Speckled trout fishing is something different for everyone.
For those on the hunt for trophy fish, it's a never-ending quest to piece together elements out of our control with the hope that the one you're after is there and ready to eat.
With two consecutive cold stuns in the Mid-Atlantic, many struggled to find trophy-class fish. But they aren't all gone.
We caught up with Thomas Licht @kickinass.catchinbass who consistently found himself on solid fish when most were scratching their heads. Not to mention, the two over 30” fish he landed.
Swipe on through to learn what keeps him pumped about trophy trout and how it felt to land two giants.
LIVE OFF THE CLOCK
#speckledtrout #lighttacklefishing #troutfiends
Nothing gets you more pumped to paddle out in a 5 mil than seeing your buddy, or in this case, brother, set his line on a good one.
Another successful post-work session in the books. February has been treating us well.
LIVE OFF THE CLOCK
#wintersurfing #eastcoastsurf #lifeisbetterina5mil
Gear & Guides // RENEGADE FLY ROD & REEL REVIEW
I don’t always fly fish, but when I do, I want a setup that performs from the jump. The @renegadetackleco Black Series 8wt rod and White Series 7/8wt reel do just that.
— Tim
LIVE OFF THE CLOCK
#flyfishingsaltwater #flyrods #flyreels
CT Conversations // Jason Stick
Our first installment of CT Conversations takes a peek into the mind of Virginia Beach local Jason Stick.
Jason is 46 years old and wears a number of hats. He is a husband, father of two, Senior Marketing Specialist, Editor in Chief of Mothflame ‘Zine, photographer, and self-proclaimed “amateur” woodworker.
With the deck stacked, Jason still makes sure that he finds time to pursue his passions of surfing and woodworking.
LIVE OFF THE CLOCK
@smallwave_andrew | @jasonstick
Hey. We’re still here. Thank you for sticking with us over the years.
From the beginning, it’s been tough to define the Chasing Tides Collective. Truth be told, we never had a plan. Governed by the enthusiasm of the moment, we set course for a perpetual state of evolution, dabbling in diversions of direction and accommodating shifts in focus.
Set in our commitment to document the good times in whatever way they present themselves: fish or no fish, clean waves or slop, good food and cold beers, our persistence helped us grow creatively and evolve as storytellers.
Along the way, our lives never stopped. Our group dynamic and output changed. Job layoffs, different paths carved, families grown, the rat race engaged, burnout, and the trials of self-employment have all played a part in this journey.
So where does that leave us, now? An endless balancing act and constantly adapting to what life throws at us. But, we’re not going anywhere. Our passion for documenting still burns brightly. As the pieces of our individual puzzles multiply, we are collectively adjusting to how we can scratch our creative itches.
Welcome to The Ramblin’ Rooster. Digestible tidbits, personal reflections, or mini-stories, The Ramblin’ Rooster represents one solution for this current chapter with Chasing Tides Collective. The Ramblin’ Rooster will be waiting for you in your inbox, serving as one last form of procrastination as you sip your coffee and prepare for the day.
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive!
LIVE OFF THE CLOCK,
Tim, Ryan, & Nick
On Sunday, around 345 in the afternoon, I performed an inadequate duck dive, resulting in my board being ripped from my arms and my body pinned to the sandbar. I couldn’t have been happier.
Winter storm Fern served up a much-needed shot of juice for those who capitalized on the opportunity. Compared to years past, our lackluster winter has left many of us feeling cagey, with only minimal reprieve from log days and a couple of belly-button-high sessions that help scratch the itch. But those only give a false sense of satisfaction, like when you choose to clean every dish in the sink but leave the last one soaking for the next day.
Fern looked like another wasted storm system, generating swell only to be consumed by bad winds in the area. Slowly, as the storm drew closer a glimmer of hope shined—a window an hour before dark. Then the window grew and the wind switch offshore around 2pm.
From about 3pm till dark, ‘ol Fern left us with clean chest to head high wedges that made the cold and mayhem of the world disappear temporarily, leaving those who indulged with sore shoulders and smiles that will last until the next swell arrives.
Thank you, Fern. May we have another?
-Tim
Water Shots: @smallwave_andrew
Land Shots: @timmmmmmmm1110
LIVE OFF THE CLOCK
#wintersurf #wintersurfing #winterwaves
Chasing the last light bite after the work day.
The definition of our motto…LIVE OFF THE CLOCK
A phrase of revival
“To chase your passions, despite the daily grind.”
“There were no surprises among the retired lures hanging on the wall. The familiar trophy trout lures like Paul Brown Fat Boy, Steve’s Lures Broken Back Corky, Paul Brown Soft Dine, Mirrolure MR27, and typical topwater lures were displayed proudly.
The difference between those lures and those sitting in my tackle box is the “Day of Legend” anecdotes accompanying them. Like the Rapala Skitter V topwater used to catch a 29” and 28” trout in one day and two 27” and a 27.5” trout later that same month.”
From “Charlie’s Trout Den” written by Tim Homa
Read this article and others by visiting our website.
LIVE OFF THE CLOCK
DEC19 SWELL RECAP // In a wave-starved season, it hurts to miss waves when they show. While we were out of town for Christmas, we kept glued to the cams Sunday morning, but couldn’t help but reminisce about a couple of weeks ago when the ocean and offshore wind gave us something real nice. As always, Andrew’s words and imagery nail the emotions of the day.
LIVE OFF THE CLOCK
Starting to really dig the Mad Max vibe of this place. Post-apocalyptic is so in.
If anyone wants to go in on that vessel let us know.
LIVE OFF THE CLOCK
Welp, Tautog sure as cuss aren't the prettiest looking fish in the ocean, but that's okay because they are fun as hell to catch and one of the best tasting fish out there.
Fun times hitting familiar spots and seeking new ones with the @lospescadores_vb crew, and big shout out to Carl, the wreck anchor, for holding on till the last drop.
LIVE OFF THE CLOCK
#tautog #bottomfishing #chesapeakebay #bottomfishing
RECIPE: The Chesapeake Ranch Water
INGREDIENTS:
• Topo Chico Mineral Water
• Espolòn Tequila Reposado
• Orange Bitters
• Lime Juice
• Grenadine
• Jalapeño
• Old Bay Syrup OLD BAY SYRUP:
• ½ Cup Honey
• ½ Cup Water
• 3 Teaspoons of Old Bay
• Boil - Simmer - Cool
Swipe for instructions.
Cheers
