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Cutthroat Newsletter - 12/23/06

Please forgive me for the recent absence in communication. After a long summer and fall season, everyone at the shop needed a little break - not to mention a few new ideas for the newsletter. For any of you in the greater Denver area you know that the last few days were almost solely occupied with shovel the feet of snow received. To make up for lost time, this issue of the newsletter presents a plethora of stories. First, a few last minute holiday gift ideas for the angler on your list. Next, Trapper submitted a travel wrap-up report after recent trips to the Amazon and Costa Rica. Then, there's a list of fly fishing links that i think you might find interesting - especially if you need to kill some time while pretending to be working while at the office.

For those of you looking to wet a line during the Holiday break, the usual winter fisheries are all above par right now. The Blue has seen higher flows than usual for a couple of weeks, and the fish are responding with increased feeding activity. Mysis shrimp and small midges are pretty much the ticket for the rest of the year. The Colorado, near Parshall, is also fishing well. Micro Baetis and midge patterns (#22's and smaller) are standard fare this time of year. The Williams Fork is another option; however, you don't want to be the first one in after a new snow or you'll be post holing for over a mile. Check with shop for current river updates before you tie on a fly.

From all of us at Cutthroat Anglers, we want to wish you a safe and happy Holiday Season. Best wishes!

Last Minute Shopping

The shop is full of new items for 2007. Its almost as if Christmas came a few weeks early for everyone at the shop. Be sure to contact the shop if you're still looking for the perfect gift for the angler in your life. Many of items have only been released in the last few weeks, so he/she doesn't already have this stuff.

The new Sage Z-Axis fly rod. This rod replaced the popular XP. The new Z-Axis is awesome. It has a fast action, but feels super light in your hand. This rod is perfect for subtle presentations or 90-foot double hauls.

FishPond. What will these guys think of next? Their softside coolers are awesome! Talk about a guide's new best friend. Available in three sizes, these coolers are perfect for a float trip next summer or a trip to the beach. FishPond also released a very elegant fishing journal. Featuring a number of high-end prints from John Le Coq himself, you'll now be looking for an excuse to write in this journal. Finally, FishPond added to its already industry-best line of luggage and equipment packs. A personal favorite is the thermos with carry case - perfect for cold weather fishing to keep you coffee steaming hot.

There's always new fly fishing books, accessories, fly tying kits and gift certificates (which we will gladly mail to you). And, of course, we have a full range of colors and sizes in logo apparel. Stop in or call the shop to pick up any last minute items.

Trapper Chimes In

Hello Everyone! I hope your Thanksgiving was filled with laughter, family, friends and fish. As the next big Holiday approaches and the temperatures drop, it is time to start thinking of flyfishing in the warm saltwater.

In this issue of the newsletter, I will give a brief re-cap of my latest exploits in the Amazon and Costa Rica. It was a magical and memorable couple of trips with some real surprises and multiple new friends and new species added to just about everyone's life list.

Let's begin in the Amazon basin on the Rio Negro. Thirteen adventurous anglers all met in Miami (Jack Mikaloff coming all the way from Amsterdam) just to get a crack at the giant Peacock bass in the river system.

We embarked aboard the luxurious yacht Amazon Santana. The weather was very hot the first couple of days, but everyone managed to get into some very nice Peacocks. The team of Ryan Novak and Ken O'Bryan landed a monster 17-pounder. Just about every boat landed fish over 10 pounds.

Midweek things really took off. The weather cooled and the fishing heated up. Mr. Jon Dee had a very impressive day landing 112 fish. Way to go Jon!! Both Jon and Paul Hansen tied for the record on the fly at 14 pounds. Just ask them how there arms felt!

Later in the week, several anglers took a break from the Peacock action and went searching for Catfish. John and Sunday Mann brought back a whopper of 35 to 40 pounds of Red-Tailed Catfish. A very unique experience indeed. Later Kyle Novak and Ken returned to the yacht with a Cat weighing over 50 pounds and a couple of others to boot (along with a good Buzz). Terry Novak and Trapper shared an exciting day in a small canopied lagoon. Big Peacocks were busting bait everywhere. But the real excitement came after Terry's fly landed in a small cove and got stuck (a very common occurrence for all of us) and as Terry was a couple of feet away and reaching for the fly, a very large Caimen (Alligator) spooked right in front of us, sending water and mud flying 8 feet in the air. Needless to say, we didn't even see it. That got all our hearts pumping!!

Overall, the trip was a huge success with nearly 1300 fish landed by the group. The service and food on the yacht is first rate and the abundant scenery and experiences kept us all enchanted. Keep an eye open for the return dates next year.

Costa Rica is one of Central America’s top destinations. The locals or "Ticos" are relaxed and friendly and the fishing is superb. I was invited down by the folks at Crocodile Bay Resort over Thanksgiving and was able to bring my wife and kids and even Grandpa.

This place is fantastic. Located just above the Panama border in southern Costa Rica on the Pacific side, CB has one heck of a facility and fishery. The SPA at the resort is one of the finest my wife has ever seen, rivaling those of Vail and elsewhere. The staff was so friendly and accommodating that they wanted to adopt my kids.

There is so much for non- anglers to do it is mind-boggling. Eco tours with Zip lines through the jungle canopy, horse-back riding, animal sanctuaries, etc.

While Melissa and the kids were busy on these, I went to work on the water. The inshore fishing was slow the first couple of days, the Roosterfish and Bluefin Trevally were being a bit finicky. Offshore was better for Marlin and several were caught by guests of the resort on conventional gear.

Fortunately, on the third day, after managing to break off or otherwise blow three big Dorado, we hit the offshore water with the hookless teasers. After just a couple of minutes of trolling, a beautiful Pacific Blue Marlin came up on the middle teaser. The cast was made with my 15wt and the game was on. About 35 minutes later, we landed the Marlin.

I highly recommend this Resort and will let everyone know of a week we can go in the very near future. CB is the perfect resort for couples and singles alike. If you are looking for some heart-pumping fish on steroids, while being pampered and comfortable, this is the place. I will be returning for sure.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Holiday and all of us here at Cutthroat Anglers wishes you the very best.

Tight Lines,
Trapper

Fly Fishing on the Web

For most, the winter season equals zero fishing. To help you survive the fishless months, here are a few links to keep you in the fishing zone. The links range from funny movie clips to a fly fishing film festival premiering around the country. Enjoy!

Stonefly Film Festival - Check for dates and locations near you.

Mr. Bonefish Music Video - this is pretty funny attempt at summing up the thrill of chasing bonefish in a music video. They're using spinning gear, but the lyrics are good enough for a quick laugh.

Darwin's Nightmare - This is a grim tale about introducing non-native species to eco-systems. While this is an extreme case, it might give a glimpse into the future of our fisheries battling mud snails and evasive plant species.

Tight Lines,
Shooter

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