We have recently added a new member to the TVangler field staff. Following in the footsteps of Matt, Jason has decided to break the ice and give us a different angle on fly fishing. Despite the fact that he is a loyal Akansas fan, we still allow him to join us on our fishing outings. I still have high hopes that he too will one day proudly sport the crimson and white. I hope you enjoy reading Jason’s report as much as I did!

Spring is here, and I managed to squeeze in a little fishing in between yard work and high water. I decided to fish the Flint due to its location. I met my wife in the driveway as she pulled up returning from work and off I went. I jumped into the nearest hole and got warmed up. A few nice bass and a gar were swimming around in sight, but would have nothing to do with me. Some young children showed up, and since I had my waders on, I pointed out the fish, gave them the hole, and began my journey to new water.

Nice fish caught on the Flint River.

You ever have one of those perfect days? After about fifteen minutes, I came to the conclusion this was one of those afternoons. The temperature was great, wind was calm, and my cast was pleasantly cooperating. A perfect day, but I had not caught a fish. I was ok with that fact, and was going to enjoy my day with or without them. I guess they sensed I was not going to leave, and became a bit more active. I managed a few Rock bass (at least that’s what we call’em in Arkansas) and a bluegill. The fish were definitely a bonus to an already perfect day.

Closeup of Jason's Redeye (Wonder why they call them Redeye's?)

With the sun getting low, I needed to start towards the Jeep. That’s when I managed to find myself in fairly swift water, trying to navigate a long stretch of river, with a solid rock bottom, covered in moss. I think I moved down river about twenty yards without lifting my feet. After skiing, shuffling, and mustering up every bit of balance I had, I managed to find some not as solid ground (I really need some felt boots). I just knew I was going to take a swim, but the perfection of the day would not let that happen.
I wish I could experience the satisfaction I felt this day, every time I went fishing. I am not saying I don’t enjoy every trip, but sometimes all the pieces don’t come together quite the way you want them to. I am sure I will return to the Flint soon, searching out another perfect day.

WoooPig!!
Jason

Tags: Bluegill, fishing report, Flint River, Jason, North Alabama, Redeye

This entry was posted on Friday, April 18th, 2008 at 4:24 pm and is filed under Fly Fishing, Random Musings, Trip Reports. The author is Dewayne Ricketts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.