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Carp video today. Happy Christmas. Go Seahawks. Enjoy your day. Enjoy your friends and family. From all of us at HH.
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[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The latest video from the underground editing rooms in Craiglandia. This is what happens when a few of us go Carp fishing in Michigan with grandiose video ideas, yet no script, props or budget. On the fly, fueled by alcohol.
It’s all just for fun. Having a laugh at ourselves and our industry.[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/133163909″][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_column_text]You may have already read my recap of this great trip. If you want to learn more about this destination, check it out.
Special thanks to Cameron Mortenson (Fiberglass Manifesto) for organizing the trip. Shawn Combs (Orvis) is a constant source of humor and ideas. Mike Ward (Adipose Boatworks) is the Pacino of Carp Fishing Movies.
These guys provided some swag to our group as well:
12wt.
Flymen Fishing Company
Howler Brothers
Orvis
Crooked Creek Holler
Smith Creek
Swift Fly Fishing
Loon Outdoors
Rep Your Water
Costa[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]I have just returned from my second annual trip to Beaver Island, MI. Fantasy land for Carp fishermen. I wasn’t scheduled to go this year, but filled in at the last minute for an angler who had to cancel. Glad I accepted the invite.
This years group was as great as last. Cameron Mortenson (Fiberglass Manifesto), Shawn Combs (Orvis), Mike Ward (Adipose Boatworks), Mike Sepalak (Mikes Gone Fishin’) and Kyle Wilkinson (Trout’s Fly Fishing).
While the group was equivalent of last years, the weather was not. MUCH NICER this time around. Sunny skies all days except one made for good water temperatures and great sight fishing. The excellent guides from Indigo Guide Service kept us on fish every day. Some days better than others, but there were no blanks to fill in.
I can’t say enough about the guides and the people of the island. Kevin Morlock, Steve Martinez and Austin Adduci are 3 pro’s, and everywhere you go on Beaver Island you’re treated like a friend and offered a drink.
I’m not going to do an extensive review of this trip. It’s awesome. If you like sight fishing in crystal clear water for big fish, you’ll dig it.
Here’s a few images of the trip. Click on any to open them up in a lightbox.[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][us_grid type=”s” post_type=”attachment” items_quantity=”” images=”12464,12462,12461,12460,12459,12458,12468,12469″ orderby=”post__in” items_gap=”” columns=”6″ items_layout=”gallery_default” img_size=”us_350_350_crop” overriding_link=”popup_post_image” breakpoint_1_cols=”6″ breakpoint_2_width=”768px” breakpoint_3_width=”480px” breakpoint_2_cols=”4″ breakpoint_3_cols=”2″][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_column_text]On the way home, Shawn Conbs and I even hit the Pere Marquette for the famous Hex hatch with veteran guide Walt Grau. The hatch only lasted an hour (then it got really cold), but I was pumped to float a Michigan trout stream for the first time.[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][us_image image=”12463″ size=”full” link=””][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_column_text]If you’re interested in this trip, feel free to ask any question in the comments or by email. It’s a great one, and I will go back again. Again.
you can also contact Kevin Morlock at Indigo Guide Service and he will answer and questions you might have.
Also, check out the blogs of the above anglers and I’m sure you’ll see a few of their opinions as well.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]Another weekend gone, and another set of photo’s from father/son Ken and Max Rubino in my inbox. This Great Falls duo puts in a ton of days on the Missouri River. It’s a rare weekend that they aren’t in the shop arranging a shuttle.
I don’t hear Ken talk much about Carp, but Max won’t leave them alone. I suspect that he takes a peek in every slough they float by. His favorite Carp fly? I ain’t telling, but if you look closely, and are familiar with the Headhunters fly selection, you can figure it out. Hint: It’s not some drab, small bead-head.
This is a magnum Carp for our section of the river. Max actually looks like he might be straining a little hefting it for the camera. Ken and Max also did a little evening fishing for trout, but I can’t show the pictures and give away the fly…
One tip Max. In the picture with that Carp on the tape, it looks like you have a cold beer in that koozy. I’m not sure, but I think that it’s against the law to drink beer while Carp fishing in Montana until you’re 18?
Nice pic’s team Rubino. Keep ’em coming. As for the rest of you, get out and do a little Carp fishing.[/vc_column_text][us_separator icon=”fas|star” show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][us_image image=”5784″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]I’m sitting in the Traverse City, MI airport with Alex Landeen (above), waiting for our respective flights home. Alex to Tuscon, myself to Great Falls. We’ve both got our laptops out and are reviewing the images and video we captured on our first trip to Beaver Island. The typical verbal recap is going on as well. We both agree it’s an incredible place. Incredible.
I feel a little hungover, but I’m not. It’s more of a “cumulative” hangover from a week of fishing, dining and drinking with a great crew.
This trip was put together by Cameron Mortenson (TFM) and Kevin Morlock (Indigo Guide Service), with the idea of bringing a variety of blogger/media types to the hallowed Carp fishing grounds at Beaver Island. I felt fortunate to be invited with the likes of Cameron, photographer Alex Landeen, multi-media producer Matt Smythe, and carp aficionado Dan Frasier of Carp Pro.
[/vc_column_text][us_separator icon=”fas|star” show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][us_image image=”5543″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]Kevin Morlock (left) and Cameron Mortenson (right) heading out onto the flats on a rare calm morning.[/vc_column_text][us_separator icon=”fas|star” show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]
Kevin Morlock runs a pro-operation along with guides Steve Martinez and Austin Adduci. Gear, flies, knowledge and – most importantly – company were all top shelf. Not only did they show us the fishing, they spent the evenings showing us around Beaver Island’s eating and drinking establishments. Definitely putting in long days, but as they put it, “Island Life” is a big part of the Beaver Island experience. By the end of the week, you feel like your part of the community.
We also had the chance to eat dinner (it was great everywhere) with Steve West from the Beaver Island Chamber of Commerce, who shared his thoughts on what makes Beaver Island so special. He pointed out that along with the great hunting (turkey’s, anyone?)and fishing, BI is a great family destination. Our guides agreed, and all have their families out for a week of island life during the 4th of July week.
Cameron and Kevin arranged lodging at the Fisherman’s House, a chill cottage right across from the harbor on the main drag. We walked everywhere, and because crime is non-existent in this paradise, left our gear out on the front porch. I think I was buzzed enough that I left my camera gear out there as well a time or two.
Instead of taking the ferry, we flew out on Island Airways, and the crew there was friendly and accommodating. I hear the 2.5 hour ferry ride is a blast as well, especially if you bring a few “boat drinks”.[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][us_image image=”5449″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][us_separator icon=”fas|star” show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]
It’s really hard to describe the fishing at Beaver Island. I had read about it, and the idyllic descriptions of “flats that make you think you’re in the Carribean” seemed overstated. They’re not. We had some rough weather during the week, but when the sun popped out, it did not seem like the Great Lakes. The flats are smooth and blue, and the water is as clear as any I’ve ever fished.
The Carp here are big, and they can be aggressive. They feed on small invasive fish called Goby’s, which remind me of the many small “bullheads” I caught growing up on the Puget Sound. So this isn’t nymph or slow leech Carp fishing. The flies are big. Bigger and heavier than most Permit flies. The fish hunt and chase. Bring your 9 weight.
We fished on foot and from the boat. Both were productive. I usually prefer fishing from the boat with some eyes up on the platform, but the fish are so easy to spot and the flats so wadeable that being on foot would be my choice. Looking for Carp in rough water on downwind beaches was a blast.
The fishing here is going to appeal to the sight-fishing and saltwater crowd. If you’re a “body-count” fisherman, it may be a little tougher than you want. Casts need to be long and accurate. Not easy with the heavy flies and long leaders we often threw at deep tailing fish. Body-count anglers would love the Smallmouth fishing that takes place a little later in the year, however.
While the fish and the fishing are great, all three of our guides acknowledged that the island and the community were a big part of what makes the Beaver Island experience so special. Agreed.[/vc_column_text][us_separator icon=”fas|star” show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/98947199″][us_separator icon=”fas|star” show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][us_grid type=”masonry” post_type=”attachment” items_quantity=”” images=”5446,5448,5452,5551,5552,5553,5554,5555″ orderby=”post__in” items_gap=”” columns=”6″ items_layout=”gallery_default” img_size=”us_350_350_crop” overriding_link=”popup_post_image” breakpoint_1_cols=”6″ breakpoint_2_width=”768px” breakpoint_3_width=”480px” breakpoint_2_cols=”4″ breakpoint_3_cols=”2″][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]
Absolutely. Especially with a great crew like we had on this trip. I was hesitant to participate in a trip with a group of anglers unknown to me, but Cameron nailed it. Combined with an excellent bunch of guides, it was perfect despite some nasty weather that chilled the water and our fishing.
And don’t forget that this is coming from a guy who has been know to dis’ Carp fishing. But this is so cool. I’m changing my mind, at least at this location.
I could see doing Beaver Island with my hardcore Keys buddies, or with my wife and daughter.
Check out Alex Landeen’s great photo’s and writing about our trip to Beaver Island as well.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
So I get invited to go on this Carp fishing trip by me friend Cameron Mortenson of the Fiberglass Manifesto. It’s to a place called Beaver Island, which sits in the middle of Lake Michigan. I’ve heard of it, and to Carp fly fishing fanatics it’s legendary. Kinda like the “Seychelles of Carp Fishing”.
Several months ago I accepted the invite. Now I’m there. Or here?
Also along on the trip are Dan Frasier (Carp Pro), Alex Landeen, Matt Smythe (fishing poet), and guides Kevin, Steve and Austin from Indigo Guide Service.
So far, an excellent crew in a great location. Incredible fishery. I’ll do a longer post when I return, so for now, a few images will have to do.
