centerpin Reel I used to catch a couple trout. So far, I like it... able to try this method with spending too much!
I bought the reel in Amazon but shipped from the UK. It took several weeks for it to arrive. While it was intransit, I watched a number of videos on centerpin fishing, casting, and techniques.
After it arrived, I practiced casting it using a Wallis Cast that calls for pulling the line off the reel and then casting. Similar to a double haul cast when fly fishing.
I still need to practice my cast to reduce the backlashes I get, but I am able to cast it far enough to fish local ponds.
My intent is to try float fishing it at the local tailrace - Denison Dam and possibly Lake Lewisville Ecological Learning Area (LLELA). Both, offer a great opportunity to drift fish.
Given the reel as virtually no drag, line comes off easily and should offer a drag free drift when fishing a tailrace.
Do check back for more. And, do checkout the video short to see the reel spin effortlessly!
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