![]() Buckle up, fellow sportsmen! The next Wandering Sportsman Giveaway is here, and it's guaranteed to send your heart racing with adrenaline. Get ready for a chance to win the ultimate prize that will leave every other giveaway in its dust. The lucky winner will receive one of our prized custom handmade knives, With the Big Game Hunting Knife, you'll be ready to take down any beast in the wild. This rugged fixed blade knife is designed for the serious hunter who won't settle for anything less than the best. included leather sheath protects the blade and makes carry easy. For hunters who want a trusty knife that will be at their side for years of successful hunts, the Big Game Hunting Knife delivers top-notch performance. This knife will quickly become your go-to for dressing big game and other camp tasks requiring a sturdy, razor-sharp blade. Get the Big Game Hunting Knife and head into the wilderness fully prepared. Don't miss your chance to win the RSO Giveaway. Entering is a breeze - simply sign up for our mailing list and you'll be automatically entered into the random drawing from our existing clients. So don't wait, join our mailing list now and take your shot at owning this one-of-a-kind piece!
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![]() The saltwater grand slam, one of the most coveted achievements in the world of anglers, a feat that requires catching a tarpon, permit, and bonefish in one trip. And if luck was on your side and you also managed to reel in a snook, you would earn the prestigious super grand slam title. For years, I pursued my dream with determination and perseverance. But despite my efforts, I never caught a decent-sized fish that could fulfill my goal. Always settling for smaller ones as consolation. My ultimate goal, still burning bright in my mind like a beacon, is to achieve the elusive grand or super grand slam. This would require catching fish of each species, all with respectable sizes and fighting spirits. The mere thought of my upcoming trip to Belize in late June sends a surge of excitement coursing through me. My mind is consumed with preparation, and I meticulously plan every detail, from the items to pack to the fish I will encounter. However, achieving such a feat demands immense dedication and hard work. Countless hours spent studying the behaviors and feeding patterns of each species, carefully selecting the perfect equipment, perfecting my casting and honing my skills to increase my chances of success. But for me, the potential thrill of landing a grand slam makes every moment of preparation worth it. It is a quest that I am determined never to give up on. As we embark on our journey towards the grand slam, let's delve into the art of constructing leaders that will lead us to success. ![]() Bone Fish Leader The bonefish in Belize may not be large, with a 5 pound catch being considered exceptional. Therefore, my bonefish leaders consist of standard Rio Bonefish leaders ranging from 8 to 12 pounds in pound test strength. I highly recommend using Flourocarbon for these flats, as they are scattered with rough, abrasive coral that can easily fray your leader. The bones have learned to use this coral to their advantage, making it a challenge for anglers like ourselves to reel them in. But with the right leader, our efforts will not be in vain as we strive towards achieving the grand slam. ![]() Permit Leaders Next on the agenda is the “Ghost of the Flats”: the Permit. No other gamefish can be so elusive, almost like a mirage that disappears without warning. You might spot a school or a single in an area, but if you make one wrong move or cast too roughly, they will vanish before your eyes, leaving you wondering what just happened. And don't be fooled by their elusive nature - these fish can also grow to a massive size, with 35-pound plus specimens being a very real possibility. The mere thought of tangling with such a powerful and cunning creature sends shivers down the spines of even the most experienced fishermen. For any angler looking to catch a permit, a quality leader is essential. It must be long and durable, able to propel your fly with both distance and accuracy. When it comes to permit fishing, a specific type of leader is needed due to the unique challenges of casting a crab fly. These leaders require the fly to be held in a ready-to-cast position, making it difficult to throw with little line out of the rod tip. That's why I recommend using an entire leader made from high-quality monofilament material from the same manufacturer. In this style of fishing, precision is everything. The ability to make accurate presentations is key to success. That's why a hand tied custom Permit leader is a game changer. Once you've tried them, you'll never want to go back to using softer knotless leaders from the past. The leader features a final tippet of (2) 20 lb test sections with the final section made with a lighter diameter fluorocarbon. With a compound construction and quick taper, these leaders have the ability to turn over quickly - perfect for casting in 15 to 20 knot wind conditions This permit leader is designed specifically for catching these elusive fish, giving anglers the best chance at landing spooky permit. The Permit Leader Arms length 50 pound .029 Butt Material / Non Slip Lefty’s Loop Knot Arms Length 40 pound .026 diameter / blood knot 4 & 4 turns Arms Length 30 pound.022 diameter / blood knot 4 & 4 turns Arms length 25 pound .020 diameter / blood knot 4 & 5 turns Arms length 20 pound .018 diameter / blood knot 5 & 5 turns Arms Length 20 pound .015 diameter Flourocarbon / blood knot .015 diameter 5 & 6 Turns ![]() Tarpon Leaders The king of all gamefish demands the utmost reverence from anglers worldwide. With a history that dates back to prehistoric times, the majestic tarpon has withstood the test of time. And for those fortunate enough to hook one of these massive creatures, it truly is a miraculous experience. For many anglers, chasing tarpon on the flats and channels of Belize becomes an irresistible addiction. The sheer size and power of these fish, which can grow over 200 pounds, make them one of the most coveted game fish in the world. But catching a tarpon is no easy feat - their voracious appetite causes them to inhale flies without actually eating them, plus their bony mouth structure makes setting the hook a challenging task that requires patience and skill, only fueling the addiction further. Once hooked, be prepared for an exhilarating fight full of acrobatic jumps and intense struggles. While tarpon are typically found in saltwater habitats, they are also capable of surviving in freshwater or "brackish" water. Their primitive lung allows them to breathe air, often seen when they surface for gulps of oxygen. These nomadic creatures cover vast stretches of ocean during their annual migrations, searching for food, specific water temperatures (around 78 degrees), and anything else that catches their fancy. Anglers looking to succeed in catching tarpon should research their diet, understand when the best time of year to fish is, and select the appropriate tackle and gear needed for this remarkable pursuit. The IGFA Tarpon Leader There are countless reasons why I highly recommend this leader, but the ability to break off and release these magnificent creatures in case of a shark encounter is particularly noteworthy. Butt Section: 50 or 60 pound saltwater flourocarbon / 6 to 8 feet Class Section: 16 pound mono / Improved blood knot / 5 & 3 turns / 15 inches or more (measured from inside of knots) Bite or Shock Section: 40 to 50 pound fluorocarbon / Improved blood knot 5 &3 turns / 12 inches or less (measured from inside of knots) The Grand Slam is the pinnacle of any saltwater angler's accomplishments. Countless hours of preparation and responsible angling lead up to this ultimate achievement, making it even more rewarding. With the thrill of the ocean flats calling, it's time to grab your gear and make some unforgettable memories on the water. And don't worry, I'll be sure to keep you updated on my journey towards this incredible angling feat. ![]() As I reflect on my 35-year career as a soccer coach, the memories of triumphs and struggles flood my mind. I've witnessed countless young athletes grow and develop under my guidance, and it brings me immense joy to have been a part of their journey. As I officially retire from coaching, I can't help but feel grateful for the impact I may have had on the future of youth soccer in America. But as the old saying goes, everything must come to an end And now, a new door is waiting to be opened Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in my life, one where I can fully immerse myself in my lifelong passion for the outdoor lifestyle The thrill of casting a line into a crystal clear river or trekking through the wilderness in search of game will now be my daily routine Along with these activities, I plan to focus on photographing and writing about my adventures, capturing the beauty and excitement of nature through my lens and pen. While I will miss the soccer field dearly, I am excited for what lies ahead in this new adventure-filled chapter of my life I am thrilled to have several exciting outdoor adventures planned, both locally and internationally I plan to document these journeys with vivid descriptions and captivating images. As I sit down to write my first book, I am filled with excitement and nostalgia, eager to chronicle the breathtaking beauty of Patagonia. The crisp air, the snow-capped mountains, and the crystal-clear rivers teeming with trout - all of these memories come flooding back to me as I prepare to put them into words. From the charming town of San Martin de los Andes to the serene waters that reflect the dazzling blue sky above, I hope to capture every aspect of this enchanting region through both my writing and my photographs And though it will take months of hard work and dedication, I cannot wait to finally share my book with you in the fall of 2024 It will be a testament to my love for this place and its people, and I hope it will transport you to this magical corner of the world just as it did for me. Nestled below is a tantalizing snippet from my soon-to-be-released book, taking you on an awe-inspiring literary journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia. From towering mountains and rugged coastlines, to vast plains and ancient forests, experience the rich culture and stunning beauty of this South American gem through the pages of my writing. Prepare to be transported to a world unlike any other as you delve into the heart of Patagonia through my vivid descriptions and captivating storytelling. PATAGONIA “The memories of our first day fishing the Collon Cura river are still fresh in my mind. The sun beat down on us relentlessly, making the air hot and humid. Above us, the sky was a vibrant blue, not a single cloud to break up its perfect expanse As Julian meticulously prepared and launched the boat, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. My inner guide experience told me that these clear, bright days were not ideal for trout fishing. We always hoped for some overcast conditions, but in Argentina, those days were few and far between. Still, I was determined to make the best of it and hoped that the trout had adapted to their sunny surroundings and would be willing to bite whatever fly I presented them with. Armed with my trusty Winston 6 weight rod, which had seen its fair share of catches from smallmouth bass to bonefish, I was ready to take on this spectacular river and hopefully land some seriously nice trout today. As our boat glided down the crystal clear Collon Cura river, my heart raced with excitement as I realized my long-awaited dream of fly fishing in Argentina was finally coming true. All around us, the lush green landscape seemed to pulse with energy, the perfect backdrop for a day on the water. My eyes were fixed intently on my dry fly and nymph dropper, eagerly watching for any signs of movement. Suddenly, my amigo Julian called out in excitement, pointing to the first rising fish we had spotted. But we couldn't be sure what type of mayfly it was feeding on. Swiftly, Julian dropped anchor and urged me to switch to a size 12 Adams fly. Unlike my home waters of the Upper Delaware river, Argentina isn't known for its abundance of mayflies. This added an extra thrill to the experience - no sophisticated trout here, just pure angling bliss. The challenge of fooling these trout with a generic fly like the Adams was tantalizing. I could almost feel the anticipation rising within me as I waited for a hungry trout, hopefully a large one, to take my presentation. Julian and I sat in silence, studying the feeding patterns of our target fish. When we felt he was comfortable and settled into his rhythm, Julian gave me the signal to make a cast and try my luck with our new friend on this beautiful Argentinian river. With a flick of my wrist, I delicately cast the Adams fly just upstream from where the trout was rhythmically sipping insects off the surface of the Collon Cura River. The graceful cast of my line, tippet, and leader flowed upstream, mimicking the natural movements of insects that enticed the wily trout lurking in my home waters of the Upper Delaware river. This technique has proven to be successful countless times, fooling even the most cautious and experienced fish. The fly landed with a gentle plop, riding the current perfectly into the feeding lane of the elusive fish. My heart pounded in my chest as I watched intently, waiting for any sign of interest from the trout below. Seconds stretched into eternity as the fly drifted closer and closer to the rising fish. Suddenly, a subtle swirl broke the surface tension, and my line pulled tight. Setting the hook with a swift motion, I felt the weight of a powerful fish at the other end of my line. The water erupted in a flurry of splashes and thrashing as the trout fought against the pressure of my rod. Julian's voice rose above the noise of the river, guiding me on how to play and tire out the fish. With skill and patience, I gradually brought the trout closer to the boat, my heart pounding with excitement and adrenaline. As the trout surfaced, its vibrant colors shimmered in the sunlight, a beautiful specimen of wild Argentine rainbow trout. Julian deftly slipped the net under the exhausted fish, and as he lifted it aboard, we both let out a whoop of triumph. The trout was a stunning sight to behold, a testament to the allure and challenge of fly fishing in these remote waters”. As I continue on this new path, I invite you to join me on one or many of my fly fishing and wingshooting trips. Let's explore the great outdoors together and make unforgettable memories. As always, I am grateful for your support and look forward to sharing my adventures with you. |
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July 2024
AuthorMy love for fly fishing, wingshooting, and photographing the natural world has been an all-encompassing passion in my life. For many years, I have been deeply involved in the fly fishing community as a New York State Guide on the Upper Delaware River, a Montana Guide, and a fly fishing and casting instructor for both beginner and advanced students. But my love for fishing and hunting goes back even further - over 50 years to be exact. From my humble beginnings exploring mountains and streams in Pennsylvania to traveling the globe in search of the best fly fishing and wingshooting destinations, |