Dad, it’s been a year since my last note. Some think my annual letters are silly, however it’s become a form of mental health for me. Then again I may just be turning into a crazy old man with too many hobbies.

I didn’t do much in January because I spent part of the holidays in the hospital. First time in 30 years that I have been sick enough to ask for help. Taylor had to take me to the ER, which led to the trauma bay… Apparently when you break some ribs while bird hunting you wont know that you also had pneumonia. Took more than a minute to receiver from that whole debacle. 

Trapper turned into a decent dog but he will only hunt with me. He is not a fan of any other dog except my lab Raylan. He is holding better but he is still a bit gun shy, at least he quit running to the truck. He is ok with my .410 & 28 but not a fan of the ported Browning for sure. I took a different approach than you and let him sleep in the house. He didn’t have the best life before my house and I try to make up for that. 

Went back to Florida several times chasing snook on the fly. I wish you could come fish dock lights at night with me, its the most fun you can have with a fly rod. Didn’t get my goal of a 40 inch fish in 2023 but I got a 37.5 at the taxidermist.

Caught a lot of trout this season here in Tennessee, Been doing a lot of mountain fishing and camping. I managed to find a part of myself that I lost many years ago. Last trip to Cherokee there was a squirrel at my campsite, Reminded me of the first time you took me hunting in 1976. You know I never said thank you for that day. It shaped my life and who I became post military. So Thanks for being a dad who included me in the outdoors, rather than a dad who kept that for his time away from the family.

Took a bucket list trip out west and got to fish the Rockies in both Colorado and Wyoming. Caught some trout and a few were taxidermist worthy. They all went back to the rivers. 

Went and spent some time with Greg this summer and he gave me a pile of your old fishing rods and reels. Speaking of old, I just ordered a new stock and forearm set for your Ithaca, I had already ordered a new barrel. Remember how you sawed that gun off when you couldn’t see very well? I opted for a barrel that has choke tubes rather than the factory full choke model. My eyes are not so good these days either so I wanted to tilt things to my favor. The older I get the faster those quail seem to fly.

Went and had dinner at Staci’s restaurant a l;ittle while back. You would be proud of her entrepreneurship. She is doing well.

Well Dad these letters are very emotional to me and the dogs are waiting for their dinner. Its December the 28th and I still need to get my gear ready for a bird hunt in the morning. Until next year Dad,

February 10th Introduction to Fly tying at Fly South in Nashville, Tn

Our journey begins with vice selection, a crucial aspect of fly tying that sets the foundation for your creations. Learn how to choose the right vice for your specific needs, considering factors such as stability, ease of use, and durability. Troy Basso will guide you through the process of selecting a vice that aligns with your skill level and the types of flies you wish to tie. Next, delve into the world of basic tools – the artisans’ instruments that bring your fly patterns to life. From scissors and bobbins to whip finishers and hackle pliers, discover the purpose and functionality of each tool. Master the art of tool selection to streamline your tying process and enhance the precision of your creations. In this class, we demystify the use of glues and resins, introducing you to the right adhesives for securing materials and finishing your flies. Understand the nuances of each adhesive, from fast-drying superglues to UV-curing resins, and gain the confidence to choose the best option for different aspects of your fly tying. As you progress through the class, you will learn basic fly tying techniques, ensuring you grasp fundamental skills that form the backbone of fly construction. From securing materials to creating neat and durable wraps, you’ll develop a solid foundation that empowers you to explore more complex patterns in the future.

February 24th-25th Tying the dock light dancer at the Texas Fly Fishing & Brew Festival

I will be demonstrating how to tie my signature pattern “The Dock Light Dancer”” at the festival. Additionally I will be in the On the Fly Magazine booth for the duration of the show. If you are interested in one on one tying classes in the evening please contact me here.

March 30th Tying effective Bass Flies at Fly South in Nashville Tn

This class is geared to the beginner to intermediate tyer who wants to learn to tie better Bass flies. We will tie two popper patters including my signature blockhead popper, a gurgler pattern, and two streamer patterns.

April 20th Tying flies for Snook fishing at Fly South in Nashville Tn

This class is designed for the beginner to intermediate tyer. We will be learning how to tie 5 snook patterns,

• Dock light dancer
• Mini baitfish
• Snook Streamer (2)
• Popping shrimp

When it comes to venturing into the great outdoors, having the right gear is essential for a successful adventure. The Orvis Bugout Backpack is a well-known and highly-regarded companion for outdoor enthusiasts. In this blog post, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Orvis Bugout Backpack, its features, benefits, and why it’s a must-have for your next outdoor excursion.

The Orvis Bugout Backpack: Your Ultimate Adventure Partner

Key Features:

1. Premium Materials: The Orvis Bugout Backpack is built to withstand the toughest outdoor conditions. Crafted from high-quality materials, it’s durable, water-resistant, and ready for your wildest adventures.
2. Ample Storage: With a 25-liter capacity, this backpack offers more than enough space for all your gear. Whether you’re heading out for a day hike or a weekend camping trip, the Orvis Bugout Backpack has you covered.
3. Organization at Its Best: This backpack boasts multiple compartments, including a spacious main compartment, front pocket with organization panels, and side mesh pockets for water bottles or quick-access items. Stay organized even in the wilderness.
4. Comfortable Wear: Padded shoulder straps and a ventilated back panel ensure that you can wear this backpack comfortably for long periods. No more discomfort during your outdoor excursions.
5. Versatile Design: The Orvis Bugout Backpack’s sleek and modern design makes it suitable for both outdoor activities and everyday use. It’s stylish and functional, a perfect blend for the modern adventurer.

Benefits of the Orvis Bugout Backpack:

1. Durability and Reliability: Crafted with premium materials, the Orvis Bugout Backpack is built to last, ensuring that it can accompany you on numerous adventures without fail.
2. Spacious and Organized: You’ll never run out of storage space with this backpack. The thoughtful design and multiple compartments help keep your gear organized and easily accessible.
3. Comfort for the Long Haul: The padded shoulder straps and ventilated back panel make carrying heavy loads a breeze, allowing you to focus on your adventure, not your discomfort.
4. Versatile Style: This backpack seamlessly transitions from the trail to the city, making it a versatile choice for outdoor enthusiasts and everyday users.

The Orvis Bugout Backpack is a durable, spacious, and stylish choice for outdoor enthusiasts and urban adventurers alike. With its premium materials, ample storage, and comfortable wear, it’s an indispensable companion for your outdoor expeditions. Designed to withstand the elements and provide superior organization, this backpack allows you to focus on your adventure without worrying about your gear.

If you’re in search of a reliable and versatile backpack that offers both form and function, the Orvis Bugout Backpack should be at the top of your list. Elevate your outdoor experiences and daily life with this exceptional piece of gear, and make every adventure a memorable one.

For more information and to purchase your Orvis Bugout Backpack, visit Orvis’s official website. Your next outdoor adventure awaits!

As we enter the home stretch before Christmas, finding that great gift becomes a challenge. Well lucky for you I have the perfect gift idea for the traveling angler, hunter, or adventurer in the family. We never know when tragedy will strike but, we can all agree that getting them home safe is all that matters. Age and physical condition matters not because accidents just happen, and they don’t only happen to the aged or the unfit. Now enter Global Rescue and let rescue professionals handle everything.

Global Rescue is not just insurance, its peace of mind for the whole family. When the worst happens they saddle up and come retrieve your loved one. That may be by helicopter, horses, mules, or a walk in rescue, They will find your loved one and evacuate them to a proper hospital. The teams at global rescue are trained for any scenario, in pretty much any landscape, or country that you may be find yourself in. Emergencies do not only happen in remote mountain tops. They happen on bird hunts, fly fishing trips, off shore angling adventures. The cost of a wilderness, or water evacuation can be financially devastating so why not plan ahead and get your loved one a medical evac plan from Global rescue.