The Return

Well hello. It's been a little more than a year since I jotted some words or shared some photos on this blog. 2015 was supposed to be a better year in terms of running. Unfortunately, I rushed my return to pounding the pavement after sustaining an injury on Christmas Eve 2014. I didn't do much running only managing 300 plus miles. Since I couldn't run, I did a lot of fishing. Which it kind of balanced out. Anything to get outdoors.

Here are some highlights of 2015.

Injured foot



First complete 5 mile run in 2015




Back to full strength in late fall



Switched to a Garmin Fenix 3 watch for 2016




Fishing 2015 Top 4

19 1/4" at Bull Run Marina in September 2015



19 3/4" at Beaverdam Reservoir in December 2015



20" at Bull Run Marina in June 2015




21" at Bull Run Marina in August 2015




















My biggest toothy fish caught at Sandy at Sandy River Reservoir during YakAttack 2015.

Maiden Voyage

I finally was able to make it out on the water yesterday. Although, it wasn't my most productive outing in terms of fishing, I definitely enjoyed being out on the water and finding ways to adjust for future outings.

My thoughts:

The 2012 Ride 135 is a remarkable and impressive kayak. I could not believe how much space I have, the stability, and the tracking of this yak. Additionally, the replaceable skid plate on the keel is simply fantastic!

Lessons learned:

• Get rid of the tackle bag and invest in a CratePak Max or modify my existing crate. 
• Add STS to the bow where I secure the paddle under the bungee and where the tip and butt of the pole rests when laying on the deck.
• Add anchor trolley 
• Add nylon pad eyes to secure rods
• Invest in a kayak cart. I have my eyes on the Feel Free Camel Kayak Cart - 2012

Here is some footage of me avoiding the skunk. I did miss a few on a wacky rigged senko but the swim jig and Fat Albert grub came to the rescue. Whew!


Here is a shot of me standing on the Ride. Thanks Roney (A fellow KBF member and Beaver Dam fishing partner).

Outing Number 2 at Beaver Dam Reservoir

I had a visitor coming today, so I got off to a late start. I launched roughly around 12:30p.m. The winds were up a bit around 11-14mph. I headed out to my favorite point but I could not keep my position. My little 10 footer was being blow around. I decided to hit a few coves but all I managed was a couple of small crappie off a 1/8 gold Kastmaster spoon.

Off to my final cove before I called a day. The wind was beginning to pick up. I felt I had one more shot. I decided to put the spinner down and pick up old faithful, swim jig and Fat Albert grub. I positioned myself to target a drop off at the entrance to the cove. On my first cast, BAM! I picked up this nice little bucketmouth.

Although the wind was a bit strong for my taste, I did manage to get out and enjoy the outdoors. At the end of the day, that's what it is all about.