Stocker Trout Fishing News

Yesterday’s practice casting of the 6wt TFO Fly Rod was a fun time at Bethany Lakes. But, was sidetracked by a school of bass lurking in the hole by the drainage pipe in the Back Pond. After 11 fishing flies later, found a pattern that worked… caught one Bass but fouled hooked it. When up the road to Bethany Creek Pond, had another Bass take but broke off. Did notice the Bass was sulking near the pond’s brick wall. Able to grab it by hand, and then move it closer to the water fountain where the water had more flow and aeration. Released it with no issues! Really like this setup – specifically, 9′ 6wt TFO Pro II: https://amzn.to/2MxZlUv 6/7wt Echo Ion Fly Reel: https://amzn.to/2SdqUaM OPST Commando Head 225 grain: https://amzn.to/2TjkKn0 100′-15lbs M-Maximum Catch Coated Running Line: https://amzn.to/2CNRYng AirFlo 5′ Extra Fast Sinking Leader: https://amzn.to/2SdHMhu Going to plan to use this in place of the 5wt… retired to the closet after many fun seasons!

Yesterday, was able to get a cast or two with the TFO Fly Rod. Casting the OPST Commando Head with the coated running line made for much easier line management. So far so good… will likely use this rod in place of the 5wt that has been “retired” to the closet. Have a video of the fishing yesterday; still editing it… only caught one Bass and fouled hook at that. Temps were chilly, Bass were not biting… even picked up one by hand and moved it to a more aerated area. For now, Charlie and I have been preparing for warmer weather; plan to take him kayak fishing later in the year. That said, how about a skit to provide a little humor to our viewers!

Liking the newest fly rod (TFO Pro II 9′ 6wt) in the Team’s arsenal of fly fishing gear. Cast well with the Rio Trout Max Shooting Head. Cast well with a traditional fly line. But, really like the 200 grain OPST Commando Head that we use on our mojo 5wt combo – Redington Classic Trout 9′ 5wt and Echo Ion Fly Reel 4/5wt. After a quick check online on the OPST website, determined the 225 grain OPST Commando Head would work for the TFO fly rod. Put an order in but decided to forego the Lazarline Mono running line. Instead, found a coated running line that would feel more like a fly line than the mono one. The mono line makes for some distance casting but line management is key, else a tangle here and there may have to be dealt with while fishing. Going to try the coated running line and see how it casts and shoots… may lose on distance or not… will see! For the leader, went with a 5′ Airflo Extra Fast Sinking Tip and the 5′ of 4lbs tippet. Should make for some fun fishing when the fish a

More Near Deere Give Aways… this one is round three for 2019! This round has… One Olive Near Deere One White Near Deere Two No Herl Griffiths Gnats Where: YouTube Channel – COAF FIELD TEAM When: January 24, 2019 @8pm Central US How: — Like on Facebook @CoafFieldTeam — Comment on YouTube (of this video) Why: — Simple but effective fish getter — Send pictures, will post online — It’s FREE — PS: US address only Do join us for the random drawing!

Here is a simple tie for an already simple pattern… it’s a Griffith’s Gnat less the Peacock Herl. Mainly use this one as a trailing fly to a tandem rigged lead streamer like a Wooley Bugger or Near Deere. It’s fished wet but can be fished dry as well. Tends to do well when “bugs” are emerging have hatched but seem to have not made the final push to fly off… instead they sink and become food for hungry trout! Recipe: Size 14-18 dry fly hook Black Dacron Tying Thread Grizzly Hackle – long… at least 2″ or more in length

We like the Echo Ion Fly Reel for various reasons and for several seasons thought we had the complete line of reel weights. They come in the following weights: 2/3, 4/5, 6/7, 7/9, 8/10, and 10/12. After a little cleaning of the “fishing play room” learned we did not have the 7/9 weight. In short order put an order in at FishUSA; reel arrived and now we have the complete line. That said, to answer a Viewer’s question on what reel we like for fly fishing, we posted this video. From the jest of the video, we hope we answered the mail… Echo Ion Fly Reels! Do check back periodically as we hope to provide more reviews like this one to show other fishermen what gear we use and recommend using a simple rating system: “Alrighty Then” – Will buy it again. “It’ll Do” – Will buy it if in a bind. “Not Gonna Do It” – Will not buy even if the fish are biting! Product links: Echo Ion Fly Reel (less the 4/5 wt): https://amzn.to/2CvFeBx Echo Ion Fly Reel 4/5 wt: http://amzn.to/2ql1EhN

Made the run up the road on Hwy 75 to Denison to fish Waterloo Park Pond for Rainbow Trout. Restocked last weekend, plan was to limit out, and then run further up the road to Denison Dam tailrace to fish for Striped Bass. Cold temps that stayed in the 30s all day put a slowdown on the bite. Ended up striking out at both Waterloo and Denison Dam. No worries… had a great time at “casting practice” with the new TFO 6wt Fly Rod and the Cabelas TLR 6wt Switch Rod.

Congrats to our WINNER – Kyle Micks! He was selected in a random drawing of the Near Deere Fishing Flies in Olive, Pink and White!

Been hosting live sessions on YouTube and Facebook to answer questions from viewers. Added a give away of fishing flies in one session. Might as well do another one… plan to host on our YouTube Channel at COAF FIELD TEAM on Friday, 1/11 at 8pm Central. Details provided in the description of our last session. Come join us… plan to host a random drawing for three Near Deere in Olive, Pink, and White. To enter the random drawing, submit a comment like “Hi”. This will allow us to see your YouTube name and enter it in the drawing. Also, if you are a Subscriber you are automatically entered. Do note that the drawing is limited to those with a US address. We are unable to send to a non-US address. For planning purposes, we will hold the drawing January 11, 2019 at 8PM Central. Do join us then… will keep the session short and sweet – say “howdy” to participants and then go right into the drawing!

Picked up a new fly rod on New Year’s Day at Cabelas… a TFO Professional Series II in a 9′ – 6wt four piece rod. Paired it with the Echo Ion Fly Reel (6/7). Tried it briefly using the Rio Trout Max spey line. Worked well but replaced the spey line with a 6wt weight forward fly line.. will provide an update on how the 6wt weight forward fly line and its feel and cast-ability on the TFO! More to come… did enjoy a tasty margarita, too!

Re-posting another in the Fishing Addiction series… this one also started as a comic strip but trying a whiteboard version of it. Fishing Addiction – Symptom #2 POV… Points of View! Which one describes you? May they never find a cure…!

Stuck at work and cold and rain has us indoors and not fishing. No worries though. Able to put a YouTube Playlist of past fishing trips to local ponds and stocking locations during the Winter Trout Stockings in Texas!

Heads up, TRWD Trout Stocking for January 3 was moved to Friday, January 4. Do note on your calendars for those in the DFW area interested in fishing River Park!

Re-posting Fishing Addiction… this one was previously a comic strip but let’s try the whiteboard version of it. Fishing Addiction – Symptom #1 SMS… Selective Memory Syndrome! We think a few can relate to the Joe’s situation! May they never find a cure…!