"Headed Down South to the Land of the Pines"...#RedTrout2018

'Tis the season...CCA Maryland's RedTrout is here! The 6th annual tournament is shaping up to be an epic one. As TLTFF Crew member Mike Dunlap and I pair up yet again on the Mako 171 down in the skinny in pursuit of Redfish, Speckled Trout, Striped Bass, Flounder and Bluefish. The truck is packed and we shove off later this morning for two days of pre-fishing to get ready for Saturday and Sunday, tournament days.

Stay tuned on all TLTFF social media for updates as we keep you in the loop from the islands and marshes! You can find us on all major social media outlets by clicking the icons in the top right sidebar.

Boom...Morgan

12th Annual Project Healing Waters 2-Fly Tournament

Its finally here! One of my favorite weekends of the year, 2-Fly weekend! I'm packing up the truck as soon as I finish pounding these keys and heading south to Syria, VA for the 12th Annual PHWFF 2-Fly Tournament! Here are the details you need to know along with a few links to follow along via social media all weekend long!

Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Saturday 

Bluegill Tournament

• 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.  Bluegill tournament at the Rose River Farm pond.This will be a fun “pre-tournament” event on the Rose River Farm pond for PHWFF participants and anglers competing in Sunday’s tournament.
• 4:45 p.m. (approximately) -PHWFF program participants in this year’s 2-Fly will be escorted by the Patriot Guard Riders from Culpeper to the Rose River Farm on Saturday night.
• 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Dinner at Rose River Farm.

Open to all volunteers and participants in the 2-Fly — RSVP is required via the Evite announcement sent to all registered volunteers, participants and guests.

SUNDAY

• 7:00 a.m. check in begins (coffee, doughnuts, and light snacks)
• 7:15 – 7:30 rules briefing and beat assignments
• 7:30 – 7:40 team photos
• 7:45 National Anthem
• 8:00 – 9:30 round one fishing for 15 teams (teams time slots will be picked at random)
• 10:00 – 11:30 round one for the 15 other teams
• 11:00 – 12:30 Lunch
• 12:00 – 1:30 round two for the first 15 teams
• 12:30 – 1:15 Fly Fishing Clinic
• 2:00 – 3:30 round two for the other teams
• 2:30 – 3:15 Fly Fishing Clinic
• 3:30 – 4:00 score tally relax time and other activities
• 4:00 Awards Ceremony

       All Day

• Clinics with Fly Fishing Experts Check for posted times
• Rod Demo
• Bass and Bluegill fishing in the 2 ponds (fly only)
• Free streamside broadband courtesy of Virginia Broadband.

A Message from Lefty

The man I have called my role model and mentor, and more importantly friend for over a decade now is more self aware that I think I am now. Lefty has recently put out a statement that we shared on the TLTFF Facebook Page regarding the 2017-18 show season and how his health is of the utmost focus to him right now. If you missed, check below via the TFO family.

To my friends, 

I was 92 in January and had a carotid artery operation. During testing the hospital determined my heart was only pumping 35% and must limit my physical activities followed by a rest. The industry was extremely helpful and last season was able to attend the shows, clinics, etc.

Several weeks ago, I realized I was developing another problem, which is normal for someone nearly 93. It turns out I have congested heart failure. My pacemaker revealed there was a series of very rapid hear beats, which could cause a stroke. Fortunately a lot of doctor/friends are fly-fisherman and worked with me. In summary I have to give up travel and presentations as in the past.

Everyone produces a certain amount of fluid in the body and excretes the excess. Because of the low heartbeat my body is not getting rid of all the fluids and I gained weight. My best friend Dr. Mark Lamos put me in the hospital and with back procedure they twice removed a liter and a half of fluid from my chest. After five days in the hospital. I lost weight.
A week or so later I starting gaining weight again so it was back in the hospital for the same treatment. They reduced most of the fluid and returned home. I determined I was not going to continue back to the hospital. Mark decided to use medicine to control the excess fluid. It’s been a fine-tuning situation but looks like it’s starting work.

This means the schedule I lived for decades is no longer valid and will spend most my time at home. As we get older we learn to adjust to what we can and cannot do. I have a number of interesting computer home projects on the computer and busier than a Syrian bricklayer. I’m not frustrated and I’m content My problem is I don’t have a lot of stamina and have to work around that. If Marks medical system works I should be busy and around for a year or two.

I would like to be able to send this email to my friends but I don’t really know how to do this. So I’m asking others to help me spread the word through email. Because my lack of energy and stamina I having trouble answering emails (there are more than 400 on the computer) and not talking much on the phone. This is not meant to be unfriendly is learning to adjuster my situation. 

In summary I’m busy and content but I want you to know I am so appreciative you’ve have shared your lives with me. 

All The Best Friends,
Lefty

Boom...Morgan

The 2017 Huk Performance Fishing – CCA Maryland Kent Narrows Fly & Light Tackle Tournament

Click the poster below to learn more. Click here to see the Facebook event!

Boom...Morgan

9th Annual PHWFF 2-Fly Tournament - Day 2

Day 2 started off mysteriously similar to last year...my phone had died overnight while searching for signal and my external battery had cut out. What does this mean? Yep, my alarm failed to go off again. BUT, my internal clock made up for the failure of my phone and got me up just in time to head over the hill and grab coffee and breakfast prior to the start of the morning session.

The skies were overcast and the air cool and crisp, but the mood of everyone was just the opposite, bright, excited, smiles all around. With bellies full of breakfast, cups full of coffee, and bugs coming off the Rose, it couldn't be any other way. As I walked around, game plans were being made and flies were selected.

The excitement associated with 2-Fly is indescribable. The excitement associated with the day of the tournament is exponentially beyond that. The beauty of the Rose River paired with the sight of watching the vets and guides step into the cool water for the first time raises hair on the back of your neck...it makes everything else in the world disappear.

I was seated near the gazebo in front of beat 5, where you can sit up on the bank and spot fish and get the best perspective as to how the water is acting and what the fish are doing. You also have an awesome view down the Rose to beat 6 where you can see the competition unwind. Cliff and Harsh were the guides to Jason "JT" Turner and Frank Ortega.

To see more photos from the weekend, checkout the hashtag #PHWFF2Fly on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram by clicking on the links.

This is one of my favorite parts of the entire weekend...all of the amazing items from the silent auction, combined with the revenue from sponsorships, donations, and purchased goods summed up to earning a breath-taking $205k for PHWFF.

From volunteering to donating, you can help as well, help heal those who have served, have given us our freedom. Please check out Project Healing Waters website and consider giving them a 'Like' or follow on their Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram if haven't already. God Bless.

Boom...Morgan

Live Feed from the 11th Annual PHWFF 2-Fly Tournament Day 2

Day 1 coverage of the 11th Annual Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing 2-Fly Tournament starts now, we are bringing you a look into the tourney via our Instagram account today and tomorrow...be sure you check out our Facebook and Twitter for more coverage including status updates and live videos and standings.

Be sure to follow all the action via the hashtag #PHWFF2Fly on all social media.

Boom...Morgan

TLTFF Crew Does the Fly Fishing Show - Lancaster 2017

The TLTFF Crew is heading north to Lancaster, PA to visit with friends and fly fishing family for The Fly Fishing Show. Stay tuned for live updates throughout the day...

Follow along with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Boom...Morgan

TLTFF Crew Does Somerset 2017

The TLTFF Crew is heading north to Somerset, NJ to visit with friends and fly fishing family for The Fly Fishing Show. Stay tuned for live updates throughout the day...

Follow along with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or stick to this post by watching the live Instagram feed below!

 

Boom...Morgan

District Angling

District Angling is an independent company formed to fill a small niche in the Washington DC area.  We cater to fishermen wanting access to local fisheries.  We specialize in fly fishing.  You probably remember us if you were a customer of a few of the previous shops in the Arlington and Alexandria areas.

Although we're currently building out the company and do not have a brick and mortar retail space you can visit, we are currently hunting for the perfect location for our shop and you will receive another e-mail from us shortly with your chance to add input about our future destination shop.

We're the same casting and fly tying instructors, travelers, and fly fishing experts that you've come to know and trust.  We're first and foremost anglers, just like you.  We're fly fishing junkies.  We love the sport, and try to fish as much as we can.  We love to fish wherever we can.  We fish locally, and we travel to wherever a fish will eat a fly.  We also love helping people enjoy the sport.  We understand the mechanics of fly casting and the techniques that make fly tying easier and enjoyable.

We have over 100+ years of combined fly fishing experience, knowledge, and expertise among our staff.  Let us help make your favorite sport and pastime enjoyable and memorable.

We're also more involved in conservation, outreach, education, and fundraising.  We not only support national organizations like Project Healing Waters, Coastal Conservation Association, and Trout Unlimited, we also participate in important events and regional awareness like the Friends of Fletcher's Cove, Trout In The Classroom, and the Cape Lookout Albacore Festival.

We invite you to visit DistrictAngling.com to learn more about who we are, what we do, and how we can help you.  From events like the Fly Fishing Film Tour to tying custom flies for your trips to exotic destinations, we're here to help.

Be sure to give DA a Follow or Like on their Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Boom...Morgan

TLTFF Does #RedTrout2016 and Kicks Off Collaboration with Why Knot Fishing...#StriperCivilWar

The TLTFF Crew is heading south! Mike Dunlap of Barefoot Adventures and I are going for the podium of the 4th Annual CCA Maryland RedTrout Tournament. To get our bearings straight in the Lower Chesapeake, were heading down two days early to pre-fish the tourney and enjoy our time away from work and on the water.

A little info about CCA Maryland's RedTrout Tournament via CCA MD:

RedTrout is a unique catch, photo, and release tournament held at the American Legion in Crisfield, Md. The idea of this tournament is to support the community by drawing tourism as the season begins to wind down. Crisfield is a very special place; not only for its great seafood, but also for its close proximity to our islands, expansive grass beds, and the never ending list of creeks, points, flats, and coves. RedTrout 2016 will give you the opportunity to put your lure, bait or fly in front of a long list of species including: Rockfish, Red Drum, Bluefish, Flounder and the ever elusive Speckled Trout! This tournament truly does present a wonderful opportunity for you to have a fun filled weekend with your friends or family. Enjoy the Tangier sound on your boat, or paddle away from it all and enjoy the solitude in your kayak. In addition to some of the best shallow water fishing around, we will have a live and silent auction, door prizes, Crawfish and Shrimp Boil, Pig Roast, cold drinks, good music and great friends!

Mike and I are stoked to get after some of our favorite species this week(end). One tournament we wanted to fish but unfortunately fell on the same weekend as RedTrout is Why Knot Fishing's 2nd Annual Fall Run Striper Classic. Our boys up north with be chasing the same species as one of our target species, Striped Bass, so we've put together a little competition with them. As the kickoff of our collaborative effort with Why Knot, we've decided to treat y'all with a little thing we're going to call #StriperCivilWar. North vs South, battle of the Team Why Knot and the TLTFF Crew. Follow along on social media, primarily both the Why Knot Fishing and TLTFF Instagram stories. Remember to give us both a follow to see the war go down!

Make sure you put the Why Knot Fishing's Annual Fall Run Striper Classic on your calendar for next year as a must do tournament as the TLTFF Crew intends on being there! A little info about their rad tournament on Boston's North Shore via WKF:

This is our second year hosting this Catch and Release Tournament for Striped Bass on Boston’s North Shore!

The tournament will be an overnight tournament that starts at 6:00pm on Friday Night, September 23 and runs until 6:00pm on Saturday, September 24.

Tournament participants choose to fish in one of four divisions (Fly – From Shore, Fly – By Boat, Spin – From Shore, and Spin – By Boat) and can fish from Boston Harbor to the Merrimack River.

Good luck to all those involved and fishing both tournaments and be sure to follow us on social media to see how Boston's North Shore matches up against the Lower Chesapeake Bay.

Follow along with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or stick to this post by watching the live Instagram feed below!

 

Boom...Morgan

Kickstarter...Streem Outdoors Fly Fishing Rods

5 DAYS TO GO!

Via Kickstarter:

Our high modulus carbon fly rods are designed to perform at a level of rod twice their price, backed by a no questions asked warranty!

Fly fishing for us started as a hobby, turned into a passion, and became our lifestyle. Over the years this enthusiasm infected everyone we knew. More importantly, we found that our experiences and fishing tips were the stuff that other wanted too. It wasn’t long before all our energy was saturated in sharing, showing and serving lifetime friends *and* new friends from their friends. Streem Outdoors is now born…and we’re loving it!

We’re distinguished from other great offerings by our passion by making fly fishing accessible and comfortable for anyone who loves the outdoors. We believe that truly great outdoor products don’t need to ransom other loves in your life. We focus on engineering and designing fly rods, reels and other products with performance that makes our competitors embarrassed to sell theirs at twice the price. And to prove this point, Streem reigns above the rest with our lifetime warranty on all fishing rods. Checkout the others…nobody does it better than we do. You break it, we replace it! (…like, why should you have to pay anything if it’s truly ‘guaranteed’?) Boom!

To see the perks, rewards, and to read more about this Kickstarter...click here. To learn more about Streem Outdoors, check out their website and give them a 'Like' on Facebook.

Boom...Morgan

FINAL DAY - Vedavoo's Upgrade Your Gear Event

Today is the final day of the event, get in on this!

Now this may go down as one of the most epic things of 2016. Vedavoo continues to prove themselves as a top notch company run by top notch people. If you don't have gear from Vedavoo yet to trade in, head on over to their website and get you some. I'm biased towards the ARC Plier Pack...

Via Vedavoo Event Page on FB:

When you have gear that never gives up, it's tough to justify buying that new pack you've been eyeing. But - WE'RE GIVING YOU A CHANCE TO DO JUST THAT!

- Maybe you want the newest version of the pack you have...

- Maybe you want a different model we make now...

- Maybe your needs / color tastes have changed...

THROUGH THE END OF AUGUST, we're offering our loyal customers the opportunity to send back their used gear for a nice discount on new packs we offer!

All returned gear will be re-touched and presented to PROJECT HEALING WATERS for them to give to the veterans they serve.


HOW TO GET STARTED!

1. Visit VEDAVOO.COM/UPGRADE 
2. Use the form to start your upgrade
3. Once we verify your request, we'll send a single-use coupon
4. Use it to place your order through Vedavoo.com
5. Send your CLEAN / DRY old pack back to us
6. We'll send you your new gear

BUT I'M STILL USING MY PACK!?

For those of you who still are using your pack, don't sweat it! We'll build your new one and let you know when it's ready / when to send back the old. Once we have it in hand, we'll send out your new gear!

FINE PRINT:

1. Valid only to original owners of Vedavoo Gear
2. 1-to-1 upgrades only (ie – turn in your old Hip Pack and get a Hip Pack Deluxe)
3. Anything can be returned, but we can only build products we currently offer through Vedavoo.com
4. Products must be returned CLEAN and DRY
5. Do not machine wash (ruins fabric coating), but please rinse and thoroughly dry out your gear before you return it.
6. Shipping charges are the responsibility of the customer.

Boom...Morgan

Vedavoo's Upgrade Your Gear Event

Now this may go down as one of the most epic things of 2016. Vedavoo continues to prove themselves as a top notch company run by top notch people. If you don't have gear from Vedavoo yet to trade in, head on over to their website and get you some. I'm biased towards the ARC Plier Pack...

Via Vedavoo Event Page on FB:

When you have gear that never gives up, it's tough to justify buying that new pack you've been eyeing. But - WE'RE GIVING YOU A CHANCE TO DO JUST THAT!

- Maybe you want the newest version of the pack you have...

- Maybe you want a different model we make now...

- Maybe your needs / color tastes have changed...

THROUGH THE END OF AUGUST, we're offering our loyal customers the opportunity to send back their used gear for a nice discount on new packs we offer!

All returned gear will be re-touched and presented to PROJECT HEALING WATERS for them to give to the veterans they serve.


HOW TO GET STARTED!

1. Visit VEDAVOO.COM/UPGRADE 
2. Use the form to start your upgrade
3. Once we verify your request, we'll send a single-use coupon
4. Use it to place your order through Vedavoo.com
5. Send your CLEAN / DRY old pack back to us
6. We'll send you your new gear

BUT I'M STILL USING MY PACK!?

For those of you who still are using your pack, don't sweat it! We'll build your new one and let you know when it's ready / when to send back the old. Once we have it in hand, we'll send out your new gear!

FINE PRINT:

1. Valid only to original owners of Vedavoo Gear
2. 1-to-1 upgrades only (ie – turn in your old Hip Pack and get a Hip Pack Deluxe)
3. Anything can be returned, but we can only build products we currently offer through Vedavoo.com
4. Products must be returned CLEAN and DRY
5. Do not machine wash (ruins fabric coating), but please rinse and thoroughly dry out your gear before you return it.
6. Shipping charges are the responsibility of the customer.

Boom...Morgan

iCAST/IFTD 2016

I'm going to do my best to share/repost photos from iCAST/IFTD since I was unable to make it this year due to work responsibilities. There will be a slideshow below of the TLTFF Instagram where posts will be shared and reposted. Be sure to check the other social media by clicking the buttons in the top of the blog's right sidebar

 

Boom...Morgan

Take Action...Now or Neverglades

By now, most or all of you know what is going on down in FL. I'm sure some of you are thinking, "Morgan, you're a little late on posting this here." True, but its because I have been blasting social media with this the whole time and decided there may be a few readers that don't do social media or may miss the posts on the TLTFF FB page (thanks Facebook for throttling down exposure of my page since I don't pay you). So for those of you who haven't had the chance to either read up or sign, here is the "Now or Everglades Declaration" via Orvis. Many others are sharing this but I think Orvis has done a great job of using their outlets to spread the word.

Via Orvis News:

By: Phil Monihan

Florida’s fragile estuaries and coastal environments are awash in disgusting, damaging algae.
Photo via bullsugar.org

This is the week that the national media have finally started reporting on the incredible algae blooms along both Florida coasts, although a call to action started to go out as early as February. (See ” “Blackwater” Discharges Threaten Florida’s Indian River Lagoon and St. Lucie Inlet.”) The cause of this disaster is discharges of untreated fresh water from Lake Okeechobee into the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie estuaries. Traditionally, this water flowed southward, through the Everglades.

Read on by clicking here.

Click here to read and sign the Declaration

Boom...Morgan

Fishing Trip...Nantucket Bound

Family vacation is finally here. The car is packed and we're Nantucket bound. I'm going to do my best to check in throughout the week but just in case, I decided to do the typical TLTFF trip thing and post a live feed here on the blog and direct y'all to social media (you know, the TLTFF Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) where I can instantly update. Stripers, blues, and a mixed bag of freshwater species is on the list for the week so stay tuned for some live action!

Boom...Morgan

Take Action...Fish or Die Wins a Prime-Time Slot Due to High Ratings

Via Moldy Chum:

This just in from the Fish or Die crew.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 6, 2016

Contact:  Tom Tanno, ttanno1@aol.com; 818-907-9950

Animal Planet’s FISH OR DIE Wins a Prime-Time Slot Due to Extraordinarily High Ratings of its Recent Premiere,

Posting a +21% Growth Over its RIVER MONSTERS Lead-In

Prime Time Re-Broadcast of “Fish or Die” Set for Wed., May 11 @ 10 PM EDT

The premiere of “Fish or Die” on Sunday, May 1 (11 pm EDT) was a time period upgrade for Animal Planet.  Here’s a snapshot of the results:

•  Fish or Die” grew over its “River Monsters” lead-in by +21% with target A25-54.
• “Fish or Die” posted double-digit percentage gains over the network’s prior 4-week time period average.
• “Fish or Die” was up +37% with A25-54 (231K) and +20% with Total Viewers (435K).
• “Fish or Die” placed Animal Planet among the Top 20 Cable networks in the time period with hard to reach male demos, ranking as high as #13 with M18-34

Spread the word!

Boom...Morgan

Quik + Splice...Two New GoPro Apps for Edits on the Go

Live Feed from the 10th Annual PHWFF 2-Fly Tournament Day 1

Day 1 coverage of the 10th Annual Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing 2-Fly Tournament starts now, we are bringing you a live feed of our Instagram account here on the blog today...be sure you check out our Facebook and Twitter for more coverage including status updates and live videos and standings.

Enjoy...

Be sure to follow all the action via the hashtag #PHWFF2Fly on all social media.

Boom...Morgan

Fly Product + Daily Deal + GIVEAWAY...Risen Fly's NEW Super SLIM Fly Boxes

Save 20% off of all boxes with code "super"

Risen Fly took their Super SLIM boxes and made them even thinner! They cut about 1/4" off of the thickness and they are right at 1/2" right now.  So save even MORE space in your packs and load up on some boxes. Deal good through April 7th.

These are some of the thinnest fly boxes out there.  These save a great amount of space in your packs and are great for nymphs and small flies.

One design has an easy grip foam, and the 12 compartment has a magnetic bottom to help secure your flies.

GIVEAWAY...

TLTFF has partnered with Risen Fly to give away some of the redesigned Super SLIM Fly Box. The giveaway will run until April 10th (one week from its kickoff last Sunday).

How to win:

-You must 'Like' both TLTFF and Risen Fly on Facebook (click on the names to goto our pages and click 'Like' if you haven't already).

-Comment on this post below saying "I'm in" and your name.

What you will win:

-ONE person will be randomly selected (using Random.org) to win ONE 12 Compartment Super SLIM Fly Box

-ONE person will be randomly selected (using Random.org) to win ONE Easy Grip Foam Super SLIM Fly Box

Winner will be announced on both the TLTFF and Risen Fly Facebook pages so stay tuned and make sure you check both pages on the 10th!



Boom...Morgan