Registration now open for 2025 Gulf Coast Classic

3rd annual Gulf Coast Classic fly fishing festival
Friday & Saturday, May 2-3, 2025
Gulf State Park
20249A State Park Rd, Gulf Shores, AL
www.ffigulfcoastclassic.com

Click on the image for full size poster

Registration is now open for the 3rd annual Gulf Coast Classic on Friday May 2nd and Saturday May 3rd at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, AL.  The Classic is the largest fly fishing event on the Gulf Coast, and features seminars, fly tying demonstrations, casting and tying workshops, a fishing contest, a film festival, and much more!  Many of the tiers are nationally-recognized and some are even professional tiers. Several of the tiers will be leading workshops as well.

Hosted by the Gulf Coast Council (GCC) of Fly Fishers International (FFI), it's a fundraiser and community gathering for the council.  The GCC consists of clubs and members in Louisiana, Mississippi, south Alabama, and northwest Florida.  

On the registration pages, you can pay for admission, signup for a workshop, purchase film festival tickets, and even procure inexpensive onsite lodging on the campus. Or you can register for the Classic now, and register for the workshops later.  But don't wait too long...  workshops and lodging can book up in advance of the event!

Fly tier bios are currently available, and later this week schedules, seminar descriptions, and speaker bios will be posted. Seminar topics cover a wide range of fishing opportunities, from bluegill and bass to tarpon and speckled trout to Louisiana redfish and more.  In addition, there are speakers on conservation topics, including the Director of Alabama's Marine Fisheries Division, and Friday Keynote Speaker, William Strickland of Mobile Baykeepers.

There's also an incredible array of raffle and silent auction items courtesy of our amazing sponsors.  And our always popular "Mixed Bag" fishing contest - it's FREE entry with registration!

Again, to learn more about the Classic, and links to registration and workshops, go to: www.ffigulfcoastclassic.com. 

Red Stick Day coming March 8th

30th annual Red Stick Day
Saturday, March 8th, 2025
8:30am to 3:00pm
LDWF Waddill Outdoor Education Center
4141 North Flannery Rd, Baton Rouge, LA

RSD is one of the longest-running fly fishing festivals in the South. There’s seminars by local and regional experts, fly tying demos by several of the top fly tiers on the northern Gulf Coast, casting instruction, food, loads of raffle items, and more. And best of all, admission is free!

The ponds on the premises at the Waddill Education Center are full of bass and bluegill. In addition, Masseys Outfitters of Baton Rouge will be on hand with a variety of kayaks from Hobie, Native and other brands for folks to test paddle/pedal.

Details about the event, including speaker and tier bios, schedule of activities, and more can be found by clicking on the “Red Stick Day” at the Red Stick Fly Fishers website at www.rsff.org.

 

LDWF gives statement on fish kills

The Great Blizzard of January 20-21, 2025 gave us record low temperatures and record snowfalls up to 13 inches across most of southern Louisiana, and a winter playground wonderland.  But it came at a high cost for our inland coastal fisheries.

Almost immediately after the cold snap, reports began to surface on social media of fish kills across the coast, mostly mullet, speckled trout, black drum, and redfish. Now the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has released their own assessment.

Once travel advisories were lifted, LDWF field biologists began investigating coastal areas for dead fish resulting from the historically cold weather and continue with those field efforts.  Water temperatures in a large portion of the state's coastal areas fell below critical temperatures (40 degrees F) for saltwater species such as Spotted Seatrout and Red Drum for several days.

LDWF has investigated 71 fish kills statewide while documenting coastwide observations in each major basin.  The collected data indicates fish mortality occurred coastwide with concentrations of kills occurring in some areas where fish likely did not have time to leave shallower areas or have access to deep enough, and slightly warmer, water in which to take refuge.  

While kills were spread throughout the coast, not all coastal areas were affected and not all to the same level.  It appears the highest levels of speckled trout and black drum mortalities were in the Terrebonne/Timbalier Basin, and the highest redfish and sheepshead mortalities were in the Barataria Basin.  In general, the highest overall mortalities of all species occurred in the marshes between the Mississippi and Atchafalaya Rivers. One exception was striped mullet, which had high mortality east of the Mississippi River.

When compared to the freeze of late December 1989, where water temperatures remained near freezing for about 100 hours near Grand Isle, LA, this freeze was not as long in duration. Based on some social media reports, it appears the scope of the kill was not nearly as bad as 1989, but still significant enough to impact fishing for the next couple of years. LDWF biologists will continue to document dead fish encountered and investigate fish kills relayed to them by the public.

At this time, LDWF is not anticipating the need for any management or regulatory changes as a result of this event. However, several groups such as the Fly Fishers International (FFI) Gulf Coast Council are encouraging all anglers to practice catch-and-release. And if they must keep fish, keep only what they need and release the rest.  

LDWF is encouraging the public to notify of any fish kills by calling 1-800-442-2511.  For more information about fish kills, visit https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/fish-kills.

Evolution of the Fluff Butt

If you're a novice fly tier, I've got good news for you! One of the easiest flies to tie is also one of the most effective for a wide range of freshwater species. In fact, nearly half the total flies I tie each year are this type. I'm talking microjigs, and in particular, Fluff Butts.

Winter is a time of year when microjigs are most effective on warmwater species due to fewer food options. These flies imitate small baitfish which make up the bulk of available organisms. 

In fly fishing, a microjig is any fly that meets both these requirements:

• has a round metal eye integrated  into the hook (metallized head), or a metal bead inserted to the front of the hook
• uses a type of hook, or a particular method, to force the fly to swim hook point up.

Microjigs are productive because they can be fished shallow or deep, ride hook up to lessen possible snags, and maintain a somewhat-horizontal orientation even when at rest.  That last factor is critical to giving a more natural presentation.
 
There are many types of microjigs. My favorites are "Fluff Butts".  It’s not a specific fly, but a group of flies that have a marabou tail and a chenille body (chenille, vernille, ice chenille, etc.) and tied on a hook with either a 90 or 60 degree bend near the eye.

Although the origin of Fluff Butts are ubiquitous, the term originiated in 1991 when Mark Hester wrote an article in the Red Stick Fly Fishers club newsletter, "The Red Letter". He beseeched fly anglers to accept “Fluff Butts” as flies, and then gave reasons why they are so effective. In 1995, I started the Louisiana Fly Fishing website and later that year, started the RSFF website. At this point, the internet took control and the term "Fluff Butt" spread to all corners of the Earth!

No fish can resist

Fluff Butts are fine imitations of minnows, of which there are over 2,000 species.  Since everything eats minnows, everything eats a Fluff Butt.   I’ve caught everything from cutthroat trout in Wyoming to white perch in Maine to peacock bass in Florida.  On this fly, I’ve caught tons of sunfish, and even bass over 6 pounds!

The marabou tail provides lots of movement. I pool test nearly every fly, and it's amazing how this material can have tiny undulations even when at rest and with no apparent water movement.

In his article, Hester pointed out that Fluff Butts are easy to tie because they're basically a woolybugger without the hackle.

Beadhead Butts

Back in 1991, Fluff Butts were tied on metallized hooks, sold in either 1/80, 1/100, 1/124 ounce sizes, with hook sizes 8 through 12. Beads were just becoming popular in Europe thanks to tier and author Roman Moser - and the success of European competitive anglers with bead flies. An article in 1995 in Fly Fisherman magazine is credited with the rise of bead flies in America.

However a year before the Fly Fisherman article came out, Gary Peterson, a close friend of Hester and fellow member of RSFF, demonstrated a Fluff Butt tied with a bead. His inspiration was an article in a British magazine, Stillwater Trout Angler, which had just published an article on the "Bead Revolution" sweeping Europe.
 
There was a bead shop just two blocks from my house. I tied up a couple of Butts with a bead on a Mustad 9672 hook. When pool testing, the fly didn't ride hook up as hoped. No problemento... the next one I tied I first put a 60 degree bend in the very upper section of the hook. That's one great thing about Mustad hooks - they can be bended without breaking. Putting a bend did the trick. The fly now had a balanced presentation and the hook rode point up.

Hooks

Nowadays, it's no longer necessary to bend straight hooks. Jig hooks are as common as Dollar General stores. I prefer a barbless 60 degree hook, 2x or 3x long, black finish, Aberdeen style (less tail fouling), and light wire, certainly not heavier than 2x strong.  Light wire hooks are important because, if you get snagged deep, with enough pressure sometimes the hook bends enough to release the fly.

There are five hook models I recommend.  Primary are: Mustad Heritage J60, Partridge SUJ, Kumoto KJ2322.  For a wider gap, I use the Fulling Mill Jig Force 5130 and Saber 5220. The Umpqua U555 is a good economical choice with a 50 pack for about $8.

Hook size is usually 10 and 12 for bluegill, redears, trout, cichlids and true perch, and 8 and 10 for crappie and white bass.  For smallmouth and spotted bass, I do go to a size 6 but not any larger.

The choice of beads depends on the hook size, and what color/weight bead you desire.  Tungsten seems to be the choice of most for this fly, but I find that brass is better for use under tiny indicators as they don't sink the float.

For many years, tying Fluff Butts using beads on a hook had two advantages over tying them on metal jigheads. First, metallized hooks per unit are typically more expensive than a hook and a bead.  Second, any fish caught on flies with metal jigheads were disqualified for entry into the Louisiana State Fly Rod Records (aka, the "Pete Cooper Rule").   Fortunately, that rule no longer exists.
 
With the advent of Etsy, tiers can now find some very economical options for metallized jigs - as low as 30 cents each.  My favorite source is www.illbejigged.com. The owner will even make the jigheads to your specifications (hook size, painted color, black or red or bronze finish, hook type, etc.)

Balanced Fluff Butt

Around 2012, Phil Rowley introduced the Balanced Leech Minnow, an innovation he credited to Jerry McBride of Spokane, Washington. The concept is simple: while a jig hook provides a more horizontal orientation, when at rest, it still sits at a 15 degree or higher angle to the horizon.  Ideally if the hook eye was placed closer to the fly’s center of mass,  the fly would sit perfectly horizontal.

If you're on one of the major fly tying groups on Facebook, you've likely seen Curtis Kauer's balanced minnows. Curtis loves exploring the many possibilities that balancing technique offers, and based on his posts, it certainly catches fish!

The only change to making a Fluff Butt "balanced" is to add a sequin pin. The bead is inserted onto the pin and the pin is then secured to the hook shank with thread. All other steps remain the same.

Characteristics
 
I prefer hook sizes 12 for bluegill and redears, sizes 8 and 10 for crappie, and sizes 6 and 8 for spotted, largemouth and smallmouth bass.  I use barbless, black finish hooks whenever possible.

Best colors for body/tail are: olive/olive, black/chartreuse, gray/gray (aka, the "Gray Ghost"), and blue/white.  Crappie also sometimes like pink on flies. A hardcore crappie angler on my home lake showed me his own tied jigs where he simply added a layer of pink thread behind the head.  This seems to work on occasion, especially if excessive rainfall has left the water a bit milky.

I prefer the tail not be much longer than the entire hook.  Also, the tail should not be too thick, and with a minimum of feathers with barbules.
 
Technique

I fish Fluff Butts in two ways.  Method one, cast out the fly and let it go deep.  Then strip it in slowly (vertical retrieve).  Often the strike comes as tension on the line.

Method 2 is when I’m fishing bream beds or crappie near structure.  I use a strike indicator set up about 3 feet or more above the Fluff Butt. The goal is to suspend the fly and keep it close to the strike zone as long as possible.  Move the indicator about an inch or two every few seconds. This imparts a minor jigging motion to the fly, just enough to make the tail flutter and make the fly seem alive.   The indicator also tells when the fish has struck.

As Hester once stated, whether you accept Fluff Butts as flies is your prerogative. But the fish don't care, and they love them. And in the end, that's all what counts!
 

Happy 30th birthday to us!

This year marks our 30th anniversary as a website. We began in 1995 as a single page called "Louisiana Fly Fishing Journal".  The following year we purchased the domain name laflyfish.com as that was easier to type in as a URL name (compared to our full name).  This was obviously before bookmarks were adopted by Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator, Lynx, Opera and other very early browsers.

This whole site began as sort of a homework project. A little background... In 1989, Tim Berners-Lee invented the world wide web while working at the CERN project.  For him, it was a means of sharing information across computers in a universal format. But it wasn't until 1993 - when HTML was released for public use - that a proliferation of websites began to emerge.

Our company was trying to establish a website. We formed a project team to work with a consulting firm that would design and create the site.  In my role as support, I went to a week-long workshop to learn HTML and how websites and the web worked. I decided to put my new found knowledge to work by creating Louisiana Fly Fishing Journal. Everything I had on that page had to be typed in HTML, uploaded with an FTP tool, validated, and if any issues, rinse and repeat! It was very time consuming, but I learned a whole lot about HTML and my experience became invaluable to our project work.

The following year, HTML2 was adopted and the first domain names arose and so I modified the name of this website to its current name, "Louisiana Fly Fishing". There were only about 30 fly fishing websites at the time, compared to almost 6,000 by year 2005. One of my mentors for the layout was Kevin McKay, of MaineFlyFish.com, one of the very first fly fishing webpages. Kevin also helped me pick out a forum software to integrate with this website.  Incidently, Kevin is a Maine guide whom I've fished with on a couple of occasions.

I decided from the start to make laflyfish.com an independent site free of any advertising.  And to not make it "complex".  In hindsight, that was a wise decision!  Over decades, I saw how websites became beholden to their sponsors.  It gave my product reviews far more credibility.  And when life and work issues came up - and many did - I never found myself thinking I'd have to abandon a high-maintenance site. 

From 1997 to 2013, laflyfish.com had one the most active forums of any state-centric fly fishing website, and Louisiana's third largest fishing forum (only to rodnreel.com and louisianasportsman.com). But by 2016, social media was deep-sixing many websites - and especially online forums. From an administrative standpoint, maintaining a forum was an overburdening task. And social media was so easy to use, scalable to all devices, and so powerful in handling graphics. Today only a handful of websites still have forums, most notably DanBlanton.com.

Ditching our forum became an easy decision in early 2017 when our website software suddenly became unsupported - by everybody! It's at this point I decided to ditch using any other website software and go to Blogger. Wordpress seemed a great alternative, but there are a couple things about Blogger that I find more appealing: it's reliable and it's dirt easy to use!

The sad part of losing our old website were all the great posts made in the forum by experts like Pete Cooper, Ron Begnaud, Rich Waldner, Mark Delaney, Bill Brown, Kirk Dietrich, to name a few.  Of course, Ron, Kirk and others now post on Facebook and that resource will be with us for a long time (at least Zuckerberg insures us!).

Social media is great, but it will  never replace a website.  That's because, despite it's terrific media intergration features, sites like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc., are poor instruments for conveying information.  For example, their search engines are nothing short of disaster, and their calendar systems lack inheritancy.  But most important of all, a website is a one-way communication... it doesn't allow spammers from across the globe to foul up your timeline.

I haven't decided yet on whether to throw a 30th anniversary party. If so, it'll probably be in the second half of this year. So many activities taking place between now and June.  Any suggestions will be appreciated! 

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Here's wishing everyone a merry and most blessed Christmas.  Hope Santa brings that one fly fishing gift you really need... a new rod, a new fly line, or perhaps a ruler to measure those 24-inch speckled trout you claim to catch!

While Christmas is a season of festivity, let's not forget the reason for the season: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us….” John 1:14. Please be giving to those in need, and pray for those who are less fortunate, for those in suffering, and for those away from their families this season.

We also wish everyone a prosperous and healthy New Year.  With the new year we hope to see a continuance of excellent marsh fishing as we've had the past month, and the restart of great freshwater fishing, beginning with crappie and chain pickerel.

Spring is time for conclaving!

When it comes to fly fishing, Spring is event season across the deep South. There's a wide range of events from commercial shows like the Atlanta Fly Fishing Show to smaller club events like the Red Stick Fly Fishers "Red Stick Day".  For 2025, we lose one regional event, but gain a new one come July.

In the past, we referred to these club and FFI regional events as "conclaves". There was some resistance to that name by some because Webster, Cambridge and other dictionaries define "conclave" as "a private meeting".  When in fact, these events are open to the public.

However, we made a strong case to the folks at Webster and Cambridge to add "a fly fishing festival" as a definition.  And to include it as a verb as well. So you can say "He went conclaving" which means a man went to a fly fishing festival. Or if they're gender fluid, "Ze went conclaving". Or if your group went to a conclave, "They conclaved last week".  We've not heard back yet from Webster or Cambridge, but certain our proposal will be adopted soon enough.

In the meantime, check out the list of Spring 2025 events here in Louisiana or within a short drive from our state... and "Happy Conclaving!".

Jan. 25 (Sat) – 3rd biennial NEW ORLEANS FLY FISHING EXPO, St. Christopher School Gymnasium, 3900 Derbigny Street, Metairie, LA.   Time: 8:00am to 4:00pm. Free Admission. Casting Seminars and instruction, fly tying demos, fishing & destination seminars, Iron Fly Tyer contest, outdoor equipment & displays, artists & vendors, raffles, auction, Kids programs.  Hosted by the New Orleans Fly Fishers Club. www.neworleansflyfishers.com.

Jan. 25 (Sat) – 32nd annual Dr. ED RIZZOLO FLY TYING FESTIVAL, Trini Mendenhall Community Center, 1414 Wirt Rd, Houston, TX. 8:30am – 4:30pm. Fly tying demos, seminars, raffles. Hosted by the Texas Fly Fishers club. Website: texasflyfishers.org.

Jan. 31- Feb 2 (Fri-Sun) – 2nd annual HOME WATERS 2025 - a celebration of the Little Missouri River, Municipal Building, Murfreesboro, AR. Fri: noon-7pm, Sat: 9am - 5pm. No cost. Hosted by ArkLaTexOma Fly Tiers. Fly tying demos, fishing seminars, biologist reports, vendors, raffles and door prizes, food available. For details, see Calendar page or go to ArkLaTexOma Facebook page.

Jan. 31 - Feb. 2 (Fri-Sun) – ATLANTA FLY FISHING SHOW, GA South Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Duluth, GA. 9am – 6pm. Largest fly fishing show in the South featuring nationally-renown speakers, tiers. Workshops, seminars, destination seminars, exhibitors, and more. FFI will host the Learning Center, with casting and fly tying instruction free to show attendees. Website: www.flyfishingshow.com.

Mar. 8 (Sat) – 27th Annual RED STICK DAY, Waddill Outdoor Education Center, 4142 N Flannery Rd, Baton Rouge, LA. 8:30am – 3:30pm. Free admission. Seminars, tying demos, kayak demos, casting clinics, food, refreshments. Hosted by Red Stick Fly Fishers. Website: www.rsff.org.

Mar. 27-29 (Thu-Sat) – 28th annual SOWBUG ROUNDUP, Baxter County Fairgrounds, Mountain Home, AR. 9am – 4pm, each day. Admission $10 for all 3 days, adults with kids under 12 free. Largest fly tying event in the country, over 120 tiers. Seminars, fly tying clinics, vendors. Special guests Pat Dorsey, Tim Flagler. Hosted by North Arkansas Fly Fishers. Website: www.sowbugroundup.org.

May 2-3 (Fri-Sat) – 3rd annual FFI GULF COAST CLASSIC, Learning Campus, Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores, AL.  Seminars, fly tying demos, casting clinics, raffles, Mixed Bag Challenge fishing contest. Fly Fishing film event on Saturday 4pm. Hosted by the Gulf Coast Council of Fly Fishers International. Website: www.ffigulfcoastclassic.com or www.ffigcc.org.

July 18-19 (Fri-Sat) - CADDO FLY FISHING EXPO, Jefferson County Civic Center, Jefferson, TX.  Seminars, fly tying demos, casting demos and instruction, raffles, silent auction, and more. Hosted by North Louisiana Fly Fishers. Website: www.northlaflyfishers.org.

Cold fronts bring low tides and redfish tails

It seemed like the usual high flood tides of late summer didn't want to go away this year. Oh sure, a couple of cool fronts brought the marsh water levels down a bit. But for many days in October, a low tide looked like a normal high tide. Not the best situation for spotting fish - especially if you're a kayak angler.

But November has brought us some substantial fronts and much lower tides. And many happy, tailing redfish! I've only had but once chance this month to hit the marsh - and it was pretty successful.  But judging from several friends who've been out this past week, the fishing has kicked up a notch.  

If you can plan your trip a couple days after a cold front, when the wind settles down, the skies are still clear and blue, and temperatures moderate, it can be golden!  In the warming sun, baitfish and small crabs, along with some residual shrimp, find refuge in the shallows. But unlike a few weeks back, there's no grass to hide in.  It's here you'll find the Spottail Elvis looking for an easy meal. And for skinny water enthusiasts, easy to spot.

Fish recognition. Knowing what to look for:

• the tail or backside of a fish
  
• a dark shadow that looks out of place in the shallow flats
• a tell-tale swirl and splash – sign of feeding
• tiny shrimp and baitfish leaping out of the water near a grass line
• a wake that moves in a slow, steady path

If you spot a fish that looks like a pumpkin, it's certainly a redfish.  But sometimes reds can develop a dark coloration in clear water.  That's why I also look for dark shadowy figures.  If the fish has stripes or a whitish tail, it's likely a sheepshead or drum.  Don't ignore either of these, they do eat flies and make a good fight (and good eating, too).

It's important that you make your cast count.  Despite what you sometimes hear, you never cast AT a redfish.  Here's the better approach:

• note the direction and speed at which the fish is moving.
• cast a few feet out in front and a foot or so further back, so the fish doesn’t spook
• slowly begin your strips when the fish gets closer

As for fly selection... it's debatable as to whether to go light or heavy.  Some fly anglers think a fly that sits in the mud and kicks up mud - like the Borski Slider - gets the poisson rouge excited.  I prefer a fly that has a soft landing, with a hook up.  Something like a Bendback (especially the Prince of Tides variant), or a bead-eye Clouser or Pink Charlie, a LaFleurs Charlie with small brass eyes, Kwans, Merkins, bendback-style Seaducers, and so on.

You might be tempted to throw spoon flies.  After all, when have redfish ever turned down a spoonfly, right?  Well, in late Fall and early Winter, the water gets pretty clear and there's often an abundance of baitfish, fiddler crabs and even small shrimp.  The poisson rouge can get somewhat selective.  "Matching the Hatch" does apply in this case.  

Of course, there's one fly pattern that I always use for skinny water reds and that's a popper.  Even if it's not as effective as submergent flies, the opportunity to witness one of the greatest spectacles in marsh fishing - a red hitting a topwater - is just too tempting for me!  My favorite is Pete Cooper's Perch Float Popper.  In late Fall and Winter, I usually go with darker colors like green/white or purple/yellow than the standard red/white I use in Spring and Summer.  I also do a batch of a dozen at a time and that lasts me Fall through Spring.  Unless I'm lucky and get many trips and many reds.  In which case I need a second batch by New Years.

Louisiana fly anglers recognized with national awards

Yesterday the Fly Fishers International (FFI) announced the recipients of their 2024 Awards of Achievement. These annual awards acknowledge individuals and organizations who have advanced the FFI’s mission of conservation, education, and community.

Two Louisiana residents were recognized.

Fred Hannie of Lake Charles is recognized as one of the premier realistic fly tiers in the world. Active in many fly fishing events across the region and South, he will be honored with the Buz Buszek Memorial Fly Tying Award, given to individuals "who have demonstrated highest skills and made significant contributions to the preservation of the artwork of fly tying".

Glen 'Catch' Cormier of Cotile has been Conservation Director for the FFI Gulf Coast Council for the past 6 years, and a member of the FFI Conservation Committee and FFI Grants Subcommittee for the same time. Involved in numerous conservation organizations for over 40 years, he will receive the FFI Conservationist of the Year Award.  This award recognizes "individuals, groups, or organization that has made extraordinary contributions to the conservation of our fishery resources".

Fred, Catch, and other 2024 FFI award recipients will be recognized in an Awards Ceremony to be held online on November 13th at 7:00pm CST. The public is welcomed to watch.  For more details on these recipients, their accomplishments, and other recipients, check out the Fly Fishers International news page - CLICK HERE.

ArkLaTexOma Fly Tyers to host Little Mo event

Home Waters 2025
Friday-Sunday, January 31-February 2, 2025
Murfreesboro Municipal Building
204 East Main St, Murfreesboro, AR

The ArkLaTexOma Fly Tiers has just announced their 2nd annual "Home Waters".  This event is the sequel to the highly popular "Little Mo Fly Fishing Festival" which was discontinued after 2019.  The ALTO event features many of the same activities.  There's fly tying, flycasting, fishing, fellowship and fun. There will be expert tiers, vendors, seminars, raffles and door prizes plus a tiers swap.

This announcement comes just days after the first trout stocking of the 2024-2025 cycle.  The Little Missouri River in southwest Arkansas, nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, features a year-round trout fishery below Narrows Dam (Lake Greeson) as well as a seasonal trout fishery (winter) in the upper section above the lake known as Albert Pike.   The Little Mo is the most popular trout fishery among Louisiana fly anglers due to its close proximity (about 2 hours due north of Shreveport).

More details are to come, check our Calendar page and click on this event for the latest.

X-speck good times when it comes to Fall marsh trout

Flyrodders have enjoyed a decent summer for speckled trout. But I’d bet my dog — whose more valuable to me than my house — that we're going to have a speck-tacular Fall.

There are reasons why Fall is the best season for trout on the fly.

First, as the water temperature starts to fall, the organic content in the water also drops. That means clearer water, and Cormier’s 2nd Law of Fly Fishing comes into effect: “Clear water favors the fly rodder.”

Second, trout move inside where most fly anglers prefer to fish. Or since so many of us fish from kayak, more accessible.

In early Fall, shrimp and anchovies (silversides) dominate the interior bays and marshes.  So it’s no surprise that for speckled trout, you want to have anchovy/minnow and shrimp patterns.

Baitfish patterns

The Clouser Minnow is perhaps the greatest baitfish imitation of all time. The sheer numbers of speckled trout taken on Clousers speak for themselves.  As to what colors work best, the saying "Any color is good as long as it's chartreuse" needs just one modification: purple is a shade of chartreuse.  Especially as we move into winter.

The H&H Cocahoe was - and still is - one of the best plastic lures for seatrout ever.  Early on, I wanted to create a "full body" fly that matched that lure. So I created the Coma Cocaho to "match the Commie hatch". This phrase was coined by fellow longtime Red Stick club member Marc Pinsel and his frequent reference to spin gear and lures as "commie tackle".  

The Coma Cocahoe works great in Fall and Winter.  It's weighted heavy enough, that even with a floating line, can get down to dropoffs and the deep end of canals, and off oyster reefs in 3-6 feet of water.

I've got a couple other submergent baitfish patterns I tie for specks that on occasion deliver the goods.  They are Whitlocks Saltwater Baitfish and the SR71 Seaducer.  You'll have to be a tier because neither is sold anywhere.  Umpqua dropped Whitlocks pattern years ago.  Not as effective as Clousers, but I very seldom catch small trout on these.

Poppers

Although these can be considered baitfish patterns, I prefer to put them in their own category.  These work great early morning, late afternoon, overcast days, or whenever schools of fish are actively attacking bait on the surface. 

One thing about poppers:  they are absolutely the most fun way to fish!  As a bonus, they often catch bigger fish as well.

You'll find four surface patterns in my box: Pete Coopers Perch Float Popper, Walt Holmans Foil Pencil Popper, Crease Fly, and Skipping Bug. Although I rarely tie them, Bob's Banger and Foam Poppers also do well.

Divers do work on occasion, but I'm just too attached to poppers.  Kind of like the way I much prefer the chicken fingers from Raising Cane's to those from Popeyes.  Now I'm getting hungry.

Shrimp flies

From the time I started saltwater fly fishing (1987) to sometime around 2002, one or more of the following shrimp patterns occupied my saltwater box:

• Cinco Shrimp, a fly sold around Pensacola and Destin tied by a local angler.
• Incredible Edible (Jon Bottko)
• Krystal Shrimp (Tom Springer)
• Ultra Epoxy Shrimp (Bob Popovics)
• Cactus Charlie, or LaFleurs Charlie

One year at the Somerset Fly Fishing Show, I saw this gentleman named Enrico Puglisi tie what would later be known as the EP Spawning Shrimp. 

There was another tier -  can't recall the name - tying a similar type fly using craft fur stacked in layers, along with an SLF or similiar synthetic body.  The translucency on this fly gave it a more realistic look to the real crustecean.

It dramatically changed the makeup of my fly box.  Not just because these flies looked more shrimpy, but because when I pool tested them they had lots of subtle motion in the water.

There's a version of the EPSS known as the GB Spawnng Shrimp which uses Arctic Fox and an ice chenille body. It worked even better than the EPSS but finding Arctic Fox became a huge challenge. So I combined the two styles/materials to make an EPGB Shrimp.  

Another pattern based on modern synthetics is David Olsens Polar Fiber Shrimp (not to be confused with the Polar Shrimp - a popular Steelhead fly).   The PF Shrimp has translucency much like the popular Vudu Shrimp lure.  Again... matching that commie hatch.

VOSI

Often you need a little lagniappe to get the snaggletooths into your boat. Popping attracts fish, which is why long ago, Louisiana saltwater flyfishers used a combo “popper and dropper.” The dropper was a weighted fly tied on a section of tippet, usually one to two feet long, which was then tied to the hook of a surface popper.

Along the way, a bright young man named Cormier — some say a genius — questioned the use of such a technique, and proposed taking a cigar-shaped perch float, cutting it in half, and making a concave face on each flat end. Realizing that the Nobel Prize committee wouldn’t consider a “flyrodder’s popping cork,” he named it the “vertical oriented strike indicator,” or VOSI as millions now refer to it.

Seriously, I just got plain tired of the entanglements that ensued from casting “popper-droppers.” Not to mention that if you needed to adjust the depth of the fly, you had to cut a new section of tippet and retie knots. I just couldn’t believe anyone hadn’t figured out a simpler way before.

The VOSI works because (1) the sounds of feeding activity attract fish, and (2) it imparts a vertical motion to the fly, and as many of us know, seatrout are vertically challenged.

Tactics

Im usually looking for diving birds, slicks on the water, or points with tidal movement. I’ll cast my VOSI-Clouser combo into the area, make a couple of strips to pop the “popping cork” and then let it sit for a few seconds. Usually the trout hit on the sit. 

If the trout prove to be small, look for banks or structure or even fish the outside areas of the school. These are where the larger trout, if any, will be hanging out.

Rendezvous tops October events

North Toledo Bend Rendezvous
Friday-Sunday, October 18-20, 2024
North Toledo Bend State Park, Zwolle, LA

For those unfamiliar with Rendezvous, it began 35 years ago when members of two clubs met at North Toledo Bend State Park to camp and fish. The following year, the clubs decided to rent the group facility.  Since then, fly tiers and other fly fishing enthusiasts from across several states – along with their families – have gathered for a weekend of fly tying and fishing with only a minimal fee to cover lodging and meals. Some are members of clubs, some are not. Rendezvous is open to all!

There are no organized activities. Everyone is welcome to come fish, tie flies, watch some of the region's top tiers, or tie themselves. You can come for the day or the entire weekend. If you come as a family, the rate for the entire weekend for the whole family or individual is just $40 which includes lodging. For one night lodging, the fee is $20 and for day only the fee is $10.

The excellent facilities at North Toledo Bend State Park are ideal for a Fall weekend fly tying retreat. Activities take place at the park’s group facility, which features a commercial kitchen and dining hall, and lodging available for up to 150 people in 5 heated log bunkhouses (30 beds each). There’s also a heated central shower and restroom building with nice night lighting on all the sidewalks.

For complete details, go to flycasting.bravesites.com.

Lots happening this month!

We mentioned that September is a month of transition in our weather, and our fisheries. It's also a very busy month for regional activities.  Louisiana fly anglers have an opportunity to: demonstrate their tying and favorite patterns, watch other tiers from across the region or country, learn about coastal fisheries, teach kids and even adults about fly casting or tying basics, and/or participate in a fly fishing tournament.

Natchitoches Fly Fishing Tie-In
Saturday, September 14th
9am - 4pm
Natchitoches Chamber Building
716 Second St, Natchitoches, LA

This event is being hosted by the ArkLaTexOma Fly Tiers, an independent group of fly tiers from the four corners region. This event is free and open to the public. Many of the top tiers from across the region will be on hand to demonstrate a wide range of patterns.

According to Mike Hawkins, there's room for more tiers - contact Mike at flyfish.hawk@gmail.com.

FFI Fly Tying Group Rendezvous
Friday-Saturday, September 27-28
Springlake Event Center
Farmers Branch, Texas, TX

We provided details of the FTG Rendezvous on our August 28th post. Browse down to check it out.

3rd annual ASGA Fisheries Science Symposium
Friday, September 27th
10am - 3pm
Southern Yacht Club, New Orleans
Free admission but pre-registration required

The American Saltwater Guides Association will host their third Fisheries Science Symposium at the Southern Yacht Club in New Orleans. It will feature a comprehensive lineup of guest speakers and presentations focused on current events, research and management updates for iconic Gulf species like redfish and jack crevalle.  They'll also take a peak at artificial intelligence and it's use in the future of fisheries data.

Over the past year, ASGA was a partner with the FFI Gulf Coast Council and other allies in the battle to get sensible new regulations for red drum, speckled trout, and menhaden here in Louisiana.

While the event is free, there's a maximum capacity and a deadline of Tuesday, September 17th to register.  For more info and to register, CLICK HERE.

National Hunting and Fishing Day
Saturday, September 28th
Venues: Baton Rouge, Minden, Woodworth, Monroe
Free admission!

National Hunting and Fishing Day is celebrated nationwide the 4th Saturday of September. The day recognizes the contributions of America's hunters, anglers, and other outdoors enthusiasts.  Here in Louisiana, NHF Day is celebrated annually at four venues - Bodcau (Haughton), Bayou Black (Monroe), Waddill (Baton Rouge), and Woodworth. Activities including archery, canoeing, fishery, target shooting, outdoor games, live animal exhibits, educational displays, and more. Many of the activities are geared towards youth and family.

The Waddill and Woodworth venues feature fly fishing, casting and tying thanks to the Red Stick Fly Fishers and Kistachie Fly Fishers, respectively.

Admission to each venue is free for all ages. Time varies depending on location, but its usually 8:00am to 1:00pm or 2:00pm. For more details, go to www.wlf.louisiana.gov.

Rio Grande Rumble
Saturday, September 28th
Weigh-in: No Wake Outfitters
1926 Airline Dr, Metairie, LA
Registration: $20

New Orleans Fly Fishers Club will host their 15th annual Rio Grande Rumble Fly Fishing Rodeo. The target species is the invasive and wary Rio Grande cichlid. Categories are Longest and Most. Fishing starts at 6:52am  and ends at 12:30pm. Participants are usually treated to lunch before the awards ceremony begins.

Pre-registration is available on the NOFFC website. Anglers can also register the morning of the tournament at No Wake Outfitters. For complete details, and to pre-register, go to www.neworleansflyfishers.com.

September is here, let the transition begin

SweatFest isn't over, but now we're counting the days.  For example, here in Alexandria the average temperatures for September 1st are 92 high, 72 low. By the last day of this month the averages are 84 high, 62 low. But that's just half the story, because average humidity in September is lower as well. The combination of lower air temps and lower humidity and shorter days/longer nights means greater radiative cooling of waters.

Consider that the amount of daylight and angle of the sun today is equivalent to that of April 9th. As for radiative cooling... last year on this day the water temp here on Cotile Lake  was 90 degrees. A week later - with no cool front - it was 86 degrees. By the end of the month it was 78 degrees.

Why is this important? When water temps get below 80 degrees, fish go into their fall feeding frenzy. Bass school, redears congregate, spotted bass turn on, speckled trout move inside, crappie move to the shallows. 

So make plans now, tie those flies, get your casting tuned-up.  Great Fall fishing is about to happen!

More details on the FTG Rendezvous

Barry Webster sent us some specific details on the 2nd annual Fly Tying Group Rendezvous coming up on September 27th and 28th in Farmers Branch, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. Organized by the Fly Fishers International (FFI) Fly Tying Group, this event will feature tiers from across the country and give many regional fly tiers and anglers a chance to see tiers, flies and even tying techniques they may not be familiar with.

The event will be held at the Springlake Event Center, 2280 Springlake Rd, in Farmers Branch. Admission is free, and there's multiple activities both Friday and Saturday.  These include: Over 40 demonstration tiers, Featured Fly Tyers (theatre-style demonstrations), classes for beginners, workshops and seminars, a banquet and fundraising event on Friday evening, Rendezvous shirts and hats, and more.

Featured Tiers. Click on the image on the left for a larger view of the tiers and the flies they'll be demonstrating.  

Each tier will be doing a 45 minute demonstration of a particular fly. The tiers include: Al Ritt, Eric Austin, Fred DuPre, Chris Johnson, Matt Bennett, Patty Lueken, Mike Stewart, Dutch Baughman.

Presentations. These will be on a wide variety of topics.

- An Overview of the New FTG Fly Tying Instructor Program – Dutch Baughman

- Everything you wanted to know about Hackle – Chris Johnson

- Tying Fundamental Flies – Katie Cowen

- Advanced Fly Tying – Rocky Gribble

- Women Connect Fly Tying

Demonstration Tiers. Click on the image on left for a larger view of the list of demonstration tiers. 

Many of the top tiers from across the region and country will be tying at this event covering a wide range of patterns for "all fish, all waters".

There will also be a few vendors on hand as well.

On Friday evening, there'll be a catered banquet - tickets are $30 - followed by a Fly Tyers Fly Box exchange and a fundraising auction. The Fly Tying Group is still seeking donations (contact Rick Haness).  Items can be fly tying materials, boxes of flies, fly fishing equipment, etc..  Funds raised go to the FTG program.

For further updates, go to https://www.flyfishersinternational.org/FTG-Rendezvous

Introducing the Seqwing Fly

My good friend Randy Leonpacher, the gentleman who created the now world-famous Jitterbee, has developed a new pattern for targeting crappie and schooling bass. The Seqwing is a detached spoon fly design. It wobbles with the wing down and hook point up when using a steady strip. The main attribule is the sequin type wing, hence the Seqwing name.

Materials:

• Hook: Mustad 9672 in size 10 (or equivalent)
• Wing: Leaf Sequin (color of choice) in size 13x25mm having a small hole at both ends
• Bead: Gold plated 3.2 metal bead
• Body: Metallic braid or fine chenille in color to compliment a leaf sequin
• Tail: Krystal flash of desired color

Alternatively, a sequin of smaller size or shape will work and be easier to cast with a lighter weight rod.

Steps:

	Thread gold plated 3.2 mm metal bead onto the hook. Push hook point through the hole on the top side at the narrow end of the leaf sequin. Place hook in the vice with hook point down.
	Wrap a layer of thread on hook from behind the sequin to the midpoint of the hook. Tie on about 12 to 24 strands of Krystal Flash at the midpoint to form a tail.
	Tie on metallic braid or fine chenille for the body from the base of the tail to the back side of the leaf sequin.
	Wrap braid or chenille to just behind the leaf sequin. Make sure the braid or chenille fits snugly with no gaps between it and the hook eye. Tie several thread wraps to secure the braid or chenille body material behind the leaf sequin. Add a few whip finishes behind the leaf sequin.
	Rotate the leaf sequin into position and bend it to about a 45 degree angle to the hook shank. Trim off the narrow tip after the leaf is in position. Apply thread cement to secure the thread wraps behind the leaf sequin.
	Another view of the finished Seqwing.
	Try experimenting with different sequin colors and body materials.

Notes:

• Stiff tippet will keep the in-line spoon fly from wobbling. A loop knot should be used with a heavy tippet.
• The green leaf sequins and gold plated metal beads use were found at Hobby Lobby but are also available elsewhere.

Top 12 things I saw at ICAST 2024

Back in July, I made my annual pilgrimage to ICAST - the world's largest fishing trade show - once again held at Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.  With nearly 700 exhibitors, the show includes everything of interest to the angler.

From 2014 to 2018, ICAST (hosted by the American Sportfishing Association) was cojoined with the International Fly Tackle Dealer (IFTD) hosted by the American Fly Fishing Tackle Association (AFFTA). Then in 2021, IFTD was dissolved.

Since then, ICAST has made efforts to expand their fly fishing area of the show. This year saw more fly fishing exhibitors than ever.  My job as your fearless field reporter is to review as many different products of interest to both fly fishers and kayak anglers. I tested out a few kayaks this year at the Demo Day, and over two dozen fly rods during the show itself - and even a few conventional rods.  I also examined several dozen non-tackle items that we are likely to use in our fishing experience.

Every year prior to ICAST we hear the word "gamechanger" thrown about so much it's probably lost its meaning.  In my experiences over many years, only about one - maybe two - new products each year are worthy of this moniker.  For 2024, I can say there's one definite gamechanger, and we start our list with it.

To see a larger image of any of these products, simply click on the image and "View Image".

Lowrance Eagle Eye 9 fish finder

Whatever you call it - Forward Facing Sonar, Live Imaging Sonar, or by the brand name LiveScope - there's no denying the monumental impact it has had on deepwater fishing. I can tell you from crappie fishing experience, it's the bomb!  Problem is that (1) it's very cumbersome for kayaks and (2) it's expensive.

The EE9 is the kayak angler's wish come true! It has live sonar with CHIRP and downscan imaging and detailed C-MAP on a bright, clear IPS display. It draws only 2.9 amps so a small lithium battery can be used. And it comes with a transducer small enough to fit most kayak poles. In other words, it's the total package in one unit. And here's the kicker - it's under $1,000 (MSRP $999).

So what gives at this price?  Surprisingly, it uses the same FFS technology as their higher priced units, but only at 35 degrees instead of 130 degrees scan width. Given that kayak anglers aren't going to troll at 6 to 8 mph in search of brush piles, that's not a big sacrifice. In fact, it's a small one for this amazing price.

Newport Vessels NK180 Pro trolling motor and LoPro battery

While on kayak fishing, we all know that motorized kayak angling has exploded in the last few years. Now that most kayak bass tournaments and many saltwater tourneys allow motors, what was a fad among non-tournament folks is now becoming common to all.

I've always been a big fan of Newport Vessels motors, but they required a third-party battery. For 2024, NV has not only upgraded their popular NK180 motor (60 lbs max thrust).  They've also created a propriety lithium battery pack that can fit under kayak seats in high position and allows plug-and-play functionality. It also has Bluetooth connectivity to monitor via a Smartphone.

I tested the setup on a Bonafide SK117 at the Demo Day. It was fast and responsive, and the new foot-pedal steering system made it a breeze. What I found out later is that this new motor has 25 percent more range than the previous model for the same speed settings. The 24 volt / 50 amphour LoPro battery is so light compared to my AGM model, and with the NK180 Pro gives a 20 mile range at 60% throttle!

The NK180 Pro sells for $999. The LoPro battery price hasn't been set, but was told it'll be in the same price range as most lithiums.

Premium Rod category - Hardy Marksman Z

When it comes to premium fly rods, the competition is fierce and so very close. When you spend over $1,000 on a rod, it better be the best you've ever cast and the Hardy Marksman Z is certainly that rod. While it came out last year, I hadn't had a chance to test it before. All I can say is that tarpon legend Andy Mill and I got into a casting contest with the 8-weight model and it was obvious any fish out 100 feet wouldn't stand a chance with the Z!  It's simply remarkable that you can get this distance with amazing accuracy, cast after cast.

As I tell folks, the best value for most of us is mid-priced rods simply because we don't fish for very spooky fish at very long ranges. At least 99 percent of the time. I can suffice with a couple mid-priced rods over one premium rod. But if you're the person who wants that one great rod, you can't go wrong with the Z.

Premium Rod category - Douglas Sky G

The Sky G came out in 2020, but I've not tested until this year. If you ever follow the rod reviews on Yellowstone Angler, you know that Douglas rods are always near the top. I've been equally impressed, although I've found them to always be the bridesmaid, never the bride. I think they've fixed that with the Sky G.

The dampening and recovery was on par with the Marksman Z. It was just a joy to cast with its low swing weight and slightly moderate side of fast action. The best part is the price. At $895, it's one of the few premium rods below the four-digit price barrier.  Douglas has a no-fault warranty for the original owner, where you can purchase a replacement section online for a discounted cost.

Mid-priced Rod category - TFO Solution

Over the past decade, I've been slightly critical of TFO fly rods. There's been some hits - and some misses. But last year, TFO hit a home run.. no, a grand slam.. with it's fast-action Blitz rod.  At $430, it is probably one of the best buys in a fast action fly rod, at any price.

Being a moderate kind of guy, I was hoping they'd put this same level of technology into a moderate-fast rod. Well they did - the Solution was as impressive in my casting tests as any rod I tried out at ICAST.  It's slightly more expensive, but at $499 still a bargain in the mid-priced rod category. It's described as a freshwater rod, and most of the rods in the series are light to midweight. But the 8-weight was so much fun to cast it could easily be a great marsh rod. My only gripe is the grip - like all new TFO rods it's a bit short for my tastes.

Mid-priced Rod category - Douglas DXF2

The Douglas DXF rod is one I have cast before - and was not overly impressed. Well according to Douglas, they've incorporated the latest technology and materials in their upgrade of the DXF, and even upgraded the hardware.

To say they hit the mark would be the understatement of the new millineum. The moderate-fast action DXF2 outperformed any mid-priced rod I tested at ICAST with exception of the TFO Solution, which was pretty even battle. What I did like about the DXF2 over the Solution was the longer grip, which on a long fishing day - a few hundred casts - would be noticeable. MSRP is $499 to $549 depending on model.

At that price point, the DXF2 rivals the TFO Blitz and Solution, Lamson Velocity, Sage Maverick and Orvis Recon for the best mid-priced fly rods.

Value Rod Category - Maxxon Aurelius

I first saw the Aurelius from Maxxon Outfitters last year at ICAST, but didn't get a solid pool test done because it was almost time to leave. This time, I put the Aurelius through several tests, and had a couple of other anglers try it out and give me their impressions.

At under $300, this rod provides performance normally seen in the mid-priced range. I tested out a 5-weight and a 7-weight. I'd describe the action as a tad faster than moderate-fast. It's light in the hand (low swing weight). What stood out for me was the olive green blank and the yellow wraps... colors of my high school. Geaux Bulldogs! 

The testing was done using the lovely Maxxon Max fly reel.  For $149, this machined reel has a smooth drag and a smaller width than most reels of this price range.  As experts can tell you, a spool width of 1 inch or less provides a smoother outflow of line and better pickup.  A great beginner saltwater reel!

About the only negative I can say is that the cork grip is probably AA quality. But its a longer grip than it's main competitor, the TFO Blue Ribbon, so a long day fishing won't strain the hand. Like most rods in the Value Category, it has a no-fault lifetime warranty. But I must say that after talking extensively with Justin and the rest of the Maxxon folks, this seems like a great company. I believe they'll have you back on the water in no time!

Budget Rod Category - Douglas ERA

It's getting near impossible to find a fast action rod under $200 these days. Douglas to the rescue. I test casted their new ERA in an 8-weight setup and was very much impressed in how it performed for a budget rod. From the looks, you'd be hard pressed to consider it as such, the reel seat and grip were better than expected. 

The ERA casted nice tight loops out to 80 feet with no problem. At slightly longer distances, it caved just a little. But again how often are you casting out to 80 feet or more for redfish and speckled trout?  If you're a beginner looking for your first marsh or general freshwater rod, or even an looking for an inexpensive backup rod, for only $149 this is it!

Hobie Mojo Floating Sunglasses

Hobie didn't bring their kayaks, but their sunglass division showed up and I'm glad they did. At the Demo Day, I got to try on their Mojo in Rose/Amber color. Yes, a combination of the two best colors for contrast and depth perception whether you're on the river or early morning fishing the marsh.

The Mojos have an extra-large frame to block out side glare, and give coverage from eyebrows to cheek. I could also tell you that the lenses feature their HydroClean 360 coating, but nearly all have some special coating. So here's the part that will get your attention: they're only $109 and can come in prescriptions!

Saber Products

Saber Products had a booth, and the couple that owns the company were the nicest people at the show. I've been tying on Saber hooks for some time. Some folks claim the quality isn't as consistent as Gamakatsu or Diachi, but for the price and the hell I put my hooks through, they've won my vote. They also have many series in black nickel finish and barbless, so double that vote.

Co-owner Micheal Bokan showed me many new products they'll soon be offering, from tying tools to carbon fiber "safe release" nets. Their short net was priced at $99, which would make it one of the best buys in this category.

Tsunami SaltX waterproof backpack

Typically when you see waterproof backpacks for under $200, they have a foldable top that latches down.  Not this one - it's completely zippers.  It even has a removable laptop storage pocket.  There's also a latch ring and side straps.  I was impressed by the ruggedness of the pack as well.

And what does this backpack sell for?  The MSRP is $99.  It still needs to be field tested to see if it can hold up to the more expensive packs of this type.  But if can deliver on half - at half the price - it still is worth investing in for those needing an easy-to-use waterproof pack.

Marabou Brothers

There was something at ICAST for fly tiers as well.  Renzetti had a couple of new items, and I've mentioned Saber.  There were several others as well.  But the most impressive of the "tying centric" booths was Marabou Brothers.

Some of you know I'm a huge fan of fur and feathers for lifelike action to flies - particularly marabou, rabbit and brahma hen feathers.  These guys have really nice product and can dye it in any color you wish.  Although their offerings certainly cover anything I can imagine.  They not only do marabou, but just about all feathers and are getting into dying saddle hackle also.  Can't wait to get some purple saddle feathers to tie up a Purple Boudreaux!

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Now there were several products that almost made this list. The new Cheeky Burst fly reel which will replace their Launch series. I'm a big fan of Cheeky and this reel seems like a notch up - and at nearly the same price $269. 

Then there was the Grundens full premium waders. At $649, it rivals the best on the market with all waterproof pockets. Those who, like me, often fish with waist waders will really like the Paramount Guide Pant with 6 ply knee reinforcement for $219. I've been a big fan of Paramount since they first hit the market and they just keep coming out with great stuff at a value price.

I mentioned testing a few conventional rods. None impressed me more than the new St. Croix Physyx, a new line of finesse spinning rods (which I've an affinity for).  It looks like no other St. Croix rod before.  Was testing the 7'1" medium fast action with braided line and a bream hit my plastic jig and could almost feel it's breath!  Really, this is begging for my money.  $370 to be exact.

Finally, ICAST is more than an opportunity to see products. There are various seminars from industry reports to conservation topics. There's the Industry Breakfast with a Keynote Speaker and the "State of the Sport" presentation.

In the past I attended as either Industry or Media badge. But the last couple of years I've gone under the organizational badge representing Fly Fishers International. It's been an opportunity to connect with other conservation groups and wildlife agencies and learn and share. Already looking forward to 2025.