Let's Get Ready to Get Ready!

December Largemouth

Hope everyone is enjoying 2016 so far.  Wow what crazy weather January has brought us with record high water releases,  rain, snow, and ice.  With some of the rivers unfishable at times and outright dangerous to wade, I have focused my attention on preparations for guiding and fishing.  I have restocked all of the fly boxes with some of my "goto flies" and some new designs both tied and purchased from Big Y Fly Co and Orvis.

Nymphs and Wet Flies

I have also purchased all new tippet, leaders, and fly line for all my reels.  I am trying some new fly lines from Orvis this season the Hydros Hd Depth Charge, Hydros Hd Bank Shot, and Hydros HD Trout casting all of them has been great!  All are ideal for the situation they are called for.  I am looking forward to fishing White Bass in the Neuse and Eno Rivers soon.

Buggers

Minnow streamers(clousers, muddlers, skulls)

In other news, my last few outings at "The Spillway" have seen me calling Wildlife Resources Enforcement Agents for people illegally netting game fish, fishing without a license, and exceeding size and creel limits.  It is upsetting to see the blatant disregard for North Carolina fishing regulations on a daily basis.  We as conscience sportsman need to be proactive by knowing the regulations and report any activity that is illegal.  I generally don't have a problem with addressing these individuals but, lately it seems the groups of people have been getting bigger and unpleasant.  I have emailed the Enforcement Officers covering Wake County and the Upper Neuse River and they have encouraged all to report any suspected violations.  Also, I continue to find litter from people such as jigs, line, and bobbers which I collect every outing.  If you see this stuff in the water and its in reach its always good to get it out if you can.  The last thing I want is a hook tearing through a pair of $300 waders!  Together we make a difference!  Comment, email, or call me anytime!  Cheers, EJ

Hoppers and Poppers

Fly Tackle: Mystic Au Sable 8' 3" 4 wt fly rods, Orvis Access 4 wt and Ross Fly Start # 2 reels, 9 ft tapered leader to 4x tippet 
Streamers: Buggers in white Size 6- 10
Nymphs: Rubber Legged Bead Head Hairs Ear Prince and Copper John

Spin Tackle: Ultralight spinning rod and reel rigged with 6 lb test line.
Berkly Power Bait Pre Rigged Atomic Tubes in white, green and pearl.
1/32 oz Jigheads with realistic eyes white twister or paddle tail
Johnson Beetle Spin, Phoebe, Mepps, Panther Martin, Rooster Tail

Fish Species(caught today):  bluegill, white bass, white perch, big crappie, channel catfish

Conditions: USGS Water data says the Neuse was flowing 2530cfs today at the spillway in Wakefield. It was sunny,  high of 53 degrees.  Chest waders needed be careful!

Wildlife: whitewater kayakers having a blast in the high fast water release, illegal poachers fishing and netting.  If you see activity of people netting fish and keeping them say something and call NC Fish and Game that you are witnessing a violation.