Today was a great day because I got to go fly fishing and to do so with my friend Matt B. (btw, I know too many people named Matt). I also was able to catch fish so banner day wouldn’t ya think?!?
Well, enter stupid tax from stage left. You see, I thought we might get a few sprinkles of rain so left my rain jacket at home…and it poured. We interrupt this sad story for a picture of a gorgeous native brook trout
Spectacular fellow! What made this catch great was that it was on a kebari wet hackle fly tied by my friend Dennis that I got as part of a gift when I ordered a wooden spool to put my tenkara lines on. Things like that, handmade by friends, really adds soul to my fishing experience.
At this point in the excursion (about 30 minutes in) it started to have a steady downpour and I quickly become totally drenched in 50 degree weather. The fishing was hot and I had to check myself mentally into doing the smart thing: go back to my vehicle and leave the stream to Matt since he was smart and brought his waterproof jacket.
The good news was that Matt kept fishing (I really wanted him to continue since he was smart enough to dress appropriately) and caught some more trout. It kept raining, I got to the truck and changed out of my jacket but still was wet and cold. Heater running and reading a new book “The Mend” by Scott Lowe. Pretty intense book so far, but really ties into some deep emotional chords for me.
Gear check (don’t forget to bring the jacket) today was my new Zimmerbuilt Guide Sling. It worked perfectly and did a decent job keeping stuff dry believe it or not. What didn’t work was keeping water on my wading belt and a bigger net. I just can’t keep the belt from sagging down off of my ass and was constantly adjusting it.
Either I am going to have to use the shoulder strap with it and risk that pain…or, I am going to stay with my Simms Waterproof backpack.
Am I the only one that has forgotten to bring a rain jacket on a fishing trip and had to do the wet, cold and lonely walk of shame back to the vehicle?
All the best and tight lines,
Mike
We've all paid it. Bet that won't happen again... ;-)