That’s good friend and accomplished angler Denis Fay, on a drift down the Androscoggin River with our guide Jon Howe last week.
We have profiled Denis in past posts – he seems to relish landing the rare fish species of the north country, and that day last week was no different.
In the past, he has called this specimen the “Bronze Prince of the Androscoggin” (to be honest, there’s plenty of these fish in the Connecticut River – they are not relegated to the Andro), and this latest one earned the moniker “Androscoggin Tarpon”. Great name – it does look like a small tarpon, though a shade too dark.
The common name for this fish is the “chubb”, a far too dull description for this exquisite fish …
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By: bs
Tom Caron dispenses advice, wisdom, and bs in the pursuit of trout and salmon daily for Tall Timber guests.
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See You at the Show!
Salmon Serenade
Upper Connecticut River Fishing Report: 8/25
Connecticut River Flow Update: 8/12
A Glimmer of Hope
Bruce "Sluice"
June 20, 2016 — 3:21 pm
Having the joy of fishing with Denis since the 1970s for some reason he is capable of more “Bycatch” than an entire Tuna Fleet. If it burrows, slithers, crawls, walks, fly’s, or swims – it will somehow become attached to the end of his fishing line. Over the years he has mentored me in the proper release of all forms of critters. I could not help but notice he was already an expert in this area as a much younger man. Other than the Chubb (Copper King) he is particularly fond of the Big Brown Bat which he considers more elusive than the Rainbow Bat
bs
June 20, 2016 — 5:11 pm
Well said, Bruce – we missed you this year. Interesting revelation about Denis – I knew that the Bronze Prince was the tip of the iceberg of the species he has conquered with his fly rod.
Ed Hermenau
June 20, 2016 — 3:40 pm
It is uncanny and a bit mystical how Denis can attract and hook these wary creatures!!!
bs
June 20, 2016 — 5:13 pm
Denis is a true “whisperer” of the Androscoggin Tarpon …
Bruce "Sluice"
June 20, 2016 — 8:02 pm
Denis is a NYC edition of Steve Irwin – take him “out-West” and he chases down every snake he can get his hands on. Denis also knows how to handle the “Winged Wizard of the Water”!
Ed H
June 20, 2016 — 8:29 pm
And don’t we all aspire to that!!
GOV
June 21, 2016 — 10:02 pm
Jeeze, looks like Dennis is dressed down this year. BS, I would just like to say good job at keeping this fishing blog up to date – Keep up the good and humorous work
bs
June 21, 2016 — 11:40 pm
Thank you for your comments – just trying to keep everyone apprised of what’s happening up here, and getting out on the water when I can!
Bruce "Sluice"
June 24, 2016 — 5:50 pm
Ironed Simms shirt, new boots
And he knows where Jon is taking him to…
Pressed pants, fresh leader tie,
Den don’t need a reason why
They come swimming’ just as fast as they can
‘Cause every Chubb crazy ’bout a sharp dressed fisherman
Denis Fay
June 24, 2016 — 11:13 pm
Thanks, all, I guess a few comments are in order following such a nice posting:
With respect to the fish, I always appreciate seeing the Bronze Prince getting some sporting coverage – my usual comments still apply: They live in the same water and eat the same food as the trout and at least initially, you’re not sure which you might have on the line. Next, I’ve caught far more 18 inch trout than 18 inch Chubs, so that makes the big Chub a rarer trophy. Finally, any river which can grow an 18 inch Chub can grow a Trout large enough to eat it, and that is indeed a happy prospect!
GOV: the second photo was taken on a comfortable fall day in Sept. The temp last week was hot (for me) in the 70s. Even on the formal beats like the Itchen, when it gets warm like that one is usually invited to loosen one’s tie. Over here, I just lose it altogether.
My pals Brooocie and Deadly Edly are too kind with their compliments as my ‘catch’ is probably due more to persistence and fortuitous happenstance than to skill, plus it’s not very difficult to do the occasional correct thing when one has made so many mistakes in the learning process.
Finally, one can never go wrong with the assistance of local knowledge, and in that respect, we aspiring anglers are but fleas on the backs of the Shih Tzus which were devoured by that lion Jon Howe. Jon, it seems, can always put me in the right position for success. In gratitude, if you’re as fortunate with trophy Chubs as I was, I recommend that following your handling the regal Chub for the camera, you immediately shake Jon’s hand (insist on it as Jon is naturally restrained) and pat him on the back several times…in fact, as many times as it takes to dry your hand on his shirt. Guides always appreciate such a sincere gesture of gratitude.
Unfortunately, this 21st annual Great North Woods Angling Safari is now complete, but as GOV noted, at least we can get a frequent ‘fix’ by checking Tom’s reports until next year rolls in for another real-life adventure!
Ned Conger
June 25, 2016 — 10:15 pm
Delightful!