"Sometimes, you just need to go downstairs and waggle a rod..." - Scott Hanson

"Write what you know. If you don't know, make it up..." - Scott Hanson

"A dude can't live on just two fly rods alone..." - Scott Hanson

Man, I have some deep thoughts...

Monday, August 31, 2020

What's New?!?!

Here's the short answer to the title question: Absolutely nothin'! I haven't been doing a lot of fishing lately. I haven't caught a trout since early May, if I am remembering right... That's kinda sad, when you think about it. So let's stop thinking about! I have caught quite a few bass and bluegills this summer in the in-laws' lake. And I even caught my second and third walleyes ever, a couple of weeks ago. For those who don't know, the walleye is the state fish of Minnesota, which is where I reside.
My second walleye ever. It looked a lot like my first and third walleye...

People are crazy about walleye fishing around here, so when they find out that a crazed fisherman like myself has never actively gone walleye fishing, it can boggle their collective mind. The only three walleyes I have ever caught have been by-catch, while fishing for Smallmouth Bass. And, together, those three walleyes probably weren't long enough to fit in a slot limit on any lake in the state...

I have been doing some tying, so that's fun. I finally finished my Spring order for Lund's Fly Shop, a couple of weeks before Fall starts. I never said I was fast...or organized...or focused... I promise I will try to finish my Fall order while it is still Fall.
A gaggle of Pink Squirrel Parachutes that now reside in the fly bins at Lund's Fly Shop

I have also been starting to get ready for my Tying classes that will be starting soon. I have been tweaking which flies I teach, and I think I finally have them all figured out. Once I re-do the syllabus it will all be finalized. Oh, and I officially changed the name of my class. It used to be The Joy of Fly Tying. That was OK, but I felt that it could use a reboot, so now, when you are looking through your local Community Ed catalog, look for Fly Tying Essentials! This Fall I will be teaching it in-person in Forest Lake (starting September 22nd), White Bear Lake (starting October 12th), and Northeast Minneapolis (starting December 1st).
Egg-Laying Nurple, Size 16

If the in-person option doesn't interest you in this time of Covid, I will also be teaching it via Zoom! through the city of St. Paul (starting on December 5th). If you or someone you know wants to learn how to tie flies, and have fun doing it, make sure you tell them about my class options!
Lake Superior tributary on the Minnesota North Shore

I have a couple of trout trips planned for the near future. I will be sure to write about them, so come back and check it out. See ya next time!