Reclaim the spot - Boulder Beach

" Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead

June 26th, 2021.

Our day began at 1AM at our homestead in Pahrump, NV. Gathering supplies, loading the "Fish Getter" with a canopy, tackle, and the day's supplies for the trip ahead. Boulder Beach, Lake Mead. Stop #2 in our "Reclaim the Spot" series in partnership with the National Park Service Volunteers. We teamed with Tiny Boat Universe Nevada (a local group dedicated to small boats, modifications, and their community) to get out to Governement Wash in our first outing, and we were very happy to see a few new faces from the fishing community come out and put in work at Boulder Beach. But first- let's fish!

I already had an understanding of the conditions due to our site visit a week ahead of the event, and I knew that the fishing pier was not the play for me. In the photo from the site visit, you can see why. Lake Mead has been on the decline as far as water levels go, which is rapidly changing the dynamic of how anglers can access their favorite spots- if they are accessible at all. Here's hoping it also encourages them to do their part to conserve! In an effort to help spread the word, we have links to all of the current water levels, and launch ramp access information on our site. They can be found on our page called "Angler's Edge" along with the (5) day weather forecast, barometer readings, wind forecasts, and more! 

Here, I knew that my only chances from the shore would involve my waders, and a trip out toward deeper water. At the beginning of the video you can see my rods in their rod holders, after wading out into chest deep water to cast. I do this when I'm fishing in public, mainly because it's fun to see the look on people's faces, and because in spots I've never been to, I can get a read for the conditions. It's been quite productive for me in my recent trips to new areas. Added bonus of fishing this way in the summer is that it can cool you off! The only down side is kind of funny- because I fish in sock-foot waders, I get boots full of water, but that's fun for kids! In the video, when I lean down to pick up the bag of trash in the intro, you can see it splash out!

There are plenty of places that I'd like to fish around this area with my boat after fishing here from shore. I'd also want to do some night fishing here, as the bite picks up. Natural bait fish are back, bringing "boils" to waters near here- and when you have an aresenal of Striper snacks at your disposal, you want to be right on top of them when it happens- that means I have to add this spot to the "Fish Tank Playlist." Fishing spots that I want to attack and film while battle-testing our upcoming release, "The Fish Tank LTE." That playlist is ever-evolving, so if you have a spot you'd like me to check out, fish, and report on, leave a comment! A few bites, two snags, and one break-off in my recon mission- time to pack it up, and get ready to clean.

I was fired up heading into this event! Our first event at Government Wash made a huge impact, and let the Las Vegas fishing community know that we are here, and we are looking for help. Many hands make light work, as the saying goes- and today was no different.   

From the start, I knew that the clean up would be epic. There were new faces with us, and all of them played a huge part in the success of the event. There were two key differences though between this event, and our first outing at Government Wash. The number of young children cleaning was one, and the intense heat was another. God bless those parents for teaching those kids the right way! If you look at the photos, they are IN the brush, picking up trash, while their parents are grabbing big items, and keeping an eye on them. It was beautiful to see these families working as a unit, to achieve a common goal. The highlight of the day was the woman you see in the photos holding her baby while picking up trash, and watching her kids! I was awestruck! Aiza N.- you are the real MVP! As the temps rose, our focus shifted to the children, and the families packed it in, knowing that they had made a huge impact. I thank you all, and hope to see you out there in September, when we resume the series. 

As the temps rose, we were down to three people. My wife, aka "The Boss" , Chris "C Lo" Logan- one of the most dedicated members of the Wiggler Army- and myself. Thanks Chris, for hanging in there! I feel like that was when we dug in, and really pushed to finish strong. We wrestled a buried baby crib out of the sand, (see photo) as well as the two dumpsters full of trash at the end of the day. The National Park Service staff was amazing, and they helped us throw everything in the dumpsters after collecting it from various staging points along the beach.

All things considered, it was a great day, and we all left knowing that we left Boulder Beach better than we found it. We'll see you in September, when the "Reclaim the Spot" series continues. Until then, bring an extra trash bag with you, and clean between the fish bites. Always seems to help me pass the time! 

Stay True, and remember. In a world full of fake, do YOU. No one does you like YOU!

See you on the water!

​- Captain Wiggler

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Existing conditions as of 6/26/2021 - Boulder Beach fishing pier.

Aiza N. the real MVP! I love the look on her son's face!

These kids are warriors! They are IN THERE!

Someone lose a baby crib? Also doubled as a trash can!