Enbridge tries to force oiltankers on our coast
Despite opposition from BC Residents (80% oppose oil tankers on our coast) and the resolution signed by 150 Coastal First Nations saying NO PIPELINE – Enbridge has made application for a 1200km pipeline to carry thick crude (bitumen) from the Oilsands in Alberta to the Pacific Ocean at Kitimat.
This pipeline not only poses risks of pipeline breakage – it will bring more than 200 Super-Tankers (giant oil tankers) into our wild salmon and orca coast. These Super-Tankers would force their way through the same waters where the Queen of the North sank in 2006 and is still leaking fuel because it is too risky to clean it up. Makes one question how we would clean up a sunken Super-Tanker?
We find it a bit ironic that Enbridge filed on the same day the Gulf of Mexico oil spill surpassed the amount of the Exxon Valdez spill – 20 years after the Exxon disaster, residents of Cordova are still riddled with oil soaked beaches.
Story via Skeena Watershed Conservation Coalition
A Crashed Server…
For the last week we have been dealing with an attack on our servers, which succeeded and not only crashed the sites, but compromised our ability to back up the blog and forum. Due to this, i did not make any new posts and encouraged members to not only back up their posts (as i was unable to fully back up all material), but also to not make any new posts.
However, things have taken a turn for the positive and due to our two network boys (thanks Keith and Brett), we have the site(s) back up and running, fully operational and backed up. Things will resume to normal, and we will proceed with regular postings.
Thank you to all who were patient readers and members. It is appreciated. And, i also apologize to most of China, who is not able to view FFG anymore. Sorry, but it is for our own good. No hard feelings i hope…
Hannah.
The Flyfish Journal issue #2.1
With the highest-end printing and production of any flyfish periodical, 100% recycled certified paper stock, limited advertising, stunning photography and timeless stories, The Flyfish Journal is a collectible product built for lifetime enjoyment. For more info, check them out at www.theflyfishjournal.com.
Fly Fishing Fine Art
A recent piece from Diane Michelin…
Weekly Women In The Stream Photo
Adrienne Comeau with a sleek Bull Trout on the Pitt River in B.C., caught while swinging a self tied Intruder style fly.
Fly-Fishing artist, Diane Michelin – Detroit Fly Fishing Examiner
Our very own Flyfishergirl Diane Michelin gets some press time!
For 20 years, Diane Michelin has been a professional watercolor artist of an extraordinary talent, and has the distinction of winning the Trout Unlimited Canada “2009 Artist of the Year” award. She is an extremely talented artist, a passionate fly angler, and member of “Fly Fisher Girls.” She resides in Nanoose Bay on Vancouver Island in British Columbia.
A statement in her own words describes her passions – her art and fly-fishing. In her own words, she conveys her loves and her driving forces. Diane says, “My watercolors describe the essence of fly-fishing, as told by exotic paraphernalia, rusty pickup trucks, fishin’ dogs, and snazzy tackle … read full story
Sage 8110 Z-AXIS, #8 Gear Review
Since i started fishing a double hand rod, i have had a favorite that i have stuck by through thick and thin.
A great rod in many ways, although not a Sage. Light, reasonably affordable in today’s trendy market of angling, and coming in at 13′, seemingly reasonable in size. I never doubted the rod, always reverting back to it – never second guessing the action and knowing that it could handle big lines and big flies when wanted or needed.
That was, until i knew better. On a recent trip to Northern B.C. (Canada, eh?) for Steelhead i decided to break out my 8110 for a few days and fish it exclusively, deciding to learn it inside and out instead of simply trying it now and then when i felt conditions were prime to do so. To say i was impressed is an understatement.
The Sage 8110 Z-AXIS is now without a doubt my new favorite rod for the art of spey casting. Both in small and large waters, for many reasons…
My previous rod was a fast action, typical 13′ rod. Although it was very light in regard to most 12′+ rods, it never occurred to me that it was still heavier and quicker than need be. The 8110 is ultra light and at first, seemingly under gunned. However, after pushing the 8110 to the ultimate maximum over the better part of one week, with different reels, lines, heads, tips and flies, and in both calm and very windy conditions i have realized that this little switch rod holds its own against all the big contenders.
The rod is both short and slim, and in all actuality, represents a overgrown single hand rod. I have used it for experimental single hand casting in the past, and although it can perform well doing so, having a proper line match for doing so is very crucial. However, when using it for spey casting, not so crucial if fishing small waters. It worked fine when i experimented with different lines and heads. Not perfect with mismatched lines (what rod is?), but certainly doable due to its size and delicateness when in intimate waters.
However, when in large waters…and needing to get distance, unless a good match is made it will be an exercise in futility against any large rod that is trying to cover distance. UNLESS paring it will a well matched head. I experimented, and on day three nailed it. The Sage 8110 Z-AXIS Switch Rod is best paired with an Airflo 35lb Ridge running line and a Airflo Skagit Compact, #7/8 510-grain 24′ head. Honestly, it is a no brainer. All of a sudden i could cast the same distance i could cast with my 13′ – #9 rod paired with the Airflo Skagit Compact, #9/10 630-grain 26′ head.
No joke. With less effort. In windy conditions. In large water.
The only drawback is its ability to cast muppet flies. Not the best choice for the job, however i did manage to cast most string leeches with or without barbell eyes fairly easily and with fairly tight loops, but when paired with the tip, wind and a wet 1/2 pounder – not so good. But, that said, who wants to cast a muppet anyway?
In all fairness the 8110 possesses more torque for the application then one would think. I used this rod long and hard for the week, and not only did it not falter, it surpassed its competition.
Until i am proven otherwise, the Sage 8110 switch rod is now going to be my spey rod of choice due to its easy handling, ability and strength. For all Steelies, in all conditions. If it can handle the Skeena, it can handle anything that i subject it to.
I was using a Hardy MK V BouglĂ© reel, and while i think it may not be wise to combine a switch rod with a click and pawl reel, i do reiterate that it is extremely important to pair a reel and rod in weight. In my opinion there is no point in having a nice light rod in your hands and then having to hold it up or down all day long while fishing. Simply a preference, all depending on an angler’s love of their gear – functionality aside.
If you are contemplating getting into double handed angling for fish up to 15lbs, perhaps 20…and want a rod that can multitask, i really don’t think you will be disappointed in any way with the Sage 8110 Z-AXIS. However, make sure to research your reel and line to create a proper match.
Fish on!
Weekly Women On The Salt Photo
K8 Taylor with a fine Jack caught on a recent Rooster trip in Baja. Beauty waters and beauty fish! I am so looking forward to fishing for those with you next spring. Yippee!
Catch Magazine #12
Is out! Go check it out.