First, I wanted to thank TK for the article in the current issue of RodMaker on Terry Hensen. It was quite inspiring. Thanks to the writer for a well done article (I don't have the mag in front of me so I'm not sure if TK wrote it or not).

Anyway, it got me to thinking about the rods that I build. I really only build rods for myself or that I give as gifts, and I've always thought that I want function over form. I'm one of those hated bass fishermen, so I build rods that serve a particular purpose. I've never really cared much about what they look like. But I am an artist as well. There really isn't any reason for my fishing rods not to be beautiful, too.

So, I'm rethinking things these days. Not sure where this will go, but thanks for challenging my thinking.

I should add that I love to flyfish as well. I love the beauty of flyfishing, but living in Fort Worth...well, not too many mountain streams readily available.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/20/2008 11:56PM by Sean Walker.

Sean, moutain streams aren't the only ticket to good fly fishing. Waters where fish will at times hit on bugs or other smaller fish up on the surface are fly waters. Waters where fish will at times hit sinking bugs or below the surface worm, minnow imitations is also prime for fly fishing. Check with some locals..... fly guys are around, doing their thing.

Hi Sean,

Like Steve said you don't need mountain streams to go flyfishing. I'm lucky to live in a state (Maine) that does have mounain streams with Trout, Salmon and other spices but I found myself liking the Ocean and small farm ponds to fly fish. You want to get your blood rolling hook into a nice large mouth Bass on a fly rod. Check the area you live in and you may find fishing spots you had over looked.

Hank
On The Rocks Fishing
Wells, ME.

Sean,

You have some prime bass fishing waters near you.

Bass on a fly rod are WAY better than trout. More of a challenge. They fight harder. A bass blowing up on a topwater fly is awe inspiring.

I went from tournament bass fisherman to almost exclusively fly rods just because it is so much more fun...

You gotta try it....

Buddy Sanders

Sean,
I've never tried it as I live near to great trout fly fishing; however, "they say" its a kick to catch Carp on a fly rod. Bob

I do fish on a farm pond, and occasionally with a fly rod--mostly for bream. I would love to catch largemouth on a fly, but I can't seem to make that happen. And it's hard to stick with something when I know I can catch them another way.

A 5 lb bass on a flyrod is more fun than most trout and a 5 lb in Texas is more common than a rattle snake .......... in addition you have a whole Gulf coastline with tons of speck, redfish and other fish .......... shoot you can even catch tarpon on some of them ............

Sean,

Send me your SnailMail address and I'll send you some flies.

Go to whichever lake you like for topwater action in the spring/summer, and fish some of the topwater flies I'll send you.

You'll sell all your conventional gear....

Buddy

snailmail sent. Thank you for your kindness.

Of course, everyone knows, that once I'm hooked on fly bass, I'm going to have to build a new rod for bass fishing. Any recommendations?

if you live in ft worth you have quite a bit of water close by. if you dont want to try the lakes, try the trinity river. it has bass, bream, carp, and gar(which are a blast on a fly). i know its not trout, but it will be close and you should be able to find lots of underfished water.

If there are any deep reservoirs in your area, that the water releases from the bottom of the lake, you might have a decent tailwater trout fishery.
Check around for fly shops or clubs near you. They can point you in the right direction...


Walt