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GIFT ITEMS

Do you have STRIPER FEVER? Sublimation and direct giclee printing allows for full color imprinting of these Striped Bass on several items. Click on this image above to see how one publisher has done this on many items you can purchase.

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Do you have CRAPPIE FEVER? Sublimation and direct giclee printing allows for full color imprinting of these crappie fish on several items. Click on this image above to see how one publisher has done this on many items you can purchase.

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In 1979, shortly after moving to Flagstaff, I knew that outdoor recreation was to become one of my primary activities. After 25 years of living in Los Angeles this area represented absolute freedom. I immediately purchased a kayak building kit and started assembying it in my garage.

These photos show some of that process, I wish I had taken more pictures. Needless to say, I did not follow the manufacture's instructions. I built it better, stronger and with more features. I added secure flooring and internal small shelves to hold things. It was a prize when completed. Being built so well it went through the water like a shark. Some wonderful times were had in this home built kayak. Photo above right is of Lake Mary, south of Flagstaff, first day in the water!

However, as time went by I made some discoveries I hadn't anticipated. The boat was heavy as I over-built it. It required two people to handle it, load it on top of the car for transport, etc. Also the inside space was cramped for fishing. You couldn't relax, sit back nor turn around. I even lost some fishing as a result of this difficulty. And, I could never go out alone.

After two years of pure enjoyment of boating and fishing in small personal watercraft I realized that I wanted to continue this activity but I wanted a bit more freedom and comfort. I gave the kayak away to an admiring friend.

Then inflatables came into my life and it has remained that way til today.

My all time favorite personal inflatable boat, the SEA EAGLE. I enjoyed this boat for over ten years without a leak! I caught every kind of fish you can imagine, including striped bass at Lake Powell. I used to float along the shoreline; brought in an eight pound striper once. YES ! Can you imagine the state of emergency when I caught a thirty inch northern pike in Mormon Lake and brought it into this boat? They can bite right through it. Descretion became part of my fishing pattern. This photo is a calmer day on one of the lakes near Williams, Arizona.

On those weekend adventures with my wife we found we needed a slightly larger inflatable craft. We bought this one, a Sevylor, from the local outdoor outfitter store and we had many wonderful times. BTW, I enhanced the experience of both inflatables. I built wooden floors for them and had cut carpets inside. Inflatable boats can get pretty hot in the hot sun and a cushioned cool floor made boating and fishing far more fun!

Lees Ferry in 1982

Thirty-one inches long, weighed over ten pounds. Quite a rainbow trout, back when live bait, nightcrawlers, were legal and preferred in Marble Canyon. Caught at Water Holes Canyon in the Colorado River on last day of a three day camping trip. Limit was four then. Had to eat trout for breakfast in order to keep fishing. What a memory !!!

Motor required.

Taxidermist's interpretation of Mormon Lake Northern Pike.