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
Showing posts with label Instagram. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Instagram. Show all posts
Thursday, September 27, 2018
"Headed Down South to the Land of the Pines"...#RedTrout2018
Saturday, April 28, 2018
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!
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.
Monday, June 5, 2017
Fish Art...Kimberly Z
I found Kimberly on IG a few months ago as a suggested page and my jaw hit the floor when I saw her art. Fresh flavor with huge drop of creativity made me instantly click through to her site and want some of her art for my home's walls. Cam of TFM did a great feature on her so I'll direct you over there to see more, but be sure to check out her website to be awed yourself!
Boom...Morgan
Sunday, April 30, 2017
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
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
Saturday, April 29, 2017
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
Boom...Morgan
Saturday, March 4, 2017
TLTFF Crew Does the Fly Fishing Show - Lancaster 2017
Saturday, January 28, 2017
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
Follow along with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or stick to this post by watching the live Instagram feed below!
Boom...Morgan
Friday, January 6, 2017
AMFF's Cabin Fever Photo Contest
We are kicking off the new year with a fun photo contest! To enter just upload your best fishing photo from 2016, use the hashtag #cabinfeverphotocontest, and tag @flyfishmuseum and a fishing buddy by January 31st. Prizes include an AMFF trucker hat, t-shirt, general museum membership, 2017 calendar, and a Cliff Beast Jr box full of 27 saltwater flies tied by Mud Dog Flies.
Boom...Morgan
Saturday, November 5, 2016
Fish for a Cure 2016
Via Fish for a Cure:
Fish for A Cure was started in 2007 by a group of friends and business associates looking for an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay, fulfill their passion for fishing and to have fun. After a successful first year, the wife of one of the main participants was struck with cancer. A rigorous treatment schedule and the demands of daily family life nearly saw the end of the tournament. However, a few of the group members took the reins and decided to turn it into a charitable event to raise money for the facility that was providing cancer treatments — Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York.
After two successful years of raising money for Sloan Kettering ($7,000 in 2008 and $26,000 in 2009) and a growing following, the group decided to make the tournament benefactor a local charity, Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Geaton and JoAnn DeCesaris Cancer Institute. The success of the first couple of years helped with the decision to “step it up a notch” and the group set a lofty goal of $50,000.
With the continued efforts of a growing board, our unique Captain’s Challenge event and the added support of AAMC, the tournament has donated $1,000,000 to AAMC since 2010 and the event continues to grow with an increasing number of captains, anglers, partiers and sponsors taking part in the tournament each year.
In 2016, it is the board’s objective to continue to grow the tournament and raise as much money as possible to help support those going through a cancer diagnosis. With the added help of people like you, and our new partnership with Easport Yacht Club (EYC), we feel that our potential is unlimited. Our goal is to make our 10th Anniversary year our best ever!
Our team, Susan's Boys, consists of fellow UA athlete Shane Clift, Matt Baden of The Hobie Life and his awesome dad, David. We'll be cruising around the Bay on the Mako tomorrow so stay tuned...Follow along with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.!
Boom...Morgan
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
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.
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.
Thursday, September 22, 2016
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:
Follow along with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or stick to this post by watching the live Instagram feed below!
Boom...Morgan
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
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
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
Friday, June 10, 2016
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
Boom...Morgan
Friday, May 13, 2016
Fly Product...Mountain Creek Anglers' Wall Mounted Bottle Opener
To see more of Mountain Creek Angler's beautiful work or to order your very own bottle opener for $24.95, check them out at http://www.theflyfishingmall.com. Be sure to check them out on Instagram as well for their latest work.
Boom...Morgan
Saturday, May 7, 2016
Saturday, April 30, 2016
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
Enjoy...
Boom...Morgan
Saturday, March 26, 2016
Clutch Fly Rods - "The Build"
A brief look into the Clutch Fly Rods Factory with an overview of the components used in building premium fly rods, this is the first video in the series, and was filmed as an introduction to the Clutch Fly Rods Brand.
Be sure to roll on over to the very well done Clutch website. Also be sure to check them out on social media via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Boom...Morgan
Saturday, March 19, 2016
Fishing Trip...Chasing Spring Stripers
Boom...Morgan
Thursday, March 10, 2016
10th Annual PHWFF 2-Fly Tournament - Alumni Weekend
I was driving down the winding turns of the Blue Ridge Turnpike with the wipers on full speed as the last few bars that would connect me to society dwindled to "No Service". Good tunes were playing and something just felt right, it felt just like it did three years ago...the first time I made the trek to Rose River Farm and a weekend that would eventually hold a place on my calendar circled multiple times with a big red sharpie.
This weekend, as those of you who have read TLTFF for some time know, holds a very special place in my heart. That connection was grown from many factors, from seeing familiar friendly faces to landscapes, fishing to making new memories...but one of those factors is the true foundation of that growth, the seed that started it all, an organization and what it exemplifies.
I knew little about Project Healing Waters until about 4 years ago when I befriended a certain guy with the last name associated with a Disney character. Rob Snowhite had been posting about PHWFF here and there, talking about upcoming events and I would even see him at shows in their booth. Already being involved in the Non-Profit realm through CCA myself, I knew they had a mission, had a focus, and wanted change. Little did I know that change was in the form of attitudes, directly impacting lives and more time than not, saving them.
Fast-forward a bit to the Spring of 2014, where I find myself relying on my GPS to get me to this unknown place in the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains as I wind down a wet road. I was trying to get in touch with the only two people I knew that were going to be at the 8th Annual PHWFF 2-Fly Tournament, but all my phone said was "No Service". Snowhite wouldn't have picked up either way since he was in the thralls of guiding the Potomac's shad run with a few clients and I had no idea if Dan Morgan (PHWFF's Director of Communications) even had my number. Eventually, after a few reroutes and turns through farm and cow country, I saw water, the river...followed by a sign. I had made it.
This year, I had no need for a GPS and the only phone call I needed to make was to my wife to let her know I was about to drop into the modern twilight zone and was almost there (within a few miles of RRF). The sight of the RRF lane is enough to get your adrenaline pumping, even through a rainy windshield on a low light day. The classic Mongolian Yurt cabins off to the right, the sight of American flags along the fence, the crossing of the bridge, and finally, the familiar faces.
As the WiFi symbol popped into the corner of my phone I knew it was close enough to the tent to send a "I'm here safe" text to my wife. I drove up over the hill after checking in to find everyone settling down for lunch courtesy of the local American Legion. Those Legion boys and girls know how to cook up some brats and dogs, let me tell you. Lunch is always the half-way point of the Bluegill Tournament, a halftime if you will.
The Bluegill Tournament is a fun "pre-tournament" event held at the farm pond on the other side of the RRF main property. The farm pond is stocked with bluegill, largemouth bass and rainbow trout. The tournament is open to PHWFF participants and any angler competing in Sunday's tourney. Hosted by Cory Routh and his wonderful wife Kelly of Ruthless Outdoor Adventures (give them a look, if you're ever in need of a guide in the VA area, look no further). Cory is not only a phenomenal angler, but has outstanding art skills and put them to good use for this year's Bluegill Tournament trophy.
As the Bluegill Tournament came to an end, there were three category winners with 2nd place finishes behind them. Along with the six podium finishers, there is one person who also needs to be recognized, Mark Eustis. Mark is a huge supporter of PHWFF and avid follower of TLTFF. Mark was a guide during the first 2-Fly Tournament 10 years ago and was fishing this year as a supporter. Mark caught the biggest Bluegill of the day (which happened to be a VA state citation) but backed out of the tourney so someone else could take the win. Kudos to you Mark, you're a good man.
CPT (ret.) Alvin Shell (Army) took the win in the Bluegill division and 2nd in the largest other fish division with a 12.5" largemouth seconds before the final buzzer (beaten by a 15" Rainbow), setting him up for what was due to be an absolutely amazing weekend.
As everything wound down and people headed over the hill to catch rides to their hotel, I was able to catch up with some of my favorite's, the TFO crew over an ice cold beer. The rain continued to fall off and on as we decided it was time to think about getting ready for the night's festivities and arrival of the keynote speaker, Tom Brokaw.
Both Rob Snowhite and Rich Farino pulled up just in time for me to grab my car and park it down by the tent near his to change and freshen up for the banquet. I grabbed a beer from my YETI, a Striped Bass Pale Ale by Devil's Backbone (had to give a shoutout for my goto brew), and made my rounds, giving hugs and checking in with everyone as the crowd began to gather in anticipation of the vets arrival, escorted by Culpepper's Patriot Guard Riders. Every year, rain or shine, their arrival tends to get everyone pumped for the night and Sunday ahead. The roaring of the bike engines and the procession that follows is always sensory overload piled on top of sheer excitement.
As the vets made their way into the crowd, finding their guides for Sunday as well as greeting familiar faces. A low murmur started to form as two easily recognizable faces stepped out of a truck right behind Rob and I...Lefty and Brokaw. After being greeted by the PHWFF family, Tom stepped over to Rob, shook his hand, and proceeded to ask "where can I get one of those", pointing to Rob's newly opened Shiner Bock. With a chuckle, Rob handed his off to Tom while saying "right here, its all yours, just opened it.". Tom took a big swig and put it right into his coat pocket, it was awesome. After a brief chat with Rob, mentioning that "podcasts and selfies are the bain of" his existence, he turned to me, obviously seeing I was star struck and shook my hand. Then it happened, he looked down at my name tag and realized I wasn't who he thought I was. Nonetheless, he played it off well be striking up a conversation with me regarding Bucs and Bones, Belize, Bonefish, and his favorite beer. After a few minutes, we were all moved into the tent as rain began to fall and the silent auction fired up.
Side note, Tom is smaller and slightly more weathered than I thought he would be, but I took that as the man has lived a rad life and has seen as well as done a lot of really rad things. Tom is easily the nicest celebrity I've ever met (yes, I can compare him to quite a few).
As I meandered my way through the tent, scoping out some of the most amazing silent auction talent I've ever seen, I found myself in front of my good friend Andrew Holt of Edrington. Holt was kind enough to come down and taste his full range of high end scotches from Macallan to Highland Park. Those scotches, paired with the absolutely amazing (happy) oysters from Sapidus Farms, made for one heck of an appetizer hour.
The mic fired up and the familiar voice of Douglas Dear asked us to begin to settle down. Douglas Dear, owner of RRF and Chairman Emeritus of the Board of PHWFF greeted us to the tenth installment of PHWFF's largest fundraising event before introducing a true American hero and someone who has benefitted greatly from PHWFF's work, SSG (ret.) Robert Bartlett (Army). Robert gave the invocation, speaking as a true man of God.
As everyone grabbed dinner, a low roar filled the tent as over 300 supporters of the event shared fishing stories, caught up on recent events in their lives and chowed down on the delicious food courtesy of Gentry's Catering Service. The rain continued to fall, harder and harder, actually helping to set the mood with a low, ambient sound, enough to soothe the soul as only the grace of the Blue Ridge Mountains paired with an amazing night can.
With full bellies, good wine, and happy spirits, the mood was fully set for the evenings program to begin with PHWFF CEO Ellen Killough's welcome and remarks. Ellen has a huge heart, she is a big advocate for our nations vets as well as women in fly fishing. Off the cuff she wanted to make sure two of the Able Women in the room were recognized, Jessica Callahan (Navy) and CPT (ret.) Kim Smith (USMC)...both of which have also benefitted from PHWFF's programs. Take a minute and check out what Able Women is doing, really really good stuff for the sport from both a diversity and overall well being standpoint.
Boom...Morgan
This weekend, as those of you who have read TLTFF for some time know, holds a very special place in my heart. That connection was grown from many factors, from seeing familiar friendly faces to landscapes, fishing to making new memories...but one of those factors is the true foundation of that growth, the seed that started it all, an organization and what it exemplifies.
I knew little about Project Healing Waters until about 4 years ago when I befriended a certain guy with the last name associated with a Disney character. Rob Snowhite had been posting about PHWFF here and there, talking about upcoming events and I would even see him at shows in their booth. Already being involved in the Non-Profit realm through CCA myself, I knew they had a mission, had a focus, and wanted change. Little did I know that change was in the form of attitudes, directly impacting lives and more time than not, saving them.
Fast-forward a bit to the Spring of 2014, where I find myself relying on my GPS to get me to this unknown place in the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains as I wind down a wet road. I was trying to get in touch with the only two people I knew that were going to be at the 8th Annual PHWFF 2-Fly Tournament, but all my phone said was "No Service". Snowhite wouldn't have picked up either way since he was in the thralls of guiding the Potomac's shad run with a few clients and I had no idea if Dan Morgan (PHWFF's Director of Communications) even had my number. Eventually, after a few reroutes and turns through farm and cow country, I saw water, the river...followed by a sign. I had made it.
This year, I had no need for a GPS and the only phone call I needed to make was to my wife to let her know I was about to drop into the modern twilight zone and was almost there (within a few miles of RRF). The sight of the RRF lane is enough to get your adrenaline pumping, even through a rainy windshield on a low light day. The classic Mongolian Yurt cabins off to the right, the sight of American flags along the fence, the crossing of the bridge, and finally, the familiar faces.
As the WiFi symbol popped into the corner of my phone I knew it was close enough to the tent to send a "I'm here safe" text to my wife. I drove up over the hill after checking in to find everyone settling down for lunch courtesy of the local American Legion. Those Legion boys and girls know how to cook up some brats and dogs, let me tell you. Lunch is always the half-way point of the Bluegill Tournament, a halftime if you will.
The Bluegill Tournament is a fun "pre-tournament" event held at the farm pond on the other side of the RRF main property. The farm pond is stocked with bluegill, largemouth bass and rainbow trout. The tournament is open to PHWFF participants and any angler competing in Sunday's tourney. Hosted by Cory Routh and his wonderful wife Kelly of Ruthless Outdoor Adventures (give them a look, if you're ever in need of a guide in the VA area, look no further). Cory is not only a phenomenal angler, but has outstanding art skills and put them to good use for this year's Bluegill Tournament trophy.
As the Bluegill Tournament came to an end, there were three category winners with 2nd place finishes behind them. Along with the six podium finishers, there is one person who also needs to be recognized, Mark Eustis. Mark is a huge supporter of PHWFF and avid follower of TLTFF. Mark was a guide during the first 2-Fly Tournament 10 years ago and was fishing this year as a supporter. Mark caught the biggest Bluegill of the day (which happened to be a VA state citation) but backed out of the tourney so someone else could take the win. Kudos to you Mark, you're a good man.
CPT (ret.) Alvin Shell (Army) took the win in the Bluegill division and 2nd in the largest other fish division with a 12.5" largemouth seconds before the final buzzer (beaten by a 15" Rainbow), setting him up for what was due to be an absolutely amazing weekend.
As everything wound down and people headed over the hill to catch rides to their hotel, I was able to catch up with some of my favorite's, the TFO crew over an ice cold beer. The rain continued to fall off and on as we decided it was time to think about getting ready for the night's festivities and arrival of the keynote speaker, Tom Brokaw.
Both Rob Snowhite and Rich Farino pulled up just in time for me to grab my car and park it down by the tent near his to change and freshen up for the banquet. I grabbed a beer from my YETI, a Striped Bass Pale Ale by Devil's Backbone (had to give a shoutout for my goto brew), and made my rounds, giving hugs and checking in with everyone as the crowd began to gather in anticipation of the vets arrival, escorted by Culpepper's Patriot Guard Riders. Every year, rain or shine, their arrival tends to get everyone pumped for the night and Sunday ahead. The roaring of the bike engines and the procession that follows is always sensory overload piled on top of sheer excitement.
As the vets made their way into the crowd, finding their guides for Sunday as well as greeting familiar faces. A low murmur started to form as two easily recognizable faces stepped out of a truck right behind Rob and I...Lefty and Brokaw. After being greeted by the PHWFF family, Tom stepped over to Rob, shook his hand, and proceeded to ask "where can I get one of those", pointing to Rob's newly opened Shiner Bock. With a chuckle, Rob handed his off to Tom while saying "right here, its all yours, just opened it.". Tom took a big swig and put it right into his coat pocket, it was awesome. After a brief chat with Rob, mentioning that "podcasts and selfies are the bain of" his existence, he turned to me, obviously seeing I was star struck and shook my hand. Then it happened, he looked down at my name tag and realized I wasn't who he thought I was. Nonetheless, he played it off well be striking up a conversation with me regarding Bucs and Bones, Belize, Bonefish, and his favorite beer. After a few minutes, we were all moved into the tent as rain began to fall and the silent auction fired up.
Side note, Tom is smaller and slightly more weathered than I thought he would be, but I took that as the man has lived a rad life and has seen as well as done a lot of really rad things. Tom is easily the nicest celebrity I've ever met (yes, I can compare him to quite a few).
As I meandered my way through the tent, scoping out some of the most amazing silent auction talent I've ever seen, I found myself in front of my good friend Andrew Holt of Edrington. Holt was kind enough to come down and taste his full range of high end scotches from Macallan to Highland Park. Those scotches, paired with the absolutely amazing (happy) oysters from Sapidus Farms, made for one heck of an appetizer hour.
The mic fired up and the familiar voice of Douglas Dear asked us to begin to settle down. Douglas Dear, owner of RRF and Chairman Emeritus of the Board of PHWFF greeted us to the tenth installment of PHWFF's largest fundraising event before introducing a true American hero and someone who has benefitted greatly from PHWFF's work, SSG (ret.) Robert Bartlett (Army). Robert gave the invocation, speaking as a true man of God.
As everyone grabbed dinner, a low roar filled the tent as over 300 supporters of the event shared fishing stories, caught up on recent events in their lives and chowed down on the delicious food courtesy of Gentry's Catering Service. The rain continued to fall, harder and harder, actually helping to set the mood with a low, ambient sound, enough to soothe the soul as only the grace of the Blue Ridge Mountains paired with an amazing night can.
With full bellies, good wine, and happy spirits, the mood was fully set for the evenings program to begin with PHWFF CEO Ellen Killough's welcome and remarks. Ellen has a huge heart, she is a big advocate for our nations vets as well as women in fly fishing. Off the cuff she wanted to make sure two of the Able Women in the room were recognized, Jessica Callahan (Navy) and CPT (ret.) Kim Smith (USMC)...both of which have also benefitted from PHWFF's programs. Take a minute and check out what Able Women is doing, really really good stuff for the sport from both a diversity and overall well being standpoint.
Boom...Morgan
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Kickstarter...The SmithFly Big Scioto Dry Pack
I was able to chat with Ethan up in Somerset this year for quite some time and this pack came up in the conversation. At that point he wasn't sure if he was going to do a Kickstarter because he wasn't sure if people were interested despite the lack of this type of product on the market. There were a few of us standing around and when he began to talk about the (now named) Big Scioto Dry Pack, we immediately got excited. Check this out...chances are, if you let this awesome Kickstarter price slide, you're going to be wishing you hadn't when someone downstream is wearing this awesomely green molle dry pack.
To learn more and pledge towards this great Kickstarter, click here and be sure to give SmithFly a 'Like' and/or 'Follow' on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Boom...Morgan
Keep your gear dry on the inside, keep other stuff handy mounted to the outside of this comfortable light weight back pack.
The Big Scioto Dry Pack is the world's first MOLLE compatible Roll Top Dry Pack.
We've taken the concept of a comfortable light weight roll top dry back pack and added a laser cut MOLLE panel to the back to allow you keep your fly tackle easily accessible. You don't need to access the dry compartment to get to your fly boxes, leaders or accessories. The inside stays dry and the stuff on the outside stays accessible! How about that.
To learn more and pledge towards this great Kickstarter, click here and be sure to give SmithFly a 'Like' and/or 'Follow' on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Boom...Morgan
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