Hook Shots

Extras

Joe_Cermele — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 16:11:53 -0500

Hook Shots Quiz: Episode 2, Season 4

Joe_Cermele — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:59:59 -0400

First, congratulations to Bigskytrout37, who passed the last "Hook Shots" episode quiz and was selected to win a Rapala Collector's Fillet Knife! If you're a real "Hook Shots" fan and would like a shot at winning a Berkley Tournament Scale (below), here's your chance. All you have to do is answer these five questions related to the Louisiana Bayou Flyfishing episode correctly and you're entered to win. This quiz is open to registered members on Fieldandstream.com only. Good luck, and check back when the next new episode is posted to see if you won.

F&S Hook Shots, Episode 2, Season 4: Louisiana Bayou On The Fly

Joe_Cermele — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:56:35 -0400

Hundreds of square miles of creeks, ponds, and bayous make Biloxi Marsh in Louisiana a sportsman's playground. And what better way to experience it than to live on a boat 25 miles from civilization right in the middle of the marsh? In this episode, host Joe Cermele takes his best friend Mark to the low country to get schooled in gumbo, southern culture, and sight-casting to reds with a fly rod...which is as addicting as heroin.

The Deal: If you want fast action with reds on a fly rod, there is no better place on the planet to go than the Mississippi Delta in Louisiana. Seriously. Other states have the fish, but they don't have the miles upon miles of unpressured, hidden backwaters where reds aren't nervous and hit almost any fly with a ferociousness you have to feel to believe.

When To Go: You can find tailing, cruising reds throughout the Delta and Biloxi Marsh any time of year. However, it's actually the winter months that present both the most consistently clear water and the biggest fish. During the cold season, the bulls move in from deeper water, giving the fly guys ample shots. Of course, in spring, summer, and fall, you'll still get plenty of chances to hook reds pushing upwards of 15 pounds, with more 10- to 12-pounders than you can shake a 9-foot, 8-weight at in the mix.

What To Bring: Don't forget your polarized shades. Pack them, and then pack two more pairs as backups. The fly game totally revolves around your ability to spot the fish. Sun angles and water clarity certainly play a big role, but if your guide says, "11:30...40 feet," and you can't see the red, you're toast. Guide Gregg Arnold recommends carrying an 8-, 9-, and 10-weight rod, however, the 8 will get the job done 95% of the time. Floating lines rated for warm weather are the norm. Believe it or not, fly selection isn't that critical. Any bushy baitfish imitator in chartreuse, white, or purple will get inhaled.

How To Fish: Step 1: Make sure you have a visual on the fish or its wake, and are sure of the direction it's moving. Step 2: Put that fly, as guide Rocky Thickstun says, "in a two-foot box right in front of its head." Step 3: Strip until you feel the weight and don't lift the rod until the hook is well planted. Redfish have very poor eyesight and are not likely to chase a fly down at a distance, hence the importance of landing the fly close and getting it moving right away. Because you're ultimately drawing a reaction strike, the fly pattern is not as crucial as getting the bug in a red's face.

Where To Stay: There are plenty of hotels and motels in the New Orleans area that guides like Gregg Arnold and Rocky Thickstun recommend for their clients. However, if you really want to experience Biloxi Marsh, we recommend booking a stay with Southern Way Charters. They'll have the 72-foot Southern Way anchored at their private marsh lease when you and your guide arrive via flat's skiff. The staff is friendly, the food is top shelf, and your quarters will be more comfortable than the best Motel 6. Plus, nothing beats waking up and getting on the reds immediately sans a long run from the dock.

Guides:

Gregg Arnold/Fish In The Land Of Giants
(504) 237-6742

Rocky Thickstun/Salty Fly Expeditions
(504)-301-8657

F&S Hook Shots, Episode 1, Season 4: Colorado Lakers Through The Ice

Joe_Cermele — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 09:32:20 -0400

Two feet of ice. Ten-pound test. Twenty-five-pound lake trout. Sound like a challenge to you? Joe Cermele aimed to find out just what it took to wrench one of the trophy lakers Colorado's Lake Granby is known for through a hole in the hardwater, kicking the 2012 "Hook Shots" season off on a chilly note. Find out if veteran guide Bernie Keefe gets Cermele and F&S Fly Talk Blogger Tim Romano connected on this legendary Rocky Mountain body of water.

The Deal: Lake Granby, which is about 2 hours northwest of Denver, isn't the place to go for pike, walleyes, and perch on the ice. They just don't exist here. This 7,000 square-acre lake is, however, loaded with rainbow trout and Kokanee salmon, both of which feed the lake trout that grow so big, they've put the little town of Granby on the map in the world of ice fishing.

When To Go: Guide and local legend Bernie Keefe says the first safe ice usually locks up around Christmas time, and from then on it only gets thicker with a deep snow covering. Keefe has the big fish dialed in straight through April, but just know that ice tournaments and weekend pressure in January and February can make the giants a bit wary in the later part of the season. Of course, the reason you hire Keefe is because he can always find the trophies that don't have lockjaw.

What To Bring: Whether you show up in December or April, temperatures and weather at higher elevations swing wildly. You may be treated to temps in the single digits with sideways snow, or you might be stripping down to just a sweatshirt by 10 a.m. With that in mind, dress in layers, making sure your outer shell is waterproof. Most importantly, make sure you have comfortable boots that you're sure will keep your feet warm. Keefe likes boots rated to 40 degrees below zero. Sunscreen is a must for cloudless days. Standard-length ice rods will work, but Keefe also keeps some custom rods with a bit of extra length and backbone handy for working larger jigs, such as 9-inch Hogy soft-plastics.

How To Fish: Keefe will hunt for the big girls in depths ranging from 60 to 4 feet. In the deeper areas a flasher, such as a Vexilar, is a must. Tube jigs (one of Keefe's favorites) should be dropped to the bottom and slowly bounced to create a mud cloud. When you see a fish come in on the flasher, you have to work your jig based on its behavior. Keefe can actually tell when a trout is angling down to look at the jig, and will walk you through the process until you're hooked up. Sometimes dead-sticking is in order; sometimes aggressive pops get it done. It all depends on the mood of the fish. With larger jigs and plastics, drop to the bottom and slowly reel. When you see a red blip show up on the flasher below the lure, keep cranking and hang on.

Where To Stay: There are several mom-and-pop motels in the town of Granby. We recommend Trail Riders or the Westerner (970-887-2093). If you'd like to stay somewhere a bit more lavish, check out the ski resorts in the town of Winter Park, which is not too far away.

Guides:

Bernie Keefe/Fishing With Bernie

(970) 531-2318

Tying Articulated Streamers with the Fish Skull Shank

Joe_Cermele — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:34:43 -0500

by Joe Cermele

You may recall a few months ago I ran a post about how much I just adore articulated streamers. They're pretty much all I use for trout these days. Well, after the Somerset Fly Show, I now also adore Fish Skull's Articulated Shanks. Check out the video. Fly tyers...this one's for you.

F&S Hook Shots, Episode 9, Season 3: The Year-End Muskie Hunt

Joe_Cermele — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 17:20:14 -0500

The muskie is the one fish that has been the bane of "Hook Shots" host Joe Cermele. Try as he might, he has yet to catch one, let alone capture one on video. When it was time to make one final road trip in 2011 for "Hook Shots," Cermele could have gone somewhere warm, but he decided to pony up and take one last stab at the member of the Esox family that has eluded him thus far. Find out if legendary guide Red Childress helped him end the year on a high note on the Allegheny River in Northwest Pennsylvania with a big December 'skie.

The Deal: The first 80 miles of the Allegheny River below the Kinzua Dam in Northwest Pennsylvania are known for holding fat walleyes, big smallies, and monster brown trout. But perhaps no species is chased more often in this stretch by visiting anglers than the muskie. The upper Allegheny possesses a world-class trophy fishery for the king of the Esox family, as they reproduce readily and maintain a healthy population. It can be argued that the best muskie fishing occurs in the stretch of river designated "wild and scenic" by the state near Allegheny National Forest and the mountain town of Warren, PA.

When To Go: According to local guide Red Childress, there is no time of year when muskies won't chew, just times when they'll chew more often than others. Though Red has cut back on his mid-winter trips, he started his career guiding year-round, throwing jerkbaits through January and February. These days, he cites the summer months, along with November and December, as his favorite and most productive times on the water. But if you want to go in the spring, he'll find you fish then, too.

What To Bring: If you're fishing in December, bring gloves that won't hinder your ability to work a rod. No matter when you visit, however, bring enough drive and adrenaline to help you work heavy 8- to 10-ounce jerkbaits all day long. It's a tiring method of fishing--one that Red physically trains for throughout the year--but persistence pays. As for tackle, 7- to 8-foot medium-heavy baitcasting rods will deliver these big baits well, and well-made reels with level-winds are the norm. Red spools up with 80-pound braid, and tops off with a short 200-pound-test fluorocarbon leader.

How To Fish: There isn't one kind of structure that Red prefers in the early winter, as the muskies can be relating to anything from shallow weed beds, to boulder-filled banks, to gravelly depressions provided their primary forage--suckers--are holding there, too. Though bucktails and crankbaits catch fish, Red says nothing works as well for him all year long as jerkbaits, such as those made by Phantom. The game is simple: keep casting and twitching and figure-eighting until you wear yourself out or a big old muskie takes a swipe. If you need a break, or prefer a more relaxing method, Red is never opposed to a bit of trolling.

Where To Stay: Your best options in Warren are the Holiday Inn or Motel Super 8, though there are a handful of non-chain, smaller motels in the area.

Guides:

Red Childress/Allegheny Guide Service
(814) 688-2309

F&S Hook Shots, Episode 8, Season 3: A Key West Family Affair

Joe_Cermele — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 15:15:54 -0500

In 2011, Hook Shots sponsor Crown Royal ran a fishing photo contest. Casey Hoffman of Allentown, PA, won that contest. Not only did his prize include a chance to join host Joe Cermele in this episode, but he got to bring three guests down to Key West for the shoot. Who did he choose? His mom, step dad, and girlfriend, who all quickly came to learn that when the camera rolls, the wind often blows and fishing with veteran captain Mike Weinhofer is far from an ordinary on-the-water experience.

The Deal: Beginning in late October and lasting well into spring, Key West experiences its best sailfish action. Of course, no matter when you visit the island there is always something swimming around that's willing to pull some drag. In this episode, Casey and family got the chance to tussle with sails, dolphin, king mackerel, sharks and even some "pet" tarpon.

When To Go: While there is no wrong time to head to Key West, Captain Mike Weinhofer would likely tell you to aim for November and December if it's cold-season sailfish action you're after. If grouper, amberjack, dolphin, and various mackerel family members are more your speed, try September or October, but you can expect to hook these species right along with sails in the winter months. Just so you're aware, while November through January offers prime fishing opportunities, it's also the "windy season" so be ready for a potentially bumpy ride.

What To Bring: One thing is for sure: If you hire a Keys guide, you won't have to worry about tackle. Almost every guide is willing to accommodate whatever your preferred method may be. Want Cero mackerel on a fly rod? No problem. Dolphin on largemouth bass tackle? You got it. What you should bring is plenty of sun block, Dramamine (if you think you need it), and foul weather gear, as storms can pop up any time in Key West.

How To Fish: When conditions get snotty like they did during this Hook Shots shoot, Captain Mike opts for the balloon game. Live pilchards or goggle-eyes are suspended at various depths below balloons and set out at different distances away from the boat. As the boat drifts over changing bottom contours, anything from trophy sails, to monster sharks, to bull dolphin can take a swipe. The beauty of Key West is that you don't need to run far offshore to get into the action.

Where To Stay: There are loads of hotels and motels in Key West, both chain and mom-and-pop operations. If you're a bed-and-breakfast fan, you'll find plenty of those, too. For a safe bet that's reasonably priced, we recommend the Doubletree Key West.

Guides:

Captain Mike Weinhofer/Offshore, Inshore Light Tackle

Captain Joel Dickey/Flats

F&S Hook Shots, Episode 7, Season 3: High School Goes Offshore

Joe_Cermele — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 09:36:53 -0500

In the last few years, high school bass fishing clubs have grown in popularity. The fishing club at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, however, is a little more interested in tuna and swordfish. Every fall, the junior and senior club members get to square off against offshore brutes on an overnight fishing trip...or what we like to call the field trip to end all field trips. "Hook Shots" host Joe Cermele got invited to join the club this year and see what kind of damage these high school kids could do on the high seas.

The Deal: As summer draws to a close, inshore waters along the Eastern Seaboard begin to cool, but 60 to 100 miles offshore, the Gulf Stream currents can trap pockets of warm water over deep trenches Northeast fishermen refer to as "the canyons." Though it may be time to chase cold-water species like striped bass and blackfish near the beach, the canyons still offer shots at tuna, swordfish, dolphin and other deep-ocean denizens.

When To Go: Party boats, such as the Searcher II featured in this episode, typically start offering overnight canyon trips in September and run them as late as early November. Of course, fall sailing schedules rely heavily on ocean and weather conditions. October is arguably the best month for a fall canyon run, but the windows of opportunity can be narrow as fall winds kick up and the seas churn.

What To Bring: The beauty of heading out on a party boat overnighter is that you don't have to worry about too much gear. You can certainly bring your own outfit (a 30-wide offshore lever drag reel and matching stand-up stick is recommended), but you can also just opt to grab one of the boat's rods. Most anglers also bring a lighter spinning setup specifically for casting to dolphin in the morning. Otherwise, most party boats don't supply food so bring plenty of it. A sleeping bag isn't a bad idea either as many boats provide bunks for napping in- or outbound or between bites.

How To Fish: Standard practice on an overnight trip is drifting chunks of cut sardines or butterfish behind the boat at different depths while the mates keep a constant stream of chum chunks flying over the rails. Though the chunk bite is a pretty good gauge of what kinds of fish ar swimming below, sometimes metal jigs outfish the real stuff. Shimano Butterfly Jigs and hammered diamond jigs are just two examples of lures worth having handy. Simply drop down, work them back while reeling and pumping the rod, and hang on when a tuna grabs hold. Small bucktails, metal lures, and plugs are favorites of the dolphin you'll often find clustered around lobster pot buoys in the canyons.

Where To Stay: You won't really need a hotel or motel, as the boat will serve as your home away from home for a night. You'll want to book your spot on a party boat overnighter at least a few weeks in advance, and expect to pay $200 to $300 for the trip. If you happen to be headed to the Garden State where this episode was shot, we recommend these boats

Searcher II - Barnegat Light, NJ

Miss Barnegat Light - Barnegat Light, NJ

Sea Devil - Point Pleasant, NJ

Big Jamaica - Belmar, NJ

F&S Hook Shots, Episode 6, Season 3: Monster Sturgeon of the Columbia

Joe_Cermele — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 22:27:01 -0400

Prehistoric, massive, and wily are all words that describe the white sturgeon. Gut-wrenching, brutal, and back-breaking all describe the fight of the white sturgeon. Crank down on a 300- to 500-pound fish in the ripping currents of the Columbia River in Oregon/Washington, plus use heavy tackle suited to tuna to get the job done, and you might need a muscle relaxer when it's over. See if "Hook Shots" host Joe Cermele could take the sturgeon pain (and handle the pressure of fooling some stubborn muskies, too).

The Deal: White sturgeon historically traversed freely from the Pacific Ocean far up the Columbia River. Though they can still do so, the many dams on the Columbia make it more difficult, even with fish ladders in place. But this highly protected species continues to thrive thanks to conservations efforts and stocking programs. While there is a short season that allows anglers to keep small fish, there is a strict "no kill" rule on the oversize specimens...of which there are many. Expect to commonly tangle with fish in the 200- to 500-pound range, but be ready when an 800- or 900-pounder latches on.

When To Go: Although the sturgeon are in the river all year, April through October marks the peak season. This is primarily because sturgeon are more aggressive than many people believe, and feed more heavily when other migratory species like shad and salmon are running thick. According to sturgeon ace Louie McMinds, August and September see greater numbers of fish, but the spring months can produce some of the heaviest.

What To Bring: You'll want to bring a back brace and plenty of Advil for starters. Otherwise, the tackle for sturgeon is so out of the norm for freshwater environments, it's best to let a guide provide the gear. Stand-up rods more often found on offshore sportfishing boats chasing marlin are the norm, as are 30- or 50-wide two-speed lever-drag reels. McMinds spools with 100-pound braided line and crafts his leaders out of thick mason's twine. To hold bottom in the swift Columbia River, McMinds has employs up to 84 ounces of lead. As for bait, fresh is best: try to track down locally caught American shad, or beg for some salmon bellies, tails, and guts from local anglers cleaning their catch.

How/Where To Fish: McMinds has been sturgeon fishing for so long, he has hundreds of spots marked on his GPS along miles and miles of river. However, what many spots have in common is that the bottom consists of primarily gravel and forms a funnel where a 40- to 60-foot-deep channel cuts through shallower bottom. Sturgeon most often prefer to let a meal come to them, so these underwater channels concentrate the fish. Get your baits right in the slot and you're usually in the money.

Where To Stay: Considering that sturgeon dwell in such a long span of river, many towns, such as Hood River, The Dalles, and Troutdale, Oregon provide ample lodging opportunities that fit any budget. If you want to follow in the footsteps of Joe Cermele and company in this episode, check out Peach Beach Campground across the river in Maryhill, Washington.

Guides:

Ed Iman/541-298-3753

F&S Hook Shots, Episode 5, Season 3: Great Alaskan Silver Rush

Joe_Cermele — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 09:02:38 -0400

When silver salmon are running thick in coastal Alaska in late August, you can count on two things: rod-bending action that won't give you a chance to catch your breath, and plenty of "liquid sunshine" to cool down those smoking reels. In this episode, host Joe Cermele gets a lesson in hitting the wet-season silver rush, and learns that catching one of the monster salmon sharks that follow the salmon schools isn't exactly gravy.

The Deal: Though silver salmon may not trump king salmon on the measuring tape, this species is prized by locals and visitors alike for its spunky acrobatics, sweet flavor, and willingness to strike baits and lures more consistently than some larger cousins. Silver salmon that have already traveled into the rivers can get a bit persnickety, but those still roaming in saltwater can be as ravenous as hyenas at a fresh kill.

When To Go: The silver salmon run begins in coastal towns like Valdez, Seward, and Homer in early August, usually peaking in the last two weeks of the month. Peak run times, however, can vary from port to port. In Valdez, silvers remain a viable target in the salt into the first two weeks of September.

What To Bring: Rain gear. Bring your rain gear. Also, bring back-up rain gear. Though it's always possible to hit a sunny, warm stretch in coastal Alaska in late August, this time of year typically sees fall beginning to set in, bringing wet, rainy conditions and temperatures in the 50s or 60s. Local charter guides will provide all the rods you need, but if you want to pack your own stick, medium- or medium-light-action conventional rods set up to receive beefier round-profile baitcasting reels work best. You'll likely be trolling with downriggers, so make sure your rod has a softer tip to combat the strain from bending to the heavy rigger ball. A softer tip section also helps keep hooks planted when silvers turn quickly and take to the sky. Spool up with 15- to 20-pound mono (mono's stretch is prefered for silvers) and you're good to go.

How/Where To Fish: Most captains at least start their day off on the the troll, as it helps locate schools of feeding salmon faster. They'll pull chunks of "plug-cut" herring rigged on rubber "hoochie" squids behind flashers (large reflective teasers, left) at various depths in the water column using downriggers and banana weights. When the troll bite is good, many captains opt to stay with it, though some switch to "mooching." Mooching is a technique that requires you to feed your bait in free-spool back to a the fish, letting them run, then locking up the reel. Although salmon schools constantly roam, most captains target deep drop-offs around jutting shore points, and ledges off to the side of submerged humps and islands.

Where To Stay: Given that there are so many places to visit in Alaska, start your pre-trip research at TravelAlaska.com. There you'll find info on lodging in any town you plan to fish. Most importantly, there are hotels and motels that fit any budget and taste in all popular angling destinations. If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, you can also rent an RV and hit the Alaskan highways. Campgrounds are abundant throughout the state. For more info on RV-ing in Alaska, click here.

Guides:

Dewayne Brantley/LeSea Charters/Seward

Dan Eames/Seaclusion Saltwater Adventures/Valdez

Dave Pope/Sharktooth Charters/Valdez