Is preparing for fishing, fishing? Well, if you haven’t been fishing recently but you’ve been fixing for some big trips, then in a sense, yes. And that’s exactly me lately. I have a few consecutive weeks home for the first time since August. It’s too warm to ice fish and no snow for skiing so I’ve been getting rest, getting in shape and just plain getting stuff done. This list includes returning to a normal sleep routine (my show tour obliterates that), invigorating hikes, runs and bike rides and tuning up the ailing shoulders among other weakened body parts. Oh, and organizing my flies.
My fly collection ventures far beyond trout. For the last few years I’ve dealt with scattered boxes of warmwater patterns, crayfish, leeches, saltwater, streamers, crabs, shrimps, jungle flies, poppers, sliders, Clouser’s and jig flies to name a few. There was even a half filled Cliff Jr. specifically labeled for African tigerfish. Then were the zip locks that hold huge flies such as the one for marlin and another with a dozen arapaima flies. And the list went on. I had one labeled “Nile perch – Cameroon”. That’s not normal!
When the above is arranged nicely its better than a fly shop but it’s been years since my last organization of flies. Since then I’ve been picking and grabbing from various boxes and bags to diagnose the needs of specific expeditions. Not to mention the move from Idaho to Wisconsin. I still had fly boxes in cardboard boxes not unpacked yet. So recently I pulled out all flies (trout excluded) and reorganized them. It was a daunting task that dragged on for a week with flies scattered in every room. But the job is done. All my Clouser type flies are in one big box. Jungle flies one big box. Saltwater takes up a few boxes – crabs – shrimp – baitfish and are all together. Musky flies. Bass flies. And so on.
Once done I did a test – I packed flies for two trips. The first trip is guaranteed. I leave for golden mahseer in Bhutan with my friends from Yellow Dog to visit our friend Bryant Dunn, founder of Himalayan Flyfishing Adventures, on April 7. The second trip is not a go yet but probable, and this is for saltwater on the Pacific side of Colombia in May. It took less than an hour to select the proper flies and load up Cliff Jr’s for each adventure. Now we’re talking!
So with a big spring cleaning task under my belt, can I go fishing? Sure, but there’s no safe ice. That leaves only a few mediocre winter fly fishing possibilities. I’d say it’s doubtful. Instead I suspect I’ll prepare to be back on the road next week that includes an action packed three days of presentations at the Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo in St. Paul, MN. Then on to deliver a one night gig for Missouri River Flyfishers in Great Falls, MT followed by a speaking tour through Canada that includes Lethbridge and Calgary.
That’s all for now. Perhaps after today’s workout I’ll unpack a few more boxes. That will make a “Granny” very happy. And a happy wife is a happy life!
Hi Jeff,
Thanks! I just got back from Peru so I feel your pain. My flies start off organized and by the end of the season from guiding and fishing they are all over the place. My wife lovingly pointed out three hoppers stuck in the fake flowers in the guest bathroom. Doesn’t bother her though. Anyways just wanted to say thank you for what you do! Completely relatable minus all the exotic destinations. Take care.
Andy,
Thanks so much for the comment! Keeping the gear and especially flies is a true art. And we are both lucky to have wives that understand. And I too have used the leaves of the fake flowers to hold a fly or two – ha!
This is very helpful! I often struggle with the “how” to organize. By type, species, location, etc. I find i am moving flies from box to box all the time. Your old posts on packing for trips is great stuff!