This rod was crafted in late 2009 and I am showing it hear for the first time. Great build by a great craftsman.

There is sufficient scientific evidence, which supports this fact. For example, in Florida, studies have been conducted, and the results prove, that a rather high percentage of fish that are caught and promptly released do not survive. The scenario is repeated perhaps thousands of times daily in Florida. The angler catch a sport fish (Snook, Red Drum etc.) and brings his prey to the skiff; he then takes the fish out of the water to remove the hook, admire his catch and compose a photograph. At this point is where the problem begins. The fish become disoriented and stressed and when placed back in its natural habitat it is weak, and often easy prey for a predator. Current projects in the Common Wealth of the Bahamas have began to notice that Bonefish (at the point of air exposer) release a hormone, and when placed back into the water, predatory fish use the hormone to easily find and eat a just caught Bonefish.

With the recent cold front in Florida, which was the worst in thirty year or more, the department of Florida Fish and Wildlife issued an executive order closing the season. What does that mean? For the fly fishing guide who is strictly catch and release and does not allow his clients to keep a slot fish, nothing. The angler or outfitter's who wish to keep his allowed slot size fish; this means that it is now not legal for anglers to keep there allowed fish. This order will/might have different restrictions for commercial fisherman.

Regardless of the above order, the recent cold weather killed many hundreds of thousands of young (primarily first year fish and juveniles) sport fist through out Florida. There has been confirmed reports that sharks have died in South Florida. This will have a long lasting effect on the fish populations in Florida's fisheries. Why? Because, the young sport fish who were killed were primarily juvenile fish which are our stock for the next year or two.

As guides/anglers, there are certain things that can be done to reduce our negative impact on the fish populations. One, do not remove the fish from the water. Always handle the fish as little as possible and keep it in the water at all times. Two, do not photograph the fish. If you need to get a photograph, prepare the camera prior to removing the fish from the water and preferably leave this fish in the water for the photograph. Remove the fish only sightly above its center line for the photograph. This way the fish and angler are not standing there waiting while your guide/fellow angler attempts to locate the camera. Third, do not keep any fish! Some species of sport fish are strictly catch and release; however, there are other sport fish that you are allowed to keep; therefore, you are legally able to keep some fish which is between certain size limits. These species receive enormous amounts of fishing pressure and should always be released. Lastly, do not wear sunscreen. Sunscreen has been attributed to the death of sport fish. Sunscreen removes the fishes protective slim and often causes a visible hand print that causes infection. Proper use of products such as sun gloves and a buff, plus a long sleeve shirt, long pants and shoes will prevent sun burn. If you do need to use sunscreen apply only in the morning before the beginning of you trip and wash your hands throughly afterwards.

I will soon be based out of Fort Collins, Colorado, and will be offering walk-and-wade trips in that area.

Check back soon for details.

I was fishing yesterday and took these photographs of Trout food; they are macro photograph of an adult damselfly.

D.L. Goddard, Spider Crab

This is a photograph I composed of a Saw Fish Caught Photographed and Released CPR; this fish was caught using spinning tackle utilizing cut bait and a bottom fishing style. The fish was of good size and very healthy. We quickly removed the hook and she was on her way. The fish was caught on Chokoloskee, Florida, 3/25/09 at sunset. Chokoloskee, is one of the only place in the world where someone might have an opportunity to view a saw fish in its natural environment.

Hello All—

Leadville, is where I call home. I have been hear for one week and am adjusting to the cold weather. I have found work and am currently seeking lodging. There have been many failed attempts to secure an apartment (or room for rent); however, nothing has yet materialized.

I will begin attending classes after the first of the year and am looking forward to it.

I have taken some pictures of this area and will post them ASAP. I need to find a way to get the photographs of my camera, as I do not have a lap-top pc or a home pc.

Check back again soon for photographs!

Warning

Upon arrival in, Quito, we quickly made plans to visit, Mindo. Mindo, is in the cloud forest and is known for it's may bird species and water falls.

On day two we headed to the main bus terminal in, Quito, Ecuador. I was traveling with a group, me and three other members of the 2008 Landmark Learning Relief Medic Expedition. Once at the bus station we quickly purchased tickets and boarded a bus. There were eight or ten people on the bus when we boarded. Several people selling items, moving up and down the isles. One male individual appeared to work for the buss and was checking tickets and helping us with or assigned seats(?). In my case, he also helped me place my duffel bag in the overhead compartment. I was aware that having my bag stored above me was not a great idea and I needed to keep a close eye on it. Boarding the buss, and getting to or seat, took maybe 20 seconds. After seated, not more that 10 seconds had pasted and I checked on my bag; it was gone! I quickly jumped to my feet, shouted loudly, “my bag is gone!” Then began searching for my luggage. My main concern was that the thief had gotten off the bus with my bag. I began my search from my seat heading back and found my bag, two rows behind, alone in a seat with some of it's contents removed. I was certainly glade to see it, and glade it was still on the buss! I quickly checked to verify witch items were missing and to my surprise everything was there; nothing was missing! He obviously did not have time to finish the job!

Only a day or two later, the entire group of twelve were on our way to Riobamba (South of Quito). We were previously warned of the posiblity of theft. I informed everyone in advance of my situation and instructed everyone to keep their day packs in their lap, only! The entire group is now headed for the main bus terminal in Quito. Once on the bus, a fellow expedition member (called TT Boy) allows a native to assist him with his bag; the native places his top loading day pack under his seat and he (TT Boy) takes his seat. At this point the rest of the group is not aware, and either is TT boy that he is in the process of being robbed. Later after arriving in, Riobamba, TT boy mentions to me that he is missing money (cash USD) and his yellow CDC card. This is what happened; when the man placed his bag under the seat, he did it so in such a way, that the top of the bag – witch has a small accessories pocket that is commonly used for small loose items that are need quickly - was facing the seat behind, the native then sat in the seat behind and had all the time needed to access the small pocket and take what he wanted!

Several weeks past, as I am only days away from departing, Quito, and returning to the USA. Sitting in the hostel I over hear a conversation. The conversation was between the manger of the hostel and a male and female traveler who were staying at the hostel. They described the exact same scam, that had failed in my case. In my case the robber's got nothing and I was able to continue with that leg of my trip. In this case the bag was placed in the overhead bin and they lost $500 USD and a passport, and could not continue that leg of their trip. This accrued at the same main bus terminal in, Quito, and if I had to guess the same group of 4 native people.

Well; there are some great people in this world and Kurt Lockridge is one of them, for sure!

I received my custom Relief Medic bag today. Kurt does outstanding work and it shows--in the bag. His attention to detail is second too none.

After doing some research I was interested in obtain a custom Relief Medic bag for my Relief Medic trip to Ecuador. Luckily, I heard Kurt was making some custom bag of the Fire Department and thought...if Kurt was willing to construct me a bag; I would be lucky to use one of Kurt's Medic Bag's for my field work, in Ecuador.

I spent some time communicating, with Kurt. This design process went well and the final product is exactly what I need.

Kurt is a awesome person and when he understood that I was personally funding the Relief Medic trip; he offered to build the Medic Bag pro bono! This is greatly appreciated, as I need any help I can get, to make this trip - to Ecuador - happen! Thank you, Kurt!

The Details

This is a front view of the bag. The PALS webbing will allow me to attach external items. Notice, the top and lowest strap provide compression!

In this side view you can clearly see the compression straps as well as a secondary haul loop!

This photograph you can see the primary haul loop as it relates to the secondary carry handle. In the lower left portion, of the photograph, the buckle for the shoulder strap can be seen.

This shows one of two compartments. Kurt designed this to hold small items. It is well designed and functions very well.

Hear is the other side of this compartment. The mesh pockets are also constructed by, Kurt, and hold loose items very well. They are attached with hook and loop, therefore, they can be removed or replaced as needed.

This photograph shows the second compartment. It shows the MOLLE panel, I have room hear to add a few pouches as needed.

Hear you can clearly see the way pencil , Kurt, used to lay-out this portion of the main haul loop!

This photograph shows the attention to detail. These are attached to the YKK zipper slides and help facilitate opening and closing with, heavily, gloved hands. I have been known to tie a few knots in my day; I can not tie this one!