Fly Fishing Takes an Unusual Turn

Fly-fishing can be relaxing as well as a mood changer. I have been fly-fishing for a long time, and pride myself in catching fish. There is something special about accomplishing what you start out to do. In this case, catch bass.

The Equipment Used
I started out using a clouser minnow I tied myself. It was a gray and white with gold flashing tied on the side to give it a little sparkle. I have used this fly before at the same pond with success. Therefore, I tried it again. If it worked once, it just might work again, at least that is what I hoped. Additionally, I used my trusty five-weight rod.

The Set Up for the BIG Catch
Things started out slow. The day was overcast and a bit windy but that wasn't going to stop me. I needed a fly fishing fix. You see, I am addicted to fly-fishing and haven't had time for almost a month. I was the only one fishing and so I had the pond to myself. Well almost, there were several families enjoying the park I was at.

My First Catch
One family with three small kids were throwing bread in the water and watching small fish and turtles come up and eat there offering. I moved down a little to get out of their way. Low and behold my first fish of the day, a nice bass about one and a half to two pounds.

The kids saw me catch it and were pointing to their parents with amazement. I brought the bass back to where they were to show them up close. The three kids were very young and haven't even seen a fish up close or touched one. This was the opportunity to let them be interactive with fishing. Their parents said that they could touch the bass and they were thrilled. I am not sure who got the most enjoyment out of the bass, the kids or me.

The BIG Catch
I continued fishing and caught four more bass. They were smaller but a fish is a fish. The family had left the area and I was still smiling. Things were turning out very well for me. I practiced a few side roll casts around some cattails and low and behold, I caught something big!

There was a lot of splashing going on and the line was pulling real hard. I just knew I hooked an old granddad bass. Well that was not so. It was the most amazing species I ever caught, a duck! I was laughing so hard it was difficult for me to let the duck go. I am glad the game warden wasn't around because I didn't have a duck stamp on my fishing license. If things like this won't make your day, you are in trouble.