OK, I am always reluctant to post these types of things, but Chuck said he would post it if I didn't, LOL!!! He is the reason I participate in the TPWD programs and a great friend/mentor to me. Participating in these programs has multiplied the enjoyment of fishing for me. With the help of people like Chuck, Jagg, Ben, Cliff and others I have been able to learn about each species of fish, their habits, and techniques for fly fishing for them.

My first goal was to get my Elite Angler Certificate. I accomplished that goal in 6 months. Along the path I also broke the State Private Water Body Fly record for a green sunfish. More importantly, I learned a tremendous amount about fishing. For me, it was like learning a foreign language. One day it just snapped. I realized I was missing at least 2/3rds of the bites. More importantly, I was missing trophy sized fish. I learned to feel the bite, and more importantly, to detect the small movements in the line. I caught 4 different species of trophy fish in February of this year. Without doubt, I would have missed the bite on 3 of the 4 in the past.

I have access to fish over 20 ponds now. I found long ear sunfish at a ranch I fish. 2 of the 3 ponds on that ranch have long ear in them. Those were the only 2 ponds I have caught them. I found out why in my Bluegill vs. Sunfish thread (Jagg posted some outstanding information on the thread). The reason why is the long ear's natural environment is not a pond or lake. Their natural environment is in rivers and creeks. So finding these beautiful fish in a private pond was exciting. They were stocked in these ponds years ago by the patriarch of the family who owned the ranch.

I only use a fly rod when I fish for bluegill and sunfish. I also only use recognized flies and no types of scents or live bait, per the TPWD requirements. This can make the fishing quite challenging at times. But I found a fly I have great confidence in, and frankly, it taught me how to fish. The fly is the Briminator. So I took the fly and started working those ponds hard for a couple of weeks. At first, I caught about 40 bluegill and 10 greenies for every one Long ear I caught. I eventually found a technique that worked and was able to improve the catch rate. Finally, I caught a long ear I could be proud of.

The long ear was 8.25 inches and weighed 0.56 lbs. It ties the overall State Private Water Body Record set by Chuck. It also establishes the State Private Water Body Fly Fishing Record.

Congrats J-Moe! Good job on the State Record!

"CONGRATULATIONS"! Learning and dedication has paid off!




Side Note: That is one very BEAUTIFUL FISH! For their size one heck of a fighter. Keep in mind the most important thing about fishing is to have FUN!

Great post "J-Moe"! Congratulations on your State Record! Great fish.





Side Note: Did you get all of your fish for the Elite Angler on the flyrod?

That is a monster. Good job.

Thanks Wadefishing, Chuck, Glitter Done and drrouter. I really appreciate the comments!!!

No, Glitter Done, I caught 3 of the 5 on a fly rod. I caught a trophy Rio on an live worm and a trophy white bass on a jig. Cliff told me he is the only person to ever catch all 5 on the fly rod.

Way to go Jamie. You are a fishing addict

Awesome job!

I just moved out here and had to leave all my known waters behind, so I am slowly working towards finding some of those privately owned ponds to fish myself.

Patience and perseverance are the name of the game and fly fishing adds a whole 'nother dimension to it.

Congrats.

Nice longear...WTG on the record

Nice Job!!!

Nice catching. Congrats!

Bob

Actually Jamie, I was the first one to get the Elite Award on the fly rod. Since then Mike Schlimgen, a guy who fishes the Hill Country rivers, has earned the Elite Award on a fly rod. Keep getting those records, it is a fun hobby!

Cliff

Thanks for all the congrats and comments guys, I appreciate it.

I see Mike's name a lot on the records book. He is one heck of a fly angler and outdoors man. He also beat me on one of my Hill Country Records! Love the record chasing and yes they are made to be broken.


Side Note: Congratulations also Cliff on your Elite and Welcome to the Club.

Congratulations on your nice catch!!!