Category Archives: current events

California State Parks, weekday closures commence

Closures to California state parks began yesterday in response to Governor Schwarzenegger’s request that the State Parks & Recreation budget save $14.2 million over the coming winter.

In order to avoid full closure, many parks are closing during the weekdays, which spares the larger populace but may inconvenience steelhead anglers that snuck a Monday or Friday off …

Anglers within California would be advised to keep an eye on the Parks & Recreation department’s web site as the only listing of affected parks appears as a daily news item.

Notices have been posted for selected counties. The Mendocino county notice mentions impacts to the Russian River gulch, Navarro, and Van Damme, parks/watersheds.

The service reductions came about through a process wherein each of the State Parks’ District Superintendents designed a plan for specific reductions tailored for each park within their respective district. The plans included all 279 parks within the statewide system.

A lot of Porta-potty removals, reductions in allowed camping spots, and outright weekday closures, just enough to gum up a weekday pilgrimage for chrome.

Tags: California state park closures, California budget deficit, Russian River, Navarra River, Van Damme, Porta-Potty, steelhead fishing

Like Ed Zern said, “To hell with fishing …”

Finding $87,000 while wandering about the riverbank fishing caused a stir a couple of months ago. In the US that kind of money wears felt soles – and heisting the equivalent in tackle would only take a couple of rolls of duct tape and a couple of unwary, yet well appointed, fly fishermen …

… but if you want priceless, you’ll roll your eyes over the latest find, a couple cases of Scotch Whiskey left under one of the huts abandoned by Ernest Shackleton, on one of his ill fated Antarctic expeditions.

Two cases of Shackleton's Private Reserve

Polar explorers of that era relied on their alcohol of choice to help them and their crews through the long Antarctic nights and insomnia-inducing days. And Shackleton knew a thing or two about being well prepared for an adventure. On a later trip to the continent he kept all 28 members of his crew alive during 15 harrowing months after their ship got marooned in and then slowly devoured by ice. So it’s no surprise that he brought 25 crates of Scotch with him when he set off on an expedition to the South Pole in 1907.

Left undiscovered in the ice for over 100 years – found in 2006 by curators, who are about to drill the crates loose from their icy tomb.

While Christie’s, Sotheby’s, or EBay come to mind – you’ll have to drink it all in Antartica:

An international treaty dictates that the crates, and any intact bottles that are inside, remain in Antarctica unless they need to be taken off the continent for conservation reasons.

… which really shouldn’t be much problem, considering. Just shake the ice cubes out of your mustache if you need to freshen that glass a wee bit.

Tags: Ernest Shackleton, Scotch Whisky, ebay, scotch on the rocks, literally

The Prodigal Son Returned, Partridge of Redditch

Recent developments in Europe has the Partridge Hook company returning to UK ownership. Purchased by Fishing Matters, manufacturers of the Varivas and Order hooks.

We can only hope for a return to the esoteric greatness of the past, as Partridge was the last of the large Redditch manufacturers, whose stable of wonderfully individual hooks defied the mainstream for many years.

Press release to follow:

Partridge of Redditch, one of the oldest established fish hook brands, has been sold by O. Mustad & Son to UK company Fishing Matters. After negotiations dating back to May this year, Fishing Matters owner Mark Hamnett confirmed to Angling International that he took possession of Partridge this week.

Hamnett established his company in 2005 and counts Varivas and Owner among a prestigious client list.

“We have grown up very quickly,” he said. “The acquisition of Partridge is a significant leap for us and will increase our revenue four-fold.“We are extremely pleased to have one of the leading hook brands in the world under our ownership. It fits extremely well with our portfolio.“This acquisition takes us from importer/distributor to global brand owner and gives us a critical mass with which to develop the company. We will be focusing on hooks for the foreseeable future. We want to develop and consolidate Partridge as a premium brand.”

The sale of Partridge brings to an end 13 years of Mustad ownership. Ole Bjerke was Managing Director of Partridge for ten years in the UK and continued to manage the brand when he relocated to France in 2006. Bjerke, now Vice President, Portfolio Management and Marketing, led the negotiations for Mustad and spoke to Angling International shortly after the deal had been concluded to explain the decision.

“Mustad’s strategy is to focus on its core brands and after much consideration we decided that it would be better for the Partridge brand if it were in someone else’s hands.“We subsequently talked to a number of interested parties and are very happy to have reached agreement with Mark. He has done a very good job with his brands. He is committed, enthusiastic and he delivers. The deal is very positive for Partridge.“

Tags: Varivas, Fishing Matters, Partridge of Redditch, O. Mustad & Sons, Mark Hamnett, Angling International,

The immaculate inhalation

Beware of large ravenous fish While the UK is still mourning their lost brute Benson, Germany has countered with a new world record common carp. Landed last week, “Mary” flattened the scales at 86 pounds 6 ounces.

It’s plain that the “Superhero” carp crowd are as tweaked about the gear fetish as us fly fishermen, only they’ve got about twice the moving parts as we’re afflicted with:

Nermin took the giant fish on a snowman hookbait made from a 26mm Dynamite Baits Red Fish boilie, with a matching 15mm pop-up. He presented this on a 35lb Kryston Quicksilver Gold hooklink, a size 4 Korda Wide Gape X hook, and an 113g Fox inline lead.

It’s nice to know that despite all the ecological uncertainty, whether we blame Global Warming – or Little Green Men from Mars, we’ll still have plenty of gear to argue about.

I can’t help but wonder what spin us colonials will put on the fishery when we adopt the same practice. We scoff now, but we’ve always shown great reluctance to embrace anything unmodified – and a hundred years later we’re claiming we invented the sport.

We lack the patience to bait the water for two weeks in advance of the fishing trip – as this fellow did, and would prefer renting an air tanker for one monstrous pass of floor sweepings from a Wonderbread bakery.

My limit is about 60 pounds. Anything bigger is no longer sport, rather it’s just cursed hard work. Ensuring I still outweigh the now-angry beast by two or three times – and “nine in the clip, one in the pipe” will dissuade the animal from chasing me up the bank and back to the car.

It’s certain we would be giving them fearsome monikers destined to strike fear into small children and joggers, and outfitters would have eight or nine fingers and talk in whispers about teeth marks on cars, scales found near shattered doorjambs, and missing locals.

Given names would drive the animal activists into a frenzy.

Tags: Benson the Carp, Mary world record carp, common carp, wonderbread, boilie, named carp, world record

FTC requires Bloggers daylight vendor relationships and pay for post practices

In light of Federal Trade Commission ruling, I need to confess that Singlebarbed.com did in fact give me a set of the Precious (Sixth Finger scissors) and that I did willfully foist said device on the unsuspecting eyes of my readers.

Scissor_Payment To rectify this heinous breach of confidence, witness the left hand (of the author) paying the right hand (of the author) the full and complete purchase price of the aforementioned bloody awesome scissors.

Now that I’m a reformed whore – I get to throw big rocks at everyone else…

The Federal Trade Commission has ruled that as of December 31, 2009, bloggers will be required to list their relationships with any vendors, and whether the product they’ve reviewed was paid for – or provided free by the manufacturer.

Rather, in analyzing statements made via these new media, the
fundamental question is whether, viewed objectively, the relationship between the advertiser and the speaker is such that the speaker’s statement can be considered “sponsored” by the advertiser and therefore an “advertising message.” In other words, in disseminating positive statements about a product or service, is the speaker: (1) acting solely independently, in which case there is no endorsement, or (2) acting on behalf of the advertiser or its agent, such that the speaker’s statement is an “endorsement” that is part of an overall marketing campaign? The facts and circumstances that will determine the answer to this question are extremely varied and cannot be fully enumerated here, but would include: whether the speaker is compensated by the advertiser or its agent; whether the product or service in question was provided for free by the advertiser; the terms of any agreement; the length of the relationship; the previous receipt of products or services from the same or similar advertisers, or the likelihood of future receipt of such products or services; and the value of the items or services received.

This isn’t a really big deal as most blogs are personal and therefore exempt, but there’s plenty of grey area to stumble over. Many blogs are supported by the manufacturers (especially those that give favorable reviews) and a great deal of “loot” is dispensed through all the various angling mediums; magazines, blogs, forums, and the like.

In industries unrelated to fishing, manufacturers have commissioned “independent” blogs as a source of free word-of-mouth advertising and the FTC wants to shutter these “surrogate mouthpiece” sites.

Assume now that the consumer joins a network marketing program under which she periodically receives various products about which she can write reviews if she wants to do so. If she receives a free bag of the new dog food through this program, her positive review would be considered an endorsement under the Guides.

Individual authors lack the funds to buy multiple $700 rods each year – and may lack the desire even if the fundage was forthcoming. Manufacturers queue themselves willingly for the chance to reach your precious eyeballs, and the larger for-profit sites will now have to spill all the sordid details.

… and lest you think I’m pointing fingers, “for-profit” describes any site with Google’s AdSense advertisements – the irritating little ads to the right of this column that you never click on anyways.

I think this is a great idea and long overdue.

Popular blogs are besieged by unrelated vendors who will pay just for a link to their site. Something as innocuous as the word “shoes” can be worth money to a high traffic site. Vendors don’t care whose eyes they capture as long as there’s lots of them.

Product reviews have always been a sore spot – even amongst the magazine crowd. Fly fishing is such a personal issue that one fellow’s idea of a great rod may not be shared by others. Numerous articles on the topic have surfaced on this and other blogs about these “rock and a hard place” pressures.

If you play the game well, applying the lips to whichever hindquarters are presented – you get more free stuff, and advertisement revenue. If you don’t – well, you don’t get anything.

… and that’s fine too… only the FTC no longer sees it that way.

I’m not a legal mind, but if Sage is paying you a monthly stipend to host their banner and you review one of their rods, are you on their retainer?

Example 5: A skin care products advertiser participates in a blog advertising service. The service matches up advertisers with bloggers who will promote the advertiser’s products on their personal blogs. The advertiser requests that a blogger try a new body lotion and write a review of the product on her blog. Although the advertiser does not make any specific claims about the lotion’s ability to cure skin conditions and the blogger does not ask the advertiser whether there is substantiation for the claim, in her review the blogger writes that the lotion cures eczema and recommends the product to her blog readers who suffer from this condition. The advertiser is subject to liability for
misleading or unsubstantiated representations made through the blogger’s endorsement.

So how does it all work? The Redington RS4 review that TC and I did came with the requirement that we link back to the Redington site twice. The rod and reel we reviewed was donated by the vendor to our collective bosom with the understanding we’d both review the product.

The Trout Underground thought it a sturdy serviceable rod, and my opinion was that it was sturdy … too damn sturdy for my taste. That’s the gamble the vendor takes when putting his “best foot forward” – loose cannons like myself may not like the product and have the affront to say so.

The manufacturer is gambling on a favorable review and the topic (plus links) to bring your precious eyeballs back to their site for ritual exploitation.

Our combined (Underground/Singlebarbed) loot policy requires us to donate the rod and reel to the readers. I’m guessing this will happen after TC becomes more skilled in whip finishing his new daughter’s diapers …

The Modified Singlebarbed Loot Policy:

I own more tackle than a fully equipped fly shop. I’ve got more reels, rods, fly tying materials, books, hooks, waders, boots, and vest-based errata than I care to admit.

… the fact that my brother has borrowed or broken half of it is immaterial.

I will tell my girlfriend that any item she claims is new – was provided free by a vendor – and I’m counting on you not to spill the beans.

In the case of a product review I will outline the requirements the vendor has saddled me with – and whether I paid for the beast. As Singlebarbed does not kiss vendor buttocks, we’re considered “a loose cannon” by that community and I expect I will continue to pay for all products reviewed.

Tags: FTC endorsement rules change, FTC guides on endorsements and testimonials, Redington, trout underground, Google AdSense, bloggers, blogging ethics, schwag

Columbia River to go Barbless for Salmon and Steelhead

Beginning May 1st, 2010, Washington fisheries officials are proposing a single barbless hook restriction for the Columbia River.

Washington fisheries officials are about to deliver a bombshell on Columbia River anglers, proposing single barbless hooks be required for salmon and steelhead angling as far upstream as McNary Dam.

The proposed rules can be downloaded from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website. The changes are scheduled for public comment October 8th, with a potential ratification in December.

#11. Hook Rules for Salmon in Marine Areas
Proposal: Require single-point barbless hooks when fishing for salmon from the Columbia River jetty and in Willapa Bay (MA 2-1) and the Westport Boat Basin from August 1 – January 31.

Explanation: This proposal would require single-point barbless hooks for all saltwater salmon fisheries, making saltwater salmon hook rules consistent and easy to follow, while allowing easier release of any salmon not retained

These types of changes are to be expected, in light of the dramatic decline in west coast salmon populations. This comes on the heels of a $7.50 increase in a Washington license (for salmon) – we can all expect to see stiff sanctions in play as the fish dwindle to extinction.

These are the Good Old days ..

Tags: Columbia River salmon, single barbless restriction, salmon, Washington fish and wildlife

Angling for a little Swine Flu

You can rest easy knowing ALL the important freshwater gamefish will not be contracting Swine Flu.

Having endured mandatory training due to employment with a “first responder” organization, it’s certain that while humanity may expire in a paroxysm of Phlegm; “Porkulosis”, “Bacon Lung”, or “Pigluenza” will leave freshwater fish untouched.

Yum Yum

The details of fisheries science are a mystery to me, but while listening to the health professionals insist we wash our hands hourly, and how the communal pink donut box is “… a virtual Petrie dish of exotic toxins” – I couldn’t help wonder whether us fishermen were especially at risk.

Really big fish are oft-called “Pigs” or “Porkers” and us fly fishermen lack the good sense to avoid a forcible fish exhale or sputum when the big SOB is gripped too tightly. Waders only protect us from the chest down and we could be unwittingly made “pollination vectors” as legions of big fish wheeze their way to the surface bent on payback.

Not to worry.

I considered prostrating my morals by cornering the market on 100% impermeable facemasks, getting them silk screened with Light Cahill’s and Royal Coachmen, but the thought of making freaking goddamn millions at the expense of the Brotherhood was distasteful …

In a study published September 28th ahead of print in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Health Perspectives, researchers measured oseltamivir carboxylate (OC), the active metabolite of the popular anti-influenza drug Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate), in samples of sewage discharge and river water

… so if the long lines for the H1N1 become burdensome you could wait a week and gargle river water. Dosages vary based on population size, so bring at least two straws. The “prime lie” will be at the outflow nozzle and bathing in it might provide additional surface resistance.

“An antiviral drug has never been widely used before, so we need to determine what might happen. During a flu pandemic, millions of people will all take Tamiflu at the same time. Over just 8 or 9 weeks, massive amounts of the drug will be expelled in sewage and find its way into the rivers. It could have huge effects on the fish and other wildlife.”

… maybe it’ll restore all that lost testosterone?

Tags: H1N1, swine flu, the other white flu, tamiflu, sewage treatment, fly fishing humor, Light Cahill, Royal Coachman, oseltamivir carboxylate

They don’t reproduce as well because of the time spent in front of the mirror

Moderne Bass The US Geological Survey released a study this week suggesting bass are especially prone to gender-bending and are doing so with great gusto.

… makes me wonder whether the professional BASS circuit will be stood on its collective ear when metrosexual bass cease feeding on crankbaits as the ensuing chase makes them all sweaty …

In the Mississippi River, near Lake City Minnesota, 73 percent of the smallmouth bass had characteristics of both sexes.

“Gender bending” humans exhibit traits ranging from undetectable to flagrant, and while diet appears largely unaffected – presentation and table manners most certainly are..

Will that mean the days of the vicious slashing take of an aggressive largemouth are over? Replaced with a “window shopping” study of our flies and a possible demure inhalation?

The Southeast, especially the Pee Dee River Basin in North and South Carolina, had the highest rates of feminization. In Bucksport, S.C., 10 of 11 largemouth bass examined were intersex. In parts of the Mississippi River in Minnesota and the Yampa River in Colorado, 70 percent of the smallmouth bass had female signs.

Any fellow witnessing two gals fighting knows that feminization of fish should improve the ensuing tussle. With the predominance of hair-pulling we’ll have to change flies more often, but the increase in ferocity should make that a wash.

While diet may be unaffected, successful imitation may require emphasis on matching the color of the nest, proper accessorizing of flies, and inclusion of trademark labels; Dolce & Gabanna, DKNY, and their ilk.

The rubber-worm manufacturers will have to retool if mauve becomes the new Purple.

Tags:feminization of fish, she-male, estrogen, largemouth bass, gender bending fish, wastewater pollution, fly fishing humor, DKNY,

Hoki, the other White Meat

Two years ago I introduced you to the Fillet O’ Fish sandwich – the Hoki, or Whipfish. The New York Times is reporting that this model sustainable fishery has suddenly become unsustainable compliments of McDonald’s, Long John Silver, and modern fast food.

This is one of those rare moments where anglers can take the Moral High ground – as everyone knows despite our lust to catch fish, most of us would rather have a hamburger.

My theory is you can bread and deep fry a car tire and it’ll make a suitable replacement given the volume of Tartar-saucelike-substance added. As the Hoki lives a half mile down with a lifespan of nearly 100 years – the next great whitemeat has to be Jellyfish..

… no worries, they’ll give it a catchy name.

Tags: McDonald’s Filet O’ Fish sandwich, Hoki, Whipfish, Moral High Ground, Long John Silver

Susan’s Purse Making Caddis, ten toes on the fender

Anglers have always been linked with conservation issues. Often we’re the whistle blowers that link some abusive practice with its effects on riparian habitat.

Invasive species and our part in spreading them was a stiff jolt. We’ve had the luxury of being the “Good Guys” for so many years – finding out we are the cause of some malady is a bit uncomfortable.

Giving up felt soled waders may be martyrdom to some, but as the pristine environments shrink, what else are you willing to part with?

Oh yes, it’s coming to that.

Those that made the pilgrimage to Hat Creek when reopened after its makeover by CalTrout have fond memories of large fish, Green Drakes, and the Powerhouse #2 riffle lined with enormous October caddis cases.

They are all gone now and have been for many years.

We did that. All those thunderous feet chasing large fish managed to squash the October Caddis out of the areas accessible to wading anglers. Siltation from the upstream powerhouse and the occasional canal break were responsible for the demise of the Carbon Bridge Drake hatch – but all our feet in the riffle above certainly added to the silt burden downstream – we just never measured the effect.

… and like most “trophy” water – our passion for bigger fish and wild trout has always put a dent in populations – despite our intentions otherwise. Hook the same fish 34 times a year and eventually he gets his gut squeezed, hits a log when dropped, or no longer has enough integrity in his lower jaw to eat mayflies …

We mean well – we’re not bad people, it’s just a numbers game. Thousands of anglers fishing continuously over a small space alters the landscape just like grazing cattle.

… and cleated rubber soles – they will make it easier to destroy the banks – as the same entree and exit points are used by thousands of anglers season after season.

The next couple of decades are liable to make us give up a lot more than felt soles, we may even be banned from certain watersheds – or no longer permitted to wade at all.

Invasive species come to mind, but I’m thinking of the Endangered Species Act and shock of finding some of the best water denied to the Gore-Tex hordes.

This year two species of underwater insect made the Federal Endangered Species list; the meltwater lednian stonefly (Glacier Park), and Susan’s purse-making caddisfly (central Colorado: Trout Creek Spring and High Park Fen) and may result in federal protection for what small areas still contain them.

This has always been a hot issue among private land owners who are suddenly denied use of their property to protect a salamander or lily – and with our big feet stirring up sediment and squashing insects underfoot, we may have to ante-up as well.

It’s certainly an unwelcome thought, yet fascinating to contemplate.

… and while you glance down at them big feet knowing you’re innocent of all wrongdoing – how your gazelle-like dance through the fast water couldn’t possibly be doing harm. Think again. Many thousands of insect lovers you never knew existed will be gearing up to confront you in the parking lot…

… you’ll have one foot poised over the water when you feel the Taser darts bite through your vest.

Tags: meltwater lednian stonefly, susan’s purse making caddis, insect lovers, taser, hat creek, wild trout, big wading feet, CalTrout, Trophy trout, global warming, Endangered Species Act, cleated wading shoes