Maine Saltwater Fishing Report: Costa Rica Bound!!!

Drooling over the pages of your most recent saltwater Fly Fishing Magazine??? Dreading the next four fishless months??? We think we've found the Ultimate cure for cabin fever!!!
This coming March, Super Fly Charters will be traveling with a group of anglers to the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Sailfish will be the primary target but Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna and Dorado will all hopefully be joining us on our offshore trips. Inshore we'll pursue Roosterfish, Snook, Bluefin Trevally and a myriad of other saltwater species!!! We may even venture east to the caribbean side to take some shots at the mammoth Tarpon that gather around the Rio Parismina and Rio Colorado regions.

On the Pacific coast there are also good opportunities to wet wade and fish the more tropical rivers for Snook, Drum, Machaca and Guapote using Fly & light tackle.

Offshore Pacific fly fishing has been very good along the Central and Northern coast, with lots of success on Sailfish, Marlin, Giant Tuna and Dorado. Inshore Coastal Pacific fly fishing is also giving up good results for Black Snook, Roosterfish and Snappers. Coastal fishing is consistently good off Golfito and the Osa Peninsula in the South and off the rocky points or river mouths in the North. Special inshore fishing trips to the northern Pacific near the Santa Rosa National Park are ideal for fishing Roosterfish and Pacific Snook. This is mainly a tidal fishery and so will depend upon the ideal tides and water conditions. Fishing the river mouths flowing into the Pacific is also very productive at present. These are mainly custom trips and are a lot of fun and a great eco-adventure. The fishing off Garza and Nosara has been very good, especially the Inshore Fishing. Photo submitted by: Capt. Paul Rogato of Ocean Lures

Costa Rica is quickly becoming one of the most popular vacation destinations within Central America today. If not for its beautiful atmosphere, scenery and wildlife it is because of the fly fishing adventure excursions that are catching the attention of anglers everywhere. There are dozens of lodges throughout Costa Rica that have been created to cater to those who love to fish and are interested in catching a number of different game fish throughout their stay. Photo submitted by: Capt. Paul Rogato of Ocean Lures

Some of the fly fishing lodges within Costa Rica you will want to consider include:

• Crocodile Bay Lodge
• Silver King Lodge
• Golfito Sailfish Rancho

When you book a stay with a fishing lodge throughout the country you will be provided with guided charters, English speaking tours, fishing tackle and gear rentals as well as all-day trips on the water so you will never go out without catching something spectacular.

Fly fishing and charter fishing tours are becoming extremely popular in Costa Rica today which means making your reservations ahead of time is a must. Tourists are not the only ones who enjoy fishing in this tropical paradise, many locals take advantage of these fishing lodges as well!!!


Maine Striper Flats Fishing Charters
Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
www.superfly-charters.com

B-Ball Season 2009

Hey Folks,

Over the past two years, I've been volunteering my time to help assist the coaches at the junior high level for the Penn Manor School District in Millersville, Pa.

This is the district I work in for over 23 years as a middle school counselor. All three of my sons attended school in the district. I had coached both baseball and softball during their youth. Now I've returned as a volunteer to give back something to the community.

I will sit with the 9th grade squad and keep stats for Coach Dell Jackson and act as assistant bench coach. During practice, I helped the 7th grade coach in the selection of players. We had 29 students try out and we could only take 13! That was tough. I help all three levels in shooting from the field and foul shooting.

I find that a lot of growth is determined on whether the player has the desire to listen to the voice of wisdom and practice what he is taught. Not all players fall into that category.

TornadoAlley.com site has our Freshman Penn Manor squad. I'm on the left side of the team holding my drill Sargent's stance... "At Ease!" There are a ton of pictures available from numerous area school teams on this site. All are available for purchase... Cool!

Take care and Have a Happy and Safe New Year's Eve Celebration!
dad

Merry Christmas to All!

Hello Folks,

It was a beautiful sunny day here in south central Pennsylvania. We've had such horrible weather across the nation this week. From plane accidents to deaths caused by avalanches, this has been one crazy start to the winter of 2008-2009!

My fishing is on hold temporarily until the Susquehanna River begins to fall. The recent rains have caused our river to rise dramatically over the past week. There's plenty of water now to allow us all to navigate anywhere we desire, but the river is so high that it would be extremely difficult to fish it effectively, at least in most places. The eddies would be pushed into the shore and shortened. Despite the delay, I'm sure that there will be some great fishing opportunities coming soon.

I was able to get out a couple of weeks ago to duck hunt with my buddy, Pete. I never fired a single shot. We did see several groupings of mixed ducks, but they were too far off for me to get a decent shot with the shells I use.

The season will last until mid-January. Maybe I'll be able to get out at least once or twice more over the next few weeks.

I did receive some nice gifts for fishing on Christmas Day. Not only was it Christmas, but I also celebrated my birthday. I received a very nice ultra-lite spinning reel and tackle bag from one of my sons. Another of my sons gave me a $100 gift certificate to Bass Pro Shops. Finally, my middle brother gave me a nice $50 gift certificate to the Susquehanna Fish and Tackle shop here in Lancaster, Pa.

I think I will now be set for financing my tackle for the coming year!

I hope each and everyone who reads this simple blog of mine a "Very Merry Christmas and Joyous New Year!"

dad

Maine Striper Fishing Report: Merry Christmas !!!

We at Super Fly Charters would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year....filled with many bragging sized fish!!!

Maine Striped Bass Fishing Charters
Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
www.superfly-charters.com

Maine Shallow Water Striper Fishing With Capt. George Harris, Fishing The Flats Of Midcoast Maine!!!

So now that you've gotten all the right equipment...Fancy fast drying microfiber SPF-50 ExOfficio clothing...a quiver of super fast action SAGE/G.LOOMIS/SCOTT Branded, fly rods complete with requisite shiny large arbor "designer" fly reels lined with the latest, greatest, slickest floating and intermediate fly lines... The many hours of casting practice have paid off big time...that nasty tailing loop is almost gone and you've gotten your casting to the point that you can throw a weighted crab fly 80 feet into a stiff breeze and drop it with pinpoint accuracy into a shot glass. Your fly boxes are filled with crustacean, worm and micro bait fish patterns that look so real that you're afraid to reach in and grab one for fear it might start gnawing on your thumb...Are we talking about Tarpon, Permit or Bonefishing in an exotict tropic location??? Not even close!!! We're off the coast of Maine and we'd like to welcome you to the world of shallow water Striper fishing!!!
(A healthy Striper released on one of Maine's many sand flats)The Coast of Maine, is comprised of thousands of acres of sand, mud & eelgrass flats , all of which are subject to a huge 8 to 10 foot tidal range leaving many of the flats bare or nearly bare at low water. As the tide begins to flood these flats with cool water, the plentiful bait fish, marine worms & crustaceans begin to feed in the nutrient rich waters. Hungry Stripers know this and often feed aggressively, swirling and slashing, their silvery bodies glinting like mirrors as they forage in gin clear shallow water of the flats. When the conditions are right Striped Bass make perfect sight casting targets for fly & light tackle anglers. When sight casting to Striped Bass around the numerous Mussel bars that fringe many of our shallow flats, we frequently encounter Stripers that are "Tailed Up"...yes Stripers do "tail", like an Abaco Bone or Redfish of Florida's famed Indian River Lagoon, Striped Bass often feed by grubbing around on the mud & eelgrass flats for crabs, shrimp and worms, leaving their tails wagging like flags in the breeze. A well presented fly presented just upcurrent of the "tailing" Striper...slowy crawled along the bottom will usually yield a strike. "Muds"(silty clouds in the clear water)are often left by the grubbing stripers and are a dead giveaway that Striped Bass are present and on the feed...most times however, we have challenging task of sighting and casting to "laid up" or slow cruising fish.
Maine's shallow water habitat is comprised of surf, sand flats, fast water channels, bays, coves, rips and marsh. All easily accessible and fished with a fly rod!!!

Call us if you'd like to join us for a day or two this coming season.

Maine Flats Fishing Striper Guide
Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
www.superfly-charters.com

Read the rest of the story here

Maine Saltwater Fishing Report

Are you ready for some winter fun? Why not visit the Camden Snow Bowl Feb. 6-8 and join what has become a winter tradition in midcoast Maine.

February 6-8, 2009
Registration opens OCTOBER 15, 2008

2009 US National Toboggan Championship Schedule

Friday, February 6th12-7pm Check-in & Toboggan Inspections at the Camden Snow Bowl Lodge
1-4pm Practice runs for pre-registered teams (conditions permitting)
10-8pm Snow Bowl open for skiing & snowboarding

Saturday, February 7th7am-12pm Check-in & Toboggan Inspections at Info booth near Chute
9am-4pm Snow Bowl open for skiing, snowboarding & tubing. Free shuttle bus ($5 on-site parking fee) Souvenirs at Chute Shop
8am-11am Qualifying Runs for 2 & 3 Person Teams (1st & 2nd Runs)
11am-2pm Chili & Chowder Challenge (on-site)
12pm-4pm Qualifying Runs for 4 Person Teams (1st Run)

Sunday, February 8th9am Qualifying Runs for 4 Person Teams (2nd Run)
9am-4pm Snow Bowl open for skiing, snowboarding & tubing. Free shuttle bus ($5 on-site parking fee) Souvenirs at Chute Shop
TBA National Finals:
Top 30 of 2 person teams
Top 30 of 3 person teams
Top 75 of 4 person Teams
3pm Awards Ceremonies & Drawings

All times are approximate

AWARDS:
First-Second-Third places in each division

Special Awards:
Best costume, oldest team, fastest team, fastest women's team, fastest children's team, fastest high school team, fastest college team

TIPS & HINTS FOR FIRST TIME COMPETITORS:
~ Wear old clothes
~ Be sure costume is not too bulky
~ Consider wearing goggles and/or helmet
~ Keep face covered

~ Plan to stay all day, there's lots to do and see and food for sale at the lodge and at the Toboggan Chute

During the race, if you need any help or information, go to the Chute Shop located near the Toboggan Chute

Carpooling recommended

Volunteers sought. Call the Snow Bowl 236-3438 or stop by the Chute Shop to volunteer any time during the weekend.

Maine Flats Fishing Striper Guide
Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
www.superfly-charters.com

Winter Brings Basketball

PIAA basketball tryouts were permitted on November 17, 2008. We had been having open gym for several weeks prior to the start date. However, many students cannot participate since they're still participating fall sports.

Our girls' hockey team won the state title for the first time in school history. The boys' football team went into the state playoffs, but failed to advance after a loss in their second round game. These extended seasons delayed the start of b-ball for many athletes.

I currently volunteer as an assistant coach at the junior high level... 7, 8, and 9 grade. Our greatest need is at the 7th grade tryouts because it gets the most student participation. This year we had 29 7th grade boys trying out and we could only keep 13 on a full roster. The top athletes tend to stand out, but then there are usually about four or more available positions that could be filled by many. We always look at a player's potential of growth, as well as, his positive attitude towards hard workouts and his teammates.

I've never spent much time with the 8th grade program these past two years, but I do help quite a bit with the 9th grade program. I sit the bench during games with the head 9th grade coach and keep stats and motivate players to do the best they can. I'll have them sit beside me and review their play. The coach and I confer constantly throughout the game over player assignments and set plays. This year's offense is quite different than last year's.

We have a new varsity coach who has instituted his style of play into the system. Our head varsity coach from last year passed away over the summer. Therefore, the boys who grew under his leadership now have to learn a whole new offense and defense. Not an easy task for these young men.

So far, our junior high program has had three opponents which translates into 9 games. We have been able to succeed in winning all 9 games. Although our 9th graders haven't had an easy time of it. They have worked hard and scratched their way to victory in each game.

Our 8th grade and 7th grade have had an easier time of it. However, we haven't met up with opponents in our own division yet. The test will be coming very soon.

Maine Striper Fishing Report

(31" Striper caught on a shallow midcoast Maine flat, minus the fancy pastels!!! read more)
You've gotten all the right equipment...The fancy pastel colored, SPF-50, Ex Officio clothing...a quiver of the newest, lightest, super fast action SAGE, G.LOOMIS, SCOTT Branded fly rods complete with the requisite shiny gold anodized, machined aluminum, carbon fiber/cork drag, large arbor "designer" fly reels lined with the latest, greatest, slickest floating and intermediate fly lines (wow..nice descriptive)... The many hours of casting practice have paid off big time...that nasty tailing loop is almost gone and you've gotten your casting to the point that you can effortlessly throw a weighted crab fly 80 feet into a stiff breeze and drop it with pinpoint accuracy into a shot glass...(okay...maybe a garbage can) Your fly boxes are overflowing with painstakingly tied crustacean, worm hatch and baitfish creations that look so real that you're afraid to reach in and grab one for fear it might start gnawing on your thumb...Are we talking about Tarpon, Permit or Bonefishing in an exotic remote tropic location??? Hah...Not even close!!! We're off the coast of Maine and we'd like to welcome you to the world of shallow water Striper fishing!!!

(this nice fat bellied 32" fish was caught in a mere 18" of water)
While our livebaiting & "Butterfly Jigging" trips were very exciting and productive when fishing over deep water ledges...the shallow water Striper fishery presented us with many unique challenges last season. Despite the often difficult fly fishing conditions we faced last year...Overall I would say it was a success with more trophy sized fish being landed than in previous years. The knowledge that I gained from widening the search for fish will hopefully prove to be invaluable for many years to come. We quickly learned what was not working and made the proper adjustments. Our approach to skinny water Striper fishing changed in 2007 and 2008...with far more emphasis placed on sight casting to tailing, waking and laid-up large solitary fish as opposed to chasing the huge blow-ups of schoolie Stripers...Fast sinking lines were replaced by floating and intermediate lines...short 4-6 foot sections of 20# flouro leader were replaced with long tapered leaders more common to steelhead or bonefishing. Big Bulky flies were replaced by smaller sparsely tied shrimp, crab and baitfish offerings. Being able to stalk 15 to 20 lb Fish on the flats...make the cast and lead the fish into explosive visual strikes was fascinating and very exciting. Chasing birds around was mostly an exercise in futility which usually resulted in every nearby fish being spooked into the next county...Many times we'd intentionally ground the "Super Fly" on certain un-named shallow mussel bars(a flooding tide of course) and wait for big cruising Stripers to push onto the flats and into our casting range.
(A healthy Striper released on one of Maine's many sand flats)When the conditions are right Striped Bass make perfect sight casting targets for fly & light tackle anglers. When sight casting to Striped Bass around the numerous Mussel bars and eel grass beds that fringe many of our shallow flats, we frequently encounter Stripers that are "Tailed Up"...yes Stripers do "tail", like an Abaco Bone or Redfish of Florida's famed Indian River Lagoon, Striped Bass often feed by grubbing around on the mud & eel grass flats for crabs, shrimp and worms, leaving their tails wagging like flags in the breeze. A well presented fly presented just up current of the "tailing" Striper...slowy crawled along the bottom will usually yield a strike. "Mud's"(silty clouds in the clear water)are often left by the grubbing stripers and are a dead giveaway that Striped Bass are present and on the feed...most times however, we have challenging task of sighting and casting to "laid up" or slow cruising fish....to the average angler sighting fish on the flats can be a bit daunting, but to a good guide...that Striper might as well be brushed with neon paint. The ideal scenario is to cast up current of your target so that your fly swims down current to the holding fish, hopefully resulting in a strike!!!
Maine's shallow water habitat is comprised of surf, sand flats, fast water channels, bays, coves, rips and marsh. All easily accessible and fished with a fly rod!!!

Call us if you'd like to join us for a day or two this coming season. We'll be happy help you plan your Maine vacation!!! Depending on which region of the Maine coast you're staying on...we can provide you with info on all the top fishing guides. If fly fishing isn't your thing...no worries we're well equipped for light tackle & live bait fishing too!!!

Maine Flats Fishing Striper Guide
Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
www.superfly-charters.com

Maine Striper Fishing Reports

Jeff's Marine, a full line Parker Boats & Yamaha outboards dealer, nestled on the banks of the St. George River in Thomaston, ME.













Well....
The "Super Fly" is finally decommissioned for the year...winterized & covered. I just picked her up from Jeff's Marine in Thomaston. The expert crew at Jeff's completed all the annual maintenance that helps keep me on the water 140+ days each season. Anything worn or leaking gets replaced...fuel filters...fuel pumps...water pumps...you name it...It all gets replaced...The result of this extensive maintenance program insures that we have very little if any down time during the season.

I'm already looking forward to springtime...Too bad it's going to be a long cold winter!!!

Reservations are starting to come in for the 2009 Maine Striper fishing season...The new tide calendars are out so contact us soon to reserve your favorite tide. Don't forget to Ask about our gift certificates...maybe drop a hint to a loved one!!!

Here's an important message from Brad Burns Stripers Forever:

Dear Striped Bass Fisherman,
Our favorite fish is under more pressure than ever, and Stripers Forever, a free membership, internet-based organization, is fighting to end commercial fishing for wild striped bass and to manage the resource for personal use/recreational fishing. We need as many members as possible to show the politicians how many people depend on striped bass for recreation, food, and income.
If you haven't signed up yet as a member of Stripers Forever, here are a few things you should know:
Membership is free – no dues. There are no meetings to attend. Everything is done via the internet and e-mail
Many of the top fishermen in the country support Stripers Forever
Stripers Forever’s only goal is to make striped bass a game fish, which means it would be managed for the benefit of the recreational fishing public, now and for future generations.
Here is all that you have to do to join - it will take less than a minute and costs nothing:
Go to Stripers Forever
Select “Become A Member” from the top of the page.
Fill in the easy to follow sign-up sheet and submit.
This is a critical time for striped bass. We are preparing for the introduction of our Massachusetts bill to make striped bass a game fish in the upcoming legislative session. We will need every member's help to make this a reality. Help Stripers Forever successfully advocate to protect the wild striper by “Making It A Gamefish.”
Brad Burns, President of Stripers Forever

Maine Saltwater Fishing Guide
Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
www.superfly-charters.com

Maine Striper Fishing Report: SF Striped Bass Catch & Release Video!!!

Check out this great video that focuses on the importance of catch & release fishing for Striped Bass...Catch and release fishing is vital to the future of recreational saltwater angling. The state of our natural resources and the increase in the human population dictates that we can no longer keep every striped bass that we catch, and in many cases anglers will need to release several undersized fish before finding one large enough to keep. We feel that this is an important message to share not only with our members but with the striped bass fishing community as a whole.

We are always looking for new ways to spread the word about the Stripers Forever cause.
To that end, I would like to share with you a video made for Stripers Forever by one of our members. The video, produced by Jason Puris
of The Fin, shows the proper techniques to release a striped bass.
The state of our natural resources, along with current bag limits, dictates that we can't keep every striped bass we catch. Knowing the correct way to practice catch and release fishing is vital to the future of recreational saltwater angling. We think that this is an important message to share not only with our members but with the striped bass fishing community as a whole.
The video is currently available for viewing on The Fin You can see it by visiting this link
Thanks to Jason the video will also be available on the Stripers Forever website later this month.
It’s a great video with some fabulous action shots off Montauk this last fall, so enjoy it, and please help spread the word about proper catch and release techniques. ~Brad Burns, Stripers Forever

Maine Saltwater Fly fishing Guide
Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
www.superfly-charters.com

Cape Cod Striper Fishing: South Beach

Chatham's South Beach off the "elbow" of Cape Cod...a surf fly fishermans paradise!!!






Below lies the Famed "Chatham Bars" looking north to Nauset and Pleasant Bay










When the conditions are right, we'll slip into our waders,...grab an 8-10 wt rod or maybe even a two handed rod if the wind is really up.... a box of flies with patterns ranging from sandeels to crab flies to heavily weighted squid...and hit the beach...Schoolie Bass are the norm but we often find Huge Bass cruising just outside the surf line....I like windward stretches of beach...with bait being blown in tight the Stripers usually become lit up and feed aggressively...although casting into a stiff breeze is not the easiest...it's often the most productive!!! This habitat is comprised of surf, sand flats, fast water channels, bays, coves, rips and marsh. All easily accessible and fished with a fly rod.
Monomoy hangs from the elbow of Cape Cod from the quaint town of Chatham, Massachusetts marking the parting line of the Atlantic Ocean's bluewater rips and Nantucket Sound's shoal-warmed water. Here a diversity of coastal and oceanic conditions are forced together in an unlikely union and the fish find it a uniquely wonderful place to hang out and feed.


*New for the 2009 Season...In addition to our Maine fishing we'll be offering spring & fall Striper fishing trips on Cape Cod, MA... We'll fish Buzzard's Bay, Cape Cod Bay and the entire outer cape area from Chatham to Provincetown...Stay tuned and book early, We'll only be offering a limited number of these trips.

Call us today to set up a time

Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
www.superfly-charters.com

Maine Striper Fishing Report, Fish Story of the Week

Fish Story of the week:

Ride of Your Life—Marlin Tows Kayaker Out to Sea!!!

During shooting for a segment of The Heliconia Press' new kayak fishing film—Kayak Fishing: Game On—a group of three kayak anglers hooked up with world-renowned big game kayak angler and star of the film Jim Sammons on the East Cape of Baja, Mexico to hunt the greatest game fish in the world—the marlin.

As the first kayak angler to ever land a marlin from a kayak, Sammons led Alaskan Howard McKim, Canadian Ken Whiting and Californian Matt Moyer on the hunt for these massive billfish. Sammons experience paid off after only a couple of hours on the water when Howard McKim’s reel started screaming as he hooked up with a 300-pound blue marlin.

“When I first hooked up, I knew I had a nice fish,” explained McKim, “but I think my jaw actually hit my knees when I saw the blue erupt from the water in front of my kayak like a missile shot from below.”

The arm-wrenching five-hour battle saw McKim towed 11 miles into the Sea of Cortez. The relentless pulling was broken up only by moments of high anxiety as the marlin charged to the surface and exploded out of the water in a series of dynamic jumps.

As the hours wore on, the winds began to pick up and the seas started to get rough. The team’s support crew continued to follow McKim to help him land the fish safely, but time was running out. Pressuring the fish more than he wanted to with the 20-pound-test line that he was on, McKim fought the marlin to the surface only a boat length away from his kayak. With the fight reaching its end, the marlin made one last run and broke the line.

“After fighting that fish for five hours in the 95-degree weather, part of me was devastated to see the line break,” said an exhausted Howard later that night, “but in the end, it was an experience of a lifetime and I have absolutely no regrets.”

Watch the short but amazing video clip of the action!!!

Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
www.superfly-charters.com

Maine Tuna Fishing Report TUNA MANIA 4!!!

For all you "football" Tuna Junkies out there!!! You're not gonna want to miss "Tuna Mania 4"
Jan. 31, 2009
Red Hook Brewery, Portsmouth,NH. Check-In 9:45am – 10:00am

Come listen to First light Anglers Capt. Derek Spingler & Nat Moody program on their 2008 Tuna season. Not to be missed are Molly Lutcavage tagging films, and update info on her Tag-A-Tiny-Tuna program. Also coming along from the Large Pelagics Research Center will be her two PhD candidates Walt Golet, and John Logan speaking on their part of this program. Chris Schoppmeyer will be back with any updates to the Rules, and Regulations, and available all day to answer any questions you may have.

We plan on having more tables with Displays of interest to you. More on this as these come available. Shimano will be back, Ocean Lures donated to Auction. A lot more coming in before Tuna Mania 4.

Price $40.00 pre-pay-reservation is required. Seating Limited. This is a sell out every year.

Call 603-731-2669 to reserve your spot. Lunch is included in this price!!!

Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
www.superfly-charters.com

Maine Striper Fishing Report: Orvis Ultimate Fly Fishing the Surf Outfit Auction

Stripers Forever Silent Auction for the benefit of Stripers Forever’s Game Fish Initiatives

Many of the best known companies in the outdoor world embrace the concept of designating striped bass as game fish as a way of protecting a quality public fishery. Standing tall in the front ranks is the Orvis Company of Manchester, Vermont. Over the years, Orvis has given generously to many conservation-minded organizations, and their generosity has allowed us to offer another exciting auction opportunity to our members. These auctions provide us with the funds needed to carry on our efforts to reach our game fish goal.
This past Spring we offered a "fly fishing the surf" outfit, a combination of the finest gear from Orvis that is simply the best you can buy anywhere. The auction was so popular we've brought it back just in time for Christmas. Follow this link to the "Stripers Forever" website, then click open the attached Word document, and read all about this exciting offering. We look forward to receiving your bid. Complete bidding instructions are included in the Word document bid sheet attachment.

Whether you are a pilgrim to saltwater fly fishing or an old salt whose equipment needs a face lift,Orvis Ultimate Fly-fishing the Surf Outfit gets the job done. Start with a superb new 8, 9, or 10-weight Helios rod – voted the best of the best for 2008 by Field and Stream – and a Vortex high-end, big-game reel. Add Spectra backing, a Generation III Striper Wonderline, and a stripping basket to keep it out of the surf. Then cover yourself in functional style with a Tailwaters XT wading jacket, an all new neoprene edged Windproof Fleece Jacket , Pro Guide 3 Waders , and Easy-on Battenkill Brogues wading shoes. This outfit is simply the best. Check out these auction items at Orvis

The Ultimate Fly-fishing the Surf Outfit donated by Orvis of Manchester, VT

If you are not yet a member of "Stripers Forever", join now! It's free, and you’ll receive much more information via e-mail on how to help make striped bass a gamefish.

Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
www.superfly-charters.com

Happy Thanksgiving from Super Fly Charters !!!

We at Super Fly Charters would like to wish all of our family & friends a happy, safe & enjoyable Thanksgiving day...If you're one of the many that are headed out into the woods or are planning to spend some time on the water this morning...Please be safe!!!

Best to all, Capt. George Harris

Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
www.superfly-charters.com

26th november dovedale

PT Coming to an End

Next Monday will be my last PT for my right arm. I was at the surgeon last week and he gave me a second cortisone shot into my right wrist (hand area). This is the wrist that is effected by the 'bossing' that has happened in my right hand. He also gave me a clear bill from PT and I will be ending it next Monday.

This PT/OT has really helped my elbow. In fact, I feel very little pain any more. There are moments when I move the arm the wrong way and I get a twinge of pain, but it's absolutely nothing compared to what I was experiencing back in October!

I've fish a couple of times since... on the Norther Branch of the Susquehanna and one other time at Goldsboro, Pa. Neither one had a negative effect on the elbow. I was pleased about that.

It has been really cold since November 16th. The temp has been at least 12 degrees less than the norm. In fact, we had a snow blanket the county just a few days ago. It has snow flurried off and on for several days. Right now, we've had a slight warming trend that has taken the temperature back into the 40's.

This Saturday, I plan to do some duck hunting with my buddy, Pete. We have an island up river that we set up on. There is a small creek that enters behind us and into the Susquehanna River. It's a great spot for having ducks meander down the creek and into the main stem of the river. We just have to be on our toes and watch for these floating birds... Cool!

Later!
dad

The ultimate Maine Striper fly fishing set-up

For the discriminating fly angler looking to fly fish the salt with the finest equipment available...check out these fine products...Sage "Xi2", Tibor "Riptide", Airflo "Cold Saltwater Ridge line"





No matter which saltwater challenges you face-from bonefish to billfish- Sage Xi2 Series rods let you concentrate on the fish instead of your casting. Built with our innovative Generation 5 (G5) Technology, Xi2 rods feel lighter and livelier than other saltwater rods. The Modulus Positioning System (MPS) that we developed for these rods provides a startling level of "line feel" throughout the casting stroke. This enhanced ability to feel the rod load allows you to apply power more efficiently.

The Tibor series of reels were first introduced in 1995 and have established themselves as the benchmark for custom-crafted fly reels. After years of development and input from the likes of Lefty Kreh and Flip Pallot, Ted was finally satisfied with a reel that truly has set a new standard in fly fishing reel technology.
The spool's large arbor design significantly enhances the rate of line retrieval which is critical when you're trying to control speedsters like bonefish, bonito, or wahoo.
As with all of Ted's reels, the drag system is absolutely flawless and has withstood the test of the world's most demanding game fish, including 250 World Records, so far. If you were to own only one fly reel, this is the one to have.

Fly fishers who brave the cold salt tend to expect more from their lines than other breeds of fishing folk. The elements are more extreme and require maximum performance flylines. Airflo has always held favor with this crowd; our super tough, low-memory polymer coatings withstand the severe conditions in order to keep you fishing and not fighting tangles. Airflo's newest cold saltwater lines include the Power Core technology, giving our most hardcore fishing crowd a zero-memory solution for their fishing needs. New for 2008, we've added the popular ridge technology to the Floating and Intermediate Cold Saltwater setup. If you thought these lines were slick before, you're in for a pleasant surprise!

We'll be posting reports about lots of cool gear that we at Super Fly Charters use on a daily basis...check back soon!!!

Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
www.superfly-charters.com

PROMINENT MAINE GUIDE SOUNDS OFF

Check out Capt. John McMurray's blog post The ecological musings of a fly fishing guide "PROMINENT MAINE GUIDE SOUNDS OFF"

Call us if you'd like to join us for a day or two this coming season. We'll be happy help you plan your Maine vacation!!! Depending on which region of the Maine coast you're staying on...we can provide you with info on all the top fishing guides. If fly fishing isn't your thing...no worries we're well equipped for light tackle & live bait fishing too!!!

Maine Flats Fishing Striper Guide
Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
www.superfly-charters.com

Maine Striper Fishing Report: "Fly Fishing Show"

It's almost "Show Time" again...Why not take a day or three to visit one of the fly fishing shows this winter. Visit with "celebrity" fly tiers as they spin out incredible flies...chat with "fishy" fly fishing guides...Take in one of the amazing fly fishing seminars offered...learn from casting instructors as they effortlessly throw "circus show" lengths of fly line...Cast dozens of the "latest and greatest" fly rods that are "guaranteed" to cast further than last years "technologically inferior" models...Drool over the prospect of catching trophy Bones at exotic tropical fishing destinations...scour the fly shop exhibitors like "madmen" for new fly tying materials & fly fishing bling that you just "NEED" to have...Guided trips, new gear, rubbing elbows with thousands of other fly fishing enthusiasts...the SLIM chance to posssibly win one of the incredible door prizes...Is it the Greatest Show on Earth?...Nah...but what a great cure for cabin fever!!!

Here are a couple of the Shows where you'll find me this winter

Marlborough, MA:
Royal Plaza Trade Center
January 16, 17, 18 2009
Show Hours: Fri 10 - 6; Sat 9 - 5:30; Sun 9 - 4:30
Somerset, NJ:
Garden State Convention Center
January 23, 24, 25 2009
Show Hours: Fri 10 - 6; Sat 9 - 5:30; Sun 9 - 4:30

See You There!!! Check out www.flyfishingshow.com for details

Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
www.superfly-charters.com

Maine Saltwater Fishing Report

Sure...The weather up here in Maine has turned chilly as we are in the transition period between the Fall & Winter seasons, Yeah...snow will surely be flying soon...in fact i've already seen my first snow flurries of the fall season...many NE sportsman have shifted their focus from fishing to hunting...Do yourself a favor...Don't put away all your rods just yet. Pick a good day, grab your 5wt and head on down to one of the many bodies of water that allow year round open water fishing. The St.George river is a great example, yeah the Striped Bass & Bluefish have departed but the upper stretches offer some of the best fall/winter trout fishing in the state. The upper St. George is managed primarily as a Brown Trout fishery, but you'll likely encounter Brookies too. Stone fly nymphs, midge larva, Gold Ribbed Hares Ear nymph, caddis larva, Adams Regular and parachute, wooly buggers and muddler minnows, black nosed dace and grey ghost streamers will generally work all year.

Ask us about the "Sea Run" Brown Trout we have on the St. George tidewater...if you think stalking Striped Bass on the flats can be challenging...come try your hand at the "Sea Run" game...just bring plenty of patience...and warm clothes!!!
* Remember to be safe, the water is very cold this time of year...fish with a buddy!!!

To all that have fished with me during the 08' season....I'd like to say thanks again. It was a real pleasure guiding you & i'm looking forward to seeing ALL of you again in 2009.

I'd also like to thank all the Maine Guides & Charter Captains from around "Maine's Striper Coast", Fishy Guides from "Downeast" Maine, Penobscot Bay, The Kennebec river, Casco Bay and Southern Maine. MANY THANKS to those that referred clients to us or shared info with us.....some of you, I had the pleasure of working directly with...THANKS!!!...your professionalism is what makes us some of the best fishing guides in the business. Looking forward to doing it all over again next season...and maybe share a beer or two this off season!!!

Wow...Reservations are already coming in for the 2009 Maine Striper & Bluefin Tuna fishing season....It's looking like 2009 is going to be another extremely busy year for Super Fly Charters.
Call us to set up a time...gift Certificates are available for the perfect holiday gift.

Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
www.superfly-charters.com>

Maine Striper Fishing Report: Banff Film Festival

THESE ARE SOME OF THE BEST OF THE FEST from the internationally acclaimed film competition that captures the spirit of the mountains with magnificent cinematography. See the award winners that blanket the spectrum of outdoor activities, culture and environment.

COME EXPLORE breathtaking mountain environments and cultures celebrating the spirit of outdoor adventure. The tour brings the festival to 305 cities in 20 countries around the world covering territory across Canada, the USA, Europe, Asia, South America, Africa, and the South Pacific.

Whether you are an experienced mountaineer or an armchair adventurer, come celebrate, share and find inspiration in these mountain experiences, ideas and visions.

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Banff Mountain Film Festival
South Portland, Maine
7:30 PM, Tuesday February 17, 2009
Merrill Auditorium
Directions

** Although this is not necessarily a fishing related film festival...It's amazing cinematography is not to be missed by ANY outdoor enthusiast.

Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
www.superfly-charters.com

PT and Me

I started Physical Therapy (PT) on Monday. My therapist is Amber and she's treated me well. This is the same PT site that my wife used several years ago when she her hands done... carpal tunnel and trigger fingers. She had a great experience with this staff and I wanted them as my PTs, too.

I started my therapy session with a bunch of measurements. This is very typical for the initial meeting. All my PT experiences before did so in order to get a base reading for future progress.

After the readings, I had my right hand dipped in paraffin wax for heat therapy and my elbow wrapped in moist heated towels. Ahhhhhhh... that made them feel so good.

Amber then massaged my wrist, forearm, and elbow with a rubbing cream with cocoa butter. This helps to stimulate the blood flow in these areas.

We then did about 6 minutes of stretching the wrist and forearm. Amber applied a pressure to help in the static stretches. It was a bit tender and sore, but it needs to be done.

Finally, she iced my hand and wrist area and placed a cortisone patch on the right elbow. The patch and a conductor patch are attached and stimulated with a device similar to a TENS unit. The pulse allows the absorbing medication to reach the tender area and help reduce inflammation.

All this was repeated on Wednesday. The only thing different was that she gave me a portable patch that had a charged battery on it. I wore this patch for about an hour after leaving the office and then discarded it... Cool.

I must go through therapy twice a week until November 20, 2008. That is my follow-up visit with the orthopedic surgeon. Hopefully, when I return to see him, he'll give me another cortisone shot in my right hand. The one he gave me back in May, 2008, is finally wearing off and my wrist is beginning to ache again.

So, for the time being, my fishing is on hold. I'm hoping to feel much better by November 15, 2008. That is the opening day for water fowl in Pennsylvania. My buddy, Pete, and I'll be 'blasting and casting' through January!

Oh yeah, basketball tryouts for the junior high level teams I assist in the local school district starts on November 17th! It's sort of hard being a field and foul shooting coach when your shooting arm is hurting. :-(

Take care,
dad

Maine Saltwater fishing report 10/18/08

Ben Lowe getting it done...This kid is as fishy as they come!!!


The Striper fishing is done for the year...at least up here on the coast of Maine. The Tuna have gone & so have the Bluefish....Codfishing remains an option. Inshore thick schools of Mackeral & harbor Pollock remain abundant so if you're in the mood for one last light tackle fix, head on down to a local wharf and have some fun. Macks are a blast on a 5 weight fly rod.

Some of the tidal rivers have little known runs of "sea run" Brown Trout. This fishery should start to pick up in the coming months....also the St. George river has an excellent Brown Trout fishery and remains open to anglers year round.

My guiding season has come to an end & I'd like thank all the anglers who fished with me this season. I'm looking forward to seeing many of you again next year.

2008 CCA Maine Annual Meeting
The Coastal Conservation of Maine will be holding its annual meeting on Monday, November 24th, 2008 from 5:00-8:00 at the Haraseeket Inn in Freeport.

Hors d'oeuvres will be served from 5:00-7:00 and there will be a cash bar.

The meeting will start at 7:00 where guest speaker, Patrick Keliher, Director, Bureau of Sea Run Fisheries & Habitat will discuss Saltwater Licenses, Pogie Netting, and Striped Bass
There will be raffles with great prizes.
Please RVSP to carolgay@gwi.net or call Carol at 207-458-8421
Come out and support CCA of Maine on November 24th!




Reservations have already started coming in for the 2009 season!!!

Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
www.superfly-charters.com

How Can One Little Needle Lift A 205 lb Man?

Well, the day finally came when I visited the orthopedic surgeon for my elbow pain. My wife and 19 yr. old son came along for moral support which I needed all I could get that morning.

The doc said I had three issues with my right arm. I have 'bossing' in the carpal bones of the right hand, swelling at the intersection of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments above the wrist and leading to my thumb, and the tendinitis in my right elbow.

I told the doc to do whatever he needed to do in order to help the elbow. He opted for a cortisone shot into the joint and warned me over and over again that it will hurt. I had two injections years back while practicing judo, I had some idea, but the again it had been almost 30 years ago.

He sprayed my elbow with freezing spray for approximately 30 seconds and warned me again that it will hurt. In fact, he said that the shot area will be painful for several days. The healing of the elbow will take a couple of weeks and I'll also be attending Physical Therapy (PT) until our next visit in three weeks.

He told me to get ready and asked if I wanted the PA to hold me down. She was a tiny thing that most likely weighed about 100 lb. :) He then stuck that needle into my elbow and I lifted off the chair about one inch. It didn't last long even though I sat for a few minutes afterwads before leaving the room.

The doc didn't want to give me any pain medication because of my liver issues. Almost all pain medication breaks down in our liver. So, my wife bought some Advil (Ibuprofen... not the best for me, but...) and used ice for the folllowing two days.

My elbow is still sore, but I can tell the pain is receding. I start PT on October 27, 2008. I'm hoping for positive results.

Later,
dad

What's Up With All These Injuries?

I have slowed my fishing over the past few weeks due to a major issue with my right arm. It all began back in April of 2008 when I was having a hard time pushing myself up with my right wrist bent. Even getting out of the bathtub was extremely difficult.

I went to see an orthopedic surgeon who diagnosed the problem as 'bossing'. Bossing occurs when the cartilage between the carpal bones is worn away and the bone actually grows into the space left behind. This encroachment puts pressure on the tendons and ligaments leading into the fingers and makes my hand fall asleep at night. Ouch!

He gave me an injection of cortisone back in May and it has been feeling good ever since. However, about a week after the injection, my area above my right wrist became swollen. That lasted for several weeks. My family physician had me get a Doppler sonogram from my right shoulder to my hand. He wasn't satisfied with the results and sent me to a vascular surgeon. The vascular surgeon saw no issue and sent me on my way.

As time went on, the entire forearm from my wrist to the elbow began to hurt. My family physician had retired and I was now seeing a new physician who had just joined the staff. Well, needless to say, the process had to start all over again.

He first took me off my Lyrica thinking that it may be having a negative effect on my arm. I am now on absolutely no anti-inflammatory medication for my arthritis even though I have had bilateral hip replacements, several bulging discs in my spine, and arthritis throughout most of my joints. Ouch... again!

It's been 6 months since I had the cortisone shot in my right hand. That's right! Six months of pain and sleep deprivation caused by it. I'm a wreck!

So, my current family doctor has done a Rheumatoid Factor blood test and found that the inflammation is most likely localized to the right arm. He has referred me back to my orthopedic surgeon. I have an appointment this Thursday to see him.

Hopefully, the surgeon will give me a cortisone shot in my right elbow to reduce the inflammation and start the healing process. My right forearm feels so tight and painful today... It was 26 degrees here in Willow Street, Pa this morning!

Take care!
dad

Another Beautiful October Day on the River

What a beautiful October day! I awoke at 5:00 a.m. and the local weatherman said it was already in the upper 50's and heading to 80 degrees by mid-afternoon. A low pressure is moving in tonight and bringing showers for tomorrow. It was definitely time to go fishing.

I hooked up the boat, went to breakfast, and around 10:00 a.m. headed to the ramp. On the way, I called smallieman (Josh Kreider) to see what he was up to. He was on his last four milk runs and was going to be back at the shop real soon. He had asked a retired buddy from work to go fishing below Harrisburg today. I encouraged him to reconsider his location after his trip on Sunday, but he stuck to his guns. I wished him good luck. 8)

The water was pretty darn clear and low at the ramp. There were four other trucks and trailers in the parking lot. I only saw one other boat fishing. The others were most likely duck hunting.

I had a water temp. reading of 62.2 degrees which was very close to Monday's reading of 62 degrees. Josh told me later that the river reading where he was today ran around 66 degrees... he was in shallower water with less flow.

The skies were overcast most the morning until around 2:00 p.m. That's when the sun broke through and brought on blue bird skies. By 2:00 p.m., most of my fishing for the day was done. I had just finished eating lunch around 1:30 p.m. Afterwards, I caught one nice 16.5" smallie and a 15" cattie on a firetiger colored crankbait. Then it was back to the ramp around 2:45 p.m. and home by 3:30 p.m.

I had a total of 15 bass today with two 19.25" and a 20" walleye. Except for the after lunch fish that came on the crankbait, the other fish all bit a lipless crank. I also threw a 3/8th oz. spinnerbait, tube, and JB. The JB was very successful in the evening when the sun was setting (lower light) on Monday.

Here are the two 19.25" smallmouth. Check out the difference in their body shapes. The one looks like a football and the other looks like a linebacker. They both had decent shoulders on them.

My first 19.25" came around 11:30 a.m. I had to wait for about 30 min. until another angler left the site before I could move into the position I wanted. The angler had been sitting on a beautiful ledge and right over top some of a lot of bass similar to this one. :wink:


Here is my second 19.25" of the day... a living football!


dad

12th october ,willersley castle

10_11_08

Hello Bloggers,

It's been some time since I posted last. Since that time, I've been able to catch two more 20" bass on the Susquehanna River. One actually measured 21" long and was caught on a buzzbait... Imagine that!

The river has risen once since my last post, but quickly began to fall after only three days. It is just as low as it was back in August 2008 when I wrote my last blog entry.

Fall is now upon us and the shad will be moving out of the cooler waters and into the shallow and warmer waters of the feeder creeks. Currently, we have the water temps in the upper 50's and low 60's. We are beginning to see a slight increase in hard bodied jerkbait bites. Although, the best is yet to come for the fall.

Here are a few fish that I've caught since my last blog. Enjoy!

dad

This huge 20.25" smallmouth was caught with a buzzbait in approximately a foot of water. I could follow her path to the buzzbait as she came from behind a lay down with a small branch sticking up in the air. She looked like a small submarine pushing water in front of her.


This smallie measured 21" and is my biggest pigbeast of the 2008 season. I caught using a 1/2 oz lipless crankbait.

Maine fishing report 9/7/08

(right)Another Super Fly veteran with his personal best 33 incher caught...congrats Luke!!! 9/3/08 & Dr. C with a 36" beauty caught 9/5/08(left)


Maine Striper Fishing starts to heat up this month as fish gorge themselves in preparation for the fall migration. We still have good numbers of Bluefish around and they have been tearing up livebaits, artificials & flies.

Bluefin Tuna fishing in the Gulf of Maine is at it's peak this month and should provide for some epic battles...weather permitting!!!

We still have a few dates open this month. Call today for more info on availability.

Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
www.superfly-charters.com

Maine Striper & Bluefish report 9/02/08

Time for wire leaders...Francisco, of Swarovski Optics Italy & Mario...visiting midcoast Maine from northern Italy had their hands full today as the battled with schoolie Bluefish on the fly!!! What a blast!!!











BLUEFISH, BLUEFISH, BLUEFISH!!!! The Blues are in!!! We've had continued success fishing for Stripers using our proven light-tackle livebait fishing techniques. Bluefin Tuna should provide saltwater anglers quite a thrill this month as they continue to terrorize the nearshore ledges...hopefully we will see a run of the 60-100 class fish that have been prevalant during the past few years.

I only have a few remaining dates left. Call today to set up a time.

Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
www.superfly-charters.com

Maine Striper & Tuna fishing report 8/18/08

The Baker Family & Capt. George with a nice shallow water light tackle Bluefish!!!


Gary Eaton of IDEXX Labs with his personal Best 40+ inch Striped Bass caught & released 8/18/08






Tuna fishing has really picked up over the last week...We've been seeing good suface feeding action giving us some great chances to hook-up with light tackle...We had a fish that measured nearly 60 inches on the boat today...caught less than 3 miles offshore. This fished smashed a Heru Skipjack popper and bent the Lamiglas LGM-80 rod to the point where the cork rings were groaning!!! After what seemed like an hour long battle...we sunk two gaffs into the fish and heisted it aboard. What a fish!!!

Striper fishing has had its ups & downs....Today was one of our season highlights, at least for big fish. Some Big fish are showing up in the rivers & livebait & chunks have been doing the trick. Early mornings up on the flats can produce some beautiful sight casting chances...These fish are big and spook easily but with the right presentatation they can be fooled into taking the fly.

Cod have been consistent on the nearshore ledges & our kids trips continue to be very popular.

Fore more info on any of our trips call us today

Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
www.superfly-charters.com