https://www.boteboard.com/blogs/journal/how-to-fly-fish-from-a-paddle-board
Author: tedchristiansen
(Dec 12, 2020 10AM-4PM) / FTU Inshore Expo (Katy Location Only)
Feb 27-28, 2021 / Texas Fly Tying Festival (Mesquite, TX)
Pure Joy – Casting a rod you made with a fly you made…
Joe Nicklo and George Sutherland led two rod building classes over the past several months, with much appreciated help from Bobby Orr, Paul Robertson and Joe Flowers as proctors. The first class with nine members was conducted at Bayland Community Center in February. The second class with seven members was conducted at Gordy and Sons in March. Both were two day classes.
The participants not only had fun building a rod to their unique color and preferences, but are now able to enjoy casting with it for years to come. In the fly fishing world, it probably can’t get much better than that – joy of casting a fly you made with a rod you made! No doubt the signup sheet for the next class should be in “overflow” once again!
First Class @ Bayland Community Center / Day 2
Second Class / Day 1 @ Gordy & Sons
Second Class / Day 2 @ Gordy & Sons
Looks like the group had a great time building something that will provide years of memories and enjoyment.
Don’t miss the next class, which hopefully will be possible soon in spite of the COVID crisis.
Tie flies live with Tom Rosenbauer on Facebook!
To ease the pain of being leashed to our homes because of COVID-19, Tom Rosenbauer of Orvis is hosting a live fly tying session every M, W, F at 3PM Eastern, streamed live via Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/events/2905148839599015/
Didn’t join yesterday for first session, which seemed to have technical difficulties. Hopefully works tomorrow (Wed).
March 2020 – Ambergris Caye (San Pedro) Belize – 3 Half Days on the Fly (Tarpon & Bonefish)
Fished with Eloy Gonzales (https://www.facebook.com/eloyinbelize/) for three half days on the lagoon side of Ambergris Caye, Belize – home base San Pedro. Used two TFO rods with Orvis Hydros SL reels – 8 wt for bonefish and 10 wt for tarpon. All bonefish caught on Crazy Charlie style fly. Tarpon and cuda caught on hackle/marabou flies (size 3/0 purple or orange seemed to be preferred). Stayed at the Phoenix Belize (https://thephoenixbelize.com/), which is a perfect location for combined fishing and family trip. Close to restaurants and activities, and the food and staff at the Phoenix are top notch! Check out street view here.
Monday March 9th (Morning / 7-11:30)
Fished for bonefish only this morning – caught 10+ mostly 12-15″ long. Caught big Amberjack that took all of the fly line and ~50ft of backing (fun!) Added the Amberjack to the snapper caught with spin gear during the last hour of the morning to have enough for dinner for four. I do this once per week to satisfy the “catch and keep” folks in the family :).
Wednesday March 11th (Morning / 7-11:30)
Picked up at 7AM at the Paradise Villas dock (https://www.paradisevillasinbelize.com/) walking distance from our hotel, and five minutes later started pouring. The only thing I didn’t bring on the trip was a rain jacket and got soaked all the way through. Thankfully modern fishing clothing dried quickly once the sun came out. Was a productive day. Tried for tarpon for the first couple hours – saw fish but could not get them to eat. Switched to bonefish for last ~2 hours. Caught 10+ bonefish.
Friday March 13th (Morning / 7-11:30)
Fished for tarpon first ~2 hours using 10 weight rigged with 50lb bite tippet on saltwater leader. Hooked big barracuda on second cast after arriving to first spot. Good fight, didn’t break off – first barracuda caught. After many casts at rolling tarpon, finally caught one after several outings trying! One 5+ occasions, tarpon missed the fly and Amberjack took it instead. Could have caught more if not for the pesky opportunistic Amberjack!
If you have a chance to be in San Pedro, Eloy is a great guide – you will not be disappointed!