The *New* Website is Up!

The new website landing page is active and the link to the blog is on that page. 

 The Riparian Corridor Main

The Riparian Corridor Blog 

I have been working feverishly, stumbling endlessly, and second-guessing myself at every turn.  I am not a web designer, and have a lot to learn!  I'm sure over the next few weeks and months that I'll change things around and make it more...better.

A few things to be aware of with the new site:

1. You should update your links if you have the chance, but I'll leave this post up for redirects.

2.  You will have to "re"-follow the site through Google Friend Connect, and I hope that you will.  

I hope you enjoy the new layout and features.  Come on over and leave a comment somewhere to let me know it's working!  Thank you to all my encouraging readers, helpers and really just everyone.

Peter's Progress

I got an email from Peter C. a few days ago (ok, over a week ago...) that I haven't gotten around to posting and sharing his photos and efforts.  I have to say, this surprised me with how much he accomplished and how important it was.

There is, unfortunately, more in our drainages than just water.  Typically we think of "drainages" as basins which have naturally formed to carry water down and away, eventually into either an ocean or the atmosphere.  We have all seen that more "flows" through these basins than just water; I've seen countless tires, wheelbarrows, refrigerators, and other odd stuff.

To be fair, a lot of this is carried by flood waters (especially flash floods) as they tear through areas that aren't normally clear of debris; a lot of stuff is picked up and carried then.  We can't always blame a "dumper," but this means we have to be even more diligent about cleanup efforts since floods can and do introduce some really awful stuff (and in large quantities) into the waterways.  To That is almost certainly how this door came to be river-born.

From Peter: I went out yesterday and collected some more junk out of the river.  I found this gnarly door half-stuck in the mud on the bank.  Glad to have that thing out of there, rusted hardware and nails, and flaking paint (probably lead-based) so it's not leaching into the river.  Plus this whole bag of other stuff, cans, wrappers, etc.   
A lot of paint is missing from that door, but look at how much is still there--Peter kept every bit of that paint from leaching into the water and tainting it with lead.  Good work, Peter!!

Bear River

I've been communicating with Brian Kozminski throughout this trash contest, and he's provided me with some great information and some inspiring reports on the work he and his TU chapter have done in Michigan. If you don't know Brian, he is the president of the Miller-Van Winkle chapter of Trout Unlimited. He has been especially active in efforts to benefit Bear River, and I asked him to give me a little background on that waterway. Here is what he replied with:

The Bear River is a unique resource that links Charlevoix and Emmet Counties. The Bear River starts at Walloon Lake and runs east, then north, flowing into Little Traverse Bay in Petoskey. The quality of the Bear River depends upon the integrity of the tributaries flowing into it. In addition to its main tributaries, Haymarsh Creek and Spring Brook, there are several smaller unnamed springs and streams that provide cold water to the Bear River and its extensive wetland system. The Bear flows through farmland and wetland that provide habitat for deer, bear, bobcat, and other wildlife. The Bear's last mile contains the steepest drop of any river in Michigan's lower peninsula (approximately 75 feet). The Bear's watershed provides excellent recreational opportunities for hunting, hiking, fishing, canoeing, birdwatching, and exploring.

Problems
Many of the Bear's water quality and habitat problems started over 150 years ago. The Bear was considered a "working river" and its resources generated substantial economic wealth and greatly contributed to the establishment of Petoskey. The Bear's watershed provided rich fish and game resources and valuable timber. Over time, seven dams were built on the Bear to float logs to Lake Michigan, power mills, or generate electricity. As evidenced by the results of a recent river cleanup, the Bear was also seen as a cheap place to dump refuse.

Today, numerous erosion sites along the Bear River, Spring Brook, and Haymarsh Creek degrade water quality and fish habitat. Past abuses are evident in the excessive sand bed loading and widened stream channel. Beaver dams and areas where shoreline vegetation have been removed cause warming. Trash and debris defile the beauty of the river. Changes to the watershed have increased the amount of polluted stormwater runoff. An old dump along the shore has recently been exposed as a result of shoreline erosion. Because rivers carry their illnesses with them, these ailments are transferred to Petoskey's Harbor and Little Traverse Bay.

Local Support of the Bear River
Founded in 1979, the Watershed Council has a long history of working on individual projects in the Bear River watershed, including assistance to landowners regarding shoreline erosion control and wildlife habitat enhancement, review and comment on wetland permits, identification of potentially restorable wetlands in the watershed, review and comment on planning and zoning decisions, beaver control and management, water quality sampling, adopt-a-stream programs, aquatic field trips, assistance with educational interpretation by NCMC, and numerous educational presentations and programs.

In 1999, the Watershed Council initiated a project called "Healing the Bear." The goal of this project is to restore the Bear River watershed to a high quality river ecosystem through a community-based watershed approach. By fixing problem erosion sites, enhancing fish and wildlife habitat, protecting water quality, and planning for future watershed activities, the ecological integrity and recreational opportunities of the Bear will be more fully realized. Elements of "Healing the Bear" are funded by the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Community Foundation, the Charlevoix County Community Foundation, and the Conservation Resource Alliance.

Update on Lamprey

A few weeks ago I posted some photos of a lamprey being killed/eaten by a water snake. Some concern was expressed by some (and held by me) that it was a Sea Lamprey. Obviously, that particular lamprey would be an unwanted inhabitant; do a quick Google on Sea Lampreys in the Great Lakes and you'll see why.

I contacted the Parks Department and the Missouri Department of Conservation about it just in case it was a Sea. They got back with me after seeing the photos and definitely ruled out Sea Lamprey; it is likely a Silver or Chestnut, both are common in the Mississippi system. So, breathe a sigh of relief with me (and MDC) that the Sea Lamprey has yet to show up around here.

A Great Motto

One of the most active contestants in the Trash Contest has been Karli-Rae from Iowa; she's sent me numerous trash reports and is slowly and steadily eating away at the lead. In one of her emails, she mentioned that she had come up with a perfect catch-phrase for the contest:

"Every Ounce Counts!"

Honestly, I think that fits extremely well, both in terms of the contest and the effect on the habitat that you have through clean-up efforts. Even one bit of garbage out of their water, bank or surrounding area benefits the well-being and health of the wildlife we all enjoy. So, absolutely, EVERY OUNCE COUNTS!

Oak Creek in Arizona

Another contestant got in touch with me and immediately showed a real passion for a certain stream: Oak Creek in Northern Arizona. After a few emails back and forth, I asked him to share a little bit about why that stream means so much to him. Here is his reply to me:

I really love to fish oak creek because it is so beautiful. Red rock views, cool water, huge boulders to hide behind while casting. I have caught stocker rainbows and a few stream-bred browns. Usually less than eight inches but they're still fun to catch. I've done really well on bead head PT nymphs, plus I have never bought a fly, I have always tied my own stuff. I got into tying long before fishing because I inherited some supplies and a vise from an Uncle that passed away from a heart attack when I was a kid. My grandfather was also a fly fisherman.

Any stream that has beautiful Rainbows and certainly wild Browns would definitely be a stream high on my list, too. Pretty darn cool; thanks, Peter!

(I took the liberty of stealing some photos off Google Image, and I'm glad I did--this place is amazing. Look at those boulders!)

Halloween Water

"You can be whoever you want tonight." That's the line spoken to every doubting fool who doesn't take advantage of Halloween. It's the opportunity to pretend, to explore, and to fool others more than yourself that makes Halloween a grown-up's night. The children, though, are the ones who take that chance and make it the most it can be.

We all know that if we are to be successful on any given stream, we have to play by the stream's rules. The water--and her fish--decide whether we fish streamers or nymphs, whether we wade deep or stalk along the bank, whether we see what lives below the surface or remain blind to what lurks there. What comes with the hard-earned hours of being an "experienced" fly fisherman isn't the ability to always catch fish or even catch a few big fish--it's knowing that once you make the decision to fish this right here water, you are deciding to submit to its lifestyle and attitude. The trick then, is to know how to do that. The treat, if you do, is the opportunity to become someone else for just a while. You have to be who the stream is necessitating you to be. It's Halloween.

I think we all have our favorite water. Water that either is constantly calling us back, or water that we feel especially comfortable in, or even water that haunts us with challenges that have the proven ability to get the better of us. We're human, and humans choose favorites. I have my favorite which stands above my list of other waters I love. The odd thing about it is...I've only been in it twice. There is no question in my mind, though; that is my favorite stream.

I've held a theory for a while now that the streams that we are drawn to the most, and those that we are most likely to call "favorite," are streams that ultimately--perhaps indescribably--represent analogs of our own self. There is enough about life and my self in life that I do not understand; sometimes its simply "nice" to walk up on a place that is more like yourself than you knew to be true 30 seconds prior. It's a bit like going to the costume store for Halloween and seeing one labeled, "Me" and having a chance to see--and be--yourself as you really are. Stream water is brutally honest and we want to know what it has to say. Ultimately, I think that is the best reason why, as fisherman, we love hearing stories of others', but would rather be there ourselves.

When I was on that stream, and why I think about going back there, it was exactly like putting on a "Me" costume and then having fun finding where all the pockets are...knowing I've never been more myself. There are other streams that, because they have demanding rules just the same, allow me to be any number of different types...different costumes for the day. When I want to visit a place that not only inspires the core of myself to be just that--a "Me"--but inspires me to listen and look and be challenged long after I leave...then I think of my favorite water.

Some of you may have no idea what I'm talking about and think I'm drunk or just a complete crazy. Maybe you think I love "fishing" so much that I make it to be more than it really is. Maybe you think that my "obsession" has twisted my brain. A few of you, though, do know what I'm talking about and have been nodding your heads for the past five minutes. You've been to the water that hands you your "Me" costume with that first step inside. You...you know.

Take care of that water because in some very real and very fragile way, you are bound to it. The Odyssean scenes that race before your eyes when you are surrounded by that favorite water are worth learning. When you are there, remember...it's Halloween and you are dressed up as who you may not yet know yourself to be. Find out where all those pockets are while you can.

Saturday Comics

Hey by the way...

I am now an official, card-carrying (wait...Hey, Nick--do I get a card?) guest author on Brookfield Angler. After Owl Jones got signed up over there, I figured that I had to throw in my name as well. I approached Nick about the opportunity, paid him $50 and that was a done deal. I'll be the "conservation author" there, but I'll still post "fishy" stuff here.

If you haven't been by the site before, take a minute and browse it. It's legit.

"Catch of the Day" ...yeah, right.

I don't normally speak up about most things; I try to keep the peace and not be a disturbance. Sometimes, however, something begs for more attention than it is originally given; it's then that I can't resist speaking up or speaking out. In this case, if they could talk, I think the fish and plants of Maple Lake in Illinois would say "thank you" to me (and anyone else who joins me!) for it. Read the article below from The Reporter, on August 4 of this year:

"Catch of the Day"

I'd love to hear your thoughts regarding the article and the actual story presented in it. I was moved to write a response to the publisher which I've included here:

Ms. Richards,

I found your website and this article through a friend who linked to it on Facebook. As an avid fisherman and conservationist, I was immediately curious and read the article through twice as soon as I could. As I worked my way through the story, I enjoyed the writing and the human element of the devoted fisherman and how the catch played out with his and others' reactions. I was ultimately disappointed, however, after finishing the article. I strongly feel that it is incomplete and lacking a crucial element of responsible journalism. The article, I'm afraid, may convey the wrong message about the fragility and value of our local, natural resources.

That now-dead Pacu is not native to any part of Illinois, the Midwest or North America; this was alluded to once in the article. As a non-native, one must come to the conclusion that it was artificially introduced, most likely intentionally. For native species in any given ecological sphere, the introduction of non-natives is an unwelcome and volatile event that can turn dangerous very quickly, often irrevocably so. While it was mentioned that the Pacu is responsible for injuries and a purported death in Papua New Guinea, no mention was made of the ecological effect it has had on the lake there (i.e. nearly complete eradication of native plants and fishes), and no mention was made that there too were these Pacu introduced artificially by humans. Thankfully, the waters of Maple Lake are likely not ideal for a large, sustained and breeding population of these tropical fish; the mention of several Pacu having been caught in the past few years in Maple Lake may suggest otherwise, however. That they are exotic and have a known (and article-referenced) history of destructiveness in the waters into which they're introduced is a real cause for concern. The article, though, made no mention or suggestion that the Pacu, being an exotic, are anything but something about which anyone should or would be "thilled." The fact that it was caught, and therefore earlier released into, a forest preserve lake makes this even more sickening.

While this is a curious catch for the fisherman, it is not an isolated incident. Unfortunately, you are in a hotbed of aquatic invasive species being so near to the system of the Great Lakes. Zebra mussels, Sea Lampreys and upwards of 180 other invasive species are now present in the Lakes; many of these have worked their way into the drainages and are spreading south through the Mississippi and tributary drainages. Zebra mussels alone cost each state hundreds of thousands, and in some cases millions, of dollars in efforts to keep water treatment plants clear of them--that money is drawn from tax payers. Sea Lampreys are parasitic and regularly kill native fish. The now (in)famous "flying carp" of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers are silver Asiatic carp, an invasive species of fish that is steadily sterilizing miles of river of any other species, simply by out-competing them. Silver carp are responsible for millions of dollars in lost revenue, jobs and mitigation costs; no one, however, believes that these waterways will ever again be free of them. Non-native species can and do cause immense damage to native species and cost taxpayers unnecessary bills in control attempts. Obviously, neither is something which should be aired in a whimsical or ambivalent tone.

Given the relevancy, proximity and seriousness of non-native species which have been introduced into waters very near to Chicago, I would expect any journalistic opportunity on the subject to be taken with the intent of education, not just stimulation. There are many resources available to give ready access to a wealth of information, news and activity on invasive species in the Great Lakes region; I recommend that you avail yourself of their information as soon as possible (Illinois DNR, Sea Grant and Protect Your Waters are just a few). It is not only helpful for the responsible citizen in general, but in many ways quite interesting as well.

Finally, please consider issuing a follow-up to the original Aug 4th publication making some mention of the inappropriateness of this catch on Maple Lake and the why it is infelicitous, dangerous, and unfortunate. People are informed and swayed by the media, and there is nothing inherently wrong with that. If the media is irresponsible, however, it does an injustice to its readers. Please offer your readers an opportunity to become more informed, and through that, more responsible.

Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts on this issue, and--hopefully--for reconsidering the proper content and tone of the article.



Best wishes with great respect,

Will King
St. Louis, Missouri

BlogRod Poll #4: Choose the Seat

I've taken down the grip style poll--Fenwick stole the show 2-1 over Full Wells. I love that you guys are a little old school with that, and Fenwicks are fun to make, so thank you! Good choice.

The next, and probably last, round of voting is for the reel seat. To refresh your memory, here is the rod so far:

Fly Logic FLP 7wt
Fenwick Grip

The reel seat options are below; please notice that I've chosen seats that are saltwater-safe for those of you who may be getting into some blue with this rod.

OPTION #1: Struble U15 in Black

OPTION #2: Struble U15 in Grey

OPTION #3: PacBay A6 with Dynawood Rosewood

Progress

The Trash Contest is in full swing, but so is the heat. I'm hopeful that I'll be getting dozens more emails with photos like this soon as it cools off. I need to hear from a lot of people still that have emailed me for entry--you gotta pick up at least a can to be entered!! Get out there and eye some garbage--show it to me and get entered.

Peter C. collected this junk out of Oak Creek in Arizona. Pretty gnarly looking and happy it's out of the water! Great work, Peter!

This from Karli-Rae:Hi there! I would like to be entered in the trash contest! On Saturday, July 30th, my fiance and I were traveling through Iowa City and stopped to take a break and walk around the river there near the River Power Restaurant. Near the river we saw some trash and just started picking it up. In about an hour we picked up the trash shown in the picture.

Great idea and it reminds people that every little bit helps! (A random guy fishing there said to us, "You guys picking up....trash?" And we told him we were. Five minutes later he comes up to us with two HUGE snags of mono that he said he had seen earlier but hadn't thought to pick up since there wasn't a trash can nearby. So it's motivating other people to clean up trash as well!
Thanks!

P.S. I am making a pouting face in the picture because mono in the river makes me sad.

Great work, guys; keep it up! I wanna see more photos!

What's This I Hear??

I recently spoke with Dave Hise of Casters Fly Shop in North Carolina (check out the website here, great content, videos, etc.!) and he mentioned, in passing and very casually, the name of a fish I've rarely heard spoken in those parts. It peaked my interest and he agreed to an interview about it. He's somewhat of an expert on these matters, so I listened closely!

Me: Where was this fish discovered?
Dave: In the Appalachian Mountain Chain.

Me: What flies does it seem to prefer?
Dave: Anything that touches the water. Just be sure to make a stealthy approach and present your offerings delicately. It is a very opportunistic creature but is also very wary, like the Abominable Snowman. Some have said that it has a particular liking to cigarette butts but I haven't tried a cigarette butt pattern yet.

Me: Do you think it will overtake other fish in terms of popularity?
Dave: Not necessarily but there is definitely a cult following. People in these parts worship the little fellas. By little, I mean little. Most of the streams have minimal biomass therefore there is very little for them to eat. These streams are often over-populated; a combination of that and the lack of food stunts their growth.

Me: Do you offer guiding for this new fish yet?
Dave: Not really. Well... I mean, Ill take people out for them but I have a difficult time charging normal guide rates for a "do it yourself" species. If you are willing to hike 4-8 miles a day along a copperhead and rhododendron laden stream bed, then you can fish for these wily critters. Live by the cooler rule (the rule states- certain anglers can only go so far with a 12 pack of tall boys in their cooler so if you hike beyond that point you will find yourself in the mecca).

Me: And finally, what is the name of this almost unspoken-of fish?

Dave: Brook Char

Me: I think there are more species yet to be identified out there. Misnomers abound in literature, catalogs and blogs. What do you think?
Dave: Well, I have fished for and heard of numerous species but they continue to elude me. Most notably, the lake char, Atlantic brown, and bull char; the lake char resembles that of the lake trout; the Atlantic brown resembles that of the Atlantic salmon; and the bull char resembles that of the bull trout. I have caught the bull trout and lake trout and oddly enough, they seem to look very much like a char. Don't get me started on the Atlantic salmon. I thought salmon died upon the completion of their spawning ritual but those damn Atlantic salmon live on to spawn another day. They must be a special kind of salmon or maybe even the relative of a trout.

(...a little Monday fun.)

Kids Rock

This is why kids are the undisputed champions of the spirit of fishing.

Bug Card

I received this as a part of a packet of information for the Missouri Stream Team startup I'm a part of along with Chris and Ronnie. I found this extremely interesting and very helpful, especially how it organizes the various insects/crustaceans by their pollution tolerance. One wonders what "pollution" consists of here and how broadly or narrowly that term is being used, but it still gives an informative overview of the situation. Hopefully you find it equally enjoyable!

Cray-minal Minds

"Why" you ask would I devote an entire blog post to the gnarly, lobsteresque little crustaceans that roam our streams? Well read on...

These are fascinating creatures on their own, but to an angler they are especially of interest. Here are a few quick points and facts that you may have not known--and may want to know!

• There are more than 500 species worldwide, about 350 of them are in North America
• Crawfish mate October-November, a rare time when two can be in the same small area (i.e. attached!). All other times of the year, they keep to themselves.
• Large crayfish are active from dusk till dawn or on heavily clouded days. Smaller crayfish are active during the day.
• Crayfish are born, grow to size and die all within about 2 years
• They molt their shells multiple times as a part of growth, and are "soft" for a few days following a molt
• Crayfish have been found in the stomachs of trout as small as 5"
• The largest crayfish can reach 8 pounds
• All legs and claws can be regenerated if lost
• "Walk" slowly forward in normal feeding but shoot rapidly backwards if escaping
  
• Are a favorite food of everything from Bass to Browns

Now that you're a little more familiar with these bottom-dwellers, here are some great examples of how to imitate them on the end of your fly line:

Chain Gang Crayfish
(Recipe Here)

Fighting Cray

Hunt's Hybrid

Galloup's Craw

Ritt's Crayfish

Something to notice about all these flies are the massive leadeye and, in some cases, lead wraps on the hooks. Crayfish live, feed, breed, and die on the BOTTOM. They crawl around on the BOTTOM. That's where their food is and that's where their safety is. A crayfish in the middle of the water column is one of two things: 1) dead or 2) fake. Let's think about this....

Fish aren't stupid. If someone walked into your dining room and rigged a system of string and pulleys to make your steak levitate mid-air, would your first thought be to bite into it? Hell no! Same with fish and their dinner...put their food where they see have seen it every other time they've eaten it. They know what crayfish are, how they act, what they look like and where they are normally found.

So that awesome crayfish pattern that you are expertly swinging downstream with quick rips back up...get it on the BOTTOM. Fast current? More weight! Slow current? Crawl it! I am definitely going to be fishing more craw streamers in the next few weeks, and I think they will definitely be a good producer for me. Time to get tying I suppose!!

Trash Totals

I added a frame on the top right of the blog that will keep a running tab on everyone's collected trash so far in the contest. Am I guilting/shaming you? Absolutely. C'mon Misters and Misses--get me some photos with scales in it of your trash! At this point the contest is ANYONE'S game. I'll update it every time I get a photo+weight from a contestant.

Change that ZERO to HERO!

BlogRod Poll #3: Choose the Grip Style

The latest round of voting has ended--with more votes than ever--and the Fly Logic FLP has dominated! I'm really happy about the result, but I would have supported any decision of the voters. You will love this blank--very usable. Shaping up to be a great build already, and now it's time to start hanging componentry on it. Starting with the all-important grip!

Fenwick-style Mod'ed RHW
(Front at left)

Half Wells
(Front at right)

Full Wells
(Front at right)

Western/Reverse Half Wells
(Front at right)

This will be a short voting cycle.
Time to speak out about what you want the BlogRod to be!
Vote!!!

Fly on Film

Trash Contest (Major Prize UPDATE!)

Trash is gross; it isn't attractive no matter what style of art you subscribe to or appreciate. There is nothing remotely OK about a 32oz QT cup half buried in the bankside mud. Or a tennis ball floating around. Or mono snarled in a tree, gleaming in the sun. We all want healthy fish--healthy fish spawn, healthy fish fight harder, healthy fish are more beautiful.

There is a lot of talk these days about barbless hooks, felt-less boots and other important topics. But isn't ensuring that our trash doesn't become the aquatic environment's trash just about the most basic starting point of any conservation effort? What good are attempts to keep AIS at bay if the water is clogged with bait cups? What good are barbless hooks if there are no fish to catch? I think basic trash pickup is where every conservationist needs to begin...and end.

Put down your rod for a few outings and ensure that the fish you catch when you pick it back up WILL be healthier, and healthier more everyday thereafter.

So I am renewing the contest and working on promoting it better. I'll run this through the end of August. Here are the details:

• To be entered in the contest, just send me an email saying you want to be counted. (theripariancorridorblog@gmail.com). After that, keep me in the loop on how much you've collected and send some photos!
  

• There will be two winners

• The contest will consist of who can collect the most pounds of garbage/trash from their local water. This is an open-ended deal--you can collect from as many places as you want around you, but you have to send photos of your trash and be able to weigh it (hand scale, bathroom scale, whatever). As we go through the contest, as I get photos and weights of trash collected by contestants, I'll keep a posted, running tab going. That should keep the competition alive, nervous and stressful enough to make everyone collect MORE! The bottom line is, the person who collects the most pounds of trash by the end of the contest wins.

I bought this scale from Walmart for just under 5 dollars. It works perfectly for this!

• Since not everyone has the time to devote to collecting trash for hours a day, and since some are blessed with unusually clean waterways, I've made this a two-headed contest. The one winner, described above, will be meritorious. The second winner will be randomly selected. Since everyone is doing their part to clean up their water, this allows everyone to equally have a chance at winning something.
  

• The prizes will be REALLY good (thanks to Feather-Craft Fly Fishing):

1. Two Redington CT rods! One for each winner. Yup, I said it.
2. A Meat Locker streamer box from Feather-Craft Flyfishing for each of the two winners.
3. A Mono Master for each of the winners. If you aren't familiar with these, they are a great product to cut down on the accidental loss of one of the most harmful byproducts of our fishing-presence--fishing line.
4. A copy of "Red Gold" DVD. Google it and read more about it there or on Feather-Craft's website here.

• The dates for this contest are NOW through September 1st. That means that any trash collected during those dates officially counts for the contest.

• For this contest I'd appreciate if you'd "Follow" the blog officially (which will help you keep tuned to updates about the contest).
  

To enter, send an email with your name, address (in case you win!), email address and blog/website to theripariancorridorblog@gmail.com and then keep me in the loop on your progress.

Be cool like this dude and pick some $#&% up!

Fifty Followers!

I got home tonight from trash collecting at a local lake and noticed that this blog now has 50 followers. I have to say that I never thought it'd hit that many, and is really fun and satisfying to have reached it. Let me say again, I really do appreciate every "follow" I get, and short of getting sappy...it means a lot to me. I'll do my best to keep the activity, photos and stories coming.

The great thing is, for every one of the readers and followers--that contests on the blog are going to start heating up. I have some real smokers in the works that will stretch across the country...and across blogs. Curious? Keep tuned....

Quick Update

I am still alive, and yes the contests are a go. I am shocked at the votes for the blanks, but I'm excited to build on whatever you all pick.

I am still intermittently fishing, though nothing worth blogging about really. I think the past three weeks worth of fishing could be condensed into one, crappy, short paragraph. I'll throw something together with some eye-catching photos...keep the masses appeased.

Thank you to all my new followers, there have been quite a few join in the past month or two. It may seem like a mundane little button, and even a mundane feature of Blogger, but it gives me a picture of the fact that people really do read this blog, and--for some reason--enjoy it. So, thank you for following!!

Last but not least, my son was born on July 1st and tipped the scales at 7lbs 6oz and stretching to a respectable 18.5". If he were a Brown, he would have made my month! Instead...he blew my year out of the water. Amazing little fella'. I've spent more time changing diapers than rod building, and more time rocking/swaddling/whatevering than I have fishing. When I read Gierach, it's to him. And when I tell fishing stories--again, they are to him. Eventually I'll have him in rubber pants and I'll commence the blogging. ...well, maybe even before that.

Keep readin'. I'll keep writin'.

BlogRod Poll #2: Choose the Blank

Take note contestants! I've updated the poll now that you've voted and 7wt won out. Here are the basics about the blanks, but ask any questions you like and I'll get you the answer. The photos are purely for seeing what the blanks look like. I've built on all these, and the colors are accurate...if that matters to you. So here is the rundown:

Sevier F/W 7/8: A 2-piece, 9'0" blank that is high on durability, butt-power and good looks. A nice blank with a somewhat progressive feel with what I'd call a fast moderate action. It's IM6 43 million modulus graphite and a nice deep brown/amber color. These are the "Tiger Eye" blanks you may have heard about. I'm going with the 7/8 rather than the 6/7 to speed up the rod a bit since I'm guessing people won't be tossing #24 midges with it; line it with Rio Gold and it's a winner. A great all-around rod.

Batson "Rainshadow" RX6: A 2-piece, 9'0" blank that is a joy to cast and catch on. It's a true moderate action with progressive flex and moderate speed. It's IM6 33 million modulus graphite on a 'glass scrim (i.e. it's really, really strong) and is a deep blue color. This would be the perfect rod for throwing leadeyes or really heavy streamers in close; it'll load tight and cushion the shock of the fly with short line out.

Fly Logic FLP+: A 2-piece, 9'0" blank that is the fastest of the bunch, but still forgiving. It's solidly in the moderate-fast category. The blank is a matte grey-black and is dual-rated for 6/7. It'll be slower with 7 and a bit faster with 6; you choose. This would be the blank of choice for distance work where a balance between durability and sensitivity needs to be struck.

RipCor Blog Contest Updates

Yes, I said it--"updates." I have concocted a second contest to run concurrently with the BlogRod, and it should be a really good one. First, though, let me update everyone on rod contest.

BlogRod Contest
While 7wt isn't exactly running away with the votes, it is in the lead ahead of 5wt. I have to say that I'm a little surprised; I thought I'd be building a 3wt for sure. It's all the same to me, and building heavier rods is, to be honest, a little easier than skinny stuff.

I've already got a list of three blanks that fit the profile, and I think just about anyone would be please with each one. The exact blank, though, is up to all you voters. After this voting cycle ends, I'll post on the blank options with personal reviews and information about each one.

I realize that this voting cycle has been long, and I appreciate everyone's patience with it. I made it long so that I would have time to devote to a few other things baby-related, like finishing a nursery for my son who is officially now overdue. The rest of the cycles voting on each option (blank, seat, grip, guides and wraps) will be shorter. They'll be just long enough for me to complete them and post pictures of progress before the next cycle begins. So...things will be picking up speed very soon.



Second Contest
I have decided to do another contest that relates to conservation of your own local water. This will be starting in the next two weeks or so and run for a full 30 days, with two giveaways at the end. Here are the basic details:

• To be entered in the contest, you must send me 5 flies of your choice. If you tie your own, that's great--send me 5 of your favorite patters; if you don't tie, just grab 5 of your favorites from wherever you buy them and send those. Any 5, it doesn't really matter.

• There will be two winners

• The contest will consist of who can collect the most pounds of garbage/trash from their local water. This is an open-ended deal--you can collect from as many places as you want around you, but you have to send photos of your trash and be able to weigh it (hand scale, bathroom scale, whatever). As we go through the contest, as I get photos and weights of trash collected by contestants, I'll keep a posted, running tab going. That should keep the competition alive, nervous and stressful enough to make everyone collect MORE! The bottom line is, the person who collects the most pounds of trash by the end of the contest wins.

• Since not everyone has the time to devote to collecting trash for hours a day, and since some are blessed with unusually clean waterways, I've made this a two-headed contest. The one winner, described above, will be meritorious. The second winner will be randomly selected. Since everyone is doing their part to clean up their water, this allows everyone to equally have a chance at winning something.
  

• The prizes will be two divided lots of the flies everyone sends in. So if 10 people send in flies, the two winners will get 25 flies each. If there are 40 contestants, each winner will get 100 flies each. Not a bad haul for just picking up trash! It's an especially good deal when you consider the long and short-term benefits to the wildlife and other people who enjoy that water. I think anyone will be able to take pride in actively participating in a real conservation effort on their home water(s).

• The dates for this contest are July 15 through August 15. That means that any trash collected during those dates officially counts for the contest.

• For this contest I'd appreciate if you'd "Follow" the blog officially (which will help you keep tuned to updates about the contest).
  

• To enter, send an email with your name, address (in case you win!), email address and blog/website to theripariancorridorblog@gmail.com and I will give you the address for fly mailing.
  

More details to follow!!

Two quick Sunday Notes

I have been getting a hankerin' (that's a technical term in these parts) to do some "real" photography out on the water. With the arrival of my first child now imminent, I was given the order by Mrs. Corridor to get "some good shots of the baby" in the hospital. That meant setting aside my Sony Cybershot that I use for fishing and hauling out the big guns--an RB67. For you digitites, this will shoot at the equivalent of 100+ megapixels. That is some quality.

So, having gotten out the RB and gone over it fairly well, it's renewed my fever to get it out on some water for fishing duty. Obviously with a camera this size, cost, etc. I won't be shoulder-slinging it and wading with all my damn fly gear. My plan is to just get some good fish-catchers and follow them around. Any volunteers?

On another, though still fishing, note, there is a second contest in the works. This one will run along side the BlogRod and rely on reader's work in their local waterways. I won't give too many details yet, but keep an eye on the blog and the Facebook page for details. This one will be fun!

Fishing Updates

I'm still hunting trash and I think I found the honey hole for it. ...real trash, not the finned sort that I was really after. It gets pretty frustrating by the end of each summer seeing all the fisherman-brought trash that the wildlife have to live with afterward. I've lost count of how many baseballs, softballs, tennis balls and every other sort of ball I've seen washed up at my closest carp spot. Very disappointing.

My buddy Chris and I tore off after some little known, little visited and little fished water we found via Google Earth. It's accessed by a gravel road up the side of a bluff right off the interstate. Pretty wild to just rip right off the highway and up a hill.

We were rewarded with a really promising-looking bit of water--a quarry lake of unknown depth and unknown inhabitants. Very exciting. We were hoping for a structure-laden bluegill pond, but this was interesting in its own way.

In the hour or two we spent there, we saw gar, carp, bluegill and green sunfish. I can only imagine what else calls this home. I have a feeling some very large fish swim in here.... I cast to a single carp almost the entire time while Chris was hooking up with 'gills and a 24" gar.

I couldn't help but to appreciate the secludedness of the place, even though it was really close to the highway. It seemed like a little harbor of wildness amidst a world that didn't care to notice. I'll go back, I just don't know when. (There are a LOT of ticks out there, a lot even by my standards!).