Monthly Archives: April 2021

American Shad: C.P.R

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Today I had the opportunity to fish for American Shad on a specific stretch of the Merrimack River. On each shad trip, I adapt based on what I learned on my previous trip. On my last shad trip, I landed a monst’ah shad— which unhooked itself at my feet! I nearly lost the fish. On today’s trip, I tested a new method to safely capture, photograph, and release (C.P.R.) American shad.

I used my The Bear Claw fishing net to contain my catch. This method reduced oral and dermal damage to the fish. If you have a net and you are targeting American Shad from the river bank, bring it on your next trip.

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International Fly Fishing Film Festival 2021

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The COVID19 pandemic canceled many of the fishing shows in 2020. Thankfully, in 2021 there are several fishy events online. Last night I watched the International Fly Fishing Film Festival online!

IF4 2021

This year, the International Fly Fishing Film Festival features 10 short films across the globe.  As an all methods, all species angler, I really enjoyed seeing the diversity of species targeted: striped bass, trout, salmon, and even a giant GT.

  1. Sunshine for days
  2. Out There
  3. The Art of Fly Fishing
  4. Northbound
  5. The Wanderer
  6. Raising Ghosts
  7. Raised on Rainbows
  8. Baltics
  9. Fuerte
  10. Turbo Giants

From the first minute to the one hundred forty forth minute, all things fly filled my screen!  That’s a an overflowing amount of fishy content for only $15.00 per ticket!!  Between now and November, there are several virtual screenings.  Buy your tickets today!!!Facebooktwitterlinkedin

Metal DIY Projects II

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During 2020, I spent a good amount of time (during the hours that I should have been sleeping) designing new DIY projects.  In order to complete these complex projects, I need new tools.  My first investment was in a DEWALT Metal Cutting Saw (DW872) with an after-market base.  Some of my metal projects require stainless steel bolts; but, some projects require the liquefaction of metal via electricity to form joints.  Hence, my second investment was a welder and welding equipment.

Fish360 Eastwood MIG 135 Welder

After reviewing and comparing several welders, I selected the Eastwood MIG 135 because it can weld up to 1/4″ thick steel via flux core on standard 110V electricity.  The welder also comes with a gas regulator to weld up to 3/16″ thick steel via solid MIG wire on standard 110V electricity.  Unlike other welders in this category and price range, the Eastwood MIG 135 can also weld aluminum via spool gun.

Fish360 Eastwood MIG 135 Welder

The most essential equipment for welding is safety gear.  I chose the Eastwood Panoramic View True Color welding helmet.  The auto-darkening, the large 180 degree view, and the viewing clarity is amazing!  You have to be able to see your liquified puddle of metal to make a proper weld.  I also got a pair of welding gloves, a pair of MIG Welding Pliers, and a flame resistant and anti-static welding jacket.

The Eastwood MIG 135 comes with a MIG wire tip and Flux Core wire tip.  These are great to get started; but, it’s best to have replacements available before you need them.  Hence, I ordered a consumables kit.

The Eastwood MIG 135 also comes with a spool of solid MIG wire.  I am planning to weld via flux core, hence I ordered flux core wire and a can of anti-spatter spray to make the post-weld clean up easy.

I have tested my new welding equipment on scrap iron to become comfortable and confident in my equipment and with welding.  The equipment has exceeded my expectations.  In fact, the Eastwood MIG 135 makes welding easy!  Check out Eastwood’s great videos on welding and how to setup the Eastwood MIG 135.Facebooktwitterlinkedin