Sun Safety
I’ve gone Howler green! In teaching equality in the infantry we often jest and say that there are only two kinds of soldiers- light green and dark green. The moral being we are all green. Regardless of being light green or dark green we all need to wear camouflage and sunscreen. Well, now I say y’all need to go Howler green like me. It’s good protection from the sun.
Protection from the sun is important to everyone; airborne and angler alike. Now there are some out there (prior to myself included) who are hard headed about protection from the sun. I hate wearing oily, greasy, nasty sun screen. And long sleeves never seem the option until I tried out the Howler Bros Loggerhead Longsleeve (in Tuscan green of course- closest thing to OD they had).
I think the shirt is aptly named because I was a loggerhead before not being concerned about sun protection. Here’s what I like about it: 1) it’s light weight; 2) I can wear it on or off the water; 3) but most of all- the thumb loops!
I did two separate outing trips to try this thing out. I thought I couldn’t be sold on long sleeves in the beginning stages of the impending Texas heat- I was wrong. The micro mesh adds the right amount of light weight sun barrier protection to keep you from burning your biscuits- thus keeping you cooler than sans-sleeves. Then, because it’s not water logging cotton it dries fast as an added on bonus. I just happen to like the thumb loops for the comfort factor my issued silk shirt has.
I’ll be ordering the Diamond (light khaki) colored one by payday. It’s worth the price if you can fork for it. (Brace yourself- kinda.) Don’t lie and say you can’t. You lie because you’re an angler. You fly fish already so you can probably cut it. And like I said- its worth it. Field tested and angler approved!
See you on the high ground,
AirborneAngler
Today’s topic of Sun Safety is a modified prompt of the Everyday in May challenge. For more info click here. For all AirborneAngler Everyday in May posts click here.
Bugs
Bugs. Critters. Creepy-crawlers. We tie things to look like them- call them flies, and we fish with them. But sometimes bugs catch more than trout. They catch people too. We call them stomach bugs!
This is a completely non-fly fishing review. I don’t care your party affiliation but you need to catch an episode of HBO’s the “Veep.” If you watch the show you’ll see it’s nothing to do with left or right- just good humor. Episode two the ‘Veep’, (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), catches a stomach bug that’s floating along through DC area and the Hill. That’s my my lame tie into today’s Everyday In May topic prompt. However, if you dare attempt to take my word you won’t regret it. Having been in dire need of a laugh the award moments and dry humor did manage to crack a smile.
See you on the high ground,
AirborneAngler
Today’s topic of Bugs is a modified prompt of the Everyday in May challenge. For more info click here. For all AirborneAngler Everyday in May posts click here.
Leaders
For the Everyday in May blogging challenge prompt of “Leader”- I am doing a review on the leaders I use by Rio products.
I have simple criteria for my gear and what’s in my kit bag. I am an infanrtyman, not a scientist, pro angler (not yet), or vendor. I am user. So, my equipment and my things have to be grunt proof.
Grunt Proof: /grənt pro͞of/.
Adjective: Able to withstand harsh treatment in austere environments by typically intellectually inept users. Simply- lacking complexity.
Down and dirty these are simply strong leaders. Again, I are grunt. Me no scientist. So I won’t speak on the Mono and Fluorocarbon properties to rhyme and reason why they are so strong- I just know they are. I typically use a 3x or 4X as my general purpose weight on Texas Hill Country rivers. You can argue suggested leaders weights- but this works for me.
Next, let’s talk about price point. Look, I make soldier’s wages and not doctor’s, or lawyer’s salary. So, price can be a factor in this; my chosen, paycheck-eating, cash-bleeding passion. But to be honest I really don’t pay attention to the price. (Side note, RIO this does not give you full fledged liberty to jack up the MSRP. Thank you!) But, I know its reliable so wheather I’m at the big box stores or a local fly shop I look for the brand. There is no brain work invovled in the decision and I know they work and I know they are worth my nickle. So there is a brand loyalty in play.
Lastly, on the note of brand loyalty- its easy to be loyal to those loyal to you. This may have nothing to do with the quality of their product, but instead with the quality of thier character. On Twitter I saw someone ask them to mail them a sticker. Their response was “send me your address, its in the mail.” Free-stuff bells and whistles went off screaming on my radar. I have a project boat I am not at the moment working on. So I asked if they could hook a trooper up and send me one too. So they don’t lose all their hard earned profits in shipping fees and free stickers I won’t “repeat” all what they sent and say it again. Lie. But I felt appreciated as a customer and it made me apprecaite them. What do they get in return? An AirborneAngler endorsement! Yeah baby!
I’ll see you on the high ground,
AirborneAngler
Today’s topic of Leaders is a prompt of the Everyday in May challenge. For more info click here. For all AirborneAngler Everyday in May posts click here.
Tejas Waders
Waders? We don’t need no stinking waders.
Except for the span of about two weeks- that’s a true statement. I hear comments like leaky waders, and while I understand the premise, I just don’t get it. Waders are not really a requirement here in the lower southern states. Don’t get me wrong I actually own a pair- because I was visiting out-of-state for an extended period of time. Unfortunately, Sonic Pro waders were not on the market when I was in the market. I’m a gear junky and those are just cool. Moving on…
To be fair I’m actually going to do an honest write up on the topic. Cargo shorts are typically what I wear most. I have an old pair that I use for this because the nicer pairs I don’t want to ruin. So Pro grunt tip number one: Chose something expendable.
Swimming trunks may be better- but who likes built in under-roo’s? So rather than dealing with a wedgie I opt for the water absorbing cotton. Ideal? No, but does it have to be?
When the heat cranks up they work dual purpose redneck fashionable as well- both in and out of the water. Not some kind of neoprene shrink wrap “I’m a fly geek” statement. (No offense Matt.) But more of a functional and fashionable statement.
Lastly, pockets where you want them and you don’t have to worry about them leaking because you’re already wet. I say that’s a win all around. I will ask however you ignore my post yesterday about near hypothermia in May. Our weather can be crazy and like I said- I’m claiming a two week alibi on this. So I still have 13 days left.
See you on the high ground,
AirborneAngler
Today’s topic of Tejas Waders is a modified prompt of the Everyday in May challenge. For more info click here. For all AirborneAngler Everyday in May posts click here.
Guerrilla Fly Gear: Improvised Fly Box
Nothing may be more classic than an Altoid’s breath mint tin for a fly box. However, for the bring-the-kitchen-sink types like myself and because I chew gum more instead, I propose the new Juciy Fruit 60 piece containers as an alternative.
These little palm sized cup containers are great. No real work necessary other than peeling the label. Once the top sticker is removed you can see thru the plastic lid. The lid helps with the gum sure- but it’s easy snap open or close/ big or small is what makes it kind of innovative. For gum anyways.
Not convinced its special enough yet? Fair enough, but this has a dual purpose function. They work great for fly tying trash containers as well. Instead of an open styrofoam cup that feather bits get blown out of- this little container makes a great trash container too. Just throw all the snips in there and empty it out without worrying about a spill. Their shape won’t let them tip over like a styrofoam cup either. And once you’re done tying up some flies- empty the booger out and toss you’re flies in. Then you’re good to go. Kind of an all in one and simple eh? Simple, multifunctional, light weight, everything needed to meet AirborneAngler Tac-Tak standards.
Until next time, see you on the high ground,
AirborneAngler
04/20/2012 Follow Friday @RodrickHawgBrown
This week we have a special Follow Friday for you fish fans from the AirborneAngler HQ. Sun Tzu, master of warfare teaches us that, “if you know your enemies and know yourself, you will not be imperiled in a hundred battles; if you do not know your enemies but do know yourself, you will win one and lose one; if you do not know your enemies nor yourself, you will be imperiled in every single battle.” -Sun Tzu, The Art of War.
Well, fly angling man this week you need to open up your scope and bring Roderick Hawg-Brown in your crosshairs. He has a great blog and a neat series of posts called: Letters to the Predator. So take aim and shoot him a question. Just don’t come crying to me if he happens to crush your soul- and or fly rod for that matter, just for the sake of humoring us all.
The best thing about Roderick is that is that he ‘speaks the truth’ (signature closing line and true statement). So, if you’re bashful, sensitive, don’t think your rod can handle the bend, then this Follow Friday may not be for you. For the rest of my troopers brave enough to take a peek and see the elephant- or hawg in this case, march to the sound of the guns and give a follow.
You can follow Roderick on Twitter at @RodrickHawgBrown, and check out his site at roderickhawgbrown.com
See you on the high ground,
AirborneAngler
Previous AirborneAngler Follow Fridays
Fly Fishing Film Tour F3T Swag!
You know that awkward moment when you realize you’ve geek-ed out on something hard, I’m proud to admit I’ve hit it. Point and case- I got my monkey (pimp HowlerBros logo sticker)! Last night I was in swag hog heaven. Vendor booths fly flicks- it was better than getting sick at the fair.
Howler Brothers sponsored the 2012 Austin Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) at the Paramount Theater this year. Originally scheduled for the Alamo Draft House they had to shift fire to the Paramount before it all went down. The venue did not disappoint. Learning to appreciate fly fishing I find implies learning to appreciate all things vintage. The Paramount is exactly that- vintage, and made a very suiting location. As a new fly angler I did not know events like these existed until a few months ago. As soon as I did my ticket was purchased and I was counting down the days.
Now, having grabbed every sticker I could and gorging my eyes out over awesome fly film footage; I am content enough to vomit up this sad excuse of a review. Point blank it was awesome. I meet cool people, drooled over the coolest of gear (Diablo Paddlesports yaks), and dreamed the night away on how I would be making a headline in next year’s premiered videos. Thanks for the good times.
See you on the high ground,
AirborneAngler
03/30/12 Follow Friday @sbixel
I am just shy of calling this week’s sole Follow Friday “Sensei”. He is literally, in my eyes anyways, a master of art on the iPad with Autodesk SketchBook Pro. If you’ve seen this guys work- you are likely as equally amazed as I am with what he can visually create. I’m talking about the work of Shawn Bischel, aka @sbixel on Twitter.
So why is he so special and why should you bother to follow him? Shawn has been a constant source of motivation for me to reach for pencil and sketch pad (or iPad and Sketchbook in some cases) and aim to create FlyArt or FishArt. Digitally created goodness oozes out of his blog Lines in the Dirt. Being so impressed with his work I was lucky enough to be able to connive him into making my current avatar for the AirborneAngler. Pictures do speak a thousand words so I’ll shut up here and let his work do the talking. Here’s a sample of his awesome artistic ability and latest creation, “Copper Johnson”. Thanks Shawn!
Yeah, the brother drew that on his iPad with his finger!
Follow Shawn on Twitter at @sbixel and Lines in the Dirt.
See you on the high ground, ATW!
AirborneAngler
Previous Follow Friday’s
@TXFlyGeek
@TexasRiverBum
03/23/12 Follow Friday @TXFlyGeek
One of the biggest things I like about fly fishing is the fly fishing community. Not even in the service have I seen such a pay-it-forward collection of individuals. Everyone is so helpful and willing to share- be it knowledge, techniques, flies, and of course fish tales of fish tails. This week’s Airborne Angler one Follow Friday (Twitter #FF) recommendation is Matt Bennett, @TXFlyGeek of the Hill Country’s own Living Waters Fly Fishing shop.
So, what makes Matt stand out? I’m jealous of his official fish bum status. Too many days I find myself cranking away at a keyboard in my cubical foxhole wishing I was fishing- or if not fishing at least in a fly shop. I could spend my entire day in a store- and yes I’ve worked retail before, just surrounded by all things fly and enjoy myself. Ah, the dream life… or variant of it anyways. Well, as of the last couple weeks Matt has been living that dream and working at Living Waters Fly Fishing. One day out of the twit-world blue Matt says he’s giving his two weeks and heading for the fly shop. And I’ve been jealous ever since.
Aside from all that, Matt helped me get an azimuth in the twit-world and in fly fishing. Before I had rod or reel he was giving me info and tips to help me find an outfit that best suited me and my wallet. All via twitter too! Not to mention before I had rod or reel I didn’t have any followers either! But that was short lived after following Matt. After his advice and help I promised him he’d be first to know when I caught my first bass. That’s the pic header above.
Thanks again Matt.
See you on the high ground,
AirborneAngler
Follow Matt on twitter at @TXFlyGeek.
Previous Follow Friday
@TexasRiverBum
03/16/12 Follow Friday @TexasRiverBum
Hey there fish fans! I am supporting an idea Jason Puris @The_Fin had last Friday on Twitter. For those unfamiliar with the Twitter-verse, there is a practice to Follow Friday (#FF) a list of your friends who you’d like to promote or prompt others to follow as you do. In short order a simple shout-out. What happens is Fridays become a list of #FF this guy or that gal etc. and the ensuing barrage is all those people (standing on the unspoken rule to #FF back or reply all) reply back with a thanks. Before you know it you’ve seen all your friend’s friends like you did the week before and before. But I digress… this new idea I fully support from Jason is this- #FF just one person. I like it. It keeps it real and honest. And because really if you wanted to see everyone I follow you could look that up yourself.
So, my new practice and one Follow Friday this week is David Ellzey @TexasRiverBum. Don’t sweat it if you don’t do the twitter. David has a great site at www.TexasRiverBum.com (TRB) and you can catch up with him there. So why Dave and why is he so special? There’s lots of reasons to blab on about so I’ve just made a list here:
-Takes time in real life to help others learn the joys of fly fishing (like me).
-Patron of the precious Texas Hill Country, his site is dedicated to promoting it.
-Aside from his regular work, thru TRB he is hosting a sweet summer long Fly Trouney.
-He allows freelance blogging. One day I decide I wanted to write and he made room on TRB for me to start. So I have him in part to blame for my blog. Thanks Dave!
Bottom line- the man lives the proverbial “teach a man how to fish” quote. Friends like that are hard to find and worth the follow.
Until next time- I’ll see you on the high ground,
AirborneAngler
Follow David Ellzey on Twitter: @TexasRiverBum
The AirborneAngler 