Fly Fishing Small Streams,    wally the wonderdog

I'm Still Fly Fishing -- And Starting To Write About It Just A Little Bit

By Tom Chandler 11/12/2012

It wasn't until after one of the kids suffered a public meltdown at the Shasta Big Springs Ranch's "Watch the salmon return to spawn" event that I developed an inkling why salmon die after they spawn.

It's not just a biological imperative. It's a pretty damned good idea.

Sadly, Little M's been out of sorts since Wally the Wonderdog passed away, and it turns out so have I.

Watching the salmon spawn at Shasta Big Springs Watching the salmon spawn at Shasta Big Springs. Turns out they're smarter than we thought...

 

I fished a couple times and caught fish in what I'd suggest were Quality Fishing Experiences, but I never felt like writing about the trips. It was fly fishing and it was good, but around the house and on the stream I keep seeing Wally the Wonderdog out of the corner of my eye, as if he still existed in the periphery of my vision.

People who lose limbs sometimes suffer from what's called phantom pain; their brain reports sensations from a limb that isn't there, and while scientists aren't sure why, you probably don't have to look past your nearest dog owner for an explanation.

Still, life continues, and I'm starting work on a review of the Sage Circa 8'9" 3wt fly rod -- a review which includes a daring comparison to the much-loved Sage 389LL and even the Orvis Helios 2 8'4" 2wt.

To steal from the degrading reality TV shows dotting the airwaves, the review will be "more shocking than The Real Housewives of Atlanta*."

Rainbow Trout closeup Proof I've been doing more fishing than writing...

 

In the meantime, I'm ramping up the work again and doing all the things responsible adult homeowners do when winter's grip starts to tighten, so while I'm feeling the urge to write a little, other things beckon.

Still, see you behind they keyboard (a bit more), Tom Chandler.

(*Not true)
AuthorPicture

Tom Chandler

As the author of the decade leading fly fishing blog Trout Underground, Tom believes that fishing is not about measuring the experience but instead of about having fun. As a staunch environmentalist, he brings to the Yobi Community thought leadership on environmental and access issues facing us today.

16 comments
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The Circa is a very slow action rod; the Superfines aren't especially slow, but they are light-actioned, which means they load with very little line out.I think the decision between them is largely a personal one; they're both wonderful rods, but for the kind of small stream work I do, I'd give the Superfines the nod. The Circas are very nice rods (review coming), but they're also quite expensive, ... more and as someone who is still fishing older slow-actioned rods, I admit some confusion as to how they represent something new in the industry. That said, I hope Sage sells a lot of them, confirming the presence of a market for slow rod geeks.
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I am glad to see that you are back writing. When you compare the rods that you mentioned, I would love to see how the Sage Circa compares to the Orvis Superfine. Orvis came out with the Superfine a while ago and they are a full flex rod most similar to the Circa. The Helios does not come in a full flex (slow action) option. With the Superfine over $250 cheaper, I think that it would influence my decision ... more when purchasing one of these new (but old in spirit) slow action rods. Keep up the good work.
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I guess we all miss WtWD. I could talk about Daryl's remarks about Larry Brown, who I met at McCabe's, but that seems like a digression. Time, I guess, will help to heal.
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The Phantom Ghost is real. Every night before bedtime I give my dogs a biscuit. For the past year I pull out 3 even though I have 2 dogs. My Queensland Heeler, Ben, died a year ago. Sorry Tom and everyone else who lost a good dog.
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Awww. Can't talk right now, write. Losing the ol' pal of a hound hurts, but saddest thing I once heard from a bamboo pal was this: Larry Brown was a friend in the cane circle down here in So. Cal. George Boehme and Larry were close, closer than I, they had know each other for a long time. Larry was a luthier, guitar and stringed instrument repair pro at McCabe's in Santa Monica, Cal., knew all the ... more players you would know. Tipped a glass of scotch. He died there, massive coronary event it seems. George was devastated. George told me on solo jaunts into the local canyons, far from everyone, he'd call out, "Larry! Larry...". George said to me, "He doesn't answer."
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Tom, yes I too am glad to see you writing again. I wish I could tell you it will get better and although it will, it's still hard. Our Molly has been gone 5 months now and I still keep thinking she is going to be there ready to go for a walk when I get home from work. And, swear I hear her walking across the hard wood floors at night. Hang in there.
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Of course you're seeing the shadow of Wally - he's hanging around to see how you all are. It always gives me a catch in my throat when I see some of the old pets around, but brings back lots of good thoughts too.
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"No matter how little money and how few possessions you own, having a dog makes you rich" by Louis Sabin
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Corvus: Mark Twain said every time it rained his old Tomcat came back to visit… The olfactory deposits he left behind a pungent reminder. Fortunately, never had a cat who did the spraying thing, but when it's cold at night I still unconsciously make room at my feet for my old Maine Coon. Habits die harder than the pets, it seems.
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Mike Sepelak: Welcome back, my friend. One day at a time. We’re a patient lot. Mostly. More patient than I am. But then, most people are.
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Can do. We're getting into the "Dead Caddis" part of the year, when the river's kinda empty and the bites are often from bigger trout.
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lm: Welcome back!I know what you mean about salmon spawning and then dying…. Yeah, but do you know what I mean about kids? Probably...
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Mark Twain said every time it rained his old Tomcat came back to visit... The olfactory deposits he left behind a pungent reminder. Altho that makes me smile, Sam C. knew what it was to miss his old friend and could remember with humor both the good and the troublesome parts of animal ownership. I trust with time your little group will remember the Wonderdog in the same way.
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Welcome back, my friend. One day at a time. We're a patient lot. Mostly.
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I know about the phantom critter phenom; kept seeing my old cat slinking about after she passed....Keep giving M1 hugs,you'll all need them....On a happier note,git some fishin' in before the snow flys,lucky you...
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Welcome back! I know what you mean about salmon spawning and then dying....
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