Carp 101

Henry Cowen, carp guide extraordinaire

Unicoi Outfitters is pleased to announce that we will be hosting "Carp 101 - How To Find 'em & How To Feed 'em".  You will be taught by one of the masters:  Henry Cowen.

John Cross is fond of referring to carp as "the fish of the new millenium" due to their unique ability to survive just about any environmental conditions including a nuclear holocaust.  Global warming, politicians gutting the Clean Water Act, increased angling pressure on our trout streams, whatever your viewpoint, there's no denying the growing popularity of chasing carp with a fly.

We do guarantee you'll fall in love with the sport of fly fishing for carp.  Consider the following:

• There isn't a more wary species swimming the face of the earth.  John says they know when you step into the river, regardless of how careful you may be.  
• They're actually very picky eaters, unlike their reputation for being lowly bottom feeders.  Small crustaceans and aquatic nymphs as well as seasonal fresh berries constitute the bulk of their diet.
• Pinpoint casts are required at just the right time else you'll either spook them or they'll never see your fly.
• Most situations require you to watch closely enough to actually see the fish suck in your fly; a true adrenalin moment.
• The hook set must be a strip set akin to redfishing or bonefishing; and most of us trout anglers can't seem to remember this in the moment.  Expect your hookup percentage to look like a batting average most days.
• If you love the sound of a good fly reel singing as line is smoking it across the water, look no further; you've found your fish.
• These are not wimpy fish.  Use a 7 or 8 wt. rod and expect tired muscles once a fish is landed.
• During the Dog Days of summer, you can find them almost anywhere across north Georgia in lakes and rivers near your home.
• On your first trip, you may consider fishing with a bag over your head but after that first fish, landed or not, you'll be bragging as you sip your Dos Equis in the neighborhood bar about the challenges you've faced going up against carp; some you've won, some you've lost.  Friends and strangers alike will gather round you, mouths agape in wonder at the tales you have to tell.  A carp tattoo may even be considered.

So, make plans to join us at our shop in Helen on August 31, 2013 at 10 am (if you're planning on attending, please let the guys at the shop know so they'll know how many chairs to put out, just give them a call at 706-878-3083).  It will probably change your fly-fishing life!

And if that isn't enough, all attendees at Carp 101 will receive a coupon worth 10% off non-sale merchandise at Unicoi Outfitters!

Nacoochee Bend Winter Special

The best deal on private stream trophy trout fishing in north Georgia is available right now with our Christmas special pricing at Nacoochee Bend.  The access fee to fish at Nacoochee Bend is normally $120, a good deal in itself.  But starting today (12/11/12) we're cutting the cost of a half day trip to only $90.  

You won't find anything to beat it, so come by the shop, give us a call (706-878-3083) or go to our online store and select the "Nacoochee Bend Winter Special Gift Certificate".  

This is a limited time offer at this special price but we do require these gift certificates to be redeemed no later than March 31, 2013.  So, if you're looking for that special Christmas gift or you're getting cash from Santa, here's your opportunity to get more bang for your buck.

Orvis Silver Sonic Waders Have Arrived!

We've really been looking forward to getting these in the shop, and now, they're here!  The technology and design are awesome, as you can tell from the video above - what you can't tell is how comfortable they are (which is very!), and what a great value they are:  at $259, they're the best value in waders on the market today.

We've just received a shipment in Helen in an assortment of sizes, so come up and try them on - just in time for the fall fishing season.  And if we don't have your size in stock, or if you can't make it by the shop, we'll happily have a pair shipped to your door, and we'll pay the shipping!

Come check 'em out!

Free SA Line with Ross Rod or Reel Purchase

Abel Nippers

50 bucks for nippers?  Yes, it's extravagant - but an affordable extravagance!  Great for a stocking stuffer!

Click here to buy Abel Nippers.

Check out this review:

Fly Fishing 101

Here's a quick notice that we're having our first Orvis Fly Fishing 101 session of the year tomorrow beginning at 10am at both Helen and Blue Ridge stores.  FF101 covers Knots, Rigging and Outfits and Casting Tips and is free.  Participants receive a coupon valued $25 off Orvis purchases.

For more info or to register, call the Helen store at 706-878-3083 or our shop in Blue Ridge at 706-632-1880.

Stay tuned for info on future FF101 classes, as well as Fly Fishing 201!

Vermont & Maryland Ban Felt Soled Wading Shoes

While we're not totally convinced this is the best way to tackle the problem of waterway contamination from critters like Didymo or"rock snot" as it is affectionately called, zebra mussels, whirling disease etc. (it's still going to take an aggressive act on behalf of all anglers to keep the spores out of the nooks and crannies of all our wading gear like gravel guards & shoe laces), more states are looking at a total ban on felt soles. Vermont and Maryland recently enacted legislation which, for all intents and purposes, makes it illegal to wear any wading shoes which are not soled with Vibram or some other proprietary rubber compound when fishing their streams.

Unicoi Outfitters stocks a full line of Simms wading shoes with Vibram soles and we can ship them to you if you live in or fish a state where felt has been banned. There is no sales tax on boots shipped out of the state of Georgia plus we'll pay for the shipping. Most shipments will go out within 24 hours of placing the order.

If you're concerned that you may be a potential carrier of these vile organisms, we still think the best way to control the spread is a routine practice of maintenance. The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission has a very good procedure we should all be following that I've included here:

CHECK -- Before you leave a river, stream, or lake, check items and leave debris at site. If you find any later, treat and put in trash. Do not wash down drains.

CLEAN -- There are several ways to kill didymo. Choose the most practical treatment for your situation which will not adversely affect your gear.

Stop aquatic hitchhikersNon-absorbent items

* Detergent -- soak or spray all surfaces for at least one minute in 5% dishwashing detergent or (2 cups (16 oz.) or 500mls with water added to make 2.5 gal. or 10 litres); OR
* Bleach -- soak or spray all surfaces for at least one minute in 2% household bleach (1 cup (8 oz.) or 200mls with water added to make 3 gal. or 10 litres); OR
* Hot water -- soak for at least one minute in very hot water kept above 140° F (60° C) (hotter than most tap water) or for at least 20 minutes in hot water kept above 113° F (45° C) (uncomfortable to touch).

Absorbent items -- require longer soaking times to allow thorough saturation. For example, felt-soled waders require:

* Hot water -- soak for at least 40 minutes in hot water kept above 113° F (45° C) ; OR
* Hot water plus detergent -- soak for 30 minutes in hot water kept above 113° F (45° C) containing 5% dishwashing detergent; OR
* Freezing any item until solid will also kill didymo.

DRY -- Drying will kill didymo, but slightly moist didymo can survive for months. To ensure didymo cells are dead by drying, the item must be completely dry to the touch, inside and out, then left dry for at least another 48 hours before use. If cleaning or drying is not practical, restrict equipment to a single waterway.

NOTE: The thicker and denser the material, the better it will be at holding moisture (and live cells), the slower it will be to dry out and the more difficult it will be to soak completely with cleaning solutions.

When cleaning equipment, we recommend that you

* soak porous materials for longer than the specified times to ensure saturation with cleaning solution
* choose a decontamination solution that will not adversely affect your equipment
* follow manufacturer’s safety instructions when using products
* dispose of cleaning waste well away from waterways

Here's an eye-opening video out of New Zealand that can help you recognize Didymo:

New Winston GVX Rods

Jake Darling (aka Spanky) has fallen in love...with the new Winston GVX fly rod.  It takes a lot to impress Spank so I figured what he has to say is worth listening to.

"The new Winston GVX has a really soft touch for working in tight quarters but enough reserve power to blast it out to those hard to reach places.  This may seem like blasphemy but, in my opinion, the GVX is a better rod than it's famous predecesor the BIIx at a fraction of the cost.  Winston has dropped the boron from the GVX series so it's an all graphite composite rod.  In their world, Winston classifies this as a fast action rod but they list it in their "Classic" series alongside the famous WT Trout series.

"Bottom line is that it is an extremely smooth action with enough power in the butt section to truly launch a line.  They're less than a half ounce more than the new BIIIx and that could probably be eliminated if they offered a graphite composite reel seat rather than the beautiful traditional maple insert.  It's a great rod, made right there in Twin Bridges, MT and offered at a reasonable price for such a well engineered rod."

TIE 1 ON

I had a great time at the fishing show in Atlanta last weekend. Anytime you can attend fishing classes presented by folks like Kelly Galloup, Jimmy Harris and David Hulsey it is well worth your time. After hearing their presentations, I walked away asking myself "why haven't I thought of doing that?" I will from now on.

I really enjoyed watching all the fly tyers that were present. It was worth the trip just to see how easy that tyers like Kyle Burrell and some of the others could look magical at the vise--they tied some great looking flies. Maybe, next year some of the tyers from our "Tie 1 On" session will be sitting at the show's fly tying table--that would be great.

I really enjoyed talking to everyone at the show who shares the same passion for fishing as I do.

Also, on Sat. & Sun we had some fly tyers from Foothills TU and the other Ga. TU's at Bass Pro showing customers how to "tie 1 on". Thanks to Cole, Robert, and Sid for giving of their time to take part in this--it is appreciated.

Our March "Tie 1 ON" session will meet Tues. March 1st at the Unicoi shop in Helen at 6:00 PM. This will be a special session because we'll be decorating a "Tie 1 On" hat with a lot of the flies we have tied. This hat will be for the silent auction at our TU's "Hoot on the Hooch" banquet March 12th in Helen. If you've ever attended any of the sessions in the past, I hope you come to this one and bring some flies to help us out. Also, beginners are invited--this is a great time and place to start tying your own flies--we tie basic flies that catch fish and we have plenty of equipment and supplies to get your started. Come join us--learn how to tie or show us how to tie some of your special patterns.

Thanks,

Ron

Great Christmas Gift

Unicoi Outfitters has put together a great introductory outfit for the new angler in your life. We've taken what we think are the best rod and best reel values available today, added a great line, backing and leader so all they have to do is tie on a fly and start fishing. These combos come with a Redington Crosswater rod and Ross Flystart reel and are priced at $130.95. Not only are they a great entry level rod but they're also more than adequate as your backup rod you keep in your vehicle just in case something happens to your primary rod. It may be just what Santa was looking for for the angler in your home.

We have 7.5' 4-weight and 8.5' 5-weight available.

TIE 1 ON

The fishing is great right now--the recent rain has really turned them on. The last few trips I have guided have been gang busters. The fish are aggressive, my customers have been family trips which I really enjoy, and the fall colors and weather are unbelievable--what a blessing.

So it's time to crank up the vise and "tie 1 on". Our fly tying session will meet this Tues (Nov.2)--tomorrow--at Unicoi Outfitters in Helen at 6:00 PM. Come and show us how to tie your favorite fly or come and learn how to tie the flies you like to fish . We tie simple flies that catch fish--guaranteed. Don't have the equipment or supplies to get started--that's OK--we'll supply everything for you. Everyone is invited, hope to see you there.

Thanks,

Ron

Steve Hudson, Atlanta Fly Fishing Examiner

Steve Hudson is writing a fly fishing column for examiner.com.  Steve has enjoyed fly fishing for many years, making his first casts at the age of eight in the family pond. He has fished from Florida to Alaska, but he will quickly tell you that his favorite waters are those right here in northern Georgia. A professional journalist for more than 30 years, Steve enjoys writing about fly fishing almost as much as being on the water. He's passionate about sharing the sport, too, and he's frequently invited to lead workshops on fly fishing, fly tying, and other aspects of the sport. He lives in Alpharetta with his wife Ann and Chester the Sheepdog. 


Steve's column is full of great, locally useful articles, such as "Go deep for big trout -- learn how at North Georgia Trout Online's Fall Fling".


Steve will also be holding a great Delayed Harvest Fly Tying Seminar at our Helen Shop on Saturday October 30 from 9am to 2:30 pm.  We'll post a schedule next week, or check your Liars Club Newsletter for details.

TIE 1 ON

As you can see from the illustration, our fly tying sessions are pretty simple--but we have fun and we tie basic flies that catch fish. You missed out if you didn't attend the Sept. session--Tim Ivey showed us how to tie 2 of his smallmouth patterns--thanks Tim, you did a great job and we enjoyed it. We will meet Tues., Oct. 5th at 6:00 PM at the shop in Helen. Everyone is invited.

This is a great time to learn to tie flies for the upcoming fishing season. Experienced tyers are welcome too--you can always learn something new and you can help those who are just beginning. Supplies will be provided--thanks Unicoi.

I just returned from a trip to the Southwest U.S.  I attended a Bible study/fly fishing retreat in Glorietta, N.M. and had a great time doing both thanks to Jason Cruise and all the other folks at the event. I fished the Pecos, Rio Grande, and San Juan rivers in N.M. and the Animas river in southern Col. I can't believe I fly fished the Rio Grande river--I only thought it was in Texas --it was truly a beautiful place to fish. We enjoyed floating the tail waters of the San Juan thanks to Joshua and the folks at Durangler's Outfitters.

We hooked plenty of really nice fish on the big fly shown in the picture.  We are truly blessed with a beautiful country--hope we can keep it that way.

Don't forget to "Tie 1 On'' Tue (Oct 5).

Thanks,

Ron

Noontootla Creek Farm is now Open!

After a long scorching summer, NCF is finally open to anglers again! Yesterday, I had the opportunity to take our Southeastern Simms Rep. Dave Chouinard over to sample some fishing on one of the South's best freestones. The trout were feeling good in the cooler water even though it was very low due to the drought. Dave caught this beautiful Brown trout on a hopper dropper combo along with several more nice fish coming to net. Luckily, we were not eaten by the black bear that left this track in the mud and compared to my fly reel he is a pretty big boy. Judging by the track, he's probably a 400 plus pounder. Our other private waters will be opening soon so grease up that elbow and come and get 'em!

Simms Wader Rebate!

Here's a great trade-in program Simms is running, just in time for the fall/winter trout season here in Georgia!

The rebate is good for $50 off a pair of Simms G3/G4 waders or $25 off a pair of Headwaters waders. The promotion runs from September 1, 2010 until October 31, 2010 and works like this:

• Go to Simms website to sign up for a wader rebate voucher
• Print the voucher
• Bring in a trade-in pair of breathable waders along with the voucher to either the Helen or Blue Ridge shops
• Purchase a pair of G3/G4 or Headwaters waders and receive the rebate at the store.

If you've got any questions, just give either store a call, but don't miss out on a chance to get cash off a great pair of Simms waders.

Coffee and Flies

We'll be at the shop in Helen tying flies on Saturday the 21st around 9:00 AM. If you are interested, come by and check us out while you're having a cup of coffee. Hope to tie some "bubble" midges, some natural drift stone flies, and maybe even a few trigger nymphs. Drop in if you can--"tie flies when you're having fun".

Thanks,

Ron

Bass Fishing in the mountains of North Georgia

With the rising water temperatures of summer, anglers can switch gears a bit and sample some of our great warmwater opportunities here in the mountains of North Georgia. A great place to start would be a trip to the Orvis endorsed Lodge of Falling Waters. Located near Ellijay, Georgia, Lake Kennemur contains a healthy population of big bass and hand-sized bluegill that are eager to smash a properly presented fly. Wonderful accommodations are available at the lodge that will make you feel like you stepped into a post card from Montana. The view from the great room is soothing enough to keep you anchored there all day if it were'nt for those pesky largemouths chasing bait fish just outside your window.

Unicoi Outfitters is offering morning and late afternoon 3 hour trips on the lake for 2 anglers for $200.00. Trips are given in our guides' driftboats so you don't even have to get your feet wet. We also supply all the gear for your outing, all you need is a Georgia resident fishing license to fish here and a call to our shop in Blue Ridge at 706-632-1880 to reserve a spot. Check out this bass caught on a recent outing.

R&R Fly Fishing

Since it's the heat of the summer, trout fishing in Georgia has slowed way down...but there is still some good fishing to be had in the south - if you go high enough.  Some of the best is in the Smokies, and one of the best sources of information about that neck of the woods is Ian Rutter of R&R Fly Fishing in Townsend, Tennessee.  Ian and Charity are pretty hard to get ahold of because they spend so much time on the water guiding in and around the Greaty Smoky Mountain National Park, but they make enough time to put out an excellent newsletter y'all might want to check out.  Just go to their website and look for the E-mail Newsletter signup box to get on the list.  They've also got a number of great books and videos available (a selection of which we keep in stock at Unicoi Outfitters!).

Fly Fishing 101

If you or someone you know has expressed an interest in learning how to fly fish, Unicoi Outfitters is teaming up with Orvis and Trout Unlimited to offer free introductory lessons every Saturday in July from 9 AM until 12 noon.  We'll have casting lessons as well as sessions on how to properly rig your fly rod all morning long with qualified teachers from the Unicoi professional staff as well as local Trout Unlimited members.  Participants will not only get an introduction to fly fishing but will also receive a $15.00 gift certificate good toward the purchase of any Orvis products plus they'll receive a one year trial membership (new members only) in Trout Unlimited, the country's foremost cold water conservation organization.  We encourage you to please call ahead and sign up for these sessions if possible.  The number in Helen is 706-878-3083 and the number in Blue Ridge is 706-632-1880.  We look forward to having you join us.

FFF Southeastern Council Fly Fishing Show & Conclave - THIS WEEKEND!

That's right...

We've mentioned it several times in our Liars Club newsletter, but want to remind everyone that the time has arrived for the SE Conclave.  It's this weekend, June 4 & 5 (Friday and Saturday) at Unicoi State Park Lodge in Helen.  The organizers have really stepped it up this year, and it promises to be a great show with lots of seminars and demonstrations by some of the best tiers and fly fishers around, including Gary Borger, Jim Casada, Jimmy Jacobs, Bill Oyster, Kent Edmonds, and a host of others.  Check out the official notice on the SE Council website.

Attendees to the Fly Fishing Show and Conclave will receive a coupon good for 15% off Unicoi Outfitters purchases at either shop on June 4, 5 or 6, 2010, not valid for sale or clearance merchandise.

So head up to Helen for a great weekend of total fly-fishing immersion!