June 2017 Newsletter Vol. 1 • Issue 2
New Smyrna Beach Old Florida’s redfish remedy
Happy Tails
Fly-fishing trips of a lifetime p. 1
p. 4
Roatan, Honduras
A Bay Island boon for DIY permit p. 6
Secret Slovenia
From the Alps to the Adriatic p. 16
Happy Tails This month’s line up of Feature Articles is like a road map for the fishing trip of a lifetime. HEADLINING JUNE’S NEWSLETTER IS A GREAT PIECE by Will Rice on one of my favorite destinations, New Smyrna Beach. Visiting “Old Florida” and fishing the Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon has become an annual event for me. Follow that with a detailed report on my recent trip to Roatan, Honduras where my wife and I spent three weeks getting to know the island, its culture, and people. We fished the south shore extensively by kayak, hit some of the local guide’s “go-to” spots on the east end, then spent a terrific day with our Area Specialist, Capt. Greg Baldwin, as he showed us the permit flats of the north shore.
Publisher Rod Hamilton
Graphic Design Corporate Imagination Contributors Will Rice Rok Lustrik Matt Hamilton Geoff Mueller Fly Fishing Nation
If those two destinations aren’t enough, we finish up with a “teaser” on the beauty and diversity of Slovenia. Our Area Specialist, Rok Lustrik, paints a graceful picture of what to expect, what to bring, and why every fly fisher should visit. We receive dozens of Trip Reports every month that are all searchable on the website by species and location. Before locking in your final travel plans, review the pertinent reports to get a first-hand glimpse of what’s going on. The DIYFishing APP is launched, too, and the content is now building thanks to the efforts of local experts inputting data points and information. Destinations on the APP like Great Inagua, Cat Island, and Exuma in the Bahamas serve as a guidebook for traveling anglers on how best to fish the location, where to go, and what to bring. As many of you know, a new party recently won the Bahamian elections. The previous government was responsible for the current Flats Fishing Regulations and many of those in the know feel the new regime may take a gentler more thoughtful approach to managing this wonderful natural resource. If and when changes unfold I will report on them in the newsletter and on the website. Lastly, for those of you looking for the perfect Vacation Rental, DIYFishing is now offering homeowners a promotional video service to help them showcase their property. Starting in June you will begin to see home listings that contain a Video Tour. Click on the button to get a sense of the property, its key features, and the fishing nearby. Have a great June.
Rod Hamilton Rod Hamilton President DIYFishing
Cover photo by Fly Fishing Nation
Interested in contributing articles, photos, Trip Reports, or becoming an Area Specialist? Contact: rhamilton@diyfishing.com
www.DIYFishing.com © 2017 DIY Fishing. All Rights Reserved.
Contents
Contents |
June 2017
In Tight
3. Assorted Hooks
Ireland’s unreal fishing houses; an access win for Oregon anglers; and Africa’s first bespoke guiding business.
10. Trip Reports
Great Inagua; Vancouver Island, BC; Airport flats, Exuma; and a return to Provo.
12. Area Specialists
BJ Stone; Greg Heister; Frank Catlino; Rok Lustrik; Jason Tonelli; and Davin Ebank.
14. Vacation Rentals
June’s featured fly-fishing vacation rentals—from North Andros to the Middle Keys, we have you covered.
Long Hauls
4. N ew Smyrna Beach Redfish
An all-access guide to sampling some of Old Florida’s best redfishing flats.
8. H onduras DIY
Exploring Roatan’s prolific permit fishery on foot and with a little help from the island’s best guides.
16. S tepping Out: Slovenia
From the Alps to the Adriatic Sea, with area specialist Rok Lustrik.
BECOME AN AREA SPECIALIST 2
CONTRIBUTE
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Assorted Hooks |
In the current
Ireland’s Famous Fishing Houses IRELAND’S PREMIER ORGANIZATION of trout and salmon fishing lodges has launched an all-new website, detailing ten of the finest fisheries and fishing establishments in the Republic of Ireland. The Great Fishing Houses collection includes an array of accommodations, from comfortable guest houses and historic lodges to hotels and deluxe country mansions. Depending on the region, you’ll find fly-fishing beta for a mix of brown trout, sea trout, and Atlantic salmon. The website also features more than thirty trout and salmon lakes in Ireland, making it a dependable resource for anyone planning a trip. Non-angling companions are covered, too, thanks to info on worthwhile sites and directions to choice pubs for that deserved pint of Guinness.
Access Win For Anglers IN A CELEBRATED VICTORY for public fishing-access advocates in Oregon, state land board officials recently voted to keep the Elliott State Forest in public hands—for now. The 80,000-acre Elliott, bordered by the Umpqua River to the north and the Pacific Coast, contains vital habitat for threatened salmon and steelhead. The land board had been considering a sale to private timber and tribal interests, with a price tag valued at $140 million less than the forest’s stated worth. According to TU, a diverse group of conservation and sportsmen groups contributed to the outcome. Partners included the Wild Salmon Center, Oregon Hunters Association, the Association of NW Steelheaders, and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers.
A “Bespoke” Business—In Africa BECOMING A FLY-FISHING GUIDE is the kind of gig many of us have entertained at one point or another. Perks include daily fishing excursions and an “office” environment with prime views. But for Keith Clover, living the socalled dream also posed a challenge. Namely, guiding opportunities in Africa were once about as barren as a dried-up Kalahari riverbed. Undeterred, Clover partnered with his friend (and now brother-in-law) Rob Scott to start their very own “bespoke fly-fishing guiding business [in 2004], focusing on unique and pristine African locations.” Today, Tourette Fishing has grown into a powerhouse, with a stacked fishing roster ranging from Botswana and Gabon to Tanzania and Sudan. Read more about Clover’s journey—and some great fishing—via this report from Red Bull.
June 2017
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New Smyrna Beach
Redfish on the flats of Old Florida
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HE SUN HADN’T FULLY CLEARED THE horizon, but it would soon. Over my left shoulder brilliant pink and blue light brought just enough clarity to a situation where I could just make out a crinkle on the water’s surface. Redfish? Nahhh... I punched a short cast to the slight disturbance, let the fly settle for a second, and stripped. Swirl. Wham. The fish took off. A sea trout, maybe. Or an early-morning snook on the prowl, perhaps. After a few minutes, I reeled it in close for the reveal. There in plain sight was a big spot on a small silver tail. The early morning mystery had been solved. The blemish made it unmistakable and I was finally on my own and on the board with a DIY redfish. New Smyrna Beach (NSB) is located in Volusia County, Florida—roughly 60 miles from the bustling Mickey-Mouse-Metropolis of Orlando. Even though close in proximity, New Smyrna doesn’t have a lot in common with its larger urban neighbor. Visiting NSB is a little bit like going back in time. The town is situated on the west side of the Mosquito Lagoon and the Indian River Lagoon system making it a prime location for targeting tailing, waking, and cruising redfish in skinny water. The Indian River Lagoon (IRL) system stretches north to south and separates the mainland from a string of barrier islands to the east. It encompasses the Indian River, Mosquito Lagoon, and Banana River Lagoon, spanning more that 150 miles in length. To get oriented, one resource I’ve consistently used over the years is the Top Spot Mosquito Lagoon Area Fishing and Recreation Map. The map details areas that can be reached by car and foot, as well as some basic navigation intel for using kayaks or SUPs. On average, the IRL system is only three feet deep—but there are some soft-bottom areas that aren’t ideal for wading.
to the east and a number of access points to the Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon to the West. If you’re interested in stalking reds on foot in shallow water there are a number of access points from the park, which is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Here you can also rent canoes, a convenient option for seeing more of the system. (Boats need to be returned by 2 p.m.) From a fly-fishing gear perspective, your equipment and rigging can be fairly simple. I fish an 8-weight rod with a floating, weight-forward fly line. The fish can be skittish, so use a tapered fluorocarbon leader with 10- or 12-pound tippet depending on conditions. On super clear, calm days smaller diameter fluoro can really make a difference. Standard crab and shrimp patterns, similar to what you might use for bonefish, are typically effective. I’ve had success with size 8 or smaller spawning shrimp, bonefish sliders, and the always-killer chartreuse Kwan. Being so close to a major metro like Orlando, the area sees a good amount of fishing pressure. And like most fisheries, the farther away you can get from other anglers and outdoor enthusiasts, the better. Taking a canoe, kayak, or SUP will allow you to cover more water and access remote and quiet flats.
By Will Rice
Another option to think about from a fishing or post-fishing POV is JB’s Fish Camp. JB’s is located just to the north of the park’s entrance and offers a great spot to relax and have a beer or cocktail. They also offer kayak rentals by the hour, giving anglers access to productive fishing zones just a short paddle away. The lagoon twists and turns, so you’ll want to pay careful attention to where you’re going. It’s easy to get turned around or lost in the backcountry maze of red and black mangroves. And to help better understand the area, or get acquainted with redfish behavior, I highly recommend Captain John Turcot and his Backcountry On Fly guide service. In addition to fishing options, NSB has a recognized surf break and other DIY outdoor activities like boating, island camping, and hiking. There are plenty of great restaurants and no shortage of classic Florida seafood—rock shrimp, fresh oysters, blackened grouper, and other freshly caught local fish. Stepping into the Indian River Lagoon system just about anywhere does feel like Old Florida, or at least one that’s less developed than other areas of the state. If you like to explore on your own, this fishery is so expansive it’s hard to imagine ever figuring it all out—in a week, a month... or in a lifetime.
From an access standpoint, consider researching the Canaveral National Seashore located just south of NSB. This park offers beach access June 2017
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Roatan, Honduras A Bay Island boon for DIY permit By Rod Hamilton
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OCATED FORTY MILES OFF THE northern coast of Honduras, Roatan is the largest of the Bay Islands. It’s been known for years as an ideal diving location and a simple getaway for laid back sun worshipers. The expanding tourism base is also becoming a destination of choice for those packing a fly rod. Situated between the islands of Utila and Guanaja, Roatan lies on the southern edge of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System—the second largest barrier reef in the world. If you have experienced the world famous fishing in southern Mexico or Belize, you’ll feel right at home on the flats surrounding the Bay Islands, where the most sought after species by far are permit, which can be found virtually everywhere.
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The geography of Roatan is interesting for the fly fisher. Broadly speaking, from a fishing perspective, the island is divided into two principle regions: the north and south shores. Most of the tourist activity is concentrated in the communities of West Bay, West End, and Sandy Bay, which for fishermen fall into the commonly described area of “the north shore.” Most anglers I’ve spoken with stay in the West End and fish with guides, poling the flats inside the reef on the north shore. This is primarily a permit show, with relatively few bonefish for some reason. The DIY wading can be okay, with a few shots per day at bones and permit, but generally speaking I’d suggest hiring a guide to fish the grass and sand flats from Sandy Bay heading east.
The south shore is much different. Good DIY wading flats inside the reef start around Barefoot Cay and run eastward toward Guanaja and the length of the island, past the community of Santa Elena. Many of these flats can be reached via kayak from shore. For the adventuresome paddler there are miles of flats to fish for permit on the high tide and bones at low tide. The good news on this side of Roatan is there are substantially more bonefish. In fact, more than enough to fish them consistently on the low end of the tides, when permit have moved into deeper water. You won’t run into the large schools like on Guanaja, but once you’ve figured it out, having twenty shots during an incoming tide is common.
DIYFishing.com
IF YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED THE WORLD FAMOUS FISHING IN SOUTHERN MEXICO OR BELIZE, YOU’LL FEEL RIGHT AT HOME ON THE FLATS SURROUNDING THE BAY ISLANDS
June 2017
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Keep in mind, when fishing the south shore you’re walking on the reef. That means there are plenty of triggers to be found on the break and in deeper water you’ll see parrotfish from five to twelve pounds. Both can be as tough to catch as permit, but lots of fun and well worth the effort. And don’t forget that on the deep-water side of the reef lays a whole new world, where you just never know what you might hook when casting a large Clouser, letting it drop down ten feet, and stripping it back. Packing for Roatan is pretty standard for a tropical saltwater trip. Most anglers rig up 9-weights for permit, ranging from 5 to 30 pounds, and 8-weights for bonefish, weighing 3 to 5 pounds. On both the north and south shore flats, use as long a leader as you can accurately cast. Permit are hard enough to catch without spooking them with the fly line. If possible, use 11- to 14-foot leaders for permit with 16- to 20-pound tippet. On the south shore flats the same leader will work, but because the fishing is done right on the reef, and the fish are instantly into the coral and rock, stronger tippet is a must. Some south shore bonefish have seen a fly or two. So in the more trafficked areas you’ll need to lengthen your leader to 14 feet and reduce the tippet to 12 pounds. Where the flats are harder to reach and less pressured, back off the length of the leader to a more conventional 11 feet and increase the tippet to 16 pounds. As for flies, the usual suspects will work for the bonefish except on the frequently fished flats, where you need to go small, weightless, and with weed guards in the turtle grass. Otherwise, stick to lightly weight-
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ed flies (#4-8) and patterns such as orange butt Mantis Shrimp, Raghead Crabs, and Bonefish Bitters. For permit, the guides have their favorites so email them in advance and stock up on their recommendations. But for starters bring crab and mantis shrimp-style flies (#2-6, at least half need to be weedless) in green, brown, and tan. Basic patterns should include the Avalon, Raghead and Senior Raghead, S.S. Camo, and Bauer Crabs. We stayed on the south shore and had a great time kayaking from our rental house (Bliss on the Beach) to the nearby flats. On the days we wanted to cut down on the paddling we hired one of the boat taxis that came by every ten minutes and had drivers tow the kayaks a couple of miles to one of the flats. We’d then spend the whole tide fishing our way back to the house. This is a convenient and inexpensive way to only paddle half of the distance. When you really want to get into the fish, hire one of the local guides. There are two I can recommend without reservation. If you’re fishing and staying on the west end and fishing the north shore, then Capt. Greg Baldwin is your guy. Terrific to be in the boat with, supremely knowledgeable, and an excellent angler in his own right. Just the guy you want in the back when looking to catch your first permit. If staying on the south shore and fishing the east end of the island, I recommend Michael Bodden. He grew up here, knows the area intimately, and is crazy good at getting you onto permit and bones. He uses his boat for transportation and all of the fishing is walk and wade.
DIYFishing.com
Side notes for planning a trip: Getting around Roatan is simple. It’s set up to transport tourists with taxis available everywhere (Roatan is a cruise-ship port). If you feel confident in handling your own transportation, then car rentals are readily available. Additionally, for those more adventurous types, scooters and motorcycles can also be rented. If staying east of Coxen Hole (we were in Oakridge), then look into renting a car. There are fully stocked grocery stores on Roatan, so you’ll have no trouble getting quality fruit, salads, or meats. The local fishermen came by our house each afternoon with the day’s catch, including lobster, crab, and fish. Roatan is a wonderful location for a combo family vacation and fishing adventure. There’s plenty to do for the non-angler, the diving and snorkeling are world class, and there are enough restaurants and beach-side drinking establishments to keep you out of the kitchen. If you’re looking to catch your first permit in a place that’s affordable, with lots of activities and options, put Roatan on your list.
June 2017
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Trip Reports |
DIY field dispatches
Great Inagua Bonefishing By Barry Morse
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ere’s a recent report from our good friend Barry, who booked his Great Inagua bonefishing adventure through Area Specialist Vince Tobia. Despite the weather being less than idyllic, they found no shortage of targets to throw at while exploring the Northwest Point zone via foot, as well as area creeks via kayak. “Henry was as usual a great host on Inagua and him towing us into the creek was an added bonus.” Published on May 18, 2017
Read the full report
Beasts on the Beach By Rod Hamilton
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here isn’t much that can entice me to leave the drag-screaming runs of a bonefish and the warmth of the tropics to return to my home waters of Vancouver Island, B.C. But sea-run cutthroat can. This favorite fly-rod target lives at least part of its life ambushing helpless salmon fry close to shore. Knowing their lifecycle makes them an ideal species to hunt while walking endless kilometers of beaches looking for their telltale swirls and splashes. Published on April 30, 2017
Read the full report
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Airport Flats, Exuma, Bahamas By Marvin Miller
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arvin Miller tells us that Airport Flats in Exuma is one of the most accessible and beautiful flats for DIYers in the Bahamas. We couldn’t agree more. It’s also an underrated area to search for outsized bonefish. (Look left for proof!) Marvin and his wife have already re-booked Seabreeze Lodge and can’t wait to get back next year. “With more than six miles of flats to walk and wade this is the ideal location for both the ardent fishing group or casual fisher looking for a family holiday.” Published on May 8, 2017
Read the full report
Bonefishing at Harbour Club Villas on Provo By Ed and Tina Lavelle
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d and Tina Lavelle visited Harbour Villa on Provo, in the Turks and Caicos, for the first time in Nov. 2016. On this return trip they found some thrilling fishing, with Capt. Darren Bain helping them dial in those “dreaded 50- to 70-foot” casts. They also discovered solitude and success wading the pristine flats around Bonefish Point. The vacation was so good that, “we actually decided to go back two months later for another six days.” Hey, why not? Published on May 3, 2017
Read the full report
June 2017
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Area Specialists |
Your on-the-water experts
Area Specialists provide up-to-date fishing information and Trip Reports for DIYFishing’s users and subscribers. Each month we highlight six of these industry and angling professionals and the territories they serve.
BJ Stone Yellowstone
Hi, I’m 27 year old BJ Stone your area specialist for America’s first National Park, Yellowstone. I was born and raised in southwest Montana and frequented the Yellowstone area often. As I got older and graduated from spinning gear to the fly rod, Yellowstone and its enchanting waters drew me in. After brief guiding stints in Wyoming and Alaska, Yellowstone drew me home, where you’ll find me guiding through Arrick’s Fly Shop in the bustling tourist town of West Yellowstone. In the off season you can find me hunting the big browns of the area and heading west to swing my two-handed rod for steelhead.
Greg Heister Igiugig, Alaska
My name is Greg Heister and I own Seasons On The Fly Lodge, a remote wilderness lodge near Iguigig, Alaska, that offers you the opportunity to fish on your own. I have been fishing the Bristol Bay Area for 25 years and I consider the Kvichak River to be one of the best in Alaska for salmon and trout. I am also the host of a show called Seasons On The Fly that airs weekly on NBCSN, a digital and cable television channel that’s owned by NBC Sports. I have been a guide in Alaska, Montana, and Idaho, and I am a licensed Captain.
Frank Catino Vero Beach, Florida
Captain Frank Catino is a life-long resident of Brevard County, Florida and a veteran fishing guide who’s fished from the Bahamas to Montana. For more than 40 years he’s guided on his home waters of the Mosquito Lagoon, Indian River, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach and the Florida Keys. Enjoy a day of some the finest Indian River Lagoon fly, spin, and bait casting fishing avaialbe with one of the areas most experienced guides.
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Rok Lustrik Ljubljana, Slovenia
Rok Lustrik owns and operates Lustrik Fly Fishing in Slovenia, where he and his guides specialize in fishing everything from large rivers to alpine freestones and the country’s famous chalk streams. Diversity is the name of the game in Slovenia: you can expect to catch brown trout, rainbow trout, grayling, brook trout, huchen (taimen), and Lustrik’s personal favorite, the mysterious marble trout.
Jason Tonelli Vancouver, British Columbia
Pacific Angler was founded in 2007 by Jason Tonelli, with the simple goals of providing quality tackle, expert advice, and friendly service to local and traveling anglers. Pacific Angler has since grown to become the largest fishing tackle pro shop in Vancouver and a leading guided fishing-trip provider on the ocean and local rivers. Additionally, the shop hosts fishing trips to the top destinations around the world and teaches the largest curriculum of fly-fishing and -tying courses in North America. “We truly enjoy mentoring new anglers as well as discussing advanced techniques with savvy veterans,” Tonelli says.
Davin Ebank Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Davin Ebanks started FISH BONES Fly Fishing and has been guiding anglers to their first bonefish and tarpon on the fly since 2001. Born and raised on Grand Cayman, Davin has been fishing since before he can remember and is the author of the “FlatsWalker” blog where he chronicles his daily experiences on the water. One of his signature bonefish flies—the Usual—was published in Dick Brown’s Bonefish Fly Patterns. He’s also an accomplished casting instructor.
June 2017
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Vacation Rentals |
Destination detonation
Looking to access some of the hottest fly-fishing destinations on the planet? We have what you need, including the perfect vacation homes for your next adventure. Explore more of our recommended rentals at DIYFshing.com.
Harbour Club Villas Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
Harbour Club Villas and Marina is a six-villa vacation complex located between two waterfronts in a prime bonefishing area on Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The location can’t be beat if you love to fish. Just walk out your villa door, wade right out into Flamingo Lake and be bonefishing in minutes… how convenient is that! Our villas are ideal for those island visitors wanting to wade the flats and do some DIY, self-guided bonefishing.
Seabreeze Lodge Exuma, Bahamas
5-star luxury accommodations for families, plus some of the best bonefishing in the world in our backyard for experienced anglers. Bonefish flats abound. 10lb+ fish are not uncommon and the flats are rarely fished. The accommodations are second to none and I have a full-time caretaker who will look after you as much (or as little) as you need.
Seasons On The Fly Lodge Seasons On The Fly Lodge, USA
Seasons On The Fly Lodge is located in the heart of AK’s legendary Bristol Bay Region. It’s the only lodge with a DIY flare in this exclusive area of the state. The Kvichak (Kwee-jack) River is home to one of the largest runs of pacific salmon in the world and the largest rainbow trout in the state. The lodge comes with a video portal, featuring tutorials on how to fish the river and then you’re given a handheld GPS with 30 pre-programmed locations so you can drive right to the key spots and catch fish.
LaTeDa Beach House Middle Keys, USA
The ‘La Te Da’ house is a two-story Key West style home located directly on the Gulf of Mexico. The backyard is a private beach, and you are simply footsteps away from beautiful turquoise water and sand. There is great fishing to be had in Placida Harbor for snook, trout, redfish, snapper and more, and in the world famous Boca Grande Pass you can try your hand at tarpon fishing.
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HAMMOCK INTRACOASTAL WATERFRONT COTTAGE ~ BOATERS DELIGHT! Palm Coast, USA
Our Hammock Island Intracoastal vacation cottage is the perfect waterfront retreat for boaters and fishermen. Fully furnished with all you need for a relaxing time. Launch your boat at Bings Landing Public Boat Ramps just down the street and begin your fun on the water. Fishermen will find the kitchen equipped with all you desire. JT’s and 386 are great nearby local restaurants.
The Rock Point Villas – Serenity Roatan, Honduras
Our unique boutique villas are a stones throw from the Caribbean Sea in Sandy Bay on the beautiful Island of Roatan, Honduras. We have spared no expense in these luxurious spaces. The Calm Villa comes equipped with all the comforts of home. Our guests can truly relax in the sun and enjoy their stay on the exotic island of Roatan.
Sunset Point Houseboat Fresh Creek, North Andros, Bahamas
The houseboat is a unique and charming cottage over the water. We enjoy stunning views and unlimited access to the creek. As the water flows all around and under the stable houseboat, enjoy privacy and the choice of flats, deep sea, reef fishing... or indulge yourself by fishing right off the deck, with only the breeze and azure waters for company.
Denman Island Cabin Denman Island, Canada
Beautiful waterfront property with magnificent views. See whales and sea lions off your deck while enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning or glass of wine in the evening. Fully furnished, with one bedroom loft and separate TV building with queen foldout couch. Perfect for two couples or small family. Three acres of waterfront makes it simple to launch small craft for some of B.C.’s best salmon fishing out your doorstep.
June 2017
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Stepping Out:
Slovenia From the Alps to the Adriatic By Rok Lustrik
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ITH A POPULATION of slightly more than two million, Slovenia is located in central Europe, bordering Austria, Italy, Hungary and Croatia, and comfortably nestled between the Alps and Adriatic Sea. This special place offers tremendous fishing diversity, including two main watersheds: the Soca River system, which flows into the Adriatic, and the Sava River and its tributaries, which terminate in the Black Sea. The Sava is home to browns, grayling, rainbows, and brookies. The Soca, on the other hand, courses through the Julian Alps and has rainbows, browns, grayling, and trophy-size marble trout. Additionally, DIY anglers can explore Slovenian gems such as the Savinj—running through one of the country’s most picturesque valleys—and the Idrijca, which hides some of the largest marble trout ever caught. No matter the time of year there’s always some fishing to be found. Fly fishing for trout and grayling is good from March through November, with the best months being April and May, followed closely by early summer. As trout season winds down, anglers shift their focus to the “king” of the waters, the huchen (aka taimen). This winter fishery runs from November until the end of February. In general, Slovenia’s trout are not overly picky, so a good selection of some standard patterns will work. For nymphing we recommend caddis, pheasant-tails, hare’s ears, scuds, and princes in a range of sizes with tungsten beads. For dry flies use BWOs, PMDs, caddis, parachute adams, and other #12-18 mayfly imitations. Make sure to include some streamers to sweep through the deep holes, such as muddlers, woolly buggers, and zonkers in black, brown, and green. In Slovenia, it’s relatively easy to find great water. The capital of Ljubljana is a convenient location to stay and use as a base. Most drives from the city to area rivers take from five minutes to an hour. There are also some other wonderful locations like Kranj, Loka and Radovljica that’ll get you even closer to exceptional trout water. Slovenia is truly a country rich in history, culture, and unparalleled beauty. Come here for the world-class fishing and fall in love with the great food and generous people.
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