Colorado Fly Fishing by The Flyfisher Group

Releasing Fish

At The Flyfisher we practice catch and release.
• Match the size of your tippet to the fish you are targeting. Play and release fish as rapidly as possible. A fish played for too long may not recover.
• Keep the fish in the water as much as possible. A fish out of water is suffocating. Internal injuries and scale loss is much more likely to occur when the fish is out of water.
• A release tool can help you avoid touching fish you do not plan on taking pictures. It also helps you keep them in the water longer.
• Fish barbless hooks whenever possible or pinch down the barb for easy removal.
• Use a net for landing larger fish (17+ inches) it will speed up the landing process. Rubberized bags are best to protect the fish from abrasion.
• When you do handle a fish, do so with your bare, WET hands (not with gloves). It is best to leave fish in the water for photos. If you must lift a fish then provide support by cradling one hand behind the front fins and your other hand just forward of the tail fin. Minimize the time out of the water, and then hold the fish in the water to recover. When in the river, point the fish upstream while reviving it. When the fish begins to struggle and swim normally, let it go.
• Keep your fingers out of the gills and hold the fish firmly and level, this will reduce the amount of struggle and wiggling.
• It goes without saying but, do not drop the fish on the rocks.
• Take the time to revive a fish properly making sure that it can swim away. Many caught and released fish are killed simply because they are released without being properly revived.

Facebook Fan Page Name The Fly Winner Announced

And the winner is… Disco Biscuit by Jeffrey Feczko of Cordova, Ark.

 

That name sure has a ring to it. You are probably wondering what it is? Angling University manned the Umpqua Fly Fishing Learning Center at the Denver International Sportsmen’s Exposition for two days. During the first day, Angling University had a lull in the action and I took up residency at a fly tying vise to craft this beauty of streamer that is now known as the Disco Biscuit.

 

It was created from scrap materials lying on the 8-foot long tying table. I was at wits end in trying to come up with a strong streamer name so I decided to let our friends at the Facebook Fan Page submit names for this creation. To find the Flyfisher Guide Service and Angling University on Facebook visit: www.facebook.com/flyfisherguides.com

 

All of the names submitted were creative and a decision was not easy. Disco Buzzard; Denver Glamour; Franken Streamer; Bart’s Crystal Woogie; Rhinestone Fuzzy Wuzzy; DC Streamer; Tequilla Sunrise; Purple Dart; Colfax Candy; Purple Butt Disco Monkey and Purple Mantis.

 

Jeffrey please email me at anthony@theflyfisher.com with your address so I can get you the flies.

 

 

Anthony Bartkowski

2009 Flyfisher Guide Service Guide of the Year

Hatch Fly Fishing Reels Pro Staff

Costa Del Mar Announces 2010 Sunglass Style Bomba Available in February

Daytona Beach, Florida - Bomba, part of the Belize District on the island of Ambergris Caye, is known for its rugged yet pristine landscape, and is home to some of the best flats fishing on the planet. Visitors go there for an angling experience like none other, and often return home with more than a great fishing story.

Costa® named its inaugural 2010 sunglass style Bomba in honor of the region and the culture. Like it's namesake, Costa's Bomba is built for adventure . The large nylon frame features co-molded injection technology and integral hinges, combining a "forget-they're-on fit" with nearly indestructible construction.

Refreshed styling showcases built-in temple lenses to enhance peripheral vision. The frame interior boasts no-slip Hydrolite™ lining so the sunglasses stay comfortably in place all day, no matter the conditions.

This year, Costa is partnering with the Bonefish Tarpon Trust (BTT) to sponsor the first-ever permit fish tagging project in Florida. Over the next five years, anglers will aim to tag 6,000 permit in an effort to collect data on the fish stock's population, spawning and migration patterns. A portion of Bomba's sales will go to fund the permit tagging program.

Bomba is available in either tortoise or black frame colors, with Costa's patented 580™ glass lens technology, dubbed "the clearest lens on the planet" by anglers. Costa offers lens colors like gray or copper, and blue, green and silver mirrors, to give anglers the edge they need on the water.

In addition to Costa's 580 lens options, Bomba can be customized with lightweight, scratch-resistant gray, copper or amber polycarbonate lenses, featuring a backside anti-reflective coating that shields eyes from the sun's dangerous UV rays. The style is also available in Rx lenses.

"If you've spent any time with us, you know we're all about adventure, conservation and seeing what's out there," said Chas MacDonald, president of Costa. "This year, we're going to grow our conservation efforts, like our partnership with the Bonefish Tarpon Trust, and find more ways we can protect our waters and the life within them. When people buy a pair of Costas, they know they're playing a role in our conservation outreach programs."

Bomba lands in retail locations and online at www.costadelmar.com in early February, and retails from $149 to $249, depending on lens selection.

For more information, contact 1-800-447-3700 or visit the company's Web site at www.costadelmar.com, or join in the conversation on Facebook at www.facebook.com/costadelmar.com or Twitter @CostaSunglasses.

From: Outdoor Wire and Costa Del Mar

Anthony Bartkowski

Hatch Fly Fishing Reels Pro Staff

2009 Flyfisher Guide Service Guide of the Year

Angling University Staff Swamped at Denver ISE

The first major outdoor consumer show in the rocky mountain region for Angling University was a huge success by all accounts. The four-day International Sportsmen’s Exposition show at the Denver Convention Center gave great indication that people are interested in all aspects of fly fishing. Angling University manned the Fly Fishing Learning Center at the ISE show for two days.

 

Saturday was the highlight as AU instructors were busy giving demonstrations on fly casting, fly tying, knot tying and telling fishing stories over the 10-hour day. There were hundreds that visited each of the various stations to learn and hone their techniques.

 

 
On top of the learning center activities, AU staff gathered standing-room-only attendance in the ISE Fishing Theatre for its new Fly Fishing MythBusters and Intro to Fly Fishing presentations. The MythBusters attracted anglers to breakdown myths that was presented by AU Director Ethan Emery and 2009 Flyfisher Guide Service Guide of the Year Anthony Bartkowski.

 

The Intro to Fly Fishing was packed full of interested anglers. AU Instructors Scott McCaslin and Dave Verse joined Emery in detailing the specifics to get out and try your luck with a fly rod in Colorado.

 

Over the past four years, Angling University has worked with ISE in developing a curriculum that fits within the overall interests of the ISE. Angling University started with just one presentation several years back, and has grown to become a leader in further developing its presence in the rocky mountain region.

 

“ISE is better for your participation,” wrote John Kirk, ISE Director of Communications. “We strive to be the best sportsmen show in America, and working with pros like your crew is a significant advancement in that direction.”

 

To learn more about all of the various courses Angling University has developed for the fishing community click here. AU is Denver’s only fly fishing school developed on curriculum schedule for all ages and experience levels of anglers. The classroom is located at Trouts Fly Fishing at 1303 E. 6^th Ave. The school is open year-round maximizing the best student-to-teacher ratio with the ability to book private lessons as well.

 

For more photos from the show check out the Flyfisher Guide Service & Angling University Facebook page here.

 

 

Anthony Bartkowski

2009 Guide of the Year

Hatch Fly Fishing Reels Pro Staff

Denver ISE Show Opens With Steady Traffic

The first day of the International Sportsmen’s Exposition saw solid steady traffic on the show room floor at the Colorado Convention Center on Thursday. The doors for Friday are set to open shortly and the pressure will soon pick up. Angling University is putting the final touches on the Moffitt Angling Presentation that is scheduled for Friday at 4:30 p.m. in the Fly Fishing Theatre.

We will invade the ISE show this afternoon to gauge the attendance and chat with our many friends in the industry. The Angling University and Flyfisher Guide Service was busy yesterday in the Fly Fishing Learning Center teaching individuals a wide variety of tactics necessary to become a better fly angler.

We were teaching people how to tie basic fly patterns as well as giving pointers to those who have trouble tying certain flies. The knot station had a few people over to see some new knots and how they are tied. The fly casting instructors were busy with free lessons to first time casters as well as tossing some long double-haul casts on the casting pond.

 

Our instructors are using the St. Croix Imperial rod for lessons and we are very impressed with this affordable and quality rod. The rod loads remarkably well and has a fast action. Make sure to come by on Saturday to see us at the Fly Fishing Learning Center to cast a rod or tell a story or two.

Saturday, Angling University will have two presentations in the Fly Fishing Theatre. Myth-Buster is set for 12:30 and Intro to Fly Fishing at 2:30. These 1-hour presentations are free and informative.

There are a lot of other booths scattered amongst the floor that will attract all outdoors enthusiasts. The Colorado Department of Wildlife has an outstanding set-up that includes a catch-and-release fishing tank that is free to kids under 12. For a Thursday, this was packed and busy with activity. It is so much fun seeing a child light up with joy after catching a fish.

 

The retailers, who have many specials on the floor, are out in force. Trouts Fly Fishing has an awesome booth loaded with specials.

 

Also, our friends at Scientific Anglers is running a great promotion now as well. If you buy a new Scientific Anglers Fly Line you will receive their new System X fly box.

 

If you don’t have one of these waterproof boxes, swing on buy the booth. This is a great opportunity in what I could say is a two-for-one deal. If you need some flies, now is the time to get them. Get this…

·         Nymphs - $1.50

·         Tungsten Bead Nymphs - $1.50

·         Saltwater flies - $3.75-$4.00

·         Bass bugs - $2.00

One of the fishing tanks near the front of the show is loaded with trophy trout. There are a couple 10-pounders worth checking out. Also, there were live bird displays where you can see an eagle, owl and falcon. To see these great species up close is actually breathtaking.

 

There are so many things to see at the ISE that it is best to plan your day and make sure to give yourself enough time. We will continue to provide reports during the show. Swing on by to see Angling University and the Flyfisher Guide Service.

Anthony Bartkowski

Pro Staff Guide

Hatch Fly Fishing Reels Pro Staff

The 2010 ISE show has opened and the Angling University instructors are busy teaching fly tying, casting, knot tying and bug identification.

Come on by Thursday or Saturday to see us at the ISE Fly Fishing Learning Center. We will give you tips on all things fly fishing.

If you want to just tell us fish stories only, we will hear your favorite and share a few of our own.

Colorado Outdoor Icon Charlie Meyers Passes

I come to you with a sad heart upon learning that Denver Post Outdoor editor Charlie Meyers passed away on Monday, Jan. 5 after a lengthy battle with cancer. I consider myself blessed in being able to say that I worked with Charlie on several stories about the great outdoors, and better yet was able to wet a line with an outdoor icon.

Charlie was soft spoken and always had his finger on the pulse of the outdoors community that extended beyond fly fishing. He was a passionate fly angler who could meld a story perfectly and mend a line to catch a trout in the toughest conditions. He was just an all-around great guy and would always take the time to return your call. At the Denver Post since 1966, Charlie has seen it all in covering all types of sporting events, which included six Winter Olympic Games, and wrote about The Flyfisher Guide Service on more than one occasion.

 

Field and Stream’s FlyTalk editor Kirk Deeter, who has a book coming out in the spring co-authored with Charlie writes a great tribute. The Post’s Jason Bevins and John Meyer pen Charlie’s life journey.

 

We will miss you Charlie... You will never be forgotten. May your line always be tight and your rod bent. Rest in peace.

 

Anthony Bartkowski

Pro Staff Guide

Hatch Fly Fishing Reels Pro Staff

AFFTA Announces New Trade Show and Dates

In typical AFFTA fashion there were a series of releases teasing the fly fishing professionals about a new trade show. As reported in November, we thought there was going to be the creation of another industry trade show.

We now have the full information. AFFTA is producing their own show with the new title of International Fly Tackle Dealer Show, which will be held at the Colorado Convention Center, September 9-11.

This show should have the similar feel to the previous tenant at the Colorado Convention Center, but we will only see come September. Speaking of shows to visit, make sure to come over to the Colorado Convention Center on Jan. 7-10, for the start of the International Sportsmen's Exposition. Angling University will be there in force. Swing on by the Fly Fishing Learning Center on Thursday or Saturday to see your favorite guides and instructors.

For your Friday afternoon, Angling University will give a presentation on Moffitt Angling and how to start using this new system, which will be at 4:30 p.m., in the Fly Fishing Theatre.

Also on Saturday, Angling University will have two presentations at the ISE. The first show Fly Fishing Myth-Busters will start at 12:30 p.m., followed up with an Intro to Fly Fishing at 2:30 p.m. in the Fly Fishing Theatre.

Sign Up Now For Free Tickets to 2010 International Sportsmen’s Exposition

Do you need a reason to attend the Denver International Sportsmen’s Expo? Angling University is able to offer you an opportunity for FREE tickets, FREE fly fishing gear and FREE Expert Instruction. For the third consecutive year Angling University has teamed up with International Sportsmen’s Exposition in adding a local flavor.

Every year more than 30,000 people flock to the Colorado Convention Center in downtown Denver. This year it is no different, except outdoor enthusiasts will be doing so a few weeks earlier and they will be seeing Angling University in a lot more places.

On January 7 and 9, Angling University will be staffing the Umpqua Fly Fishing Learning Center equipped with stations to teach attendees about fly tying, entomology, knots, rigging and a private pond for casting.

Additionally, Angling University instructional staff will present three interactive seminars in the Fly Fishing Theatre:

·         Jan 8^th 4:30 – The Moffitt Angling System

·         Jan 9^th 12:30 – Fly Fishing Myth-busters

·         Jan 9^th 2:30 – Beginning Fly Fishing  

Want to be a part of the action? Come down to the show and see one of our interactive presentations for FREE on Saturday AND make yourself eligible to win one of many prizes that include complete fly fishing rod/reel combos, new fly lines, fly boxes and more.

Here’s how to win your free ticket: Click here and complete your reservation. Once your reservation has been approved your name will be added to our guest list at the will call booth.

When you arrive at the show go to the will call booth. Simply tell them your name (proof with valid ID), pick up your tickets, and make your way to the Fly Fishing Theatre to enjoy our presentations and the show. Act fast, spaces are limited.

If you miss the free ticket offer, visit Trouts Fly Fishing for a $2 off coupon or click here for the coupon.

See you at the show