I just got back last night from another terrific show at the Midwest Fly Fishing Expo in Warren, Michigan, which is on the outskirts of Detroit. I go every year, but this year was probably the best show I’ve had. I had a lot of FrankenFly readers coming up to my booth and chatting, watching me tie, and checking out the flies.
To note, I got to chat with Bill Spicer of the TV series, The New Fly Fisher, who was interested in me tying him some bugs. I walked around and talked with George Daniel who was great and will be sending me a little something to post up on FrankenFly from him. This is the first time I’ve met Chuck Furminsky who started the infamous “The Fly Fishing Show” that is now all over the place. Oh and I got to meet Ryan Keene and check out his art. Real nice guy and great artist!
I love this show because I have so many friends that are there. It’s always a lot of fun to catch up with everyone and cut up.
Last but not least I want to give a shout out to David Humphries of River Traditions. David made some awesome fly boxes for me including an etched streamer box that I’ll be posting about later. (I kept the first one for myself, haha!) Plus, David made more bottle opener, fish key chains printed with “FrankenFly” right there on the spot at the show. Thank you David!
I walked around like I usually do and tried to get some photos. I had limited time, so I wasn’t able to capture everyone I wanted, but here are some for you guys to check out. I stole two from Brian Kozminski of True North Trout too.
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- tied by Paul J. Beel of FrankenFly
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- Steve Wascher
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- tied by Steve Wascher
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- tied by Steve Wascher (I took these for myself, haha)
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- Matt Zudweg’s BoneYard Fly Gear
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- The great guys at Project Healing Waters. They do awesome stuff for our Vets!
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- Jerry Regan
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- weaved bugs tied by Jim Weakland.
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- Mike Schmidt
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- Feenstra Guide Service (you can see guide Matt Zudweg hiding on the left, but smiling) Kevin Feenstra is a great guy and good friend.
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- North Branch Outing Club displaying an Au Sable River boat model. If you want a great guide, give Chris Lessway a call at the NBOC.
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- Great organization.
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- Uncle Jake’s Fly Shop displaying the Regal Vises.
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- Uncle Jake’s Fly Shop with beautiful peacock plumes. Uncle Jake’s is in Battle Creek, Michigan.
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- Scott Bowerman, The Fly Guy
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- Todd Schotts of Grizzly Flies. He was tying up some very cool bugs.
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- Temple Fork Outfitters
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- The Temple Fork Outfitters crew from left to right, Jeffery Bear Andrews, Kate Smith, Brian Kozminski, and Ray Schmidt (from Brian Kozminski)
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- Al Ritt and his wife.
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- The Scientific Anglers team. (photo by Brian Kozminski)
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- Eli Berant tying up the big musky bugs!
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- Chuck Furminsky’s flies
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- Chuck Furminsky
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- Hunter Hayes, a really nice guy and an up and coming skilled fly tier.
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- Corey Thelen’s fly tying board woodburned by Jim Weakland
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- Corey Thelen tied Yoda and Chewbacca out of deer hair. What? How freaking cool is that!
Looked awesome Paul
Thanks man!
-Paul
Haven’t been to the “Show”, even regionally, in a number of years. I do miss seeing all the goodies and putting faces with names I am familiar with. Thanks for sharing, Paul.
Thanks Mel!
-Paul
Unfortunately previous obligations kept me a away, maybe next year.
I hope to see you next year Randy.
Thanks,
-Paul