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This means the schedule I lived for decades is no longer valid and will spend most my time at home.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

Austin Green Photography's "Pursuing Esox"

Its been a year in the making but its finally here...

PURSUING ESOX from Austin Green Photography on Vimeo.

Austin Green Photography, Southern Culture On The Fly, and Crooked Creek Holler present, Pursuing Esox: Pike, Musky, and Pickerel On The Fly. The Uncommon Angler team links up with Jon Zukowski, Pat Cohen, Scott Stryker, Brian Cadoret, Josh Laferty, Danny Reed, Brent Perkey, Ken Trail, Charlie Gordon, Ty Loomis, Kevin Ramirez, James Mugele, Mike Terrien, Jim Dietz, Peter Nardini, Jesse Haller, Mark Erdosy, and Adam Hope to deliver pure Esox action. "Pursuing Esox, its a contagious addiction that spreads to anyone in contact with the afflicted, you've been warned."

Boom...Morgan

Fly Product...TFO Mangrove Telepole

Via Salty Shores:

Available via TFO dealers.

For those of you who haven't heard of Sam Root or Salty Shores, you have to bookmark the site. From photography to reviews Sam does everything right. Check them out now.

Boom...Morgan

YETI Presents: Flip

By far one of the coolest guys I've had the privilege of meeting. Very cool clip that definitely speaks to me.

YETI Presents: Flip from YETI Coolers on Vimeo.

A man with a big imagination, Flip Pallot set out to change his life when he quit his banking job and launched a fishing guide career. Little did he know, he was about to shape the future of the outdoor sports world just by heeding the call of the wild.

Boom...Morgan

Sunday Double Reel...'Flats pirate Angling Charlotte Harbor'

Flatspirate Angling Charlotte Harbor from FlatsPirate Angling on Vimeo.

Boom...Morgan

Daily Deal...TFO Pro Special for ONLY $79

Via Mad River Outfitters:

These rods normally retail at $99.00 and we are running a "Never Undersold" Promo at $79.00 for the month of June!
 
This may well be the best value in a fly rod that you will ever see!

These Pro-Special rods from TFO are not found everywhere....they are only available through select "Flagship" dealers for Temple Fork. You won't find them in many fly shops, probably not at all online, and for sure you won't find them in the "big box" stores.

The Pro Special rods from TFO are GREAT fly rods! They cast very similar to their BVK rods and have decent cosmetics to go along. They come in 8'6" 5wt, 9' 5wt and 9' 6wt models and are 4 pieces. 

For anyone looking for a good 1st rod, or a quality backup rod that won't break the bank....this is it!!!!!

As with all TFO fly rods, these come with a rod sack and feature TFO's Unconditional Lifetime Warranty...the best in the buiness.

Want to make it into an outift? Let us know, we will be happy to add a TFO reel and TFO line for less than $80.00!!!

Boom...Morgan

Daily Reel...The VooDoo Daddy 'Shrimp Boat Crazy'

One of my favorite Daily Reels to date. Features good friends Rick Pope and Chris Thompson of TFO...and some killer tuna fishing! A valuable lesson is learned here...always bring eggs and bacon for the shrimp guys!

The VooDoo Daddy "Shrimp Boat Crazy" Presented by Temple Fork Outfitters from Marty Dashiell on Vimeo.

Boom...Morgan

9th Annual PHWFF 2-Fly Tournament - Day 1

This was my second year doing media coverage for PHWFF at their annual 2-Fly Tournament. I had the dates to this year's event down on my calendar the day I left Rose River Farm last April. For those of you unfamiliar with Project Healing Waters, it is an organization "dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active military service personnel and disabled veterans through fly fishing and associated activities including education and outings." It is one of the most touching and rewarding organizations I've ever been involved with. 2-Fly, the flagship event of PHWFF, as you'll read, makes for one of my favorite weekends out of the year...

I want to write this up the same way I did last year, breaking two individual posts down by day. To read about last year's event, click here for Day 1 and here for Day 2.

Flip Pallot Announced as a Special Guest for The 9th Annual 2-Fly Tournament

I am beyond stoked for this... Flip is someone I've wanted to meet for years, cannot wait.

Via PHWFF:

The 9th Annual 2-Fly Tournament at beautiful Rose River Farms to support Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing is being held April 25 & 26, 2015. The fun kicks off with dinner under the stars Saturday night, featuring top flight keynote speakers, a silent auction, and more. Sunday sees fly fishing tournament action - PHWFF participants from around the country compete, guided by industry professionals. Joining us for the weekend are numerous special guests and we're very pleased to announce that renowned angler, Flip Pallot, will be joining us. 

"Flip Pallot was born and raised in South Florida. An avid outdoorsman for as long as he could remember, Flip began his career as a banker, for “way to long” according to him. After finding the courage to leave the corporate world, Flip began his second career as a fishing and hunting guide. After 12 years Flip moved to television producing and bringing his life’s fishing travels to the small screen for us to enjoy. He is best known for bringing us the Walkers Cay Chronicles, which aired for 16 seasons on ESPN, as a founder of Hell’s Bay Boatworks and as a founding member of The Bonefish & Tarpon Trust -- among many other accomplishments . His keen sense for storytelling and bringing to life the best part of fishing adventures has continued with teaching instructional classes and writing books on Fly Fishing. Flip currently lives in Mims, FL." (Hells Bay Boatworks)

Boom...Morgan

Daily Reel...'THE JOURNEY HOME Ep. 2: Healing Waters

Some of you may have seen my post from when I drove down to Syria, VA to cover the PHWFF 2-Fly Tournament a few months ago (Day 1 and Day 2 can be found by clicking on the links). This video was filmed during the tournament and wow...honestly, amazing. Not only did it bring a tear to my eye out of sheer love for these vets and what they've done as well as been through, but as a biopsychology major, and in working in the mental health field in the past, this video did a phenomenal job highlighting the challenges these troops face...all for our freedom.

The Mental Health Channel series "The Journey Home" focuses on veterans working together to overcome reintegration challenges. "Healing Waters," the second episode of the series, highlights the stories of 3 PHWFF participants during their attendance at the 8th Annual PHWFF 2-Fly Tournament at Rose River Farm in Syria, VA.

Please take the time to watch this powerful short film encapsulating the mission and impact of the Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing (PHWFF) program. "Healing Waters" features the stories of PHWFF participants Mike Escarcida, Kimberly Smith, and Kevin Gabert (you can read more about them here) and illustrates how the power of personal relationships, nature, and fly fishing has a life-long positive impact on those working to overcome reintegration challenges and heal.  

"The Mental Health Channel (MHC), is a new online network featuring original series, inspiring characters and powerful stories to raise awareness and help every viewer realize the benefits of improved mental health.

You can visit mentalhealthchannel.tv to view enlightening, educational and entertaining short documentaries that inspire. Stay tuned in the coming months as more episodes are released across 12 series of original content.Together we can start a new conversation. One that equates mental health with mental wellness, not illness. That promotes openness to help and treatment. And reminds us that everyone can benefit from a healthier mind."

Boom...Morgan

TLTFF Beaver Island '14 - Day 5

Recap: 

Days 1 & 2

Day 3

Day 4

Possibly one of the most photographed days, one that none of us will ever forget not only from the insanely amazing fishing, but by the way it was documented.

Day 5 - June 23rd

Our alarms were set for about 7:30am so we could be up and ready for an 8am breakfast at the deli...but I don't think a single one of those alarms went off. Most of us were up around 7am as we all knew from checking out weather reports the previous night, it was bound to be a great day. The winds were due to stay down to almost nothing all day and the clouds were going to burn off early giving us open sun for almost the entire day. This not only meant that conditions would be ideal for fishing, but the water would be warming up, bringing the carp in skinnier for a meal. 

As we made our way down towards McDonough's Deli, everyone had a good pep in their step courtesy of a 1 knot steady wind, 65 F air temp, and picturesque morning. We met up with Kevin, Steve, and Austin at the deli and had yet another amazing breakfast. We paired up and setup fishing partners for the day...Luis and Mario, Joel and Cheryl, and Austin and I. Luis and Mario would be fishing with Steve, Joel and Cheryl would be fishing with Austin, and Austin and I would be fishing with Kevin. 

8th Annual PHWFF 2-Fly Tournament - Day 2

An apology is due first and foremost for not having this post up sooner, but unfortunately TLTFF crashed and all of my drafts were deleted, including this post, Day 2 of the PHWFF 2-Fly Tournament. But no worries, its here, and better than my previous draft!

Click here to get caught up or re-read Day 1...

I found that the disadvantage to having no cell service and a broken power button on my iPhone, is that your phone dies quick trying to find service and therefore your alarm doesn't go off. But, thats why I brought Rob along. About 2 minutes prior to when my alarm should have gone off, I heard a deep "Morgan, you up" which abruptly had me out of my mummy bag and packing my tent faster than green grass through a goose. Literally within 15 minutes of waking up, I was changed, the (10'x8') tent was packed, and car was loaded.

8th Annual PHWFF 2-Fly Tournament - Day 1

I first became involved with Project Healing Waters through friend and fellow fisherman, Rob Snowhite. I started to follow them via social media a few months ago and through that I received my PHWFF pin and stickers to slap on my YETI, car, fly boxes and pack. Not only to I fully support and believe in what PHWFF does, but it means a lot to me when healing is involved. As someone who has worked in the medical field for the last 5 years and someone who truly believes that our returning troops and vets need healing, I really am enthused about Project Healing Waters.

So when I met Dan Morgan (PHWFF's social media guru) at the Fly Fishing Show in Somerset this year, the ball started to roll. When PHWFF invited me to my first event, their 2-Fly Tournament down at Rose River Farm in VA, I think the word "yes" came out of my mouth before I finished reading Dan's invite email.

Packed up for the weekend.

CCA Maryland - Annapolis Chapter Banquet TOMORROW NIGHT

Some of you may have seen the buzz we've been putting out on our Facebook and Twitter over the last month or so about the CCA Maryland Annapolis Chapter Banquet happening tomorrow night. For those of you who didn't, theres still time to register for a night of fun and good times with fellow conservation-minded anglers! Click here to goto the event page and buy yourself a ticket ($65/person all you can drink and eat, $120/couple).

Location:

Chesapeake Bay Foundation
6 Herndon Ave.
Annapolis, MD 21403

Mark your calendars for the Annapolis Chapter Banquet, April 10th at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation Merril Center.

Come enjoy a night of great food, drinks, oysters, and live music along the banks of the the Chesapeake Bay.  Don't forget your checkbooks, we will have a number of great live and silent auction items.

Tickets are sold as individuals, couples, tables of 8 and sponsor tables.  

Sponsors: Costa Del Mar, Temple Fork Outfitters, LL Bean, Yeti Coolers, K2 Coolers, Columbia Sportswear, Mossy Oak, Okuma, and Penn

Boom...Morgan

Daily Reel...'Shark vs Bonefish - Fly Fishing Scare'

Shark vs Bonefish - flyfishing scare from fishalong on Vimeo.

Boom...Morgan

Tochterman's Fly Shop Demo Day & Casting Competition

 T-2 days, be there or be square!

Boom...Morgan

2014 Yellowstone Angler 8-Weight Reel Shootout

A few weeks ago we posted The Yellowstone Angler's 8-weight rod shootout...their thorough review wouldn't be complete without the reel end...

Via TFM:

The Yellowstone Angler just released their latest review and it's a comprehensive breakdown of over two dozen eight weight fly reels from a lot of the big name brands across the industry.    

Check out the Yellowstone Angler to read the full review and to see their favorites, complete misses, and a couple surprises are in the mix as well. 

How did your favorite fly reel fare in the review?

Of course, our Morgan's favorite reels didn't make it into the review this year, but Allen will get there soon enough...

Luis has been validated finally as his reel of choice, the Galvan T-8...kicked ass did well by sitting comfortably in 3rd (Remember...if your not first, your last).

Boom...Morgan  Luis Morgan

Fly Product: TLTFF Review of the Redington Dually Switch

A few months ago, Redington's news of a spey/switch hit the interweb and spread like a wildfire. The Dually was announced in June through Pitch Engine and released a month or two later. Having only used a spey rod once or twice before, I wasn't too sure how this review was going to go. But then the perfect trip unfolded for the Dually...Pulaski, NY.

Here's a little bit about the Redington Dually from their site...

Our new collection of switch and Spey rods are built for high-end performance and sweet style at less than half the cost of the competition. Half the cost! The Dually offers an array of modern cosmetics, with a traditional cork handle and reel seat, and a burgundy matte finish. This thing casts and flows tips like fine wine. Two hands are better than one.

• Two handed series with offerings in both heavy and lighter weights
• Custom full-cork handles/reel seat
• Suggested grain weights on all rod artwork
• Alignment dots
• Lifetime Warranty

The Dually by Redington from Far Bank on Vimeo.

Click below to...

Renzetti Fly Fishing and Rod Building Fair

Via Moldy Chum:

Kreh, Pallot, Clouser, Whitlock, just a few of the names that will be on hand at the Renzetti Fly Fishing and Rod Building Fair in Titusville, FLA on Dec. 7.

LINK

Boom...Morgan

Trip Report: 1st Annual CCA MD Red/Trout Tournament

What a long weekend of fishing...seriously, around 40 hours of fishing in 4 days. But it all paid off...on the last cast of the trip.

5:30am came quick on Thursday morning after a sleepless night. I finally got to bed around midnight on Wednesday after recovering from a pretty hardcore bout of nausea throughout the day and slowly packing my gear. I had the car loaded up and ready to go and I got to Luis' house to finalize the packing and get everything moved over to his Jeep and the River Hawk. We got on the road around 7:30a and started our 2.5 hour trek to Crisfield, MD (more specifically, Jane's Island State Park, where our camp/launchsite would be for the next four days). After a brief stop at Wawa for breakfast and ice and Walmart for extra food and such, we made great time and arrived at our campsite.