FishwithJD

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Farewell, Stan-O

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Stan-o
I just got word that the fishing community lost a dear friend last week. On Sept. 17, Stan Brown of Federal Way, WA (shown here hamming it up in Alaska) passed away at the entirely too young age of 64.

I met and got to know Stan (AKA “The Admiral”) when I guided in Alaska for Alaska King Salmon Adventures on the Nushagak River, where he was the all-around Big Enchilada.

He was truly one of the greatest guys I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and I’m honored to have known him.

Stan-O, hope those fish in Heaven are biting! We’ll miss you!

Fly Fishing Knots?

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JD,
I Just got a hand me down fly rod and reel.

I’ve been totally excited about learning to fly fish for steelies on the Yuba River by my house in Marysville, CA.

My question is: How do i tie a fly to the line on my reel?? I know, dumb newbie question, but i have nobody else to ask. And seeing how youre the fishing god that helped me nail my first salmon last year(30#) ever, thought you might help me out.

Maybe even some tips on how and where on the yuba.
Thanks, Minh

Hey Minh, fishing god, eh? I think you meant to say “dirty dog,” but whatever! Anyway, glad you got a big king last year…you were one of the lucky few!

As far as your main question goes, I assume you’re asking how to tie a leader to a fly line, right? If so, the best way is to get out there and buy a Nail Knot tool at your local tackle shop…Johnson’s in Yuba City probably has ’em.

Scroll down for a couple videos on how to do it…

As far as where to go, i’d get up above the Highway 20 Bridge in October and fish a Glo Bug under an indicator near any spawning salmon — the steelies will sit right behind them.

And another one…

Baja Beach Fishing?

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JD, my wife and I are headed for Baja’s East Cape next month for a little vacation. While it’s possible I’ll get out on a panga one day, this really is more of a relaxation trip, not a fishing trip. However, when the wife’s getting a tan, is there any shore casting I can do off the beach?

Thanks, Terry M.

Yes!!Beach fishing down there is awesome! I’m not sure if the roosterfish bite is happening at the moment, but if you don’t mind just catching “stuff,” you’ll have a blast! All kinds of critters cruise the beach (especially in the mornings) and you can go too wrong with tossing iron like Kastmasters and Krocodiles or soft plastics like Fish Traps. Take a few wire leaders with you in case you run across some sierra.

Best Knot?

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JD,

What’s your favorite knot for tying lures on?

Thanks, Jack H.

Well, Jack, that all depends on what kind of lure we’re talking about. For stuff like plugs and rip baits, etc..stuff that needs to have some freedom of movement…I’ll tie a loop knot called a Tarpon Knot. Otherwise, you can’t go too wrong with the good ol’ Palomar.