Category: false albacore

The Virginia Tribute Video: Virginia is for Fly Fishers

Four years. 
Four years was all I had to fish the heck out of the great state of Virginia. From the mountains to the coast. I paddled, hiked, drove, waded, climbed, crawled, camped, froze and sweat for these fish. I made lifelong friends, ate way too much BBQ Exchange in Gordonsville and indulged in my fair share of Virginia ales. 
It may be true that Virginia is for Lovers… But you know what? It is also for hard core fly fishers with opportunities to scratch any fly fishing itch. 
I didn’t’ even come close to exploring all the Virginia fishery has to offer. Muskies, tarpon, carp, CCBT drum and winter stripers, bass, gar, shad and on, and on, and on… I guess I’ll just have to make an annual pilgrimage. 
Here’s to you, Virginia. 
Music: Josh Ritter “Getting Ready to Get Down”

New Video: Giving it our Best: A day trip to Harkers Island

I don’t get out fishing much these days, but when the opportunity arises, it is go big or nothing. As such, a when a free day came along this fall, and Sara agreed to watch the baby, I woke at 3am to go find the false albacore of Harkers Island. Unfortunately the water was too warm, and albert was out at sea. The day was still success by many standards and over too quickly. Just like this video.
If you have time, check out some of the sweet items we’ve got for out TU holiday party auction this year. Patagonia donated some pretty sweet stuff! 

Rest Easy, Friday Night: Vol. 11: New Video Edition

Breaking the rules a bit for the Rest Easy, Friday Night post, but I hope you’ll excuse me. Tonight, instead of group of songs from a selected artist you’ll find just one video with one song. This is the video I put together from the recent trip to Harkers Island in search of False Albacore. How’d it go? Play the video and find out.

Have a great weekend!

“Harkers Island 101”

The folks who fish from the shore of Harkers Island, North Carolina are lovingly referred to as the “Sand People.” Just like the Tusken Raiders from those movies that one guy (George Loomis or something?) made, little is known about the Sand People and their lifestyle. I present to you a short expose about the elusive fly fisherman and their obsessive quest to hook up with a False Albacore from the banks of Harkers Island. Was this trip a success? You’ll just have to watch and see for yourself.
Filmed with my iphone and goproHD
Music by me.

Harker’s Island: The Preview

While I shuffle through video and wait for Kevin  (photos are courtesy of him) to write a great report and Andy to share all his awesome photos, I’ll give you the main details.

1. It was gorgeous.

2. I got sleepy waiting for the elusive False Albacore.

3. And I had an awesome time and caught an amazing puffer fish.

4. Please give me a few days or so get some sort of video together that both solidifies the memory (or the way I want to remember it), and come up with something that is, at least, mildly interesting.
Have a great week!!

Harkers Island Blitz

My alarm went off at 2:30 AM.  We wanted to be on the road by 3 to catch the 8 o’clock ferry to the island. It was a gamble to hope for both good weather and fish, but, as I now know, the prospect of catching false albacore will make you do silly things.

We made small talk most of the way there, avoiding all topics regarding weather hoping not to jinx the day ahead. It is funny what we will do to feel like we are in control. The night before I left, Sara came home with a pack of Swedish Fish for good luck. I popped one or two in my mouth every half hour that day convinced it would do the trick.

Arriving at 7:30 gave us just enough time to gear up and pay the ferryman.  Shortly thereafter, his Carolina skiff was cruising across the water taking us to our destination. The cool morning air felt as good as a shower. I was refreshed and awake, excited for what was to come.

As the boat glided into the shore, we began sizing up our territory. Walking to our first destination, I noticed the sand on the island was made of broken down seashells. They clinked like wine glasses or wind chimes with each step.

After picking our first spot, we began to fish…..

The talk and mood during the ride home was lighthearted. We gambled and won. The Swedish Fish did the trick.

Hickory Dickory Dock…

The mouse ran down to Harkers Island in search of it’s false albacore. Come the 14th, this mouse hopes to wet his ears with albie sweat. I’ve got some tying to do.

Buddy Kevin with the prize.

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P.S. Remember to “fall back” with daylight savings time.  That’s this weekend. The last thing you would want is to show up to work an hour early on Monday.