Usually by this time of year I have shelved the fly rod in favor of the shotgun. However a storm blew through and the ducks left. Now the weather is nice, sunny and reasonably warm for this time of year so I decided to try fishing instead of leaf raking.
I left the house and headed for some impoundments that hold warm water fish. When I got there the skim ice around the edges was just begining to melt and I put on a wooly bugger and let it fly. End results were close to a 100 bass, crappie, bluegills & green sunfish. Nothing big but a nice way to spend the day. While I was doing my thing I reflected on the equipment I was using and how FAOL factored in.
First the Fly: A awful looking thing of my creation. An olive wooly bugger with a orange Czech bead color and an Emu Hackle. I learned of the Emu from Rick Z from Iowa and about the beads from Cris from Canada. Both FAOL members
Second the Furled Leader: I received from another FAOL member as a gift after I sent him some widgeon feathers.
Third: The reel & Line. A sweet outfit. An Echo Reel with a Rio Line. Works great. Purchased from another FAOL member.
Fourth: The Rod: A 9 ft 3 wt Hook & Hackle IM 6 special. H&H is an FAOL sponsor.
So in my opinion FAOL is one heck of a web site with some great members & sponsors and all deserve a pat on the back.
Tim
PS: Forgot the stike indicator compliments of Mike (Kahuna) of Illinois
Panman I have to agree with you. Everything I am in the fly fishing world is due to this site. My best friend who got me started has stated several times where are you learning all this stuff and getting all this stuff. You have come a long ways. He was the one that got me tying flies and now I am teaching him a lot of tricks.
I do believe you were one of the first people I had interaction with on this site also and you immense kindness was deeply appreciated and kept me comming back her for more info. I still have the fly you sent me set up on my tying desk.
this site is by far one of the best I have ever been to and when I have a question I just come here. Thank you everyone and huge KUDO"S to all