Bayou Bound

Uncle Larry has a brand new ride!

2009-04-13T18:51:00.000-07:00

If you’re located anywhere in the Lafayette, LA area and you’re thinking of purchasing a kayak or a canoe, be sure and visit the folks at Pack & Paddle! The products are great and the service is superb. Be sure and ask for John or Amy and tell them that your Uncle Larry sent you! Oh, I almost forgot… I purchased a Native Ultimate 12 from them today. AWESOME!

The Rios are back!

2009-04-02T18:35:00.000-07:00

(Pictured below is my best bud, Shelton Thames and a stump knocker Rio!)

The Rios are back in Bayou St. John and the lagoons of City Park in New Orleans!

TFO Press Release

2009-02-27T08:14:00.000-08:00

Temple Fork Outfitters has done it again, offering great equipment at an amazing price.

This time, TFO has updated its Cast Aluminum Prism Reel with a refined look and feel. The new Prism Cast Large Arbor Reels are made from cast aluminum with a cork disc drag and a one way clutch bearing for instant drag engagement. They feature quick change spools and easy LH/RH conversion.

This is a reel that any angler would be proud to own. And with prices ranging from $84.95 for the 3/4 model to $99.95 for the 9/11 model, the new Prism is hard not to afford.

TFO 1 Reel

2008-11-12T05:19:00.000-08:00

If you're looking for a reel to go with a 1, 2 or 3 weight rod, you might want to consider the TFO 1 reel by Temple Fork Outfitters. The TFO 1 reel is made of machined aircraft grade aluminum with stainless steel and brass internal components for trouble free service. Easily convertible from left to right hand retrieve with an exposed rim for precision palm control, the No. I has a click pawl drag. I have one of these guys on my 2 weight rod and I absolutely love it!

Rodmount RodLoft PRO™ Rod Holder

2008-09-24T18:46:00.000-07:00

I just bought a new rod storage system for my SUV. I absolutely love it! It can store up to 6 rods easily and gives you several mounting options. The name of the product is Rodmounts RodLoft PRO™ Rod Holder. Above I posted two photos of my SUV with the rod storage system.

I purchased the product from Cabelas. Take a look...

http://www.cabelas.com/hprod-1/0022969.shtml

Uptown Angler’s New Website!

2008-08-22T21:04:00.000-07:00

My favorite fly shop, Uptown Angler in New Orleans, has a brand new website (www.uptownangler.com). Uptown is now selling selected items online! The site also has several product review/demos staring my friend, Alec Griffin. You can also enjoy articles, tips, fly & tackle recommendations and some pretty incredible photos. Be sure and jot down the Redfish Court-Bouillon Recipe… Mercy! Please peruse the site and if you’re ever in the Crescent City, drop in the shop and meet Alec. It’s worth the trip!

Oh those Rios!

2008-08-20T04:19:00.000-07:00

I made a trip to City Park and Bayou St. John before attending the New Orleans Fly Fishers general meeting in July. I caught COUNTLESS numbers of Rio Grande perch in the City Park lagoon. Later, I crossed over Esplanade and fished Bayou St. John. While chatting with a young lady and her daughter walking along the bayou, I had my back turned to the tip of my rod and fly line. I felt my rod twitch. When I look back, my line was stripping off my reel and headed to the center of the Bayou. When I finally stripped in the fish it was a 9 ½” Rio Grande! It felt like a big bass on the end of my 1 weight! He was definitely a STUMP KNOCKER!

Far & Away

2008-08-04T10:20:00.001-07:00

The new issue of “Far & Away”, the online outdoor magazine, is now available for your enjoyment.
We would love for you to share your outdoor stories with us on Far & Away! Before submitting your story, please review our “Submissions Guidelines”.

New Axioms from TFO!

2008-07-24T03:27:00.000-07:00

The already popular line of Axiom rods from Temple Fork Outfitters has just gotten better.

Introduced late last year, this TFO series of 9-foot, 4-piece rods was initially limited to four line weights: 5, 6, 8 and 10. The series was so well received that anglers immediately began asking: When will TFO offer more Axioms?

The company is answering that demand now, with a new 9-foot 7-weight Axiom available for immediate delivery at an MSRP of $274.95. Delivery of the new 4-weight Axiom (MSRP $249.95) and a 9-weight Axiom (MSRP $274.95) is expected in September.

Through a proprietary process, TFO's Axiom sandwiches Kevlar between two layers of carbon fiber pre-preg. This patented process helps reduce the ovaling effect that a rod blank experiences under load, creating an exceptionally smooth and powerful rod with remarkable damping (tip bounce) qualities. The result is ultra high line speed with crisp, clean, accurate loops. The Axiom series feature a rich translucent blue blank accentuated with gold script and accents, Flor grade cork, gun metal blue up-locking reel seat and large stripping guides with gold titanium oxide inserts.

All TFO rods feature our lifetime unconditional warranty. Simply return the damaged rod with $25 for shipping and handling, and we will repair or replace your rod. Please ask your local dealer about TFO or visit our website www.templeforkflyrods.com for more information.

Bob Clouser Joins TFO

2008-07-22T10:41:00.001-07:00

Press Release

July 18, 2008

How does one introduce a man that everyone already knows – or if you don’t know him personally, I’ll bet you’ve at least fished with one of his flies. As a hint - Lefty Kreh has caught 86 different species on his fly pattern, which has proven to be a major advancement in fly fishing. Helping fly anglers catch more fish while spreading his passion for the sport are but two of Bob Clouser’s many accomplishments in life.

Since introducing the famed Clouser Deep Minnow in 1984, Bob has contributed much to fly fishing. He has been involved in everything from rod design to tying vises and materials refinements, from books and videos to hosting fly fishing schools and clinics. If you have been fortunate enough to spend some time with him, you’ll agree that in addition to his status as an ambassador for fly fishing, he is one of the very finest individuals in the sport. In summary, Bob’s life experiences perfectly fit our Mission Statement: to increase participation in and awareness of fly fishing by offering the best possible combination of price and performance in rods and related products.

As the latest addition to our Advisory Staff, Bob has agreed to be involved in the design of our rods and related products, to assist in developing casting schools and educational programs, and to participate in general business planning for TFO. We are delighted and honored to have him work with us and please join me in welcoming him to our family.

Rick Pope

President TFO

Fly Rod & Reel Magazine

2008-07-06T08:20:00.000-07:00

Fly Rod & Reel is one of my favorite fly fishing magazines. Why? FR&R is one of the best all around fly fishing magazines and they usually include a warmwater feature! This month they have a terrific article on Crappie (Sac-a-lait for us Louisiana folk). Be sure to pick up the 2008 July/October issue at your local newsstand. They also have a very informative website with other warmwater articles (http://www.flyrodreel.com/).

Bayou St. John, New Orleans, LA

2008-07-05T20:31:00.000-07:00

(Photo by Uncle Larry)

I had a chance to break in my new Orvis Superfine 1 wt. fly rod today. I fished Bayou St. John near City Park in New Orleans and caught several small bass and Rio Grand Perch. I had a ball!

Fish & Fly Magazine

2008-06-20T06:24:00.000-07:00

Tom Pero, editor of Fish & Fly magazine, announced that the current Tackle and Travel issue will be the last for the publication under Turnstile Publishing. Fish & Fly is one of my favorite Fly Fishing Magazines. Hopefully, another publisher will pick up the publication. I’m going to be sure and pick up a copy of the last issue at my local Barnes & Noble.

RIO Gold Fly Line

2008-06-16T04:52:00.000-07:00

I received an Orvis Frequent Flyer 4 weight fly rod and an Orvis Bar Stock reel for Father’s Day. The reel was loaded with the new RIO Gold fly line. The line is terrific and it has improved my cast. I need all the help I can get! I posted the product description from the RIO website below. Test cast this line if you can… I think you'll like it!

RIO Gold

A revolutionary taper design allows tremendous loop stability at distance and a unique weight distribution loads a rod at close range for easy casting. The front taper delivers perfect turnover and presentation of flies between sizes #22 and #2, making this the best general purpose, all round fly line on the market.The long back taper is excellent for mending and for roll and single handed spey casting and the color change between the head and the running line makes it easy to find the perfect load point for each cast.

The lines features RIO's new Extreme Slickness Technology for an extraordinarily slick, dirt-repelling coating; in addition RIO's AgentX and Super Floatation Technologies ensure the line tip and running line remain floating high. As with all of RIO's premier trout lines a small, neat welded loop in the front end makes it easy to change leaders.

WF3F – WF5F; Length: 90 ft (27.4 m)

WF6F – WF8F; Length -100 ft (30.5 m)

Color: Moss head with Gold running line

Callaway Gardens / Mountain Creek Lake

2008-06-03T11:00:00.000-07:00

Last week I took a trip to Callaway Gardens located in Pine Mountain, GA for a little vacation. Friday morning I rented a Jon Boat and I fished Mountain Creek Lake. I introduced the chartreuse/black Jitterbee to the bluegill there. I caught so many gills that I lost count. Some were small others were huge!

Lake Concordia & Lake St. John

2008-05-28T03:58:00.000-07:00

I fished Lake Concordia and Lake St. John with my best bud this past weekend. The lakes are both located near Ferriday, LA. We caught some nice stump knocker bluegill and a few catfish on the fly. We used chartreuse/black, red/black and olive/black Jitterbees fished under a strike indicator. We caught a great deal of our catfish and bluegill with the red/back Jitterbee. Although I always carry red/black Jitterbees in my fly box, this is probably the first time I fished that color combination. My hat’s off to Randy Leonpacker, creator of the pattern. Randy told me that red/black is his favorite color combination and I think it’s mine now too!

Did you miss the GCC Expo?

2008-05-20T04:05:00.000-07:00

Uncle Larry tying at the GCC Expo!

If you missed the GCC Expo in Lake Charles, LA this past weekend, you missed a great time! There were dozens of top fly tiers from across the south, terrific vendor displays, presentations, workshops and awesome Cajun food! The event had several silent auctions and a live auction on Saturday night… and did I mention awesome Cajun food?

2008 FFF Gulf Coast Expo, May 16-17 in Lake Charles, LA!

2008-05-08T04:21:00.000-07:00

The 2nd annual conclave of the Gulf Coast Council of the Federation of Fly Fishers is coming up soon! If you haven't registered to attend, go to their website at www.gulfcoastfff.org and do so now! You can register online in a minute! Watch dozens of the top fly tiers from across the South, and even the nation. Cast the new rods from the manufacturers on exhibit. Demo paddle kayaks at the beachfront. Fish for reds in Lake Charles (they school at dusk) or anywhere else in the Calcasieu estuary (only minutes to a good fishing spot). Enjoy boiled crawfish on Friday night and Cajun feast on Saturday night. Take a workshop with an expert instructor (fee). Lots of great bargains in the silent auctions and live auction on Saturday night. This isn't just the ONLY fly fishing show in the region, it's one of the best experiences you'll have this year off the water!

Renzetti Proudly Announces Tuffleye Distributorship

2008-04-22T04:46:00.000-07:00

Anyone who has ever tied with epoxy knows the apprehension that comes with mixing up a batch you know mostly goes to waste. You often have to mix so much that you tie multiple flies hoping to coat several at once, but inevitably the mix hardens before you can finish. Besides, eventually it yellows and cracks anyway. You either need more hands or a better solution. We can’t help you with more hands, but Renzetti can now offer you a better solution – Tuffleye.

In an effort to continue bringing you the finest in fly tying tools and accessories, Renzetti proudly announces that it will begin distributing Tuffleye – an epoxy alternative created by Wet a Hook Technologies. “I have searched for years to find a material that outperforms epoxy in all facets, but unfortunately, every alternative would be deficient in some critical area,” says well-know tier and epoxy user Bob Popovics. “I have finally found a material I can honestly say surpasses epoxy.”

Tuffleye is a special light-cured acrylic that hardens in less than 20 seconds and ends up harder than epoxy and never yellows. Unlike epoxy, Tuffleye does not require mixing and comes in four consistencies, including gel, liquid, putty and elastic. The best part -- it won’t harden until you apply the proper wavelength of light, and you apply only what you need when you need it. The material can be colored and even weighted and remains totally insoluble in both fresh and saltwater forever.

Pricing for complete kits, including the special light and several tubes of the acrylic, begin at $88.95, but individual syringes of Tuffleye retail between $9.95 for a 10cc Tuffleye Finish to $19.95 for a 30cc syringe of Tuffleye Core. For more information about Tuffleye or to order, simply log on to www.Renzetti.com.

Book Note - Bluegill Fly Fishing & Flies by Terry and Roxanne Wilson

2008-03-08T03:28:00.000-08:00

Book description:

Bluegill Fly Fishing & Flies will show you that large bluegill can be as selective as any trout. Their pugnacity is legendary and their yanking, diving, twisting battles make for a tenacious opponent, especially on ultra-light equipment. The Wilsons share: proper equipment; the best flies, including their recipes and techniques for using them; identifying the most productive bluegill waters; bluegill habits and behaviors; effective presentations; and many more tips learned over their combined 75 years of experience fishing for bluegill.

This book is your guide to more and larger bluegills.

6 x 9 inches, 151 pages.

Baton Rouge's Red Stick Fly Fishers Celebrates their 20th Anniversery!

2008-03-03T04:45:00.000-08:00

Red Stick Fly Fishers celebrates their 20th Anniversary with their clubs 17th annual Red Stick Day Conclave. Nationally renown authors and fly fishing experts Nick Curcione, Pete Cooper Jr. and Terry and Roxanne Wilson along with over a dozen fly tying and casting experts form across the northern Gulf Coast will be on hand. Additional Details can be found on the Red Stick Fly Fishers website.

Bluegillers! It was love at first site!

2008-02-04T04:02:00.000-08:00

Uncle Larry with the new Finesse Series 6’-9”, 4 piece 1 weight fly rod. (Photo by Glen “Catch” Cormier)

I attended the Texas Fly Fishers Fly Tying Festival in Houston, TX this past weekend with friend and fellow fly fisherman Glen “Catch” Cormier. The first thing we saw when we arrived was Rick Pope, President of Temple Fork Outfitters, with an outdoor display of all the TFO fly rods. He showed us his new installment in the Finesse Series (my favorite series) fly rod. It was a 6’-9”, 4 piece 1 weight rod! Holy crap! It’s a bluegill fly fisherman’s dream… and it casts like one too! Catch said if you catch a bluegill with that rod you’ll need a gaff to get him in the boat! Needless to say, one of these guys will be in my rod holder soon!

The Top Ten!

2008-01-30T04:56:00.000-08:00

In the February issue of Field & Stream Magazine they named the "Best Fishing Towns in America"! Some of them were actually WARMWATER destinations! I listed the top ten for you. If you want to see the entire list F&S is in the newsstands now. (No Louisiana towns... Huh!)

Greenwood Spring, Colo.

Mountain Home, Ark.

Traverse City, Mich.

Bozeman, Mont.

Minocqua, Wis.

Apalachicola, Fla.

Nantucket, Mass. (warmwater)

Bend, Ore.

Guntersville, Ala. (warmwater)

Morehead City, N.C.

Press Release!

2007-06-22T08:44:00.000-07:00

These limited edition "Patriot Spoons" will be priced at $50 with proceeds going to The Project Healing Waters Fly-Fishing Program. These will be sold starting the day of this event.

Press Release
Uptown Angler, LLC 601 Julia Street New Orleans, LA 70130 Phone: 504-529-3597

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 11, 2007
CONTACTS: Alec Griffin
(504) 529-3597

Uptown Angler presents the Healing Waters Rod Program and 4th of July Celebration on June 30th – a fun and meaningful way to show support for wounded U.S. Veterans…..and take home a beautiful new fly rod in the process!!!

New Orleans, LA. – Uptown Angler is proud to now support the Healing Waters Fly-Fishing Program, which is being conducted at military and Veterans Affairs hospitals across the nation. The Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing program teaches fly fishing and fly tying skills as therapy to the service men and women wounded in Afghanistan and Iraq and disable veterans from World War II and the Korean, Vietnam, and other conflicts. Click here for the entire article located in the “General Discussion” Forum.

Uptown Angler will be donating, upon request, $25 from every fly rod sold in the month of July to the Healing Waters program. To kick this off, Uptown Angler will hold a 4th of July celebration on Saturday, June 30th from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., showcasing the Temple Fork Outfitters Healing Waters rods as well as limited edition Capt. Rich Waldner “Patriot Spoon Flies” from which sales proceeds will go to support the Healing Waters Fly Fishing Program. Casting demonstration and instruction will be offered to all attendees.

Uptown Angler is the premier fly fishing store in New Orleans. The store provides its customers with classic outdoor gear and apparel for sport and travel. Uptown Angler carries Orvis, Patagonia, Tilley, Ex-Officio, Sage, Winston, Scott, Abel, Lamson and many others. Uptown Angler boasts the most extensive saltwater fly collection in the world. The store promotes guided fly-fishing trips in the coastal marshes of the Gulf of Mexico, as well as travel to angling destinations worldwide.
Uptown Angler, 601 Julia Street, is open Monday through Friday, 10 am to 6 pm, and Saturdays 10 am to 2 pm. Contact the Uptown Angler at 504-529-3597 or agriffin@uptownangler.com

Warm Fly

2007-05-27T19:07:00.001-07:00

Be sure and visit my new warmwater website... Warm Fly!