As I suspected, writing the book is has become a major time sink. Not that I’m necessarily complaining — I really enjoy writing about fly fishing — but I’d rather be doing it than writing about it.
So, the fishing has suffered a bit, and my mid-to-late spring grass shrimp outings are a perfect case study. Normally by this time of year I’ve been out multiple times. Last night was my first, and I may not get out for it again until next year. I picked a meh night for it. The swarm was probably a 3 out of 10, and there wasn’t much on it. I fished my usual three-fly team (last night’s lineup: Grass Shrimp Solution top dropper, Orange Ruthless clam worm middle dropper, Micro Gurgler on point). I fished a modified swing and dangle. I had to work over the course of 90 minutes to hook one shad and two bass, and those fish came in a bite window of 30 minutes. But I was happy to be there, the cigar was swell, and I felt like I spent part of an evening with a dear old friend.
currentseams.com 
” one day ( or night ) you’re the windshield, one day you’re the bug” Mark Knoffler
I think last night I was a little of both…
Here’s to better days for all flatwingers and cigar smokers
Certainly! 🙂
Steve, Hope you don’t mind a bit of hijacking on this thread.
I purchased an Orvis Hydros intermediate fly line, 10 wt. I used the line three times in saltwater and the loop failed. Was wondering what connection you make for line to leader for saltwater?
Thanks,
Ken
Hi Ken, no hijacking at all. I’m here to help and answer questions. My current two connections are thus: One is the factory loop on my 2H line. However, I have a 1-foot piece of 40 or 50# mono — I forget which — that has a perfection loop at either end. I then attach my leader to that. Its purpose is to prevent a lower diameter leader from cutting into the factory loop. You can find reference on the site if you do a search. The second is some kind of woven polyloop on my Outbound line, attached with thread wraps and Zap A Gap. I used it to replace a worn factory loop. Hope that helps!
Steve.
Thanks for your timely response, given the number of things going on in your life right now!
Ken