The Game Changer- Part 3

So this is it.  This is the final game changer post and maybe the most important.  Today, we learn how to tie a game changer.  I have vowed to try and tie this fly as soon as I am done moving.  It might take me a while to get to it, but as soon as I do, I promise to share my experience and final product with you.  If you can tie this fly or give it a shot, I would love to see what you produce.  We could even come up with a post and share what you know or learned about tying a game changer.  You can always contact me at showmeflyguy@gmail.com.

Would you like to just buy a game changer?  Just click the link below to be directed to the Umpqua site:
https://umpqua.com/products/flies/all-purpose-saltwater-flies/game-changer

The Game Changer- Part 2

Today, Blane Chocklett (inventor of the game changer, professional guide, and advisor to TFO rods) talks about different types of game changers and how their subtle nuances behave differently in the water.  Tomorrow, we learn how to tie one!

Link to an article where Blane Chocklett goes into more detail about the game changer:

https://tforods.com/why-you-should-have-this-game-changer/

Would you like to read a book where Blane goes into more detail about this fly as well as fly fishing for musky?  By all means, click here or on the link below:

https://www.amazon.com/Hunting-Musky-Fly-Rick-Kustich/dp/0811713571/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1548859396&sr=8-1&keywords=musky+on+the+fly

The Game Changer- Post 1

If you haven't noticed the trendy, popular, and innovative new fly that is taking fly fishing by storm, then the name "game changer" probably doesn't mean much to you and you are in for a surprise.  If you are on Instagram, Facebook, or even just pay a little attention to fly fishing news and social media, then you know what kind of a game changer the Game Changer is!  Over the next few posts, we are going to delve into what the game changer is, what it does, and how to tie one.  In today's post, here is a look at what a game changer looks like and how it looks underwater.  Tomorrow, we will look at specific details about the fly and eventually how to tie one!

For more Flymen Fishing Company videos, just click on the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/user/FlymenFishing

Tying the Dark Destroyer Pike Fly

This video popped up on my "recommended" list on YouTube the other day.  Let's just say that I feel like I know Paul Monaghan a little better after allowing this video to lead me down the rabbit whole.  In other words, I watched a bunch of his videos and he does some outstanding work.  Paul ties some amazing pike flies and has some great videos.  Feel free to like and subscribe to his channel in the link below.

Link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu3eYUxwfvWRUvHFnhxXM5Q

Streamer Chronicles- Steve Dally

I'm going to show my ignorance here but you should be used to that by now: Steve Dally is Australian?  I've seen his pictures, looked at his pictures, and read his blog but didn't know the man's story and certainly hadn't ever heard his voice.  After that initial surprise, I loved how he describe big brown trout behavior and how to fish for these amazing predators!

Fly Fishing the Ozarks YouTube Channel for more videos and to subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/user/flyfishingtheozarks

Dally's Ozark Fly Fisher Page: https://theozarkflyfisher.com/
This site has a great store, blog, pictures, and a plethora of information.  If you visit this site, you won't regret it!

Managing Material Hanks

This is genius...pure genius.  If you are a fly tier, this simple tip/hack will life SO much easier when it comes to managing the amount of material you have at your fly tying vice.

Feel free to subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIdIkp_uBiYEw-Pb4-BDBjw

It All Worked Out

Great story, outstanding edit, and amazing footage that captures the ups and downs of most fishing trips!  The snow makes the browns a little more dramatic and prettier too!

PhelpsOntheFly YouTube channel for more videos and to subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/user/basshead42069/videos

Video Review- The Progressive Kansas City Boat & Sportshow

I finally got around to editing the video that I shot at the 2019 Kansas City Boat & Sportshow.  If you didn't make it this year, here's what you missed.  I have no doubt that the 2020 show will be outstanding as well!

Link to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIE8TFKdv5ivGRG8IwS6IDA
All likes and subscriptions are greatly appreciated and get me closer to quitting my day job and becoming one of those YouTubers that make millions of dollars.

Brown Trout Can't Jump

Well, the name is a little deceiving, but I would agree with the idea that Brown Trout don't jump much when you're fighting them.  Anyway, enjoy the big and beautiful browns that some lucky jerk caught in Patagonia.

Feel free to subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIdIkp_uBiYEw-Pb4-BDBjw

An Ode to Flies and Fly Boxes (Original Poetry)

I got bored the other day when the weather was awful and felt a little cabin fever setting in.  The words to this poem came to me and thought I would share it with you.  It's supposed to be funny so I hope it is.

An Ode To Flies and Fly Boxes

Poor little fly boxes, all your flies have run out.
I lost them to bass, trees, bluegill and trout.

Fishing season is over, it's the end of the year.
I don't live near a trout stream so, yep, that's a tear.

But what's that in the corner, covered in books and printed off pages?
Why it's my fly tying desk, I haven't used it in ages!

A fire is now lit, a passion restored.
This sure beats Lifetime, and feeling constantly bored.

I'll fill this box, and maybe some more.
This winter's not so bad, and this won't feel like a chore.

I will tie favorites like John Deere's, and a few Griffith's gnats,
I'll tie stonefly patterns, like Rubberlegs, invented by Pat...Bennett.

I'll tie flies that float with a little help from Gink,
I'll tie streamers that have everything except the kitchen sink.

Copper John's, Adam's, a worm named squirmy,
Midges, hare's ears, and a San Juan wormie.

Crayfish, baitfish, nymphs, and ants.
I'm so excited that I just might pee my pants.

Articulated flies, both big and small.
I'll tie musky flies that look like they're ready to brawl.

I don't even musky fish, but in this mode, who cares?
If I run out of 210 denier thread, I have plenty of spares.

Ostrich, peacock, squirrel, and rabbit.
If you can tie it to a hook, I probably have it.

I'll tie zonkers, buggers, clousers, and hoppers,
Beetles, mice, and deer hair poppers.

Some will go fast, and some will go slow,
But it's winter, it's snowing, and I have nowhere to go.

My 12 bobbins are ready, hackle pliers are out.
If you tie flies at all, you know that I'm talkin' about.

Dubbing brush in hand, with plenty of hooks.
I have YouTube videos to watch, and plenty of books.

Now run to your vice and desk, and go seize the day.
Because catching fish on YOUR flies feels better that way.

Help a Fellow Missourian Win a Prize

So I have a buddy named Jon that is trying to solidify his entry the 2019 Rio Amateur Fly Fishing Film Fest.  He needs votes to get in and we need to help him.  Last I checked, he has a commanding lead but just like a red-headed professional football coach, we need to help put the hammer down and leave the competition in the dust because we don't want this thing going down to the wire.  The title of the video "Spring-Fed" and all you need to do is click on the little check mark.  This video also won an award at the Ozark Streams Film Festival so you know it is good and worth your time!  It is set on the Current River and has a unique approach that sets itself apart from other fly fishing films that seem to all look and sound the same.

Link: https://www.rioproducts.com/learn/2019-rafffa-gallery

Ice Fishing Workshop

I'll be honest with you, the idea of standing out on a frozen lake, in freezing temperatures, over a hole that is slowly freezing does not interest me ten months out of the year.  However, seeing as how I haven't wet a line in awhile, I'm getting desperate and will take whatever fishing I can get.  If you have similar feelings and want to venture to northeast Missouri (Shelby County) but don't really know where to start, the Missouri Department of Conservation is here to help.  The good folks at MDC are holding an ice fishing workshop at Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area.  Just click on the link below for more information and instructions on signing up.

Link: https://mdc.mo.gov/newsroom/rescheduled-mdc%E2%80%99s-fifth-annual-ice-fishing-workshop-hunnewell-moved-feb-2

Fly Tying: Brian Wise's Wiggle Stone

I wish I would have had a few of these bad boys when I floated the Eleven Point River a few years ago because from what I hear, these are killer.  I also caught a few brown trout on a similar pattern on the North Fork of the White.  For those of you out-of-staters (I see you Cuttslam and Paul), those are streams in southern Missouri.  It just so happens that Brian Wise (also of Fly Fishing the Ozarks) is from southern Missouri and that he too did some work for Flymen Fishing Company just like Luke in yesterday's post.

See You at Parma Woods Tonight?

There was a post awhile back on a free tying class being offered at Parma Woods Shooting Range during the month of January.  If you happened so sign up for that clas, I'll see you there tonight to help with their fly tying class and to promote the website/YouTube channel/Etsy Store.

Flymen Fishing Blog

My buddy Luke wrote a great post on the Flymen Fishing Company blog.  It is about bass flies and how to diversify your bass box.  If you want to be ready to catch bass regardless of the conditions, then this post will help better prepare you for anything Mother Nature throws at you during our valuable days on the water.

Link: https://flymenfishingcompany.com/blogs/blog/temperate-bass-flies-diversifying-your-fly-box

Progressive Kansas City Boat & Sportshow Follow Up #2

There were too many pictures to put in yesterday's post so here are a few more things for you to drool over.  Don't forget, you can drool in person this weekend.  Here's the details in case you missed them the first time!

Progressive^® Insurance Kansas City Boat & Sportshow^®

Boat Show Information:

• Where: H. Roe Bartle Hall
• 301 W. 13th St., Kansas City, MO 64105
• When: Jan. 10-13
• Thursday, Jan. 10: 2-9 p.m.
• Friday, Jan. 11: noon-9 p.m.
• Saturday, Jan. 12: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Sunday, Jan. 13: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

The Hawg Trough
A traveling aquarium filled with bass and other warm-water species is just so cool!  Aside from just being fun to stare at, it will be used for casting demonstrations and fishing seminars.  How often do you think a pro catches one of these dudes during a demo?

Kayaks
If you are in the market for a kayak, you are going to have plenty of options at the show!  I saw everything from simple base models to kayaks that you can stand on, trolling motor options, and LED's around the hull.  However, there is one particular model that caught my attention and if you scroll down, you'll see what I'm referring to.  One kayak, made by Blue Sky Boatworks, was unique in its design and function.  This engineering marvel has two pontoon-like structures with a large platform to carry more gear or accommodate those that prefer to stand while they fish.  But the best accessory was saved for last.  The craft has a paddle driven manual drive that allows you to maneuver your vessel in a hands-free capacity...thus allowing you to fish more.  I own a kayak and I would fish out of it a lot more if I could stand or if I could fish and paddle at the same time.  This baby just checked off both of those boxes.
Link: https://blueskyboatworks.com/

KC Watersports
I am a little embarrassed to admit this, but I had never neard of KC Watersports before and I have lived in Kansas City almost all of my adult life.  Located just south of Olathe, Kansas, you can learn to wakeboard using a cable system which sounds pretty awesome!  It is also home to an inflatable park, a surf shop, and has the ability to host birthday parties and private lessons.  On a side note, I also loved the old school van that they used to display all their swag.
Link: http://www.kcwatersports.com/

Mini Pontoons
Based out of Elm Creek, Nebraska, Pond-Tini pontoon boats was my favorite boat product that I saw at the show.  I state that because to me, it had the most functionality at a reasonable price.  What I'm trying to say is that it fits ME.  They are simple, affordable, and could accommodate a number of anglers without all of the maintenance and fuss that a full size boat presents.  When I go back this weekend, I am going to visit these folks again just for the sheer fact that I want them to know how much I appreciate their product that can get even the "little man" on the water with his family!
Link: https://pondtini.com/

Other Things I Can't Wait to See This Weekend
So on the night that I attended the show, the exhibitors and vendors were unavailable but there are some folks that I definitely want to talk to and some products that I really want to check out.  Yes, there are all kinds of outfitters, resorts, and lodges that look like a lot of fun but in keeping with the theme of this site and trying to keep things Missouri-based most of the time, I am excited to check out some tackle companies that have their roots in the Show Me State.  Here's a list of locals that you might want to patronize.

Bighead Custom Baits/Fatboy Lures- Independence, Missouri

Crock-o-Gator Tackle Co./James Dill Guide Service- Sunrise Beach, Missouri
http://www.crockogatorbaitcompany.com/home-2_1.html

Tightlines UV Lure Co.- Maryville

www.tightlinesuv.com

Progressive Insurance Kansas City Boat & Sportshow Follow Up #1

Last night I was able to attend the VIP night of the Progressive Insurance Kansas City Boat & Sportshow and it DID NOT disappoint!  The part of the show that I got to preview was the boat portion and I was able to snap a few pictures that I have included below.  I am also including some details about the show in case you are wanting to attend or need a little push to get off the couch this weekend.

Link: https://www.kansascitysportshow.com/

Official Name: Progressive^® Insurance Kansas City Boat & Sportshow^®

Boat Show Information:

• Where: H. Roe Bartle Hall
• 301 W. 13th St., Kansas City, MO 64105
• When: Jan. 10-13
• Thursday, Jan. 10: 2-9 p.m.
• Friday, Jan. 11: noon-9 p.m.
• Saturday, Jan. 12: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Sunday, Jan. 13: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Social Media Information: #KCBoatShow, @KCBoatSportshow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
• This is the 65th annual show in Kansas City.
• It is the biggest and best boat show in Kansas City, with over 300 boats, hundreds of outdoor gear options and marine accessories, and new, family-friendly activities.
• Fun activities:

• The Hawg Trough: a 5,000-gallon, fully stocked fishing demo tank with seminars from pro anglers
• Willow Creek Trout Pond: kids can practice fishing for free, reeling in live trout
• DockDogs Competition: watch water-loving canines compete in splash-friendly challenges
• New! Progressive® Insurance Boat Club: educational seminars, virtual boating simulator and remote control pond in partnership with the Annapolis School of Seamanship
• KC Food Truck Mafia: Monk's, KC BBQ and Road Kill Tacos

The Largest Boat in the Show and "Queen of the Show" Award Recipient by Ranger Tugs
I had the opportunity to have Jeff Busam of Voyager Yacht Sales show me around this amazing vessel.  They just started carrying Ranger Tugs about a year ago but you can see why.  This is one unique ship in terms of appearance and doesn't hold back on amenities and luxury!  Holy cow!
Link: http://www.voyageryachtsales.com/

Built for fresh or salt and able to handle big waves!  Sounds like a Lake of the Ozarks boat to me!

The stern side...I think...or is it port?  Whatever, it's the right side of the darn thing!  Unless you're looking at it head on, then it's the left.  Yeah, we're done here.

Captain's controls.

Of course it has a bathroom.  Only heathens go over the side.

Food prep and cooking area.  Jeeves, make me a steak!

The dining area (because on this boat you dine, you don't simply eat supper) has a tabletop that can be lowered or raised and a sleeping area below.  Spoiler alert: this isn't the only sleeping area!

It actually extends below the dining area.  

The master suite I guess.  I actually got lost at this point of the tour but was too scared to admit it.

Yep, you can watch TV in bed, just like at home.

The controls on the top level.  I've always wondered...if you turn the steering wheel up top, does the one below also turn?

The stern with all kinds of electronics and contraptions that I don't know the first thing about.

Ah, the view from the top!  If you have the means, I highly suggest you purchase one.

Bass Boats

Bass boats sure are shiny, but I would hate to work in the place where they sprinkle on all that glitter.  I bet you would take a pound or two home in your shoes and hair alone!

Maybe, just maybe, I jumped in, turned my hat around backwards and yelled, "Wooooooo!"  

And maybe someone from this boat "Wooooo'd" back at me!

Do I want the one that doubles as a duck killing machine or the one that looks like it belongs on an Alaskan river.  You know what, I'll take both.

Eye Catchers

It would appear that some fella learned how to back a boat down a ramp right before I got here.

No, seriously, somebody is getting fired.

What is that, a 36 stroke 1,000 horse?  Just think how big the boat is that fits this thing!

First the Lego Movie introduces the double decker couch and now Mac's Docks introduces this?  What's next, a double decker Sea Doo?  My idea.  Patent pending.  These guys were really cool too.  They told me they built this whole thing in a couple of days.  Take that Rome!

Link: https://macscovedocks.com/about/

This was actually a really cool band.  I hear they play around Kansas City.  I'd love to pay more attention to them when there aren't so many shiny toys competing for my attention.

Link: http://theouttakesband.com/

Golf Carts and Utility Vehicles

I've always wanted a golf cart and ironically, I don't golf.  I have a feeling I could find plenty of uses for it.  And what's that gem hiding there in the middle?

Go Chiefs!  If we win the Super Bowl, I'm getting one.  If we lose, I'm getting two!

How big are these things going to get!  I think I could stand in this thing.

Flat black is ALWAYS cool!

Four doors and a bed?  I thought it used to be one or the other.  Mind...blown!

Well this little darling appears to have a need for speed!