Monday, December 28, 2015

Dun Magazine & a Tight Loop: Clousers for a Cause

Back in May (I think...sooo long ago haha)....I attended a fly tying event hosted by Jen of Dun Magazine and Kurt of a Tight Loop.  The purpose of the event was to tie flies that were going to be donated to the Milwaukee charter for Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing or PHWFF.  All that was needed was your vise, and tools.  All of the other materials were provided.

The event took place at a fantastic unknown (..to me) distillery not far from my home named Copper Fiddle Distillery.  Travis the mixologist or mix master working behind the counter is a magician who creates some fantastic drinks.  If you're ever in that area, I suggest you stop.

Magic.
The fly to be tied for the Milwaukee PHWFF Chapter was the ever so reliable clouser minnow.  I forget the total number of people that showed up, but it was a fantastic turnout, and a lot of flies were tied.

Quite the turnout.
It was a great event that was for an excellent cause.

Clousers for a Cause.

Clousers.

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Merry Christmas!

I would just like to say, Merry Christmas, to all of you and your families!  I hope you all have some extra days off from work, and are able to enjoy that time with your loved ones!

Winged Reel and Pig Farm Ink have partnered up to host a gear drive benefiting Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing.  So, if you have any gently used gear that you would like to donate to a great cause please visit the website.  

For more information click below.

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

2015 Year End Review: Part 1 of 2

My 2015 fishing season was outstanding, and not because of the fishing.  It was awesome, because, of the new and old friends I had the honor of sharing the water with.  Lots of good times, fish, beers, and laughs.  I just want to send out a big "Thank You" to all who made time spent on the water fun.

Here's UA Dave and I floating the Des Plains River at the beginning of the year in January.  Click here to see the old post - Winter Pike Float with Urban Assault Fly Fishing.

Looking forward to our trips in 2016, dude!

UA Dave and I floating with I-90 & I-190 behind us.
Later in the Spring I was invited out to float and explore the Fox with Kurt of a Tight Loop Magazine, and Sean of Rushing Waters.  T'was a great time that we definitely need to repeat come 2016.  Click here to see the old post - High Water Floating.

Kurt chillen with Sean on the oars.  I'm rowing next time!
Hunting musky with Mike until Midnight was an awesome experience.  There were no fish caught, but I learned that musky lures can fly into trees and never be returned.  I haven't forgotten about you, Mike!  I'm still on the hunt for that lure! Haha.  Read all about that night here -  We're Huntin' Musky.

Mike casting top water lures as the sun sets.
WCF BBQ at Beck Lake, hosted by the meat man himself, Kevin of Utopia Cigars.  It was great meeting, fishing, and throwing back some brewski's with all of you guys...Keith, Marcus, DanK, Tom, and Tim.  I apologize if I omitted you from this list.  Here's the post - Windy City Fishing BBQ at Beck Lake.

BBQ at my place this winter when the lake freezes over!

Kevin and Keith in the S'canoe.  Such a great water craft!
DanK and I always know how to have a good time.  This was a particularly fun day fishing Popar Creek and the lake behind my house, where DanK put on a clinic, hooking up with some monster bass.  Click here to see the old post - Creek Time.

CARF and DanK doubled up on smallies.
WCF Des Plains River outing.  What an awesome time on some local water with a whole bunch of guys from the forum.  DanK, Marcus, Keith, Todd, Piker Mike, Joe, Sully, Zach, John, Dan P, Saul, and SkiFish...It was great meeting all of those I have not met before, and always good to fish with the guys that I have.  Looking forward to next years float!  Check out the old post and video here - WCF DPR Floatilla.

The after float BBQ.
Keith and I with a DPR double.  This was a fun float that I cannot remember if I wrote about or not, and if I did, I don't know where it is. Haha.  Good times, man!

Keith is a DPR monster slayer!
Shout out to Adam aka The Slaunch Mob aka WindyCityFlyFishing.  Glad you've jumped on board with fly fishing, and I'm looking forward to more outings with you, hopefully, there's fish involved, too! haha  Click here for the post - Fly Fishing with The Slaunch Mob.

Another shout out to DanK.  Unexplored water on the Kishwaukee River is awaiting us.  That float was an absolute blast, and I cannot wait to explore more of that river when you get your new kayak!  Here's the post - Fish Da Kish.

Oh, and I want to wish you a speedy recovery with your achilles tendon!  If you're not fully healed by Spring, I will carry you to your kayak, homie! I got you! haha

Another CARF and DanK smallie double!
Last but not least, a shout out to the one and only, The Fat Gordo.  Let's keep it gangsta in 2016!

The Fat Gordo and I floating down river in my kayak.
Another big "THANK YOU" to all of you who I shared the water with this year, and making my 2015 season as awesome as it was!
**I apologize if I left you off of here, and I hope you call me out for it!**