Justin McGuffin rang in the New Year on Jan. 5 with a carp on the fly rod from a local river.
“I geared up and carefully stalked the banks with not a fish spotted,’’ he messaged. “I was ready to call it when I saw a chunky carp cruise by me. It disappeared into the murk. I decided to stick it out and kept looking for a carp to feed a fly to. I finally walked up on a small pod of healthy looking fish. I tucked myself into some snow and reeds to stay out of view. I picked a target out and made my presentation only to get denied over and over again.
“I decided to switch up fly patterns. After I switched offerings the carp regrouped and I dropped the fly right in front of one. It turned down on it and I saw the gills flare out. I lost sight of my fly and went for the hook set. Feeling that weight on the other end told me I made the right call. After a quick fight the fish was in the net for a picture and a quick release.’’
FOTW, the celebration of big fish and their stories (the stories matter) around Chicago fishing, runs Wednesdays in the Sun-Times. Submit nominations by message on Facebook (Dale Bowman), on Twitter (@BowmanOutside) and Instagram (@BowmanOutside) or email (BowmanOutside@gmail.com).
