43rd Annual Sunnyland Antique Boat Festival -- 23 March 2024

 Our day started out pretty soggy, with some fairly heavy rain falling on the banks of Lake Dora at the seaplane port in Tavares, Florida.  Fortunately, the  rains subsided and we were able to walk amongst  some of  the most incredible wooden boats I've ever seen gathered in one place.  The Sunnyland Antique Boat Festival is reputed to be the largest festival of antique and wooden boats in the entire  eastern United States!  There were definitely more boats presented than we were even close to be able to see!  Every imaginable boat type was represented, from tiny little wooden racing boats and canoes, to massive, multi-engined luxury launches!  This turned out to be a great day for us, an excellent day for a show and I really look forward to going back again next year.  In the pictures that follow, I tried to give a good overview of what was there.  There's no way I could photograph and share everything, so if you're interested, I encourage you to go next year!  I know I'm looking forward to the next one! 

I hope you're all doing well!
Tight lines, Fair Winds and Following Seas!
    -Nick

One of many small racing boats!

These little boats really rip across the water!

If I had the room, this big Cargo Canoe would have been a fun restoration project!

A beautiful, wooden skiff in the For Sale area.

A bit of time and elbow grease is all it would take!

1964 Century Resorter fully restored and ready to hit the lake!

Even the gators like wooden boats with classic Johnson outboards!

Wouldn't it be fun to flyfish out of one of these classics?

Such a cool race boat with a gorgeous vintage outboard!

Just such a classic look!

Talk about a dream boat!  Beautiful, big Chris-Craft!

I really like the lines on this Lyman!

A closer look at the Evinrude on the back of the Lyman!

There was also a decent Swap & Sale section of the show with some eye catching recycled water ski Adirondack chairs!

Sanibel Island Trip 2015

Editor's Note:

   This is an incomplete article I wrote following our 2015 trip to Sanibel Island.  I ran across it this morning and decided to publish as-is after the devastation brought to Sanibel Island and the surrounding area by Hurricane Ian on September 28, 2022.

Evenin' Folks,
  I had the opportunity recently to visit the south west coast of Florida and I've gotten to the point lately that if I'm going to visit somewhere new with lots of water, I'm going to take a fly rod and try to do some fishing!  We stayed in a town called Port Charlotte, a bit north of Ft. Meyers and Naples.  Our hotel was just about a 30 minute drive from world renown Sanibel Island.
  When the Little Girl and I travel, we tend to leave home very early in the morning so we don't waste a whole day driving.  We got down to the hotel in the very early afternoon, so we decided to drive over to Sanibel to check out the area and, perhaps, sit on the beach a little while.  I had done some research before we left home, got some advice from author and friend Steve Hudson on where to fish in the area and an internet search turned me on to a local fly shop.  Norm Zeigler's Fly Shop is a great little local shop and Norm is an incredible wealth of information drawing on decades of fly fishing experience around the world.  Norm gave me some great advice on where to go, what flies to use, how to fish them and, really saving me, he let me rent a Redington Crosswater reel to use with the loaner rod I got from Thomas & Thomas.
  We drove around for a little while, checking out the island, then decided to head to the beach so the Little Girl could enjoy the sun and surf and I could make some practice casts with the Thomas & Thomas Solar 9' 8-weight rod.  We pumped the parking meter with enough quarters to last us several hours and headed down the board walk under a canopy of trees and brush to the beach.  Just before reaching the dunes, a rumble of thunder told us that we may have fed the meter a little too much a little too quickly.  We got onto the beach just in time to see some very dark clouds rolling in and beach goers packing up their towels and heading to the parking lot.  

  We ended up leaving the beach for a while, cruising around the island exploring.  The storm ended after about an hour or so, so we headed back to the beach.  I got to make some casts with the T&T rod, and I gotta say, as much as I love my ultralights, casting the big fly rod was an absolute blast!  We were there during the outgoing tide, but because of all the wind and rain the water was pretty churned up and muddy.  I didn't get a single bite, but I had a lot of fun out there blasting casts into the surf.  So much fun, in fact, that I didn't notice the dark clouds rolling back in.  Another rumble of thunder and we decided to call it a night, grab some dinner and head back to the hotel.  

  On Saturday morning we headed out early (after some cinnamon rolls from the Holiday Inn Express breakfast bar!!!) and went to the first beach on Captiva Island, literally!  I made some casts from the rocks toward the bridge that links Sanibel and Captiva.  The water was still pretty dirty from the rain the night before, even the bait guys weren't getting any bites.  I ended up giving up on fishing after a couple hours or so, I was really concerned the someone might walk into my back cast and more than once a swimmer swam way to close to my fly for my comfort.  After relaxing on the beach a little longer we packed up the car and went for a drive.

  We decided to drive through the J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge in hopes of spotting some interesting wildlife.  After driving for a little while we stumbled upon the realization that we weren't going to see much from the car.  Along the roads for most of the refuge, all you really see are trees and mangroves.  Most of the spots big enough to pull the car over and look around were full and there were a lot of people out fishing in all of the open spots along the road.  We found an empty pull off and got out.  There was a board walk that lead to a fishing platform over the water.  At the urging of the Little Girl, I grabbed the Solar rod out of the back of the car and we headed to the platform.  The fishing platform was surrounded on three sides with dense mangroves, but in front of the deck was a gorgeous little cove.  The length of the 9' Solar rod gave me the reach I needed to make some side casts over the railing and into the lagoon.  I was amazed by the number of fish we could see swimming around in the water.  I'm pretty sure I saw a school of redfish hugging the bottom within easy casting distance.  The were unfazed by the Norm Zeilger Crystal Schminnow that I was throwing to them.  I cast a few (dozen) more times, then cast the fly out one more time so I could load the line back on the reel and we could retreat back to the air conditioning of the car.  With my line out in the water, I stood there a moment talking with the Little Girl, laughing about how much fun she was having taking "selfies" with my phone, when my line tightened and took off across the lagoon.  

Florida RV Super Show 2020

We're heading to the other side of the state this weekend to check out one of the largest RV shows in the US! I might post a few times from the show if I see anything remotely flyfishing related, but I'll try to keep the strictly RV and travel trailer posts over on @the_anglers_workshop IG account. Follow along if you're interested, let me know if there's anything you'd like to see, and, as always, I'll have stickers on me if you see me at the show!

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B7UslVdBK_m/

Saying Goodbye to The Pup

The Pup  --  2018 Cherokee by Forest River Wolf Pup 16FQ

The New Rig  --  2020 Grand Design Imagine 2670MK

We said goodbye to a dear friend this past weekend.  I really can't think of a better way for us to have dipped our toes into the RVing lifestyle.  We were only together for just under two years, but The Pup traveled with us from the Florida Keys to the North Georgia Mountains and from St. Augustine to Pensacola.  Over 80 nights of camping, around 30 trips in 21 months, The Pup provided us with shelter, a cool respite from bugs, a warm, dry place to sleep, meals, conveniences, office space, and adventures and it will always have a special place in our hearts.  However, our trips are becoming longer and further from home and a little more elbow room (and the ability to stand up straight in the shower!!) has taken precedence.  On Saturday we joined the Grand Design family by taking delivery of a 2020 Imagine 2670MK!  This new camper is roomier and better appointed than several of my previous apartments, all of the comforts of home (including an actual desk, a dedicated work space while on the road!) and, while much larger than the 16' Wolf Pup, is still small enough to be maneuverable and fit in most National Park campgrounds.  We're going to miss The Pup, it was such a fun, little camper, but I know we're going to love this new Imagine!  If you see us on the road make sure you throw up a wave! .

The Fly Fishing Show -- Atlanta 2019

Evenin' Folks,
   Last month I hitched up the Pup and drove back up to North Georgia to attend The Fly Fishing Show Atlanta. I left St. Augustine after work on Wednesday night and boondocked at the Cracker Barrel in Perry, GA.  After enjoying Mama's Pancake Breakfast in front of the fire the next morning, I continued on to Don Carter State Park in Gainesville.
  Don Carter is the newest park in the Georgia State Parks system, but it's been open for several years now. All of the RV sites are paved, and pretty level, with electric and water hookups and a gray water dump. I made my reservation pretty early on, so I was able to get a prime site on a point stretching into Lake Lanier.  Since the leaves weren't out on the trees  yet, there was an almost unobstructed 270° view of the lake!
  After setting up the camper at the campsite, I drove up to Blairsville to visit family. I took the long way up through Helen just to enjoy the scenery. Since I was so close to the Upper Hooch and the Chattahoochee National Forest I stopped to make a couple casts in one of my old favorite spots. I didn't catch anything, but then, I really didn't expect to with high water, saltwater gear and only 5 minutes of trying!!
  The Atlanta Fly Fishing Show actually takes place in Duluth at the Infinite Energy Center and is a two-day engagement over Friday and Saturday. In between, on Friday evening, the International Fly Fishing Film Festival is held at a nearby hotel.  The IF4, as usual, had a cash bar in the lobby and, this year, they handed out fresh bags of popcorn to enjoy during the films. We were also treated to some fine pickin' from a local bluegrass ensemble while waiting for the movies to start!  I always enjoy attending the film festivals, but I can't help but thinking that a lot of the films are starting to look the same.  I hate to complain because I do enjoy them, but I'm ready for something really different.  Is the world ready for a bluegill fishing film?  Maybe something with music that doesn't make my ears ring would be nice, too.  But that's just me, I still encourage everyone to attend, especially if you can take a guest that hasn't made their mind up yet about flyfishing.  These short movies will definitely help get them hooked!!
  If you ever have the opportunity to attend one of The Flyfishing Shows near you, I highly recommend that you do. These shows are always made up of all the local shops making great deals, manufacturers demonstrating new products, clubs and organizations signing up new members, lodges and guides showcasing their services, casting ponds to try before you buy and casting demonstrations, author booths, tying demo's and full, multi-hall lecture schedules. You'd be hard pressed to see and do everything in the two days of the show!
  The Atlanta Flyfishing Show is always a blast and absolutely worth the trip! I'm already looking forward to the 2020 show and I will plan to attend. I hope you can make it! Make sure you stop me and say hi if you see me!  Please enjoy the photos, make sure you follow @TheSuburbanAngler on Instagram and Facebook to see live coverage of all the shows I attend.  And, as always, if you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please get in touch!!
  I hope you're all doing well!
    Happy Fishing!
        Nick

A good night's rest followed by a hearty breakfast in front of the fire! On the road again!!

The sunrise view from the Wolf Pup's window when I was camping at Don Carter State Park for the Atlanta Fly Fishing Show. 

All I had with me was saltwater gear, but I couldn't resist making a few casts into the Upper Chattahoochee River above Helen. That water was high, but crystal clear!! It was such a gorgeous day, if I didn't have previous plans, I would've head deeper into the National Forest and checked some of my old favorite spots!

It's showtime!!!


Checking out some cool new products in the Yeti Coolers booth! The waterproof blanket and folding chairs would be perfect for the camper and the tote bag and wheeled cooler look ideal for surf casting sessions!!

Alpharetta Outfitters had some great deals on clothes, gear, guided trips and destinations!

ARC Fishing was here for their first Atlanta The Fly Fishing Show!! Folks were stopping by to get the rundown on their innovations in fly line, leaders and tippets. They had some fantastic show deals going on, too!
 

Lots to drool over in the Stealth Craft Boats booth! 

I really like the look and feel of these Towee Boats skiffs!! And, there's really no better endorsement for a product than to get to speak with the owner/designer at these shows!

The Angling Bookstore is now on Instagram!! Give them a follow for one of the best selections of fly fishing publications going!! 

Author Steve Hudson having fun talking north Georgia fly fishing and signing his books! 

Got to hang out a bit and catch up with Mark in the Original Ty-Rite booth!! This is one of those awesome little products that you don't think you need until you use one! It's the cure for small flies and cold fingers!!  Mark also had products from other small companies on display, like Brook Fishing Equipment, Ascent Fly Fishing and Fly Trap Holder.

Talked a little shop with Mark Keller, celebrity fly tyer and creator of the Eflyz. There's still a couple slots open on the Eflyz species board that I think I'm going to try to fill in this year!! Check out these amazing hardbody flies for yourself!!

I was a little late, but thoroughly enjoyed Steve Hudson's presentation on fishing for brook trout! Look for his new book on the subject scheduled to be released this spring!!

Enjoying some mountain music while we wait for the IF4 to begin!!

Morning of Day 2 at the Atlanta Fly Fishing Show! The Fly Fishers International booth is already buzzing with new tyers learning the fly tying basics! 

The Sisters On The Fly are showing one of their incredible, vintage travel trailers!

Legend Dave Whitlock demonstrating the tying techniques that go into his Vortex Divers.

Made a stop at the Mauser Fly Fishing booth to check out the new Arete line of trout rods! Their first rod line, The Waterman, was an incredible casting rod, so I have no doubt the Arete will be equally adept!! The guys at Mauser have some great plans for the near future, so it's definitely a brand to watch!!
 

The Unicoi Outfitters booth is always very popular!! They even had a raffle for a Nacoochee Bend self-guided trip!! Have you seen the fish from Nacoochee bend?!?!?

Catching James mid-donut and David tying up some bugs in the River Through Atlanta booth! These guys are the pros for fishing the Chattahoochee River and all of North Georgia!

Checking out the Santee Boats booth. Great looking skiffs with some awesome option packages and rigged to order! The full led light package is a great touch!

Bob Clouser demonstrating casting techniques on the casting pond!

Tyer's Row is always hotbed of activity!! 

The Seigler Reels booth has stayed very busy throughout the show. Have you seen their award winning line of big game fly reels?

The folks that protect this amazing urban fishery were hard at it signing up new members! 

Author Jim Mize read an excerpt from his book, A Creek Trickles Through It, after giving pro tips on making your catch seem larger in stories and photos! I may have to test a few of his techniques... I'm sure a lot of folks on Instagram already have!! 

Enjoyed a fascinating presentation on bonefishing the Bahamas with Oliver White. Go ahead and add this trip to the bucket list! 

My buddy Todd Arnold ( @615groundpounder ) spent the weekend on Tyer's Row tying up some mean looking Game Changers!