Taking a Little Break

I'm going to be taking a little break from this blog for awhile and I just wanted everyone to know.  I will be sure to announce on social media when I decide to start writing again, but for the foreseeable future, I will not be posting new content.  I'm doing this for a few reasons and if you are curious what they are, feel free to read on.  If not, thank you for stopping by and for reading.

1. Views are down.  I'm not sure why.  Maybe my content isn't what people want.  Maybe fewer people are choosing to read the written/typed word.  Whatever the case may be, I feel that if people aren't interested in the blog anymore, it doesn't seem to make sense to keep putting time and energy into it.  Please don't take that as frustration or bitterness, it's just logic and I get it.  I'm not upset at all.  I just don't want to go the way of the dinosaurs.  If I need to evolve and adapt, I'm fine with that.

2. Honestly, I've just kind of lost my passion for the blog.  It has started to feel more like a chore lately and that seems like a sign that it is time to move on to something else.  I believe that my efforts can be better applied to other things like actually fishing more, video-related content, and fly tying.  By no means do I want to stop sharing information and ideas with other anglers.  I'm just thinking that maybe my efforts might be better suited elsewhere.

3. I have some other projects that I want to work on and I need to pair things down a little bit.  I'm still trying to get a guide service up and running in the next few years.  I'm also thinking about starting my own website that will incorporate all of my content in one place and that includes my fly shop.  While Etsy is a great platform to sell flies on, they really hit sellers with a lot of fees and charges that cut into my profit.  I also have a lot to learn about my new boat, fishing a new lake, and chasing a species that I am not extremely familiar with.  

So there you have it.  I hope that I didn't come off as mad or resentful or anything in between.  Maybe with a little time off I will renew my love for blogging again and there will be a triumphant return.  Regardless, this isn't goodbye, it's just more of a "see you later".  This is not my last post, I promise!  If I decide to call it quits for good, I will write a final post to express my gratitude for so many things!

Tying Some Bass Poppers

Tying bass poppers is not my specialty.  I have tied a few, learned from some mistakes that I have made, and in theory, I know how to tie them correctly.  So when I received a request to tie some customers for a gentleman out east, I took the order with a little apprehension.  I made sure to take my time and double check my theories to make the best product that I could.  I am proud to say that the customer was happy and I think the final product turned out really well.  

I tied these poppers on size 6 hooks and hard foam popper heads.  I painted them with acrylic paint, hit them with 3 coats of clear gloss, and drilled holes through the foam to pull the rubber legs through.  Painting the eyes might have been the hardest part.  I used a paint pen to do the white of the eyes and the head of a pin that I dipped into paint to dot the pupil of the eye.  I'm on the fence about whether I am going to offer these in the fly shop but they sure were fun...time consuming...but fun!

A Beautiful Day for a Boat Ride

It was an almost perfect day on Smithville Lake last Saturday.  The sun was out, the wind was almost nonexistent, and it was warmer than what it has been recently.  I also got the chance to take Wendy out on her first boat ride in the new boat.  Waylon is just about used to the new setup and he had a great time as well.  

, I referred to Saturday as being "almost perfect" and the only reason I made that statement was due to the fishing.  We literally saw one fish during our outing.  Sure, we could have fished for crappie but we wanted to sling streamers for white bass.  According to what I saw and what I have heard, the fishing should be getting really good on lakes in my area soon.  The water temps are in the lower 40's and I am excited for those temps to get into the 50's and trigger some good prespawn fishing!  Regardless of the fishing, the three of us had a safe, fun time!  It's always a good day when everyone stays in the boat and the boat doesn't sink!

How I Try to Fish New Water!

It is important to note that I am a Type A personality.  If you don't know what that means, here is a brief definition from WebMD:

The phrase "Type A" refers to a pattern of behavior and personality associated with high achievement, competitiveness, and impatience, among other characteristics.

In particular, the positive traits of a Type A personality include:

• Self-control
• Motivation to achieve results
• Competitiveness
• Multi-tasking skills

Meanwhile, the more difficult traits that come with a Type A personality definition include:

• Chronic competitiveness
• Impatience
• Aggression

Here is a list of things that I do prior to fishing new water, as a Type A Personality

1. Buy maps
2. Print off maps
3. Join Facebook groups, read posts, and ask questions
4. Contact friends that have had experience with the water
5. Maybe hire a guide
6. Conduct Google searches
7. Take notes in a spiral notebook, I'm not kidding
8. Look at Google Earth images
9. Watch YouTube videos
10. Visit fly shops and/or bait shops

If my approach sounds crazy, that's because it probably is.  I fit the bill of being a motivated, success-driven, and competitive individual.  I took a similar approach to basketball when I was in high school.  Speaking of which, shortly after college, fishing took the place of basketball for me and is my competitive outlet.  I see it as a competition against a formidable opponent with most of the rules for the game determined by the fish.  Please know that I am saying that my way is the right way.  If you are of a different personality that just enjoys the time on the water, I am envious of you.  Sometimes I wish I wasn't the way I am, but this is how I was made so I embrace it...most of the time.

How Do YOU Fish New Water?

If you were going to fish a lake/river/stream that you had never fished before, what your plan be?  Would it be to simply hit the water and try to figure out where the fish are and what they are eating?  Would you hire a fishing guide?  Would you go to local fly/bait shops to try to get some good information?  Would you peruse the internet and/or Facebook pages, YouTube channels, and forums?  Would you talk to a friend that is familiar with the area?  Would you try to use what has worked at other similar locations where you have had success before?  Would you employ a combination of these things?

I ask these questions because, as I have mentioned before, I am trying to learn how to catch white bass on Smithville Lake.  I have had all of these questions run through my head and it is a bit overwhelming.  In tomorrow's post, I will describe what I am doing to be successful at a new lake.  Today's post was just to get you thinking about how YOU would approach such an obstacle/challenge.

Just as I was about to publish this post, I ran across this video.  Either fate wanted me to share it or the algorithm that tracks my keystrokes tried to get me to click on it.  Whichever the case may be, it worked!

Link to the Orvis YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@orvis

I Have Never Done This Before

Recently, I received a custom order from a gentleman who contacted me online.  He wanted some very specific poppers and asked if I could fulfill his request.  I said that I could because I have tied poppers before but I was a little apprehensive because there were some components that I had never completed on my own.  For example, I had never worked with hard, Styrofoam bodies before, I had never painted these bodies before, and I had never put eyes on these bodies before.  With that being said, I had seen these things done before but never put them into practice.  

Let me say that this has been a fun experience of putting theory into practice.  It has been a lot of fun just getting to this point.  The bodies are hand painted, have four coats of gloss, and I used paint pens and nail heads to dot the eyes.  Next, I need to drill small holes into the bodies in order to thread the legs through (I've never done that either), and then I should be in a comfort zone.  I shouldn't have any problems attaching the marabou and hackle because I've actually done that part before.

If this order has taught me anything it is that I should always push myself to take on new tasks and develop new skills.  I'm glad that I took on an order that was a little out of my comfort zone and I have enjoyed the small challenge of completing something new to me.  I'll keep you updated on the final product but so far, I am extremely happy with the results and so is the customer!

A Yellow Streamer…a First for Me!

Recently, I had an idea.  I mulled it over for a couple of days and didn't act on it.  The idea wouldn't go away though.  It burrowed into my brain like some sort of brain eating amoeba and refused to let go.  I finally succumbed to the nagging and made good on what I couldn't stop thinking about.  That thing...was an all yellow streamer.

Specifically, the streamer was an SBS (smallmouth bass streamer).  I have never tied an all yellow streamer before but I just kept thinking that it seemed like a good idea.  I'm pretty happy with how it turned out and I'm excited to do some field testing with this fly.  It has a marabou tail, a complex twist body, an a Senyo's laser dub head.  It is tied on a B10S platform and this fly is a size 1/0.  The fly also has large dumbbell eyes to get it down and it swims with its point oriented upward.  

I think this fly would work well for brown trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and channel catfish.  It seems like you could throw this on a 6, 7, or 8 weight without a problem.  Clear water and blue skies would probably be the best conditions to use this fly.  I think that it will really stand out in the water and there is a lot of potential to see some serious visual eats with this fly.  I'm hoping that spring finally arrives and brings water temps warm enough to give this fly a proper trial run.  I'll keep everyone updated on how it goes, but for now, I'm going to tie a few more and hopefully shake my amoeba.

A New Streamer Box

Link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1418839097/large-streamer-box-streamer-box-fly-box

I have a type of streamer box that has been for sale on my Etsy store for quite a while now.  I'm not sure why this model doesn't sell very well, but it doesn't, and that's fine.  However, I have appreciated the size, construction, and durability for long enough that I decided that I was just going to keep one for myself.  Aside from simply liking the box, I wanted another streamer box for organization purposes.  My other streamer box, which is about the size of a small suitcase, contained A LOT of different streamers.  Some of them I use regularly and some of them rarely get touched.  

I wanted to separate out my consistently used streamers from the "others" and that's exactly what I did.  Now I have an "old reliable" box and a "experimental" box.  If you like what you see or would appreciate a different method of organization for your flies, there is still one left in the store.  Just click the link below to grab the last one.  I'm including some before and after pictures as well in case you wanted some pictures of the box.  I am also including the description of the box that is available in the Etsy store.

The box is approximately 13 inches by 12 inches and about 3 inches deep. The box is made of DENSE plastic and even has a drying patch on the front.  These things are awesome! They have a gasket to make the contents water resistant and for better or worse, they even have my logo in the lower right corner on the back of the box. The boxes are solid as well. It would appear that they could take a beating and keeping on ticking.

The purpose of these boxes is to house lots of big streamers. While they will definitely do this, I would argue that they are capable of so much more. These boxes could house hundreds, literally, of dry flies, and potentially your entire collection of nymphs. You could use it as a dry box on a boat. The possibilities are endless. I wouldn't be selling this item if I wasn't extremely impressed by it. I would use this box myself and plan on ordering one for myself on the next order but wanted to offer them to you first.

Link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1418839097/large-streamer-box-streamer-box-fly-box

Busy as Heck Lately!

You've probably noticed that there have been some days that have passed without a post.  First, I apologize for that.  Second, I have missed a few days because I have been BUSY!  Between regrouping from the Tri-Lakes Fly Fishing Expo, errands, tinkering with the boat, yard work, my graduate class, and completing custom fly tying orders...I have been swamped lately, and I'm on spring break right now!  I'm not complaining by any means but rather I just wanted everyone to know the reasoning for the lack of content lately.  Another reason for lack of content is that it feels like spring is slowly creeping into existence.  The weather has been crummy for the most part and for me, it feels like the quality spring fishing that I love is dragging it's feet getting here.  All things come to those who wait so I'm hopeful that in the next week or two, things are going to turn the corner and slow down as well as see better weather/fishing.  Please hang in there with me and I promise that better content is on the horizon.

I've been working on a custom order of poppers that will be headed out east.

I can't figure out how to charge this system!

Here's part of another custom order that is headed to the Sierra Mountains!

The Tri-Lakes Fly Fishing Expo was an outstanding time!

It was a pleasure to meet everyone that stopped by my booth at the expo.

Yes, that is THE Brian Wise!  He is as talented as he is cool!

My Products are Actually Available in a Tackle Store!

I never thought I would see this happen but it just goes to show that sometimes life takes you in unexpected directions.  I always thought it would be rewarding and maybe a little validating to see my flies in a tackle store.  When J & R Bait and Tackle recently started carrying some of my flies and jigs, it was an even better feeling than I anticipated.  So if you find yourself in or around Holt, Missouri, and are in need of some crappie jigs, flies, or a fly box, please stop in and pay a visit to J & R Bait and Tackle.  The folks that own and operate the store are good folks that have a strong passion for the outdoors.  It's a small, local business that you would benefit from any and all support.

J & R Bait and Tackle

550 Main St 

Holt, MO 64465
(816) 632-0127

Wooly Rig

For some reason, crappie fishing has been on my mind lately.  Specifically, I've been thinking about how to maximize crappie fishing opportunities.  After my success with a tandem rig last weekend, I got to thinking about why crappie fishermen don't use a two lure setup.  I realized that fishing with two jigs was possible but felt...cumbersome.  I set out to design a new crappie rig.  

I've done a small amount of research online and haven't seen the rig that I have displayed on today's post.  I understand that fact does not mean that I am the original creator of this rig and by no means am I looking for any credit.  I just see value in utilizing two lures at once, or in this case, a jig and a fly.  The beauty of this rig is that it utilizes a traditional jig but also incorporates a fly.  

The fly will stay in a horizontal position and will be positioned at a depth that is different than the jig.  With this setup, an angler could fish two parts of the water column at once.  The angler could also fish very different or similar depths depending on the distance between the two lures.  An angler could even replace the fly with a hook that would hold live bait.  And while I don't see this exact setup being ideal for a fly rod, it might give you an idea.  

I would fish the setup that you see on this post on a spinning rod and I would expect it to provide you with an occasional fish when a crappie chooses to hit the fly, that you might not have caught with a traditional rig.  The knot is easy and you probably already have the tackle.  Why not give it a shot and see what happens the next time you are crapping fishing with conventional tackle?

Tandem Rig

On Tuesday's post, I mentioned how I threw a tandem rig to catch a couple of largemouth bass on Smithville Lake.  You can access that post by clicking here.  Today, I wanted to follow up that post with some more specifics about the rig.  It's a pretty simple setup and if you are an average caster (like myself), you shouldn't end up with many tangles.  I just use an improved clinch knot for the first fly.  Next, I peel off about 18 inches of fluorocarbon and tie one end to the bend of the hook for the first fly.  I use an improved clinch knot again for this knot.  Finally, I tie the other end of the connecting line to the second fly and again, I use an improved clinch knot.  

I have had a lot of success with this rig when fishing for smaller bass and bluegill.  On multiple occasions last summer, I wound up catching two fish at the same time.  I've also caught some channel cats and bigger than average bass on this setup as well.  I think there is something to the idea that the first fly gets the attention and are more stimulated to attack the second fly.  Maybe there is something to seeing a pair of baitfish swimming by that stimulates a fish's brain.  I'm not certain on the psychology behind why the rig works, I just know that I am done throwing one small streamer at a time!  This setup has worked for me and I hope it works for you as well!

Reminder: Tri-Lakes Fly Fishing Expo is THIS WEEKEND!

This is your reminder about the Tri-Lakes Fly Fishing Expo this weekend in Clinton, Missouri, from 9 AM until 4 PM.  This will be the second year that I will be in attendance at the show and I am really excited about it.  There is good food, great people, and a whole lot of fly fishing goodness.  There are vendors selling flies and fly fishing products, like yours truly.  There are seminars, demonstrations, and a whole lot of like-minded people that love fly fishing as much as you!  I will be selling flies, fly boxes, and assortments of flies.  It would be an absolute pleasure to see you there and please make sure that you introduce yourself if you attend the event.  The problem with this blog is that you get to know me, but I don't get to know you so don't be a stranger!

 

One More First

In yesterday's post, I detailed how I completed a few tasks that I had never attempted on my own.  As luck would have it, I was able to check off another box on my list of firsts.  As I was on the lake, I couldn't help but do a little fishing.  I had heard about some crappie in an area that was close to the boat ramp and found a nice rock wall near a bridge that I thought would hold some heat from the sunny day.  I couldn't resist to do a little half-hearted fishing.  I call it half-hearted because the crappie were deep and I was still soaking up the joy of just being in and operating my boat.  I grabbed my fly rod which had a small jig and indicator setup.  

While I don't know much about fishing Smithville Lake yet, I can recognize folks that know what they are doing.  Specifically, I noticed a guy working the aforementioned rock wall with a baitcaster.  It looked like he was fishing shallow and working a lure along the bottom.  I figured I would tag along behind him, from a safe and respectable distance of course, and work the same area with the hopes of picking up something small.  As he got to the end of the wall, I watched him pull his trolling motor, get behind the wheel, and start to head my way.  

The first thought that ran through my head was "Oh no, I broke some unwritten rule.  He's ticked that I was riding his tail."  As he got closer, I gave him the friendliest wave I could (without looking like too much of an goober) and hoped for the best.  His response was, "Hey Tyler!  I thought I might see you out here today!"  To a great deal of shock and relief, I recognized my buddy Landon.

I met Landon over 10 years ago.  I've always respected his fishing skills as well as his rod-building abilities.  Landon and I reconnected recently and he was kind enough to talk to me on the phone for 30 minutes about how to fish Smithville Lake.  He is a wealth of knowledge and the fact that he gladly handed over so much information is a testament to how nice of a guy he is.  He didn't have to help me.  He didn't have to help me as much as he did.  And what he told me next, well, I am still overwhelmed with gratitude.

Landon proceeded to tell me that there were a bunch of smaller largemouth bass further down the rock wall.  He told me that they were feeding on small shad and that a small white streamer would pick up a few.  I told him that I was grateful for the tip and that I would text him if I picked up any fish.  I also told him that if he didn't hear from me, that I screwed it up and didn't get the job done.  With a smile and a wish of good luck, he took off.

I worked the area with a tandem rig of white wooly buggers and didn't get a bite as I moved against the wind.  I decided to let the wind take the the other direction on the dam and work the area that Landon suggested one more time.  The first bite was not subtle at all.  In my mind, I had some misplaced assumption that the bass would hit differently.  I based this erroneous idea on the fact that it was an unfamiliar lake and early in the season.  I could not have been more wrong.  The bass hit like...a bass.  

I set the hook hard and netted the little fella at the side of the boat.  I picked up another fish, in the same area a few casts later.  I actually saw Landon drive by later and honk his horn as I netted one of the fish.  I also called him later to express my gratitude and appreciation for his advice and kind words.  I also thanked him for helping me complete another first.  These were the first fish that I have ever caught on Smithville Lake.  With a little more experience, luck, and advice from Landon, it won't be my last ones!

A Few Firsts

Last Saturday afternoon, I encountered a lot of firsts.  For the first time in my life, I backed a boat down a boat ramp and launched a boat.  I've done this quite a few times with friends' boats and with help from friends, but I had never done this solo before.  Also for the first time, I spent some time on Smithville Lake by myself.  I know Smithville can be a tough lake to navigate so I spent some time in open, deep water and ran the trolling motor around a couple of coves.  Finally, I had never put a boat on a trailer by myself until Saturday.  

I'll be honest, I was terrified while driving to the lake.  I was scared that I was going to back my boat into the water.  I was scared that the engine wouldn't start.  I was scared that I was going to damage the boat, tick folks off at the ramp, and a plethora of other awful possibilities that I have seen in "boat ramp fail" videos.  Thankfully, I have friends and family that reassured me and gave me some solid advice.  Things could not have went smoother and it was a great day on the lake.  

Fly Rod Transport System Upgrade

As an update from Wednesday's post about the Riversmith Rod Chairs, I decided to try to create my own.  I bought some pipe insulation last night in two different sizes.  I am torn between cutting them into smaller pieces or keep them in tact.  I can't decide if I want to attach smaller sections one at a time or try to fit the entire rod into the tube.  I'm going to have to play around with them some which will hopefully lead me toward an optimal design.  More to come on this project.

Types of Fishers

The reason that I ask this question is because I think there are two different types of anglers.  This is not a judgmental observation where I see one group as good and the other is bad.  In fact, I see myself fitting firmly in one group and sometimes wishing that I fit into the other group.

Group 1

I think there are people that are skilled fishers and have caught a lot of fish in their lives.  They have some skills, utilize them, and usually have success on the water.  They enjoy the experience and don't take it extremely seriously.  They have home waters with patterns and flies/lures that have worked in the past and will probably continue to work.  I don't think this group has age boundaries.  This group can consist of young adults, middle-aged folks, or veterans of the sport.

Group 2

I also think there are people that analyze everything they do and everything around them.  They are never satisfied with the numbers or size of fish.  They want to catch species they have never landed before.  This group throws new flies/lures regularly with the hope that they find the next big thing.  New water does not look like an obstacle for these anglers but instead an opportunity for new success and growth.  This group is driven and is focused on the task at hand.  Fishing sometimes looks like a military operation.  

Group 3

These groups are flexible.  I think an individual can move back and forth between groups over the course of years, weeks, or even during a day.  Maybe conditions warrant moving from group 1 to group 2.  Maybe it has been a long week and a group 2 person decides that group 1 is a better fit for the day.

It is possible that this is just my perspective and that I am off with my observation.  This is just something that dawned on me this morning and maybe it needs more thought and investigation.  On the other hand, maybe you can relate to some of my musings.  I used to belong to group 1 until I received a fly rod for Christmas in 2001.  Until that point, I fished farm ponds for bass, bluegill, and catfish.  My techniques were simple, few, and effective.  Since 2001, I have been firmly planted in group 2.  Maybe one day, I will end up back in group 1 when I feel like I have a set of skills that are enough for me and will help me in every situation...or maybe not.

Riversmith Rod Chairs- Genius Idea

Link: https://riversmith.com/products/rod-chairs

When I first looked at this product, I really didn't understand the purpose of a rod chair.  After reading the description, I realized that it is to protect your fly rods when they are being transported in some sort of tube.  That's when I realized how genius of an idea this is.  I have been looking for a product that would protect my fly rods when I am transporting them in my homemade rod carriers that I use on my truck.  You can click here to view one of the posts that I published about my homemade transport system and in the aforementioned post, it refers to some of my rods getting scuffed up during transportation.  I think these rod chairs (or a homemade version) would work perfectly to protect my fly rods.  If you're thinking that there could be a future post about a DIY version of this, you might be right!

Link: https://riversmith.com/products/rod-chairs

Castafly Outdoors Adventures

Link: https://castaflyoutdoors.com/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CASTAFLYAdventures

If you need some quality fly fishing content, merchandise, and information, please give the Castafly Outdoor Adventures website a visit!  I haven't known Paul, the founder of Castafly Outdoor Adventures, for very long but I am quickly realizing that he is a darn good guy.  I completed a fly order for Paul recently and he was kind enough to send me a very thoughtful thank you card in the mail.  I have completed over 100 fly orders and this was the first time that I had ever received an actual thank you card in the mail.  That right there gave me a pretty good clue as to what time of person Paul is.  So if you need some fun fly fishing related things to get you excited about fishing this spring, please give his website and YouTube channel.  

Link: https://castaflyoutdoors.com/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CASTAFLYAdventures