The Kingfisher...Maybe the Best Angler in Missouri.

The Kingfisher is one amazing bird.  If you have ever seen one, you have probably been amazed.  If you don't know what one is, just watch the video and you'll probably be inspired to learn more about the bird we share the water with!

Link: https://mdc.mo.gov/blogs/discover-nature-notes/bird-fishes-0

Raising the Cost for Trout Fishing in Missouri...But Not By Much!

The Missouri Department of Conservation is proposing a price increase for both trout fishing permits as well as daily trout tags at the four trout parks.  The cost for the permit would go from seven dollars to ten dollars and the daily trout tag would raise from three to four dollars.  These prices have not been raised in twenty years in case you were wondering.  This will undoubtedly be a debatable topic for many I assume.  Some folks will see this as the state government just trying to take more of your money.  Others will see it as a needed adjustment to inflation and the cost of doing business (or conservation).  No matter which side you are on, it is worth reading more of the details and justification for the proposed increases.  See the link below for more information.  No matter which side you are on, knowledge is power!

Link: https://mdc.mo.gov/newsroom/mdc-proposes-raising-trout-permits-and-daily-tags-starting-2020

Casting for Distance

Who doesn't want to be a better caster?  Most folks I know would like to throw a fly further, or more delicately, or even in a way that just looks cooler!  Don't ever discount the idea that we as fly fisherman like using a fly rod at a bare minimum because it just looks cool.  Let's face it; casting a fly rod is a little science and a little art.  The art is the touch and feel that you get better at with time.  The science is understanding the what's, when's, why's and how's.  Scientific Anglers does a great job in its videos giving you the instruction to improve your casting mechanics.  The video below is a great entry into their video catalog.

Scientific Anglers YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmQEmLQIOYL4YwTdB_lZXHw

A Snakehead Found in Missouri!

Yes, you read that correctly, a Northern snakehead was caught by an angler in the bootheel of Missouri.  Specifically, it was caught in flootwaters of the St. Francis River in Dunklin County.  Snakeheads are in invasive species that are native to Asia.  At this time, it appears that this was a rare occurrence but the Missouri Department of Conservation will continue to sample the river to keep an eye on the population.  For more details about the story and history of snakeheads in Missouri as well as Arkansas, click on the link below.

Link: https://mdc.mo.gov/newsroom/angler-finds-new-invasive-fish-st-francis-river-floodwaters

Sculpin/Tadpole Fly

I try not to post more than one fly tying video per week, but with all the rain we have gotten lately and many planned fishing outings cancelled this weekend, I figured you might need a weekend project.  For that very reason, I present to you, "The Goblin".  Now while this little fly claims to be a sculpin imitation, I like the either take off the fins or turn them around which makes the fly more of a tadpole imitation.  If you like to toss flies for bass, this fly could come in really handy seeing as how bullfrogs will be laying eggs soon if they haven't already.  If you have a few of these flies, then you can "match the hatch" and be ready at the right time with the right fly!  If you aren't interested in tying these and would rather just buy some, then feel free to email me at showmeflyguy@gmail.com and I would gladly complete a custom order for you.  I've been tying and fishing these babies for years and absolutely love everything about them!

Link to Bozeman Creative YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpPa2kneyIxKWdRvJ4y8bGQ

How Fly Line is Made Via Weaver’s

When things get slow on the water have you ever caught yourself wondering how and where some of your fly fishing equipment is made?  I know I have more than once, especially my fly line.  If you have too, then you are going to get a kick out of this video from Rio that was posted by Weaver's Tackle Store.  Yes, this is the Weaver's that does such an amazing job with fishing reports from Bennett Spring.

Link: https://weaverstackle.com/blogs/weavers-rio-blog/rio-making-the-fly-line

Fishing Stereotypes

According to my phone and laptop, it would appear that today is indeed, only Wednesday.  We're seriously 2-3 days (depending on how you count days) away from the weekend?  I don't know about you, but I need a few laughs to get me through this week.  This video is a few years old but new to me.  It is from Dude Perfect (of YouTube fame) and their take on types of fishermen pretty much hits the nail on the head.  If you want to become approximately their billionth subscriber, go ahead and click the link below to head to their YouTube channel.

Link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRijo3ddMTht_IHyNSNXpNQ

Simple Bass Fly

This looks like a very cool, and simple fly.  I like the flash, the collar, and definitely the tail!  However, I feel like the body is missing something.  I'm not sure what, but it feels a little...thin...or maybe it's just me.  Anyway, it looks like a great minnow profile with some great action and will sink tip-up which might keep you out of the cabbage if you're fishing deep.

Link to The Fly Guy YouTube Channel.  Disclaimer, we are of no relation or affiliation: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-FTzL27nlEUR7SL9M4vClw/featured

YouTube Video Contest Winner Announcement

A month ago, I posted a video on my YouTube channel that described a new contest that I have started.  In every video that I post from now on (including the one that got posted on Friday), there is going to be a lyric from a song.  Sometimes it will be obvious, and other times it will be a little more hidden.  Your job is to catch the lyric, identify the song, and leave another line from the song in the comment section below the video on the YouTube page.  At the end of one month, a winner will be announced and I will send that individual a fly and a couple of stickers.  For more info, you can watch the video below.

So it is time to announce the first winner from the lyric contest since a month has passed since it was posted.  And the winner is...Tracy Graham.  There were only four entries last time and there haven't been any entries so far on the Fly Fishing for Bass video so the odds are in your favor.  I will announce the winner on the YouTube Channel and on this site ever time as well but Tracy, if you are reading this, please shoot me an email and include your address so I can send you your fly and stickers.  Hit me up at showmeflyguy@gmail.com.

Finally, a New YouTube Video- How to Fly Fish for Largemouth Bass

Finally, somebody made a video about how to fly fish for largemouth bass.  Unfortunately, that someone is me.  While I am not the most accomplished film maker, I can honestly say that I spent more time on this video than any other video I have made.  I hope you like it, I hope you learn a few things, and if you subscribe to my channel, it will get me one step closer to quitting my day job and becoming a full time fly fisherman!

YouTube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/theshowmeflyguy

News from the Missouri Department of Conservation

That's a big Redear and a heck of a shot with a bow!

Link: https://mdc.mo.gov/newsroom/reeds-spring-angler-catches-record-breaking-redear-sunfish

Who doesn't want more hybrids!

Link: https://mdc.mo.gov/newsroom/mdcs-hybrid-striped-bass-stockings-northwest-missouri-promising-anglers

TROPHY FISH CAUGHT from INSIDE A TUNNEL!! (Unexpected)

Well I'll be darned.  I was expecting a bass.

Ty PigPatrol YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC94AoWq2bvwYmwBp3fotjbg

Natural vs Prince

This is amazing!  Look at how an aquatic insect compares to it's handmade counterpart.  Not bad!

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

I Finally Tied a Dragon Tail Fly

Last week I posted about Dragon Tail flies and I have posted about them in in the more distant past as well.  I'm not trying to force my love for these flies on you, I promise.  The simple fact is that I find them to be fascinating.  I am also proud to say that after a lot of thought, planning, mental gymnastics, and procrastination...I tied my first Dragon Tail fly last night.  Also, it was not a coincidence that the timing fell on the same night as a dragon-filled Game of Thrones episode.

So here's what I was able to come up with.  In my opinion, it's good...not great.  I like some things, I dislike others, but the fact of the matter is that I can't wait to fish it and see what I need to change in the future. 

 

Dragon Tail flies can be pretty simple, as shown in the video below.  So if you're thinking about whipping some of these up, don't overthink it and just tie one on a hook and figure out the head as you go. 

On another note, congratulations to Nomad Anglers for getting to one thousand subscribers!  Way to go guys.  Now start making that sweet YouTube money!  Here's a link to Nomad Anglers YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCanCgfp1ogJHQacdQSof3nw

Fly Tying: Blane Chocklett's Finesse GameChanger

He makes them, I share them.  Another amazing video from Brian Wise!  This time he tackles the Game Changer!

Link to Brian's YouTube Channel, Fly Fishing the Ozarks:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH9Ra827nueyjCl3h7aLwvA

Articulated Dragon Tail Fly

If you follow this blog at all, you know i am fascinated with big streamers and dragon tails.  Well this is the first articulate fly I have seen that incorporates a dragon tail.  Let's just say that I will be attempting one over the weekend and if it's worth a darn, I'll share it on Monday.  If you don't see a follow up post, then it can be assumed that the worst happened and it didn't turn out well.

Orvis YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGOi5_3PkvM1FLHR_jXM7MQ

Bluff Line

We are one week away from a new Bluff Line Media video!  If you need to get excited about this release, just watch the teaser below.  Bluff Line Media does an AMAZING job with their videos and I have featured ALL of their videos on this site because they are just that good and local to Missouri.  Enjoy and we only have a few more days until we get the full version!

Link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUTPoXFO3uClx0NCQ_ylNUA

Strange Flies

Wanna see some weird looking flies that were submitted in the Spring Orvis Days Fly Tying Contest?  Just click the link below and prepare to either be surprised by creativity or scared of what lurks in the mind of other fly tiers.  

Link: https://news.orvis.com/fly-fishing/awesome-honorable-mention-flies-from-our-spring-orvis-days-contest

A Lesson Learned

My oldest son learned a valuable lesson yesterday and I thought that it was something that we as fishermen could relate to and maybe be reminded of.  While fishing a farm pond yesterday, I noticed that my son was standing in the same place from about 15-20 minutes.  My youngest son and I moved around the pond during this time.  Sometimes we caught fish and sometimes we didn't.  Eventually, we found a spot that held a large number of fish so I called my oldest son over to join in on the fun.  He refused and kept casing.  We caught a few more fish and I implored him again to come to our spot.  Again he refused.  After the third request, he stopped responding.  I knew there was a problem.

My youngest with one of the stunted bass we found.

As I got closer, I realized my son was crying.  He's an emotional kid and this didn't surprise me.  When I asked him what was with the tears, he said "I'm not catching anything.  I just keep casting and I'm not getting any bites.  Stupid fish!  I know they are here but I can't catch them."  He was frustrated and confused and I could relate.  I think we all can.  The fish are apparently biting for others, but not for you.  You've caught fish here before, but why not now?  This lure worked last time, but why not now?  My son was experiencing the frustrating feeling of fishing water that looked like it should produce some strikes but wasn't. 

After some venting of frustration and ridding ourselves of some stubbornness (on both of our ends I am embarrassed to say), I convinced him to try another spot.  Five casts later he landed one of the bass clones that my youngest and I had been hooking. 

So what did we learn here?  My son learned that even if water looks "fishy,"  maybe it isn't.  He learned that you need to adapt to changing conditions.  He learned that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results.  I also learned that in fishing, as in life, you sometimes need to accept life for what it is and not beat your head against a wall out of frustration.  I think we, as fishermen and humans, sometimes get son entrenched in what we perceive and expect, that we refuse to adapt to a changing world.  I haven't looked up the definition for stubborn, but if I did I bet fishing could be used as an example.  While I strive to be more flexible and less stubborn in fishing, I also realized yesterday that I need to be that way in life as well.  Hopefully my son learned the same lesson.  It's funny how you learn so much about yourself, when teaching others!

Jailhouse Sculpin EASY Streamer Pattern For Trout

I haven't thrown up a fly tying video for awhile, so here you go.  I really like this pattern and see it as a great largemouth and smallmouth pattern as well.  If you get rained out this weekend, give it a shot!  Also, Nomad Angler is SO CLOSE to 1,000 subscribers!  If you can help them reach that mark, I am sure it would be appreciated...because that's when you can start making money!

Link to Nomad Angler YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCanCgfp1ogJHQacdQSof3nw

Soft Hackle

If you've never fished a soft hackle fly for trout before, you're really missing out.  It is fun, easy, and really exciting!  This article and video do a great job outlining the technique, but there really isn't a wrong way to fish them!  You can fish them like a dry, a wet fly, or a streamer.  If you tie one on, and are lucky enough to catch a fish, then you will have one more trick for your trout fishing arsenal!

Link: https://news.orvis.com/fly-fishing/video-tuesday-tips-intro-to-fly-fishing-with-soft-hackles

Casting Basics

Newbies, I don't ever want to forget about you!  It is easy to sometimes forget what it was like to get started in fly fishing, so I try to throw in some novice stuff when I can.  If you're new to fly fishing or just need to brush up on some basics, this article and these videos from Orvis might be just what what you are looking for.

Link: https://news.orvis.com/fly-fishing/video-cast-fly-rod-basics