Dead Deer....Dead Deer Everywhere...

So, this year, I was really excited because I was planning on going deer hunting something I have never done before! Truth be told, I have never been hunting in my life! I have always wanted to do it but what has turned me off is that people don't truly "hunt" anymore but "bait" which, to most hunters, is not a problem. The hunters that do lay apples on the ground to lure in the deer obviously have no problem with this. Me, on the other hand, am very neutral on the subject. If you are out there just wanting some trophy 10 or 12 point buck and don't care about the meat, well, there's something wrong with you, personally. Hunting, just like fishing, to me is about catching or killing to eat because you a) want something better or different on your table or b) you are hurting for money and cannot afford that much meat.

Anyways, moving on to this hunting escapade of mine, there are deer all over the place in SE Michigan and NW Ohio. The only problem is this year, the weather has been so dry, the water has been stagnant. When there is stagnant water, the mosquitoes decide to visit and lay their eggs down. Not good. The deer then drink the water and the eggs because they're thirsty and they get sick with whatever virus and whatnot is in the mosquito larva. The deer then run around having, at least this year, bluetongue which apparently is all part of the West Nile virus. I have not read up on it enough but from hunters I have talked to on separate occasions say all the same thing. I have no clue where they get their information. For all I know they could be friends telling horror stories! : ) However, personally, from my own observation, I have noticed less and less deer in my backyard much less around the area because of very little rain. I mean, I have seen deer but they've all been dead. On the side of the road. It has been very discouraging from every outdoor activity this year in my area. The fishing has been terrible this summer from mid-June to the end of August into September. I just hope that the squirrels are prevalent in my yard so I can at least shoot something with my bow. I'm just itching to hunt much less fish. I know in northern Michigan and southern Ohio the fishing and hunting is great. In fact, a buddy of mine went salmon fishing a few weeks ago and caught a half a dozen beautiful salmon in the western part of Michigan.

Who knows. Maybe the winter will really bring in some good cold weather and fill the streams up. I mean it's raining as I type, which is fantastic but not so fantastic because tomorrow I plan to get engaged. I'm hoping for a beautiful day tomorrow much less a great winter and a fantastic spring and summer full of fishing this coming 2013! I will keep you all posted on the engagement! : )

Carp Carrot by Mr. P

Sorry for the big gap in posting as of late. I just recently lost my job at the local hospital where I work. On a good note, I bought an engagement ring! : D It was funny because I bought it on the day that I was let go. Yes, I have no money but I will spend hundreds of dollars on a ring for my girlfriend. Fancy that. : )

So, because I have had time on my hands, I decided to try to tie some more flies. I saw that Mr. P, an excellent carp fly fisherman from Washington state has created a fly called the carp carrot. So, I decided to tie a dozen in a few different hook sizes, 6, 8, and 10 to be specific. Here are some pictures of what I used. Everything is from Cabela's so you can grab it off their site. Here is the link to the original post from Mr. P. I am in no way, shape, or form trying to copy him or his work. I am merely showing you so you can share the joy of his work. So, without any further ado, here's how I tied the infamous carp carrot.

The recepie straight from Mr. P's blog:

Thread: black or orange
Tiemco: 3769 sizes 6-10
Tiemco 5262 sizes 6-8
Bead: brass beads, tungsten beads, and dumbbell eyes in black, brass, nickel, and copper colors etc.
Body: orange yarn wrapped tightly or orange dubbin
Hackle: yellow pheasant rump

Dubbing. You can also use orange chenille for the body.

Showing what color orange to get.

Yellow hackle. There was no yellow pheasant rump so I had to settle for this.

Fly head cement. Self explanatory.

This Ultra GSP 200-Denier thread is crazy strong. O_O Although it does lose its color quickly, sadly. Use other thread if you don't want color thread loss.

Super glue.

I used these from Cabela's because the guy suggested them over the weighted eyes but use the nickle eyes and NOT these. These do not provide enough weight making them useless on a heavier rod. : (

Streamer hooks I got for an extremely inexpensive price on eBay.

First, wrap your thread, whether black or orange around the hook from the eye to the shank. You can also tie on the eyes first if you so desire.

Apply the dubbing back to the eye of the hook. I tried tying the eyes on last. It make work for you that you want to tie them on first but to each their own.

Top view.

Tie on the eyes unless, like I said, you want to tie them on first.

Depending on the size of the hook, don't use as much hackle. A little does go a long way!

Tie the hackle on between the eyes and secure it then wrap it around the back of the eyes going with the thread wraps.

Tie the hackle off, snip the excess, glue the eyes in place with the super glue and dab it careful not to mess with the hackle. You can also use the head cement. I use both. Whip finish the thread, snip it, and you're done!

So, there you have it. If you followed my directions, you have just tied Mr. P's carp carrot. Try it out. Trust me, you'll like it. He's pretty much a legend. : )