2025 Fly Fishing Ambitions

[Mikey2006]

Catch a native brook trout over 10 inches, which I failed to do last year. Also catch a few wild brown trout over 20 inches, if not that big at least a couple in the 17-19 range. I had one hooked with just a few days to go in 2024 but I lost it.

Also I plan to finally make it up to central pa and fish Penns, spring creek, etc. Maybe even make it up to kettle creek where I hopefully could catch one of those big brookies.

Came soooo close to breaking the 10” mark for a native brook trout today. Out of my home water in sc pa too, didn’t have to travel as far as I thought I would have to in order to find fish of that size

9 1/4 inches. I thought for sure it was going to be the one when I first hooked it, but it ended up being just short. I’m confident that I’ll break 10” this year if I put in the time though

 

[wildtrout2]

Came soooo close to breaking the 10” mark for a native brook trout today. Out of my home water in sc pa too, didn’t have to travel as far as I thought I would have to in order to find fish of that size View attachment 1641240148View attachment 1641240147
9 1/4 inches. I thought for sure it was going to be the one when I first hooked it, but it ended up being just short. I’m confident that I’ll break 10” this year if I put in the time though

Nice looking brookies.

 

[Mikey2006]

Nice looking brookies.

Thanks. They were two pics of the same fish, I wish I caught two of that size in one day though

 

[5footfenwick]

Came soooo close to breaking the 10” mark for a native brook trout today. Out of my home water in sc pa too, didn’t have to travel as far as I thought I would have to in order to find fish of that size View attachment 1641240148View attachment 1641240147
9 1/4 inches. I thought for sure it was going to be the one when I first hooked it, but it ended up being just short. I’m confident that I’ll break 10” this year if I put in the time though

Awesome man! 9-1/4” is a nice brookie! Stick with it. You will get it done! Post a picture when you do.

Then next year you can shoot for 10-1/2” 🙂

~5footfenwick

 

[riverwhy]

Beautiful fish! Looks fat for a freestone brookie this time of the year especially from that region of the state. Limestone influence in the watershed?

 

[Mikey2006]

Beautiful fish! Looks fat for a freestone brookie this time of the year especially from that region of the state. Limestone influence in the watershed?

Not that I’m aware of. As far as I can tell it’s just your typical mountain freestoner.

 

[kissell59]

Looking to dive into streamer fishing more this year, have done it here and there in the past, but ready to commit some more time or (days) to it.

 

[MJMFlyfisher]

Crossing a big one off the list this year finally. Doing a week in the Bahamas for Bonefish.....a couple guided days and the rest DIY.
Can't wait!

 

[hooker-of-men]

Crossing a big one off the list this year finally. Doing a week in the Bahamas for Bonefish.....a couple guided days and the rest DIY.
Can't wait!

Would very much like to hear details on this as it unfolds!

I am burying money in the backyard to try to do a DIY trip hopefully next year, but I don't have logistics / which island / etc. figured out yet. Hoping for a place I can plant the family on the beach and then explore.

 

[MJMFlyfisher]

Would very much like to hear details on this as it unfolds!

I am burying money in the backyard to try to do a DIY trip hopefully next year, but I don't have logistics / which island / etc. figured out yet. Hoping for a place I can plant the family on the beach and then explore.

My wife and I are heading to Abacos Island, splitting an AirbnB on the beach in Cherokee (Very reasonable) with a buddy (Who is also a fly fisherman) and his wife. We already booked a local guide for 2 days to fish "The Marls" . Been doing some research on walk and wade spots as well and hoping the guide also gives up some areas we can have to ourselves wading.
Been gathering tackle for months! Rod, reel line, flies pack, shoes you name it. LOL

 

[Tfhough]

More long weekend expeditions to Central and Western PA.

 

[olemansmith]

I'm thinking keep more stockers in 2025. One of my new buddies smokes them so somebody will eat them up. I'm curious to see how the smoking process changes the look of the orange skin Palomino.
Living in a new area, my hope is to find a place that comes to mind when somebody says " honey hole".

I did this last year, making the conscious decision to keep fish no smaller than 16", all for the purpose of smoking. My "smoking trout experience" has taught me anything smaller than this is just too much hassle when picking bones. Fish of at least 16", when smoked correctly, keep from becoming overcooked, and come off the bones easily in one slab.
Good luck with it...hope this helps when you enjoy the fruits of your labor!

OMS