It seems like the summer months are always crazy busy, but I finally found time to recap my weekend home…in which my family went camping and fishing on Lake Huron.

Around noon on that Sunday, which was BEAUTIFUL, my dad and I headed to Grindstone City and waded out into the water, hoping to catch a bass. I hate to admit that we witnessed many pairs swimming among our feet, but no one seemed to be having any luck. It just so happened that we were after fish, who were obviously spawning, with crawfish lures…right after a caddisfly hatch. Needless to say, the cards were stacked against us!

But we did a little digging and found the following tidbits of information:

• Caddisfly hatch is prime time to fly fish with the popular fly pattern known as the elk hair caddis. Our store has some high quality Hareline Dubbin, Inc Elk Fly Tying Hair perfect for this!
• Although people were not catching bass, some were finding luck with walleye at dusk. Although we were back at the campsite by then to visit with grandparents, cousins, etc, and will have to remember this for next time. My time home is spread thin as I have a lot to fit in!

Not all was lost because of the caddisflies, as we moved on to garage sales. If you can’t catch a fish, you might as well shop around for fishing supplies! And those we did find. My dad found a great deal on some downrigger weights and line clips, as well as some random lures to add to our arsenal of fishing supplies. I also found a little treasure – Hook, Line & Seeker – to read in my free time. If I come across anything of interest, I will definitely share!

Since I live in NC, I think I might start exploring and fishing the lakes here. But one thing is for certain, I need to get a pair of waders that fit – no more wearing my dad’s!

Out in Lake Huron in my big ol' waders!

My dad and me!

Thanks for reading and until next time,
Shannon

So I recently found out we are adding new raccoon, buffalo and nutria pelts to the store. Well, I had absolutely no idea what a nutria was, so I did a little online research and came across a very interesting article called Fur Flies: Activists Hope To Spark Nutria Sales by Marketing Daily.

Apparently, these little rodents are destroying the Louisiana grasslands and so trappers are being offered $5 per nutria they destroy, but the pelts are often discarded. And so Righteous Fur, a grassroots movement, is encouraging people to put these to good use, in such things as clothing. But I have to admit, I interpreted the article's title a little differently - why not encourage the use in fly tying?!

Apparently the nutria hair is durable and can be dyed; it is also perfect for things such as nymph fly tails or muddler wings. So check the store within the week to get your very own nutria pelt!


Thanks for reading,
Shannon

To our awesome customers who received a flyer with purchase - please post your comments below and then visit the Bargain Bin . We look forward to hearing from you!

I really enjoy going to garage sales and working with local taxidermists to find great fishing supplies/materials. For the past 12 years, I have successfully used eBay to share my “treasures” with others, but I have decided to take it one step further by 1) becoming a blogger and 2) partnering with fly fishing suppliers, like Whiting Farms and Hareline Dubbin, Inc, to open an online store.

What makes me even more happy is that this is a family adventure. My girls are growing up and all have their very different interests, but this is one project we can work on together. (side-note from my daughter: my dad, does in fact, call me every morning at 8:45am and the emails and phone calls continue throughout the day! I fear our new hobby might turn into a full-time job!) I like to think I am passionate, but they might have other words to describe me!


I really want this blog to be fun, but also a hub for relevant information. I have been brainstorming various topics, but would love to also get your opinion – what is missing from the fishing/fly tying community? What would you like to read about and discuss?

Potential topics:

• Fly fishing material descriptions and patterns
• Fishing hot spots
• Trends and new products
• Recipes
• Garage sale adventures
• Family fishing trips
• Conservationist/fly tier profiles
• Great reads
• Maybe a little art to satisfy my older daughter!

Thanks for visiting & until next time,
Randy