Silence

The blog has fallen silent this January. It is a direct reflection of the amount of time I've spent with a camera during the past few weeks. Which is to also say, a reflection of the amount of time I've spent doing anything related to fly fishing.

This is what happens when one is faced with packing up the household in preparation for a move. Moving is, at best, upheaval. Everything is thrown out of whack. Add to this a hectic work schedule, including spending this past week on the road in DC. Time just hasn't been on my side. Starved for it, I'm in need of some creative time soon. Gratefully, we're heading to Belize in a couple short weeks.

Despite being pulled in a few too many different directions at present, this year has gotten off to a pretty outstanding start for schnitzerPHOTO. I'll share more as things shake out.

Video: Deep Water Cay

Until the recent trip to The Bahamas and Deep Water Cay, I had never in my life have I made a video of anything. For that trip, however, I had the use of a little GoPro Hero2, and put it to work. It's definitely sub-optimal to be mentally switching between still-frame photography and video, especially when you also consider a third active element of actually throwing flies at bonefish. Also, from a photographer's perspective, the GoPro Hero2 lacks much of the flexibility that I was constantly wanting in order to portray a scene in a certain way. The GoPro is fine for its intended purposes, and there are other creative opportunities to explore within those limits.

Hopefully, Nikon's announcement scheduled for this Friday will include the D800, for which I have been patiently waiting. Assuming that the new D4 will carry a price tag of around $6,000, that flagship model will be a bit out of the ballpark for now. Once that D800 is in-hand, I will delve deeper in to more video fun.

That said, and for what it's worth, I put together this short video:

Deep Water Cay: December 2011 from Russ Schnitzer on Vimeo.

2011 Adieu

I snuck out for some time on the water yesterday. It was a time to briefly reflect on the past year, with gratitude. But, I am not one to dwell on the past. I spent most of my time considering the year ahead. That, and sucking ice out of my guides. Perhaps as something symbolic, I optimistically pitched big streamers and sink-tip with the switcher. Not so much with the expectation of numbers of fish, but to feel the pull on the swing, and to fish in a way that is purely aesthetic indulgence. I daydreamed of the Pacific Northwest, of wild steelhead, and distant friends with whom I will fish more frequently in 2012.

Looking ahead, my perennial New Year's resolution to "fish more" is simply not enough. This new year, and for those to follow, I resolve to spend more time fishing with friends.

Here's to you all, and to a notable year ahead. Thanks for being a visitor, a reader and a friend.

Support Good Work

A brief departure from the photo posts today, but for good reason. The end of the calendar year is a time for many to consider their charitable giving. I am taking this opportunity to urge all of you to give a little something to an organization, or organizations, that are working hard to conserve, protect and sustain the things we enjoy most: fish, and their habitat.

Following is a list of organizations that I support (in no particular order), and a brief explanation why. If something here piques your interest, I urge you to click on the link and find out more for yourself. While every donor dollar makes a difference, it is the awareness that comes from learning about these good works that is truly the most important investment. I'd enjoy hearing about other groups out there that you support, and why. No matter which direction you choose to go, be assured that you're making a solid investment in our collective future. Alongside you, I'm proud and humbled to be a part of a community of anglers so passionate and committed to the resource.

Trout Unlimited
Full disclosure: I work for Trout Unlimited. That said, I've been a full dues-paying life member since 2001. No other organization is more closely linked to my personal passions with as broad a scope. From the Appalachians to the Pacific Northwest, TU puts donated dollars to work on the ground, while also linking those hands-on projects to meaningful resource management policies and regulations at the state and federal levels. TU is action and results; it is friends and family; it is, and will continue to be, the most powerful voice for coldwater resource conservation in the country.

Native Fish Society
This group is dedicated to ensuring the future of wild salmon, steelhead and coastal cutthroat trout. The Native Fish Society pursues its vital mission through hatchery reforms, Endangered Species Act advocacy, and the development and application of sound science in fisheries management. They do this with a relatively meager budget and very low overhead. If you've ever fished the rivers of the Pacific Northwest for steelhead, you know just how important and magical those wild fish are. For all that these rivers and their fish provide, give a little back by becoming a member of the Native Fish Society.

Western Rivers Conservancy
Western Rivers is a group I've supported for several years now, and I continue to be impressed by the results they earn. Theirs is a somewhat unique approach in the non-profit conservation realm, a hybrid that blends traditional land trust / conservancy "protection" tactics with an additional emphasis on comprehensive conservation strategies for crucial watersheds throughout the West. Western Rivers aggressively pursues its objectives not only in the Pacific Northwest, but also in the Intermountain West, with current projects in Montana, Colorado and Utah. Even if you're as-yet unfamiliar with this group, consider this: In 2011, WRC permanently protected sixteen river miles on the lower John Day River in Oregon, and began the process of conveying it to the State of Oregon. It is scheduled to open in 2013 as a State Park, thus making available sixteen river miles of fishing to the public. That's a big win, and that's the kind of results you can expect from Western Rivers Conservancy.

Bonefish & Tarpon Trust
Bonefish, permit and tarpon are species that many fly anglers dream about. All it takes is one experience - one introduction to those turquoise flats, one heart-thumping shot at a tailing fish - and you understand why this version of saltwater fly fishing is so storied and revered. Yet, amazingly little is known about these fish, their habits and patterns, their genetics, and the intricacies of the habitat that supports their populations. The Bonefish & Tarpon Trust is the lone organization working at every level to better understand these mysterious species and their importance through science, and then applying that knowledge to protect and sustain them. In Belize, for instance, a BTT study revealing the economic contribution of these species alone helped motivate the Belizean government to make catch and release mandatory for all bonefish, permit and tarpon. That's a huge and positive step.

Alaska Sportsmans Alliance
NO PEBBLE MINE. Period. This group, working along with Trout Unlimited's Alaska Program, is one of the on-the-ground resources working every day to prevent the Pebble Mine from being developed. If you're anything like me, and value Alaska's vast natural beauty as a piece of our national heritage, pitch in and help put this ridiculous and greedy ploy to rest. Forever.

Bahamas in Review: The Flies

Flats Box #1

Most of us, when preparing for a bonefishing trip, are likely to fill the fly boxes with a plethora of patterns. As passionate anglers, we have conditioned ourselves to prepare for as many different scenarios as possible. Dozens of distinct and similar patterns in at least a couple different hook sizes, and in a few different color variations... It all adds up quickly.

During this most recent trip to Deep Water Cay, I was guilty of over-preparation. I ended up using exactly four different fly patterns during three full days of fishing. I could have settled with two. Ok, maybe even one. But, to do so would be to ignore one of the basic tenets of the fly angler: Always thinking there's a more effective pattern. I'm not saying that there aren't bonefishing trips that demand detailed, continuous analysis of the immediate environment, the fish and the eight-ball guess as to the right fly for the moment. However, this trip reminded me that you can also over-think things. It's always a good idea to start with the basics, and work out from there.

The four patterns that worked well for me during this most recent trip are as follows:

1. Flats Fly

I used this pattern 60% of the time on the recent Bahamas trip. I probably could have used it 90% or more, and been equally successful. It just plain works. I like mine in tan + pearl, tied with badger hackle for a little more depth in the profile while remaining a sparse tie. Maybe two fine strands of pink krystal flash in the tailing. Don't forget to trim and epoxy the underside. If you can find it, use pearl v-rib for the body, and straight 20 lb mono for the weedguard.

2. Shrump

This is a versatile and very solid mantis-type pattern. It can be tied heavy or light, big or small, and catches fish. Works best with a weedguard, and just a hint of flash. Again, I like tan.

3. Veverka's Mantis (Schnitzer adaptation)

My take on the venerable Veverka original. It is a "roots" pattern - basic, adaptable, effective. I've had good luck with this pattern in Florida, the Yucatan and The Bahamas. I'm sure I'll be using it in Belize in February. The only thing that makes my pattern distinct is the lo-fi dubbing material (special thanks to my cat).  

4. Bunny Gotcha

Anyone who has fished for bonefish has Gotchas in their box. To fish flats anywhere in the world, you're going to have Gotchas and Crazy Charlies. It's a given, and they work. Just like your Charlies, have these available in sizes 8 through 4, and in tan, white and pink variations.

Sourdough Season

Now that it is officially winter, it's time for me to get back in to the sourdough game. I've been dabbling in sourdough baking off-and-on for a while, but have been working with my current starter for about four years. Nothing particularly adventurous - pancakes, pizza dough, bread. But, it is bread that provides the most blank canvas for sourdough creativity. Not unlike tying flies, or photography itself, sourdough is more magic and moment than pattern or formula. It is a product of your immediate environment, drawing on ambient warmth, humidity, and responsive to your patience and touch.

Happy Starter

At best, it is a twenty-four hour process. This cannot be rushed. Patience aside, it requires a certain level of attentiveness. Each step is manifested by a different flavor or texture. How active is the starter today? How did it respond to feeding? How much time can you give the "sponge" in the fridge? Is the first rise warm or cool? How humid is the baking environment? Periods of attention are interspersed with intervals of downtime. These provide the baker with a perfect excuse to retire to the fly-tying vise, and use those rise times to crank out a few dozen flies. An ideal wintertime harmony.

Every batch is different, and each loaf a unique experience. When the magic is really working, the results can be amazing. This most recent batch benefitted from a very active starter, a woodstove-warmed house in which we and the dough were stranded by a blizzard, and a little extra time afforded to the second rise. I hope it is a trend for the remaining cold months.

Recipe (guidelines, actually - find what works for you)

A. Prepare the "sponge"
Combine in a non-reactive bowl 1 cup fed starter, 3 cups good unbleached white flour, and 1.5 cups lukewarm water. Beat vigorously with a wooden spoon until smooth. Let sit out at room temperature for 4-5 hours. Transfer to refrigerator overnight, or 9-12 hours.

B. Prepare the dough
Remove "sponge" from fridge, and allow to return to room temperature. Add 1 tbsp sugar, 2.5 tsp kosher salt, and approximately two cups flour. Mix together with wooden spoon until somewhat stiff dough forms. Transfer dough to floured countertop, and knead by hand until very smooth. Transfer dough ball to well-oiled, covered bowl. Let sit at room temperature 4-6 hours, or until at least doubled. It may be very puffy, or it may just kind of spread out, depending on the vigor of your starter.

C. Prepare for baking
Once at least doubled, gently transfer the dough to floured countertop. Divide in half with serrated knife. Gently form in to two oblong loaves, and place on a well-seasoned or greased baking stone, or a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with non-stick wrap, and let sit for 1-3 hours. They may spread more than rise. Don't worry about this. Toward the end of this second rise, preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Before placing loaves in oven, fill a baking tray with hot water, and place in bottom of oven.

D. Bake
Remove non-stick wrap, and make two fairly deep slashes in each loaf with a serrated knife. Spray loaves with water. Place on middle rack of oven, and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until deep golden brown.

Bahamas in Review: The Fish

I took this snapshot as a simple attempt at communicating the visual excitement of bonefishing in The Bahamas. Click on the photo to enlarge... Can you spot the fish?

This was not an uncommon sight near Deep Water Cay!