There was a HOW NJ Fly Tying Session planned for Saturday Feb 21 2015. I decided to stop by and learn something! This was the second Fly Tying session coordinated by Tom Dwyer and the Bayshore saltwater flyrodders club. They donated their time knowledge, equipment, and materials to give veterans and volunteers whom were interested in attending get out of the house during a cold winter. This event is part of an effort to entertain and just hang out with the veterans we assist during the winter as we can’t get out fishing.

I met up with Sean Gavin a friend and volunteer at his house to join him for the other half of the drive south to the Neptune NJ American Legion. We arrived just before 1 PM and everyone was happy to see us as the feeling was mutual. There was ten of us total in attendance. I think there would have been more attendees if there wasn’t snow in the forecast. By 2 PM it was snowing but time flew by learning how to tie flies! Learned the Clouser Minnow then went on to tie a few teasers for Fluke fishing.
The time went incredibly fast. The next thing I knew we were packing up. It’s a lot of fun creating a lure or in this case a fly. I honestly cant wait to catch fish with them! The guys said we have the bug now. Once you start its impossible to stop!

After we left the Legion went back to Sean’s house and tied a few more flies and hang out. I now need to purchase some more items on top of the tools and materials i purchased a few weeks ago with Justin and Sean at  the store.

Below is a video of my First Clouser Minnow!!

I have to say thanks for all of the knowledge and pointers! Im looking forward to passing time during these freezing winter months creating my own fishing tackle and honing my skills!

Love that new paddle smell!! Here is a description and first impressions of the Bending Branches Navigator Paddle.

First thing all Bending Branches paddles are hand crafted in the USA! The Navigator Plus is a lightweight wood blade paddle mated with Bending Branches patented T700 carbon shaft. In all the two piece snap lock ferrule paddle weights 28 0z total. The blades are crafted from Red Alder a hardwood and Roasted Basswood a softer type of wood which gives this paddle a vintage look and rigidity but adds a flex that gels to your paddling style.

Making its debut in 2010 as an advanced low angle touring paddle it is now catching the eye of those in the kayak fishing scene. The low angle style of paddling allows for less fatigue during the fishing trip. After all less paddling fatigue equals more time on the water catching fish!

The blade being crafted from Alder a hardwood is additionally protected by Bending Branches patented Rock Guard then covered in a layer of protective fiberglass. So the paddle if cared for should last a lifetime.

Overall the blade construction is impressive being made from wood this eliminates the spline on the back side of the blade. This should prove to be a quieter paddle which is essential while fishing for spook easy fish. In addition the paddle is also available with the Plus Ferrule. This provides you with an additional telescoping length of up to 15 CM. A great advancement for kayaks with high/low seating systems.Very much looking forward to using this paddle over the 2015 fishing season! Check back for a complete extended use review in the fall!

For more information please visit the Bending Branches website!

GoPro Stock Mounts and Accessories:

Since the introduction of the GoPro it has become almost the standard action camera within the sport of Kayak Fishing. Bundled with the GoPro are some nice mounts. The package typically includes along with its waterproof housing  a couple versions of quick release mounts. These mounts clip into included bases that have 3M adhesive on the bottom. This 3M adhesive adheres very well to kayaks allowing you to have the freedom to mount the camera virtually anywhere along with the ability of the quick release buckle style. Just keep in mind the base with the adhesive is quite permanent. GoPro also offers some great add on mounts such as the head strap mount.
One of the mounts that is not included and I would recommend the 1/4-20 threaded tripod mount. This mount attaches to the housing converting it to a standard  camera mount which works with tripods and other industry standard photography mounts.

All of the GoPro Mounts are interchangeable between any model type of GoPRo cameras!

New Mounts include The Handler which floats. The fetch which you can strap to your dog. The sportsman mount which could mount to your fishing rod a railing a shot gun a Bow etc.

All of these mounts are great for mounting and recording your kayak fishing trip with a GoPro!