JUNE 2013 FLY FISHNG CLASS IS NOW FILLING

University of Tennessee JUNE 2013 Fly Fishing Class  

click here to register

DATES ARE (Tues / Thurs) JUNE 4, 6, 11, 12, 13 with WED, 12th -- a special Wednesday night on the 12th at the local 3 RiversAngler Fly shop. We will cover "Everything you NEED to know about Fly Fishing".    
The instruction is a HANDS-ON class covering “Everything you NEED to know about fly fishing” – it is not everything there IS to know. I let the students know what is important and what is needed.  It is a complete mind dump from me of all the aspects of fly fishing.

I want the students to be:
Knowledgeable enough to feel comfortable in a fly shop – know what you are looking at…
Functional (ability to catch fish) to be able to read the stream / know where and what direction (upstream or downstream) and make the right presentation with the particular fly – to catch fish
Have the right temperament to handle “problems” like snags / lost flies / falling in / and still enjoy themselves

Class breakdown of about 8 hours of classroom instruction and 4 hours of HANDS-ON casting lessons

Topics that we cover:

GEAR

We start at the reel and cover what you NEED to know about setup / drag / backing / line / how to rig etc..

We move to the fly rods – covering the variety of weights / What to buy / what to avoid

We then cover lines – what you need to know about them and the different types

We then review leaders / tippets – many money saving tips here

We cover knots / loops / all hands-on

We then cover flies

We cover Safety

We discuss clothing / vests / walking sticks / gear in the vest / types of Waders… all aspects of gear

Where to go / streams in the area / laws or special regulations / trout and bass

CASTING

We spend about 4 hours of hands-on casting – each student will be able to cast proficiently

DVD – supplemental learning

WEDNESDAY June 12th -- we watch an instructional DVD to cover “on the steam” activity. We watch it in 3 Rivers Angler fly shop because Allen and Jeremy are gracious enough to allow us to have the shop all to ourselves. It is closed to the public.

Class is held at Cedar Bluff Racquet Club -- in any weather because we cast on a Tennis court. We have a classroom section and then a casting lesson each night. 
I can supply a student their fly rod if needed – no equipment is required. Most do bring their own rod / reel with them if they have one, of course. We discuss what to buy to make the students an informed buyer as part of the class. 3 Rivers Angler fly shop has a lifetime warranty fly rod for about $160, if you need a great rod at a great price. If you have a rod / reel let me know about it and bring it with you each night. All you NEED to bring is a notebook and pen – each night.

Each student provides feedback at the end of the class and I apply it as I can – I have been teaching for about 5+ years and students love the class. Some have said it was their best class, ever. I put all I have into the class, I teach because I want to and not because I have to for the financial reasons. Read the student comments here – www.FLYFISHINGCLASS.com

click here to register      $199/student

Drew Still

Fly Fishing Instructor

DrewStill@Gmail.com

www.FLYFISHINGCLASS.com

865-696-9474

MONSTER RAINBOW TROUT -- guess how big ???

IT IS A RAINBOW TROUT - not a steelhead !!! 

BRIAN WESTPHALEN - loves to fish

Brian never gets tired of catching big fish -- 20+ incher

ALEX SCHUETTLER - with his BIG ONE for the day

Alex Schuettler - one of many for the day 

Rod Caldwell with a good one

Rod Caldwell - after work relaxation 

2013 MONSTER SMALLMOUTH

FUN  FUN   FUN 
CLICK ON PICTURE TO ENLARGE  

BRIAN WESTPHALEN -- MAKING IT LOOK EASY -- HOW DO YOU DO IT ??????

Brian Westphalen - LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD -- so far.  hahaha -- This East Tennessee River SMALLMOUTH BASS is measured by the ARM.  FINGERS TO MID-BICEP -- that is what we are talking about for this LUNKER.  What is your secret???  

Jeff Meredith -- Bass Time in Tennessee

JEFF MEREDITH - had a fight on his hands... have you ever seen "LUNKER FEVER"?  The indications are the hands are shaking and the adrenaline is flowing.... with a smile on the face.... hahaha .  What a great job handling this fish!!!  THIS IS WHY WE GO FISHING... to catch this size fish!!!  Great Job Jeff.     

WINNER "FIGHT OF THE MONTH" MAY 2013

FLY FISH TENNESSEE -- SPRINGTIME SMALLMOUTH BASS FISHING in Tennessee rivers is hard to beat, anywhere.  Right where she was supposed to be !!!!! FISH ON.   I fish with clear 10 LB leader from the fly line loop TO THE FLY.  Fish the STREAMERS deep in the holes with sinking line if needed.  Great time to use sinking line.  Set the hook hard and keep the rod at 11 O'clock.  Hold on!!! 

WINNER "FIGHT OF THE MONTH" - APRIL 2013

Yes - I have caught bigger... but this is NOT BAD

FLY FISH TENNESSEE -- GET OUT THERE --  RIVER FISHING FOR BASS

TOWNSEND TN -- at its best -- big fish and catchable too --

Picture by Mike Liske

FLY FISH TENNESSEE -- How about this BEAUTY -- right where he was supposed to be.  I did a quick release and he is ready to be caught by YOU...  get out there!!!  

Brian Westphalen - FIRST BASS OF THE YEAR - 2013

Brian Westphalen -- makes it look easy

FLY FISH TENNESSEE --  WHAT does this tell you???   The small mouth are in the rivers... Get out there!!!  Make sure you have strong 8 lb to 10 lb spinning line as tippet (or) go from your (fly line end loop) all the way down to the fly with 10 lb test.  Get some weighted streamers and get down to the fish....

WINNER - FIGHT OF THE MONTH - MARCH 2013

FLY FISHING TENNESSEE

FLY FISH TENNESSEE -- WINNER --  THIS HEALTHY 16.5 INCH MALE RAINBOW TROUT (Townsend TN) hit my streamer in very cold water.  There are snow capped mountaintops all around on this beautiful March 3, 2013 Day.   The water tempurature did not slow him down... and after a very good fight AND quick picture... the release.  He is in there for someone else to catch and release him again and again.... GET OUT THERE.   

UNIVERSITY OF TN - MARCH CLASS - FILLING NOW

The University of Tennessee MARCH 2013 Fly Fishing Class
DATES ARE  (Tues / Thurs)  March 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 20 WED, 21st -- Three straight weeks on Tues / Thurs with a special Wednesday night on the 20th at the local 3 RiversAngler Fly shop. We will cover "Everything you NEED to know about Fly Fishing".   To learn more here:

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER  $199/student

The instruction is a HANDS-ON class covering “Everything you NEED to know about fly fishing” – it is not everything there IS to know.  I let the students know what is important vs. what is available to know…   It is a complete mind dump from me of all the aspects of fly fishing.  My guiding principles are these:

I want the students to be:

ü  Knowledgeable enough to feel comfortable in a fly shop – know what you are looking at…

ü  Functional (ability to catch fish) to be able to read the stream / know where and what direction (upstream or downstream) and make the right presentation with the particular fly – to catch fish

ü  Have the right temperament to handle “problems” like snags / lost flies / falling in / and still enjoy themselves

Class breakdown of about 8 hours of classroom instruction and 4 hours of HANDS-ON casting lessons

Topics that we cover:  

GEAR

We start at the reel and cover what you NEED to know about setup / drag / backing / line / how to rig etc..

We move to the fly rods – covering the variety of weights / What to buy / what to avoid

We then cover lines – what you need to know about them and the different types

We then review leaders / tippets – many money saving tips here

We cover knots / loops / all hands-on

We then cover flies

We cover Safety

We discuss clothing / vests / walking sticks / gear in the vest / types of Waders… all aspects of gear

 Where to go / streams in the area / laws or special regulations / trout and bass

CASTING

We spend about 4 hours of hands-on casting – each student will be able to cast proficiently

DVD – supplemental learning

WEDNESDAY MARCH 20TH --  we watch an instructional DVD to cover “on the steam” activity.  We watch it in 3 Rivers Angler fly shop because Allen and Jeremy are gracious enough to allow us to have the shop all to ourselves.  It is closed to outsiders.   

Class is held at Cedar Deane Hill Rec Center (corner of Deane Hill and Morrell) -- in any weather because we cast on Basketball court.  We have a classroom section and then a casting lesson each night that we meet at the Rec Center.    

 I can supply a student their fly rod if needed – no equipment is required.  Most do bring their own rod / reel with them if they have one, of course.  We discuss what to buy to make the students an informed buyer as part of the class.  3 Rivers Angler fly shop has a lifetime warranty fly rod for about $160, if you need a great rod at a great price.  If you have a rod / reel let me know about it and bring it with you each night.  All you NEED to bring is a notebook and pen – each night.   

Each student provides feedback at the end of the class and I apply it as I can – I have been teaching for about 5+ years and students love the class.  Some have said it was their best class, ever.   I put all I have into the class, I teach because I want to and not because I have to for the financial reasons.    Read the student comments here – www.FLYFISHINGCLASS.com 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER 

Drew Still

Fly Fishing Instructor

DrewStill@Gmail.com

www.FLYFISHINGCLASS.com

865-696-9474

  

JANUARY 2013 CLASS IS FULL

The January 2013 class is FULL :
  (5 SESSIONS OVER 2 WEEKS)


Jan 29 / 31 Tuesday / Thursday

Feb 5/ 6/ 7 Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday (Wednesday is the fly shop night @ 3 RiversAnglers from 6:30 – 8:30)

Class time is from 6:30pm till about 9:30 – 9:45 each night

WINNER - FIGHT OF THE MONTH - DEC 2012

                   Little River -- Tied for fight of the month.     

WINNER - FIGHT OF THE THE MONTH - NOV 2012

This 18 inch Rainbow Trout - RELEASED of course... hit a homemade light gray, silver ribbed size 18 bead headed midge.  Dead floated -- FIGHT OF THE MONTH -- "NO DOUBT"  PRESENTATION - PRESENTATION - PRESENTATION 

Townsend -- has big fish these days

This 16 1/2 inch Rainbow Trout was eager to jump on my streamer... BANG hit hard and fought like a Steelhead as she jumped many times!!!  How exciting it was. 

17 INCHER -- Renee Cox

Renee Cox did not mess around with this 17 Inch lunker... fought her like a champ. 
BLACK FRIDAY -- a day to be out of the stores and on the stream....

WINNER - FIGHT OF THE MONTH - OCTOBER 2012

THIS 19 INCH RAINBOW TROUT  pictured in my OVER-SIZED net that my dad made, took me down stream and I thought for SURE he was a Brown Trout as the golden glow was seen from quite a distance.  After about 10 minutes, I was able to net this big MALE (hooked lower jaw) and a quick release.  He never looked back... Fight of the Month, for sure...PLUS of the PRETTIEST fish too.What a beautiful golden color he has!!!   (CLICK TO ENLARGE)  

TIME FOR A BIGGER NET

What a GREAT DAY to be out on the water even though the wind was racing and the cold air was moving in...  This 17 INCH RAINBOW TROUT did not mind.  PRESENTATION / PRESENTATION / PRESENTATION -- 4x tippet has never failed me. On the CLINCH RIVER.    

WINNER -- FIGHT OF THE MONTH - AUGUST 2012

Fly Fishing Tennessee --  This BEAUTIFUL 18.5 Rainbow Trout was right where she was supposed to be....stripped out my line so fast that I thought she was a CARP.  She took me downstream to some slower water and that is when I saw her for the first time... This is no carp!!! I had just changed my tippet from fishing my trusty 5X tippet with nymphs to put on my 4X to throw my homemade streamers.  I am glad I did!!!   BANG.... She hit like a fast moving train.  What a fight for a GOOD 10 minutes. My Selke hat sure does keep me cool, too.    Butch Johnson and I had a great day on the water.  GET OUT THERE. 

2012 MEN'S GATHERING - MANY FISH RELEASED

Fly Fishing Tennessee -- 17" + Rainbow Trout -- on the Clinch River - Knoxville TN.  What a great "weekend getaway" at this beautiful LODGE ON THE CLINCH -  http://www.vrbo.com/305592  This lodge will sleep 15 men comfortably and has all the comforts of home -- PLUS IT IS ON THE CLINCH RIVER.  This year there were some BIG FISH caught by a few folks. This 17" fish did not want to come in and was using the ONE GENERATOR FLOW to his advantage.... what a great fight.  As you can see next to my SELKE hat, this fish is healthy and LARGE and was released with no problems.  He is still in there...Go catch him again. 

WINNER - FIGHT OF THE YEAR - 23 INCH RAINBOW

Fly Fishing Tennessee -- This 23 INCH CLINCH RIVER RAINBOW is the WINNER OF THE FIGHT OF THE YEAR!!!!   (CLICK ON PICTURE TO SEE BETTER).  She "took off UPSTREAM" -- you know they are BIG when they are SCREAMING YOUR DRAG WHILE GOING UPSTREAM!!!   With no jumps to offer a glimpse, I was just wondering if it was a trout..... but I did know one thing... it was TIME TO GET A BIGGER NET !!!!  What fun!!!!.  I think the SLOT LIMIT is working fine.   Get out there......  RELEASED unharmed for the next fisherfriend.

WINNER - FIGHT OF THE MONTH - JULY 2012

Fly Fishing Tennessee  -- THIS 25 INCH CARP - took me into my backing as I was running down the stream... trying to keep up,,, WOW, what a surprise to find a CARP on the end of my fly rod!!!!  WHAT A FIGHT to remember.  Winner for JULY - "FIGHT OF THE MONTH".

STURGEN FISH IN HOLSTON

Fly Fishing Tennessee  --  Hes Schuettler spotted this fish lurking like a harmless carp.... but THIS IS NO CARP.  Look at the unique fins and the markings on the top back of the fish.... (click on picture to enlarge)  BEAUTIFUL (to another STURGEN).

TWENTY INCH Rainbow - RELEASED -

KENNY MARCUM - IS HOOKED ON FISHING!!! This 20 INCH RAINBOW gave the ZEBCO 33 drag system and its"backward reel feature" a "RUN" for its life.  Kenny hooked this fish and you could tell it was a big fish becasue it JUMPED out of the water twice and hit like a sack of cement. Kenny held he rod at 11 o'clock  and quickly switched to the back-reeling capability of the reel... saving the break off.  As she made many runs, Kenny just held the rod at 11 and waited her out... RELEASED WITH NO HARM -- GO CATCH AND RELEASE HER AGAIN AND AGAIN!!!!   

WINNER - FIGHT OF THE MONTH - JUNE 2012 -- FATHER'S DAY

Fly Fishing Tennessee --  WHAT A GREAT DAY -- with my good friend Hes Scheuttler enjoying Father's Day with the fish biting and the weather perfect!!!  I love my new SELKE hat...as the sun warms the air... I stay cool.  This fish gave a great fight as they do on the Holston.  She took me downstream and into some nice slow water for the catch and release following this quick snapshot.  What fun -- "get out there".

UT -- JULY CLASS FILLING NOW !!!

There are few seats remaining in the upcoming Fly Fishing Class at UT starting July 10th -- July 26th -- Tuesday and Thursday Evenings  6:30 -- 8:30.   Learn "Everything you need to know about Fly Fishing" including Casting / Gear / Knots / Reading the Stream / Fighting the Fish / Landing the Fish / MUCH MORE.... See the student comments in the below posts.... $199 complete with gear furnished if needed.

MAY 2012 CLASS - FULL

What a great group. (L to R) Bruce Suddarth, Butch Johnson, Michael Conti, Sara Mulville, Carol Coffey, Daniel Lewis, Chuck Jerigan and Andrew Fipps.  This group was casting like they had been doing it for years.  Each with their own "style"... laying it out there... with finesse.  Cedar Bluff Racquet Club has never seen the likes of fly casting like this before!!  What a great place for us to learn. 

Michael said "I found the classroom time just as fun as the casting".
Sara said "I can't wait to get on the water.  Awesome class".
Chuck said "This course has given me confidence in the sport in many different areas". "Excellent Job"!
Andrew said "This is exactly what I was looking for.  I am confident to fly fish any stream in East Tn.".
Carol said "If you want to learn how to Fly Fish... TAKE DREW'S CLASS."
Daniel said "Definitely a good investment of my money.  It covered everything I needed to know".
Butch said " "Thanks for all the information, I thoroughly enjoyed your course".
Bruce said "This class was the BEST class I have ever taken, PERIOD.  I recommend this to anyone".

Get out there!!!

A MEMERABLE MEMORIAL DAY - 19 1/4"

THIS 19 1/4 INCH Rainbow Trout - RIGHT WHERE SHE SHOULD HAVE BEEN...caught me off guard because I had fished the area well, without a strike... I then I changed colors and BANG!!!  After going downstream to net her, I received a "thumbs up" from the neighboring fly fishermen in the area who watched the whole show happen. MY MOTTO -- "If you are not catching, CHANGE SOMETHING... either go deeper, change color, change fly or just change your presentation style.  The fish are TELLING you that they are not interested, if you are not catching fish."

APRIL 2012 - UT FLY FISHING CLASS -- FULL

TALK ABOUT FAST LEARNERS !!!!  This group has emailed me MANY successful fly fishing stories already... with some fishing DRY FLIES on the Clinch and taking fish!!!  From back row, left to right, Lee Thomas, George Smith.  Center row - Ronald Cross, Sue Stone, Larry Parker, Larry Fields.  Front row - Dougg Williams, David Coffey and Lorrie Wright.  I look forward to hearing more fishing adventures with this group.  I am PROUD of them. 

Lee said  "Drew got down to my level so I could understand everything.  It was GREAT".
Larry said "You learn the basics in every area...a great way to get a solid foundation".
Dougg said "You will learn to Fly Fish, guaranteed.  Great materials, great emails... Fish On!!!".
Lorri said "Great class if you are just starting out".
David said "Great! Covers all critical aspects of Fly Fishing that you need to get out and FISH".
Sue said "I really appreciate the no frills, straight talking approach to fly fishing...an expert".
Larry said "An excellent class to get enugh info to get on the stream and know what you are doing".
Ronald said "Very informative, Instructor was well informed and avid fisherman".
George said " A practical, hands-on course that covers all the essential knowledge and info needed..."


Get out there!!!!

TWENTY INCHER

Fly Fishing Tennessee -- This 20" fish was "RIGHT WHERE SHE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE".  Streamer fishing casting downstream at 45 degrees can pay off BIG TIME.  There was no hatch to speak of... so I reached for one of my inventions (my personal pattern that I tied)  "minnow" imitation... and BANG.  I was not sure she was a trout until she was up close.  I had to get out of the stream and go down to her... quick release following the picture.  (Picture by Sean Camp)

WINNER - FIGHT OF THE MONTH - MAY 2012



Fly Fishing Tennessee -- GETTING DOWN to the fish with GOOD PRESENTATION =

19 inches -

Presentation - Presentation - Presentation

MAY 2012 CLASS - FULL

CLASS IS FULL
Students Register here (free) or  to ask questions
http://www.flyfishingclass.eventbrite.com/
 
DATES: May 29, 31, June 5, (6), 7 - Tues / Thurs 6:30pm - 9:30pm  WED June 6th is a special Instructional DVD night at 3 Rivers Anglers fly shop  (5 Total Sessions)
 
Class consists of about 10 hours classroom learning PLUS  4 hours of  "HANDS-ON CASTING"
Class Location - @ Cedar Bluff Racquet Club (behind Catholic High School)
 
Register here - free - http://www.flyfishingclass.eventbrite.com/ 
or submit questions. 
 
865-696-9474 call Drew with questions
 
$199 Fee

SMALLMOUTH ON A FLY ROD -- none better

Fly Fishing Tennessee  --  WHAT A FIGHT!!!  If you are not fishing for SMALLMOUTH in April... you are not fishing.

IT IS SMALLMOUTH TIME IN TENNESSEE

We are taking FINGERTIP TO MID-BICEP - no time for measuring tape here.  Man what a big fish.... Hes Schuettler what is your secret???   Fighting this quality fish proves you have what it takes!!!  Good job. 

WINNER - FIGHT OF THE MONTH - APRIL 2012 - MONSTER FISH

Fly Fishing Tennessee  -- Just look at this wonderful, measured 19 inch Rainbow (hoping for 20 inches but... just short). Right where she was supposed to be and BANG.... the rest was history.  She took me downstream and after a great fight.... this picture was taken.  I love it. Nothing like fishing with good friends. Get out there. 

LOOK AT THIS ONE -- what a fight

Released....This 18 inch Rainbow Trout gave me such a thrill. She was right where she was supposed to be.... Deep / Fast water... and I got down to meet her...What Fun.  Sometimes the basics are all you need.   

ANOTHER LUNKER - 2012

Fly Fishing Tennessee -- Released...LOOK AT THIS BEAUTY.  This fish was so big that I could not lay her across my net without the risk of her getting away (before his picture taken). This female measured 18.5 inches of pure power with the weight to match her length.  What a classic fight she provided.  I love springtime in East Tennessee!!! 

BIGGEST FISH ON A FLY ROD -- history in the making for Hes Schuettler

HES SCHUETTLER - making it look easy.  What else can I say?  Look at his netting style as he REEEEEACHES for the BIG ONE with his net.... what fun!!!  This SOLID 17 INCH Rainbow was worn out by the time the fight was over.  Hes hooked him in deeper water and fought him downstream... and brought him into the shallows for an "easy net job" - ritght!!!!  He did land this fish as I have more pictures to prove it.  What a great time on the water.   (Time to get a bigger net Hes)!!!

Sam Liske - CATCH OF THE DAY

Sam Liske fought off the cold water of the Clinch River on March 31st with his dad to catch "fish after fish".  Pictured here is just ONE of the "slot limit size fish" that he caught and released.  This 15.5 inch rainbow was not even the biggest of the day for him, but it was the best picture.  In addition to this one... was one hitting the 18 inch mark!!  I sure bet that Sam will be back for more fish so they had better watch out!!!   Better plan on it dad....     

MAY 2012 Fly Fishing Class is NOW BOOKING w limited seats

CLASS FILLING NOW:

Register here (free) to get as seat or to ask questions
http://www.flyfishingclass.eventbrite.com/
DATES: May 29, 31, June 5, (6), 7 - Tues / Thurs 6:30pm - 9:30pm (5 Total Sessions)
WED the 6th is a special Instructional DVD night at 3 Rivers Anglers fly shop

Breakdown of about 10 hours of classroom and 4 hours of HANDS-ON casting

Class Location - @ Cedar Bluff Racquet Club (behind Catholic High School)

Class Fee $199/Student

UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE APRIL 2012 Fly Fishing Class is FULL

Thank you so much for all your support.  I really appreciate the fact that EACH CLASS I seem to have students that have been referred to me or have signed up based on the class's reputation.  Thank you , thank you all.

WINNER - FIGHT OF THE MONTH - March 2012

This 17 inch Rainbow on the Holston really surprised me.  I would have BET she was 18" during the fight as she took me downstream and fought her best.  She took a streamer, deep in the hole (deep and fast water) right where she should have been, as they say.  Bang!  My 4X tippet kept her from breaking off and the oversized net did the job.  What fun!!!  Kinda makes you want to do it again... and again....  Get out there!!!

Dr. Michael Liske -- making it look easy

"Mike" Liske lifting a very nice rainbow from the Holston River on St. Patty's day.  His Olive Woolly Bugger was no match for his many fish that challenged him that day. His first time stripping streamers in moving water - making it look easy.  Many a "sore mouths" when he got finished.  We had a ball stripping streamers on our 4X tippet and floating nymphs on our 5X tippet.  No dry fly action yet, but soon.  The little rain that day did not dampen the fish catching and many times will add to the selection of fly choices.  I used a homemade beadheaded "purple worm" that really surprised me during the rain... you just never know! 

FEB 2012 UT CLASS - FULL

What a great group of students.  This group was one of the BEST casting bunch (right from the start) that I have ever had.  Pictured (L to R and Front to Back) is Front row -  Jesse Lehn, Rick Payer, Rod Caldwell, Bruce Gallacher, 2nd row Will Monahan, Joe Fore, Mary Sue Bjorklund, Walker Purvis - Back row - Stephanie Hall. Ben Davidson, - absent is David Atkins.  Some of these anglers have already hit the water and have reported landing some fish!!!   Great Job!!   I look forward to seeing you out on the water. 

WINNER - FIGHT OF THE MONTH - Jan 2012 - First Fish

THIS 18 inch Rainbow is my first hit and first fish for 2012!!  What a fight this female provided on the Holston with my good fishing buddy Brent Bonar.  As I tell my class, if you do not know what to throw... try an Egg Pattern or Terrestrial.  In this case, the egg patterned "glow ball" was the trick.  I thought I was hung!!  But after the fish took me down stream about 50 yards we were able to enjoy her picture in my oversized net.   

New Class - NOW FULL -- 21 incher -BTW

The University of Tennessee’s -- Fly Fishing Class with Drew Still
FULL
Tuesdays / Thursdays Feb 28, March 1, 6, 8, 13, 14 , 15   CLASS FEE $199

Ron Cattlet says "If you are serious about wanting to learn about fly fishing, this is a terrific class. At the end of the class, you will walk away with knowledge on casting, the necessary gear needed to enjoy the sport, and an understanding of how to "read the stream" leading to successfully catching fish."
Chris Gentry says "This class is an excellent introduction to not only fly fishing but fishing in general. Drew cares about you learning and becoming proficient."
Rob Martin say "This is an excellent overview of what you really need to know to get started fly fishing. A very good introduction to the sport. Also a good way to meet new people (and potential fishing buddies) who have a similar interest."
Tracy Phillips says "I cannot tell you enough how much we (husband) enjoyed being there and how much we learned. I thought we had a good group and everyone was eager to learn. I would encourage anyone who thought they might want to learn to fly fish or anyone who needs some quick lessons to take the class. Lots of fun and very informative."
Chuck James says "I found Drew to be very knowledgeable on fly fishing.  I would call him a Master fly fisherman.  It was fun picking his brain on a subject he knew inside-and-out".
Carole Brailey says "This is a very dynamic speaker, knowledgeable, entertaining, funny and worth every penny you paid for the class."
Mike Stafford says "Don’t waste your time trying to learn the fundamentals from anyone else. This class will save you time, aggravation, and even money in the long run.”

Faith Promise Church "Fly Fishing Group" ends 2011 year

What a GREAT DAY out on the water each individual member had in Townsend over about a 2 week period. They were stocking in October again.... good size fish. Here is Brian Westphalen again getting the shot of the week as he strategically places himself above the pool of fish. We caught em on streamers and woolley worms.

WINNER - FIGHT OF THE MONTH - Nov 2011

This beauty was released inEast Tennessee after she hit "duck and chuck" type heavy streamer to get D O W N to the fish in the fall rainy season. As I like to tell my students...

"Presentation - Presentation -- Presentation".

Hooked Jaw = Male Fish

This released fish has an upwards lower "hooked jaw" that male fish develop in order to build the nests for thier mate. This is good to know if you want to avoid taking a female fish. Some of the male jaws become very pronounced like the one near the bottom of this page -- scroll down -- as it has about a 90 degree up angle on its jaw. It is a little known fact....

LABOR DAY "FIGHT OF THE MONTH" September

This 17 incher took my "homemade" beetle - on top with 5x special tippet that I love. Do not be afraid to try terrestrials... She gave a great fight and took me downstream and won the "Fight of the Month" award for September 2011. She was released of course so GET OUT THERE and get fishing.

GET OUT THERE --

LUNKER -- Brian Wesphalen a former student of mine, caught this fish in June on the Clinch River. As you can see by the picture, the fog is still laying low on the water as the sun is rising over the mountain behind us. It is a great time to be "OUT THERE". This fish is obviously over the 14" slot limit size and was immediately released unharmed. This fish is 18.5 inches and is built like a tank - estimated at 3 lbs. Way to go Brian keeping that rod at 11:30 on the fight. What Fun!!