http://befuddledanglersalmanac.com/index.php/articles/ Articles about fly fishing, the environment, politics and the finer things in life en Bill@lectric.com Copyright 2011 2011-09-02T08:35:07+00:00 {title_permalink={articles/article} http://www.befuddledanglersalmanac.com/index.php/articles/article/welcome-to-befuddled-anglers-almanac#When:19:47:13Z Thanks for dropping by, we are preparing to launch Befuddled Anglers Almanac—committed to Fly Fishing and other common interests of the long rod fisher.  Do you have something to contribute?It’s not much now but we are hard at work compiling articles dealing with the issues we all face as fly fishers, as well as the myriad interests fly fishers enjoy. We will load this site full of: Fly-Fishing, Prose, Blood Curdling Tales, Water Reports, Weather Reports, Advertisements, Witty-Editorial Tools, Ranting Maniacs, Excuses to go Fishing, Irritating Young Fishermen, Smelly Old Fishermen, Stupid Fly Patterns, Some Stuff You Should Know, Lots of Stuff You Don’t Need To Know, Curmudgeonism, Reflectionism, Rheumatism, Rejectionism, Fauvism, Beaverism, Pragmatism, Old Fashion Angryism, Re-creationism, tonics, potions, salves and ointments, as well as, ole timey cures for what ails you or your stream.  -p.s - their will be music to get you to the river and maybe even a Dead show or two. For all people that appreciate fly fishing, the outdoors, the arts, creativity and free thought—our intention is to provide a little scratch for your itches, as well as provocation for thought on your way to work or on stream-side.  **Disclaimer - Please do not use BAA while driving.** Befuddled anglers are constantly questioning the realities and suppositions of the world in which they interact —But mostly they question their skills on stream and where they fit in amongst the “tweed and patch crowd” and the “trout bum”. Befuddled anglers are you who are not afraid to take a deeper look and hold a view that challenges the mainstream. So bring your sense of humor, a protractor, an open-mind and definitely a towel and let’s have some fun. With all that said, BAA is interested in well-written, thought provoking pieces with regards to:           - fiction,           - politics,           - environment and conservation,           - satire and humor,           - and of course fly fishing. If you have a story idea, know of a river in need or would like to your share your thoughts in/with BAA, please send us your ideas and comments. Welcome to BAA, 2011-03-23T19:47:13+00:00 {title_permalink={articles/article} http://www.befuddledanglersalmanac.com/index.php/articles/article/welcome-to-baa#When:21:50:33Z tr.v. be·fud·dled, be·fud·dling, be·fud·dles 1. To confuse; perplex. See Synonyms at confuse. 2. To stupefy with or as if with alcoholic drink. The befuddled awoke before dawn, they put their boots on… the wrong feet and launched their site into the water. Welcome, Let’s clear the air right now—We know less about fly fishing, photos, fiction writing, and human impact, than you can learn from bumper stickers. What is this place? Well it’s not a whole lot of anything right now but we hope to make it into a whole pile of something, real soon. We are going to turn this tree into a rough, unvarnished bench, that leaves you with an ass full of splinters. When Matt and I starting talking about creating "yet another !@#$% fly fishing web site" there were a lot less of them. (We have been "talking" for some time now.) Being “a couple of ignorant fishers trying to be fly fishers” seemed original. But over the last few years, as so many other sites have come online, we’ve seen we are not alone in our ignorance. So  with our business model proven, we jump into the fray and bring our brand of perspective on eclectic, epicurean interests, to your front door.   Don't Listen To Us Rest assured we will not steer you wrong, as far as we know. But looking for fishing advice from the befuddled is a lot like getting your investment tips from a graphic designer. Don't recommend that either. We are going to attempt to capture from the qualified, the things you may want to know or aspire to, and you get to learn as we get schooled. It’s an almanac folks, it will bear generally wise, but sometimes useless information that may entertain you or help you catch a fish but after that we take no responsibility for the yarns spun, the experiments rendered, the hooks through your fingers. With that said, “smash yer barbs, dude.” While we would love to think you all out there in inter-tube land would want to read about our titilating day to day thoughts, we are quite certain you do not. And we don't want a blog, we want the story about the sport and all it touches.   BAA is looking for contributors and would love to read and share your: Prose, Blood Curdling Tales, Water Reports, Weather Reports, Witty, Editorial analysis, Excuses For Fishing, Stories of Irritating Young Fishermen, Stories of Smellier Old Fishermen, What’s in your box,  Curmudgeonism, Reflectionism, Rheumatism, Rejectionism, Fauvism, Beaverism, Pragmatism, Old Fashion Angryism, Re-creationism, your recipe for tonics, potions, salves and ointments and ole timey cures for what ails you or your stream. Just send’em, we may send you something back for your trouble. (as soon as we have something to send back and hope it will be cash, and that right soon!)   Free Beer... ...information is what you will find in our NC Fishing for Beer Tour, started in July. We will be featuring a comprehensive section on NC Craft Brewing, visting each brewery, one by one if it kills us. Coming up in September we will announce our Writers Competition for professional journalists, authors and amateur writers. (2011). And one last thing, please don’t mind the occasional banner popping up, they are paying the bills here. Yes, we hear your adblock turning on… don't do it! Thanks for your time.   Sincerely, hoping you don't hand us our hats,   Matthew “Befuddled” Poore Mad scientist and arboreal creature Electric Bill Pridgen Grumpy Old Dude On the Fly, 2010-08-22T21:50:33+00:00 {title_permalink={articles/article} http://www.befuddledanglersalmanac.com/index.php/articles/article/us-and-them#When:08:35:07Z From the “Words To Live By” and “Lest We Forget” departments regarding divisions in perspective, wise words from a damn solid treatise on life. Ahh the height of the fishing season is behind us and with the idiots returning to Washington, the 2012 elections approaching, the silly season is upon us. Our prediction is this will be the silliest of them thus far. With our country divided along the battle lines of rhetoric and masturbatorial one-ups-manship, we find ourselves turning to the wisdom from the book of "Pink".   From the Essential album "Dark Side of the Moon" we give you the lyrics from the song Us and Them. Discuss amongst yourselves.   Us, and them And after all were only ordinary men. Me, and you. God only knows it’s knows it's not what we would choose to do. Forward he cried from the rear And the front rank died. And the general sat and the lines on the map Moved from side to side. Black and blue And who knows which is which and who is who. Up and down. But in the end it’s only round and round... and round. Haven’t you heard it’s a battle of words The poster bearer cried. Listen son, said the man with the gun There’s room for you inside. “I mean, they’re not gonna kill ya, so if you give ‘em a quick short, sharp, shock, they won’t do it again. Dig it? I mean he get off lightly, ‘cause I would’ve given him a thrashing - I only hit him once! It was only a difference of opinion, but really…I mean good manners don’t cost nothing do they, eh?” Down and out It can’t be helped but there’s a lot of it about. With, without. And who'll deny it’s what the fightings all about? Out of the way, it’s a busy day I've got things on my mind. For the want of the price of tea and a slice The old man died.   ©1973 Wright, Waters, Gilmour Opinions Vary, Short Strike, 2011-09-02T08:35:07+00:00 {title_permalink={articles/article} http://www.befuddledanglersalmanac.com/index.php/articles/article/breakfast-with-bessie#When:18:16:19Z a short meditation from the zen garden. They were sleeping as I parked next to the bridge.  But not for long.  Their big brown eyes met mine before the water did.  Fog-puffing snouts an inch from the hot wire that kept them from me.   Just act casual… “Hi Bessie, its Trico time. The beers are still cold from last night.” Swallows smash the pulsating cloud.   Just downstream from the bridge, past the wire, the Browns rise.  Always past the wire.   Upstream now, too.  Was that one near where the fly could be?   © Pink Floyd. Photographer Storm Thorgerson, Design by Hipgnosis Look Bessie, see it? I can’t.  Bessie? Spinning in the Sun’s warmth.  It’s almost done.  And Bessies gone to the barn.   Time for breakfast, I pop the cap.   Short Strike, 2011-08-29T18:16:19+00:00 {title_permalink={articles/article} http://www.befuddledanglersalmanac.com/index.php/articles/article/the-view-from-a-panga1#When:17:36:26Z pan·ga/ˈpäNGgə/ - Noun. machete: a large heavy knife used in Central and South America as a weapon or for cutting vegetation. See also: The Spanish word for a small open boat or skiff or “You Don’t Really Need a Maverick” I admit to liking country music. That knowledge is how I know there is a song titled “That’s Why God Made Mexico”. The song makes reference to senoritas, laying low, Cuervo, warm winds, and escape. It’s hard to argue with the logic, but I just have to feel that the song only got it half right. Notwithstanding the fact Cuervo does NOT count as a tequila that goes down nice and smooth (especially in Mejico when you have the best selection you are ever to going to), there is something definitely missing.                     Mexico has tarpon...year round. Granted it’s the little guys who are the constant residents, but little and tarpon combine to form a kind of misnomer. A “little” tarpon jumps eight feet in the air, multiple times, and makes runs that will bloody your knuckles if you’re not careful. If you want to experience Mexico in a way that shows all her glories, then get out of Cancun, skip Playa, and come straight down to Campeche. I blew up a rental car just to get there, but that’s for another story. Below are the important parts.   Little Tarpon - Because sometimes it’s those skinny girls that just, ohhhh.       I don’t remember why this girl made it into the camera. But since we’ve got her, and we’re in that Mexico vibe, we’ll let her have her cameo. Behind this outdoor marine carpet are two white, plastic chairs with the legs cut short so you don’t spill over the side. And this is one of the most badass boats in which you will sit.   Even the flies are sexier in a panga.     Yes, at this moment you really do bow to the tarpon. You might not realize it, but you’ll do it too.   Proof that the adrenaline of the catch will shit can any photographic skills you may have had.   Tarpon excrement - the sweet smell of success.   Worth getting shit on.   You know what this says? It says you've just had one hell of a good day and it is beer-thirty.   The view is nice… And THAT’S why God made Mexico  to be looked at from the deck of a panga. Short Strike, 2011-08-17T17:36:26+00:00 {title_permalink={articles/article} http://www.befuddledanglersalmanac.com/index.php/articles/article/an-open-daydream-to-my-friend#When:14:55:16Z It’s not you it’s me. As I stand here watching you fight the fish you just snagged out of the hole you jumped me to get to... I have to wonder how many times we have fished together? How many times have we shared a skunk on a stretch of water? Relentlessly casting, changing flies, re-presenting and changing up again.   How many trips have there been, the gazetteer in our laps looking for high ground to camp and blue lines to plunder. The quiet dread of having to pack in a cooler full of beer in the dark because we got a late start on the 4 hour drive to fishy water.   Or how many times have we been overcome by our passion to get on the road, like 10 year olds who can’t sleep before Christmas. Our anticipation to leave and get on the water finding us in separate rooms at your house wondering if the other one was up. Maybe we could leave early this time? Would we wake up the kids and your wife?   How many times we shared the exhaustion after clamoring up the bank, another epic day in the books when even a poor cast landed us a fish. Quietly relieved that some days can be easy out here. Then the waning adrenaline drawing out a thousand mile stare across the river, the realization we have been challenging the current all day.   And then the obsessive camp fire, the beer, smoke, and telling tales. Decompressing from the weeks of the daily grind that keep us from fishing everyday.   It’s been a long time and there have been too many of those to count. I’m thankful for every one of them. They keep me going in the real world, they provide the "tacklin’ fuel" that gets me up pilgrims path. They are golden and they are invaluable.   But they are tainted, tainted with a secret desire that overshadows even the most righteous and sacred times we have shared. A secret I have never shared with you.   I wish you were a woman. That's right, some outdoorsy beauty, maybe 5 years younger and a little taller.   I’ve spent a lifetime around men that espoused the sacred moments between men. Honestly, I have always scratched my head wondering what male bonding really is and facing with dread, each trip that this time I might actually find out.   Every time we have been fishing I have thought FUCK I REALLY WISH YOU WERE A WOMAN! Let’s face it, chicks that camp and fish are the heat. All that stuff about which I wax rhapsodically is solid but if you were a woman, I think this whole outdoor thing gets exponentially better.   Think about it, you’d smell better and I have to hope that the dinner conversation would be a richer experience and hopefully less flatulent. Additionally, I would probably be catching that fish right now.   Look, don’t get me wrong you are a brilliant man with an amazing sense of humor, I am lucky to have shared these trips. I have learned so much from you. Really it’s not you it’s me.   Your walking back with that shit eating grin on your face that says all I need to know about my fish you just caught and I wonder what you would say if you could hear me thinking. You would be spurned but don’t come back with those hurt feelings, I know you have thought it too.   Coming back around to reality, I hear you asking, "Dude did you just call me Amy?"   Ed Bartel is a daydreaming and now somewhat bitter fishing curmudgeon that has heard one too many tales and constantly wonders out loud why he hasn't tried to teach his wife how to fly fish. Because you know... he wishes you were a woman. Short Strike, 2011-07-26T14:55:16+00:00 {title_permalink={articles/article} http://www.befuddledanglersalmanac.com/index.php/articles/article/dolomites-belluno-italy#When:14:58:34Z Our befuddled correspondent in Europe is giving us reports of his exploits as he gets the opportunity to fish the continent from his home base in Germany. Dolomites, Belluno, Italy  July 2011 - Well after a long 4 hours of driving around and trying to have conversations that went almost no where I have my permits and my destination. I am heading out in the magic hours at the end of today. My, hotel connection sucks. Here is how the adventure played out. The Drive In We made great time through Germany and Austria, then we hit Italy and the tolls.   Traffic reports indicate that there are too many people in the world, it's that simple. Our navi system took us through the Dolomite's switchback, puke-inducing back roads. The drive was very pretty but after an hour of sharp turns we were over the roads.     Life is good. Stopped for a bite to eat and to find our equilibrium. We got a snad and had this for our view.   When we arrived, our hotel was even nicer.   We make it to our hotel, settle in for the rest of the day and ask about fishing permits for tomorrow. After some vaguely interested "conversations" we have a sniff of where to get started tomorrow. So we eat, again!                 Sure there's fish to be had, but good company and good food truly make European fishing an epicurean experience the befuddled can truly appreciate.   With any luck tomorrow I will be fishing.   {pagebreak} Day 2 - License up, how hard could it be? I was all twitchy and shit that night trying to sleep and think about hitting the river at the same time, so I downed a couple bottles of wine and settled down. After morning on the patio for breakfast with the ladies I had a quick chat with the desk staff and found out we need to head into town to find the "Information" office to liscense up. Well, there is a big fucking castle like building over-looking the river valley and this is where we are supposed to end up. That's it poking out of the trees up on the right bank.   Getting your license in Italy is a much more scenic experience than a trip to the local Wally World     So you say you want to fish Beluno.   The view of the castle from below. even for me this was not too hard to find.   When we get there we are met with a big bronze plaque on the outside of the entrance, very official. After about 20 minutes I have the first part the license dance done, Sweet! After the deal at the castle you have to go across the plaza to the post office and hope you're in the correct line AND that you get someone who vaguely speaks some resemblance to english. I was, I did, hurdle two, DONE. At the post office - present your passport and fill out the form.  Pay the fee (8.40 euros) and you will get a license good for 3 months for the region.    Next we have to go find the person who has the rights to the river…this turns into 4 hour process.   From the Post Office we got further instructions to go to a hotel about 1 Km away to get the local license.  We were given another book called "Agriturismi in provincia di Belluno" which they marked a page stating "if all else fails - go to this place to get the local license."   At the Hotel - the owner informs us that he no longer sells fishing licenses and gives us another address to go to.   With the use of the navi and some good old fashion detective work - we find the next place - it's closed with a phone number on the door.   We call the number (first we had to figure out what the country code is.  Good thing my wife's sister had her smart phone!).  The guy answers and 2 phone calls, 1 text and 3 languages later we have a new location to target. In the end we find ourselves at the "all else fails" location marked in the book. Rio Cavalli di Fiorenzo Mazzalovo loc. Sagrogna, 74 32100 Belluno Tel: 39.0437.927380 www.riocavalli.it The website does not have an english option.  After using google translate - we find the site promotes their onsite fishing more than anything.  You won't find much info about buying a license but don't fear - this is the place to go. The license for "No Kill" or "Catch and Release" is 11 Euros per day.   After the trip was over, a more careful inspection of the information books we had in hand revealed more information that we could have used. In the rules and regulations book, the above location is again mention under "Punti Vendita Permessi" or retail outlets for licenses.   Fine we are done, but once again, you can’t go ‘round hungry so we decide to have a tortellini lunch. Then I swear I am going fishing.   {pagebreak} Appetite satiated, I get to the river and look over the bridge and this is what I see. There's fish in the river, it's on.   I'm thinking to myself, "this is a lock!" I scrambled down into the river and set up on that area. Fucking fish had lock jaw, apparently they’ve been eating as much as I have.  After a hour or so, fuck who knows how much time passes while you are fishing, I decided to head up river. The wade upstream was tough going with little action. I rose a couple fish but had no takers. Then I tied on and swung the ol' woolly bugger through a riffle. Fish on!   After that catch there is nothing, the bugger is a poison fly.  I wan’t going to force it. Sitting down on the bank, I took a look around and waited for the magic hour to hit.   They really do lay it down don't they?   Then all of a sudden these giant biting flies with switchblades and stilletos started  attacking me. I had to get the fuck out of there, it was insane. Back at the hotel I got some bite medicine on my welted skin, ate and drank until I had perma-grin.                 Day three next.. {pagebreak}Day 3 - The Road Less Traveled or Found As you can see on the map, the river is near the town of Ponte Nelle Alpi, but there is no direction on how to get down to the river itself. In that area the river is in a gorge and no matter how hard I looked there was no road to the river. I’m not proud, I go into the local "Information" building and take a guess as to which room I should enter.   If you haven’t figured out, I do not speak Italian and only after showing my booklet on fishing were my quest and questions understood. A nice lady who spoke minimal English grabbed a map and proceeded to draw on it to show me where the road is to the river. So off I go. And I STILL cannot find the fucking road! It has no name so my navi is even more useless than normal. Then as I am driving I see another "Information" sign. I throw out the anchor, I go inside. Thankfully this guy spoke English well. Again, with no street name the directions were akin to turn at the big tree by the second red barn" kind of thing. The only thing he said that clued me in was that it is a "very sharp turn from this direction" and it goes steep down hill. I head down what looks like a driveway and it turns into a dirt road, at this point I wish I had Ruth Ann* instead of the Audi wagon. It gets a little dicey in spots, like this one where the wheels barely fit on this old wall that is now apparently the road.     And just when I think maybe this is not the right road, bingo, a sign.   The water is super clear and the fish really spooky. All along the right side was this pinkish rock jutting out from the river with long chasms with water channels. Shit I can't explain it, here look…           A river is a river, just as gorgeous no matter where you are, but the "puzzola" (skunk) still stinks in any language                             I spooked about a dozen big fish that looked like browns and I had 5 or 6 rises but no takers and ended up with the big skunk on me. That was some pretty water. I hit it hard and fished for about 6 - 7 hours with no luck, but I would do it again in a second, even though the ambient temperature was smoking hot. The thermo in the car read 36C (96.8F) when I got back in to head back to the hotel. Got back to the hotel with a big thirst and ready to eat, as usual. A couple of quick beers and it was dinner time.     Crashed out with big smile on my face, drunk, sunburnt and happy. The next morning we headed back to Germany and near Munich the water pump in the car shit the bed. We had to rent a car to get home. 1200 euros and two days later I got the car back. I guess I am lucky it didn't blow up when I was on the little side road down at the river. We will go back again, but next trip is going to be to Slovinia for Taimen, bitches…   Other places to go: Camere, Zimmer, Rooms Famiglia Tramontin. http://www.zimmerfamtramontin.it.gg The english translations are at the bottom of each page. If we decide to go again to this same area - I think we will look to stay here. The hotel we stayed at: http://www.hotelvillacarpenada.it/ Nice hotel.  Clean, modern fixtures, air conditioning. This hotel not in town.  It is about a 5 minute drive or a 45 minute walk.  Good food.  Peaceful surroundings. I would say that this is a medium priced hotel. Unless otherwise stated - all links above have an English option available.   The information above is accurate as of July 2011.  Everything is subject to change at any moment without warning.   On the Fly, 2011-07-24T14:58:34+00:00 {title_permalink={articles/article} http://www.befuddledanglersalmanac.com/index.php/articles/article/crawl-stop#When:22:39:21Z Next Stop on the Beer Crawl: Somewhere in Raleigh (TBA)   Wherever you crawl please drink responsibly and give the keys to someone else! Call For Submission, 2011-07-13T22:39:21+00:00 {title_permalink={articles/article} http://www.befuddledanglersalmanac.com/index.php/articles/article/help-us-help-your-water-and-air#When:20:50:23Z BAA believes. We believe there are more people out there that want a clean environment than don't. But it does not take but a few folks or companies to sully the waters when it comes to conservation, restoration and preservation of the outdoors. We believe without clean air and water we will lose everything that is precious to us, life.   We believe you can't beat logic and reason, but you can beat stupid and irresponsible, with a big stick.   We want to know what's up with the water you fish. We want to hear from you what your community is doing to restore or protect habitat. We want to hear about who might be threatening your waters. If you think you have a need to call attention to an issue or want to share the positive outcome of a environmental story that went well - contact us.   It's the only environment we have and we believe it needs some vigilance and attention. Environment, 2011-07-12T20:50:23+00:00 {title_permalink={articles/article} http://www.befuddledanglersalmanac.com/index.php/articles/article/north-carolina-annual-photo-competition#When:12:02:07Z RALEIGH, N.C. (June 21, 2011) – The seventh annual Wildlife in North Carolina magazine photo competition is underway and open until Sept. 1, 2011. The magazine partners again with UNC-TV for the popular juried contest, along with the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation, which manages the state’s photogenic state parks, and co-sponsor, Great Outdoor Provision Co. All winners will be published in the January/February 2012 issue of Wildlife in North Carolina, with the grand prize image appearing on the cover. Thanks to exhibition sponsor, JW Photo Labs of Raleigh, the winners will also be exhibited at the Museum of Natural Sciences and at other science museums and wildlife education centers across the state. Photos will be judged in 8 categories, with youth divisions for 12 and younger, and 13 to 17 year olds: Birds Mammals Reptiles and Amphibians Invertebrates Wild Landscapes Youth Photographer, 13-17 Wild Plants (including mushrooms and other fungi) Outdoor Recreation (such as hunting, fishing and hiking) Animal Behavior Youth Photographer, 12 and under Participants in the 2010 competition included 1,270 photographers and 5,511 entries. Winners will be selected by a panel composed of staff from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences and N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation. For competition rules, information and how to enter photos, go to http://www.ncwildlife.org/contest/index.htm. All photos must be entered electronically, no slides, negatives or prints will be accepted by mail. The award-winning Wildlife in North Carolina magazine is published bimonthly by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. Subscription information can be found on the Commission’s website at http://www.ncwildstore.com/magazine.html. This category-winning photo by Gene Furr of Raleigh captured great egrets fighting.   MEDIA:  A hi-res version of the above image may be downloaded here. Please credit photo to Gene Furr of Raleigh. Geoff Cantrell, Public Information Officer 919-707-0186 geoff.cantrell@ncwildlife.org NC News, 2011-07-06T12:02:07+00:00 {title_permalink={articles/article} http://www.befuddledanglersalmanac.com/index.php/articles/article/written-permission-to-hunt-or-fish#When:11:46:30Z RALEIGH, N.C. (July 5, 2011) – A new law passed by the North Carolina General Assembly requires hunters and anglers to obtain written permission from a landowner or leaseholder before hunting or fishing on privately-owned posted property — including land, waters, ponds or legally established waterfowl blinds. The Landowner Protection Act also provides two ways for landowners to post their lands to allow only hunters, trappers and anglers with written permission to legally enter their property. Landowners can now post their land by using vertical purple paint marks on posts or trees, or, as in the past, by placing signs or posters. View the Landowner Protection Act document with more detailed instructions on posting property with signs or purple paint. The Landowner Protection Act specifically relates only to hunting, fishing, or trapping on posted lands. It clarifies the existing G.S. 14-159.6 requirement for written consent to hunt, fish, or trap on posted lands by specifying that written permission, dated within the past 12 months and signed by the landowner, leaseholder, or agent of that land, be carried and displayed upon request of any law enforcement officer. If a hunting club has leased the land, a person shall have a copy of their hunting club membership and a copy of the landowner permission granted to that hunting club. The Landowner Protection Act does not change general trespass laws nor have any effect on lands that are not posted. It does not repeal any local acts currently in effect that require written permission to hunt, fish, or trap. Under existing landowner liability law, landowners providing permission for hunting or fishing on their property, without charge, assume no more liability than currently is afforded a trespasser, in accordance with G.S. 38A-4. The Landowner Protection Act goes into effect Oct. 1, 2011. Violation of this act is a Class 2 misdemeanor. For more information on the Landowner Protection Act, visit frequently asked questions, and view a sample permission form. NC News, 2011-07-06T11:46:30+00:00 {title_permalink={articles/article} http://www.befuddledanglersalmanac.com/index.php/articles/article/knob-creek.-err-pond#When:12:48:26Z a short meditation from the zen garden. Wife and kiddos out of town since Sunday for their supposed to be spring, but seems more like winter, break. The bachelor plan was to get some work done around the house drink and fish and meet up with them Friday. Beer supply exhausted – reinforcements now secured. Bourbon flowing as are the creeks - all crazy swollen, cold and brown. Alas, no Olives or Hendricksons or...To the County Pond! Chucking hairy hooks of weighted wickedness to stocked Rainbows and Browns. Oh the horror. Rainbow after rainbow impaling themselves on a fly tied with my daughter’s naturally curly hair. What, you think you can stop me gale force wind? HA! And Fuck you rain! Wait. Then all 17, dare I be so bold, 18 inches of a knarly breeder Brown bends the glass. Crashing down onto the muddy bank I manage not to break the rod, nor spill the wine. And I touched the rubber trout.     Short Strike, Short, 2011-07-04T12:48:26+00:00 {title_permalink={articles/article} http://www.befuddledanglersalmanac.com/index.php/articles/article/two-days-pay-for-play#When:17:57:05Z Are Pay-for-Play fishing clubs the way to conservation or just a way to get a good rod fee? An invited guest’s observations at “The Club.” Pay for Play fishing clubs have stirred up quite a conversation in the last few years. Promising exclusivity, anyone with the means can join for the price of membership fee, annual dues, per outing guide fees and accommodation fees for the right to fish “private water,” with the promise of catching big fish. These are the country clubs of the river. While that in itself is not extraordinary, there has been controversy surrounding the purchase, development of land within close proximity to the river, privatization of water, questionable wildlife and water management that may affect the fishery for all.   Over the past few years some clubs have gone so far as to block river access on their sections of water, despite clear federal laws mandating the ability to use rivers, under the Clean Waters Act of 1973(CWA), navigable waters definition. Additionally many clubs raise their own fish in uncontrolled environments with no guarantee of the health of the fish or the potential of delivering disease from stock tanks straight to wild fish in a river. Beyond that, accusations of pellet feeding to hold big fish in private sections of otherwise public waters are being leveled at some of these properties.   This account was provided to BAA unsolicited from a reliable source. The names of landmarks, rivers, organizations and people have been omitted in fairness to all.   From Anonymous Bosch: I was invited as a guest of “the Property” to consider the facilities and enjoy the resources of their private club. I was intrigued by the opportunity to experience what so few get to enjoy. Although fishing for pets is not the fishing experience I typically enjoy, I could not pass up an invited opportunity to see how the other 1/20th lived. With the exception of the "exuberance" of my guide, I was treated well. Only at times did I have that dirty feeling you get when you pay for services of pleasure. However, the entire time I was there, I was acutely aware that I was experiencing what others willingly paid for and enjoyed as a “truly elite fly fishing experience.”   Armed with a semi-opened mind I was going to spend a couple of days on the property determined to try and identify the attraction of what seemed like a canned hunt for lions.  Would I stand on the bank waiting while a guide upstream opened a box and released a renegade brown in my direction? Would I fish in a pen or pond, I mean how do you guarantee fish in a river? My brain aquiver I headed towards the “barrel” for what sounded like the most boring fishing experience I could possibly have.   Day 1 – Operations, My @#$% Guide and Pet Rainbows My host called me to confirm my arrival. He is one of the executive staff for the property and my host was who originally sent me my invitation. He must be important, he took care of a lot of shit for the club – new members, existing members, ongoing property development, etc. I got the feeling he knew just about everything that went on at the club.   When I arrived the temperature was 20 degrees above average. I was curious how this would impact the fishing.   There was no ignoring the numerous no trespassing signs and remote security cameras surrounding the property and the edge of the river. I felt safe for sure. Ever since I got mugged on that river that one day, I have been a big supporter of security on the river. Yup, I was safe as a kitten in a blanket.   After a brief introduction to my guide, I was shown to my room. As an invited guest, I was ushered to simple lodging at the main base camp on the river.   My room. My room at the property, was only about $80.00 per night and was nice. But as I sat on the end of the bed I thought about paying that on top of the one time membership fee of between $50,000.00 and $100,000.00 plus annual fees, guide fees at $400.00 per day, plus beat fees for some of the more special beats -- I concluded this was indeed an exclusive experience reserved for some pretty fat cats -- still not sure how I got here, but here I was none the less.   The river to which I was adjacent, had initially been posted and an attempt was made to completely privatize the section that ran through the property. The property had attempted to not only close the river to foot traffic but also to boat traffic - on a navigable river. But the locals sued under the navigable water act and the public won. So as long as you stay below the high water mark anyone can still jump in at a point on the river that is not on the property and any licensed fisher can fish right in front of the property.   Scratching my head, thinking about wandering freely upstream to enjoy the primary water, I wondered what I would see today and tomorrow to justify the fees.       My mind drifted out of logic land and began envisioning an army of fishermen and women chucking huge spoons and spinners -- or maybe spey rods shooting across from the far side to the property. Perhaps a flotilla of canoes with signs that read ‘Free Our Waters” or “Mutant Rainbows Eat Wild Fish.” I found myself rooting for bait fishers. {pagebreak} The signs of active development were all around the property. You can purchase one of the 3 BR units for $495,000.00 or rent it. I was told it took several years for them to get all the permits to construct the new riverside lodging.  I noticed the silt fences that were installed along the banks. During a high water event several months earlier water was clearly well over the fences. A lot of construction debris still hung on the fences. Oh well, time to go fishing.   My Guide My Guide was waiting for me. I don’t recall his last name, (I’ll just refer to him as “expletive’). He is in his second career as a guide with the property . He told me he has fly fished his whole life.   He asked me how I liked to fish. “Dries” I replied. Well, he informed me he had a method that he thought would work better and that was what we were going to use. Truthfully, I could have protested, but I was along for the ride. My guide took my rod, assembled it, and rigged it all up. Just like getting gas in New Jersey…full-service fishing. (dirty feeling washed all over me, funny what money makes people think is an elite experience)   The magic rig he used included two nymphs placed about 12 to 14 inches apart with split shot below the flies at the end of tippet, plus a bobber. Yeah, I just won’t even get started on that whole topic.   We parked by an old hatchery on a creek. I asked my guide about the hatchery ponds. He said “They were previously in operation, but now the club gets stockers from the hatchery across the street.”   My beat was approximately a third of a mile on “a creek.” It was pretty small water, similar to what I normally fish at home. As we walked along the bank of the creek, the number of big fish was astonishing. There were huge fish everywhere -- even a rise or two here and there.   I asked my guide, “how does such little water produces so many large fish?”  He replied, “Well, I didn’t offer this, but since you asked, we feed them pellets.” he continued, “This does not make them any easier, or any harder to catch, but it makes them big and strong and they hang around.”   What total bullshit, I thought to myself.  He further said that when the fish aren’t biting they use the hatchery fisher’s favorite, the “pellet fly.” He opened a box and showed me about a size 12, brown foam fly with a little yellow on top.   Learning To Crawl “Hit, Hit, Hit.” Every time the bobber would hesitate, move around, sink a little or I would take a breath, -my guide -- would yell hit. I felt like telling him to shut the fuck up, but hey, this is what you end up paying for, some guy telling you how to fish. Was this why you joined... because you were stupid or wanted to be made to feel stupid! Or is it because you believe this to be what a fly fishing experience is, have no idea how to catch a fish or where to find one, or the inclination to even  look. Visions of fat ass  citizens sliding up to the river in a chair and having the trout hooked on for them. I am cold and want to vomit. eh hem, I digress.   I purposely lost the first fish I hooked, no seriously I did.   My guide was barking out instructions on how I should play the fish. Unable to override the pressure building in my head, I lowered the rod and turned to look at “expletive guide”. “----, please stop yelling instructions, I can play a big fish.” I started playing the fish again, he began yelling again “bring the rod up, bring the rod up!”   So I did. Very hard, very fast. Snap.   Before I allowed the fish to escape, he jumped only once and then went and sat in the current. He didn’t run much at all. I’m unsure why my guide felt he the need to say so much. Other than being large, the fish was overall disappointing and seemed content to be dragged in, released and go back to waiting for the pellet feeder to activate.   My guide suggested we move upstream and continue casting to (and over) all the fish we see. I landed smaller ‘bows – 16 to 18 inches, then a 6-inch wild brown and then an 18-inch brown. Again, none of the fish impressed me, although the little wild one jumped more than any fish that day. There were signs of life at this club.   Despite my guide’s magic rig, I did get snagged a few times. Each time I got snagged my guide would tell me to hand him the rod and he would work the snag loose. Then hand the rod back to me. Hmmm, $400.00 per day to pay this asshole to have me fish a bobber, yell hit, have him tell me how to land a fish, and free all snags. What a bargain and damn good work if you can get it.   Dry Flies ARE Better ; ) Even with the full sun and hot conditions, some BWOs were coming off. I had some landing on my waders. Some fish were rising and all I wanted to do was tie on a dun or emerger and go for the dry strike. Trying to drive the experience a bit, get any control over my fishing experience back, I let my frustration with the slow to moderate conditions show.   Expectations had been raised by the property. The magic rig had apparently lost some of its magic. {pagebreak} I could tell he was getting frustrated that we were not catching more fish on his deadly rig. So guiding him a bit, I suggested changing flies. He begrudgingly agreed, but still insisted the fish should eat what he had put on. To my gleeful spite, two rainbows immediately ate the new flies and it felt like fishing a little.   I told my guide I wanted to try a flat section we had seen with rising fish, and requested a dry with a dropper. For the dry he tied on a size 10 white wulf (I don’t know why other than it must not really matter to these fish), the dropper was a soft hackle. On the forth cast a fat ‘bow came up and took the white wolf. Again, the fish sat down in the current and hugged the bottom. While it gave some good, violent head shakes that was about it, no runs, no jumps, no fun. If I had not seen it take the fly, I would swear I had hooked a rock.   In between instructional taunts, we did have a some conversation. I told him how much I enjoy hiking, exploring for wild fish and to my surprise he agreed. Then he said that for people like their members, who can only get out maybe 10 or so times a year, this is perfect. But, according to my guide, “it is not for everyone.”   He continued to say he has no problem with the privatization of water, but he does not like to fish the property. I could understand that, you don’t want to fish where you work, but what about me? I didn’t like fishing here and they wanted me to give them money to do more of it!   I could not help but wonder how my guide would feel if his boss took over a favorite property on the little streams he liked to fished and charged him for the pleasure.   My Dinner with ... After my day of fishing, my host invited me to dinner at the restaurant of my choice. He also provided unsolicited advice on how I should dress. “Make sure you wear khakis and a shirt with a collar.” My shirt had a collar and my jeans were black. My host picked me up for dinner at 6:15. My host graciously paid despite my blatant disregard for dress code, it was an excellent meal.   During dinner I asked about the history of the club. Originally started as a deer hunting club, the owner fenced in about a large portion of the property. This business was way too seasonal, so he added fly fishing. Interestingly enough my host never mentioned anything about the developer being sad and concerned about witnessing all his boyhood fishing streams being ruined by development.  That is the story line they advertise, however, from what I had seen, it did not appear to be sincere. In my opinion, this was a pure outdoor recreation business geared to the lazy rich; developing property very close to a river and making otherwise public water, exclusive. I guess people do that sort of thing.   Realizing the fly fishing was a much better situation, the deer camp was closed. When you get the tour of the land there are many old deer feeders you see rusting in the woods.   My host also shared the clubs future expansion plans. He mentioned the acquisition of new land out west. This new land would be a premium destination. Members of the club would have to pay even more to fish here. The concept of disposable income was becoming crystal clear to me. My host also said that the developer was looking to acquire additional stream rights in premium eastern US fisheries. When I pressed for stream names he said that he did not get that involved in the land acquisition part of the business. I did not believe him. About that time, I met the owner. He came over and introduced himself. We had little conversation – just exchanged pleasantries.     Day 2 – The club hatchery, some beat and another unnamed piece of water. I met my host for breakfast in the main office building. Some of the guides were there checking their lap tops and talking shit. The plan for day 2 was to give me a driving tour of more water and then end the morning by fishing another stretch of water. But first we walked through the new riverside cabins. They were very nicely built. My host pointed out some overtly cheesy, outdoorsy touches and details to which I could not relate. Groan. Still, I have been to worse time-share sales pitches.   Next we drove up, around and above the lodges. This is the area that was initially fenced for the deer hunting. I counted 7 rusted old feeders in the woods. My host pointed out all the stakes and lines outlining the future foundations of further development. They plan to build a dozen or so homes up here, the deer hunting is out. {pagebreak} We then drove to see more of another creek. Just up the road is a house members can rent for $295.00 a night. When we looked at this house a staff member was out back.  My host says “Hey ---, lets see your new babies.” Into the basement we go. Spring fed tanks are holding many rainbow fry. Clearly excited the hatchery manager explains his fish raising processes. Then he gets sad and tells me that these fry all have some sort of disease. But not to worry, he is treating them all with some stuff. He just can’t feed them right now.   After we left the hatchery we headed further upstream. We stop at what my host described as the best beat on the river. This section of water is leased from private property owners. Most of the club’s access points are acquired through exclusive leases. At least some of the locals are seeing a financial boost,  though I did not get a feel for what landowners fees were. As we approach the stream we see huge fish everywhere. When I ask my host how this section keeps all these big fish he says “the landowner feeds them very well.” He takes care of these pet rainbows very well. I think my host said this beat was $350 or $400 to fish for one day. It is maybe one quarter of a mile in length.   The club may have some water that is not stocked and fed. I’m never got a straight answer on that. They showed me a little creek which is a tributary to the river. Much of it runs through a dairy farm. As we proceeded to drive through the creek in my host’s Jeep to turn around I ask, “is the club doing anything to get the farmer to keep the cows out of the stream?” “We’ve tried,” he said, “but apparently the farmer was not interested.” The irony of my comment was lost on my host driving through the creek and then back through it just to turn around. That type of environmental destruction seemed a lot easier to control than cows.   We ended day two by fishing on another creek. The club does not own all of it, but they own a fair portion.   We fished a plunge pool where the lake goes over a dam. A new club employee joined us. He was cool and a Certified Casting Instructor. Really, it even said so on his business card. Despite my inconsistent casting attempts, he did not offer any advice, which was nice after the previous day of my guide haranguing me. He was in charge of “business development” – that is, obtaining more water. He is also setting up a casting course at the club’s base camp on the river.   So we fished the plunge pool – me, my host and our new companion – sans guide. I see some splashy rises in the tail of the pool and tied on a caddis. The big bows chased it all over. Fun stuff for sure. I got a few , we headed downstream for a quick look, then it was time to go.   I had a good enough time and appreciated the invitation. However, I am quite sure this is not the place for me. The fishing experience was plastic and so out of touch with time I have spent on the river. I don’t honestly understand how someone could justify paying to have it. I am sure someone has the dough to hunt footballs and lapdogs with a pellet, but why would you want to do that? Each to their own I s’pose.   “Anonymous Bosch” is an experienced angler of many years and a trusted resource for information. Of course we cannot verify his experiences while at this club, we can verify his attendance on the property. This piece is editorial in nature and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Befuddled Anglers Almanac.   In the coming months, BAA wants to speak with club representatives, land owners selling access, club members and the local fishers this topic affects. We welcome and invite all to this conversation and so we may tell all sides of this story.     On the Fly, 2011-06-24T17:57:05+00:00 {title_permalink={articles/article} http://www.befuddledanglersalmanac.com/index.php/articles/article/nc-353-gamefish-bill-victim-to-politics#When:15:53:38Z Recreational Fishing takes it on the chin… AGAIN, in the name of partisan wrangling in the bowels of the good ole boy network that is NC politics. With a purported 40-50 pro votes in the senate and 80-120 pro votes in the House, the long awaited HB 353 will not even get to vote -- Again. For the second time the bill is being shelved until next years short session where it will more than likely pass. But why not now, why not this session? July 1, 2011 could have been the beginning of a new season for game fishing in NC. The answer politics. With Governor Perdue opposing the bill sponsored by 3 Republicans and 1 Democrat, this legislation that will dramatically impact the recreational fishing economy of the state has fallen prey to the typical partisan wrangling we have come to live with from both state and federal governments. With the Governor and the Republicans at odds over the budget, her subsequent veto and then their subsequent override, the bill was shelved despite its majority support in the legislature. Then there is the Governors Association with the NC Marine Fisheries Commission, appointed by the Governor with only one representative for recreational fishing on the panel. They don’t feel the bill is necessary. Whether that is because the bill will change how their positions are filled and vacated, is still to be determined Two years in attempts to leave committee for a vote, HB 353 accomplishes a number of positive initiatives that will change the way salt water fisheries and specifically 3 species will be managed. In a nut shell 353 will: • Make changes to the appointment process to the N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission. • Create a hook and line commercial fishery. • Eliminate the trawl boat fishery in North Carolina. (NC is currently the last state in the Southeast and gulf states that still allows trawler fishing) • Elevate Striped Bass, Red Drum (spots) and Spotted Sea Trout to game fish status and ban the commercial sale of these species. • Regulate the placement of nets and other fishing apparatus in coastal fishing waters. • Modify the Fisheries Reform Act of 1997. • Define whether Marine Fisheries should be a division of the Coastal Resources Commission or the  Wildlife Resources Commission. • Generate a mitagation fund for documented by-catch that can no longer be sold by commercial watermen.   The obvious implications to 800,000 licensed saltwater recreational fishers is dramatic as fisheries will no longer consider the protected species legal for sale. The impact to commercial fishing is arguably negligible as the bill supports mitigation to watermen that document their catch, with the establishment of a subsidy fund. Extensive research from data supplied by the NC Marine Fisheries Commission documents that very few commercial watermen would suffer fiscal damage. The proposed protected species make up only a small fraction of most fishermen’s catch. Although the proposed legislation reimburses commercial fishermen for the loss in revenue, most watermen are still opposed, and feel they have good reason. In their opinion the Republican backed bill is job killing legislation. They believe this is another attempt to crush commercial fishing in NC. Meanwhile the Democratic Governor of the state seems to have the commercial fishing industry in her pocket fighting regulation of corporate interests. Yes, NC’s good ole boy network makes for some strange bedfellows indeed. HB 353 got a second life this year in the face of video reports posted showing mass dumping of striped bass of keeper length, as the trawlers eliminated over-catch. NC Marine fisheries only allow a catch of 50 fish or 2000 lbs, easily attainable in a day by a commercial vessel. However the bill has had it’s ups and down over the last few years as more recreational fishers appreciate the impact of similar bills on habitat, population and economy in states with similar legislation (Texas and Florida). In fact the bill is partially inspired by the models these states have established and the following positive surge in revenue from the recreational fishing industry.   CCA has also come out strong for the bill to pass and has developed a 5 minute video regarding the benefits of the bill to the economy and habitat improvement. Redfish throughout all the southern Atlantic states have protected gamefish status. That is, all except for North Carolina. In NC, reds are allowed as by-catch for the commercial fishing industry. In Our Backyard, NC Fly Fishing, 2011-06-21T15:53:38+00:00 {title_permalink={articles/article} http://www.befuddledanglersalmanac.com/index.php/articles/article/anadromous-banned-for-being-a-stupid-word#When:11:54:25Z Fisheries scientists,  linguists and pretentious f••ks in the U.S. today are scratching their heads over a controversial decision handed down by the Commission of Lingual Uselessness (CLU). The words “Anadromous/Catadromous”, universally used by academics, fisheries scientists, and misused by narcissistic fly fishers to describe fish that either travel up or downstream to spawn was banned from use and ordered to be removed from the modern layman/fishers lexicon. “Let’s face it unless you are a scientist, few people using this word today are using it correctly and rarely knows what it actually means” said a CLU spokesperson. “Just the sound of it from a layman makes most people want to knock the son of a bitch that used it smack in the nose. And when you ask them what it means they don't know. It elevates a person in the conversation to some faux academic status. By the time you hear it around the campfire, everyone is too drunk to question the accuracy of it’s use and just sit quietly in admiration of the “smart guy” that drops it casually into his diatribe about fishing. It’s a scientific term, not a status elevator and we are taking it away from the ignorant, know-it-alls! As for catadromous, if they knew what that meant they would probably use both more accurately! GAH! ” The replacement terms, “upstream migrating fish” and “downstream migrating fish” is thought to be better suited for the general population, although it is widely held that adding additional words to a morons purvey will make the conversation even more stupid. Analysts with nothing better to do speculated today that “If the current decision is allowed to stand, the CLU will possess unprecedented power in the ability to finally eliminate the use of superfluous and misunderstood jargon from most of mid Americas conversations and possibly eliminating Norm Crosby’s Disease (NCD) throughout many levels of social strata. The decision is being heralded by people around the country who actually take the time to understand the language they use. “This is a great step for those of us who are burdened by the ignorance of those who feel the need to elevate themselves in a conversation by using “smart people” talk,” said a man in the street. “I hope they keep up this policy.” The CLU spokesperson went on to say, “ The CLU is vigilant and on the job, we are going after “figuratively, literally and virtually” next as almost every idiot on the street is misusing those in conversations. The CLU is proud to be bringing new meaning to the phrase, “clean up your language.”   Short Strike, 2011-06-01T11:54:25+00:00 {title_permalink={articles/article} http://www.befuddledanglersalmanac.com/index.php/articles/article/americas-most-endangered-rivers-2011#When:17:13:40Z Mining and gas extraction top the list of threats to the 10 most endangered rivers in the US. The Mississippi receives special mention for outdated flood management. When will energy consumption, stock holder needs and corporate greed take a backseat to breathing, eating and drinking? Of the 10 rivers on this years most endangered list from American Rivers, released yesterday, 5 are facing serious threats from the extraction of gas, energy or mineral mining. American Rivers is the leading conservation organization fighting for healthy rivers so communities can thrive. American Rivers protects and restores the nation’s rivers and the clean water that sustains people, wildlife, and nature. Founded in 1973, American Rivers has more than 65,000 members and supporters, with offices in Washington, DC and nationwide. Click each river for a detailed threat report from American Rivers. SPECIAL MENTION: Mississippi River
 Threat: Outdated flood management 1)    Susquehanna River (NY, PA, MD)
 Threat: Natural gas extraction 2)    Bristol Bay (AK)
 Threat: Massive copper and gold mine 3)    Roanoke River (VA, NC) 
Threat: Uranium mining 4)    Chicago River (IL)
 Threat: Sewage pollution 5)    Yuba River (CA)
 Threat: Hydropower dams 6)    Green River (WA)
 Threat: Exploratory drilling and mine development 7)    Hoback River (WY)
 Threat: Natural gas extraction 8)    Black Warrior River (AL)
 Threat: Coal mining 9)    St. Croix River (MN, WI)
 Threat: Rollback of longstanding protections 10)  Ozark National Scenic Riverways (MO)
 Threat: Overuse and poor management   About America’s Most Endangered Rivers(TM) For 26 years, American Rivers has sounded the alarm on 360 rivers through our America’s Most Endangered Rivers report.  The report is not a list of the “worst” or most polluted rivers, but is a call to action for rivers at a crossroads, whose fates will be determined in the coming year. Over the years, the report has helped spur many successes including the removal of outdated dams, the protection of rivers with Wild and Scenic designations, and the prevention of harmful development and pollution. American Rivers’ staff and scientific advisors review nominations for the following criteria:     •    A major decision that the public can help influence in the coming year     •    The significance of the river to people and wildlife     •    The magnitude of the threat, especially in light of climate change For the third consecutive year, America's Most Endangered Rivers™ is sponsored by The Orvis Company, which donates 5% of their pre-tax profits annually to protect nature. ©2011 American Rivers Environment, 2011-05-18T17:13:40+00:00 {title_permalink={articles/article} http://www.befuddledanglersalmanac.com/index.php/articles/article/talking-trees-trout-derby1#When:22:30:33Z Mark your calendars for August 6th, 2011, a good time for kids and family chasing trout in Cherokee NC. BAA is looking forward to attending the 10th Annual Talking Trees Trout Derby if only to get see lots of kids and parents discovering the quality of life they can have outdoors, fishing. Although from the pictures, it looks little like opening day on a steelhead river up north, with spinning rods there is going to be a host of events.The fun of being outdoors, watching the wonder of kids fishing AND the DockDogs Sporting event sound like a pretty good time to us. There will be a free fishing event for children 3-11 on Saturday and a pre-registration event at the campgrounds on the Friday the 5th. We will update with additional details about food, music and more but get out and be a part of a great time in this beautiful and heritage rich section of our state. Event Date: August 6, 2011.  Location: Oconaluftee River Islands Park in Cherokee, NC - Times: 7am – 2pm Forms: Please visit here to download the required forms. This event is accessible to Children with Disabilities. In Our Backyard, NC Fly Fishing, 2011-05-12T22:30:33+00:00 {title_permalink={articles/article} http://www.befuddledanglersalmanac.com/index.php/articles/article/winkler-memoir#When:16:42:02Z Henry Winkler releases a personal accounting of his family and fly fishing experiences. Clearly he has never met us. I was curious when I awoke to find out Henry Winkler has released a new book - "I've Never Met an Idiot on the River" from Insight Editions. The book is self-written with introduction provided by Winkler's wife Stacey. "In this delightful collection of humorous anecdotes and heartfelt observations, Henry Winkler shares the joy and wisdom he’s accumulated while honing his skills as a fly-fisherman. A accomplished sportsman who meticulously records the measurements of every fish he hooks, Winkler has learned that his yearly trips to the river are not just about catching trout. More importantly, they’re about adopting the proper perspective on life. Or, as Winkler puts it, when he’s fly-fishing, the river acts like a “washing machine for my brain,” recharging him and reminding him that anything is possible." -Insight Editions While I have not read it yet, I am kind of interested in hearing some of Winkler's personal observations. I am highly suspect of the Hollywood fisherman and could not help but wonder if the Fonz was apart of the fishing elite that believes in private water and his own privacy, as so many before him. Early comments adn reviews are fair to middlin' thus far. But I will be interested to paw through this as it appears to be a very personal take on his experience and a celebration of the time he has spent with his family outdoors. Also he is the Fonz for god's sake. At any rate it bears some investigation, no one around here is going to fault Winkler for turning to his passion to make a living after your first career goes away. Why just the other day Fud and I were discussing making reverse mortgage endorsement commercials to fund this place. I am sure the oversight in "not sending" us an advanced copy had something to do with the BAA site not being launched. However we would not turn one away if it showed up. Short Strike, Short, 2011-05-04T16:42:02+00:00 {title_permalink={articles/article} http://www.befuddledanglersalmanac.com/index.php/articles/article/tu-film-front-range-water#When:12:30:09Z Taking out the cornerstone of the food chain by destroying the water it lives in, will pretty much kill the river web around it. Water demand and diversion is drying up two important ecosystems, meanwhile from Greely to Denver the grass is greener on the other side of the mountain. That is the thrust of a new short film from Trout Unlimited - Upper Colorado: A River on the Brink. It is hard to imagine justifying taking so much water from a river that you kill it.   When it is framed up that 60% of that water taken is going to water grass, it becomes infuriating to think we are destroying the very world that keeps us alive, in pursuit of a pretty lawn.   According to "Upper Colorado: A River on the Brink" that is exactly what is happening to the North Colorado and Fraser Rivers. On the heels of stories in the Denver Posts regarding the disappearance of insect life on the Fraser, TU has released a short video that summarizes the multiple diversions of water already in place, as well as, two additional diversions that may tap out these incredible ecological resources and a major portion of the economy.   Guides that work on the N. Coloroado and Fraser rivers feel the ecosystems are perilously close to collapse. The reduction of water flow has already had a devastating impact to insect populations as 65% of the native flow has been reduced by trans-mountain diversions. Noticeable declines in the annual Salmonfly, (Giant stonefly) are blatant and stark indicators of how close the rivers are to extinction by stagnation. Taking away the bugs, takes away the fish and everything that depends on those insects for life. Taking away the fishing and the habitat, kills the economy that so many North Colorado towns depend on for survival. I hope we all remember the cheese, mouse, rat and cat in Jack's house, and that right soon.   Over the coming years us “ugly bags of mostly water” will have face the reality, the very thing that keeps us and most everything alive is in very short demand. A litany of books have been released over the past 3 years predicting apocalyptic water decline and "water wars" in our near future. Evidence of the excalating value of water can be seen in its contemproary pricing coming in more expensive than a gallon of gas. Although the media has seized on this important issue as their “fear topic dejour” through their opportunistic feeding on the book tour interview circuit, the question remains will the thumping of this drum have any consequence on a population that defines itself daily by sacrificing tomorrow for our pleasure and convenience today?   As species who depends on water for my life, clean air for my lungs, we should be stupefied how we as Americans can continue to be so short sighted with our resources. You can get involved today by starting in your local area to see the widespread and frequent abuse of clean water in your own backyard. You don’t have to go far to find dozens of ways you and your community can stop abusing this critical resource and save some for tomorrow.   Resources for Clean Water: American Rivers - American Rivers is the leading conservation organization standing up for healthy rivers so communities can thrive.  River Network - River Network’s mission is to empower and unite people and communities to protect and restore rivers and other waters that sustain the health of our country. Trout Unlimited - Today TU is a national organization with more than 140,000 volunteers organized into about 400 chapters from Maine to Montana to Alaska. This dedicated grassroots army is matched by a respected staff of lawyers, policy experts and scientists, who work out of more than 30 offices nationwide. These conservation professionals ensure that TU is at the forefront of fisheries restoration work at the local, state and national levels. On the Fly, 2011-05-03T12:30:09+00:00 {title_permalink={articles/article} http://www.befuddledanglersalmanac.com/index.php/articles/article/riverwebs-a-true-story-about-life-death-science-and-streams#When:19:29:31Z Riverwebs is a beautiful film of about following your passion to discovery and amazing knowledge of the intricate world that surrounds that passion. It confirms the innate knowledge of the environmental web we all live in by telling the story of Dr. Shigeru Nakano. A few months back I stumbled on a ‘nature show’ on PBS while browsing the channels. The beautiful footage of Dolly Varden Char immediately caught my eye. The film was “RiverWebs - A true story about life, death, science, and streams”, produced by FreshWater Illustrated with numerous partners and sponsors. It was released in 2006.  As I watched it beame clear that it indeed was about trout but there was more there as you got under the surface. (sorry, had to) It was about streams, the wonderful cathedrals we walk in everyday as trout fisherman and the lifecycle web that surrounds them. I found it a fascinating and compelling viewpoint of a fisherman that was also a scientist. It was the story of Dr. Shigeru Nakano. Dr. Nakano was a fascinating man with a lifetime love of water and fishing and also a brilliant observer. While most fly fishers keenly observe the environment around them, will study the bottom of rocks they pull up or may seine the river for hatch info, it is the rare breed that is looking at what is happening from literally beneath the reflective surface of the water. Dr. Nakano was clearly that person and “RiverWebs” high production values and extensive underwater footage are successful conveying his point of view, a glimpse of how he uniquely considered and saw rivers and streams. The combination of interviews with Nakano’s friends, fellow scientists and colleagues and compelling narration are punctuated by excellent footage of river life from bugs to birds to bats. Not since I had discovered the Nat Geo’s “5 Stages of Insect Life in a River” illustration as a kid, had I been able to truly appreciate the materials and processes of the ecosystems. I quickly started thinking about how many times I had been fishing and not just stuck my head underwater. Although 5 years old, the film is still a fresh HD production that had me experiencing the glee of being 10 years old and chasing all that moved in the water with exuberant discovery. But simultaneously it skillfully built in me what I think anyone that met Dr. Nakano must have experienced, respect and admiration for someone who saw things differently. I found myself frustrated that a scientist of this caliber had to spend the time to prove what surely should already be univeral knowledge, that the web of life connects us all. However by the end of the film I was celebrating Nakano et al, as I realized the vital importance of having their data, theories and proofs documented for all that do not realize how closely as humans we are connected to the ecosystem.   Additionally, I built up some opinion about the proliferation of non-indigenous Rainbow Trout, but that is another discussion. This documentary successfully demonstrates the complex relationship between human scientists and closely parallels that relationship with the complexity of the worlds these scientist study and discover. It is a stirring tribute to the memory of Shigeru Nakano that allows all of us as spectators to be inspired by his exuberance to impact on ecology, through his observations.   Shigeru Nakano died in the pursuit of knowledge with the hope that his discoveries would have profound effect on how we all interact with nature. I came away with a deep regard for his work and the feeling that if we all gave a fraction of the energy he gave, back to nature, the environment we depend on for our sport—would be ok. This film should be viewed by as many people as can be exposed to it. It is a wonderful way to keep Nakano’s efforts alive through the education of others and open the eyes of children to the magnificent world in which we live and play. For more info about non-profit use or owning your own copy see the Riverwebs site. Freshwaters Illustrated (FI) did a fantastic job in the production and the presentation of scientific information is non-intimidating. FI is producing remarkable work in studying and documenting river ecosystems and providing it for educational screenings to anyone who is interested. They have spent the early spring and summer in the Southeast and are captureing remarkable imagery. For more information about RiverWebs, visit FreshwatersIllustrated.org. I encourage all to take a moment to discover their incredible library of media and images and join as a supporting member. They provide a number of resources to academics, advocates, educators and the media as they document our precious waters and streams and the life that abounds in them. On the Fly, 2011-05-01T19:29:31+00:00 {title_permalink={articles/article} http://www.befuddledanglersalmanac.com/index.php/articles/article/rodmakers-registry#When:18:42:31Z Oy! All ye rodmakers around the world. Whether you make the finest grass or you are wrapping plastic, you need to get your business listed in our search engine. It’s free for god sakes. Push the button Max! Oy! All ye rodmakers around the world.   Whether you make the finest grass or you are wrapping plastic, you need to get your business listed in our registry. It's free for god sakes. Push the button Max!   Call For Submission, 2011-03-20T18:42:31+00:00 {title_permalink={articles/article} http://www.befuddledanglersalmanac.com/index.php/articles/article/fly-shop-and-guide-registry#When:22:41:06Z Help us sports out! We are building a free registry for fly shops and guides. Are you a guide or work at a fly shop and want your shop in our search engine? Then take action now! (button below) We are building a free registry for fly shops and guides. If you are a guide or work at a fly shop and want your shop in a “searchable” index click here to find out more and register. Call For Submission, 2011-03-18T22:41:06+00:00 {title_permalink={articles/article} http://www.befuddledanglersalmanac.com/index.php/articles/article/nc-brewery-registry-fishing-for-beer#When:23:59:02Z If you are the owner or affiliated with a NC Brewery click below to register your brewery in our Fishing for Beer section, invitation only. If you didn’t get an invitation and we offer our apologies for the exclusion. Coming soon to “In Our Backyard”, we are going fishing for beer. As we attempt to visit all 49 NC breweries from Murphy to Manteo, we will bring reports of brew in of our home state and any fishing that might happen around them. If you are the owner or affiliated with a NC Brewery click below to register your brewery in our Fishing for Beer section, invitation only. If you didn’t get an invitation and we offer our apologies for the exclusion. Call For Submission, 2011-03-16T23:59:02+00:00 {title_permalink={articles/article} http://www.befuddledanglersalmanac.com/index.php/articles/article/2011fly-fishing-championship-cherokee-nc#When:13:16:07Z Team USA recently announced the location of this year’s U.S. National Fly Fishing Championships. The event will be held in Cherokee, North Carolina. The dates for the championship event are May 19 to 22, 2011. Cherokee, NC— The National Fly Fishing Championship event is hosted by the North Carolina Fly Fishing Team, in partnership with the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indian Fish and Wildlife Management Department and the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce. This is the first time the event has been in the southeast and May brings some of the best fishing in the region. The championship is expected to draw approximately 60 competitors, more than 60 judges and hundreds of spectators for the competition from across the United States and around the world.   Competitors for the 2011 National Fly Fishing Championships are awarded an opportunity for competition in this national event based upon their placement at regional competitions, which are held at different locations around the country. This year, regional competitions are being held in the following locations: - SW Regional, Santa Fe, NM – November 7- 8, 2010 - SE Regional, Nantahala, NC – February 19-20, 2011 - NE Regional, State College, PA – March 12 -13, 2011 - NW Regional, Bend, OR – March 26 -27, 2011   Paul Bourcq, Vice President of the N.C. Fly Fishing Team, is getting his team prepared for the tournament and said, “I’m looking forward to what is going to be a great competition. And late May brings the best fishing in the mountains.”   North Carolina Team member, Tucker Horne, said, “It means a lot to have a national fly fishing event in the south east. The south east has become a hotbed for competitive fly fishing and this helps anglers interested in the sport to learn from the best in the country.”   Cherokee, the tournament host town, is doing its part to ensure the event has all it needs to be successful. From arranging transportation between the venues during the tournament, to providing meals for the volunteers and competitors, to providing excellent fishing opportunities, Cherokee and the surrounding area has the infrastructure to accommodate a world class event like this.   With the tournament in session, Cherokee is expecting to see a growth in tourism from the championship coverage and with visitors and competitors from all over the United States and around the world. Matt Pegg, Executive Director of the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce commented, “this event puts the fishing in and around Cherokee on a National stage. We are expecting a nice bump in direct spending in our hotels, restaurants and shops over this long weekend in May.”   The Holiday Inn in Cherokee has offered room discounts for competitors and judges for $52 plus tax for weekdays, and $65 plus tax on Friday and Saturday. Please contact the Holiday Inn Cherokee at 828-497-9181 to make reservations and mention the 2011 National Fly Fishing Championship to receive your discount.   The EBCI Fish and Wildlife Management Department is providing 2011 National Fly Fishing Championships commemorative apparel to all of the competitors and judges. Rivers Edge Outfitters and the Holiday Inn Cherokee are sponsoring space for captains meetings and the conservation symposium. Numerous other businesses and organizations have also offered their support and given donations for the competition.   Connect with Team USA on Facebook by searching for Fly Fishing Team USA and the NC Fly Fishing Team on Facebook at North Carolina Fly Fishing Team, on Twitter @NCFFT or by website at www.ncflyfishingteam.com.   For any questions, support or comments, please contact: Paul Bourcq Vice President NC Fly Fishing Team pbourcq@yahoo.com Matthew Pegg Executive Director Cherokee Chamber of Commerce Matt@CherokeeSmokies.com     In Our Backyard, News, NC Fly Fishing, 2011-02-18T13:16:07+00:00 {title_permalink={articles/article} http://www.befuddledanglersalmanac.com/index.php/articles/article/trouble-with-the-site-already#When:08:24:25Z Despite there is no navigation and only one page with links to forms, if you are having trouble with the site tell our Despite there is no navigation and only one page with links to forms, if you are having trouble with the site tell our Call For Submission, 2011-01-01T08:24:25+00:00