I got housed.

No other way to say it, I got housed at the NJ Fly Fisherman of the Year One Fly contest.  I picked a jig head San Juan worm.  It didnt even get a look.  

In fairness to me, one of my beats, the stone wall, was an absolute bust.  There was about 8" of water in the beat, except one spot, which I repeatedly flogged.

The other beat I had, Poachers, had fish, they just werent buying what I was selling.

All excuses end with me though.  I represented Hacklebarney, and came up short.  I fished hard but didnt produce.  I am less of a man now that I let the chapter down.

Raritan Inn on Columbus Day!

If you havent heard, we have the Raritan Inn stretch for Columbus Day.  Plan on being there!  They have some real pigs in that stretch (besides me).

If you plan to attend, please email me at Jimmy229oz@yahoo.com so we can get a head count for food.

Pete Romano

Man I have a heavy heart today.  Pete Romano, our Hacklebarney brother, was laid to rest this morning.

Pete was all business on the water!  Success!

It seems that Pete passed away in his sleep last Thursday night from what was thought to be an aneurism.  There are no positives here, but at least Pete went peacefully.

This was a great guy.  He was a quirky and fun.  He helped quite a few of us become better fishermen.  I know for a fact that John Eng, Mike Russo and I all fished with Pete, and came away having learned new skills.  

Pete was also a great tyer.  At the one fly contest last year at the Raritan Inn, Pete tied a Hare's Ear faster than anyone.  He did it under a minute, and took the top prize.  An impressive feat for anyone.

Pete with Hacklebarney friends on the spring Beaverkill trip

Pete, you were a valued member of our chapter and we miss you already.  I really cant think of anything more apropos than to use the following Grateful Dead quote from Brokedown Palace...

Going home, going home
By the waterside I will rest my bones
Listen to the river sing sweet songs
To rock my soul

Going to plant a weeping willow
On the banks green edge it will grow grow grow
Sing a lullaby beside the water
Lovers come and go, the river roll roll roll

Fare you well, fare you well
I love you more than words can tell
Listen to the river sing sweet songs
To rock my soul

Until we meet again Pete, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.  You'll be missed.

Tim Flagler to speak on 9/10!

Tim Flagler, of Tightline Productions, had one of the best turnouts of 2014.  He will be back in action with Hacklebarney on Sept 10th in Whippany.

He has a brand new topic, Fishing after Dark.  

If you want to catch a bruiser, your odds go way up if your line is in the water after the sun goes down.  Tim will have great tips to share, with recently shot video footage to back up his ideas.  

I really look forward to hearing Tim speak and see his cool videos.  This is a guy not afraid to wet to get the right shots.

Join me on the 10th!