T! minus two weeks and counting before Pennsylvania is in the rear view.
Having already said goodbye to Valley Creek with the April “blogger” outing, I wanted to take a day of this past extended weekend to visit my other favorite “not so secret” water that has been extremely kind over the past year.
Looking back, it’s kind of funny that it took me almost two years after I was initially tipped off about this little gem (under a veil of secrecy) to actually give it a try. It’s about a 45 minute drive from my house, and not necessarily in a place you’d think to look…literally right alongside a well traveled road.
Being that it was Memorial Day, I tied a special kebari pattern the night before, just for the occasion.
I dropped in at the usual spot by the parking area, working the creek upstream. Unfortunately, fishing started a bit slow. The first 3 or 4 usual spots I typically see action yielded nothing. I was actually kind of disappointed (and I guess concerned); I didn’t want this kinda-final experience here to result in a skunking.
Eventually, things came around, and the fishing became more to resemble why I love this water. Not big fish, but very active (& impulsive) wild browns. Most were taking the kebari about 6 inches below the surface, if not on the dead drift, then with a pause-twitch-pause-twitch repetition.
I’m not much for counting fish, but I probably landed six or eight, stung three, and LDR’d one more when my line got wrapped around a partially submerged downed branch.
The hike out and back to the car was a little sad knowing this might be the last trout fishing trip for a while, as I foresee the next two weekends involving far too much packing and other nonsense of the sort.
After that, well nothing against Northeast Florida, as I know the fishing opportunities are going to be remarkable (redfish here I come), but there’s something about the both the literal and figurative coolness of having a small sylvan creek right around the corner that it will be hard not to miss.
A totally understandable, bitter-sweet moment. I haven't fished far from home that much, but even I can understand that it'd be a little sad to leave my home water – even if it was for redfish. Here's hoping the transition goes smooth for you guys, and that the bass and redfish and whatever else you find down there can ease that sting just a little. You'll always be troutrageous – no matter where you are. 🙂
You can always come back. If you're like me and it sounds like you are, being that Trout are your passion with the fly, then somehow, someway you will come full circle back to that which drives you. Enjoy the ride.
I know you're tough and you will survive. If not, let me know and I'll send you some positive Florida juju. Hey, what are friends for?
Again, having just completed this “moving” and “leaving behind” process in the last year myself, I can really relate to how you feel. Consider it a new chapter in the book of Troutrageousness. (Look at that word) Hope your move goes as well as mine did and that your family enjoys everything Florida has to offer.
Like SAND GNATS! horray! 🙂 Just kidding. When we going fishing?
it could be worse. You could move to China without a fishing rod. Clif, where are you? Transitions are always tough and moving could be the worst thing in the world. Good luck with the move and the transition. Do they have sea trout in Jacksonville?
Looks like if you want any trout bedside the spotted kind you'll have to come my way. Look me up when you feel the pull of some tenkara fishing
Very cool fly Mike! There's nothing I can say or do to help with the memories you have made on the waters there, but I imagine one day there will be a very sweet “homecoming” of sorts, not to mention that other trout waters will feel your presence for the first time, probably sooner than later. Looking forward to reading about your Jacksonville adventures –
Best of luck on your move. I think you'll find the tug of a big southern fish to be an enjoyable substitute for your small stream trout.
A bittersweet trip, I'm sure! But, we are all anxious to hear your new stories of adventure on warmer waters… = )
Thanks Owl. I'm in a pretty good spot with the move right about now. Think the family is too. Just want it to be over with. These next 2 weeks can't go quick enough.
You're right, and I probably will. I don't foresee myself becoming a lifetime Floridian. But you never know…
And that you are. Juju offer accepted.
A new chapter indeed. I hope one of many to come.
Believe me. Let me get established for a bit and then Smokies here we come.
That's the truth. China. C'mon man. They do have sea trout, so I guess I've got that. Luckily, they've also got the MLB package, need to keep up on my Philly sports.
Sounds like a plan. That itch will come sooner that later, I can feel it.
Thanks Casey. Figure that's what Thanksgiving is for. Head home to see the rest of the family…and fall PA trout fishing. Good stuff.
And if not, there's ample BBQ to make me forget about it.
Thanks RD. Oh, with the sinkholes, jurassic mosquitoes, and lord knows what else, I will not be short of stories or adventure (even if it is not in any riffles).
Michael, safe travels and best of luck. Your terrific sense of humor will be missed.Joe Zlomek, Managing EditorThe Post Publications
I feel for ya. Glad you got out one last time.