- The previous two weekends of July have been extremely eventful, to say the least. My non-fishing activities has picked up drastically, with everything from weddings, bachelor parties, holidays, and birthdays. Friends, family, and new faces have made my Summer back home one of the most enjoyable to date, and with about a month left (and a visit from my southern Maine counterparts this coming weekend) the good times should continue to roll-god willing.
 

The crew relaxing on a Glazier Lake beach, soaking up the Summer sun.


 

Red Neck Yacht Club?


 
Among the many exciting activities that have managed to flood my recent weekends have been two trips to Glazier lake. The first trip started extremely rocky but managed to be one of the most memorable Allagash trips I’ve ever had. It’s funny how a blown tire, giant hole in the side of a canoe, and a night sleeping in a tent with no tent polls can actually turn out to be enjoyable. Trips with anyone from the northern Maine crew and Team Chaos rarely have a dull moment, and this first trip was no exception. No fish were seen that Saturday, but that was largely due to the fact that most of us were more interested in kicking back and enjoying the beautiful July day on the water. After a long float down the Saint Francis river and plenty of laughs along the way, all of the memories I made are a fine replacement for any Muskie we failed to catch.
 

A cloudy Saint Francis River afternoon


 

Saint John River Boat Landing


 
Weekend 2 on Glazier lake was much more laid back and slightly less populated. With my motor finally running like the finely tuned piece of Johnson 8 greatness that I always knew it was, I opted to play guide and let ol’ Derplo do the fishing from the front of my canoe. I trolled him along banks, kept the canoe steady so he could cast against ledges, and slowly navigated up small rips doing all that I could to follow his instructions in search of a Muskie. This time lady luck was on our side and a little bit of patience and persistence paid off. The fish wasn’t huge by any stretch, but Derick was out of his mind with excitement just the same. Gotta love when the stars align!
 

Derick Plourde with his first July Muskie.


 
I’m not sure if Glazier lake is on my list of places to go this weekend, but I wouldn’t be surprised if I found myself floating on it’s Muskie infested waters yet again. The next trip you can rest assured my fly rod will come along and get a serious workout. While trip number 1 left me with a soar shoulder 300 casts later, trip number three I’ll be sure to remember the ibuprofen.
 
After all, I need to get a little more training in before the Muskie fishing derby!
 
-Ben

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Derplo’ed

By admin | Filed in Allagash, Fishing, Maine, Muskie, Official, Photography

Derplo took a day off and decided to sit in the front of my canoe for a change. He was rewarded with his first muskie of the month!

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A Shirt To Match

By admin | Filed in Abel Reels, Art, Clothing

- Nothing attracts the ladies like an Abel Reel with a custom fish finish…..unless of course you have the shirt to match. For $25 you too can cruise the flats in style. More than one reel? Buy more than one shirt-duh.
 

Click to Order! www.abelreels.com


 
Tight Lines,
 
-Ben

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Be Patient…

By admin | Filed in Maine, Photography, Pictures

- The weather has been ever so enjoyable lately, hence the absence of activity here at the Up’North compound. The next few days call for rain, so that should provide me with ample time to post what I want to post, tweak what I want to tweak, and add what I want to add. For now, you’ll just have to deal with a few more photographic memories from this past weekend on Glazier lake. Enjoy!
 

Captain Derplo, kicking back on Glazier lake.


 

Northern Maine Bentleys


 
Tight Lines,
 
-Ben

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- I’m dodging the rain to do a little trout fishing, so my weekend report will have to wait! Here is a glimpse of what you’re missing in the meantime!
 

Summertime, and the livings easy.


 
This is why I never have a difficult time explaining to people why I love living in northern Maine. Just remember, if it looks like heaven, it probably is.
 
-Ben

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More from Morr

By admin | Filed in Art, Blogs, Fly Fishing, Inspiration, Photography

- It’s been a while since we’ve checked in with fly fishing photography genius Mr. Jay Morr. I do my best to frequent his site on a daily basis, as it motivates me to take better pictures. Unless you’ve played with a camera outside of the “auto” setting, it is difficult for some people to grasp photography as an art. But even an expensive camera doesn’t make most people better photographers, contrary to popular belief. Having a trained eye and the creativity to get the shots that few would even think existed, regardless of the camera, however, does. Jay Morr is a prime example of a photographer who does his homework, and each shot is proof that he is indeed an artist in every sense of the word.
 
Just check out the shot below to see for yourself, and don’t forget to check out Jay’s blog FlyFishermanForum.com
 

Photography by Jay Morr-WWW.FLYFISHERMANFORUM.COM


 
Trip report tonight! Tight Lines,

-Ben
.

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- Tonight I followed the tail end of a thunderstorm up to the pond in hopes of getting a little fishing in between storms. Water levels have risen substantially, but I didn’t care. A short break in the clouds offered me a welcome window for some casting, so I quickly began work launching line from my familiar spot on the bridge. Keeping a weary eye on the sky, and an ear out for the inevitable thunder that would surely echo through the valley, I began to vigorously work an active seem rolling off the edge of an old cement pier.
 
Strip, Strip, float
Strip, Strip, float
 
A lone salmon casually made his way to the surface to inspect my fly before disappearing into the murky water below. I remembered the spot and started fanning my cast to the opposite side of the pier, slowly working my way back towards where I last saw my landlocked friend. Again he appeared ever so slowly before turning away unimpressed. This time I picked up and threw a few yards further, dead drifting and hoping for the best. One aggressive swipe and a miss on my part and I was left laughing and shaking my head. I may have succeeded in fooling him, but he still managed the upper hand in the end.
 

 
I regained my composure and started casting again to the far side of the pier, gradually working my way across and back just as I had before. This time it was to no avail. As I began to question my next move I adjusted the hood of my rain coat and cursed under my breath as an approaching storm began to make it’s presence known. A clap of thunder rang out followed shortly by flash of lightning that tore through the sky like a warning from the heavens. It was time to stop waving my 9 foot graphite lightning rod overhead.
 
I quickly packed it up and made for the truck, snickering at the sky once I quickly found shelter from the storm. I drove to the edge of the pond and put the truck in park, opting to wait out what I thought was a passing event. As the skies continued their hellish dance all around me, oddly enough I found myself at ease. Maybe, just maybe it wasn’t the fishing that drew me to this location night after night. I sat mesmerized at this emerging theory.
 

 
It seems like lately, the more I fish the better I feel. The conflict I find in this is that while the rhythmic motions that come with casting always put my mind at ease, simply being in a place so familiar puts a smile on my face. I would in no way, shape, or form call it the most remote place in the world, but somewhere in the midst of all the organized chaos, I find myself constantly drawn to that historic location. Time after time I pass up more remote, and even more productive waters for that simple slice of concrete heaven.
 
Sometimes I catch fish, and sometimes I don’t.
Sometimes I enjoy the company of others, and sometimes I’m alone.
 
No matter the night, I always get the chance to sort out the day’s events and clear my head. Looking back at all of the curve balls life has thrown at me lately, I hold tightly to this welcome getaway. All the trials and tribulations, mixed with great success and the pride the comes from overcoming and accomplishing life goals, has left me with mixed feelings lately. Surely a post-college phase that many experience, right? But even as I move on to bigger and better things; a steady career and perhaps a family someday, I know deep down places like that bridge will never lose their undeniable grasp that firmly grips my soul.
 
 
When all is said and done, It is plain to see that sometimes, what I seek when fly fishing really has very little to do with the fish at all..
 
-Ben

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Strid Rewind

By admin | Filed in Art, Blogs, Brook Trout

A few months back I featured an artist by the name of Peter Strid. The local response was overwhelming, is it any wonder why? The talent and originality is obvious, but above all I believe that simplicity is what makes Peter Strid’s work stand out among the rest.
 
Here are a few of my favorites from his most recent features…
 

Original Painting by Peter Strid: www.stridart.blogspot.com


 

Original Painting by Peter Strid: www.stridart.blogspot.com


 

Original Painting by Peter Strid: www.stridart.blogspot.com


 
Much more available for your viewing pleasure at Peter Strid’s website! Take a gander.
 
Tight Lines,
 
-Ben

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Old School

By admin | Filed in Music, Official, Truth

- Just a little feel good music to kick start a hectic week!
 

 
Lots of new updates this week, hold on to your hats!
 
-Ben

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