I'm back. (Sort of.)

It's been a few years, yes? Well, after some health issues, a couple moves, and life in general being hectic. I'm back. The shop is still closed, but I'm currently in negotiations to see about reopening late this year or early next year. Since logging back in, I see that Photobucket is not the image hosting site to use and they're practically holding my (And everyone else's) pics for a ransom. I've found a new site and it will take me a while to get back in the swing of things. First question that I'm sure many are asking. Yes, I am fishing again and quite extensively. So far this year, I've been nailing Freshwater Drum, Carp, Channel Catfish, White Bass, Smallies, and panfish. I'm slowly rebuilding because due to a move, one of my boxes with all of my fly tying items vanished. RIP my beloved Montana Mongoose vise. Anywho, stay tuned for more updates!

It's been a long road.

I closed up the shop again due to my health. It was looking good for a while, then it kind of fell apart again. I appreciate all of your support through the years. It really means a lot. No, no, the shop and fly fishing is not done. I'm not dead yet! It's been a rough year and things looked bleak. Now, I'm starting to get back on my feet again. As for the shop, we'll see what this summer holds. It ain't over yet. If nothing transpires this year, I plan on making a huge comeback for 2015. Thanks again for your kind support.

Getting the groove back.

Over the past several months, I have been battling a severe health issue that required some serious treatments that left me drained, sick, and just feeling awful in general. I apologize for not updating this as I should have, but I have only went fishing a few times the whole year. The last two times I went out were the first times I have really been out and accomplished anything. So, let's get started!

I have just recently started work on a new fly based on the time-tested Woolly Bugger. I have not been out to test it on my usual carp waters because I do not feel that I am up to wading in that area quite yet. However, I did find some new carp water that is not quite as productive, but still holds a decent amount of carp. The places I have been to and waded at are easy to wade and doesn't require a lot of gusto to get out there. (Ankle-deep, shallow water) It does hold some very nice Smallmouth Bass and is perfect territory for a 5wt. Even at a smaller size, they still put a nice bend in a 7wt. That's Smallies for ya!

The fly shop has some flies left at Paul's Supply, however due to health issues, I will re-open bigger and better with more and better flies next season. I decided that it was the best course of action at the moment and will give me time to mend. (Bad fly fishing pun, I know.)

Onto the pictures!

You catch what on a fly rod??!??

Lately, I've been on a mission. I've been exploring new places to fish around here and I've been pretty successful so far. However, I overlooked a spot that's almost in my own backyard. This place contains a species of fish that many people think is almost impossible to catch repeatedly and successfully on a fly rod. I'm talking about Saugeye. Yes, people have caught them accidentally on a fly rod, but I've been specifically targeting them. They're relatively small yet, but they put up a great fight for their size. They hit streamers with such a vengeance that they make a hungry bass look like a wimp. I'm looking forward to when these guys grow up because I've hooked into a couple large ones and they gave me a fierce battle. Just remember to not lip them....

TWISTED MONO LEADERS

Auglaize Fly Shop is now offering twisted mono leaders. They are currently available in one size, which is a Med-Lt. model for 5/6wt rods. They're suitable for small bass and panfish. The product line is rapidly expanding and will include a heavy bass/pike/carp model and a standard carp/bass model.

7-27-2012

Howdy folks! I'm back again with a quick update on some fish catches. I went out on the 25th and broke out the trusty fly rod for a fun afternoon of fly fishing. Lately, I've been putting in a tremendous amount of work on some new patterns that are currently in development. I've almost got them down perfectly. The fish here are being unbelievably picky and if I can get them to strike in these conditions, I've got it made. I landed six behemoth carp, a dinky sunfish, and a nice-sized crappie on that particular day. Funny story about the sunfish. I took a phone call on my cell phone and my fly was dangling in the current. When I was finished talking, I made a backcast and noticed the sunfish zipping through the air. After his terrible ordeal, he was released unharmed. Here's a few pictures from that day.

7-4-2012 Update

Hello all! It's been a while since I updated again, but I've been busy fly fishing! I've been chasing more and bigger species on the fly rod and I'll be honest, it feels great. I'm not going to go into a long story about everything because pictures are worth 1,000 words. I have quite a few pictures.

Longnose Gar caught on a rope fly.

Bigmouth Buffalo

Bigmouth Buffalo caught on my new pattern, the Helloween Nymph.

Quillback

Freshwater Drum