"Capturing the outdoor lifestyle"
Gear up, anglers! The Gulf Coast Classic Fly Fishing Festival is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever. Mark your calendars for May 3rd and 4th, 2024, as fly fishing enthusiasts from far and wide gather at the scenic Gulf Shores State Park in Alabama for a two-day celebration of the art and thrill of fly fishing.
Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Gulf Shores State Park, this year’s festival promises an unforgettable experience for both seasoned fly fishermen and newcomers to the craft. The park’s serene surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for a weekend filled with camaraderie, education, and, of course, incredible fly fishing.
Lodging:
For those seeking a seamless festival experience, The Lodge at Gulf Shores State Park offers comfortable and convenient lodging options. Immerse yourself in nature without sacrificing the comforts of home, and make the most of your stay in close proximity to the festival grounds. Book your accommodations early to secure your spot and ensure a restful night’s sleep before each day of excitement.
Fly Tying Demos:
One of the festival’s highlights is the exclusive fly tying demonstrations including none other than yours truly, an experienced and passionate fly fishing expert. Join Troy Basso Outdoors] in the afternoons of both festival days as I shares insights, techniques, and the artistry behind crafting the perfect fly. Whether you’re a novice eager to learn the basics or an experienced angler looking to refine your skills, these demos are not to be missed.
Why Attend?
Don’t miss out on the Gulf Coast Classic Fly Fishing Festival 2024 – a celebration of passion, skill, and the great outdoors. Secure your spot, book your stay at The Lodge, and get ready for a weekend filled with unforgettable moments on the water. Join me at the fly tying demos, and then drop by the On the Fly Magazine booth to talk all things fly fishing, and let the Gulf Shores State Park be the backdrop to your next fly fishing adventure. See you there!

While the world was enamored with the big eclipse I took advantage of a rare weekday off and headed to the Duck river and then Normandy lake.
As I approached the river, I noticed a subtle change in its demeanor. The water levels were slightly higher than usual, and there was a hint of opacity, as if the river had absorbed the essence of the recent rainfall. Nevertheless, undeterred by these nuances, I eagerly prepared my gear, anticipating the treasures that lay beneath the surface.
Armed with a box of nymphs and #10 olive streamers, I prepared myself for a mediocre day of fishing but was pleasantly surprised with enough trout to call it a good day. Despite the stained waters, the trout were in a cooperative mood, graciously accepting my offerings. With each tug on the line, I felt a rush of excitement, reveling in the primal connection between man and nature.
As I continued my pursuit upriver, the realization dawned upon me that the window for trout fishing was narrowing. With the impending warmer temperatures, the good trout would soon be all but gone until the next season beckoned. Yet, for now, the fair fishing conditions persisted, and I cherished every moment spent in their company.
With the sun beginning its descent towards the horizon, I decided to explore the shores of Normandy Lake, a stone’s throw away from Duck River. Here, amidst the rip rap shoreline near the dam, a different challenge awaited me – the pursuit of bass. Armed with larger topwater patterns, I sought to entice the largemouth lurking beneath the surface.
To my delight, the bass were receptive to my offerings, particularly the formidable #2 gurgler in purple and brown. The water erupted often enough that I stayed on a 30-yard stretch of shoreline for over an hour. The thrill of the chase was enough to remind me about the things in life that really matter like a good bird dog, a fine fly rod, and the peace that one can only find when the get outside.
But the largemouth bass were not the only inhabitants of these waters. Amidst the rocky terrain, I encountered a couple smallmouth, their bronze bodies blending seamlessly with the rip rap covered lake bottom.. With #6 tan woolly buggers as fly of choice, I managed a couple smallies before I broke off on a third and called it a night.
As the golden hues of dusk enveloped the landscape, I reflected upon the day’s adventures with a sense of fulfillment. The Duck River, with its mysteries and marvels, had once again bestowed upon me moments of serenity and exhilaration. In its depths, I had found not only the thrill of the catch but also a profound connection to the natural world—a connection that lingers long after the lines have been cast and the fish released back into their watery domain.

In today’s world of E books and books written with Artificial intelligence the literary world has become very diluted. Yet with all the technology occasionally, a true piece of outdoor literary art rises above all the tech. This book did exactly that and much more.
True Companions is a look into the world of bird dogs, both in the field and at home. It explores the emotions that these wonderful creatures elicit from their human counterparts. Mr. Madson introduces us to his bird hunting partners, both two and four legged, as he provides the reader with a glimpse into a life with bird dogs.
You get to meet the young guns and old veterans alike. He speaks of his dogs like most people speak of their human children. His portrayal of upland hunting, dogs, and people is both mentally stimulating and will evoke emotions that all bird dog owners can grasp. As you read through the book you find yourself feeling happy, sad, crushed, and oddly at peace with it all.
I read the book a couple times in a week and my favorites were the chapters on the Model 21 and cranberry chocolate chip bread. The book is written in a style that flows well, is pleasant to read, and is captivating. It is by far the best upland read, that’s not about telling you HOW to do something, in the previous decade. The book is available at both Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

We are thrilled to announce the launch of outdoor consulting services by Troy Basso Outdoors, a dynamic venture dedicated to revolutionizing the digital presence of brands within the fly fishing, upland hunting, and outdoor soft goods industry. As passionate advocates for the great outdoors, we couldn’t be more excited to embark on this journey with you.
At TBO, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with promoting outdoor brands in today’s fast-paced digital landscape. With a team led by Troy Basso, a seasoned professional with a rich background in fly fishing, outdoor guiding, and content creation, we bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table.
Our mission is simple: to help outdoor brands thrive in the digital realm by providing comprehensive social media marketing, copy editing, and consulting services. Whether you’re a fly fishing outfitter looking to expand your reach, an outdoor gear manufacturer seeking to connect with a broader audience, or an adventure travel company aiming to inspire wanderlust, we’re here to help you achieve your goals.
What sets us apart at TBO is our deep-rooted passion for the outdoor lifestyle and our unwavering commitment to excellence. With Troy’s background as a professional fly tyer at Catch Fly Fishing, a 20-year tenure as a fly fishing guide, and extensive experience as an outdoor event speaker and writer, we bring a unique blend of industry knowledge, storytelling prowess, and marketing savvy to every project we undertake.
Furthermore, as a proud member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America and a US Army Veteran, Troy embodies the values of integrity, discipline, and service that are central to our approach. We believe in forging genuine connections with our clients and working collaboratively to develop strategies that align with their brand vision and resonate with their target audience.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your social media presence, refine your brand messaging, or elevate your content strategy, TBO is here to guide you every step of the way. Join us in celebrating the spirit of adventure, conservation, and camaraderie that defines the fly fishing and outdoor community.
We invite you to explore our website, learn more about our services, and reach out to us to discuss how we can help you achieve your digital marketing goals. Together, let’s embark on an exciting journey of growth and success.
Welcome to Troy Basso Outdoors Consulting – Where Your Outdoor Story Begins.

🎣 Unleash the Angler in You! 🌊 Learn Inshore Fly Tying for the Sunshine State!
Dive into the magic of Gulf and East Coast Florida with our Redfish, Snook, and Seatrout Fly Tying Class! 🌅 Master the art of tying 4-5 essential inshore fly patterns that are a vacation must-have. 🦐🎣
👉 What you’ll reel in:
📅 Class is April 20th Limited spots available! Secure yours now and make your next vacation unforgettable!
📍 Location: Fly South Nashville
🌐 Dive into the adventure at Fly South or Troy Basso Outdoors.com
#InshoreAngler #FloridaFlyFishing #VacationMustHave