Aldeer.com Forums Alabama Deer Talk AL Fishing Talk The Best Time of the Year

I love Spring. The woods and waters began to wake from the winter slumber and many of my favorite pursuits coincide with this season. This spring began with celebrating several southeastern showings of the 2023 Fly Fishing Film Tour. Hundreds of film makers submit films for 8 slots annually. The eight films that are selected get played at large showing across the world. Thankfully, this year there was a redeye bass film and we got to show the world our wonderful waters and amazing redeye bass! The film was shot by Dorsal Outdoors, a couple of Bham natives that make incredible films as a side hobby.





We attended showings in Atlanta and Waverly before the big event in Birmingham.





I loved getting to celebrate this moment with everyone and really cool to have my wife there to witness it all. All those times I was going "filming" and she was left with the kids came full circle and she really enjoyed it.

I am working on my second book, Fly Fishing Guide to Alabama, and traveling to fish and interview people has kept me busy. I went back home to south Alabama to catch the Choctaw Bass, a newly discovered species of bass that lives in the coastal rivers of south Alabama and North Florida. They live near flow, typically limestone shoals in this region.







Fly fishing and kayaks are made to illicit anger. I usually dog cuss the paddle maker, the kayak company, the water, the fish, and anyone or anything that gets close enough. Keeping a boat situated in moving current while also needing both hands to fly fish creates quite the conundrum. I've almost been so mad I "Bo Jacksoned" my fly rod over my knee. Just when you finally get to that good water with the pool near the bank, the first backcast lands in the lone cypress limb overhanging the water. This process repeats until you eventually by blind luck happen to accidentally catch a fish.





After that it was time for some salty air and some new fish to chase. While the trip was very productive from a writing standpoint, the weather conspired against me (as it usually does) to make the conditions impossible for what I needed and wanted to do. Since sight fishing was out, wading the flats and casting to likely fish-holding spots was the back up plan.

Not the target fish, but a fun fight nonetheless!





The rest of the trip was full of more overcast skies and rain. I did catch some trout on dock lights at night, but that was about it. Hopefully when I go back in a couple of weeks things will be acting right.

Yesterday I had to get away for a fun trip. Just doing what I love to do




It just so happens I had a new rod to try out. I was gifted this rod back in December from Rob Rogers, owner of Deep South Outfitters in Birmingham. It's a Winston Pure 8' 4wt. A perfect redeye rod.





The water was just right, and the fish were actively feeding on top.

The scenery alone is worth it, but the peace found there is priceless.






These fish and these places are pretty special.

Indeed. Another great post and beautiful scenery. You're fishing post never disappoint. Thank you.

Great post!

I can't even keep my spinning lures' out of the trees and brush. Nice Pic's, and thanks for sharing.

Tons of little creeks around the Bham area. I need to get on them more. Summertime is about the only time I can go, but that's fine as it's topwater time!

Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

Awesome pics

Catching a flounder on a fly is pretty cool!

As usual, awesome post and pictures. Thanks for sharing.

Very nice, thanks for sharing!

Always some of my favorite pictures and post. Congrats on the film and thank you for sharing!

That was great! Makes me wanna get out the Redeye tackle!

Thanks everyone. Lord willing, lots more to come!

As others have said, your posts and pictures are always incredible and thank you for taking us along.
The flounder is really special and quite the accomplishment.

how do those redeyes taste between two pieces of light bread

Yup