While I’ve been studying intently the past few weeks, BigK’s been slipping out to the waters of Northwest PA. Here’s his report:

Went up to Elk Creek this weekend. Here are some tips/suggestions from the trip:

1. All the Erie Tribs. were blown out for the entire week.
2. Waited until Saturday, and the water was that greenish color we look for. You can’t see the fish, and the fish can’t see you.
3. I tested the Mirage fluorocarbon tippet from Orvis. It was much more superior in overall strength and knot strength than the pervious brands I used (Climax, Seaguar). I was very pleased with the results. I didn’t lose a fish due to line breakage or know slippage.
4. When I arrived at Elk Creek, there were at least a dozen cars in the parking area. By 12:30, all but 2 cars left. That’s when the fishing really kicked in gear. The steelhead started moving into the skinny water. It was nice to see the steelies you were casting to.
5. The fish seemed to strike with vengeance. I’m not sure if they struck my fly because of a feeding instinct, curiosity, or anger. Whatever the reason, it sure was a fun.
6. I usually fish for steelhead during the week. but because of the high water, I had to wait until Saturday. Anyway, as I was catching these fish, I started looking around. I was the only one on this section of the stream. The wind, snow, and rain probably scared off the others, but since I made the trip, I was going to stay. The fishing was fantastic. Many steelhead to choose, and the were more than willing to “get hooked”.
7. I tried the second version of a prototype fly I tie (not ready to let this secret out yet) and the results were very encouraging. A few more minor changes and I think it will earn a permanent place in my fly box.  

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The glory of cell phones! Mine just rang — I answered to find an invitation to do some doe hunting on this final weekend of the Ohio Archery Season. There’s a long story behind my relationship with the person who invited me on the trip, but I’ll save that for another day. For now, just know that he’s been featured in North American Whitetail and Buckmaster’s Magazine for a non-typical whitetail that grossed over 218 inches! He and I also co-authored an article on the mental side of hunting that was published in North American Whitetail.

Forecast for Saturday: 35 degrees, cloudy, 7-11 MPH winds

This trip will offer an opportunity to try my new boots! I’ll be taking my crossbow and my camera - so check back next week for a full report! I’ve never hunted this late into the season - so I’m really looking forward to the trip.

I should also say explicitly that I’m very thankful for my wife, Ericka, who supports this last minute weekend getaway!

archery, Crossbow, hunting, Ohio

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Here’s a report from BigK’s Steelhead adventures (can’t wait to join him in the Spring). The trip was last week (before this cold weather went crazy on us). Be sure to read his tips on testing leaders…

Made another trip to Elk and Walnut Creeks (PA Lake Erie Tribs.) this week. The water was just about perfect, the air temperature was in the 60’s, and the steelhead were able and willing! Had a great time catching and releasing numerous fish. The fish are in great shape and the fishing pressure is quite low during the week. The steelies were really active as a result of the warm weather. All in all, a great day to be on the stream.

I recently performed a test concerning fluorocarbon leader material, I’ve concluded that all is not equal. Certain brands just don’t hold up under the pressure of a Steelhead running frantically . Those Steelheads get a “bad attitude” when hooked! My goal was to test various brands of fluorocarbon tippet material. I attached a piece of tippet material to an empty milk jug and slowly added water until the line broke. The jug of water was then weighed.

Surprisingly, most of the tippet material broke at a weight LESS than what was advertised. I also found that each tippets’ breaking strength was different. The best results were obtained with the most expensive tippet material. Have you ever heard: “You only get what you pay for”? Anyway, the best results were achieved with the following:

1- TIE: Orvis Mirage Fluorocarbon & Seaguar Grand Max Fluorocarbon

3 - Frog Hair Fluorocarbon.

As you can see, here was a tie for first place. The five brands that didn’t make the top three list will not be used on future trips for steelhead. They actually broke at less than advertised weight. This could be a result of inferior products, and/or age of the material. I’ve read that fluorocarbon tippet material doesn’t keep its strength from year to year. So anyway, those were the results. Was it scientific? Not really, but the information I obtained through this test is good enough for me to made an educated decision the next time I choose to purchase fluorocarbon tippet material.

Thanks for the report and helpful tips, BigK…really looking forward to hitting the streams with you!

field report, Fishing, fluorocarbon, leader, report, Steelhead, tippet, tips

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BigK’s always been a great fly-fisherman, but these past few year’s he’s really developed into an expert. Fishing isn’t just fishing to BigK. He’s a true artist at the fly-tying table (catch a glimpse at one of his boxes below); he’s an entomologist when he studies the stream; a field biologist when he studies weather patterns and field conditions; and he brings it all together as an expert fisherman.

Northeast Ohio and Northwest PA offer world-class fishing during the winter and early spring months, as Steelhead make there runs to and from Lake Erie. Here are some pics that prove it’s prime fishing season in our neck of the woods. These are from the Elk Creek tributary that heads into Lake Erie on the PA coast.

If you’re into Steelhead fishing, be sure to check back for tips from BigK himself (at least those which he’s willing to share)!

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UPDATE: Check the comments for the report directly from BigK himself! (Thanks Dad!)

Fishing, Lake Erie, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Steelhead

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