Blue Ridge Trout and Outdoor Festival 2024 -- 27 April 2024

 Good  evening folks!

  I once again hauled the camper up to Blue Ridge, Georgia to attend one of my favorite shows of the year, the Blue Ridge Trout and Outdoor Adventures Festival!  Driving  up  from the World's Most Famous Beach is pretty much an all day drive, so having the camper, and a nice place to put it always makes it easier. My camping preference usually leans more toward state parks, and north Georgia has some that are absolutely fantastic.  But if Blue Ridge is  your destination, it's really hard to beat the Blue Ridge/Toccoa River KOA. Located immediately on the banks of the Toccoa River, the Blue Ridge/Toccoa River KOA is the perfect base for visiting Trout Fest. Very well maintained, lots of  pull through and back in sites, a great little camp store, really good wifi access, and possibly the most attractive thing, trout fishing just steps from any campsite!  

  The Festival itself takes place in the area of downtown Blue Ridge between East and West Main Street in the Downtown Park area near the station and platform for the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway.  They have tents set up to host lectures and demonstrations, a children's fishing pond, live music, a food midway (with ongoing BBQ contest!), and loads of vendors to visit!  For me, it's a chance to catch up with friends, and learn what they've been up to, so I tend to gravitate to the fly shop and fishing guides' booths.  But, there are also cooking demonstrations from local chefs, arts and crafts that tend to focus on cabin decor and outdoor gear, rodbuilders, canoe and paddle makers, and a very popular beer tent and cigar vendor!  

  I love attending this festival and look forward to attending for years to come.  It gives me a chance to visit one of my favorite areas of the country, an opportunity to fish for some of the species I cut my fly-fishing teeth on, a chance to see dear friends and enjoy the relaxed ambiance that Blue Ridge provides so well.  I encourage you to go, if you get the opportunity, I'd love to meet you there! But, if you can't make it, enjoy the photos below and check out my social media channels for the live posts next year!

  I hope you're all doing well!
   Tight lines and safe travels!
       -Nick   

Today is the day! I've made it back to Blue Ridge for one of my favorite events, the Blue Ridge Trout & Outdoor Adventures Festival! I'll be here all day and bringing you along with me! Any questions, suggestions or requests, just drop them in the comments and I'll do my best to address them. Let's have a great day in Blue Ridge!

In preparation for the day's festivities, I fueled up at das Kaffee Haus on Main St. with a delicious cortado and an almond croissant. On to the show!

Watch out for that gator! The Let's Go Fishing kid's fishing pond is drawing a great crowd right after the Festival opened! I've been told there's some pretty rare trout in the pond, so definitely worth the visit!

Upriver Boatworks are up from Dawsonville and have a couple of 2023 models with clearance prices here at the Festival! Or, you can set up an order for one of their fully custom, small-batch, framed inflatable boats!

The Bowman Outdoors and Bowman Flyfishing are serving up merch, guided fishing trips, and French pastries! Bowman Outdoors in Dahlonega is one of the area's newest fly shops, opened recently by one of the region's most experienced guides. Wish I had time to check out the shop, but be sure to stop by if you're in the area!

If you're in the market for some XtraTuf footwear, Ballard's of Blue Ridge has you covered!

Beautiful Stealthcraft drift boat! Gotta love the graphics!

Troncalli Subaru has several cars on display, but this roof top tent trailer setup is catching a lot of eyes!

It's hard to miss the captivating tent of the Blue Ridge Fly Fishing School! They stayed busy throughout the festival talking classes, guide trips, tips and tricks for fishing the entire Blue Ridge area. If you're just taking up the flyrod or looking to polish your skills, give the Blue Ridge Fly Fishing School a look!

Stopped by the Legacy Fly Fishing booth to check out these stunning, solid hardwood fly rod tubes! Fully sealed and protected, these rod tubes are intended to be used to protect your flyrods, not to be used simply as display pieces! I wouldn't blame you for letting them pull double duty, though, they are gorgeous!

Blue Ridge Tree Trunk Trout!

The Benton MacKaye Trail Association has a saw buck setup giving folks a chance to try their hand with a two-man crosscut saw! They're staying busy, and its so cool to see so many folks, kids and adults, excited to try it out and release their inner sawyer!

Blue Ridge Flies has a pretty cool concept going where they are selling fully loaded boxes of custom tied flies curated for specific situations. From stocked trout to the most remote blue line natives, they've got a box to suit!

Another beautiful boat on display! This one is a hand made, plywood drift boat based on a Montana style design.

The Smokey Bear Cigars tent always proves popular at this Festival! They've got a great selection of some fantastic cigars and a pretty decent array of accessories. If they don't have what you need in the tent, I'm sure their shop up the street can accomodate! Think I'll be grabbing a stick or two to enjoy campfireside tonight!

When no one was looking, I snuck around behind the Bowman Outdoors booth to get a better shot of this sweet old survivor of a Bronco!

I snagged a sample from the Georgia Grown booth of Bramlett Trout Farm grilled trout prepared by the chef from Community Brew & Tap in Cornelia. Absolutely fantastic!!

The folks from Toccoa Riverside Restaurant were here with coolers full of their house smoked trout samples! So, so good! Next trip to Blue Ridge I know where I'm going for dinner!

TOPPER is up on the Trout Fest Sound Stage right now rocking out with the Voices of Rock & Soul!

Finally had the opportunity to meet the great folks of the Caddis Shack! From their literature: "The Caddis Shack is a hidden gem nestled along the picturesque Toccoa River near the towns of McCaysville and Blue Ridge, GA." Imagine stepping off the porch of your rented cabin and taking a few steps into a very wadable section of the Toccoa River! Or, if guided float trips or flyfishing lessons are more what your after, they've got a full compliment of packages and guide partners to make your stay the best it can possibly be!

In the rv communities you'll often hear the line " Home is where you park it". Well, if that's the case, whenever I come to Blue Ridge home for me tends to be at the Blue Ridge/ Toccoa River KOA! Clean, friendly, lots of ammenities, level sites and, most notably, walk-in fishing access to the Toccoa River along one entire side of the campground! I've enjoyed it every time I've stayed with them, including this trip!

I got so caught up with visiting Mr. and Mrs. Alpharetta Outfitters that I neglected to post the booth picture! Always great to catch up with Jeff and Avery and if you're looking for a local fly shop in the Alpharetta area I can't recommend them enough! Tons of local knowledge, all the gear and supplies you could need, guides, instruction, events, you name it!

1921 Wide Spool Perfect Fly Reel -- Press Release 10 Sept 2024

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Hardy Perfects the Perfect: The 1921 Wide Spool Perfect Fly Reel Gets an Upgrade

COLUMBIA, S.C. (Sept 10, 2024) - For over 135 years, Hardy has been the name synonymous with “Perfect” fly reels. Never content, the Hardy engineers consistently strive for enhancements in their search for true perfection. Today, Hardy is excited to announce the latest addition to its legendary lineup: the upgraded 1921 Wide Spool Perfect fly reel. Already celebrated as the epitome of excellence in fly fishing reels, this iconic reel has been finely tuned to offer even greater precision, durability, and versatility – enhanced with a nod to the past, ensuring that it remains, well, perfect for years to come. At the core of this upgraded model is the 1921 Perfect check mechanism, a signature feature that has long been celebrated for its precision and reliability among fly fishing aficionados. This classic mechanism has been refined to offer smoother performance, ensuring that anglers continue to enjoy the seamless experience they have come to expect from the Hardy Perfect. The polished brass/bright nickel-plated revolving line guard is a showpiece and adds a nod to the past when old fly lines would pick up debris and degrade the line guard. While a revolving line guard isn’t necessary with today’s modern fly lines, this added touch is the perfect addition marrying historical charm with Hardy’s impeccable craftsmanship. But it’s not just the mechanics that make this reel stand out. The two-toned anodized finish, inspired by the elegant designs of the 1930’s, adds a layer of sophistication and durability, ensuring that the 1921 Wide Spool Perfect is as tough as it is stylish. This upgraded finish complements the reel’s construction, which features bar stock aluminum and a naval brass one-piece spindle – ingredients that make it a reel worth passing down for generations to come. The 1921 Wide Spool Perfect is available in quarter inch size increments starting at 3” and going to 4” and come in both right- and left-hand models. Whether you target small wild trout or bigger game, there’s a Perfect for every purpose. And when it’s time to pack it up and go home for the day, the reel comes housed in a soft leather, sheepskin-lined Hardy reel pouch – keeping your Perfect in pristine condition. With the latest upgrade, Hardy has once again perfected perfection. The 1921 Wide Spool Perfect is a blend of tradition and innovation, allowing anglers to enjoy the best of Hardy’s heritage while benefiting from today’s modern advancements. HARDY 1921 WIDE SPOOL PERFECT KEY FEATURES • 1921 Perfect check mechanism • Revolving line guard • Classic wide spool design • Machined from bar stock aluminum with navel brass 1pc spindle • Deep anodized two-tone finish • Available in left- and right-hand wind models • Supplied in a soft leather, sheepskin-lined Hardy reel pouch MSRP: $795.00 - 895.00 AVAILABLE: September 2024 For more information about Hardy products, visit www.HardyFishing.com.

The Hardy Resonate: A New Era of Lightweight Precision - Press Release 28 Aug 2024

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Hardy Resonate: A New Era of Lightweight Precision Hardy blends tradition with innovation in its newest lightweight offering perfect for light lines

COLUMBIA, S.C. (August 28, 2024) – Hardy, the name synonymous with fly fishing excellence for over a century, announces the launch of the Resonate, the newest addition to their lineup of freshwater fly reels. The Resonate is not just another fly reel; it is the culmination of Hardy’s ongoing dedication to innovation and tradition, combining lightweight precision with the classic craftsmanship that has defined the Hardy brand for generations. Hardy has long been celebrated for its iconic click check reels, which have graced the hands of discerning anglers around the world. The Resonate takes this legacy a step further, delivering what is arguably their finest lightweight performance reel yet. Blending durability, performance, and that unmistakable Hardy sound, the Resonate brings to life a reel that truly lives up to its name – it resonates with the heartbeat of angling tradition.  The Resonate features a large arbor design, meticulously machined from bar stock aluminum to ensure a perfect balance of strength and lightness. The innovative adjustable click check system, fitted with all-metal load-bearing components, offers anglers total control, whether they’re battling a small stream trout or a big river’s wild steelhead. And with a simple, quick left-to-right conversion, the Resonate is as versatile as it is elegant. At the heart of the Resonate is a commitment to performance without compromise. This reel is designed to be the lightest and most reliable freshwater option available, making it ideal for light line fishing styles. The enclosed line guard frame prevents thin lines, mono rigs, and long leaders from slipping between the frame and spool, while the low startup inertia protects light tippets. The click check mechanism has the largest range of drag adjustability of any performance click check reel Hardy has ever made, making the Resonate as functional as it is beautiful.  For many anglers, the sound of a Hardy reel is as much a part of the experience as the catch. The Resonate preserves this aspect with its adjustable click check mechanism, producing that classic Hardy sound – a sound that not only echoes across rivers but resonates deeply with those who appreciate the finer things in life. The Hardy Resonate is available in three sizes (3000, 4000, and 5000) to cover light weights 1 through 5, Whether you’re a well-seasoned angler or new to the sport, the Resonate is designed to enhance your experiences with the perfect blend of tradition and modern performance. HARDY RESONATE KEY FEATURES • Lightweight but durable design • Enclosed line guard frame • Adjustable click check mechanism • Low start up inertia • Push off spool release • Simple left/right conversion MSRP: $330.00 AVAILABLE: September 2024 For more information about Hardy products, visit www.HardyFishing.com.

Hardy Averon - Press Release

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Hardy Averon – Perfection in the Form of a Freshwater Fly Reel Ultra-lightweight reel utilizing Hardy's proven multi-pad disc drag system

COLUMBIA, S.C. (July 10, 2024) - For over 150 years, Hardy has remained the top brand for fly anglers who demand nothing but the best in fishing gear. Known for its unmatched craftsmanship and innovation, Hardy continues to set the standard for meticulously crafted fly gear with the introduction of the Hardy Averon. This reel, which is the core of the Hardy freshwater performance reel range, is an ultra-lightweight disc drag fly reel that delivers the quality and reliability that are the hallmarks of the Hardy brand. Available in half-frame and full-cage models, this new reel offers exceptional performance and versatility for freshwater anglers. The Hardy Averon reel replaces the Hardy Ultradisc fly reel with updated and improved features that set the standard for performance freshwater fly reels. The more durable frame is designed to carefully blend performance, balance, and fishability. This large arbor reel features an open, half-frame design on all models but two – allowing for weight reduction and easy spool changes when different line sizes are required. For specialty applications utilizing thin lines, a closed frame design can be found in the 5000 EN (Euro Nymphing) and 9000 size models where a full-cage is employed for ultra-long leaders, Euro Nymphing, and Spey fishing.   The full cage Euro Nymph model features an interchangeable weight system that allows the angler the ability to fine-tune the rod’s in-hand balance. The 5000EN model also employs a larger arbor than the standard 5000 size – requiring less backing for thin lines and reducing line coils. The 5000EN and standard 5000 size spools are interchangeable and sold separately, allowing anglers to mix and match for their ideal setup.   The Averon has a buttery smooth drag featuring a large and easy-to-adjust drag knob that provides definitive clicks between settings. The drag system is unregulated allowing for fine adjustments, yet the 2.5 turn knob provides quick adjustments. With very low startup inertia, this reel delivers incredible fish-stopping power at a weight that feels balanced in hand.   The Hardy Averon comes in two colors – titanium with gold accents and black with gunmetal accents (varies by size). HARDY AVERON KEY FEATURES Lightweight high-performance disc drag Open frame design (except 9000 & Euro models) Silky smooth, enclosed multi pad disc drag system 2.5 turn indexed drag for quick & precise drag adjustments Ultra-low start up inertia  MODELS: HREAVER30TI • HREAVER50TI • HREAVER70TI • HREAVER90TI • HREAVER30BK • HREAVER50BK • HREAVER70BK MSRP: $395.00 - $450.00 AVAILABLE: August 2024   HARDY EURO AVERON KEY FEATURES Super large arbor, narrow spool design Full cage frame Reduced frame tolerances to reduce line escape Supplied with 3-optional balance weights | 0.6oz • 1.2oz • 1.8oz Optimized for ‘in-hand’ balance MODEL: HRAVER50EN MSRP: $395.00 AVAILABLE: August 2024   For more information about Hardy products, visit www.HardyFishing.com.

The Fly Fishing Show Atlanta 2023

Good morning, Folks!

   With The Fly Fishing Show having already kicked off in other locations this year, and the Atlanta show very quickly approaching, I wanted to get these pictures posted up from last year's show.  I intend to be there again this year, live posting from the show floor as usual, so if there's anything you'd like to see or any questions you have, I'll do my best to get it for you.

  Hope you're all doing well!

     Make it a great day!

        Tight lines,

            -Nick

The show is open, time to walk the floor!!

 

East Cape Boats is here in Atlanta debuting the prototype East Cape Drift! The new carbon and kevlar hull combines cutting edge tech, modern design and materials, 20 years of skiff building experience and the heart of trout fishermen to build a durable drift boat that weighs around 300lbs as displayed!!

Coming soon to a flyshop near you! RoxStar Fishing is taking some of the intimidation out of fly selection for new flyfishers. Their US hand-tied flies are packaged into selections by fly type, with an array of different variations to make sure you're stocked for any instance on the water.

 Dropped in on Jimmy Jacobs' talk on Georgia's Best High Country Trout Options. This will definitely inspire you to get off the beaten path!!

 Lots going on in the Alpharetta Outfitters booth today! They've got deals on gear and guides, a chance to win a Sage rod and $100 gift card, and a few seats left on each of their awesome curated fishing trips!!

Landon Mayer is in the seat at the Featured Fly Tier Booth giving up the secrets to Guide Flies: Easy To Tie Patterns For Tough Trout.

 Mark introducing a crowd to the benefits of The Original Ty-Rite! The best tool for handling small flies!

Checking out the Fly Caddy from Atollas Gear out of Charleston, SC. The foam patch has a rigid plastic baking with a clip, so it can be worn on a hat brim, shirt collar or even your truck visor! Included is a self-adhesive "docking station" so you can park your patch on a cooler, boat box, or almost anywhere! I think I want at least one of each size!

 I was able to catch the last few minutes of Capt. Michael Mauri's presentation Adventures Along The Treasure Coast and Indian River Lagoon. I hope he repeats the presentation again this weekend, because he certainly made it sound exciting!

 Celebrity Fly Tier Todd Arnold down on Tier's Row demonstrating his techniques for tying Gamechangers and Jerkchangers for the local striper population!

Jeff Currier is on the pond demonstrating casting techniques to improve your dryfly presentation! Need to know the difference between a Parachute Cast and a Pile Cast, this is the demo for you!

 Karin Miller of Zen Tenkara gave a very informative talk on fishing for big fish with a tenkara rod! The insightful tips she gave can easily be implemented in both tenkara and traditional fly fishing situations. Can you imagine catching tarpon and bonefish on a tenkara rod? I'd sure like to give it a try!

Day 2 of the 2023 The Fly Fishing Show Atlanta is well underway!

Always fun checking out the Seigler Reels booth! These reels evolve with time and it's always fascinating to learn about all the small improvements.

 Luong Tam of Tenkara Tanuki gave a great presentation on the Fundamentals of Tenkara Casting on Pond 1 this morning!

Tier's Row is about a mile long and I don't think there's a single empty seat! There's an awful lot of fly tying talent in this picture and all of these folks are eager to share their specialty with the crowd!

 One of the masters holding class on the casting pond to a very large crowd! Bob Clouser giving one of his great presentations on How To Cast Weighted Flies and Line!

Beautiful fishy art available in the M. B. Meeks Block Prints booth! There's a huge assortment of species available in these prints, and even some t-shirts!

I always enjoy walking through the Hardy booth! Did you know they celebrated their 150th anniversary last year? That kind of history and legacy is absolutely amazing!

TFO is here in Atlanta with a huge selection of rods for you to check out! Some are rigged and ready to try out on the casting pond!

 Cohutta Fishing Company of Blue Ridge is here with a good selection of gear, and always great advice for your next trip to the Trout Capital of Georgia!

The folks from Simms brought out lots of demo gear in their display booth, so showgoers can check it all out hands on!

Cristian Rodriguez of Fly Fishing The Run gave an excellent presentation on his fly fishing operations in Cuba! With two resort bases and a liveaboard yacht, they have plenty of lodging available, but through environmental partnerships and government assigned waters, they choose not to increase accommodations to preserve the state of the fishery!

Took in the Fly Fishing North Georgia and Beyond presentation with Andy Bowen of Cohutta Fishing Co. He gave examples of some the excellent fly fishing that North Georgia has to offer, then went into some of the travel packages through the fly shop to extend your fly fishing, literally, around the world!

One of the Women's Casting Clinics has moved out onto the lawn!! Gotta love seeing new flycasters learning the ropes!!!

Could it really even be The Fly Fishing Show Atlanta without Badger Creek Fly Tying stretched across the aisle?

Currently no line, no wait at the Douglas Outdoors booth! Swing by and grab a demo rod and hit the casting pond!!

 Author, columnist and small fly artist Ed Engle sharing his tips for effectively Tying Small Dry Flies in the Featured Fly Tier booth!

Jeff Currier gave a great presentation with pictures of jaw dropping fish from all over the world in Tips and Tactics for the World's Best Flats!

 I was able to catch one of my good friend Steve Hudson's presentations today on Bluelining in North Georgia! Always a very informative talk from the man that wrote the book on the subject! It's titled "Bluelining 101" and it's packed with information to get you started in the right direction.

Day 3!! The third and final day of The Fly Fishing Show Atlanta! More booths to see, more lectures to attend! Let's go!!

 I was able to catch Chris Scalley's presentation, 30 Years of Guiding And Advocating On The Chattahoochee River Tailwater, first thing this morning. It was great to catch up with him in the booth, and my good friend and fly tyer to the stars David Aviles! The 'Hooch knowledge flowing in this booth is overwhelming!

Made it by the On The Fly South booth to get my autographed copy of Jimmy Jacobs and Polly Dean's new book, The Angler's Guide To Georgia State Parks! I'm really looking forward to reading this one and will post a review on TheSuburbanAngler.com real soon!

 Just met Randall from AppSouth Fly Co. tying big, gorgeous Yard Sale flies in the Daiichi booth! Check out his flies on the AppSouth IG page and drop him a follow for more good things to come!

More from Sunday at the Fly Fishing Show Atlanta. Chattahoochee Riverkeepers had a busy booth all weekend educating folks on the river and what they do to protect the watershed.

It's my understanding that the Georgia Trout Unlimited booth had been manned the whole weekend by high school or collegiate members! Very cool!"

I'm pretty sure Sunday afternoon saw the very first lull in the booth of the Georgia Women Flyfishers! This is a great, supportive group to help encourage more women to get on the water."

 More from Sunday at the Fly Fishing Show Atlanta. Fly Fishers International Southeast Council had a busy booth at the show explaining what they do and projects they're involved in, as well as recruiting new members and operating an Intro to Fly Tying table.

More from Sunday at the Fly Fishing Show Atlanta. Due South Outfitters out of Boone, North Carolina was selling some gear and scheduling guide trips for the Watauga and South Holston rivers.

Bob Clouser tying up when of his namesake minnows at the Featured Fly Tier table, and, as always, keeping the audience laughing!

 Gourmet pork sausage, do I really need to say any more than that? The Pineapple Pepper Jack was awesome, and I really wish I could've tried more and brought a lot home! If you're in the Atlanta area, make sure to check them out, Real Cajun Market!

The Airflo and Abel booth stayed very busy throughout the show! You could even drop off your old flyline to be recycled!

The Norvise booth stayed busy all weekend, sometimes with three tiers, demonstrating their mesmerizing tying system!