A Whole Lot of Failures

I was going through my streamer box last night, which is about the size of a small suitcase, because I was tired of seeing so many patterns that I am never going to use.  As I was making piles of "keep" and "get rid of," I noticed that latter pile was getting substantial in size.  When all was said and done, this is the mess I wound up with. 

It is important to note that I tied all of these.  I don't say that to brag by any means.  These flies are not good by any means and are full of mistakes.  Some have heads that almost completely close up the eyes.  Some were attempts at improving existing patterns.  Other flies had materials substituted for what was required and ended up looking...off.  Others had bad proportions.  Some flies were just bad ideas from the start.  Some had deer hair that looked like it was spun by a monkey and others had cones that did not have wire wraps behind them.  All of them have one thing in common though; they were all part of a learning process.

Henry Ford once said, "The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing."  Yoda (not sure what his last name is) once said, "The greatest teacher, failure is."  Each one of these flies taught me something.  I either learned something while tying them, after looking at them at the time, or yesterday as I analyzed them.  I also learned that I have come a long way with my tying.  While a lot of it can be chalked up to good teachers and tyers, a lot of credit needs to go to these fly tying disasters.  Sometimes we learn what something is, but learning what it isn't.  

If you got a fly tying kit for Christmas or just decided to start tying, just know you are going to make mistakes.  If you recently got a fly rod and want to learn to cast, you need to be aware that you are going to fail sometimes.  Failure is part of the learning process and that is alright.  You're going to tie ugly flies and you're going to make bad casts.  The best thing you can do is identify your mistakes and try your best not to repeat them.  Finally, remember that the reward from learning from mistakes is greater than the mistakes themselves.  Now, if you will excuse me, I have a date with some ugly flies and a carpet cutter.  You better believe that these mistakes are going to end up as masterpieces!

We Bought a Solo Stove

Link: https://www.solostove.com/

As a Christmas gift, I bought Wendy and I a solo stove.  I have seen these advertised for a year or two, and thought someone would have to be rich and/or crazy to purchase one.  However, some of our friends have ones and we have gotten to see them in action over the last couple of months.  I have to say, I was thoroughly impressed while seeing them in operation.  We both really wanted one so I decided to splurge a little and purchased one for us for Christmas.  We have used ours a few times in the last week and there is ZERO buyer's remorse!

In my opinion, this thing is an engineering marvel!  It gives off a very small amount of smoke once you get it really going.  The amount of smoke that it gives off when starting a fire is what you would normally expect but it goes away as the fire builds.  The solo stove is also really light which makes it portable.  I moved it from our deck to our back yard without much effort.  Finally, this thing is efficient.  This thing cranks out more heat than you would expect from a few logs and there isn't much ash left over at the end of the burn.  Finally, it is pretty darn wind resistant as well since the flame is enclosed.  

The solo stove also has a stand that can be used to keep it off the surface it is on.  You can burn this on a driveway or on a deck without fear of scorching the surface below.  The flame that is produced through the air circulation system is both beautiful and mesmerizing as well.  While the stove and the stand are more than I would have normally spent, the aforementioned benefits make it worth the price to me.  

Link: https://www.solostove.com/

Rod and Reel Maintenance Suggestions from a Fly Fishing Guide

Link: https://www.facebook.com/ozarkssmallmouthflyco/posts/305763828140131

This is the time of year that fly fishers tend to have some time on our hands.  Between the cold and the slow fishing, we are more cooped up than we would prefer.  If you are a tyer, that can keep you busy but eventually the boxes get full.  If you're not a tyer, you can only watch so many fly fishing videos.  No matter who you are, if you are looking to keep your mind busy and your hands full while also being productive, you can consider doing a little maintenance on your fly fishing equipment. 

I try to do this every year but sometimes I'm guilty of two things.  One, I don't know where to start and two, I don't know what to do.  You can read plenty of conflicting ideas and suggestions online, but who should you listen to and trust?  Personally, I would trust a guide.  Even better, I would trust a guide that I know.  Luckily for all of us, Ryan Walker (smallmouth fishing guide out of southern Missouri) has some good advice and tips for cleaning rods, reels, and fly line.  There are visual aids to accompany the concise information which will make for a quick and useful read.  Just think how clean and shiny your equipment will look and how good it will feel on your next outing!

Link: https://www.facebook.com/ozarkssmallmouthflyco/posts/305763828140131

This Place Scares Me!

About a week ago, I took the boys up to our family farm for some work and play.  We worked on insulating the ceiling of my hunting cabin and tried to find some birds with Waylon.  While on a walk through some brush and timber, we came across a place that looks like something out of a horror movie.  It doesn't scare me as much in the daylight, but I'll be honest, I will take a longer path around this place if it is dark.  It just feels like something is going to come out of the water, grab me, and take me to a watery grave!  

In reality, it is just an old fruit cellar.  I'm sure there used to be a house on the property but there is little evidence of one.  I did find part of a bed frame and a sewing machine there once.  There is almost always standing water in it, but it will dry up during the summers sometimes.  I know it is baseless fear that is probably rooted in watching too many scary movies, but it still makes me nervous to be around.  If you are wondering if anyone has every actually went down the steps and explored the place, the answer is no!  There could be gold bars down there for all I know...and if so, they are going to stay there for awhile.

I Just Can't Leave "Good Enough" Alone Sometimes

Plain is boring.  That is the thought that went through my head as I looked at the ammo box that I was about to wrap for my youngest son.  He is getting his first BB gun for Christmas tomorrow and I thought he needed something to put all of his accessories in so I bought him an inexpensive box.  After seeing how bland it was, I decided to customize it a little bit.

Let me state for the record, that I am no artist.  I can't draw worth a darn!  What I CAN do is find cool images online.  I can also print them off, cut them out, attach carbon paper to the back side of the image, trace it out, and transfer the image to another surface.  I can also go over the carbon transfer with a fine point permanent marker.  I think this turned out really cool and I hope he thinks so too!  Feel free to use this ideas on fly boxes, tackle boxes...whatever you want really!  I think you will be really happy with the results, especially if you have little to no artistic ability like me.

Deer Mount from the 2021 Season

Link: https://www.millerstaxidermy.net/

Last week I got a message from my former high school biology teacher, Mr. Miller, and it was a message that got me pretty excited!  While he is a former teacher (and a GREAT one), he is also the man that I take a (rare) buck to for a European mount.  He does outstanding work and is the only guy that I trust with a trophy.  When I read in his message that my mount was ready for pickup, I tried to arrange the quickest time for us to meet up.  

When we handed me my mount at the Quick Trip in Kearney, Missouri, I felt like a kid at Christmas!  I had completely forgotten what a rush it was to get taxidermy work back and how the memories of a successful hunt come rushing back to you when you see the animal you harvested, again.  If you ever find yourself looking for a taxidermist, I cannot recommend his services highly enough!  I have included a link to his website to see some of his other work.  I am hopeful that in a couple of weeks I am able to take a pheasant to him for mounting as well, but like any hunting or fishing trip, there are a lot of things that have to work out before that happens!

Link: https://www.millerstaxidermy.net/

Wanna See How Missouri Trout are Made?

Link: https://mdc.mo.gov/newsroom/learn-how-trout-are-raised-mdc-virtual-program-dec-30

Trout aren't native to Missouri.  It's a hard, ugly truth and I'm sorry if that is news to you.  However, thanks to the Missouri Department of Conservation, there are many opportunities to fish for trout in the state of Missouri however.  Between winter trout stocking in lakes to the north, trout parks and stocked streams in the south, and maybe the crown jewel, Lake Taneycomo in Branson.  (On a side note, did you know that the name Taneycomo comes from the fact that the lake is located in Taney County Missouri?  There's a little nugget that you can share with your fishing buddies.)  So if you have ever wondered how these trout end up in lakes and streams, you might be interested in this program that is being put on by MDC.  

It is a family friendly event that will be virtual as well as free.  Participants will be able to ask questions via chat.  The presenters will be broadcasting from the Shephard of the Hills Hatchery in Branson, Missouri.  If you have never been to this facility, it is a pretty impressive operation.  Registration is required so make sure you click on the link below.  I'm thinking that this might be a good program for me to view with my young kids, so maybe I will see you there...virtually! 

Link: https://mdc.mo.gov/newsroom/learn-how-trout-are-raised-mdc-virtual-program-dec-30

A Very Generous Gift From a Great Guy

Social media is a heck of a thing when it brings thoughtful, generous, like-minded people together.  That is exactly what happened recently on Instagram.  I have followed @craftyflys76 on Instagram for quite a while now.  It is been a lot of fun to watch him progress with his fly tying skills and he ties some really good patterns.  We comment on one another's post and always have kind words for one another.  He's also a veteran and a good old Missouri boy as well so that just makes him even cooler.  I wanted you to have a little background information on Chris before I tell you what happened next.

I saw a picture of a fly that he tied and told him how much I liked the pattern.  When he commented back and offered to tie me one up and send it to me, I was overcome with gratitude and appreciation.  When the fly arrived in the mail, it was even better that what I had seen on the 'gram.  The size and profile are perfect for bass and I can't wait to throw this fly!  Even better (and I didn't realize this by looking at the picture) is that this fly is articulated.  It has a shank in the back that is attached to a hook in the front.  It swings freely and I can't wait to see how this thing moves in the water.  At the very least, it is going to reflect plenty of light and get noticed a lot!  

So from the bottom of my heat, thank you Chris.  Your kindness and generosity are appreciated by me more than I can describe.  We need more of this in the world and please know that your act put a smile on my face and warmed my heart!  You will be receiving a package in the mail soon as well.  It is a small way for me to show my thanks for what you did for me and I cannot let such a debt go unpaid.  I will also be posting a picture of a big old bucketmouth this spring that has this fly stuck in his mouth!  Thank you again Chris and Happy Holidays!

A 40 Inch Trout?!?!

Link: https://www.fieldandstream.com/fishing/angler-lands-releases-record-rainbow-trout-california/

Would you release a state record fish if you caught it?  There's no right or wrong answer here, but it is something to think about.  For some, the thrill of the catch is enough.  For others, the recognition of being a state record holder would feel pretty good.  Another question to consider is whether you would release a trout that was at least 40 INCHES LONG?  Think about that for a moment.  Even better, go get a yard stick, hold it out in front of you, and then add five more inches...that's how big the fish was that the man in the article caught.  This is a great story about an amazing fish.  At the very least, it is something to live vicariously through for just a moment on a cold, gray December day.

Link: https://www.fieldandstream.com/fishing/angler-lands-releases-record-rainbow-trout-california/

Guide Flies

Link: https://www.amazon.com/Landon-Mayers-Guide-Flies-Easy/dp/0811739937

Until a couple of years ago, I didn't know what a guide fly is.  My understanding of the term is that a guide fly is a fly that is easy to tie but is also extremely effective.  I don't know about you, but I am a fan of guide flies!  Sure, there is something to be said for taking 30 minutes to tie a beautiful fly that does exactly what you want it to do on/in the water.  However, there are times when I want to crank out a dozen flies in a short amount of time that are simple and are fish catching machines.  

When I ran across this book on social media (can't remember who posted it), I thought to myself "Now that's a book I could use!"  It is currently available on Amazon to preorder.  If you are a fly tyer that could use a few more guide fly patterns in your fly box, it might be worth kicking the tires on this book.  You could also gift it to one of your fishing buddies that ties your flies for you and gives them to you for free.  You know who you are and this gift is a win-win for both of you!  

Link: https://www.amazon.com/Landon-Mayers-Guide-Flies-Easy/dp/0811739937

Online Orders Are Still Available

Link: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheShowMeFlyGuy

There are still fly assortments and individual flies available for purchase in the online fly shop.  There has been a big push for orders lately and I have been shipping flies all around the country.  If you are wanting to place an order and receive your flies before Christmas Day, please place your order as soon as possible.  I'm going to the post office this afternoon and could throw a few more orders in the mail today if necessary!

Link: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheShowMeFlyGuy

Impressive Fish from 2021

Who doesn't like to drool over big fish and live vicariously through other anglers when we aren't on the water?!?!  Well, here is your opportunity to live high on the hog!  Field and Stream has assembled some of the biggest and best known catches of 2021 in both pictures and words.  So if you need a break from work, need a break from life, or just want to be reminded of one of the reasons that we fish, just click the link below!

Link: https://www.fieldandstream.com/fishing/best-record-fish/

And Then the Tip of My Orvis Clearwater Rod Tip...Showed Up in the Mail!

Back in August, I wrote a post about the tip of my Orvis Clearwater rod breaking.  You can click here to view the post but here is the gist of it: I got a heck of a deal on a 10 foot, 4 weight Orvis Clearwater from Cargo Largo in Independence, Missouri.  The second time that I took the rod out, the tip (below the second guide from the top) broke off.  I paid $60 as part of the lifetime warranty and was told that I would be receiving my ne tip section in the mail by October 1.  

Fast forward to December, and my rod tip finally arrived.  I am thrilled to have my rod back in working order and I don't fault Orvis at all.  I wish the fee was less and of course I wish this could have been fixed sooner, but I also understand the way that things like this are working right now.  Some things are in short supply and back-ordered and I get that.  Under "normal" circumstances, I would be livid but during these "challenging" times, I think everyone deserves a little more patience.  I'm just glad that my rod is back to working and can't wait to chase some fish with it soon!

 

Tying an (Almost) All Black Lunch Money

There are few streamers that I dig as much as Bennett's Lunch Money!  I have been throwing them for a little over a year and have caught smallmouth, largemough, and even channel cats on this fly.  I've tied them in baitfish, bluegill, and shad colors.  Recently, I had the idea to tie one in all black.  I decided a little red was in order to make the fly look a little more intimidating and this was the result.  I call the color scheme here, The Boogeyman color combo or Baba Yaga colors. If you have seen the first John Wick movie, you might bogey the reference.  If I were going to sell this thing, and I might, here would be the product description.

Now available for purchase, a Lunch Money variant that I refer to as Baba Yaga.  This fly is not The Boogyman.  It is the the one you send to catch The Boogeyman.  The one that lurks in the depths and terrorizes its prey.  In muddy or stained water, this fly will reveal itself to the specter that is chasing down baitfish in flooded waters.  While it's color will make it visible, it's action will announce its presence.  It's profile will push water and allow The Boogeyman to pinpoint its location.  If you want to catch The Boogeyman, then give Baba Yaga a full send!

Playing with Shad/Minnow Patterns

My buddy Luke Langton is a heck of a fly tyer!  In fact, he kind of wrote the book on fly fishing and fly tying for temperate bass.  That's not a joke folks!  Click here to check his book out!

I was looking through his book the other day and ran across a pattern called the Watkins Special that I REALLY liked and decided to tinker with it.  On a side note, I feel like tinkering with fly patterns is what tyers like to do.  We see a pattern and think, "What if I changed this, or swapped this material for that material?"  While I have no doubt that Luke's patter is the optimal design, I just couldn't help myself!

In Luke's pattern, he uses a chartreuse and white tail.  He also colors the top of the white chenille with a chartreuse marker.  I didn't have any chartreuse fibers on hand and wanted to go with a different countershading as well.  I like to mix darker and lighter colors because I believe that looks a little more natural and will work in both stained and clear water.  I went with a light olive instead and a gold sharpie ended up looking a little olive when I colored the white chenille.  I also decided to wrap past the eyes as well to give it a chunkier shape.  It seems like most of the mass of a minnow/shad will be wards the head and I wanted to mimic that appearance.  

I'm excited to get this in the fly tester and throw it this fall.  All credit goes to Luke for this fly.  He's a good follow on Instagram and his book is high quality in terms of pictures and instructions for tying flies.  If you are in need of something to put on your holiday wish list, this would not be a bad gift to receive!

Link to Luke's book: https://www.amazon.com/Temperate-Bass-Flies-Patterns-Hybrids/dp/B0918BXGP7/ref=sr_1_1

My Cheeky Reels Came in the Mail!

Last week I posted about a REALLY good Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale that Cheeky recently had.  Click here to read that post if you would like.  To summarize, they had a buy one, get one free sale and I couldn't resist making a purchase.  I bought two of the 5/6 reels that come preloaded with backing, line, and a leader.  When the package arrived in the mail on Monday, I was pretty pumped to check out my new equipment.

I was NOT disappointed.  Besides the reel looking cool (I dig the green backing and blue fly line) and feeling amazing, there was a sticker, some warranty information, a quality control document, some specs on the reel, and a reel case.  The reel itself appears to be really well engineered.  The drag is easy to adjust and offers a lot of different settings.  One of my favorite qualities of the reel is that is has a quiet retrieve but clicks when line is being taken off the spool.  I HATE being the "loud guy" on the water when I am reeling in line, but I LOVE being the "loud guy" when a fish is peeling off line!  That's not an ego thing, it's just the fact that the sound means something special is happening.

 

A Trip that Changed a Life

If you were to hear the name Henry Winkler, you might not recognize it.  On the other hand, your brain might make the connection to The Fonz from Happy Days.  You might also think of the loving but quirky football coach from The Waterboy.  Or you might recognize him as one of the most passionate anglers on the face of this planet.  Whichever of those images came into your mind, you would be right.

I recently read a VERY short part of an article that describes how Mr. Winkler fell in love with fly fishing.  I think it is something that many of us can relate to and appreciate so I had to pass it along.

Link: https://www.aarp.org/travel/vacation-ideas/history-culture/info-2021/celebrity-trip-memories.html

Fishing Report from Liberty Park Pond in Sedalia, Missouri

Last Saturday, I had the joy to go fly fishing for rainbow trout with my middle school fly fishing club in Sedalia, Missouri.  We fished at Liberty Park Pond which is located right in the middle of town.  This lake is a catch and release lake until Feb. 1.  What that translates to is that this pond is FULL of trout.  Like, 2,000 trout.  That's a lot of trout.

I am proud to announce that every club member that attended caught a fish.  Every fish was caught on 1/80th ounce jigs about 3 feet under a strike indicator.  They hit on a variety of colors and wanted them on a dead drift.  There were a lot of fish taking bugs off the top of the water and while I did get one to hit a Griffith's gnat, I missed him and didn't get another bite.  I couldn't ever figure out what they were eating.

All of my fish were caught on The Standard which is about all I have fished for stocked trout over the last year.  I know, it doesn't look like a fish catching machine but it sure is!  I caught about 10 fish between 10:30 and 11:30 but then the action slowed considerably.  Most of my fish came while fishing around the island off the point that overlooks the hand rail on the opposite side.  I maybe managed 3 more fish for the rest of the day between 11:30 and 3:00.  

We also saw a bald eagle later in the middle of the afternoon too!  I see one just about every time I go there which is something fun to be on the look for.  We didn't see him take a fish off the water, but you could tell he was on the hunt for some early dinner.  Overall, it was a great day with amazing weather, a few fish and some outstanding young people!  Waylon came along and had a good time as well.

Preserving a Buck Tail- Part 2- The Conclusion

The last post concluded with salting a scraping the buck tail.  To view that post, just click here.  After the hide was free of fat and muscle and completely dry, it was time for a salt bath.  I used one gall of water and one pound of salt.  I let the tail soak for about 10 hours while stirring occasionally.  After that, I gave it a good wash with warm water and Dawn dish soap.  I hung the tail to dry for about 24 hours.  I hung it in my garage where it dried really slowly.  If you have a warmer room, it will dry faster.  

After that, I applied some tanning solution.  I bought this stuff at Bass Pro a few years ago and it works really well!  I applied the solution with a foam brush and folded it in on itself.  I let it dry for about 24 hours and then unfolded it.  Next, I gave it some pulls and stretched it out as it dried.  Once it has dried, you're done and you have a preserved buck tail.  It can now be displayed or used to tie flies with!  I hope that helped and that you found the information useful.  On a side note, I tan almost all of the hides that I have ever preserved and had excellent success with this method.  It is not difficult at all and just takes a little time.