tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1682930962077711702024-02-18T23:23:01.143-08:00Western Sport ShopWestern Sport Shop, Inc.
Hunting - Fishing - Fly Fishing
The complete resource for outdoor enthusiasts since 1947. We've been serving the needs of anglers, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts through several generations and have always taken the time to get the right answer, make the correct recommendation and help you enjoy your time afield.
This blog is to keep you up to date on conditions, events and happenings at our stores.Jim @ WSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17872972522979852347noreply@blogger.comBlogger185125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168293096207771170.post-18550530976256064222012-07-19T10:21:00.002-07:002012-07-19T10:24:41.517-07:00Salmon Season Starts HotWe may not have an active store front to get you set up, but we'd like to share the news that this salmon season has been strong! Last weekend, we ran up to Pt. Reyes and limited with nice fish. From the number of sport and party boats who were in the immediate vicinity, it was clear that the word may have gotten out. <br /><br />Hopefully, over the next few weeks, the fish will begin moving through the Duxbury/Muir Beach zones. Quantities and quality of bait looks good in almost every location we went through, so it's just a matter of the schools moving in.<br /><br />This from the California Department of Fish & Game:<br /><div><span style="font:bold 10pt Tahoma">California Department of Fish and Game News Release<br /><br /></span><span style="font:italic 10pt Tahoma">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</span><span style="font:10pt Tahoma"> - July 18, 2012</span></div><span style="font:10pt Tahoma"> <div><br /><strong>Media Contacts: </strong></div> <div><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Tahoma"> <p style="MARGIN:0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Tahoma;FONT-SIZE:10pt">Brett Kormos, </span><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Tahoma;FONT-SIZE:10pt">DFG</span><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Tahoma;FONT-SIZE:10pt"> Marine Region, <a href="tel:%28707%29%20576-3429" value="+17075763429" target="_blank">(707) 576-3429</a><br />Carrie Wilson, </span><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Tahoma;FONT-SIZE:10pt">DFG</span><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Tahoma;FONT-SIZE:10pt"> Communications, <a href="tel:%28831%29%20649-7191" value="+18316497191" target="_blank">(831) 649-7191</a><br /><br /><b>The Bite is On! Fishing for Salmon off </b></span><b><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Tahoma;FONT-SIZE:10pt">California</span></b><b><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Tahoma;FONT-SIZE:10pt"> </span></b><b><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Tahoma;FONT-SIZE:10pt">Coast</span></b><b><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Tahoma;FONT-SIZE:10pt"> is Best in Years</span></b><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Tahoma;FONT-SIZE:10pt"><br /><br />If your fishing gear has been in the garage collecting dust, now's the time to pull it out because the salmon are here, and the bite is on! Anglers and sport-fishing charters off the California coast are returning to the docks with full boats and happy customers as the strong ocean salmon bite continues, making 2012 one of the best salmon seasons in years.<br /><br />Mild weather and good ocean conditions are contributing to what fishermen and Department of Fish and Game (</span><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Tahoma;FONT-SIZE:10pt">DFG</span><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Tahoma;FONT-SIZE:10pt">) officials hope will continue to be a robust year for ocean salmon fishing. Hopes are also high for big returns to </span><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Tahoma;FONT-SIZE:10pt">California</span><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Tahoma;FONT-SIZE:10pt"> rivers this fall.<br /><br />“Thanks to the favorable ocean conditions and plentiful food, all the reports we are receiving from the coast are very positive,” said </span><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Tahoma;FONT-SIZE:10pt">DFG</span><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Tahoma;FONT-SIZE:10pt"> Northern Regional Manager Neil Manji. “The charter boats are coming back early enough to make two trips a day because everyone has been catching their limits.”<br /><br />The daily bag and possession limit is two salmon per person and the minimum size limit is 20 inches.<br /><br />After several years of closed and reduced salmon fishing seasons, </span><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Tahoma;FONT-SIZE:10pt">DFG</span><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Tahoma;FONT-SIZE:10pt"> and federal officials earlier this year estimated there would be thousands of adult salmon off the coast available for harvest. When ready, the fish will move inland for a run to their traditional spawning grounds.<br /><br />Early forecasts predicted 819,000 adult </span><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Tahoma;FONT-SIZE:10pt">Sacramento River</span><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Tahoma;FONT-SIZE:10pt"> fall-run Chinook and 1.7 million </span><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Tahoma;FONT-SIZE:10pt">Klamath River</span><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Tahoma;FONT-SIZE:10pt"> fall-run Chinook adults off the coast. Since the opener in April, recreational harvest estimates for Chinook salmon off the </span><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Tahoma;FONT-SIZE:10pt">California</span><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Tahoma;FONT-SIZE:10pt"> coast are the highest recorded since 2004. North of Horse Mountain, the totals are the highest since 2006 and five times those from 2011 during the same time period.<br /><br />The </span><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Tahoma;FONT-SIZE:10pt">San Francisco</span><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Tahoma;FONT-SIZE:10pt"> area harvest is the highest since 2006, and landings in the </span><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Tahoma;FONT-SIZE:10pt">Monterey</span><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Tahoma;FONT-SIZE:10pt"> area are the best seen since 2004. In the </span><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Tahoma;FONT-SIZE:10pt">Fort</span><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Tahoma;FONT-SIZE:10pt"> </span><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Tahoma;FONT-SIZE:10pt">Bragg</span><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Tahoma;FONT-SIZE:10pt"> area, landings have been more moderate, although comparable to seasons that occurred there in 2003 and 2004.<br /><br />“In my 26 years of working with salmon on the </span><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Tahoma;FONT-SIZE:10pt">North</span><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Tahoma;FONT-SIZE:10pt"> </span><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Tahoma;FONT-SIZE:10pt">Coast</span><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Tahoma;FONT-SIZE:10pt">, I have never seen such a remarkable beginning to a salmon season. If the start of the season is any indication of what’s in store for the second half, anglers should not miss this opportunity of a lifetime. Get out there and take advantage of this epic bite!” added Manji.</span></p></span></div></span>Jim @ WSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629992031682981396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168293096207771170.post-44187257228508009352012-07-17T10:58:00.000-07:002012-07-17T10:58:11.247-07:00Books and Items Available OnlineWe've been getting a number of requests for information about how to purchase new and used hunting, fishing and fly fishing books. If you were in the store towards the closing of our San Rafael location, you saw us busily boxing books and moving them off-site. Over the past couple months, we have been listing these through two sources - ABEBooks.com and via Amazon.com<br />
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These links will give you our currently available listings: <br />
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ABE Books - <a href="http://tinyurl.com/wssbooks-abe">http://tinyurl.com/wssbooks-abe</a><br />
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Amazon - <a href="http://tinyurl.com/wssbooks">http://tinyurl.com/wssbooks</a><br />
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There was also general merchandise left over from our hunting, fishing and fly fishing departments. (Note - all firearms and ammunition were sold before we closed the San Rafael location). Much of this is being assembled into lots and offerings via eBay. For now, the best way to find these items is to visit this link:<br />
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<a href="http://myworld.ebay.com/westernsportshop">http://myworld.ebay.com/westernsportshop</a><br />
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or search for ebay user <b>westernsportshop</b><br />
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Finally - a few words on flies. After a big organization and counting project, we have detailed counts of freshwater and saltwater fishing flies which are available. As you know, these were all high quality flies tied by Umpqua on Tiemco hooks. While we are offering some mixed lots of flies through <a href="http://myworld.ebay.com/westernsportshop">ebay</a>, <b><br /></b><br />
we have been selling larger quantities directly to interested dealers, clubs and lodges. If you wish to get some information regarding a bulk purchase of flies, please email me directly at wssjim at gmail dot com.Jim @ WSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629992031682981396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168293096207771170.post-29088853737297344532012-04-11T11:24:00.002-07:002012-04-11T11:35:38.640-07:00Carlo Bongio's New Guide Service<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd6oY-JgDLQnCmgS1N2-CZVHE0xGeMfeSLj1DbCkFJ5vBHQHJYKKDv_ign4oz3iG6hGf3fHi7DWJC-X7ouMoJD89MEY8q0lQo4zv7eTU0tdplzIUP9l5YgrWt8cZ-cxYzfhz5FFX5nbcc/s1600/Picture+1.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 66px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd6oY-JgDLQnCmgS1N2-CZVHE0xGeMfeSLj1DbCkFJ5vBHQHJYKKDv_ign4oz3iG6hGf3fHi7DWJC-X7ouMoJD89MEY8q0lQo4zv7eTU0tdplzIUP9l5YgrWt8cZ-cxYzfhz5FFX5nbcc/s320/Picture+1.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730211048342831890" border="0" /></a><br /><br />One of the persistently consistent emails which we receive is "Where's Carlo?" With the impressive number of years in which Carlo Bongio has been prowling the waterways of Northern California, spending a few hours under his tutelage has made a huge difference to a large number of avid anglers. Simply put, there are few people we wholeheartedly recommend as guides or teachers, and Carlo is one of them.<br /><br />So it was with great pleasure that we got wind of Carlo's new website - <a href="http://www.northcoastflyfish.com">North Coast Fly Fish</a> - <a href="http://www.northcoastflyfish.com">http://www.northcoastflyfish.com</a> - which makes his contact information quickly available to anyone looking for fly casting lessons, fly fishing guiding for steelhead, trout or largemouth bass and panfish, or even Tenkara rod fishing and nature hikes (in case you never heard, Carlo is an expert herpetologist and very knowledgeable mushroom hunter - check the <a href="http://www.northcoastflyfish.com/_nature_tours_guide_sevic.html">Nature Tours section</a> for more information.)<br /><br />You are encouraged to give Carlo to schedule lessons or trips. Enjoy!Jim @ WSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629992031682981396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168293096207771170.post-54129190255193477382012-02-03T08:04:00.000-08:002012-02-03T08:22:52.655-08:00San Rafael Store Now ClosedAs of January 31, 2012, we have closed our retail store at 902 Third Street in San Rafael. It's possible that the renovation team has already started working on the building for the new landlord. So, chances are it's soon going to look quite different than it has for the past years. Things change, and it is with a certain amount of sadness that I walked out the door for the last time.<br /><br />However, the things which made that location so special always had to do with the staff and customers. In recent days, many people took the time to share their stories and feelings. A store with history dating back to 1947 has a lot of tales, and that is what remains important. Physical locations come and go, but coming together with excitement about the first time a parent and child had success up at the watershed lakes, watching with amazement when your fly goes precisely where you'd wanted it, or having a call you'd mimicked and practiced work flawlessly - those things are what we've enjoyed the most.<br /><br />Our existence will change. Right now, we will continue selling new and used hunting, fishing and fly fishing books. Our immediate project is to get more titles listed through <a href="http://www.abebooks.com/western-sport-shop-inc-kentfield-ca/62924/sf">ABE</a>, and we're tinkering a bit with our website to make more things available. There will also be some merchandise available. Look back here for more information.<br /><br />Our <a href="http://westernsportshop.com">website</a> has updated contact information. But, here it is:<br /><br />Mailing:<br />Western Sport Shop, Inc.<br />PO Box 162<br />Kentfield, CA 94914<br /><br />Phone:<br />415-226-9770<br /><br />Please note - we can no longer accept firearm transfers from other dealers. <br /><br />Lastly - if you are interested in purchasing our open bin fly displays, these are still available. There are four 4' long single sided displays with a storage drawer and open shelving. These all have wheels. Also, we have a wooden 6' double sided display with drawers and covered cabinets, and an 8' double sided display with drop-in acrylic dividers. Please email if you are interested in photos.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Western Sport Shop, Inc. and Western Sport Shop Fish Logo are Registered Trademarks</span>Jim @ WSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629992031682981396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168293096207771170.post-73236279617637228562012-01-26T20:35:00.000-08:002012-01-26T20:41:52.717-08:00Final Friday at the San Rafael Store<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">San Rafael Store Closing Saturday, January 28 @ 4 pm</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> FINAL DAYS – LOWER PRICES – ALL FIXTURES FOR SALE</span><br /><br /><div id=":1o"> We are down to the final days of our Store Closing Sale –<br />we will stop selling product in our 902 3rd Street location at<br />4 pm on Saturday, January 28.<br /><br />We have spent the last day going through our attic, bringing<br />down fixtures and racks, putting them out on the sales floor<br />and pricing them. They are now priced and available for purchase.<br />(Please note – some items may require a pickup after Saturday).<br />All fixture sales are cash only, with all items sold “as-is”<br />and all sales are final.<br /><br />We have rod racks, clothing displays, free standing slatwall<br />fixtures, glass display cases, folding chairs, boxes of peg<br />hooks for pegboard and slatwall, book cases, a-frames, lighting<br />fixtures and much more. Obviously, we have fly displays as well,<br />so if you bought a ton of flies from us and need a way to display them,<br />we can set you up.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In terms of merchandise left in stock:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">All remaining inventory is AT LEAST 50% OFF</span> the original price.<br />Many items are marked down even further. We are also selling off<br />the opened spools of bulk fishing line at significant discount. There's no delicate way to put this - we need to sell everything to the walls, so it's time to stock up!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">All freshwater flies are now 50 cents each</span>. Quality flies simply aren't sold that cheaply. Good patterns and prime sizes are available. <br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">All books are now 70% OFF</span> – even the new titles!<br /><br />We will continue to sell CA Fishing Licenses (sorry - regular price on those!)<br />until through Saturday - bring in your last year's fishing license (or photo ID)<br />and we'll get you squared away.<br /><br />So - please come on down now and take advantage the last few days.<br /><br />Once again, thank you all for your patronage and support over the years.<br /><br />Words cannot express how much we have enjoyed meeting you.<br /><br />All the best,<br /><br />Jim<br /><br /><a href="http://www.westernsportshop.com/" target="_blank">http://www.westernsportshop.<wbr>com</a></div>Jim @ WSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629992031682981396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168293096207771170.post-15458116734386974402012-01-20T13:52:00.000-08:002012-01-20T14:11:15.352-08:00Friday Sale UpdateFirst of all, let me thank you again for the outpouring of stories, recollections and genuine emotions which everyone has shared about Western Sport Shop. We were all customers before ever getting involved with the business, and it's been interesting and heartwarming to hear from everyone.<br /><br />At this point, we are still actively trying to reduce our inventory, and all of the staff members have been going through boxes and drawers to find forgotten parts, inventory and other gear. We've fattened up the sale tables and dusted off some "demo" items. And, as you might expect, sharpened up our pencils a bit in anticipation of the last full weekend of the sale. <br /><br />Starting right now -<br /><br />All remaining fly rods in stock are 50% OFF the original price. We also have some extremely limited demo and "found" inventory which is even a better deal. <br /><br />All remaining fly lines in stock are now 50% OFF the original price.<br /><br />All Tying Material and Fly Tying Hooks are now 50% OFF the original price. We've dug out a lot of other stuff in old packaging which even more attractively priced. Now is the time to stock up if you are planning on doing some fly tying this winter!<br /><br />All USED BOOKS are now 70% OFF our selling price. Yes, that is correct - "Seventy"! Bring a Big BAG!<br /><br />All other merchandise is at least 40% off the original price (except firearms).<br /><br />We will continue to sell CA Fishing Licenses (sorry - regular price on those!) until January 25th - bring in your last year's fishing license (or photo ID) and we'll get you squared away.<br /><br />IF you want to take advantage of our SUPER LOW prices on all remaining shotguns (rifles are gone!), you may purchase the firearm from us, but will have to fill out state and federally mandated paperwork at another shop. We are currently working to finalize an agreement for this.<br /><br />Oh... speaking of rifles: anyone have a 7mm-08, 7mm Winchester Short Mag or .300 Remington ULTRA Mag caliber rifle? We ended up with excess ammunition in those two calibers, and will sell all remaining ammo at 60% off the regular price. <br /><br />So - please come on down this weekend and take advantage of what could be the last few days.Jim @ WSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629992031682981396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168293096207771170.post-33853324676960986262012-01-12T11:53:00.000-08:002012-01-12T12:08:46.706-08:00Store Closing Sale Update - 40% OFF General Merchandise!Our Store Closing Sale is still going on - though there are less items to choose from, the discounts are even bigger! Now is the time to stock up on tackle, fly fishing gear, hunting accessories and more!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">San Rafael </span><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="il">Store</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="il">Closing</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> General Stock Items* 40% OFF</span>!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Email List Advance Announcement</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> *40% Off excludes Firearms and some Ammunition</span><br /><br />==============================<div id=":18m"><wbr><br /><br />As we posted earlier, we have been attempting to find a new owner for the<br />Western Sport Shop, a search which has remained unsuccessful. Rather<br />than continue operating, we will be <span class="il">closing</span> Western Sport Shop by the<br />end of January, 2012.<br /><br />While we are still hopeful that a buyer may still be found, we are taking<br />immediate steps to drastically reduce our inventory. All items<br />in all departments (except for firearms and some ammunition)<br />will be discounted 40% off the original price. Over the past few days,<br />we’ve also gone through our back room inventory and have marked selected items<br />down significantly below our cost – there are savings of up to 50 – 80% off of the original<br />prices - look for the sale tables and highlighted displays. <br /><br />All sales are final and all items are sold “as-is”.<br /><br />A few of the specific bargains include:<br />ALL FRESHWATER FLIES – BUCK-A-BUG!<br />ALL SALTWATER FLIES – HALF OFF!<br />ALL REMAINING CLOTHING - AT LEAST HALF OFF!<br />ALL CASTAIC Swim Baits –HALF OFF!<br />ALL APEX LURES, OCEAN SALMON LURES & RIGS – HALF OFF!<br />ALL BRAID BELTS & GLOVES – HALF OFF!<br />ALL NEW BOOKS – 40% OFF the Regular Price!<br />ALL USED BOOKS – HALF OFF the Used Price!<br /><br />ALL FIREARMS ARE ON SALE - Benelli VINCI Shotguns are BELOW OUR COST!<br />Look for the “HOT LIST” of Sale Rifles and shotguns in the gun department.<br /><br />Please feel free to forward this to your fishing, fly fishing and hunting<br />partners who might be interested.<br /><br />If you have outstanding credit balances or gift certificates, this is<br />a great time to take advantage of your increased buying power!<br /><br />We will continue to sell California Hunting and Fishing Licenses until<br />at least January 25th.<br /><br />We will be starting to sell fixtures and displays after January 18,<br />2012. If you are interested in displays, please call <a href="tel:415-226-9770" value="+14152269770">415-226-9770</a> and<br />leave your name and phone number to be contacted.<br /><br />==============================<wbr>=====<br /></div>Jim @ WSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629992031682981396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168293096207771170.post-47964524895399197412012-01-02T08:19:00.000-08:002012-01-02T08:28:59.911-08:00Return Your Report CardsAs you put your new 2012 California Fishing License in with your gear, take a quick moment to dig out your report cards (Sturgeon, North Coast Salmon and Steelhead being the most common) and send them back to fish and game - <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">they are due by January 31, 2012.</span><br /><br />Note - for <span style="font-weight: bold;">Steelhead Report Cards</span>, you may file the report online:<br /><a href="http://www.dfg.ca.gov/fish/Fishing/Monitoring/SHRC/SHRC_Report.asp">http://www.dfg.ca.gov/steelheadcard</a><br /><br />All other cards must be mailed:<br /><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Sturgeon Report Cards:</span><br />California DFG Fisheries Branch<br />Sturgeon Fishing Report Card<br />PO Box 944209<br />Sacramento, CA 94244-2090<br /><br /><strong>North Coast Salmon Report Cards:</strong><br />Department of Fish and Game, Klamath River Project<br />5341 Ericson Way<br />Arcata, CA 95521<br /><strong><br />Abalone Report Cards:</strong><br />Department of Fish and Game<br />32330 N. Harbor Dr.<br />Fort Bragg, CA 95437<strong><br /><br />Spiny Lobster Report Cards: </strong><br />Department of Fish and Game, Lobster Report Card<br />4949 Viewridge Ave.<br />San Diego, CA 92123<strong><br /><br />North Coast Salmon Report Cards:</strong><br />Department of Fish and Game, Klamath River Project<br />5341 Ericson Way<br />Arcata, CA 95521<br /><br /><br />Please note - we are currently selling 2012 DFG Fishing Licenses, tags and report cards. You must bring in either a valid photo ID or 2011 Sport Fishing License to obtain the current year's license.Jim @ WSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629992031682981396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168293096207771170.post-5874452579784896322011-12-26T13:17:00.000-08:002011-12-26T13:22:30.164-08:00Store Closing Sale<span style="font-weight: bold;">San Rafael </span><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="il">Store</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="il">Closing</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> All Items* at Least 30% OFF</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Email List Advance Announcement</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> *30% Off excludes Firearms and Steel Shot Ammunition</span><br /><br />==============================<div id=":18m"><wbr>=====<br />==============================<wbr>=====<br /><br />This holiday season is turning out to be a bit bittersweet for us. As<br />most of you know, we have been attempting to find a new owner for the<br />Western Sport Shop, a search which has remained unsuccessful. Rather<br />than continue operating, we will be <span class="il">closing</span> Western Sport Shop by the<br />end of January, 2012.<br /><br />While we are still hopeful that a buyer may be found, we are taking<br />immediate steps to reduce our inventory. Effective today, all items<br />in all departments (except for firearms and steel shot ammunition)<br />will be discounted 30% off the original price. Over the past weekend,<br />we’ve also gone through our inventory and have marked selected items<br />down significantly – there are savings of 50 – 70% off of the original<br />price. All sales are final and all items are sold “as-is”.<br /><br />A few of the specific bargains include:<br />ALL FRESHWATER FLIES – BUCK-A-BUG!<br />ALL SALTWATER FLIES – HALF OFF!<br />DISCONTINUED FLY PACK AND FISHING PACK STYLES – 40% OFF!<br />FLY LINES – Selected lines are half off!<br />SIMMS BLACKFOOT WADING BOOTS & PURSUIT SANDALS 40% OFF!<br />We also have a closeout clothing rack loaded with base layers, shirts,<br />jackets, insulation and discontinued or changed models that are 30 –<br />50% - Great Deals Abound!<br />ALL HUNTING VESTS IN STOCK – HALF OFF!<br />ALL CASTAIC Swim Baits –HALF OFF!<br />ALL OCEAN SALMON LURES & RIGS – HALF OFF!<br />ALL BRAID BELTS & GLOVES – HALF OFF!<br />ALL NEW BOOKS – 40% OFF the Regular Price!<br />ALL USED BOOKS – HALF OFF the Used Price!<br /><br />ALL FIREARMS ARE ON SALE - look for the “HOT LIST” of Sale Rifles and<br />shotguns in the gun department.<br /><br /><br />Keep your eyes out for further discounts on remaining items in the<br />weeks ahead. Ads will start running in the papers beginning tomorrow<br />evening, so you have some advance notice to beat the crowds. Please<br />feel free to forward this to your fishing, fly fishing and hunting<br />partners who might be interested.<br /><br />If you have outstanding credit balances or gift certificates, this is<br />a great time to take advantage of your increased buying power!<br /><br />We will continue to sell California Hunting and Fishing Licenses until<br />at least mid-January.<br /><br />We will be starting to sell fixtures and displays after January 8,<br />2012. If you are interested in displays, please call <a href="tel:415-226-9770" value="+14152269770">415-226-9770</a> and<br />leave your name and phone number to be contacted.<br /><br />==============================<wbr>=====<br />==============================<wbr>=====<br />Finally, let me say that this has been an extremely difficult post to write.<br />We’ve gotten to know an incredible group of customers in the 25 years<br />we have owned Western Sport Shop, we’ve watched young kids grow into<br />adults and start to bring their children in as well.<br /><br />Both my family and I truly appreciate the support and encouragement<br />over the years, the great stories of trips and travel, as well as<br />sharing this part of your lives with us. Thank you again for your patronage and especially the days when you just dropped into the store to tell us how things went.<br /><br />-- Jim</div>Jim @ WSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629992031682981396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168293096207771170.post-1418994137446687712011-12-18T10:32:00.000-08:002011-12-18T10:35:22.006-08:00Holiday Deal of the Day - 12/18/11 - Pick Your Favorite So Far!<span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday, December 18:</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Today - Pick your Favorite So Far!<br />Choose any one of the "Holiday Deals Of The Day" that we have offered this week:<br /><br />- Free Dozen Trout Flies with any fly box purchase</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Buy any fly box in stock and we'll include a dozen standard trout dry flies or nymphs at no charge!</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Purchase any fly box and then choose your dozen - mix and match OK!</span><br /><div class="date-outer"><div class="date-posts"><div class="post-outer"><div class="post hentry uncustomized-post-template"><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-6635627776895943705"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />- </span>Commercial Crab Trap Accessory Deal</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Buy one of our Commercial Crabs and we'll rig the rest!</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Purchase one of our Commercial Quality Crab traps and we'll throw in a free bait cage and free Scotty bait jar - get that bait stuffed in right proper and bring home a whole bunch of crabs! No limit on quantity.</span><br /></div></div></div></div></div><div class="date-outer"><div class="date-posts"><div class="post-outer"><div class="post hentry uncustomized-post-template"><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5876608086756136942"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">- All Fly Fishing Leader and Tippet</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Buy One - Get One FREE!</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Purchases any fly fishing leader package or tippet spool and receive one of equal or lesser value for free! No limit on quantity.</span><br /></div></div></div></div></div><div class="date-outer"><div class="date-posts"><div class="post-outer"><div class="post hentry uncustomized-post-template"><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5448745414303747387"><br />- <span style="font-weight: bold;">20% OFF all Pro-Shot Cleaning Equipment!</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">US-Made Care and Cleaning gear!</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Care for your rifle or shotgun with gunsmith quality brushes, swabs, stainless and composite rods, bronze brushes and patches. Everything made by Pro Shot is 20% off today!<br />No limit on quantity.</span><br /></div></div></div></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-3553020785259975994"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">- Buy any lure in stock and get another for half price!</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Save BIG with a "Buy One - Get One!" deal!</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Purchase any fishing lure for bass, trout, salmon, steelhead (or anything exotic!) and you can get another lure just HALF the listed price! No limit on quantity.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Here's the Deal on "The Deal"</span><br />The Western Sport Shop Holiday Deal is good for the listed day only. Each day's Holiday Deal will be listed on the Western Sport Shop blog before the store opens. Must be redeemed in store. May not be combined with other offers or discounts. Merchandise offers limited to stock on hand. Please bring in this posting either by printout or on your mobile device to redeem. </div> <span class="post-author vcard"></span>Jim @ WSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629992031682981396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168293096207771170.post-16098127078536290052011-12-17T09:30:00.000-08:002011-12-17T09:37:14.430-08:00Holiday Deal of the Day - 12/17/11From now until Christmas, look to the blog each day to find a special offer for our web customers. Head down to the store today for this bargain!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday, December 17:</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Free Dozen Trout Flies with any fly box purchase</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Buy any fly box in stock and we'll include a dozen standard trout dry flies or nymphs at no charge!</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Purchase any fly box and then choose your dozen - mix and match OK!<br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">Here's the Deal on "The Deal"</span><br />The Western Sport Shop Holiday Deal is good for the listed day only. Each day's Holiday Deal will be listed on the Western Sport Shop blog before the store opens. Must be redeemed in store. May not be combined with other offers or discounts. Merchandise offers limited to stock on hand. Please bring in this posting either by printout or on your mobile device to redeem.Jim @ WSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629992031682981396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168293096207771170.post-66356277768959437052011-12-16T11:09:00.000-08:002011-12-16T11:12:38.160-08:00Holiday Deal of the Day - 12/16/11From now until Christmas, look to the blog each day to find a special offer for our web customers. Head down to the store today for this bargain!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday, December 16:</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Commercial Crab Trap Accessory Deal</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Buy one of our Commercial Crabs and we'll rig the rest!</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Purchase one of our Commercial Quality Crab traps and we'll throw in a free bait cage and free Scotty bait jar - get that bait stuffed in right proper and bring home a whole bunch of crabs!<br />No limit on quantity.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Here's the Deal on "The Deal"</span><br />The Western Sport Shop Holiday Deal is good for the listed day only. Each day's Holiday Deal will be listed on the Western Sport Shop blog before the store opens. Must be redeemed in store. May not be combined with other offers or discounts. Merchandise offers limited to stock on hand. Please bring in this posting either by printout or on your mobile device to redeem.Jim @ WSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629992031682981396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168293096207771170.post-58766080867561369422011-12-15T10:02:00.000-08:002011-12-15T10:03:23.839-08:00Holiday Deal of the Day - 12/15/11From now until Christmas, look to the blog each day to find a special offer for our web customers. Head down to the store today for this bargain!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday, December 15:</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">All Fly Fishing Leader and Tippet</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Buy One - Get One FREE!</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Purchases any fly fishing leader package or tippet spool and receive one of equal or lesser value for free!<br />No limit on quantity.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Here's the Deal on "The Deal"</span><br />The Western Sport Shop Holiday Deal is good for the listed day only. Each day's Holiday Deal will be listed on the Western Sport Shop blog before the store opens. Must be redeemed in store. May not be combined with other offers or discounts. Merchandise offers limited to stock on hand. Please bring in this posting either by printout or on your mobile device to redeem.Jim @ WSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629992031682981396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168293096207771170.post-54487454143037473872011-12-14T08:56:00.000-08:002011-12-14T09:00:14.542-08:00Holiday Deal of the Day - 12/14/11From now until Christmas, look to the blog each day to find a special offer for our web customers. Head down to the store today for this bargain!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, December 14:</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">20% OFF all Pro-Shot Cleaning Equipment!</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">US-Made Care and Cleaning gear!</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Care for your rifle or shotgun with gunsmith quality brushes, swabs, stainless and composite rods, bronze brushes and patches. Everything made by Pro Shot is 20% off today!<br />No limit on quantity.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Here's the Deal on "The Deal"</span><br />The Western Sport Shop Holiday Deal is good for the listed day only. Each day's Holiday Deal will be listed on the Western Sport Shop blog before the store opens. Must be redeemed in store. May not be combined with other offers or discounts. Merchandise offers limited to stock on hand. Please bring in this posting either by printout or on your mobile device to redeem.Jim @ WSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629992031682981396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168293096207771170.post-35530207852599759942011-12-13T09:01:00.000-08:002011-12-13T09:18:30.748-08:00Holiday Deal of the Day - 12/13/11From now until Christmas, look to the blog each day to find a special offer for our web customers.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, December 13:</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Buy any lure in stock and get another for half price!</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Save BIG with a "Buy One - Get One!" deal!</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Purchase any fishing lure for bass, trout, salmon, steelhead (or anything exotic!) and you can get another lure just HALF the listed price! No limit on quantity.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Here's the Deal on "The Deal"</span><br />The Western Sport Shop Holiday Deal is good for the listed day only. Each day's Holiday Deal will be listed on the Western Sport Shop blog before the store opens. Must be redeemed in store. May not be combined with other offers or discounts. Merchandise offers limited to stock on hand. Please bring in this posting either by printout or on your mobile device to redeem.Jim @ WSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629992031682981396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168293096207771170.post-34957287280746452372011-11-10T14:21:00.000-08:002011-11-10T14:30:31.449-08:00Freshwater FocusThe early part of winter is a great time to be up in the Marin County Watershed lakes. As the water cools down from the late fall heat waves, trout will begin to move up into the shallower waters, making it much easier to cast to them.<br /><br />Also, the scheduled trout plants from the Department of Fish & Game look to be significant this winter - so sometime around November 15, we expect a good-sized truckload of larger fish to be dropped into the lake. <br /><br />We've stocked up on the larger sized (1/2 - 3/8 ounce) Kastmasters which tend to be productive, as well as the key colors of Power Bait. If you are looking for an upgraded rod and reel setup, we have a sale going on for the Daiwa freshwater rod/reel combos - $25 "out the door" including mono line.<br /><br />Winter bass can be great in these lakes as well, slowly working larger baits such as 6 and 7" senkos, or even the big Castaic lures produces strong strikes at this time of year.<br /><br />For those folks already thinking about next year, DFG has told us that the 2012 fishing licenses should be available on November 15 through our sales terminals. We'll announce that here when they are ready to sell, but just in case you want to fish on New Year's Day, you can get ready soon!Jim @ WSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629992031682981396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168293096207771170.post-53727812964729037282011-11-07T14:35:00.000-08:002011-11-07T14:55:43.087-08:00Haulin' Crabs!Yep - for most folks, the opening day of the Sport Dungeness Crab season was a good day out. We headed out the gate and dropped 8 traps in 65 to 75 feet of water, drifted back to the beginning of our string and started pulling - normally, we like to soak for a minimum of 2 - 3 hours - as we were trying to get a sense of how many crab were in the area. Plus, we hoped to limit before the rains hit in the afternoon.<br /><br />The short story is "WOW!" Looks like it should be a good start to the season - we pulled the string twice with very short soaks and ended up with limits for all four on board. Only a few in the 6" range (minimum size for sport dungeness is 5 3/4"). This one was pretty much the average size -<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohaCSS9BtgrGBSrFVdntx3c02zQP_AJYznCP_mmNtD597hdDqpT14rWeJMQ6XlNoatcG0E5MZ5jAUh7-GvH0QMjMiT_wfGlmUCOQNokSPk_phetI8UcTEG07QLbjiuU1gaSDUpg2j0ig/s1600/crab01.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohaCSS9BtgrGBSrFVdntx3c02zQP_AJYznCP_mmNtD597hdDqpT14rWeJMQ6XlNoatcG0E5MZ5jAUh7-GvH0QMjMiT_wfGlmUCOQNokSPk_phetI8UcTEG07QLbjiuU1gaSDUpg2j0ig/s320/crab01.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672389064509337282" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After only managing a few late-season trips last year, it was nice to come back with plenty of crabs for the pot -<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCuFeWYheFkaRzpoAOTv54gop9wkYUg0EH3esInMEXyYD7SAfZXJZMOulWW3Na2PdtkSsp8M17ezv7AioCFAjJiDE4IYIGKMs_tY4q0PmZv0ZOzU8bRnWzmGChlrNJanVwEhKwYPambLU/s1600/crab02.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCuFeWYheFkaRzpoAOTv54gop9wkYUg0EH3esInMEXyYD7SAfZXJZMOulWW3Na2PdtkSsp8M17ezv7AioCFAjJiDE4IYIGKMs_tY4q0PmZv0ZOzU8bRnWzmGChlrNJanVwEhKwYPambLU/s320/crab02.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672389553723734210" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The crabs baited with herring and mackerel seemed to do the best - although it was pretty even throughout the day. <br /><br />Reports seemed good out of Bodega as well, with Richard B. reporting full limits of healthy crab from their trip today.<br /><br />Looks like a great start to the crab season! If you want to get in on the action, come on down to the shop and we'll get you set up. <a href="http://westernsportshop.blogspot.com/2011/11/crab-traps-are-here-sport-season-opens.html">The season-start promotion on our Commercial Grade traps</a> is still on, so it's the perfect time to get outfitted for the season!Jim @ WSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629992031682981396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168293096207771170.post-70073873448355054782011-11-07T12:46:00.001-08:002011-11-07T12:46:50.446-08:00Heading Out Saturday Morning<div style="text-align: left; padding: 3px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/westernsportshop/6323660984/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6119/6323660984_33f50edd13.jpg" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/westernsportshop/6323660984/">Heading Out Saturday Morning</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/westernsportshop/">Western Sport Shop</a>.</span></div><p>2011 Dungeness Crab Sport Season Opener</p>Jim @ WSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17872972522979852347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168293096207771170.post-2857964964772282462011-11-03T11:32:00.000-07:002011-11-03T11:48:11.036-07:00Crab Traps are HERE! Sport Season Opens Saturday!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmZL7mckTKKXtZyXb8Ht3Aufu9mvBfaZrpNGEUFv8weT6_qvcv3-n8Mlzl42QPTCV9Qltm2Zk_ttR8j-n837kkinIHWCcV6t658AT0p4QKpiLKsZE45_bAMn30nbbeyp6DbcVzFc6u5A/s1600/crabtraps_2011.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmZL7mckTKKXtZyXb8Ht3Aufu9mvBfaZrpNGEUFv8weT6_qvcv3-n8Mlzl42QPTCV9Qltm2Zk_ttR8j-n837kkinIHWCcV6t658AT0p4QKpiLKsZE45_bAMn30nbbeyp6DbcVzFc6u5A/s320/crabtraps_2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670839836578141202" border="0" /></a><br />Our newest batch of Commercial Quality crab traps have arrived - just about ready to soak. But, the key question is "Are you ready?"<br /><br />For some reason, it seems as though a significant number of customers are not aware that the sport fishing season for delectable Dungeness crabs opens this Saturday, November 5 for most counties. Early season crabbing is often the best - before the commercial boats begin dropping their larger traps.<br /><br />So, if you have wanted to give this a try, come by the shop and get one of our custom-made, heavy gauge crab traps. These have been made even better this year with thicker ring material and heavier rubber wraps. Plus, we have this batch rigged with 150 feet of quality rope, so if you need to soak your pots deeper, you won't run short. <br /><br />These pots come ready to drop, with a large main float and 150' of 3/8" rope. As before, these have rounded edges for a more consistent drop, and are weighted to the bottom, so they should not invert. With the increased thickness of ring, they are approximately 30 pounds. You'll need to have some method of baiting the trap - we recommend zip-tying a bait jar to the roof and pinning in a fish head or mackerel to the floor. <br /><br />After that, you just need to head out and let them soak - some anglers prefer an overnight, while others go bottom fishing or look for striper outside the surf zone. Early season, a 3-4 hour soak is a good minimum rule. More is generally better.<br /><br />If you had pre-ordered from this shipment of heavy duty crab traps, you should have received a phone call notifying you they had arrived - just bring your receipt to the shop to pick up your traps. We do have a few still available - so, if you want to get set up, we're offering our Dungeness Season Opener Special - These rigged and ready traps are normally $179.99, but if you buy three, we'll take $10 off for each trap, making them $169.99. If you need six or more, we'll knock off $20 each trap, for $159.99 each. Quantities are limited, so if you are interested and want to reserve traps with your credit card, please call the shop at 415-456-5454.<br /><br />See you out there and enjoy the crab!Jim @ WSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629992031682981396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168293096207771170.post-58605610305854245312011-10-19T17:49:00.000-07:002011-10-19T17:52:51.266-07:00One Heckuva Trip!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZafic38VkpZOT8Cdd6E8KsSQQJ42UDQ5fYDgdP4c37Ji3hLx34CGX46oe3VH-X1fOE_lOkkmnwqrJZ3GkqTe7s0YHQ6pmDVCNBExrzd-4-PCv_2vdpKIgnPmsZzXaDIRi5Bf1y3HV250/s1600/00228_00574.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZafic38VkpZOT8Cdd6E8KsSQQJ42UDQ5fYDgdP4c37Ji3hLx34CGX46oe3VH-X1fOE_lOkkmnwqrJZ3GkqTe7s0YHQ6pmDVCNBExrzd-4-PCv_2vdpKIgnPmsZzXaDIRi5Bf1y3HV250/s320/00228_00574.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665370626086754370" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We'll have a more detailed account next week when our long-range expert Richard Birnbaum returns, but in the meantime, here's where a picture is worth more than a thousand words!<br /><br />Each day's fishing reports from our 2011 Shogun Trip can be found <a href="http://shogunsportfishing.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=749:october-18&catid=31:boat-reports&Itemid=26">here</a>.Jim @ WSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629992031682981396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168293096207771170.post-72780386154002267572011-10-07T11:56:00.000-07:002011-10-07T13:05:31.301-07:00Carlo's UK Adventure - Spey, Izaak Walton & The River TestFly Department manager Carlo Bongio and his wife Lynn just returned from a three week trip to the UK, focusing on the Highland Rivers of Scotland using mostly spey techniques. Some highlight photos from his trip appear <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/westernsportshop/sets/72157627834910966/">here</a>, but there were a couple of days which were particularly special.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6093/6218875688_df26fc91d6_b.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 432px; height: 323px;" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6093/6218875688_df26fc91d6_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Starting out on the River Test, Carlo landed and released a number of gorgeous Brown trout - here he shows one of "average" size.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6056/6218880560_421e416ac8.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6056/6218880560_421e416ac8.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />And, of course, it's always proper to land a fish with a reel that came from the same area. (One of Carlo's Hardy reels).<br /><br /><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6109/6218370223_2903fec217.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6109/6218370223_2903fec217.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />During one of the non-fishing days, they traveled to Winchester Cathedral, which is the final resting place of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_Walton">Izaak Walton</a> (which is <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/westernsportshop/6218893016/in/set-72157627834910966/">spelled Isaac Walton on his marker</a>). The stained glass above is from the Fisherman's Chapel within the Cathedral.<br /><br />After a stop to help a local innkeeper pick some <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/westernsportshop/6218379121/in/set-72157627834910966/">gorgeous chantrelle mushrooms</a>, Carlo and Lynn enjoyed their best days under the guidance of Ian Neale (<a href="http://www.speycaster.net/">speycaster.net</a>) who accompanied them on the River Findhorn. (Ian graciously took the time to write up the day on <a href="http://www.speycaster.net/fishing_news.htm">his "Fishing News" page</a> - search for September 21st to find the beginning of the report.) Below, Ian and Carlo proudly show off the first Atlantic Salmon of the day, caught and released from the "Ladies' Pool".<br /><br /><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6211/6220707005_d4e85e4477.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6211/6220707005_d4e85e4477.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Moving next to the "Maharajah Pool", Carlo continued to work his spey magic, and landed a beautiful fish.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6211/6218392223_a4425d1286.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6211/6218392223_a4425d1286.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />If you would like to hear more about Carlo's trip or the techniques used to catch these fish, drop by the shop - Carlo is available Monday through Friday and would be happy to talk with you.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/westernsportshop/sets/72157627834910966/with/6218392223/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Photo Album for Carlo's UK Trip</span></a><br /><br />Both Carlo and Lynn were highly complimentary of the guiding services from Ian Neale. If you are interested in finding more information about him, please visit <a href="http://www.speycaster.net/index.htm">Speycaster.net</a> -<br /><br />About Ian Neale:<br /><a href="http://www.speycaster.net/index.htm"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 270px;" src="http://www.speycaster.net/images/ian_home2011.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:85%;" >Ian </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif, Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;" >Neale is an expert salmon fisher, casting tutor, writer, photographer, and fishing guide. Ian is a passionate angler, who cares for his quarry and its fragile environment.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><p style="font-style: italic;" align="left"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif, Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Ian has been working professionally as a guide and casting instructor since 1980 when he owned his own fishing lodge on the West coast of Scotland on the Isle Of Mull. Ian has extensive knowledge of all aspects of salmon, sea trout and trout fishing, from the smaller spate rivers and lochs of the West Coast to the larger flowing rivers of the East of Scotland where he has organised annual fishing parties on the River Dee, River Findhorn, and River Spey.</span></p>Jim @ WSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629992031682981396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168293096207771170.post-29528439973325242952011-09-15T22:37:00.000-07:002011-09-15T22:41:30.622-07:00Vote For Abalone Fishery Closure in Sonoma County<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Fish and Game Commission Votes to Close Abalone</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> Fishery in Sonoma County</span><br /><br />Contact:<br />Jordan Traverso, DFG Communications, <a href="tel:%28916%29%20654-9937" value="+19166549937">(916) 654-9937</a><br /><br />The California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) today took emergency action to close the abalone fishery along part of the northern California coast. Specifically, the Commission voted 3-0 to close the fishery in the entirety of Sonoma County. Commissioners Daniel Richards and Richard Rogers were not in attendance.<br /><br />This action was taken in the wake of confirmed reports of dead red abalone and other invertebrates on beaches and inside coves along the Sonoma County coastline.<br /><br />Data continue to be collected that shows an abalone die-off along the Sonoma coast beginning Aug. 27. According to Department of Fish and Game (DFG) biologists, these abalone deaths coincided with a local red tide bloom and calm ocean conditions. Although the exact reasons for the abalone deaths are not known, invertebrate die-offs have occurred in the past along the northern California coast due to lack of oxygen and/or poisoning when similar weather and bloom conditions existed, but not at the magnitude of this event.<br /><br />DFG is assessing the impact of the situation and provided the Commission with information at today's meeting.<br /><br />Reports of dead abalone and a variety of invertebrates have come from Bodega Bay, Russian Gulch, Fort Ross, Timber Cove and Salt Point State Park in Sonoma County and as far north as Anchor Bay in Mendocino County. DFG biologists and game wardens have collected abalone, mussels and water samples since the beginning and are continuing to document reports from the public. The public is encouraged to report the location, number and date of dead or dying abalone to Ian Taniguchi at<a href="tel:%28562%29%20342-7182" value="+15623427182"> (562) 342-7182</a> or by e-mail at <a href="mailto:itaniguchi@dfg.ca.gov">itaniguchi@dfg.ca.gov</a>.<br /><br />Divers are encouraged to avoid diving in the affected areas. <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">The exact implementation date of the emergency closure will be determined by the regulatory process and is expected soon. </span>Please continue to check the Commission¹s website at <a href="http://www.fgc.ca.gov/" target="_blank">www.fgc.ca.gov</a>.<br /><br />Abalone fishermen are advised to contact a physician immediately if they feel sick, and to report symptoms to the local county health department (<a href="http://www.sonoma-county.org/health/about/publichealth.asp" target="_blank">www.sonoma-county.org/health/<wbr>about/publichealth.asp</a>). The latest red tide updates from the California Department of Public Health are also posted online at <a href="http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/Pages/DDWEM.aspx" target="_blank">www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/<wbr>Pages/DDWEM.aspx</a>.<br /><br />For more information, please refer to DFG's Sept. 2 press release, available at<br /><a href="http://cdfgnews.wordpress.com/2011/09/02/abalone-die-off-observed-in-sonoma-county/" target="_blank">http://cdfgnews.wordpress.com/<wbr>2011/09/02/abalone-die-off-<wbr>observed-in-sonoma-<br />county/</a>.Jim @ WSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629992031682981396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168293096207771170.post-58993631898309087032011-09-13T14:36:00.000-07:002011-09-13T14:37:31.597-07:00Closure of Abalone Fishery Under Consideration<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>The California Fish and Game Commission will consider emergency action on<br />Thursday, Sept. 15 to possibly close the abalone fishery along the northern<br />California coast. This action is being considered in the wake of confirmed<br />reports of dead red abalone and other invertebrates on beaches and inside<br />coves along the coast in Sonoma County.<br /><br />The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is currently attempting to assess the<br />impact of the situation and will provide the Commission with information at<br />this Thursday's meeting. Based on the DFG's report, the Commission may take<br />emergency action to close the abalone season along all or parts of the<br />Sonoma coast.<br /><br />There was an abalone die-off along the Sonoma coast beginning Aug. 27 as a<br />result of a red tide-induced poisoning and/or lack of oxygen. According to<br />DFG biologists, these abalone deaths coincided with a local red tide bloom<br />and calm ocean conditions. Although the exact reasons for the abalone deaths<br />are not known, invertebrate die-offs have occurred in the past along the<br />northern California coast when similar weather and bloom conditions existed.<br /><br />The number of dead and dying abalone is not known but DFG divers are<br />assessing the damage this week via underwater transect surveys. Reports of<br />dead abalone and a variety of invertebrates have come from Bodega Bay,<br />Russian Gulch, Fort Ross, Timber Cove and Salt Point State Park. Other DFG<br />biologists and game wardens have collected abalone, mussels and water<br />samples since the beginning of the bloom and are continuing to document<br />reports from the public.<br /><br />For more information, please refer to DFG's Sept. 2 press release,<br /><a href="http://cdfgnews.wordpress.com/2011/09/02/abalone-die-off-observed-in-sonoma-county/" target="_blank">http://cdfgnews.wordpress.com/<wbr>2011/09/02/abalone-die-off-<wbr>observed-in-sonoma-<br />county/</a>.<br /><br />Abalone fishermen are advised to contact a physician immediately if they<br />feel sick, and to report symptoms to the local county health department<br />(<a href="http://www.sonoma-county.org/health/about/publichealth.asp" target="_blank">www.sonoma-county.org/health/<wbr>about/publichealth.asp</a>). The latest red tide<br />updates from the California Department of Public Health are also posted<br />online at <a href="http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/Pages/DDWEM.aspx" target="_blank">www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/<wbr>Pages/DDWEM.aspx</a>.<br /><br />Contacts:<br /> Ian Taniguchi, DFG Marine Region, <a href="tel:%28562%29%20342-7182" value="+15623427182">(562) 342-7182</a><br /> Kirsten Macintyre, DFG Communications, <a href="tel:%28916%29%20322-8988" value="+19163228988">(916) 322-8988</a>Jim @ WSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629992031682981396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168293096207771170.post-49147976123398680682011-09-10T08:01:00.000-07:002011-09-10T08:13:31.925-07:00Sale Starts TODAY - Save Big on Fall Goods - Plus Deals in all Departments<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> FALL SALE STARTS NOW!!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> Today through Wednesday, September 15!</span><br /><div id=":8k"><br />It’s been a crazy late summer season -- ocean salmon have come back big<br />time and folks have been buying bait, sinkers and lures like mad! The<br />copious amounts of late snowmelt and spring rains have made the stream and<br />Sierra fishing continue with vigor, while the bass fishing has been wide<br />open. Basically, no matter where you go, good things are happening!<br /><br />All of which has made it a little difficult to focus on the fact that<br />Waterfowl Season is fast approaching! So, to give you a reminder and a<br />little head start - <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">The 2011 Fall Shooting Sports Super Sale starts RIGHT</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> NOW!</span><br /><br />You probably already know that our everyday low price is better than most<br />stores’ "sale" pricing. But, for this event, we roll prices back to the<br />lowest levels we possibly can - which makes it the perfect time to stock up<br />on what you'll need for a great duck season, dove or clay shooting or<br />whatever season is the big circled date on your calendar.<br /><br />(And you probably already know that we are a DFG License Agent*, and can get you set up for the new California Hunting Licenses, plus Federal Duck Stamps)<br /><br />Plus, if you come down to the shop today - Saturday, September 10 - you can meet with<br />representatives from <a href="http://calwaterfowl.org/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">California Waterfowl Association</span></a> – find out about their<br />efforts to maintain habitat and duck populations in our state! If you<br />aren’t a member, it’s a great opportunity to join!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">For starters - we know you need steel ammo!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> Best Pricing of the Season on Kent Fasteel Waterfowl loads!</span><br />K1235ST40-BBB - 4 12ga 3.50" 1550fps reg. $19.99<br />WFD Sale! - $18.49<br />K1235ST36-BB - 3 12ga 3.50" 1625fps reg. $19.99<br />WFD Sale! - $18.49<br />K123ST36-BBB - 4 12ga 3" 1425fps reg. $14.99<br />WFD Sale! - $13.99<br />K123ST32-BB - 6 12ga 3" 1560fps reg. $14.49<br />WFD Sale! - $13.49<br />K122ST36-3, 6 12ga 2.75" 1300fps reg. $13.99<br />WFD Sale! - $12.99<br />K122ST32-BB - 3 12ga 2.75" 1425fps reg. $12.99<br />WFD Sale! - $11.99<br />K122ST30-BB - 4 12ga 2.75" 1550fps reg. $12.99<br />WFD Sale! - $11.99<br />K203ST24-2 - 4 20ga 3" 1550fps reg. $13.49<br />WFD Sale! - $12.49<br /><br />Tired of that budget lead loads that don’t cycle or pattern consistently?<br />Try the Kent Ultimate Fast Lead<br />K122UFL36-4, 6, 7.5 12ga 2.75" 1350fps reg. $11.99<br />WFD Sale! - $10.99<br />K202UFL28-6, 7.5 20ga 2.75" 1255fps reg. $11.99<br />WFD Sale! - $10.99<br />K162UFL28-6, 7.5 16ga 2.75" 1220fps reg. $12.99<br />WFD Sale! - $11.99 (Limited Availability!)<br /><br />Many sporting clays or other target areas are now requiring steel shot –<br />We strongly recommend the Kent Target Steel<br />K122TST28-7 12ga 2.75" 1290fps reg. $9.99<br />WFD Sale! - $8.99<br />K202TST24-7 20ga 2.75" 1215fps reg. $9.99<br />WFD Sale! - $8.99<br /><br /><br />Even though we've found the KENT Fasteel to be the some of the best and most<br />reliable loads, we know that ammo choice is important - so we've got a wide<br />variety of Hevi-Steel, Hevi-Shot, Tungsten loads, Federal Black Cloud and<br />more - still not quite right? Then make your order this weekend - lock in<br />the Fall Super Sale pricing, and we'll get it for you in time for the<br />opener. Just talk with any Western Sport Shop team member at the store.<br /><br />How about decoys? We’ll be honest – it looks like availability on decoys<br />will be spotty this year – There have been some problems getting the very<br />popular green wing and widgeon decoys from Greenhead, and we’re actively<br />working with other manufacturers to find these. Check with us for updates<br />in the coming weeks.<br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">But, here’s what we do have! DEALS ON DECOYS!</span><br />70002 - Hot Buy Magnum Mallards - half dozen reg. $49.99<br />WFD Sale! - $42.99<br />70003 - Hot Buy Mallards - dozen reg. $45.99<br />WFD Sale! - $39.99<br />73032 - Over-Size Pintails - half-dozen reg. $62.99<br />WFD Sale! - $52.99<br />73039 - Over-Size Blue Bills - half-dozen reg. $59.99<br />WFD Sale! - $44.990<br />73049 - Over-Size Canvasback - half-dozen reg. $59.99<br />WFD Sale! - $49.99<br />7108# - Speck, Snow, Canada Goose Floaters reg. $99.99<br />WFD Sale! - $84.99<br />28030 - Guides Choice Win-Duk air-driven attractor! reg. $52.99<br />WFD Sale! - $39.99<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">And all decoy bags in stock are 20% OFF this weekend!</span><br /><br /><br />Now, if you just like to fish or fly fish for 12 months out of the year,<br />that's OK too, because there are deals in those departments, too!<br /><br />We've got specials in both the tackle and fly fishing department!<br /><br />First for the Fly Fishing Focused:<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sage “Bass” series</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Sage Z-Axis fly rods</span> are now at <span style="font-weight: bold;">30% OFF!</span><br />All <span style="font-weight: bold;">discontinued Fishpond tackle bags and luggage is now 40% OFF!</span><br />Plus, all remaining <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ross fly reels and extra spools are 30% OFF!</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Simms Blackfoot Wading boots are 40% OFF!</span><br />We also have a closeout clothing rack loaded with base layers, shirts,<br />jackets, insulation and discontinued or changed models that are 30 – 50% -<br />Great Deals Abound!<br /><br />Now, for the salt and freshwater anglers:<br />All <span style="font-weight: bold;">Apex Salmon trolling lures in stock – HALF OFF!</span> This is a great chance<br />to grab some different colors and stock up!<br />All <span style="font-weight: bold;">Pixie Salmon river lures – buy 2 and get a third FREE</span> (Equal or lesser<br />value)<br />All <span style="font-weight: bold;">Castaic Swim Baits (great for winter bass fishing!) – HALF OFF!</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Penn Spinfisher SS Series Spinning reels – 20% OFF!</span><br />Selected closeout rods – 30- - 50% OFF!<br /><br />In other words, it's time to get down to the sale - going on right now!<br /><br />*DFG Licenses: To obtain a current hunting license in the state of California, you must provide photo ID and a evidence of Hunter's Safety Compliance - this can be either a validated Hunter Safety Course card or a previous year's hunting license. <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Please Note - DFG regulations state that we can no longer accept "Declaration Forms" in lieu of Hunter's Safety evidence.</span> Cash or credit cards only on license sales.<br /></div>Jim @ WSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629992031682981396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168293096207771170.post-17860965496826398102011-08-22T13:20:00.000-07:002011-08-22T13:22:55.891-07:00Salmon. Ocean. Now. GO!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrgMrIgeF2mMTEXdILpX6oMZoPHSXeg16SpqiCBVB2hltLrpP6qHXDn6k-YfAdj-BNPjecbRokJK69bkbnJ_Coo0Un_o4N59Z5Zy-SJl6C9ktOn8LHYSqsu4QhIiLU2BVnBfLtzQHSNA/s1600/salmon_082011.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrgMrIgeF2mMTEXdILpX6oMZoPHSXeg16SpqiCBVB2hltLrpP6qHXDn6k-YfAdj-BNPjecbRokJK69bkbnJ_Coo0Un_o4N59Z5Zy-SJl6C9ktOn8LHYSqsu4QhIiLU2BVnBfLtzQHSNA/s320/salmon_082011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643778286555991010" border="0" /></a>
<br />Just because I got a couple emails asking for proof of fish from Saturday's trip... Here are 2 of the three we caught.
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<br />Jim @ WSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629992031682981396noreply@blogger.com0