December 7, 2007

Holiday Cheer, Winter Blues.

Snow is blanketing my backyard as I write this from the North Shore of Massachusetts and unfortunately I can no longer deny that winter is upon us and the long wait for our saltwater friends to return has now begun.

One of the benefits of outdoor writing is that I receive books in the mail in hopes that I'll review them. I've received some good ones and some bad ones over the years. One that is very much worthy of mention is Rich Murphy's new book, Fly Fishing for Striped Bass . Rich is an accomplished fly designer, and a well known surf fisherman who is an accomplished saltwater fly caster. The book is packed with information that can help anyone, however there is ample talk about the North Shore of Massachusetts, which made the book an especially interesting read for me.

The Fly Fishing Show East will be held January 18, 19, & 20th at the Royal Plaza Trade Center in Marlbourough, MA. There will be exhibits, casting demos and several notables from the world of fishing will be on-site including Ken Abrames, Don Bastian, Alan Caolo, George Daniel, Jack Gartside, Mike Martinek, Rich Murphy and Bob Popovics to name just a few.

The Eastern Fishing and Outdoor Exposition will be from February 7-10, 2008 at the DCU Center in Worcester. The show is always a welcome respite from the winter and will offer many exhibitors and special events. A free Plano Tackle Box will be given to the first 200 children 12 and under who attend the show on Sunday, February 10th with a paying adult attendee, so get their early with your little one on 2/10.

Finally, to help the time pass during the cabin fever season, there are a wealth of excellent pod casts related to fishing here. Or you could always play Big Mouth Bass 3D for free online.