Orvis Encounter Wading Boots Review

gettingoutdoors:

Enjoyed contributing to the Wading Lab boot review. Check out the details on the Orvis Encounters here. I am loving them! 

Fish happy,

Kati

gettingoutdoors:

Good Times in the Big Easy - Running, Redfish and a Black Drum

We play hard when we get a little time off…

I have been training for my third full marathon for what seems like a long time. The first two were pretty rough, and I was on the road to a nice third. However, a couple of colds and holiday travel knocked me out of getting my mileage where it needed to be. I consider myself to be pretty healthy, but no amounts of Emergen-C can keep me 100% when Little Man coughs directly into my face at close range. (We’re working on that). So, the decision was made a couple of weeks before the race to run 13.1, and I felt like a new woman. Just the thought of another full had been breaking me down. 

We rolled into NOLA Saturday afternoon with about 15 minutes left for me to grab my race packet at the Expo. I was feeling pretty awesome. Did some yoga in the hotel room. We ordered room service. I have learned in the years past, that all the runners and their entourages are walking around the city looking for that great pre race meal, which for me ended up walking too much and eating two hours too late, and usually the wrong pre race meal (last year was a pork shank, which did not send me flying to the finish in record time). This year was pasta and mixed vegetables. Tofu was involved, which I blame along with nerves for the stomach issues the following morning. 

As we were walking to the starting line, Jamie asked me if I was sure that I could run after the stomach deal. Of course I said yes, but the slightly dehydrated state would get me at mile 10. As always, there are too many people and definitely too many walkers in these races, so my first 3 were slower due to traffic. I was ahead of the 2 hour pacer for the first 10, and then I started cramping. I didn’t give up, but deep down I knew that I would not reach my sub 2 hour goal at this race. I still kept running, but at a slower pace. I came across the finish at 2:03. I was still pleased, since this was 34 minutes faster than my half split at last year’s full. And to make me feel slightly better, my GPS indicated that I had actually run 13.25–a nice extra .15 for all the zigging and zagging I did around all the people. I’ll take it and can’t wait to pick my next half. I’m going to hang out at this distance awhile before I run my next full. We of course, celebrated with beignets and coffee–an absolute must in New Orleans. 

On to the fishing…

We met Lucas Bisset, fellow Orvis Guide with Low Tide Charters, at Penny’s Cafe for a little breakfast and lunch pick up and headed to the marsh. The saltiness in the air, no human in sight, dolphins playing in the distance was so good for the soul. My awesome husband wanted me up to bat first. He couldn’t wait for me to land a serious fish. Lucas spotted two black drum swimming at 11 o’clock from the boat. Once, I figured out where that was I cast in that direction and then saw them myself. I stripped the line and set the hook. The fight began. It was a tossup who would win. I was still feeling the remnants from my race. My arms were shaking as I reeled and then let this 30 lb beast of a fish run what seemed like over and over. Lucas was super and calm, so that the wheels didn’t come off for me from getting too excited. Capt. Rouse kept his cool, too, which I think is harder when his wife is the one landing the fish. Lucas set this slimy guy in my lap. There was no way I could hold it for the notorious grip and grin without falling over. Wow, what an amazing creature! I will admit I thought I might get a little scared meeting that large of a fish face to face. That was the most awesome experience ever to be sitting there for that brief moment before letting him swim off. And Lucas was the one to set him free. I was still sitting in the boat with my arms and legs shaking. 

Jamie got to fish for a minute, too. And in his minute, he of course, landed a beautiful red fish. (She was 28 lbs, 2 lbs less than mine. Not that we’re competitive or anything.) He immediately wanted me back on the stand, hoping that I could land another, which is so awesome. A few minutes before we were about to call it, I hooked a nice red. I will have to say, I wasn’t fully recovered from the previous. I worked letting him run and reeling and almost had him to the boat. I let up too much as I was going to reel and he swam away. (I’m not really sure why I am referring to my fish as male and Jamie’s as a female. I don’t have any idea. It just sounded right). 

What a perfect day the whole experience was–the outdoors, the fish, the two comedians that had me cracking up the entire time. Can’t wait to go back! 

Run and fish happy!

Kati

Little Red Fishing Report 12.4.15

Water flow: high

Water condition: clear

Visibility: 52 inches

Water temp at midday: 52 degrees F

They started the flood gates on Wednesday. This is the equivalent of 2 units, 6500 cfs. (One unit is from one of the turbines as the second turbine is under maintenance. The other unit is from the flood gates).

Full report by Capt. Rouse: http://www.orvis.com/fishing_report.aspx?locationid=5920

‘TIS THE SEASON!

Rouse gear and gift certificates make the perfect gifts. We also have 5 new styles of hats and beanies coming soon, and they are awesome! Place your order online for merchandise by Dec. 18 for arrival before Christmas. Gift certificates can be ordered as late as Dec. 23 to ensure online delivery before Christmas. 

Merry Merry!

Kati

gettingoutdoors:

Fayettechill Fall Photo Shoot

The FC boys were back in town this past weekend for the fall shoot with Capt. Rouse in the new winter 15 line, which is super cool by the way. Mo, Olive, Devin, and Sam J Matthews (aka Samjay–new nickname compliments of Jamie. I think it’s going to stick) arrived Sunday just before sundown. Devin got a quick run in on my favorite course while Samjay, Mo and Olive dld a little fishing. We enjoyed pork t and steak sliders and a fresh salad. I apologize to all you vegetarians and vegans out there. I’ve been a bit carnivorous lately, which has helped with my low iron. Not to get sidetracked, but this will be beneficial as marathon training begins at the end of this month. Yikes!

We had a ridiculously massive bonfire due to huge logs from pine trees we had to cut down because of pine beetles. It was magical with the blood moon and eclipse. We had the pop up palace set up as our guesthouse lit with white string lights. Our friend, Chris, played his guitar by the fire while the pups and kids played. Good times! 

We came out like a herd of turtles on Monday morning. I had to get kids to school. Tony and Chris were meeting us at the ramp with the driftboat. We loaded all the gear. I made the lunch and we were off. Now that the kids are older, I am getting to do a little more field work. I am loving it! Clearly, I haven’t mastered the new camera, but I’m working on it. Anyway, it was a fun day of fishing for everyone. I got a little rowing in, and Mo even took a turn at the oars. Olive had a blast and is quite possibly the perfect boat dog. 

Looking forward to seeing the photos from samjmatthews. Thanks fayettechillco for a great weekend.

Fish happy,

Kati

gettingoutdoors:

Quick trip to Memphis for Orvis Days with a streamer talk by Capt. Rouse. This was actually the first time I have heard him speak–and I got some great tips for tackling streamers while wading! The next day we went to Paulette’s. Sunday brunch is always fun!
On another note someone has a new camera and someone found a caterpillar. Gus was not interested in either. Fish happy! Kati

Classic Pro Tip: How to Mend Your Line For a Better Drift - Orvis News

Great video from Orvis on how to mend your line for a better drift. Enjoy!

10 Tips for Becoming a Fly Fisher and Having More Fun - Orvis News

Great tips on becoming a better fly fisher, having fun, and good ideas on where to spend your money on gear.