XMAS Ducks

I went out with Ron on 12/24 in a Tidal River and had a fantastic day. We paddled the Bathtub(Square back Canoe) out to a remote section and set up with a mix of Mallard and Diver Decoys.
Within 45 minutes we had on Malard hen in the boat. We also missed a few lol.

The Mallards then dissapeared and we where then buzzed constantly by Sea Ducks. Buffle heads and the Mergs came in. Many were just out of shooting range. A few did make it into the boat though. I got one beautiul Hooded Merganser. The other four we harvested were hens.
Conditions were perfect, 20 deg. Good stiff NW wind with overcast clouds most of the morning.

A nice Xmas present for us.

Double Band!!

My buddy Jimmy went out Brant hunting a couple of weeks ago in RI. they had an awsome day with Brant coming in all morning. The filled the boat with their limit and even managed a DOUBLE band. Very rare occurance. The bird came from NW Canada just south of the Artic Circle. Nice!!

SKUNKED

Went out last Sun for more Geese. Very quiet, not many birds flying at all. A very high west wind was blowing over a decoy or two. We had two flights go by us, no bites.
High sun, no cloud cover at all.

Try again Next Sat

Opening day for geese

We had a great day today in SOCO RI hunting for geese.

Conditions were very calm and almost no wind during the sunup. Then around 8:30 the wind picked up as did the birds. Got one around 8:45 then about 9:30 several big flights came by.

We had to work very hard to call and flag em in. But it was worth it. One large group came right in and we downed five at once! Nice

Goose stew tommorow.

Last of the free?

As I made my few last casts of the season I realized that these would be the last that would not cost me money. I also realized that I will have yet, another organization with my name and address in a computer system. All this due to the saltwater fishing license.

Also at the time of this writing, the Governor of RI had vetoed the bill for the Saltwater lic. It was a bit confusing to me why after so much hard work by those who favor the license that he would veto it. I have no idea. All I do know that at this time, is that I will have to pay the feds 25.00 to fish next year if things stand where they are. Perhaps the MA lic. will be reciprical for RI.

Although I am still not sure how I feel about this license to begin with, due to more rights taken away from me and creating yet another government process for me to enjoy the outdoors, I would have much rather paid the lower state fees. I guess we will wait and see what happens.

Is this process going to be good for the fish? For our sport in the future? Will less people fish? Only time will tell.

Many claim it is a good thing, I hope so.

I will say this, what we spend will not end with what starts in Jan. In my opinion, we will see even more fees, more stamps and more silly regulations in the future. I am also very afraid that our moneys spent will not be allocated to where they should be. I sincerely hope I am wrong. I am not an expert on these matters. But I know that the Term "Government organization " is an oxy-moron. You take it from there and form your own opinion.

I wish all those who fish in the winter good luck, be safe and tight lines.

The next posts will be on waterfowl hunting and updated on the government document to be included in my fly box.

The Naps on Halloween

Well I did make it out there on 10/31. Arrived there around 5AM to catch the incoming. Noticed there was a lot of SW wind and that I should have brought the plug bag. lol oh well. Plus I saw several small crabs lying around from the birds which was also not a good sign.

So I made the walk to the tip and fished the northern point after getting fustrated at the big rock near the point. Tough conditions there.

At the northern point and the pond the fishing was much easier but not productive. Not a sign or a bump. Lots of ducks though!!!! Brant,Mergs Blacks and the occasional bufflehead flew past my areas.

During the walk back around 9:30 I met one other fly fishermen with the same look on his face. We talked for a bit and watched two events of birds working the water which were way to far even for a skilled plug or tin caster. So the bait is still out there. Whether the fish are? I never found out.
I was a beautiful sunrise but the SW wind creating the whitecap came with it. And we all know the SW precedes a storm usually. Was thinking about the toggers out there.

So now I put away my fishing equipment, clean the guns and decoys and prepare for the next waterfowl season!

Naps

Worked this past weekend so no fishing. I will be going to Napatree Point this coming Saturday moning to fly fish the incoming which is around 7AM.

Happy to have company (if you don't mind a walk.)