Bass Fishing Battle | Dude Perfect

After watching this, I honestly want to try cane pole fishing!  Have a great Wednesday and while we're at it, shouldn't you be making plans to go fishing this weekend?

Dude Perfect Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/corycotton

Record Spotted Gar

Gar are an interesting fish!  They are essentially prehistoric, Native Americans used their scales for arrowheads, and they are extremely strong.  It's hard to believe that some people refer to them as "trash fish".  Take opinion of their appearance out of the equation and you might find a new appreciation for this critter.  Also, for what it's worth, I've been trying to catch one of these things on a fly rod for about five years now! 

Also, if you've never hear of Wappapello, Missouri, it's in Southeast Missouri.  If you're still curious about it, then go ahead and give it a Google!

Link: https://mdc.mo.gov/newsroom/wayne-county-angler-reels-record-spotted-gar

Cody's First Fish & Mason Gets on a Roll

Meet Cody.  He's energetic, emotional, stubborn, and hilarious.  He's four years old and my youngest son.  He's got a lot of me in him and that can be good and bad at times.  With that being said, the kid has drive.  When he decides that he's going to do something, especially on his own, by golly you better stay out of his way.  I write that because you need a little background to get a better understanding of what happened last Saturday night.

So there we were; on a farm pond, fishing, eating snacks, and having a good time.  I caught a couple, and my oldest son caught a couple.  Since the fish were biting, I'm pretty sure this sparked young Cody's interest a little.  After seeing the "big boys" catch some small bass on plastic worms, Cody decided he wanted to give it a try.  We were drifting along a bank and not even needing to cast.  We were just dropping worms to the bottom and jigging them a little as we drifted.  Cody already knew the basics of a rod and had reeled in fish before but never on his own.  After a little instruction, he started working his plastic worm on the bottom.  It took all of 5 seconds for his lure to get SMASHED by a small bass.  Like a pro, he pulled and reeled with all of his might.  With a little help from big brother at the front of the boat (he lipped it), Cody hook and reeled in his first fish.  To say this was a momentous occasion and proud father moment is an understatement.  This one is going in the memory banks for sure and you might even be seeing a video in the near future as well.  Thanks for reading and putting up with my proud dad bragging moment.

Also, I would be remiss if I didn't mention Mason's accomplishment.  While Mason has caught a few fish on his own, he's never caught five bass in such a short amount of time.  We must have ran into a school that lived in a ten yard by ten yard area and for about fifteen minutes, he absolutely nailed them!  It's so much fun to watch him get excited and be so independent.  He also graduated from a push button baitcaster to a medium-heavy action spinning rod. 

Black Bears in Missouri

Yep, it's a double post day!  I missed Monday's post (stupid user error), so I wanted to make it up to everyone.  You're good, handsome, and loyal readers and you deserve better than that dang it!  Anyway, let's get to the good stuff!

There has been a lot of information making its rounds on social media this week pertaining to the current black bear population in Missouri.  There are plenty of news outlets that are releasing information, but this is one of the better reports I have seen.  The bottom line (if you don't want to click on the link below) is that the black bear population in Missouri is growing and growing fast!  So fast, that there might be a hunting season for them soon.  There are also between 540 and 840 bears in the state.  Click on the link below for more information and a video from the Missouri Department of Conservation on the Black Bear Management Plan that was released earlier this month.

On a Personal Note
For what it is worth, I think this is absolutely amazing news!  It is pretty amazing to watch Missouri attempt to right itself after being negatively impacted by human activity for so many years.  Black bears returning in the south and mountain lions in the north shows that if we allow nature to use some of its equity, then it will restore balance where it is needed and return the environment back to a healthier state.  The fact that the black bear population has grown so much and so fast, shows a need for ecological balance and a push to restore equilibrium.  This will be an interesting topic to follow in coming months that I will do my best to keep you abreast of the situation!

Link: https://fox4kc.com/2019/07/24/missouri-to-implement-black-bear-hunting-reports-increased-by-260-percent-in-last-7-years/

Frog Fly

If you're into tying frogs, or complex flies, and/or both, then I present to you Ken Capsey's Double Barrel Japeto Frog.  Disclaimer: you're going to need to set aside some time for the video and I'm going to budget at least twice as much time for tying the actual fly.  Even if you're not a frog fly guy, this is the kind of fly that you attempt just to say you did it and maybe show off your skills a little bit.  I bet the fellas down at the local fly shop would dig it!

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

Fellow Missourian on YouTube

It is always a pleasure to help a fellow Missourian, especially on this blog!  On this particular occasion, I would like to help promote a YouTube Channel called Bait2Bend.  Scott specializes in fishing the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers near St. Louis and has A LOT of content on his channel.  He's been turning out videos for over a year now and he does a great job with the production of his videos.  He has a wide variety of content but manages to keep an overall theme of fishing big rivers.  If you could throw some likes and subscriptions his way, I have no doubt that he would appreciate it!  For those that don't know, YouTube can start paying people once they hit certain benchmarks like 1,000 subscribers.  Scott and I are both about halfway there and wouldn't turn down some of that sweet internet money if you know what I'm saying!

Link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC59zFwym0xQ9PuC4tVBhCBQ

“Best” New Fly Fishing Gear

Do you need some new fly fishing gear?  Who am I kidding?  We all "need" to unload some money and upgrade our rods, line, waders, etc.  And while you're at it, some of this stuff will help you dispose of some of that excess money you have just sitting there in your bank account.  I kid, I kid...kind of.  Quality equipment comes at a price.

Link: https://www.outsideonline.com/2395681/best-mens-fly-fishing-gear-2019

Will Lego Chewbacca Catch Fish?

This came up on my "suggested videos" feed on YouTube and it feels like this is just what a Tuesday needs!  A little humor, some nice fish, and a little Star Wars to combat the dreaded Monday blues!

Link to NDYakAngler YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDH-l9wAI9-Hc7oS0E4mWew

Tying a Fly That Looks a Little Like Everything

This summer I have been having some luck with a fly that is new to me.  You might have read a little about it in a post a while back.  Earlier this week, it actually helped me land a hybrid bluegill, largemouth, and white bass all in one morning (see pictures below).  So since this fly is earning some serious street cred, I decided that a tying tutorial was in order.  It's essentially a wooly bugger with a few tweaks, but I think those changes make all the difference in the world!  It's an easy fly and I hope it helps you to hook a few more fish!

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

How to Avoid Tailout Drag in Fast-Water Pockets

As I mentioned yesterday, I don't fish fast water for trout very often.  The main reason for that is that I don't feel like I really know what I am doing.  This video helped me make a little more sense of fishing fast water and hopefully it gives you a new strategy and technique too!

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

Nyphing Strategies with Ben. He's a HUGE Fly Fisherman!

Let me preface what I am about to state with the fact that I REALLY like Ben.  Ben started the Huge Fly Fisherman YouTube Channel.  His videos are fast-paced, informative and funny.  He's extremely knowledgeable and I have no doubt that he is an outstanding fly fisherman.  However, in this video, I think he misses the mark.

I agree with many things that he says like when he states that you always want to watch for your split shot, fly, and indicator to hit the water.  If one is absent or their distances look out of place then you probably have a problem on your hands.  What I disagree with is his statement about wanting your indicator to be downstream ahead of the fly.  I understand that that creates a drag-free drift and maybe in fast water he is right.  I don't fish a lot of fast water for trout so by no means am I an expert on that matter.  I prefer deep, slow pools because at least at Missouri trout parks and on Lake Taneycomo, these pools hold a large population of fish.

What I try to do is get the fly downstream first!  Ahead of the leader.  Ahead of the fly line.  Ahead of everything.  I think if trout see those things before your fly, they are less likely to bite!  When I am nymphing, I try to cast across the stream with either a mid-air upstream mend or immediately mend upstream when the fly hits the water.  This creates a drag-free drift as well and spooks fish less.  That's what works for me and that's my two cents.  I made my own nymphing video if you're interested in a different approach.  Here's the link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBWP4-MDYzI&t=1s

Huge Fly Fisherman YouTube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX5H2TAWddhGYYcCR5dc3sQ

Revolutionary (No Hyperbole) Fly Tying Method

This is amazing!  Simply amazing!  Leave it to Gunnar Brammer to come up with a creative and practical strategy for fly tying and fishing.  On top of that, it fills a niche that, at least to me, was unfilled and gives you a strategy that is good to have in your back pocket.

Link to Gunnar Brammer's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC39CXkqNdSX98adw6YdyvdQ

Classic Lures & Flies

I am so sorry for the late post (busy morning) but I have a good read for you.  It's by Joe Cermele (HUGE fan by the way) and describes some flies and lures that are vintage but still incredibly effective.  When I was going through the list I even found a few and thought "Oh my gosh, I haven't used that in a long time!"  You might have a similar moment and you might even be inspired to get out on the water to give an old favorite a toss!  Have a good weekend, get on the water, and maybe give one of these classics a toss.

Link: https://www.fieldandstream.com/12-classic-lures-and-flies-for-summer-fishing/

Four Year Anniversary!

Four years ago today I published my first post on this blog.  It was an all-time favorite video that I am including below because it is still a favorite that I frequently watch.  Since then, a lot has happened.  This website has been visited over 75,000 times, a merchandise store has been created, flies are being sold through Etsy, the YouTube Channel has over 400 subscribers, and the Instagram page has over 450 followers.  That's not bragging, that's how I start to say thank you! 

This site started because I ran out of pages in my fishing journal and has grown into more than I ever could have imagined.  None of this would have or could have happened without people reading, watching, clicking, and supporting all of the efforts.  I do all of this because I am passionate about our beloved sport and I do it because it's fun and I love it!  However, I'll be honest, if people didn't show interest in all the things I mentioned, I wouldn't be doing it.  I still get excited to see how many times this site has been viewed per day.  I check the number of subscribers to the YouTube Channel every morning.  I am thrilled with every fly order I get through Etsy!  Instagram has become a ton of fun and I have met some insanely nice and passionate fellow anglers as a result.  So from the bottom of my heart, thank you for ordering flies, for watching my videos, and for reading these words!  I couldn't and wouldn't do this without the support of others and I could not be more grateful.  I hope you enjoy all the content and continue to be a supporter.  Fly fishing should bring us unbridled joy and happiness.  It certainly does for me, but when I'm not on the water, this is where I find my euphoria and exultation!  Thank you again!

Laser Bream and More About That Fly From Yesterday

So my buddy Pat (aka wiggles6854) helped me out a little bit with a fly I've been struggling to name.  It is a mop-style fly that was actually tied with something that was closer to a door or bath mat.  Here it is in case you need a picture.

Anyway, leave it to Pat to come up with a creative and thoughtful name.  While this fly has done well with rainbow trout, it has also done well with bluegill.  Now, to get the joke, you need to know that folks in the south call most bluegill-type fish "brim" or "bream".  In case you missed it last week, here's the post and in case you missed his comment, here it is below:

Ok Tyler my choice for this fly...and you can veto it....is.....The Laser Bream....you can identify variations by color, like the chartreuse Laser Bream, or green Laser bream, etc...have fun and I will place my order for some as well as some John Deere Jigs.

On another note, I wanted to share a fly that I had some success with yesterday.  It helped me catch some white bass, small largemouth bass, a BIG bluegill, hybrid bluegill, and some green sunfish.  It's bascially a wooly bugger with some chain eyes, a dubbed body, and some dubbing on the head.  It's tied on a size 6 hook so it's pretty small.  It also has a good sink rate in the sense that it does get down but doesn't sink like a rock.  It also sinks with the hook point up which helped to avoid getting hung up on moss and grass.  I tied it to resemble a baitfish but after closer inspection it kind of resembles a dragon fly nymph...potentially.  I'm thinking about making a video to show how I tie it, but for now, a description and picture will have to do.

White Bass on a 4 Weight & Bullgill

It was a great morning of fishing and wanted to get some pictures up before it got too late. To make a long story short, if you ever get a chance to catch a white bass on a 4 weight or site fish monster bluegill when they are sitting on beds, DO IT!!!!! More info to come and sorry about the short post.

A Tip for Streamer Fishing

Earlier this morning (yes, on July 8, 2019) I hit up a small pond that has bluegill, bass, and catfish in it.  And I wanted to pass along an observation that I learned which was the difference between this:

and this:

Yes, this small detail was the one and only thing that made the difference between catching and not catching fish.  I was throwing a small, olive wooly bugger with bead chain eyes.  It looked like this:

I saw fish in the shallows.  I saw some feeding.  I saw some guarding beds.  I saw fish towards the middle of the lake.  I was seeing fish but not catching fish on this little streamer and in my opinion, I should have been.  I had a good sink rate.  It swam well.  It looked like a little baitfish.  But I wasn't catching anything.  And then I noticed the small little detail that I was overlooking.

I noticed that I was stripping this inch long baitfish with strips that were moving it a foot or more.  I was inadvertantly using my big streamer stripping motion on a little bitty fly.  While a six inch minnow might glide through the water a foot at a time, smaller baitfish swim smaller distances and have a more erratic motion to them.  They look more like underwater squirrels in the sense that they seem to always be on edge and move in a herky-jerky, tense motion.  So when I started stripping this fly in a way that fit its profile in a more realistic way, I started to catch fish.  So when you're on the water next time and you're throwing a streamer (or any fly/lure for that matter), don't forger what you are trying to imitate and how it behaves.  I could be the difference between catching and being empty handed!

Fly Fishing For Hybrid Bluegill Video

So after a lot of fun fishing for and catching some hybrid bluegill, I put together a short informational video that goes into a little more detail on how to catch these critters.  If you like this video, there are plenty more on the YouTube channel. All likes and subscriptions are greatly appreciated!

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

A New Fly is Quickly Becoming a Favorite

Last Friday I wrote about a new fly that I am selling at my Etsy store.  It's a mop-style fly that I used to catch some to catch some trout down at Bennett Spring and it worked really well for me.  I tell you that so I can tell you this because this.

The other day I was at my favorite HOA pond and curiosity started to get the better of me when the fishing was slow.  It started with the simple notion that many fly fishermen from the Midwest know: most trout flies work on bluegill as well.  So, in order to satisfy my wondering, I asked my girlfriend to tie on my little bath mat/mop fly.  We proceeded to discover that it these bath mat/mop flies work on panfish as well!  She caught green sunfish, small bass, and hybrid bluegill on this fly.  Needless to say, this baby is quickly becoming a favorite of mine and might even get its own row in one of my fly boxes!  To get a better view of this fly or to order some, please click the link below.

Link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/703021446/3-mop-flies-bath-mat-flies-3-of-them-mop

Hybrid Bluegill and a Nine Inch Purebred

Yesterday I got to hit the water at my favorite HOA pond and it didn't disappoint.  They hybrids were on the verge of spawning and the bluegill seemed to be doing the same.  It is incredibly how hard these fish fight and are a lot of fun on a four weight or lower.

Flybrary Follow Up Post- Making the Boards

This is a follow up to a post from a couple of weeks ago.  If you want to check it out you can click here.  Since then, I have gone to the Castaway Customs website and ordered a free starter kit.  You can click here to get a kit of your own and to learn a little bit more if you want.  I have also been constructing my own flybraries as well and I am proud to say they are complete.  I will be posting again when after I make sure local authorities are cool with the idea (i.e. conservation agents and park rangers) and to tell you where they can be found.  Here's a brief rundown of how I made mine in case you wanted to start your own.  They aren't rocket science by any means but sometimes folks just need a place to start when they want a project to take on.

Materials List
Wooden Frame/Board: 3 and 1/2" by 48" board of poplar from Lowe's for about $4.50
Craft Foam: I had some scraps laying around but you can find the best foam at Michael's and Hobby Lobby.  It usually runs $1-3 per sheet and there is a wide range of thicknesses to choose from.
Adhesives: I opted for strong, outdoor, waterproof adhesives in order to stand up to mother nature.

Steps
1. I cut the boards into approximately 8" long sections.
2. I then decided to promote this website along with swapping flies.  I cut some stickers to fit the boards.
3. Cut the foam to the determined size of your board.  I prefer to use a razor and a straight edge as opposed to scissors for this.
4. Glue it all up!
5. At this point you will want to decide how you are going to attach it to locations.  I drilled a couple of holes in the upper corners because I plan on using wire to attach the boards to posts and by hanging them on a single nail.
6. I also included a little info so people new exactly what they were looking at and to send them to the flybrary project on Instagram.  You can find the account at @flybraryproject and using the hashtag #flybraryproject.