I'm going to make a long story short. In June, just after returning from Wisconsin I was running beside my kids riding their bicycles when I felt a burning sensation in my knee. After a few weeks of limping around and everyone in my family telling me to go see a Doctor I did. The diagnosis was a sprained ______ ______ tendon (can't remember the name but it was painful) and a torn meniscus. Surgery was scheduled in August.
For the rest of the summer I limped around and fished as often as possible. Actually I went out daily just to exercise. I wasn't able to run but having a kayak got me outside to exercise. The week before school started was really great because I had 6 hours each day to go paddle and fish. Spent a few of those days chasing bass and two of the them chasing carp. Here's a short video I made during my first week after surgery. Had to do something fishing related that week to keep from going insane. Hope you guys enjoy it. I have some other collaborations coming in the future.
Driving across the rugged landscape, DW our Shuttle driver from Amistad Expeditions, detailed his quickest turn around. He hadn't made it out of the North SNA when he got a call from a park ranger to turn around and come get the guys he had just put on the river. The ranger happened to be at Dolan Falls when he watched a kayak go over the falls slamming its occupant against the rocks. This was the warning we received; don't trespass, don't be a victim, don't be someone else's problem, and take care of yourself on the river. There's no one coming to save you. If you exit the river, it better be a "life or death" event.
Nick and James fishing
Looking down at the river from the side of the cliff, I could see how such an accident could easily occur. My first impressions of this place I had been dreaming about for two years was one of natural beauty that intoxicates, no seduces you, but holds no such feeling for those that choose to tempt the Devils. I was about to tempt it with three guys I had met the night before.
Dolan Falls
The first few hours felt more like a dream than reality. Nothing I had seen accurately portrayed how imposing the landscape was. The bluffs towered over us from every direction and seemed to never end. Dotted with cactus and other inhospitable vegetation, it was an intimidating sight. In contrast, the river was the most vivid and inviting turquoise blue color. It was cool to the touch and refreshing to drink. The adventure was about to get real.
Devils river carp
3-tier falls
The roar of Dolan Falls woke me to the first formidable obstacle of the trip. A 10-foot waterfall that had to be portaged. Nick and James made the drop first followed by Dave and me. Initially, I was worried about the dynamics of the group. This trip would require patience and a high level of teamwork. Both were on display and executed flawlessly at the falls. I knew the trip was going to be a great one when Dave decided to do a backflip off the ledge.
James sight fished this catfish
The rest of the day was spent running the various rapids, fishing and portaging the shallow areas. Like everything else on the Devils the portages weren't easy. Some required dragging your kayak 50 yards or more. Others required getting in and out of your kayak every few feet negotiating the catacomb like ledges. We didn't fully appreciate the impact of the portaging until the sun was starting to set. We were still over a mile from camp with two rapids to run and only 1.5 hours of daylight remaining.
We pulled into camp and got set-up with 30 minutes to spare. With hammocks strung from the trees, we started to boil water for our dehydrated meals. Nick began to talk about the gourmet cuisine he had eaten on his last trip with Reel Fly Adventures two weeks prior. Everyone's thinking about steak, when I read the label on my MRE, "Chana Marsala". How did that get here? It should read "Chicken Marsala". From the label, an Indian curry dish with chilies and rice from the Punjab region of India. Nope, that's not going to work. I felt like the Punjab region of India might be digestive disaster waiting to happen and I only had three WAG bags. Decided to pack it out and save it for another trip.
The next morning, we got an early start thanks to Nick's alarm. It might have been the first time I have ever heard an alarm on a camping trip. Dude is a machine. Before I could drink my first cup of coffee, Nick was packed and sitting in his kayak. He was super eager to get some fishing in during the morning hours and I honestly can't remember when he left. It didn't really matter. Wednesday would be the day of 25 mph tailwinds. Plus it's always cool to meet other people who get as excited about fishing as I do. However, my engine requires three cups of coffee before starting.
Beautiful smallie Dave caught
We cursed the winds and I nearly killed James on day two. It wasn't my fault. The passing lane is on the left. It's clearly written on every sign along the highway in Texas. He was negotiating the last drop of a rapid (out of my view) when I started down. His hazard lights were flashing so I passed on the left yelling, "coming through." He jumped into the river to avoid the collision but it really wasn't that close. That's the highlight of day two. The tailwinds helped us cover 7 miles of river before 3pm. The 25-30 mph winds tried to strangle me with my fly line and more than once I had to duck to avoid a face piercing. Running the many rapids proved the most exciting part of the day, unless you're James.
The "Canyon"
Hieroglyphics
We pulled into camp around 3pm. Sitting in a hammock enjoying the tranquility of a wild river with new friends isn't a bad place to be. It provided a great opportunity to reflect. We discussed how our kayaks handled the river, what patterns worked and what we would do differently next time. As the afternoon passed, some wade fished and others napped. But as the sun was setting, we all found ourselves sitting along the river's edge watching the western cliffs shadow move slowly up the eastern slope. That night the winds shifted and the temperature dropped sharply. The last day we would face a ferocious head wind.
Thursday started with everyone filtering water for breakfast. It was the last day and the vibe I sensed was one of disappointment. No one wanted it to be the last day. Our pick-up time wasn't until 4 pm so we had a full day on the river planned. We fished when and where we could but the winds made it a difficult prospect. Then it happened, I saw another boat on the river. We had seen 4 guys at the start but never ran into them or anyone else during our trip, until today. It was the perfect reminder of why I came here. Its remoteness means you'll likely be alone most of your trip. It was also a reminder of what DW said on day one, no one's coming to save you.
Sight fished the last day at the take out
Each of us traveled to this wild place to find something. Whether it was fishing, an adventure, or to check off a bucket list trip. I'm confident we found what we were seeking. We arrived as strangers but left as friends forged in the fire of the Devils River ready to tackle that next adventure.
The Video (for best quality open and play on YouTube)
I'm very impressed with my new Orvis Clearwater 9'/6wt/4pc. Its been a workhorse for me the last few months. In some rather unsavory conditions.
Long Story:
I purchased the Clearwater from the Ozark Angler in September 2015. I'm not quick to buy new gear without testing it first. Fortunately, I have a buddy who owns several Orvis fly rods. Any time I have a question he's quick to offer up his collections. I first borrowed the Clearwater Janurary 2015. I kept it for a month using it as a streamer rod. See post from Jan 2015:
I liked it so much I immediately asked my wife if I could buy one. She quickly replied, "which trip are you not going to take this year?" Say what! I'm not sure she understood. I wanted to buy a new fly rod, not trade a trip for one. SO...my trips included, Southeast Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, Iowa, including a few return trips to those areas. If you would like to read more about those trip. I posted some highlights on the Jackson Kayak page: http://jacksonkayak.com/blog/2016/01/10/year-fly/.
I wanted a light weight fly rod with the action to deliver small dry flies to grass carp and also small articulated to streamers on a sink tip. It does both very well. I can throw the Clearwater all day from my kayak without feeling like I just completed a Crossfit workout. Throwing my 8wt all day is a workout. Its got the backbone to fight trout, largemouth bass and some pretty large grass carp.
What I've been most impressed with is how its performed in the conditions I have used it. For the most part when I'm targeting trout the water is clean and free of mud or silt. Dropping it in a trout stream doesn't worry me. Those conditions aren't found in my Southeast Arkansas cypress swamps. Instead of telling you why I'm impressed with the Clearwater. Let me show you with an example.
On one occasion I was fighting a 40" grass carp from my kayak. I thought it was ready to be landed. I got in the water and sank to my calves in the mud. Guess what happened when I was ready to CPR the carp? It was NOT ready and ran between my legs...still hooked! I did my best Russell Wilson side-step and spin trying to avoid JJ Watt. I'll be 39 in two weeks so I move like Peyton Manning hobbled by a torn planter fascia.
I went to avoid the collision but couldn't move because I'm not athletic. I lost my balance and started to fall backwards as the carp was splitting the double team. I couldn't get my feet unstuck and drug the tip of the rod through the mud...seriously all 9ft passed between my legs and through the mud. I fell backwards landing hard on my a$$ and drove the reel deep into the mud.
My local water
I was certain I would be testing out the Orvis warranty and the customer service I've heard so many great things about. However, after closer examination everything looked good. That's tough and something I need in a fly rod. I have limited space in my kayak and I'm hard on gear (see above). There's a real possibility I'm going to bang it off a overhanging tree branch, sink it in mud, or skewer a cypress tree. I need gear that can stand up to that kind of abuse. The Orvis Clearwater has met all my expectations and more. I have zero complaints.
Most people know me as the guy with the kayak on his truck. I feel like they've accepted me for who I am...intense, not social, and don't make small talk. Unless you want to talk about kayaking, camping, fishing, floating, and other related outdoor stuff. If it weren't for my wife I'd probably be wearing old, smelly, and ragged clothes. Phrases like this would be much more common (I already hear it weekly), "hey are those your boxers I see through the holes in your shorts." My response being, "these are my fishing shorts." Plus, I've safety pinned the holes closed. What they might not understand is I only own fishing clothes...if I can't fish in it, I'm not interested in wearing it. I've lost several of my favorite fishing outfits over the years. Hmmm....wonder where they went since I do the laundry?
If my wife isn't around to check my behavior I end up fishing everyday. She's been of town this week. So the time between when I walked them to school and when the school says they must come home I spent fishing.
Turkeys at the ramp
I always remember to make it to whatever event I have scheduled, Veterans Day lunch at my kids school, and various other children's activities after school. Since I don't particularly care how I look or smell when I'm in public...as long as it's fishy...I fish up until that time. Aside from my wife being gone...I'm human...it's been a great week. Fish all day and hang out with my girls all evening...awesome!
I fished all day Tuesday, until lunch on Wednesday, and all day Thursday. Gonna post this b/c I've been slacking on the blog lately (only so much time in the day - sorry) and head out for some carp. The week went like this:
Bass Tuesday and Wednesday. Tried again on Thursday but after 2 hours of nothing and hearing the strangest noise in the refuge (Felsenthal NWR) I paddled up on a electroshocking boat.
I decided my first choice wasn't going to work so I went searching for carp and surprisingly found a very active group in a shallow pond. I had pretty much decided the cool temperatures had shut them down....I was wrong.
Check out my Facebook page Looknfishy for more timely posts and pictures. A few of my photographs have recently been featured on the Only in Arkansas FB page, http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/arkansas/ar-best-photos-4/ Wish I had that kind of luck with fish. My luck puts me fishing behind the shock boat. I apologize for all the typos, bad grammar, misplaced commas (my motto-when in doubt comma out), spelling errors...and whatever else offends you. I'm going fishing now!
