flash monkey

Flash Monkey by Russ Maddin

/in , , , , /by

Flash Monkey

Check out the latest VOD featuring Russ Maddin, tying his Flash Monkey baitfish imitation.  Thank you Russ for sitting down with us, and sharing this pattern.  More than just a fly tying video.  Check it out, and let us know your thoughts.

This fly tying video is another instructional in our series of videos that you can view at our Videos on Demand page, check out other titles to expand your fly fishing education. Thank you for your continued support, and don’t hesitate to let us know what additional videos you want to see.

Flash Monkey by Russ Maddin from Mangled Fly Media on Vimeo.

The Flash Monkey by Russ Maddin, is the latest streamer pattern from the creator of the popular Circus Peanut, Mad Pup, and South Bound Trucker. As in the past, Russ continues to push the evolution of fly tying – this pattern combines new materials from FlyMen and Hareline Dubbing with traditional hackles from Whiting Farms.

Requiring over 2 years to perfect, the Flash Monkey needed to meet Russ’ strict streamer standards. Countless trips to the river testing the Flash Monkey ensured it was properly balanced and moved in the river currents for maximum effectiveness.

This video is more than a simple tying demo. It breaks down the Flash Monkey and gives you full access into the mind of fly designer, fisherman , and river steward Russ Maddin. As he discusses his methods of tying, how to fish the pattern, and more. It also includes Q&A with Jon Ray discussing several retrieves to bring this fly to life, the best Scientific Anglers fly lines for the pattern, and how to build your leader to get the most out of your fly.

No matter your experience level you’ll learn something from this video. If you’re into streamer fishing – no matter the species – this is a must-watch video.

Fly Tying – Flymen Blog Post

/in , , /by

Great write up by Gunnar Brammer on the Flymen Blog Post about fly tying and the 3 different ways that you can use articulation in your fly design for stripping streamers.  Flymen products have exploded onto the scene the last few years.  Flymen products are a staple of my fly tying room.  Articulated Shanks for steelhead, Fish- Skull Articulated Fish Spines , and Fish-Skull Body Tubing

Gunnar makes reference to Russ Maddin, and one of my personal favorite streamer patterns the Circus Peanut.  Check out the link to the detailed how-to-tie video we did with Russ Maddin.

In my mind, Maddin’s Circus Peanut best exemplifies my personal definition of an articulated jig fly. The rear hook and front hook are identical with the exception of the chenille-wrapped lead eyes. The fly swims, jigs, and is a fish-catching machine.

The Circus Peanut has been a staple in the Russ Maddin fly box for years. The Circus Peanut originated in Northern Michigan over a decade ago and is now fished all over the world. Many streamers by many famous fly tiers have followed this same template. Russ sits down with Jon Ray from Mangled Fly Media and shows his step-by-step process.
This video breaks down the Circus Peanut and gives you full access, into the mind of fly tier, fisherman , and river steward Russ Maddin. As he discusses his methods of tying, color matching, and setting up one of the best streamers of all time.
No matter your experience level you will learn something from this video. If your into streamer fishing no matter the species this is a must watch.

Brown Trout Pics

/2 Comments/in , /by

underwater brown trout


Brown Trout – Pic of the Day

/in , , /by

I enjoy the challenge of big brown trout during the day of the summer months.  This nice brown trout starts off my July just right.

Brook trout or a Great White?

/in , /by

The aggressive nature of a brook trout reminds me of a Great White Shark sometimes, now the size and teeth on the other hand.  Just a different view of a brook trout coming to the boat on a soft hackle tied by John Ingham.  Thank you John.

Patagonia Great Divider III – Product Review

/in , , /by
Patagonia Great Divider

Patagonia Great Divider III

Time for a new boat bag and the Patagonia Great Divider was my choice after looking at the many options out there, it was a few simple things that sold me on the Patagonia bag.  First the 100% waterproof and fully-welded construction.  I found with my old  bag, that I would forget about the rain fly, and by the time I remember it was too late and my bag and the inside was soaked, leaders and flies now wet.  This is not good.  Problem solved now, as the Great Divider gear bag.  I also can’t tell you how many times rain flies turn into moldy rain flies if you don’t dry them out and store them correct.  Secondly the keep it simple lay out.  I don’t like search through endless pockets.  With a 4 panel divider system is’t nice to keep fly boxes separate from tippet.  But I can see everything in the bag at once and I know where it will be.

 

Thirdly the  transparent floating panel with hook-and-loop attachments and removable end pockets help organize small items.   Great place for car keys and cell phones.  Easy to find and protected.

Details

  • 100% waterproof, fully-welded construction with a single-side TPU coating
  • Main compartment is made of a pliable and resilient high-density foam that gives bag shape and protects contents
  • 100% waterproof TIZIP® zipper with waterproof materials and construction at main closure
  • Two interior zippered end pockets are transparent and removable
  • Strap attachments and seams are welded to eliminate leakage
  • Adjustable and removable padded shoulder strap; two grab handles
  • 11.75-oz 800-denier 100% nylon with a PU exterior coating and TPU interior coating

 

Great Speckled Olive caught in a Web

/in , , /by

Siphloplecton basale Spinner other wise known for me as the Great Speckled Olive caught in a spiders web.  When you see this guy you know Sulhur’s are on the menu in a day or two.  Hatches are moving forward and temps are really improving.  Couple prime open dates in the first part of June.  June 6,7,9  shoot me an email or a text message if your interested.

IMG_1332

Rivers of Sand by Josh Greenberg

/3 Comments/in /by

I was just giving a copy of a new book called “Rivers of Sand” by Josh Greenberg.  And I can’t wait to start reading this.  Pick up your copy at your Local Fly Shop.  If your local fly shop doesn’t have it contact Josh Greenberg at Gates AuSable Lodge, he will send you a copy.

Looks to be a great book that will help the reader understand the unique techniques needed to fish the waters of Michigan.  I look forward the read over the summer months.  Thank you Josh for giving Michigan some national coverage.  Some of the most alluring waters in America.

So true about Trout fishing

/in /by

“Only an extraordinary person would purposely risk being outsmarted by a creature often less than twelve inches long, over and over again.”
~ Janna Bialek

Pic of the Day – Loving the Blues

/in , , , /by

Cool blues on the cheek of this dry fly eating Michigan Brown Trout.  Put down the streamer rods and broke out the Scott G2 once again to capture this resectable 16″+ Hendrickson sipper.  Also every day more and more impressed with the SA GPX Sharkwave taper.  Day in and day out putting it in new clients hand this line is amazing.

IMG_1958