#largemouth bass on fly

[texasflycaster]

Post TPWD Clarifications & Information

What Some of the Terms Mean NLMB – Northern Largemouth Bass FLMB – Florida (strain) Largemouth Bass SMB – Smallmouth Bass What is a “Lone Star Bass?” What is the “Morone production?” Thanks for all responses, and the honesty and frankness of these responses! It is enlightening to readers and all types of fishers in Texas! Yes, the abbreviations are correct.  A Lone Star Bass is a pure…

[1009ryos]

🤘Yeah！！🎣📸

[kirbism]

All my haters become waders when I fly fish for the largemouth bass of success

[atomarium]

your ask box wanted an ask in it

do you like fish

Who doesn't

I like all kinds of fishes

Here is my top 250 fishes

1. Salmon

2. Tuna

3. Cod

4. Trout

5. Bass

6. Snapper

7. Mackerel

8. Halibut

9. Swordfish

10. Sardines

11. Haddock

12. Flounder

13. Mahi-mahi

14. Catfish

15. Perch

16. Tilapia

17. Carp

18. Pike

19. Anchovy

20. Herring

21. Grouper

22. Sole

23. Barracuda

24. Bluefish

25. Redfish

26. Wahoo

27. Pompano

28. Yellowtail

29. Rockfish

30. Bluegill

31. Walleye

32. Whitefish

33. Rainbow trout

34. Lingcod

35. Skate

36. Bluefin tuna

37. Striped bass

38. Marlin

39. Sturgeon

40. Eel

41. Butterfish

42. Wolffish

43. Opah

44. Tilefish

45. Drum

46. Tilapia

47. Gurnard

48. Threadfin

49. Monkfish

50. Opaleye

51. Triggerfish

52. Cutlassfish

53. Pomfret

54. Bullhead

55. Croaker

56. Tautog

57. Sheepshead

58. Wrasse

59. Parrotfish

60. Hogfish

61. Porgy

62. Permit

63. Amberjack

64. Bonito

65. Tilefish

66. Croaker

67. Hogfish

68. Mullet

69. Ribbonfish

70. Drum

71. Saury

72. Tarpon

73. Mullet

74. Bluefish

75. Garfish

76. Wels catfish

77. Gizzard shad

78. Bowfin

79. Stickleback

80. Freshwater drum

81. Sucker

82. Bullhead

83. Sculpin

84. Mooneye

85. Goby

86. Chub

87. Mudminnow

88. Dace

89. Silverside

90. Lamprey

91. Minnow

92. Darter

93. Smelt

94. Sunfish

95. Sturgeon

96. Shad

97. Sablefish

98. Greenland cod

99. Hake

100. Grenadier

101. Cobia

102. Tilefish

103. Pollack

104. Oarfish

105. John Dory

106. Swai

107. Largemouth bass

108. Atlantic cod

109. Kingfish

110. Wolffish

111. Skate

112. Arctic char

113. Goby

114. Lumpfish

115. Gourami

116. Gar

117. Codling

118. Butterfish

119. Blenny

120. Wrasse

121. Roach

122. Rainbow smelt

123. Peacock bass

124. Pompano

125. Pikeperch

126. Minnow

127. Leatherjacket

128. Jackfish

129. Halibut

130. Gurnard

131. Grouper

132. Grunion

133. Grunt

134. Greenling

135. Grayling

136. Gray mullet

137. Grass carp

138. Goldfish

139. Golden perch

140. Ghost carp

141. Garfish

142. Fusilier

143. Flathead

144. Filefish

145. Electric eel

146. Dogfish

147. Doctor fish

148. Dory

149. Dolphin fish

150. Dolly Varden

151. Dogfish

152. Drum

153. Dusky grouper

154. Dunkleosteus

155. Dusky shark

156. Duckbill

157. Driftfish

158. Dragonet

159. Dorado

160. Donzella

161. Dolphinfish

162. Dogfish

163. Dogtooth tuna

164. Dogfish

165. Dory

166. Dusky grouper

167. Dunkleosteus

168. Dusky shark

169. Duckbill

170. Driftfish

171. Dragonet

172. Dorado

173. Donzella

174. Dolphinfish

175. Dogfish

176. Dogtooth tuna

177. Eel

178. Emperor

179. Eleuth

180. Elephantfish

181. Eelpout

182. Elver

183. Escolar

184. European flounder

185. European seabass

186. European perch

187. Flathead grey mullet

188. European eel

189. Eagle ray

190. Eastern mosquitofish

191. Eastern little tuna

192. Eastern mudminnow

193. European minnow

194. European sprat

195. Emperor tetra

196. Emperor angelfish

197. Emperor bream

198. Emporer red snapper

199. Emperor sole

200. Emperor shrimp

201. Emperor scorpionfish

202. Escolar

203. False trevally

204. False cat shark

205. False scad

206. False trevally

207. False cat shark

208. False scad

209. Fantail darter

210. Fathead minnow

211. Fathead sculpin

212. Featherfin squeaker

213. Fingerfish

214. Fire goby

215. Firefish

216. Flabby whalefish

217. Flagfish

218. Flat loach

219. Flathead catfish

220. Flathead grey mullet

221. Flathead

222. Flathead sole

223. Flounder

224. Flying gurnard

225. Flying fish

226. Freshwater butterflyfish

227. Freshwater drum

228. Freshwater eel

229. Freshwater garfish

230. Freshwater hatchetfish

231. Freshwater shark

232. Frigate mackerel

233. Frill shark

234. Frostfish

235. Fuji fish

236. Finescale triggerfish

237. Four-eyed fish

238. Fringe-scale sardine

239. Fullscale sculpin

240. Fulmar

241. Fusilier

242. Galjoen fish

243. Gaper

244. Garibaldi

245. Garpike

246. Ghost fish

247. Ghost flathead

248. Giant catfish

249. Giant danio

250. Giant gouram

What is your favorite fish ? :3

[whichstoodonrockyshores]

The Snakes & The People They Bite

Prompt 10: “I’m afraid I’m not the best nurse, but I’ll try.”

From These Prompts.

Rating: Teen

Summary: During an impromptu hunting trip, Boaz is spooked by a snake.

TW: Animal Attack, Sickness, Injury, Vomiting

Requested by @anautisticwriter! Unfortunately I accidentally deleted the ask, my mistake lmao.

Fic Under the Cut

It all began with a loud whiny from Boaz. Javier’s stallion was agitated, jumping pitifully around in fear. Javier rolled his eyes in frustration, annoyed that his horse was freaking out for no reason while he was trying to focus on hunting. Hunting was never something he was great at (he much preferred fishing), but even he was beginning to tire of largemouth bass for supper every night.

So, fed up with Bill’s complaints, he decided to go hunting for a change. Clearly, that was a mistake. This entire outing was a bad idea, as Javier spotted what was spooking Boaz so badly: a rattlesnake was slithering beneath the stallion’s feet, and when Javier felt himself being pushed backward, he knew this was going to end poorly. Suddenly, Javier was flung off of his saddle, flying backward into a large cactus. Boaz bolted away from the snake, and before Javier could try and call his horse back, a pain worse than he had experienced in years suddenly flooded his arm.

He cried out in pain, the cactuses thorns digging into his back as he looked at the puncture wounds on his arm. That wasn’t good, that wasn’t good at all, especially because Boaz was now completely out of sight. He whistled, but the pain was so great the air could hardly leave his lungs. He prayed his horse would return, but the stallion wasn’t anywhere to be seen. And for the first time in years, Javier wanted to see Bill goddamn Williamson.

“Bill,” he choked as he fell to the ground, the cactus now unable to hurt him as a wave of nausea and dizziness hit him, keeping him glued to the ground, “Bill!” he repeated, but his voice only a few decibels louder.

Fucking snake, of course this outing was doomed to go poorly. Javier’s body shook on the ground for minutes on end, the pain so great he felt like his arm was about to fall off. The swelling pushed against his shirt and jacket, the pain only increasing as he threw up his breakfast, nausea catching up with him. For a few moments, Javier was convinced he was going to die in the most humiliating way imaginable. Until the familiar clop of a certain Ardennes’ hooves filled his eardrums.

“Oh, shit-!” Bill exclaimed when he saw Javier, practically flying off of Brown Jack to see what the problem was, “What happened?” Bill asked, but he didn’t wait for Javier’s answer, immediately shoving a bottle of something labeled ‘miracle tonic’ into his hands. Javier usually didn’t bother with any of the town doctors’ snake oils, having no trust in their effectiveness, but Javier felt so horrible he didn’t bother thinking about it before he swallowed the tonic.

Shockingly, the so-called ‘miracle tonic! actually did make him feel a bit better. Perhaps God did perform miracles on modern men like Javier. Bill gave Javier a moment to catch his breath. That was a terrifying experience, after all, and Javier soon threw up once again from the sheer adrenaline and stress of it all. In fact, Javier was so dazed and exhausted from the sheer pain of the incident that he didn’t even realize when he was placed on Brown Jack’s back.

“We’re goin’ back?” Javier slurred, shivering despite feeling like he was burning into a ball of fire, “Wh…what ‘bout Boaz?”

“What about him?” Bill asked immediately, clearly concerned for the well-being of Javier’s American Paint, “Did the snake get him, too?”

“No… he bolted,” Javier explained, hoping that Boaz hadn’t gotten injured in another way, “Horse didn’t respond when I whistled, which ain’t like him. Hope we can find Boaz…”

“We will,” Bill said, hitching Brown Jack when they reached camp, removing the injured man from the mount and carrying him into the tent. Javier groaned in pain when he was laid on his back, the damage he received from the cactus hitting him all at once as he lay there, “Rest up.”

Javier groaned louder at the request, hating the idea of laying around while Bill did everything. Sweat ran down his face though his body felt freezing, perhaps he was sicker than he thought, “Rest? Don’ need rest,” Javier insisted, attempting to pull himself off of his bedroll, only to fall back on his back with a painful cry, “Maybe… maybe I do need the rest.”

“Yeah,” Bill said, sighing as he handed Javier a bottle of whiskey from his bag. Javier readily accepted the drink, taking gulps from it in an attempt to ease his pain, “Ain’t a great nurse, Javier… but I’ll do my best. For you.”

But Javier didn’t hear, the bottle of liquor in his hand resting on his chest as he drifted off to sleep. Bill was sure he’d be better in a few days… Javier Escuella was tough as nails, after all, no rattlesnake could bring him down for long.

[amarresorrt-3144]

NJ Fishing Report

The NJ fishing scene continues to attract anglers from all over, offering a diverse range of opportunities for both seasoned and amateur fishers. Whether you're after saltwater giants or freshwater favorites, New Jersey’s waters provide plenty of action year-round. This NJ Fishing Report brings you the latest updates on the most popular spots, techniques, and species currently being caught.

Freshwater Fishing Highlights

In New Jersey’s inland lakes and rivers, bass fishing has been heating up. Anglers are reporting excellent catches of largemouth bass, especially in lakes such as Hopatcong and Greenwood. The cooler water temperatures of early fall have stirred up activity, making this a great time to head out. According to the latest NJ Fishing Report, anglers using soft plastics and topwater lures have had the most success, particularly in the mornings and late afternoons.

Trout fishing remains strong, with the Pequest and Musconetcong rivers offering solid action. The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife continues to stock these rivers with healthy, sizable trout, ensuring there's plenty to catch. Fly fishers are reporting solid numbers of rainbows, especially in shaded sections of these rivers. For the latest on where the action is hottest, the NJ Fishing Report is a valuable resource for planning your next trip.

Saltwater Fishing Updates

The New Jersey coastline is teeming with activity this season. Striped bass are beginning their annual migration, offering great opportunities for surf fishers and boat anglers alike. Reports indicate that trolling bunker spoons and live eels has produced some of the biggest stripers so far this season. If you're looking for more detailed tips, the NJ Fishing Report is an essential tool for keeping track of the latest trends along the coast.

In addition to striped bass, the fluke bite has been productive, particularly in the southern parts of the state like Cape May and Atlantic City. Anglers drifting squid and spearing baits are enjoying consistent action, and it looks like the fluke season will remain solid for a few more weeks.

Final ThoughtsWhether you’re a saltwater enthusiast chasing trophy stripers or a freshwater angler targeting bass and trout, the NJ Fishing Report provides all the insights you need to stay on top of the latest trends. Be sure to check in regularly to maximize your chances of success on your next outing.

[noisycowboyglitter]

Bass Lives Matter: Fun and Informative Merchandise for Fishing Enthusiasts

Introducing the "Bass Lives Matter" movement, a playful yet meaningful expression of love for bass fishing and conservation. This catchy phrase emphasizes the importance of caring for bass populations and their habitats while celebrating the joy of angling. It resonates with passionate fishermen who understand that a healthy ecosystem is crucial for sustaining this beloved sport.

Buy now:19.95$

Incorporating the "Bass Lives Matter" slogan into apparel, accessories, and gear is a fun way to advocate for responsible fishing practices. Whether it’s T-shirts, hats, or stickers, these items serve as conversation starters about the significance of protecting aquatic life and maintaining clean waterways.

More than just a slogan, this movement encourages anglers to engage in sustainable practices, such as catch-and-release fishing and habitat restoration, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the thrill of bass fishing. Perfect for both seasoned pros and newcomers, "Bass Lives Matter" captures the essence of dedication to fishing and environmental stewardship.

Buy now

Show your support for bass fishing and raise awareness with this unique message that blends humor and responsibility. Join the movement and make a statement on the water, promoting a culture of respect and care for our precious bass populations!

Bass fishing is an exhilarating outdoor activity that combines skill, strategy, and a love for nature. Targeting species like largemouth and smallmouth bass, this popular sport attracts anglers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned veterans. Whether you're casting from a boat or fishing from the shore, the thrill of the catch is undeniable.

Buy now

Anglers utilize a variety of techniques, including fly fishing, baitcasting, and trolling, each offering unique challenges and rewards. Selecting the right lures, rods, and equipment is essential for success, as different conditions require specific tactics.

Bass fishing also fosters community, with tournaments and local events bringing enthusiasts together to share tips and camaraderie. Beyond the excitement of the sport, it's about enjoying time spent on the water, connecting with friends, and respecting the environment. Whether you’re fishing in a serene lake or a flowing river, bass fishing promises adventure and unforgettable memories.

Buy now

Finding the ideal Gifts for Fishermen Who Have Everything can be a delightful challenge. Consider unique, personalized items that stand out, such as custom tackle boxes or engraved lures that add a special touch to their gear. High-tech gadgets, like portable fish finders or smart tackle systems, can enhance their fishing experience and offer new insights on the water.

Specialty items like fishing-themed home decor or unique artwork related to their favorite sport can also be thoughtful gifts. Experience gifts, such as guided fishing trips or fishing classes, create lasting memories and adventures. With these creative options, you’ll surprise even the most seasoned fishermen, showing your appreciation for their passion and ensuring they feel truly celebrated!

[johns33777]

Where Can You Find the Best Fly Fishing in Ontario

Ontario is a premier destination for fly fishing enthusiasts, boasting a myriad of pristine rivers, lakes, and streams that offer some of the best fishing opportunities in Canada. Whether you are a seasoned angler or a novice, Ontario's diverse waters promise an unforgettable fly fishing experience.

One of the most renowned locations for fly fishing in Ontario is the Grand River. Flowing through the heart of southwestern Ontario, the Grand River is celebrated for its healthy population of brown trout. The upper stretches, particularly around Fergus and Elora, are known for their excellent fly fishing conditions. The river's abundant hatches and clear waters provide an ideal habitat for trout, making it a hotspot for anglers seeking both quantity and quality catches.

For those looking to venture into northern Ontario, the Albany River offers an unparalleled wilderness fly fishing experience. This remote river system is accessible only by floatplane, ensuring an untouched and serene environment. The Albany River is home to an impressive variety of fish species, including brook trout, northern pike, and walleye. The pristine waters and breathtaking landscapes create a fly fishing adventure that is both challenging and rewarding.

Another top destination is the Nipigon River, renowned for producing the world record brook trout. Located in northwestern Ontario, the Nipigon River's cold, clear waters are perfect for fly fishing. Anglers flock to this river for the chance to catch trophy-sized brook trout and lake trout. The river's rugged beauty and diverse fish population make it a must-visit for any serious fly fisher.

In central Ontario, the French River is a fly fishing gem. Stretching from Lake Nipissing to Georgian Bay, the French River is a historic waterway with a rich variety of fish species. Anglers can expect to catch smallmouth bass, northern pike, and muskie in these waters. The river's scenic beauty, dotted with islands and lined with lush forests, adds to the allure of fly fishing in Ontario in this area.

The Credit River, located just outside of Toronto, is another excellent fly fishing spot in Ontario. Despite its proximity to the city, the Credit River offers a tranquil escape with its healthy populations of brown trout and steelhead. The river's well-maintained access points and trails make it convenient for anglers of all skill levels to enjoy a productive day on the water.

Lastly, Lake of the Woods, straddling the border between Ontario and Manitoba, is a vast and diverse fishery that offers superb fly fishing opportunities. With over 14,000 islands and 65,000 miles of shoreline, Lake of the Woods provides endless possibilities for catching smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and northern pike. The lake's clear waters and scenic surroundings make it a fly fisher's paradise.

In conclusion, Ontario is a fly fishing haven with an abundance of premier locations to explore. From the Grand River's trout-filled waters to the remote wilderness of the Albany River, Ontario offers something for every fly fishing enthusiast. Whether you seek the challenge of catching trophy fish or the tranquility of casting in pristine waters, Ontario's diverse fly fishing destinations promise an unforgettable experience.

[texasflycaster]

How To Fly Fish For Texas Bass

HAPPY CINCO De MAYO! Fly fishing for largemouth bass in Texas can be incredibly rewarding! Here are some tips to help fly fishers target these elusive and exciting fish: Know the Water: Largemouth bass can be found in a variety of water bodies, including lakes, ponds, rivers, and reservoirs. Look for areas with structure, such as submerged vegetation, fallen trees, or rocky outcrops, as these…

[daddysmusicblog]

Do you have any hobbies or interests other than sex and music?

Nope, those are the only two things, just kidding. Well, when I'm not doing the other thing or working, I'm an avid fly tyer and fly fisherman. I like to recycle household materials and use them to come up with patterns that work. This one is cheap craft fur and a potato chip bag. This one has bagged a lot of largemouth bass.

[boxcutterbaits]

Size 6 black & purple gurglers. For sale on ebay. Link above.

[sikariatech]

best winter fishing in florida

best winter fishing in florida

While winter blankets many regions in icy temperatures, Florida remains a haven for anglers seeking warmth and bountiful fishing opportunities. The Sunshine State's mild winter climate opens up a plethora of options for anglers to indulge in their favorite pastime. From saltwater to freshwater, Florida's diverse ecosystems offer a winter fishing paradise. Let's explore some of the best winter fishing spots and the species that lure anglers to Florida's waters during the cooler months.

1. Mosquito Lagoon: A Redfish Haven

Nestled along Florida's east coast, Mosquito Lagoon is renowned for its pristine waters and flourishing redfish population. Winter brings optimal conditions for sight fishing as cooler temperatures reduce water clarity, making it easier to spot redfish tailing in the shallows. Anglers can target these copper-colored beauties using artificial lures or live bait. Additionally, speckled trout and black drum are common catches in Mosquito Lagoon during the winter months.

2. Lake Okeechobee: A Bass Fishing Extravaganza

Florida's largest freshwater lake, Lake Okeechobee, is a bass fishing paradise that beckons anglers year-round. Winter brings about a unique scenario as bass migrate to the lake's warmer shallow waters. Spinnerbaits, soft plastics, and live shiners are effective bait choices for luring largemouth bass during this season. The expansive nature of Lake Okeechobee allows anglers to explore various hotspots, including the famed grassy areas and the Kissimmee River.

3. Tampa Bay: A Diverse Saltwater Playground

Tampa Bay offers a diverse range of saltwater fishing opportunities, making it an ideal destination for winter anglers. Snook, redfish, and spotted seatrout are prevalent during this season. The abundance of seagrass beds and mangrove shorelines provides excellent habitats for these species. Artificial lures such as soft plastics and jerkbaits, along with live shrimp, can prove fruitful when targeting these prized catches in Tampa Bay's clear winter waters.

4. Indian River Lagoon: Seatrout and Redfish Haven

Stretching along Florida's Atlantic Coast, the Indian River Lagoon is a productive estuary that attracts anglers in pursuit of seatrout and redfish during the winter months. The slightly cooler temperatures spur increased feeding activity among these species. Topwater lures, shrimp imitations, and live bait are effective choices for enticing seatrout and redfish in the lagoon's shallow waters.

5. Florida Keys: Winter Wonderland for Anglers

The Florida Keys, with their tropical allure, provide a unique winter fishing experience. While bonefish and permit are year-round targets, winter brings an increase in the population of these elusive flats species. Shallow flats and sandy bottoms offer prime opportunities for fly anglers to test their skills. Additionally, the waters surrounding the Keys are known for winter migrations of sailfish, making offshore excursions equally enticing during this season.

6. St. Johns River: Winter Crappie Bonanza

For freshwater enthusiasts, the St. Johns River becomes a winter crappie haven. As temperatures cool down, crappie, also known as speckled perch, gather in deeper holes and creek channels. Jigs, minnows, and small spinners are effective bait choices for enticing crappie bites. The St. Johns River's slow current and abundant structure make it an ideal setting for winter crappie fishing.

7. Fort Lauderdale Offshore: Sailfish Capital of the World

Fort Lauderdale's offshore waters become a winter playground for anglers targeting sailfish. The Gulf Stream's proximity brings sailfish closer to the coast, creating thrilling opportunities for both novice and seasoned anglers. Trolling with live bait or artificial lures and deploying kite fishing techniques are popular methods for targeting sailfish in the offshore waters of Fort Lauderdale

[fishinges]

Discover the Top 20 Fly Fishing Destinations in the USA! Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, we've compiled a list of verified fishing grounds that promise unforgettable fly fishing experiences. Explore diverse locations, from Michigan's stunning lakes to Florida's saltwater treasures, Montana's open expanses, and beyond. Find your perfect spot and cast your line for brown trout, salmon, bass, pike, largemouth, walleye, steelhead, and more. Don't miss out on the ultimate fly fishing adventure – check out these top destinations today!

[readingsrantsrambles]

The Bon Iver Boys Bob for Bass and Bluegill at the Harlem Meer

The drummer Sean Carey, who schedules his tours around fly-fishing stops, tries out some urban angling in Central Park with his bandmates Zach Hanson and Ben Lester.

By Adam Iscoe - New Yorker Magazine - June 5, 2023

The musician S. Carey, whose first name is Sean, and who is a drummer for the band Bon Iver, goes fly-fishing whenever he has the chance. Largemouth bass in Half Moon Lake with his kids, near their home, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Cutthroat trout while on tour in Montana. He recently started organizing his solo-tour schedule around fly-fishing: a trout trip to a secret stretch of river in the Catskills (“Some places you have to be a bit closed-lips about”) was followed by a concert in Brooklyn, and then by an afternoon angling for bluegill and bass in Central Park, with two of his bandmates, Zach Hanson and Ben Lester. “I’m not, like, driven by success or fame,” Carey said. “I’d rather go fishing.”

Snapping turtles stretched out along the banks of the Harlem Meer, which is stocked with bass, crappie, and catfish. “Urban fishing is a whole different thing,” Carey said, walking by a little boy. “You’ve got to be careful not to hook anyone!” Nearby, James Brown blasted from a boom box on an electric scooter, and a local fisherman, dressed in a green tracksuit, caught a six-inch largemouth bass.

Carey wore a hoodie, green Crocs, and polarized sunglasses, and carried a Patagonia tackle bag packed with flies, snacks, and a Lawrence Ferlinghetti book. “Fishing gets you out of your own head,” he said. “Hours can pass, and you’re, like, ‘I don’t know what time it is.’ ” He held a fly rod under his left arm as he tied a fluffy orange-and-gold homemade Woolly Bugger onto the line. “I’m terrible at knots, actually,” he said, twisting the filament ten times.

“You do ten, huh? I, like, max out at six, maybe!” Lester said. He had on camo Crocs and a canvas fly vest. Carey threw out a cast, which landed near a partially submerged orange construction cone. Lester caught a six-inch bluegill. “I grew up spin-casting,” Carey said. “It was my dad’s favorite hobby.” Fifteen years ago, in college, in Eau Claire, Lester taught Carey to fly-fish. “By the end of that summer, I was addicted,” Carey said.

A few years later, Justin Vernon, Bon Iver’s front man, uploaded his début album, “For Emma, Forever Ago,” to MySpace. He had recorded the LP at a cabin in Wisconsin. Carey said, “I took it upon myself to learn all the songs really, really well. At his first show, at this coffee shop with eighty people, I just told him, ‘Hey, man, do you want me to play drums and sing? I can do it.’ And he was just blown away by it.” Two hours before Bon Iver’s first show, Carey became the second member of the band. The group’s next album won a Grammy.

In 2009, Carey started recording his own first record in the spare moments between touring and fishing trips. He released his most recent album, “Break Me Open,” last year, on Earth Day. “It’s about loss and change and grief,” he said. In 2021, Carey’s marriage fell apart; his dad died a few months later. “It was tough and dark, and the music was a huge way out,” he said.

Around five o’clock, a stranger in a wide-brimmed hat and Birkenstocks shouted, “There’s a big white carp in the corner over there!” He added, “This is my home water. I live across the street.” He grinned. “I’m not fishing today, but this is my home water, man.” A huge fish swam toward the shore. Hanson cast at it, and the carp darted away.

The stranger suggested another spot: “Go through the woods. There’s, like, a crick that runs through, and you follow the crick up over to the West Side, and there’s a pond on that side, too.” In Central Park, the woods are called the Ravine, the crick is known as the Loch, and the pond is the Pool.

The Pool was a bust, so Carey wandered to a billion-gallon lake he’d heard about, the Reservoir. “I thought it’d be funny to walk around with all these fly vests and fishing gear,” he said, “but nobody’s batted an eye.”

A man rode past on a double-decker custom-made bicycle. A gaggle of birders aimed expensive lenses up into a tree. Someone on a park bench smoked a blunt, and a group of friends debated superpowers.

“What’s the ultimate superpower, man?”

“Super strength!”

“Flying!”

“A lot of them are unique, that’s all I’m gonna say. But the best one?”

“Wings.”

“Levitating!”

At the Reservoir, Carey peered over an iron fence. “I like the water clarity,” he said. But there was no access. He’d caught only one fish all day.

“Let’s eat something!” Lester said.

They located a Mister Softee truck out on Fifth Avenue. Lester and Hanson ordered vanilla cones, and Carey got an Oreo Crunchie Crash. “I suppose if you’re gonna live in a city, you know, it’s a pretty good one,” he said. ♦

[blue-opossum]

Fishing with Toby

        Fishing with Toby

        3 minutes to read.

        Thursday morning, 8 June 2023.

        Dream #: 20,625-02.

        My current real-life identity is wholly absent from this dream (natural virtual amnesia from not being conscious), and my dream self, at least 30 years younger, is in America.

        Toby (best friend and schoolmate from years ago) visits me. I live in a first-floor apartment in an unknown location. I go with him to an unfamiliar lake. I anticipate fishing. I had not brought a fishing pole, but Toby had brought mine along without me realizing it.

        Over time, the setting (and my position) slowly transforms (as is typical of dreams). First, I am on the flat shore of the lake. I cast a lure (that looks like a little plastic fish) a considerable distance. When I reel it in, I see several small fish (not much bigger than the lure) following it between rocky areas. Even so, I hook the back one-quarter of a largemouth bass. It appears perfectly sliced. I unhook it and throw it back into the water. Meanwhile, I tell Toby how I used to catch small rock bass.

        I hook onto a second perfectly sliced back quarter of a bass, virtually identical to the first. I begin to consider that I do not have a fishing license, so stop fishing in case a warden approaches the area. I think Toby has a fishing license and will pretend I am in the area solely to watch him.

        At this point, the setting had transformed around me - and I am now sitting on an elevated area. Below me, a short distance in front of me - is a man fishing side by side with his son. It is now almost like a steep set of bleachers made of rocks. It will be a challenge (I reason) for me to climb back to the top and onto flat land. Toby is already up there. I am now more aware of my vivid but illusory vestibular response to REM atonia (what caused my dream's setting to transform as such), an attribute that has occurred in dreams every sleep cycle. My illusory perception of height and physicality is extraordinarily vivid, as is predictable for this response to this REM sleep stage.

        I find myself on flat land in a featureless area, seeing two unfamiliar men approaching. They are not interested in checking to see if I have a fishing license. I tell them that all the largemouth bass were sliced into quarters. One tells me, "There's nobody there," even though a few others are fishing.

        One man says they chop up all the biggest (and oldest) bass every year to feed the smallest (and youngest) ones. It seems strange, but I do not say anything.

        I return to my fictitious apartment and realize the door is locked when I try to open it - so I cannot get in. I "know" Toby had placed my fishing rod back inside. In a short time, I realize I should "open the door" to my real-world home and leave the dream state, and so I do.

        A door signifies a transition in REM sleep dynamics and the virtual "barrier" between consciousness and the illusion of dreaming. All my life, I have habitually (by intuition) or deliberately (with lucidness) used doors to either enter a vivid and sustained offset dream or exit the dream state. In this case, the "door" I use after trying the locked one (with physical realism when I push it) is only an unrendered abstract thought.

        Statistics:

        Doors occur a few times every sleep cycle and signify my level of dream state perception and sleep dynamics regarding potential changes in dream state awareness (including as a precursor to real-world consciousness).

        Bodies of water occur every sleep cycle. They always feature (sometimes with hundreds of briefly perceived scenes) in my first stages of hypnagogia - and often appear later as a response to my level of physical energy and REM atonia nuances (regarding sleep dynamics) while sleeping.

        Height navigation occurs every sleep cycle as an intuitive response to vestibular dynamics resulting from REM sleep. In contrast, flying has occurred every sleep cycle for over 50 years for the same reason (with slightly different REM atonia nuances).

        I write about legitimate causality from over 50 years of a continual close study of my dreaming experiences (and understanding causes, influences, and responses as I navigate a dream), not "dream interpretation," which is a false belief and invalid practice (in most forms).