Creepy Angler

What is with this guy's shirt collar? I hope I don't run into this guy while I'm out in the woods stalking trout. Yikes. I didn't know that Vincent Price had a brother who fished.

Fish I've Met Along The Way

Just showing my catch.

Little Trout

A little fish on the fly. Check out those spots.

Bear's Den Fly Shop

Shouting out to Scott Wessels at the Bear's Den in Taunton, MA. I was just in there today to pick up a line for my new bamboo rod. Of course Scott had everything in stock that I was looking for. I was also there to mooch for a donation for the upcoming United Fly Tyers 50th Anniversary Gala raffle. Scott was very generous. Thanks! Please patronize the Bear's Den...it is our local fly shop. Check them out on line at http://www.bearsden.com/.

Another Shout Out

Shouting out to my friend, Jayne Ferrante, of Fresno (Fresburgh), California. Had a chance to fish a bit and hang out with Jayne in July while out in Colorado. Howdy Jayne. Howdy to Hobbs as well.

Tying, Tying & Tying Lots Of Flies

Been tying loads of flies. After returning to Boston, I have jumped into my tying with renewed vigor after 8 weeks away on vacation. True, I tyed lots of flies over the summer, but now I am back in my office with the whole ensemble of materials and tools.

Nymph At The Vise

Been excited to get back to some heavy duty fly tying. Nymphs are on my mind and I have been doing a lot of tinkering. The working name for this one is Bursting Wing Pad Nymph.

United Fly Tyers 50th Anniversary Celebration

UNITED FLY TYERS
50th ANNIVERSARY GALA
This year marks the 50th anniversary of United Fly Tyers, the country's oldest fly tying club. Since 1959, UFT has been an integral part of the fly tying landscape, attracting not only national, but international attention as well. Guest speakers have included many luminaries of the fly tying community and the club has provided fly tying education to literally thousands of people, many of whom have gone on to greatness in the art of fly tying. UFT's periodical, Roundtable, was the first and, at one time, only publication dedicated to fly tying. Members, men and women of all ages, continue to hold meetings on the first Thursday of each month in Woburn, Mass. and welcome any one interested in fly tying. For more information please go to http://www.unitedflytyers.org/.

Members, past and present, and the public are invited to United Fly Tyers 50th Anniversary Gala on Sunday, October 25, 2009 from 5-9 in the evening to be held at the historic Longfellow's Wayside Inn, Wayside Inn Road in Sudbury, Mass. 01776. The evening's speaker will be Jim Krul, Director of The Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum in Livingston Manor, NY, and the Gala will feature door prizes, raffles and special events. Dinner, with a cash bar, is $40 per person; tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets will be available at both the September (2nd Thursday due to Labor Day) and the October meetings, or checks (payable to United Fly Tyers) may be sent to P.O. Box 2478, Woburn, MA 01888. For more information please contact Leslie Wrixon at 508-733-8535 or online at lesliewrixon@ityeflies.com.

No Bananas While Fishing!

Commercial fishermen never go to sea with bananas on board the vessel. Lore tells us that bananas bring bad luck on a fishing boat. I have found that bananas in the car while on a fly fishing trip bring bad luck. Recently, a friend and I were on a road trip and had some rough time catching fish. We got rid of the bananas in the car and our catch rate improved dramatically. Just thought I would share my hard won knowledge.

Fishing Car

Been fishing lately? If not pack up your gear and head out. It has been a fine fishing season due to cooler than normal temperatures and greater than normal rainfall.

Shouting Out

Shouting out a big "Howdy" to Don Bishop in Belgrade, MT. Don is one of the original co-founders of askaboutflyfishing.com. He is a board member, tireless volunteer and great friend to the Federation of Fly Fishers. Had a chance to hang around with Don at the recent FFF Conclave. Don is very interesting man with a wide band of sarcasm and a hint of cynicism. All the best to Don and his wife Barbara out in the "Bozone."

Got Chicken?

A Whiting Farms rooster.

Got Pike?

This pike was taken this year on the fly from Lake Menteith in Scotland.

Musky Mania

Just heard from Charlie Place about his backwoods adventures in Maine. Apparently he found the elusive Muskellunge.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Headwaters of the Big Thompson in Rocky Mountain National Park . I really wanted to fish that section, but it was a shear cliff straight down.

Blind Bugger

Kit Seaton and George Vosmik participate in the blind bugger contest recently at Conclave.

Left And Right

David Nelson and Al Beatty each lend one hand in working together on a Troth Elk Hair Caddis.

Matt Matsushita Dies In Car Crash

Sadly, I must report the death of a matchless fly tyer. Matt Matsushita died Sunday afternoon in a single car accident, about 20 miles east of the Green River in Utah, while returning to his home in San Diego after the FFF Conclave. The accident occurred at about 2:45pm. His vehicle turned into the median and rolled several times. According to Utah Highway Patrol, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Matt, 60, was a fantastic tyer, specializing in small, extended body mayflies. His work was exquisite and he was always so willing to share his techniques. He created tools that helped make working on small flies easier. He was such a kind, gentle man, and it pains me to think that he will no longer be with us. Truly a loss.