Bleacher Report - Articles by Dustin Cohick

My New Outdoor Obsession: Fly Fishing

Dustin Cohick — Fri, 22 May 2009 09:24:34 -0400

"What is that," I asked my Grandfather, as we walked along the cold mountain stream. "That's fly fishing," he replied.

As he continued throwing his spinner, I sat, watching a man so graceful in his movements.

After a couple of minutes I asked my Grandfather, "why is his fishing pole so long? And why does he keep pulling the line behind him"? "Someday I'll show you," he says to me.

Well that day never had a chance to come.

I had fished nearly all my life, mainly in freshwater stream, rivers, and lakes.

Encounters with fly fishers were not uncommon on Pennsylvania waters. And, I always looked at them somewhat differently, almost as if they were weird. But, I was intrigued by this weird way of fishing.

I'd watched hunting and fishing shows on TV in high school. All of them, except if they were fly fishing. Afterall, I did not own that type of equipment.

I had little trouble catching some fish on spinning tackle, so why change methods if you already know what works. And besides, that fly fishing looked much too difficult to learn. I was there to catch fish.

During my college years, fishing was a religion to me. I would fish on the two on-campus ponds, or go to several nearby streams for trout.

There was also a lake down the road a friend and myself would sometimes kayak on and fish.

I spent a ton of my free time outdoors, perhaps four to five days a week doing something.

During a late Spring trip to the Pigg River in South Western Virginia, a friend and I walked up on a man that was fly fishing. We said Hello as he was casting, he did not turn around but said hello in reply.

We stood there for about a minute before, WHAM, "I got him" he said.

What a fight, I thought to myself. The fish would take off upstream, and then down. After about a 10-minute battle with what I knew was a nice fish, this man had landed about a four pound Rainbow Trout.

Still believing this craft was too much for me, I did not give it a try until last week—some four years after watching that man land that trout.

I have a friend that lives nearby in my now home state of Maryland. We had trout fished together a couple of times in the early Spring.

On the first trip, I arrived to pick him up, and he entered my truck with two fly rods. I knew he was a fly fisherman, but not crazy.

On this day I cleaned up, catching 18 trout on a spinner. My buddy also caught some fish on his fly rod.

But watching him, again sparked my interest. Not so much for the fish catching aspect, but more for the artistry.

I got a fly rod and a couple of flies last week. My buddy lent me a few books and videos. He also tied me about 60 flies for many uses and species of fish.

We went out this past Monday on a small lake near his home where I caught my first fish. I am hooked!

As I've gotten older my adventures out of doors is more of a love of natural surroundings, than a quest for an animal. I simply enjoy being there. I no longer get bored in a tree stand, or tire of casting with little or no success.

I can only hope my new obsession will lead me further down this road of peace outdoors, and I think it will.

As always, remember, no matter what the endeavour, safety above all else.

So Just How Happy Is Ernie Sims Right Now?

Dustin Cohick — Thu, 07 May 2009 11:09:56 -0400

Well just look at the smile, I'd say he is very happy right now.

Sims has been one of the lone bright spots of the Detroit Lions franchise since being drafted in 2006. His ninth overall selection was one of the lone bright spots of first round draft picks by then GM Matt Millen. Millen has since been let go, Sims is still smiling.

Ernie seems to produce no matter what the team is doing, averaging 123 tackles per year since he came into the league. That is good enough for an average finish of 12th in the NFL over that time, finishing 20th, fourth, and 13th overall in tackles per year.

With seemingly little help on the defensive front, aside from now departed Shaun Rodgers, Sims has been very productive. Also he hasn't played next to an equal caliber player in the middle linebacker spot, well...ever. Then comes the 2009 season.

All Lions' fans wanted the world renown DT Albert Haynesworth, when he hit the free agent market. But, as new Coach Jim Schwartz and GM Martin Mayhew said, they would not break the bank on one player, but rather, sign mid level talent at a much lower cost. The biggest upgrade we found via free agency for the defensive line was Grady Jackson.

In 2008 Jackson was certainly a run stuffing, mammoth of a man. At 6'2" and 345lbs, he helped the Falcons' Keith Brooking in registering over 100 tackles.

He also brings a veteran leadership role to Sammie Lee Hill, drafted in the fourth round of the 2009 draft. Hill also has great size but is a raw talent that needs to prove he can play in the trenches and hold his ground in the run game against much tougher competition than he played against at the college level.

The trade of Cory Redding to Seattle for all pro linebacker Julian Peterson seems to be a great move. In 2008 he posted 86 tackles, but his ability to defend passes and rush the passer may be his best attributes.

Sims and Peterson seemed to be a great duo of linebackers for the Lions, and with no middle linebacker prospect drafted this season, no one knew who would play inside.

Would it be the under-sized yet highly drafted Jordan Dizon, who played in 12 games, but never started. Or would it be the rookie outside linebacker converted to play inside in DeAndre Levy.

Both could probably fill the void with much more talent around them now in Detroit.

Looking back at this weeks acquisition of, two time Superbowl Champion Larry Foote will do much more than fill the void left at middle linebacker. He will smack the void in the face and solidify a complete turn around of the Lions defense.

The secondary had an almost complete renewal, as they could have all new faces playing this season.

Couple that with a bolstered up offense that can hopefully keep the defense off the field, and we are looking at a much brighter future than once thought.

So just how happy is Ernie Sims?

In a pre-draft interview found on mlive.com, Sims says about some of the new players brought in, "as of right now, I feel comfortable with them. I'm confident. I know a couple of them from the past, and I've seen them play, and I know they're pretty good."

He may be down playing it just a bit, they are pro bowl caliber players, and with the addition of Larry Foote inside, I'd say Ernie is very excited to start the regular season. And, maybe, just maybe, he won't have to be the lone bright spot in Detroit anymore.

12th Annual Pennsylvania Trout Tournament Deemed a Success

Dustin Cohick — Wed, 06 May 2009 13:12:07 -0400

This past weekend, May 2 and 3, marked the twelfth annual Chambersburg Noontime Lions Club trout derby.

Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, is located in the south central part of the state. The stream to be fished during the tournament was the East Branch of the Conococheague. This stream flows out of a reservoir just north of Chambersburg, runs down into Maryland, right past my house, and dumps into the Potomac River and then eastward into the Chesapeake Bay.

The stream offers cold, mountain stream like conditions ideal for trout. Trout are known to "hold over" year after year if not caught by a lucky fisherman. Though in extreme hot, dry summers, I would guess not many fish can survive due to low water levels and increasing temperatures of the water.

For this particular tournament, a five mile stretch of the stream is stocked with tagged fish. The tag is inserted into the back, adjacent to the fish's dorsal fin. The tag has a number on it that was predetermined to be worth anywhere from twenty-five dollars and one fish worth two thousand dollars.

Over four hundred tagged trout were released into the stream late Friday night, May first.

One important note is that during the week prior to the derby, the state stocked two different areas, on Monday and Thursday. And, a local rod and gun club stocked an area on Wednesday. The stream was just loaded with trout heading into the weekend.

The weather forecast did not look promising for the weekends tournament. Calling for rainy conditions both days, would prove to be tough on the fishermen, woman and children partaking in the weekend event.

3:45am Saturday morning the alarmed sounded, it was time to go fishing!

I was to meet a friend from work at the spot we had hoped to catch some fish at. I arrived at 4:45 and he was already in his spot. Many vehicles were already there, along with a couple of campers. He had fished this tournament the past four years with no success of tagged fish. This was my first time for the derby.

We fished in that area for about an hour past the official start time of six in the morning. Then we proceeded up stream to a hole we had luck in on previous occasions. We caught some fish out of this hole but no tagged fish yet.

Lunch time came and we decided we had fished hard for the first part of the morning and would go grab some food, come up with a game plan, and hit them hard again in an hour or so.

After lunch we went back to the hole we had just left and fished it until 6pm. Day one ended with my landing thirteen fish and one had a tag. My buddy caught six trout but no tags. The rain held off for the most part on Saturday.

Sunday brought us new hope of the illustrious tagged trout. We decided not to go as early, but head back to that same hole we spent so much time in the day before. We had witnessed and took part in about fifty fish being caught in this area, and only one had a tag. We knew the fish were there and maybe the tagged fish would bite today.

My first cast I got a bite, but lost my bait. I re-baited the hook and cast the line, nibble, nibble, nibble... Wham, "I got him", I said to my buddy standing right next to me. "He's not very big", but as he got closer I could see the lucky blue tag from his dorsal fin.

At this point I couldn't believe it, my buddies had fished this tournament the four past years and never caught a tagged fish, and there I am having two, and one in the first five minutes of day two.

The rain did not hold off on Sunday however, as it rained all day with no let up. The creek was muddied a bit, and levels came up, and some of the fishermen went home empty handed.

I ended up catching eighteen trout in all, and three tagged fish, earning me $100. But, this is not a story of how I am a better fisherman than my buddies, or anyone else for that matter. This is simply a story to show that, you can't catch them from the couch.

I could have decided not to go on day two because I already caught a tagged one on Saturday. That seemed to be a feat all itself, but something makes me get up for everything outdoors. Something keeps me coming back for more, even if I don't get a bite or see a hunted animal.

This tournament profits the Lions Club of Chambersburg. They are helping the citizens of our towns all across the country. They provide meals, doctor visits, scholarships, and much more for those in need.

I grew up twenty miles from this tournament and never even heard about it. So if you do not think these activities are happening around you, look for them, they are there. You can't catch 'em from the couch!

As always, remember, no matter what the endeavour, safety above all else.

Why Drafting Matthew Stafford Truly Means Building for the Future

Dustin Cohick — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 11:13:34 -0400

So much has been said in the media and blogs surrounding the 2009 NFL Draft, about who should be selected No. 1.

Whether you want the closest thing to a pro-bowler in Aaron Curry, one of the great left tackles, Smith or Monroe, perhaps another WR sensation in Crabtree, or as experts predict the Bulldog signal caller in Matthew Stafford.

All have great potential and are seemingly top ten picks in this years draft.

I for one, in the beginning, hated the idea of selecting Stafford No. 1 overall, but not based on his talent level though. I saw far too many holes on an 0-16 team to draft anyone that would not help the team week one.

Here are some reasons why Matthew Stafford could benefit the Lions in the future:

1) The obvious reason is that he could pan out and be the franchise quarterback all of us hope he will be, and that the team needs.

It serves him well to hold a clip board and learn the X's and O's for at least one year or more. Also playing behind a former all pro in Culpepper can teach him invaluable lessons he can carry into the future.

Scott Linehan can help him in the transition from the college game to the pros as he did help Culpepper throw a couple of touchdowns in his career.

2) It's not a sprint, it's a marathon.

This in my opinion is very important from a fans perspective. Many of us have liked the moves Mayhew and the front office have made thus far.

But they didn't go out and over spend to make the team better, and I say that is ok. We as Lions fans are already patient, we need to continue on this path even if Stafford is selected.

We can't turn around eight years of Millen failures in one off season and draft. It will take a while, two to three seasons before we should judge how the new regime is doing.

Keep this in mind if this season is rough. If we want our new QB and team to succeed, do not go calling for anyone's head too soon or we may be in for another bad decade.

Culpepper should, and will start, if he and the team go 0-8, remember we as Lions fans are patient.

3) Stafford is the best QB prospect.

Yes I said it, he is better than Mark Sanchez. His arm strength is amazing and is not found in the draft every year. He put up good numbers against good defenses of the SEC. He can make all the throws in an NFL style offense.

I'll take this point one step further and say he is the best quarterback prospect in this year and next years draft combined. The three headed QB monster that returned to college this year in Bradford, McCoy, and Tebow all are great college quarterbacks.

None of which I would want over Stafford.

The closest thing to an NFL style of offense these three have seen is a fourth and inches QB sneak. And even then it was a shotgun QB draw play. Look, they all have skills, and I love watching them play, just not for my beloved Lions. It seems as thought their skills do not translate into good NFL quarterbacks.

4) How many holes are left?

If the Lions do in fact snag our signal caller of the future this year, it is one less hole to fill for the team. Sure, I had QB as being the fourth or fifth hole for this year, but drafting Stafford means there is one less hole.

The Lions will hopefully not have the first overall pick in next years draft, but it seems it will fall somewhere in the top 10. The front office can evaluate the team on a position by position basis after this season, add some free agents, and come up with a draft strategy for next year.

If they could trade out of their first round spot next season and pick up some very valuable picks, the future of the franchise will be looking a lot better.

It seems as thought the Detroit Lions will draft Matthew Stafford first overall on draft day. I believe this is a wise choice for the future of the team, and ultimately the best strategy.

Remember patience is a virtue we all must posses with everything involving the Lions.

The curse of Bobby Layne ends April 25, 2009 with the first pick in the draft.

A Top Five of Maryland Fishing Waters

Dustin Cohick — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 11:31:12 -0400

There are many great fisheries to find success in the state of Maryland. Obviously with only a top five, many will be left off. I am somewhat of a new resident to this state so if your favorite spot doesn't make it on the list, please tell me what it is and why in your comments.

These are in no particular order, but all offer a great outdoor experience.

Savage River/Reservoir

Located in western Maryland's Garrett County, this river/reservoir has a load of fishing opportunities. Below the reservoir is a fly fisherman's dream. The Savage River has year round bait and creel limit restrictions due to the amount of wild Brook and Brown Trout that can be caught here.

It is considered a trophy area because of the wild trout populations. A population study conducted on this four mile stretch from the dam to the Potomac River in 2002 revealed an estimated 1,000 wild trout per mile.

Not to leave out the reservoir, it owns the state record for Rainbow Trout, a lunker weighing in at 14lbs. 3oz.

Deep Creek Lake

This very popular lake offers 3,800 acres of fisherman's playground. It also holds two state records; Blue Gill and Northern Pike. Many species of fish are found in this lake, everything from Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Crappie, Yellow Perch, Rainbow, and Brown Trout, and everything in between.

Whether your on a weekend get-a-way or a week long vacation, Deep Creek Lake offers all the opportunities for a great fishing trip. This is the largest fresh water lake in Maryland, and is located in the northwest corner of the state.

Liberty Reservoir

Located in and supplies Baltimore County with fresh water supply. This 3,100 acre lake offers a striper fisherman a chance at 40+ pound fish. Stocking of Striped Bass began in the early eighties, and are now naturally reproducing in the lake. Also White Crappie and the Bass species often reach trophy size.

A major factor in this impoundment staying a great fishery is the restriction of no gas powered motors on the lake. Also one must obtain a permit from the city to launch a boat, as well as sign an affidavit that they will only use the boat on Liberty, Loch Raven, and Pretty Boy Reservoirs.

Zebra Mussels are the cause of such caution and will take over a body of water when introduced. These restrictions only help the future of fishing in these waters.

Potomac River

This river flows from western Maryland, bordering West Virginia, through Virginia and dumps into the Chesapeake Bay. I'll get to the bay a little later. The Potomac offers a great fishing experience to citizens from three different states everyday.

My family has a private boat dock at a fish and game club located close to home. So I have fished this river in a few areas numerous times. It offers great Smallmouth Bass fishing as well as a variety of other warm water fishes.

The North Branch of this river offers some of the best trout fishing in the state. Some put-and-take areas as well as catch and release. The area below the Jennings Randolph Lake is known to hold and produce natural reproduction of all trout species.

The North Branch of the Potomac River holds the state record for Brown, Brook, and Cutthroat Trout.

Chesapeake Bay

Maryland, being a coastal state also offers salt water fishing. No Maryland list could be complete without having the bay on this list.

Some of the more popular species in the bay are; Rock fish, Black Drum, Flounder, Gray Trout, Croacker, and Bluefish. With the coast being a top vacation area, one could take the family on a day trip on one of the many charter fishing boats.

The Chesapeake Bay has really been cleaned up due in large part to the environmental regulations put in place in the vast tributaries of the bay. Also in tidal waters of Maryland a fisherman must have a special permit to fish, but this is readily available in local tackle shops in coastal areas.

There are so many more great fishing locations throughout the state. My favorite, Town Creek, didn't make the list because of its location and accessibility. I recently caught and released 18 trout in about four hours. What a day!

Support the local tackle shops wherever you fish. These are more often than not the places to gain a little more information that can turn a pretty good day fishing, into a great day.

If you can, take a child fishing so they too can enjoy the outdoors. Always remember, no matter what the endeavor, safety above all else!

Trout Fishing: The Outdoor Experience

Dustin Cohick — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 11:23:22 -0400

Mar. 28, this Saturday, marks the opening day of trout season in my home state of Maryland. Many people will be lined up around a pond or lake, in hopes of catching their creel limit.

Me, well I'm more of a stream fisherman when it comes to trout. The freedom of stream fishing and the ability to be in the water is what draw me in. The oneness with nature one feels knee deep in water while casting a line is amazing.

Just to be in that moment where; bills, politics, and life troubles seem non-existent.

A mountain stream setting paints a beautiful scene, where the crisp morning air, the smell of the earth, and the sound of flowing water can all bring a taste of success with just one "bite."

Streams are a great place to introduce a child to the outdoors because of the freedom. You do not have to stay in one spot very long.

As we all know, children can have short attention spans, and moving around to different areas can make for a more enjoyable outdoor experience.

Youth have always been the key in the future of the outdoors. If you enjoy the outdoors, and teach young people the basic principles, they too will become more apt to live an outdoor lifestyle. If you get an opportunity, take a child on a Spring trout fishing adventure.

Trout are often easier to catch than some other species. Trout are usually straight from the hatchery, and therefore do not pass on an easy meal. Not too mention much more safe for you and I to eat. Success in the field can be enough to keep children coming back for more.

Powerbait, salmon eggs, cheese, marshmallows, corn, and worms are all great starter baits. These baits when rigged properly, are easy to use, as you let the flowing water do most of the work.

More experienced fisherman can use; spinners, trout magnets, live minnows or crayfish, or other baits in their quest for trout. Either way just getting out there is the most important part of any outdoor experience.

Some anglers choose fly fishing over other techniques for this cold water beauty. This is an art-form, only seasoned fisherman are usually successful. This technique takes many natural occurrences into consideration.

When insects are hatching and what insects are available at different times of the year, are important to keep in mind.

For any fly fisherman there isn't anything better than catching a fish on your own, hand tied fly. Fly tying has become much easier through the use of the Internet or local fly tying classes.

No matter what skill level you are, trout fishing can offer a lot for your own personal experience. Find local water bodies and get out there and fish. Take a child along so they too can enjoy the outdoors.

Always remember, no matter what the endeavour, safety above all else.

A Whitetail Hunter's Spring Training: Things To Do Before Deer Season

Dustin Cohick — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 09:44:32 -0400

Spring is a down time for many whitetail hunters, but not for those of us who really love it.

For me, spring is an exciting time to start setting up scouting cameras, and searching for antler sheds. Spring also offers warmer temperatures, which makes finding new hunting areas more enjoyable.

One can also try gaining access to local private hunting property during this time of year. As everyone knows, showing up on someone's doorstep in all camo three hours before dark usually warrants a "NO" response.

You could offer to help with chores around a farm that spring or summer to gain permission. Although it will not seem worth it while doing the labor, the time to enjoy the fruits of your labor will come when fall rolls around.

The offseason hunter also now has time to practice shooting. Whether you prefer archery, crossbow, muzzleloader, shotgun, or rifle hunting, this is a great time to hone your skills or try out that new piece of equipment you got for Christmas.

Spring allows you to better acquaint yourself with how these tools of the trade can perform.

Lastly, always remember, no matter what the endeavor, safety above all else!

The Detroit Lions Have Been On the Clock Since 0-16

Dustin Cohick — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 10:00:50 -0400

Upon reading countless mock drafts and realizing many "experts" still have Detroit choosing Matt Stafford number one overall. I felt compelled to give my best effort at what I feel the Lions need to do during the 2009 NFL Draft.

I have ripped other people for their picks, and now it is your turn to get me back if you wish. I had some different players in different spots, but ultimately did not want to sit on the fence. So without further ado, here is who the Lions should take.

Round One

No. 1 Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest

This guy is an instant starter on a defense with some holes at linebacker. With out a doubt a fan favorite number one selection. What he can bring to this defense, no one else in this draft class can. His athleticism, and nose for the ball are a great addition for the Detroit front seven.

No. 20 William Beauty, OT, UCONN

Perhaps a bit of a stretch, but left tackle is a must this year. We need to move Jeff Backus inside to guard and improve the line, so the sack numbers can come down and the rushing numbers can go up.

I feel the other top tackles are off the board at this point and Eben Britten is projected at right tackle which is currently occupied on our roster with Gosder Cherilus. At 6'6" and 307lbs, he certainly fits the mold of a left tackle for years to come.

Round Two

No. 33 Darius Butler, CB, UCONN

The FA acquisition of Phillip Buchanon was big. The trade of Jon Kitna for Anthony Henry was bigger, but no one knows what will happen. Butler is just too good to pass up. This may be the pick that moves Henry over to safety. At 5'11", 186lbs, and sub 4.4 speed, we have to take this guy. Butler also brings the ability to return kicks and even has experience as a wide out.

Round Three

No. 65 Fili Moala, DT, USC

The addition of Grady Jackson will help on run downs, but is not an every down guy with his age, now 36. Moala will be an addition to the DL rotation and in a few years a starter for the Lions future.

The guy is 6'4" and 305lbs, we are going bigger and stronger right. His cousin is Haloti Ngata, if they start working out together in the off season we may have a third round gem on our hands.

No. 82 Brandon Tate, WR, UNC

The Lions were 24th in kickoff return average, and 25th in punt return average a year ago. This guy has return skills like no one else, with two years of over 900 yards on kickoffs and averaging 22 yards per punt return his senior year. His stock suffered due to an ACL injury that sidelined him most of his senior year.

Tate could also be a very good slot receiver, as he runs good routes and is not afraid to go across the middle. This is a first or second round talent, if he has a good pro day March 17, pencil him in on Detroit's roster.

Round Five

No. 129 A. Q. Shipley, C, Penn State

Dominic Raiola is good and started every game for the Lions since 2002. But, he is the only true center on our current roster, and will need replaced eventually. Shipley could be a very good back up at worst.

He turned in a pretty good combine with a 5.19 40 yard dash, showing he has the ability to pull if needed. He also tied for second best among centers with 33 reps at 225lbs. His short arms are maybe his biggest downfall and the reason he falls to us at this pick.

Round Six

No. 161 Jasper Brinkley, ILB, South Carolina

At 6'2" and 252lbs, we finally get a true inside linebacker, not too mention great value. Brinkeley was projecting as a first or second round pick before a knee injury in 2007. He bounced back last season and earned 2nd team ALL-SEC honors.

No. 179 Nader Abdallah, DT, Ohio State

Known as a coachable and hard working player. No huge stats to throw up, I just have a feeling about this guy. He could at least make the team, and learn from some of the veteran players. He may eventually work into the DL rotation, in a few years. He is 6'4" and 295, so we'll see if he can open any eyes at the Ohio State pro day.

So there you have it, my Detroit Lions mock draft.