Things of Three V

The fifth edition of three items/subjects/places/people worth checking out to make life as an angler and global citizen far more enjoyable.

1. Boise River (downtown Boise, ID)
I've fished this river twice, last October 31st and this past Tuesday, for probably four hours total.

It hasn't disappointed me yet.

Rainbows, browns, whitefish and even the occasional steelhead or salmon can be found in the heart of downtown Boise, adjacent to Boise State University.

If you ever find yourself heading to or through Boise, bring a four or five-weight. Tim & the gang at the Idaho Angler Fly Shop can get you sorted out.

Website: idahoangler.com

2. The Copper John
The Copper John was my go-to in Boise. I don't love using a nymph, and using an indicator isn't my favourite thing in the world. But I do like catching fish and local wisdom said a #16 red Copper John & an indicator was the way to go.

Local knowledge was bang-on about the red Copper John.

Note: I lost my indicator in a roll cast/fast current/overhanging branch cocktail of love & didn't bother replacing it for the rest of the outing. I still caught fish.

Here's some great info for tying John Barr's Copper John from Charley's Fly Box and Midcurrent.

Photo from: http://www.charliesflyboxinc.com/uploads/DSC05120.JPG

3. Aeropress Coffee Maker
I don't leave home without this. Ever.

If you are prone to finding yourself in random shitholes around the globe and appreciate (NEED) a decent cup of coffee at any given time, I highly recommend getting an Aeropress.

All that's required is (decent) coffee and hot water. In my travels, I've used the following for a source of hot water for my Aeropress:

• Electric stove
• Electric kettle
• Hot-water tap for tea on commercial coffee makers
• Hot water tap on water coolers
• Microwave
• Propane stove
• Camp stove
• A pot on a barbecue grill
• A pot on a hot rock adjacent to a fire
• Aluminum water bottle set on top of a propane-fired heater

In every case the end result was a fine-ass cuppa joe.

Like travel? Love coffee? Get an Aeropress.

PS - Thanks for the Aeropress, mom & dad!

Website: aeropress.com or aeropress.ca

Things of Three IV

The fourth edition of three items/subjects/places/people worth checking out to make life as an angler and global citizen far more enjoyable.

1. Snook
They hit hard. They pull hard. And they look cool as hell.

Note: They're also quite tasty, but they're more fun to catch than to eat.

Photo by Dylan Rose of Fly Water Travel LLC

2. Idaho Angler
There's something to be said about walking into a shop and being recognized from a previous visit almost exactly a year ago to the day.

Friendly, helpful & knowledgeable, plus everything once could need for fishing in Idaho or anywhere else for that matter, including a huge tying section featuring materials for both fresh & salt.

If you're in the Boise area, a visit to Idaho Angler is a must.

Website: idahoangler.com
Social: facebook.com/IdahoAngler
Location: 1682 Vista Avenue  Boise, ID

3. Bonefish on the Brain
Dear Bjorn,

At first, I thought you were a little OCD about having a website dedicated to only one species of fish. Especially a fish living in waters far from your home address. A fish you have only one or maybe a couple of chances per year to go fishing for.

But then I caught one. And I get it now. I really do.

I'm already scheming an escape to catch more.

Sincerely,

Mat

Website: bonefishonthebrain.com

*           *           *

As some of you might have seen on a recent Facebook post, I'm taking a break from Facebook. This US Presidential election thing is bringing out the worse in some people. These are people I consider friends, either in real life or in the online realm. I respect your right to your opinions but the outright negativity, from both left and right, is depressing as f**k. So yeah, I'm done on Facebook until November 8th or 9th or so (besides, Twitter is far more enjoyable than Facebook).

That being said, y'all should get out and vote. No matter what your political leaning is, exercise your right to vote. Canada had a federal election last year and the turnout was downright dismal. Don't be apathetic; apathy is more depressing than the negative shit. Go vote.

This link will not be shared on the ol' Crackbook by yours truly. If anyone wants to share it, it'd be appreciated, but it's not necessary.

Keep it real.

Mat