Auglaize Fly Shop

I'm back. (Sort of.)

2017-08-02T08:48:00.001-07:00

It's been a few years, yes? Well, after some health issues, a couple moves, and life in general being hectic. I'm back. The shop is still closed, but I'm currently in negotiations to see about reopening late this year or early next year. Since logging back in, I see that Photobucket is not the image hosting site to use and they're practically holding my (And everyone else's) pics for a ransom. I've found a new site and it will take me a while to get back in the swing of things. First question that I'm sure many are asking. Yes, I am fishing again and quite extensively. So far this year, I've been nailing Freshwater Drum, Carp, Channel Catfish, White Bass, Smallies, and panfish. I'm slowly rebuilding because due to a move, one of my boxes with all of my fly tying items vanished. RIP my beloved Montana Mongoose vise. Anywho, stay tuned for more updates!

It's been a long road.

2014-07-24T22:22:00.000-07:00

I closed up the shop again due to my health. It was looking good for a while, then it kind of fell apart again. I appreciate all of your support through the years. It really means a lot. No, no, the shop and fly fishing is not done. I'm not dead yet! It's been a rough year and things looked bleak. Now, I'm starting to get back on my feet again. As for the shop, we'll see what this summer holds. It ain't over yet. If nothing transpires this year, I plan on making a huge comeback for 2015. Thanks again for your kind support.

Getting the groove back.

2013-09-08T07:44:00.004-07:00

Over the past several months, I have been battling a severe health issue that required some serious treatments that left me drained, sick, and just feeling awful in general. I apologize for not updating this as I should have, but I have only went fishing a few times the whole year. The last two times I went out were the first times I have really been out and accomplished anything. So, let's get started!

I have just recently started work on a new fly based on the time-tested Woolly Bugger. I have not been out to test it on my usual carp waters because I do not feel that I am up to wading in that area quite yet. However, I did find some new carp water that is not quite as productive, but still holds a decent amount of carp. The places I have been to and waded at are easy to wade and doesn't require a lot of gusto to get out there. (Ankle-deep, shallow water) It does hold some very nice Smallmouth Bass and is perfect territory for a 5wt. Even at a smaller size, they still put a nice bend in a 7wt. That's Smallies for ya!

The fly shop has some flies left at Paul's Supply, however due to health issues, I will re-open bigger and better with more and better flies next season. I decided that it was the best course of action at the moment and will give me time to mend. (Bad fly fishing pun, I know.)

Onto the pictures!

You catch what on a fly rod??!??

2012-08-16T05:53:00.003-07:00

Lately, I've been on a mission. I've been exploring new places to fish around here and I've been pretty successful so far. However, I overlooked a spot that's almost in my own backyard. This place contains a species of fish that many people think is almost impossible to catch repeatedly and successfully on a fly rod. I'm talking about Saugeye. Yes, people have caught them accidentally on a fly rod, but I've been specifically targeting them. They're relatively small yet, but they put up a great fight for their size. They hit streamers with such a vengeance that they make a hungry bass look like a wimp. I'm looking forward to when these guys grow up because I've hooked into a couple large ones and they gave me a fierce battle. Just remember to not lip them....

TWISTED MONO LEADERS

2012-08-02T11:31:00.000-07:00

Auglaize Fly Shop is now offering twisted mono leaders. They are currently available in one size, which is a Med-Lt. model for 5/6wt rods. They're suitable for small bass and panfish. The product line is rapidly expanding and will include a heavy bass/pike/carp model and a standard carp/bass model.

7-27-2012

2012-07-27T19:55:00.000-07:00

Howdy folks! I'm back again with a quick update on some fish catches. I went out on the 25th and broke out the trusty fly rod for a fun afternoon of fly fishing. Lately, I've been putting in a tremendous amount of work on some new patterns that are currently in development. I've almost got them down perfectly. The fish here are being unbelievably picky and if I can get them to strike in these conditions, I've got it made. I landed six behemoth carp, a dinky sunfish, and a nice-sized crappie on that particular day. Funny story about the sunfish. I took a phone call on my cell phone and my fly was dangling in the current. When I was finished talking, I made a backcast and noticed the sunfish zipping through the air. After his terrible ordeal, he was released unharmed. Here's a few pictures from that day.

7-4-2012 Update

2012-07-04T11:57:00.001-07:00

Hello all! It's been a while since I updated again, but I've been busy fly fishing! I've been chasing more and bigger species on the fly rod and I'll be honest, it feels great. I'm not going to go into a long story about everything because pictures are worth 1,000 words. I have quite a few pictures.

Longnose Gar caught on a rope fly.

Bigmouth Buffalo

Bigmouth Buffalo caught on my new pattern, the Helloween Nymph.

Quillback

Freshwater Drum

6-18-2012 Update

2012-06-18T10:06:00.002-07:00

I haven't posted for a little while, so here's some pictures to show what I've been up to lately.

5-30-2012

2012-05-31T15:14:00.001-07:00

I went out yesterday with my buddy and we did some serious fly fishing. We managed to catch many different species of fish including; Freshwater Drum, Channel Catfish, Carp, Longnose Gar, Crappie, Flathead Catfish, and Smallmouth Bass. Almost all of the fish were gigantic and put a serious bend in our fly rods. It was truly an awesome day on the river and we'll be sure to go at it again soon!

5-28-2012

2012-05-28T20:27:00.002-07:00

I had a good feeling about the river today, so I drove on down and arrived bright and early around 7 A.M. After wading out to my spot, I tied on a black Kat Killer and had myself a field day with some Freshwater Drum, Longnose Gar, and Carp. I managed to land two nice Carp and lost three HUGE fish that I had no chance of besting. I was using my 6wt Echo this time. I usually use my 8wt, but the tip busted when I was out yesterday. I'm happy that today went well because I needed to get my carpin' on and it felt great. Here's some pictures.

Here's some pictures of this guy I nabbed a few days ago.

5-18-2012 Report

2012-05-18T20:19:00.002-07:00

I decided to go after some carp this morning on the Auglaize River and didn't have any luck. Again. They just weren't interested. They were more interested in chasing each other around than eating my fly. Plus, the water was scum filled. I got sick of cleaning my fly off after every cast. I packed up and headed off to the Maumee River. I ended up finding a nice spot where some rapids and holes come together and make up some nice runs. I tossed out a DDH Leech on my 8wt and after a few twitches, I felt a hard pull and set the hook. After a fun fight, I landed a dandy Freshwater Drum. I cast out a few more times and had something hit like a freight train. This thing was unstoppable. It didn't help that the fish took off and headed for some really fast water. I noticed that I was about ready to be spooled so I took off after him down the bank. After chasing this fish all around the river, I ended up landing a good-sized Channel Catfish. A fun day for sure!

Auglaize River 5-2-2012

2012-05-03T10:40:00.003-07:00

My buddy and I went out yesterday evening to go after a few fish. The river was up from some rain we had a couple of days back. Since the river was up, the fish were moving and feeding. We each ended up with about 8 or 9 Freshwater Drum. My buddy caught a few Channel Catfish too. He was using a Zebco, and I was using my 8wt. I thought it was pretty cool that the fly rod was keeping right up with live bait. We actually had a double-header at one point. The flies of the day were Clouser Craws and DDH Leeches. Crayfish brown and black were the best performing colors.

At one point, I hooked into the biggest carp of my lifetime and lost it. It nearly spooled me and even with my drag maxed out, I just couldn't stop it. Even with my 8wt. I ended up bending the hook out. It didn't look too bent, so a bad hook-up may have contributed to it as well. I'll be out again sometime soon to get my revenge on those carp. They have been messing with me for quite a while and I need to land one!

Here's a few pictures from yesterday. I'll try to get more uploaded soon.

2012-04-20T21:00:00.002-07:00

Howdy folks! It's been a while! Auglaize Fly Shop is back in full swing and things have been going great!

When we had the nearly two week heat wave, the bass and panfish were hitting right and left. The 2wt shined with foam spiders and proved to be a blast when fish were hitting on the surface.

Lately, I've been focusing on carp and I've been stalking them on my trusty 6wt. I haven't seen any monsters yet, so I don't feel like I need the heavy artillery yet. I missed five of them and haven't had any decent hook-ups. The cold weather has the carp nipping at the fly. Usually when it's warm, the carp hit the fly like a tomahawk missile. I've went out a couple of times, but I always came back empty-handed. Today, I was rewarded for my efforts with a small channel catfish. It felt great to get some brown line lovin' finally. I've got the bug now. When the weather warms up, I'll be hitting the rivers hard. Next month, it's white bass time!

UL fly fishing results

2012-03-14T22:02:00.000-07:00

We had a beautiful day here in NW Ohio. There wasn't much wind, so I decided to give my new 2wt her maiden voyage. The LaCrosse Custom rod casts like a dream and it just plain ROCKS. The 2wt really surprised me because it can cast a country mile and it's light as a feather. I was amazed at the lack of casting fatigue that I'm so used to. (Slinging around a big 8wt for carp and cats.) Both bluegill fell for a size 10 yellow foam spider.

UL Fly Fishing

2012-02-16T13:15:00.000-08:00

I've used 3wt and 4wt rods before while fly fishing, but this week I've taken my first real steps into becoming an ultralight fly fisherman. I ordered a LaCrosse Custom 7'0" 2wt rod and an LL Bean Pocket Water reel. The reel arrived today and the rod arrived yesterday. I put the combo together today to see how it looked and felt. I'll admit that it feels like a great set-up. When the rod and reel are combined, there is a good balance point and the grip of the rod fits my hand perfectly. The combo is going to be lined with a Sage Performance Taper line and a furled leader.

This outfit is starting to become one of my favorites in my collection already and I haven't even cast it yet. (However, I did do the "wiggle-test" and some careful imaginary casting strokes and I love how this thing responds.) This little rod makes my 6wt look and feel like a tarpon rod. I can't imagine what casting my 8wt will feel like after a date with this little sweetie!

With that being said, the panfish better beware because there's a new sheriff in town and he's lookin' to get scaly and slimy.

First post of 2012!

2012-02-05T03:02:00.000-08:00

First off, here's the first post of 2012! Auglaize Fly Shop has some big changes coming this spring and I certainly hope you folks (Readers/Subscribers, Online Customers, Local Customers) will enjoy them!

I took some personal time off this winter to concentrate on spending the holidays with my family and friends, but it keeps getting closer to spring. On an insomnia-based rush, I cleaned up the bench, dusted off the equipment, and tied a couple random woolly buggers to warm the vise up and get back in the groove. Judging by the unusually warm winter we're having here, I may open back up sooner than expected. I've also been drawing up new ideas for patterns and will have some tied up soon, but they'll be on the down-low until I open back up. (They aren't going to be available until I get to test them either. Trust me, I don't sell flops.) I think the fish will find them irresistible though. I'll be sure to update more when it starts getting closer to spring. Stay tuned!

'Tis the Season

2011-12-23T23:49:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays to everyone from Auglaize Fly Shop!

December bassin'

2011-12-15T16:44:00.000-08:00

After a couple of unusually warm days here in NW Ohio, I decided to break out the fly rod once again. I'm glad I did! I was using a size 10 lead eye chartreuse and pink woolly bugger and managed to catch two largemouth bass and a bluegill. Not a bad day in December!

A new addition to Auglaize Fly Shop

2011-12-09T12:30:00.000-08:00

Here at Auglaize Fly Shop, I'm pleased to give you a sneak peak of a new pattern in our inventory. Auglaize Fly Shop will now be adding the Cypert Minnow to it's inventory.

The Cypert Minnow originated in Texas as a white bass pattern and it's certainly earned it's right to be carried in a Texan's fly box. We feel that it will certainly earn it's keep with Ohio white bass fisherman as well. Besides being highly efficient on white bass, crappie fall for this fly just as easily. I have personally used these flies and caught everything from largemouth bass to longnose gar with them. They're durable and most importantly, they work. Myself, along with other local fly fisherman will give them even further testing this spring during the Maumee River white bass run to truly see what this awesome little fly is fully capable of.

Last fish of the year.

2011-12-03T16:44:00.000-08:00

I went out to the ponds one last time with the fly rod tonight before the ice comes. I kept saying my season was over, but we had a nice day today and I needed to get out. It was already getting dark, but I thought I would throw some nymphs for bluegills. Nothing was interested in the nymphs, so I switched to a size 10 chartreuse zonker with a split shot to help get it deep. I made a few casts, then the little fly got smacked. I landed a nice 14 inch largemouth bass. It was a great way to end the season. The pic is quite dark, but the bass is there!

Auglaize Fly Shop on Facebook!

2011-11-25T01:18:00.000-08:00

We've had a Facebook page for a while, but now we're official because we have our very own Facebook domain name! If you're on Facebook and want to follow us, here's the address!

Auglaize Fly Shop on Facebook!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T09:08:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving from Auglaize Fly Shop! Have a wonderful day folks!

Closed for the season

2011-11-19T00:20:00.000-08:00

I give many thanks to all of the customers and supporters of Auglaize Fly Shop for an awesome season this year. My fly fishing season is unfortunately over for this year. The weather played havoc with my pike fishing exploits. Every time I wished to go, it rained and raised the rivers and made presenting a fly next to impossible.

With that being said, Auglaize Fly Shop is officially closed for the 2011 season and will re-open April 1, 2012. I realize that many folks do buy a lot flies in the fall/winter, such as those who chase steelhead, salmon, and other coldwater species, or warmwater fly fishers who live in warmer areas. I've decided to close up shop for the winter because we're more of a locally based shop and I wished to take some time off during the off-season and spend the holidays with friends and family.

I'll still periodically update this blog through the season. Thanks again everyone for a wonderful year and we'll see you in 2012!!!!!

I'm still here!

2011-10-13T12:41:00.000-07:00

The waters are cooling and the leaves are changing rapidly. Fall is upon us. Most of my fly fishing has slowed for the most part. I've been throwing nymphs and strike indicators for bluegill here and there, but my "warm" water fly fishing is done for the most part. In a couple of weeks, I'll be chasing pike and maybe some steel as I have found a couple of promising spots for both here in NW Ohio. I'll keep everyone updated and post pictures when I get out. I've got a busy evening as I'm the guest speaker for the evening at the local fish & game club. I'll be discussing flies, gear, and techniques for fly fishing for warmwater species of fish.

9-23-2011 - Private Ponds

2011-09-23T09:57:00.000-07:00

Since the weather has been getting gradually cooler, I've slowed down a bit on fishing because I'm stuck in the time period where the bass, carp, drum, panfish, etc. start to slow down a bit and the pike haven't started up heavy yet. I used to fill this gap by chasing salmon up in Michigan, but I'm not going this year. That's not to say that the fish don't bite though. I killed some time yesterday chasing largemouth bass and bluegill at the ponds yesterday afternoon for a couple of hours. It turns out the mini-clousers colored like emerald shiners bring out the cannibalistic behavior in bass. While in the water, the olive top turns darker and when combined with the flash and white belly, it makes the fly appear very similar to bass fry. I caught a largemouth bass about two feet from me in the first thirty seconds of fishing. I ended the day with six fish under my belt, so I was pleased to not walk away empty-handed. Here's some pictures for all of you.