July 7, 2004 Newsletter

 

Killer Whales off the coast of Port Aransas?  A pod of as many as 100 whales were spotted about 70 miles offshore August 4^th in waters we frequent with the ‘Team Navy’ guys when fishing the Gulf Stream.  The report I received said they have been seen 9 times since 1972 and Tim Schmidt of the Texas State Aquarium thinks they enter our Gulf from the Yucatan Straits and may possibly be lost but feeding well on Yellow fin Tuna, Jacks, and Squid.  I am trying to recall the different years I took a swim out there in the deep, could it be someone mistook my bare butt and size – nah!  I wasn’t in the area on the 4^th. . . . .

 

From the second hand reports I receive, fishing has been very, very good in our salt pastures and offshore this past week with several photo’s provided as proof.  I am planning on fishing with my good friend and customer Solomon Abdo and long time friend and guide Capt. Chuck Naiser (361-230-9392) this coming Monday.  Herb Mossman will be in the shop holding court and teaching fly tieing.

 

I was forwarded a front page article from the Austin American Statesman with the details surrounding the closing of the Austin Angler on July 31^st.  If anyone is interested in reading this wonderfully written story, email me back and I will forward the article.  I used to think the American Statesman’s highest and best use was as a fish wrapper but they tell the story as it is, and if you should read it, please let me know your thoughts.

 

Did you hear they may strip Lance Armstrong of his 6^th Tour de France honor?  Seems French authorities searched his hotel room and found 3 banned substances – toothpaste, soap, and deodorant!  I don’t know why that strikes a funny bone with me, but it does!

 

I recently ordered a selection of Loop Fly Reels and expect delivery very soon.  I will continue to carry Ross and Tibor and thought a little more variety practical.  I have been building at least one rod per day recently and am able to keep up with the rod repairs.  If you need a rod guide, tip top, or even a handle repaired or replaced, bring your rod by the shop and I can get it back to you usually within a week.  I am entering the slow season in fishing retailing and wouldn’t know what to do with myself if I ever got caught up completely.

Remember fly tiers take command on Monday’s – great chance to ask for help or get started with your own tying with help from Herb.

 

Yet another ‘second hand’ report:  Bill Slough last weekend lead a group of local’s to the North Jetty at Port Aransas wherein they hooked 9 Tarpon landing 2!  Not an easy task landing one of these fish from a fixed position, especially from rocks as perhaps Bill’s broken 10 weight will attest. . . . . .?  I have also heard the Medina River and the Blanco River are fishing well with clear, clean waters and cooperative fish.  Raye Carrington (raye@carrington.com) has a wonderful Bed and Breakfast and guiding operation on the Llano River and she tells me the fishing has been excellent.  Raye is also a wonderful fly casting instructor and should you want to introduce your wife or significant other to our passion of fly fishing, give Raye a try! C. D. at the Shonto (www.shontoranch.com) tells me they have had up to 40 Largemouth Bass days in the 3 to 5 pound range plus numerous plate sized pan fish.  A lot of fun on a popper – and it is inexpensive and close to San Antonio.  You can call C. D. McGehee at 884-0982 (cell).

 

I would like to remind those of you curious about fly fishing or learning to fly fish, I have Lt.Col. Randy Bland as an instructor who will give you your introduction, knot tying, equipment list of things needed or wanted, and get you started with casting lessons at a very inexpensive cost of $35 per session.  The fist such session takes place in my shop and the casting is on the ‘casting range’ immediately behind the store.

 

Thanks for your support and get prepared for our ‘wonderful fall’ fishing.  Should be an above average year on the coast and the local waters are primed as well.

 

Dennis O. Freeman

RODMAKERS

13457 Blanco Road

San Antonio, TX 78216

210-479-3477

rodmaker@rod-makers.com