SHOP NOTES | C.J. BOVA RODS

  “Mac-o-Cheek Wet Bridge” oil on 6x8 wood panel  field study ~ Clint Bova spring 2017 The Mecoche Division of the Shawnee lived along the Mac-o-Cheek creek hundreds of years ago. Today the creek is still flowing just north east of West Liberty Ohio. Its a tiny creek that in most sections is no wider than a pickup truck. It runs cold year around and supports Brown trout that were stocked originally by the Piatt's in the late 1880's. The Mac-o-Cheek is one of my favorite little creeks not only in Ohio but in the North East. I designed the “Little Mecoche” cane rod specifically for this little creek which can be referenced in my main site under rod types. A visit to the Piatt Castles is a must for any fly fisherman to uncover the mysteries of this little gem. please visit: www.piattcastles.org                               ~Clint Joseph Bova

“Upstream Under Cover” field study, N. Lippencott   oil on 6x8 wood panel ~Clint Bova When fishing in narrow creeks and smallish streams the mantra has always been move slowly and fish in the upstream position. There is a lot of truth to these precepts for about a half dozen different reasons. If you have ever read In the Ring of the Rise by Vince Marinaro he speaks about moving in the upstream position with great conviction. Marinaro is a master of deception when it comes to remaining invisible to trout and moving with catlike stealth. ~The upstream position or 12 o'clock position allows you to move without creating any siltation that will often trigger a flight response from fish. ~The upstream position allows you to stay out of the fishes peripheral vision and what we call the absolute window . Just recently marine biologists are discovering that the fishes eyesight is much more acute above the surface than previously understood. ~The upstr