Meet Dr. Kurt Mueller
Anglers
seem to like a good fish story. Here's one from 2011.
First, some background. Dr. Kurt Mueller's
home is Germany. Kurt is a retired sociology professor who has fished many of the world's famed waters, but most fishing
seasons find Kurt and his wife In Nova Scotia. They have a camp in the Lochaber area that serves as a base for travel, fishing,
and other recreation.
Kurt fits well in Nova Scotia because he is friendly,
generous, interesting, very knowledgeable and an excellent fisherman. Naturally he's developed many friendships in this
area.
Our fish story concerns Kurt's quest for giant sea-run brown trout in Guysborough County. I know from
my own experience that this mission is a very difficult but highly rewarding achievement.
Most folks who follow this well-worn path quickly learn that these fussy, cautious and wily fish don't come easy.
In fact, I'd say that one is lucky to land just one of these monsters in a lifetime!
This of course deters many anglers from pursuing these challenging fish. This sport is not for everyone. But this summer
Kurt proved that he has what it takes!
His fish was caught in late June 2011, measured
28” and weighed nine pounds. It was taken on an old six-weight Sage RPL rod and a seven- weight clear sinking line.
He beached the fish after a 20 minute battle, and what a prize it was!
Kurt very generously sent us a photo of this
magnificent fish and even the actual fly that took him, a creation of Kurt's called Littel Sea Hors. Please don’t
ask where he caught it because that’s a little too much information. Know what I mean?
To all naysayers who don’t trust barbless flies – Kurt’s fly is barbless!
Littel Sea Hors
Hook: Stainless,
barbless saltwater long-shanked hook, size 6
Thread:
Black
Tail:
4 strands gold Krystal Flash,
then sparse white calftail,
then a smidgeon of shorter pink calftail,
then natural mallard flank forming a “roof” over the tail,
Spey fly style
Eyes:
Heavy monofilament melted to form prawn eyes,
lacquered black and divided
Rib:
Red wire
Hackle/body: Grizzly, tied collar style at front of hook
shank,
then tied down to form body with wire ribbing
making hackle fibre tips form the hackle, just behind the eyes
Wing:
Pine or fox squirrel reaching almost to tail’s end
Head:
Black
Note that the fly’s body is fashioned in a most unconventional
manner, maybe a new
method developed by Kurt. I’ve never seen it used before, but
it looks great. Maybe the big brown hadn’t encountered it either!
Please send comments and suggestions to:
slim@rivermagic.ca
Please stay on the line …
Santa's watching!
