Record Temps for February

 Fridays record highs of 70* was just what I needed to get out on some new water.  This was a stream I had never caught a trout on and I hadn't fished for close to a year.

 The temps were a little cooler in the shade of the bluffs

 spring rains and high water cut the banks

 washing tons of sediments each year into these cool water streams.

 Did I say cool?  It was down right cold but what else do you do when you forget to pack your fishing boots.

 There was still ice along the northern slopes of the valley but this spot all right.

 Right where he should have been.  The perfect cast and a twitch or two and splash there he was.

Another stream another trout.  Catch and release for another day.

Just Thursday.

New vinyl from A&P Graphics.  Thanks Pete!

River dance

Really bad hop but stuck the landing.

Speaking of landing.

One netted, one off the hook!

SPRING, It's Getting Closer.

Getting things set up in the sugar bush for an early run,

When to tap?  Be sure to wait until the temperature stays consistently below freezing (32 F) at night and above freezing during the day. This is when the sap flows. If you tap too early in the season, the hole will seal up and will need to be drilled again. The best time to tap for most of NE Iowa is usually  early February.

 What tools do I need

• A tap or spile (a spigot used for taking sap from a tree). You can buy or make your tap from anything that fits tight and directs sap into a bucket. I use a short length of copper pipe.
• A drill. I use my grandfathers hand drill and a bit that matches the size of my tap or spile for a tight fit. Drill about 1-1/2 to 2 inches into the xylem (water carrying layer of wood) of the tree. Smaller holes and taps work just as well as larger, and they heal faster.
• Something to catch the sap in.  I've used bags in the past but this year I'm using buckets and jugs.

 Down to the Mill for music and dinner 

 We caught Memphis vocalist and harmonica player Brandon Santini is undeniably a worthy player to keep an eye on.  He is an awesome harmonica player who's respect for traditional blues with a present, colorful style of playing that is often compared to Paul Butterfield.

 If you're looking for something to do Sunday afternoon -We're at the Great River Gallery and making Valentines!! 2-4pm, at the River Ridge Brewery.

The Sure Thing.

 It was the first 50 *F day falling on a Monday why wouldn't you  wet a line.

Well I did, but I didn't hit a tried and true stream where I've had recent success.

 I went to a stream where I hadn't caught a fish since last fall.

A long cast into a crystal clear pool and ... Was that a bump.  Another couple a casts and there it was, a follow with several short strikes.

 I would have been happy with that but persistence payed off on this beautiful afternoon. 

PREGAME WORKOUT.

 Hydrate 

 Stretch 

 Squats and dead lifts 

 Load up the truck

 Truck breaks down

 Hoof it,  I racked up 3.5 miles today

 Did a few curls down in the sugar bush.  Got a few drips today and looking for a small run over the next few days.

Just a little pull with the jeep and the truck popped and turned right over.  Back home and unloaded and a little work out with the splitting maul.

Time to re-hydrate.

First Tap is Set.

 We hiked along the neighbors new sheep fence.  It brings to mind Australia's rabbit fence.

 The hills side has a new look.  The sheep keep things trimmed down.

 Another ravine and another hill. 

 First load down to the sugar bush

 A good supply of fire wood near by.  Thanks to the winter storms.

First tap is set.

Catch, Capture an Image and Release!

 It's beautiful where I live.

 Temp is 25*F and the shadows are getting longer as we work our way toward spring.

 Wearing mittens just doesn't work when you're trying to fish a spinning rod.  

 But sometimes you get lucky

 Catch!

 Capture an Image and Release!

That's what I do.

TURKEY!