The Original Dobson Clip "Hands Free" Rodholder

Steve's done it again! I hate to brag, but that brother of mine is one smart feller. Years ago, he invented a system that allows a person to control a professional video camera from a wheelchair. He won serious kudos and an industry award for the innovation.

Now he's designed the perfect "hands free" rodholder that attaches to your fishing vest. It allows an angler to change flies, change leaders, or release fish unencumbered by the rod. At the same time the Dobson Clip holds your rod perfectly balanced and positioned for a great catch and release photo. At $14.95 (tax and shipping included) this is a must-have gadget for the serious fly fisher. Check it out at The Original Dobson Clip website.

Photo by Dave Dobson.

"Your true colors... are beautiful like a rainbow." C. Lauper

I have been at Acadia University this week learning about communication, collaboration, and inclusive education. My course is in the morning so that leaves my afternoon or evening free for fishing. There is a small lake only about 15 miles from campus that is stocked annually with rainbow trout - a species not native to Nova Scotia. After looking at a few maps and making some inquiries, I found my way to the shore of the lake and waded out.

I hooked one right away and stripped in line till I had the fish in close, then decided to wind up the slack and play him on the reel. That's when he did some aerobatics and finessed himself a long-distance release. The second fish was much the same. The third and fourth, I managed to bring to hand and release. In thinking about the experience, I love seeing and touching the fish, but I kind of like the LDR - it's a Win-Win situation. The fisherman wins because he fooled the fish into striking his fly, the fish wins, because he escaped from his predicament. The most successful fly was my #8 Rumsey Lake Minnow (3 out of 4 fish) and the other was the magic dry fly - #10 Tom Thumb.

TIP: For summer fishing, when it's too hot for waders, I like to wear shorts and an old pair of sneakers - but running shoes don't dry easily - they stay damp and smelly. I've tried those "river shoes" with the rubber sole and mesh top, which dry in a jiffy, but they don't offer much protection from rocks. This year I stumbled upon a pair of molded rubber clogs at WalMart for only $8 - knock-offs of the popular Crocs brand. I decided to give them a try. They are great - lightweight, comfortable, washable, fast-drying and like a suit of armor for your toes.

"When a man gets to a certain age, he stops looking at women and starts looking at boats." H.R. Dobson

I don't know if I believe the part about "stops looking at women"... I still look at sunsets, plants and birds, and water - things I find beauty in - and yes, the female form is in that category. Maybe I haven't reached that age yet.

Yesterday, I put the boat in the river for the first time since having the patch welded. To my great relief, the floor stayed dry as a bone. The anchor drop, new oars and oarlocks all worked like a charm. At 54" across the beam, she is wide and roomy for a not-quite 12' boat. I think I'm going to like her.


Photo by Random Phrump: Medway River, Nova Scotia.