DREW & EDDIE

This is Drew.  He likes to tie flies and fish for trout.

Drew admiring a musky fly.

Drew is also a big fan of playing with my camera while I'm using it.

Drew using my camera while I was trying to use my camera.

Drew also likes to play with my camera when I'm not using it, and sneak close up pictures of peoples faces or behinds.

Drew in search of Eddie Rivards best side.

This is Eddie Rivard.  He likes to fish, tie flies, and share his stories on his blog Eddie Rivard Fly Fishing.

Eddie showing off some bucktails with the Chicago Bears colors.

...and here is the product of Drew sneaking up on Eddie Rivard with my camera.

Possible caption contest photograph for the future??

FOR SALE: FILSON CHEST PACK

The item I have for sale is a Filson Chest pack.  It's a great pack, but it's just not my style.  It is used, and in great condition.  Asking $50 plus shipping, unless you're in the Twin Cities area and can meet up sometime.  If you would like to inquire about purchasing this great pack or have questions, please feel free to email me at - carfoutdoors@gmail.com

THANK YOU!  I hope this finds a great new home!

VISE TIME

It's great to be at the vise and whipping up some bugs.  Recently at work there was a silent auction and all proceeds would benefit our core charities.  I donated 8 bass flies that would be tied to the winner of my auctions liking.  I was happy with the auction, and quite surprised that there were a few bids on my service to tie flies.  It was also great to learn that there are other fly fisher people here at work.

Panfish poppers all tied with some of my favorite hooks from Partridge of Redditch.

EP Fiber bait fish and my favorire Rising Fish Stellar Scissors.

I have a lot of tying to do, but I am looking forward to all of the vise time, because, I know I won't be doing much else during the long winter here in the Great White North.

MEND PROVISIONS: ALT CHURCH 12/03/2017

It's Winter Sunday morning, and you feel like tying flies.  You sit down at your vise, and you're just not feeling it that morning.  It's probably because you sit there and tie in the same room by yourself all of the time.  Well, I have a solution to pick up your winter fly tying spirits.  Every Sunday throughout Winter unless social media notified, Mend Provisions will be hosting open tying from 10 AM - 3 PM at Mend HQ.

The Mend Provisions SJW tool is an essential and should be in everyone's fly tying tool kit.

The first open tie was Sunday 12/03/2017, and I attended after a night of staying up too late eating ice cream, drinking beer, and watching Saving Private Ryan until 3 AM.  I know what you're thinking, "Man, I wish I could party just like CARF!"  Don't you all worry about that either, I am working on a book titled, "Hey Man, do you want to party like CARF!?"  It's set to be released when pigs fly, so, that should be very soon.

 

During my time at Mend HQ, I tied up some carp bugs that I thought out in my head, and I'm thinking that these things are going to be great.  What do carp love more than corn....candy corn! Duh!  It was real easy for me to come up with a name for these carp treats - CARF's Candy Corn.

 

There were quite a few people that came in tied for a bit and had to go, and if you're reading this, it was nice to meet you all (Dan, Brent, and Dave...I think).  There was another guy there by the name of Cody, and he was tying up some very nice streamers.  Alt Church was a perfect way for him to get some tying done, and talk fishing before he had to start work that afternoon.

Cody McLean whipping up some streamers.

If you're familiar with Abel Reels, you most definitely have seen the Johnny Cash reel pictures floating around on the internet.  I finally got to see it in person, and I just have to say, "DAMN."  My photograph does it no justice at all.  In person and in professional photographs this real is an eye catcher.  There's no doubt in my mind if I were to own it, it would just sit on display somewhere I can just look at it all the time.

Abel Reels - Johnny Cash reel.  Damn. That's a gorgeous reel.

Alt Church open tie is every Sunday throughout Winter from 10 - 3 PM

 

MEND PROVISIONS

WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

LUNDS FLY SHOP: BUGS & SUDS 11/15/2017

 It's the 3rd Wednesday of the month, and you're looking for something to do.  Well, you're in luck, because, every 3rd Wednesday of the month, Lund's Fly Shop hosts an open tie night at Swinging Bridge Brewing in River Falls, Wisconsin.  This open tie night has a name, and its name depicts exactly what you can expect from one of these nights, Bugs & Suds.

Tying flies and telling lies.

If you are without a vise, not to worry, because, there are extra vises to be used by anyone.  In my experience, others are willing to share knowledge, materials, and even teach others who are looking to wet their feet in fly tying.

I'm a fan of IPA's and Swinging Bridge Brewing is brewing up an excellent one by the name of East Cascade.  They also just released a fantastic stout, Captain Trips.  It's a chocolate roasted coconut stout that I was fortunate to get a taster of before they released it, and I must say...damn, that was delicious.

Head Brewer Mike O'Hara pouring me some fresh suds.

Wandering around checking out what others are spinning up, you'll find a variety of bugs.  Big bugs, small bugs, and weird bugs, they're all there.  One of my favorite things about showing up to open tie nights is the all of the interesting flies you'll come across.

Carlin Salmela showing off a fresh musky bug.

My vise waiting for me to replace the tiny hand with a hook.

Josh Mattis whipping up some trout streamers.

Tavis focused.

When you combine the people, the stories, and beer at Bugs & Suds, you're going to have a good time and some good laughs.  Oh, and pretzels, how could I forget about the pretzels, and beer cheese soup.  Hell, the whole menu there at the taproom is fantastic.  It was made with the help of other local business, and features quite a few locally grown/raised options.

Nick Brevitz kissing the fly 1/2 tied by myself, and the other 1/2 tied by Drew.

On this particular night, there was a tier by the name of Andrew Muntz.  Initially, I was greatly impressed with the work he was putting in on the musky flies he was tying.  Brian Smolinski noticed me watching and shouted out to me, "Hey CARF check this out" and handed me one of Andrew's flies.  I was like WHOA.  That is not a musky fly, that is a musky lure, and my level of impressed went through the roof.  This dude does some RAD work.

Andrew Muntz working on one of his impressive flures.

Others who were not familiar with Andrew's work were just as impressed as I was.  Drew was so impressed with the flure that he wouldn't stop petting it, and I think became best friends with it after a few more beers, and there are even rumors that Drew and the fly are now in an open relationship.

Drew has the look of love in his eye.

Peace and love in the heart of the Driftless.

So much love.

Drew loves everyone.

Don't forget - it's the 3rd Wednesday of each month.  If you need directions or more information please contact Brian Smolinski over at Lund's Fly Shop.

MY GEAR

Camera - http://amzn.to/2hnMwkD

Lens - http://amzn.to/2hhdHJS

Rising Stellar Scissors - http://amzn.to/2yCE7wM

Vedavoo Bench Basin - http://amzn.to/2zGBU78

Rite Bobbin Half Hitch - http://amzn.to/2hzxKab

Peak Vise - http://amzn.to/2zXEBCd

**The above links are Amazon Associate links**

TYING UP SOME MEAT

With Winters arrival up here in the Great White North, I have been getting back in the fly tying saddle.  It had been a long while since I've tied anything but baitfish for bass since the move up to Minnesota.  I'm slowly getting back in to the swing of things, and I must say, it's just like riding a bike.

There's ice on the lakes, so, this fly most likely won't see water until next June....unless I plan a winter trip somewhere warm that has big fish willing to eat an 8/0 Partridge Universal Predator X that trails behind a huge foam head.

It's always #SHARKWEEK

Who know the Great White North had Great White Mini Sharks.

MY GEAR

Camera - http://amzn.to/2hnMwkD

Lens - http://amzn.to/2hhdHJS

Rising Stellar Scissors - http://amzn.to/2yCE7wM

Vedavoo Bench Basin - http://amzn.to/2zGBU78

Rite Bobbin Half Hitch - http://amzn.to/2hzxKab

Peak Vise - http://amzn.to/2zXEBCd

**The above links are Amazon Associate links**

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Lots of travel on the menu for me come the 17th, I am flying out of Minneapolis headed for Detroit to visit my homie out in Toledo, Ohio.  On Thanksgiving morning I am flying from Detroit to Chicago to spend the holiday with my family, and then I will be traveling back to Minneapolis.

I do plan on packing a fly rod and at least attempting to wet a line in Ohio, and in some of my old honey holes back in Illinois.  I just hope the fish don't remember me, and bite my offerings.

I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving.  Eat lots of food, and get outside or enjoy some family time on the dreaded Black Friday.

KINNI CORRIDOR PROJECT

I was contacted by someone with the City of River Falls and they asked to use a few of my photographs for their webpage.  They used 2 of my photographs for banners on their webpage from last winter.

Featured in the photograph below are 3 of my homies.  Jim Aronson, Charlie Forbes, and John Sherlock.  Jim was fishing a nice run, while Charlie and Sherlock were...I don't know.  Tying on new flies?  Talking about world domination?  Undoing wind knots?

RIFFS & TUGS: The Art of Jake Keeler

Ever wanted to see the art of Jake Keeler in person?  Well, you're in luck, because, it's on display at Bad Weather Brewing Company.  You're also in luck if you wanted to tie flies while you visit the brewery to see Jake's art, because, on Friday, November 17th from 6 PM to Bitchin' you can bring your vise and tie some flies.

If you have never tied a fly before and want to learn, come on down!!!  Pig Farm Ink and Bob Mitchell's Fly Shop have provided vises, tools, and materials so those who want to try it out, can!

Tie some flies, drink some beers, and view some arts!

Spread the good word!

Jake Keeler Website - www.20acrecarcass.com/

Jake Keeler FaceBook - www.facebook.com/JakeKeelerArt/

Jake Keeler Shop - www.etsy.com/shop/JakeKeeler

If you have any questions about the event, please feel free to contact either myself or Jake Keeler.

WINTER IS HERE

Winter has definitely arrived, and fast.  The weather I've been experiencing up here in Minnesota is usually what I expect toward the end of December and January.  My vise is out and fly tying is in full swing here at CARF Headquarters.

With winters arrival comes ice, and up here in Minnesota a whole new season of fishing begins.  Hard Ice season aka Ice Fishing but my homie Jay "Lord Boogie" Johnson calls it "Man Fishing."  I have a sonar, but nothing else.  I'm in the market for a rod, auger, jigs, and some homies that want to get out and hit the hard water here in Minnesota.

A whole new world of gear for me.  I'm kind of a sucker for gear, too.  I've been eyeballing the 13 Fishing Descent and Free Fall Ghost Reels.  I've never used them.  They visually make me happy, and I know that's not a good way to shop for gear.  Suggestions for rods, reels, and line welcome!!

Frozen shoreline on the Rum River.

BMFS: HOPS AND HOPPERS 11/07/2017

Drinking beer, tying flies, and telling lies.  Another fun night spent at Lake Monster Brewing in Saint Paul Minnesota for Hops & Hoppers hosted by Bob Mitchell's Fly Shop.  I typically tie 1 fly at these gatherings, and spend the rest of my time hanging out and talking with the homies.

Hops & Hoppers

It's always interesting to see what others are whipping up at the vise.  On this night there were quite a few trout buggers being tied, along with some big musky, bass, and salmon flies.

Bret at the end admiring the work of Sherlock.

Grant Meyer with his laser like focus.

I forgot this man's name, but he's only been tying a week.  He tied his first woolly bugger on this night, and it was nicer than any woolly bugger that has ever left my vise.

First woolly bugger lookin' woolly buggery.

Micah Crider loves black hats and driftless trout.  He and his wife have a pretty sweet blog with some great photography and stories.  You should take a minute and check it out - The Driftless Flyer.

Michah Crider workin' it.

Just because it's an open fly tying night, doesn't necessarily mean you have to tie flies.  I like to consider fly tying an art, and while Mr. Sherlock was skillfully creating steelhead flies with a hook and vise, Charlie Forbes was right next to him showcasing his skillz with paint and a brush.

Sherlock and Charlie doing thangs.

...and not long after the above photograph, Sherlock was showcasing the powers of super glue.

Sherlock.  Nuff said.

Sherlock.

Charlie does some amazing work, and I am a fan.  If you haven't, you should really check out his Instagram page for more of his work.  It was a really great to see him meticulously paint his works at the open tie night.  I think he should do it more often.

Charlie Forbes creating something magnificent, per usual.

Before he goes to sleep each night, Bobby Nacho's tosses back a few musky flies to keep his musky game strong.  

Bobby Nacho's

Looking forward to the next open tie night I am able to attend.  My goal is to tie more than 1 fly next time.  I'm shooting for 2....Baby steps.

MY GEAR

Camera - http://amzn.to/2hnMwkD

Lens - http://amzn.to/2hhdHJS

**The above links are Amazon Associate links**

DENVER - LOOKOUT

Denver - I'm coming for you!  I've got a plan ticket booked for October 21st through the 28th.  No real agenda other than to explore, hike, fish, and camp every single day.  Sounds like a good plan, right?  Of course it does.  I have been relying on the interwebs to provide me lists of places to go/see and things to do, but now I am asking for help from whoever I know that is there in Denver or the surrounding area to provide me with your hot spots.

I'm kidding.  I'd never ask anyone for their hot spots, but if you would be so kind as to tell me cool places to hike that have some epic views near camping and fishing, that would be killer!  I've never been to Denver or the state of Colorado, and this will definitely be my first time exploring the Rocky Mountains.  I am super stoked for the trip.

One thing I do have on my list of things to do is eat at The Buckhorn Exchange and have some Rocky Mountain Oysters.  Crazy to think that one would be excited to willingly put Bull testicles in his/her mouth, but I'm game.

Any other recommendations for places to go hike, camp, fish, must do's, and maybe your favorite brunch place.  All information is much appreciated!

Maybe I'll even get to visit with +Howard Levett!