I have two black Labradors Retrievers, and it is that time of year when they start shedding. I have to brush them twice each day, so the house is not covered in dog hair….

I am willing to trade black Labrador Retriever dubbing (it is very soft and easy to work with) for some of your cat or dogs underfur. I also will consider horse mane for this swap

I am also looking for some hair from dogs that get haircuts to help them deal with the summer heat.

You can contact me by FAOL Personal Message or email me at… parnelli@comcast.net

I may be going to Japan for a business trip and I’d like to look into what I can acquire there that I can’t get here (US) such as DAIWA stuff! Any tips as to what flies and gear I could get there and bring back is greatly appreciated.

You can pm me if there’s anything you might want me to pick up there if you want to buy too Though rods are too big to bring back (sob)

Yesterday I spent some wonderful quiet time on a little stream. The weather was sunny, and somewhat windy.The stream was beautiful, clear, crisp and cool, water temps about 56 degrees.

The stream,

The trout were holding along the banks, and submerged structure. But when the fly was presented right these special fellows responded quickly.

The calandar, the weather, the greenery, and the robins all say its spring. But I say its not spring until I start seeing these guys,

And yes, Antipasto, an Averys root beer and NCIS compleated the day.

Brk Trt

Tuesday evening I got out one more time to try for tailing reds on the flood tide in Charleston. I have fished 4 straight evenings on this set. A lingering storm system had its effects on the fishing. The winds had calmed a bit more (~15) but still strong enough to present a challenge. On this evening I walked out to a good spot where I and friends have consistently seen reds and just chilled. Instead of walking the flats as I do a lot of times I just remained motionless and figured I wait for the fish to pass through. I think this was a good strategy as I saw a lot of fish, but I could not get a good shot on any fish. They were so, so spooky. If I even shifted weight on my feet I would spook a decent fish within 25 feet of me. Usually 2 more as well. And when a tailer would present themselves nearby, as I gathered my line or went to backcast to set up for the shot I would spook fish I had not known were there. It is absolutely amazing that such big fish can move silently and with out being noticed across grass flats with only 14 – 16 inches of water on them!!! This flat was not deep and pretty thick with grass yet there were tons of fish – just not many tailing and they were all totally spooky!

The water was pretty clear (6/10, 10 spring creek clear), 68F, some ripples from wind. 7.2 projected tide that was actually about 6.6 at about 8:20PM because of a 15-20W wind. I fished 6:50 – 8:20. Almost a full moon. The air was a bit cooler since this storm has moved through. At the last minute I brought my waders, since I had gotten a bit cool the night before. I was glad! I am an avid wet wader, but I also like to remain warm – it was odd to be wairing waders in Charleston in late April, but I am so glad I did. It was a good move to bring them!

I went with two other guys. One fished a small flat that he likes and frequents often but did not get a good shot. And my other friend went to a new flat and saw lots of tails waving in the sunset. He said he cast to 10+ fish, had 2 takes, but both came unbuttoned. Just goes to show it is worth explore areas around the places that we like to fish. I know where we’ll be next set of tides!

So that is it for my redfishing on the fly during this set of tides. I fished for 5 days and did not connect. Oh well, the more hours you put in, the greater the pay-off. I will hook up soon and it will be good!

This flat is a bit of a hike. On the way there we passed a Bald Eagle nest. I got to see both birds come home at dusk. Here is a shot of their massive nest. I have seen more Bald Eagles on the SC coast in the last year than I previously had ever seen anywhere. I am glad to see them around, such majestic birds.