2022? Fuhgettaboutit
March 1st, 2023
Well, 2022 was a year when life threw me lemons. I’m not afraid to say it was my toughest year on this planet. With the passing of my father, and some mistakes made on the personal front, it was a year I’d like to forget about… we can add January 2023 onto the “ Fuhgettaboutit” headline too….
As for the guide season of 2022, I couldn’t be happier with how things have turned out! The spring dry fly season was one for the books. I had some terrific clients, both new and repeats who could make the casts that needed to be made. We caught some STUD browns on dries, nymphs and streamers. It’s been amazing to see the client list build year after year, as most of these clients become repeats, and more importantly, become good friends.
As February is wrapped up, it thankfully was a month that turned the page. A huge thanks goes to my friend JC, who invited me to join him in one of my favorite places on Earth, Epiritu Santo Bay, QR, Mexico. A medical emergency for one of his guests who planned to go, turned into an opportunity for me visit one of the last remaining, flats fishing meccas of the Mexicos Yucatan coast. Fishing this “sister bay” of Mexico’s famous Ascension bay is a treat. 12 guide permits compared to 50+ of Ascension’s, it’s a wild place full of Permit, Tarpon, Snook and more. Getting there is always the logistical challenge, and thats what sets it apart from other hot spots along the coast.
The great week in ESB got the wheels turning back home to get on the water. Before covid, I was averaging around 200 days ON the water. Any species, any amount of time, it was always about making a cast or 3 a day.
This past Monday, Alex and I got out to some of the old haunts of Ellicottville. The big fish, marginal water type of stuff I learned to grow and love throughout the 8 years living in the village. These waters are all about conditions. Fish per mile? Might as well count on one hand, but in the right conditions and knowing what section or area to target, you can hook into some of the largest brown trout in the Western New York Region. On a section of river that I never fished before, that is exactly what Al did. He connected on an absolute specimen, one of the fattest inland browns I have seen in a long time. Taped at 21'“ it was the only fish of the day and his personal best BT. I LOVE that $h!t…..
Streamers and 4 weights. Not necessarily a run a gun day, this section was full of deep, undercut banks that we worked thoroughly. Proper weight management is key, getting the fly into the strike zone and allowing the fish a chance to move on it. Water was relatively clear and cold, which is why we chose the section we did.
Such a great day on the water. As we passed by someones property, we picked up their 2 dogs, who joined us for the next 3/4 mile of river. Beaufort didn’t seem to mind, but their stream ettichette was not nearly as good as his!. Trying to chase the fly when we would cast in the water, they were a handful, but gave us some good laughs along the way.
In these blog posts, i’m going to cover everything under the sun. Life events, fishing events, river conditions, announcements, gear talk, etc.. If there is a subject that people would like me to discuss, i’d be happy too!
Some great things already in the works, like 716 flyfishing’s hosted week in Montana / Idaho ( 1 rod still available )! Another round in Cuba ( January 2024 ) & we will be relaying some more destination travels through the spring, along with dates available for a day on the water in “the 716”.
I am looking forward to the future!
Nick Sagnibene
716 fly fishing
