Thursday, February 28, 2019

Egg Squeezing Challenge

Aside from me wearing a shirt with fish on it, this post has NOTHING to do with fly fishing but it was just too funny to keep to myself. My middle school students told me the other day that it was impossible for someone to squeeze an egg in the palm of your hand and break the egg. I felt pretty confident that the theory was false. My girlfriend and her son added to my motivation by... egging me on! Here’s what happened.


Link to YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIE8TFKdv5ivGRG8IwS6IDA

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

It's Time to Go Winter


Winter, you have outstayed your welcome and I am politely asking you to leave.  You're the last one at the party, you've told the same joke at least three times, and no one is amused by you anymore.  You've had your moments, don't get me wrong.  The sledding was fun and I dig snowmen, but it is almost March and well...I have promised your friend Spring that we are going to hang out more.  So in closing, it has been real.  It has been fun.  It hasn't been real fun, so bye bye.

I had to get that off my chest and seeing as how this is my EIGHTH SNOW DAY OF THE SCHOOL YEAR, well let's just say I have some time to write letters to Winter.  Now that I am not repressing my disappointment with this beloved season, let's find the positive and look to the horizon.  After all, opening day of trout season is THIS FRIDAY! 

If you're an opening day guy or gal, that's awesome and good for you.  I however am not which means that I have some time before my fishing season kicks off.  I typically don't start fishing until mid to late March and April is the month where I get really serious.  So what I'm trying to say is that I have some time on my hands.  If you are in the same boat (pun intended), I have some ideas for you.  You might benefit from keeping your hands busy so I have compiled some projects that I am working on and thought I might pass them along in case you need something to do.

1. If you haven't checked out the "Projects" tab (and judging by your clicks, you haven't) at the top of the page, you might find something there that trips your trigger.  They are all pretty small and inexpensive because I'm not very smart and don't have a lot of money.

2. If you need something else to do, you can check out my YouTube Channel.  While I haven't added any content for awhile, trust me, there are some things on their way!  Here's a link:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIE8TFKdv5ivGRG8IwS6IDA

3. Number 2 segues (I thought it was spelled segway but apparently that just means a goofy two wheeled contraption) nicely into this component.  Here's where I could use your help.  I have a list of projects that I am considering making instructional videos for.  I have a good idea what I want to do, but I would love your feedback.  I am going to list them below and the top voters get featured in videos.  Just leave your vote in the comment section or on the Facebook page.  There will be a post on the page asking the same question.

  • Making a stripping basket/floating livewell out of a laundry basket
  • Converting a cigar box into a fly box
  • Making a map of Missouri or the US showing places that you have fished
  • Making a magnet fishing rig
  • Crafting a deer antler tying tool holder
  • Making a fly tying work station
  • Making a driftwood fly display
  • Creating a brush making machine for fly tying
  • Assembly a shadow box for displaying flies
  • Craft a fishing collage
  • Assemble a small fly fishing tackle box to ALWAYS keep in your vehicle



Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Monday, February 25, 2019

New Missouri State Record Brown Trout

In case you haven't heard, a state record brown trout was caught over the weekend on Lake Taneycomo.  Aside from being an amazing fish, the story is almost hard to believe.  Phil Lilley (owner of Lilley's Landing) posted a great account of all the events, and you will find it worthy of your time. 


Link: http://forums.ozarkanglers.com/waters/lakes/lake-taneycomo/new-missouri-state-record-brown-trout-22319-r902/

Friday, February 22, 2019

2 New Etsy Listings

Recently, there have been two new products added to my online fly shop at Etsy.com.  They are assortments that I have been working on this winter and they include some flies that you can order through the site as well as a few flies that are unique to the assortments.  ALL of the flies in the assortments have been effective for me in the past, and I wouldn't offer them if they hadn't.  One assortment is a bass/big trout assortment.  It includes mouse flies, clousers, conehead madonnas, braves, goblins (great tadpole imitations), and gurglers.  The second assortment is a great bluegill/small trout assortment.  There are some woolies, beetles, Griffith's gnats, zonkers, leeches, and bluegill bumblebees.  Both assortments come in a repurposed cigar boxes that have channels cut into the foam that hold flies in with pressure so you won't rip up the foam and will last longer.  I am selling one of each assortment so once they are gone, they won't be in stock again for awhile!  Each assortment is priced at $40.  As always, I personally tie all of these flies, and flies that I sell are never outsourced or come from other people!

Link to Etsy Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheShowMeFlyGuy?ref=l2-shop-info-avatar

Link to bass/big trout assortment: https://www.etsy.com/listing/678230373/bass-fly-assortment-one-dozen-flies-big?ref=shop_home_active_9&cns=1

Link to bluegill/small trout assortment: https://www.etsy.com/listing/664391932/bluegill-fly-assortment-18-flies-trout?ref=shop_home_active_8

Bass/Big Trout Assortment














Bluegill/Small Trout Assortment


















Thursday, February 21, 2019

Paul

Well done Orvis!  I didn't think you could make another tear-jerking video after Mend, but look at you!  You did it again.  Well played Orvis!  Maybe one day I will send YOU a video of me losing a big fish after my dog dies, my house burns down, and my girlfriend leaves me.  Then you can see how it feels!  And oh yeah, it will be set to the saddest country song you could ever imagine! 


Link to the Orvis YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/orvisvideos

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Some Gooooood Fishing Stories


If you're looking for some good fishing stories, look no further than the link below.  Field and Stream assembled some of its authors to share some of their memories that are centered around fishing.  Their themes vary greatly, but they are all good reads.  John Snow (no, not the King of the North) has a hilarious story about catch and release fishing while Joe Cermele has a relatable story of luck found and luck lost.  Bill Heavey found fishing at a pivotal point in his life but still makes it humorous is true Bill Heavey fashion.  I could go on and on about the authors and the themes of the stories, but you should probably quit reading my mindless drivel and would benefit from reading the musings of professional writers.

Link: https://www.fieldandstream.com/gifts-wild-great-fishing-stories

Monday, February 18, 2019

Fly Tying Tutorial: Oskar Gester's Devo Diver

If you dig fishing sculpin flies, you're going to like this!  If you like fishing articulated streamers, you're going to LOVE this!  If you like fishing articulated sculpin flies, THEN THIS VIDEO IS GOING TO BLOW YOUR MIND!!!!!  I dig the complex twist that Brian throws in there too!  Lots of bulk and a good marrying of materials aside from just being fun to do!




Flymen Fishing Company YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaIeIyLD1-KP2wBn1EPeGdg

Friday, February 15, 2019

MORE Poached Elk in Missouri

Why?  Why would anyone do this?  I just don't understand how someone could poach not only rare, but majestic animals like elk here in Missouri.  Personally, this is heartbreaking and a sad act that was no doubt done by reckless cowards that deserve to get caught!  Read the article for all of the awful details and to educate yourself about what is happening to wildlife in our fine and beautiful state!  MDC asks that anyone with information on this poaching case call (573) 226-3616, ext. 226, or Operation Game Thief at 1-800-392-1111.


Link: https://mdc.mo.gov/newsroom/mdc-seeks-information-poaching-case-two-adult-elk

Thursday, February 14, 2019

Whistle Pig Jig

This is a cool little fly that looks like it would get down in the water column fast and only requires one material!  Make sure to watch to the end to see the cool way of getting your fly out of the vice without touching any of the wet head cement.  It just might make your head explode!



Link to the tightlinevideo YoutTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIdIkp_uBiYEw-Pb4-BDBjw

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Book Review- Fishful Thinking


With all of this bad weather that we have been having, I've actually had time to do a little reading.  I was given Fishful Thinking: Letter from the Lazy G by Dave Gillogly by the father of one of my students.  It just so happens that Mr. Gillogly is the grandfather of said student and father-in-law of the thoughtful gentleman that gifted me the book.  To my knowledge, this is the only book that Mr. Gillogly has written, but hopefully it isn't the last.  He has an easy-to-follow and light-hearted method of writing that shows he understands the subject and appreciates it at the same time.  In other words, he doesn't come off as a university professor.  He seems to be more of a guy that has spent a lot of time on the water and loves it without bravado or braggadocio.  He also includes plenty of detail and extremely descriptive accounts about his journeys that includes times of the day as well as fly size and pattern selection.  At the same time however, he writes his stories so they can be enjoyed for fun and not taken as some sort of benediction from the book of fly fishing.  He's no Walton or McGuane, but that's why I like him.  His self deprecating humor about not being a very good writer also makes him endearing.  

I've made it through the first few chapters and his stories about getting introduced to fly fishing are VERY relatable.  He's also got a heck of a story about an elk, a bear, and some wolves.  I'm only on page 34 (I'm a REALLY slow reader), but I will be posting about the book again in the future.  I will also be giving a full review at the end but so far, I would give it 5 out of 5 bamboo fly rods.  There is a link below that you can click on and purchase the book through Amazon if you are in the market for a new fly fishing book.

Link: https://www.amazon.com/Fishful-Thinking-Letters-Lazy-G/dp/0692838503/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1549994421&sr=8-1&keywords=fishful+thinking

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Ozarks on the Fly

What a cool story about a Missouri-born-and-raised farm boy that learned to fly fish when he was twelve.  And for what it is worth, I agree with him that Southwest Missouri is like heaven!


Link to the Bluff Line Media YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUTPoXFO3uClx0NCQ_ylNUA

Monday, February 11, 2019

Big Trout on a 3 Weight

I ran across this a while back but just recently got a chance to actually check this link out.  It has everything that a Monday post could ask for.  It's in an exotic place, with a big fish, and a some great fly fishing footage.  In short, it is the perfect break from work.


Link: https://flylordsmag.com/2018/02/08/video-landing-monster-trout-3-wt/

Friday, February 8, 2019

Fall Hybrids on the Fly

My buddy Luke from The Midwest Drift has the same affinity for catching hybrid striped bass/wipers on a fly as I do.  Check out this great footage and spring can't get here fast enough.


Thursday, February 7, 2019

Huge Fly Fisherman

I've got a feeling that I have stumbled on the next big thing in fly fishing: Huge Fly Fisherman.  This guy is funny, thoughtful, knowledgeable, and keeps things simple.  He's got a series of videos that poke fun at fly fishing but I'll be darned if I don't learn something from every one!  Enjoy the video below and maybe throw a subscription his way. 


Link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX5H2TAWddhGYYcCR5dc3sQ

Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Finally, a Heavy Sowbug/Scud

Scuds and sow bugs are great patterns to use to catch trout in Missouri, especially at Lake Taneycomo!  Most folks that fish Taney know that when water starts flowing through Table Rock Dam, if you put on a scud, then you're going to start catching fish.  With that being said, I'll be honest, I hate fishing these patters for one reason, and one reason only: weight.  Typically you need to put on a split shot or some other type of lead to get flies down to the bottom and I hate it!  To me it is cumbersome and a pain in the butt to manage.  This fly however might have made it possible to get a fly down without the need for additional weight.  It's creative, thoughtful, and at least something to think about and/or consider as an option.


Link: https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=FZ59eVEboJU

Monday, February 4, 2019

32” Brown Trout

Did you hear the story about the thirty-two inch brown trout caught on the White River?  Yes, you read that correctly.  A 32 inch brown!  Read the story by clicking the link below.


Link: https://ozarkflyfisherjournal.wordpress.com/2019/01/29/seaton-and-johnson-32/

Friday, February 1, 2019

Thingamabobber

Winter trout fishing in Missouri is all about nymphing.  Some folks look down their nose at nymphing and by some people I mean die hard streamer junkies and ardent dry fliers.  I personally don't have a single problem with nymphing because it flat out catches fish and I don't mind staring at a strike indicator (bobber for you spin guys).  I have always used the stick and ball indicator system because,well, that's what I was taught to use.  Couple that with feeling confounded by how to use a Thingamabobber and you can see why I use what I use.  However, I ran across a video the other day just might have me reevaluating my current nymphing practice.  My newfound internet buddy and fellow Missouri angler that goes by Show Me the Hawgs on Instagram and YouTube put a video together showing how to use this indicator system.  Hopefully this helps you with your nymphing and gives you some options in the future.


Link to Show Me the Hawgs Channel: