This day Paul Jacoby was in the barrel for his graduation class trip. Kenny took Paul to Montauk State park to fish the Current river. Jim Craig and Pete Drochelman joined them on this beautiful fall day. Paul went through all his techniques learned in class; swinging, stripping, nymphing, etc. and had trout in the net before lunch. In the morning, the fishing was a little tough which was expected since the morning started out cold. But the trout fell for a small black Woolybugger that Paul threw at them. Jim and Pete found the same thing fishing near the spring that the cold temps made the fishing a little tough.
After lunch, the temps went up a good 10 – 15 degrees and we had to peel off a layer of clothing. A few hatches were seen. We made the decision, since it was the catch and release season and the “whole park” was open, to fish near the campground. We all started at the bridge and worked our way down to the handicap area. During the catch and release season you are NOT allowed to fish in the park below the handicap area. The water was slightly off colored and a little higher than normal – perfect! The guys started with nymphs but changed to mohair leeches and woolybuggers. It seemed that these flies were just more effective. Lots of trout were caught in this stretch which is mostly forgotten by our fly fishers.
We ended Paul’s graduation with fellowship Mexican dinner at El Nopal in Sullivan. I have a feeling that many of you will see Paul with us in the future. He seems to be grabbing this bull by the horns.