Only 8 spaces per class so don't wait!

Mid February to the end of April is a great time to try your hand at winter steelhead and maximize a day on local water to learn new casting and angling techniques.

Feb 18th to 22nd, March 22nd to 26th, April 4th to 12th, 23rd to 30th.

Email april@flygal.ca to book or visit http://flygal.ca/winter_run_steelhead for more details.

Have a look at the cart here and remember that it's free shipping on all orders over $99.00 (even international orders)!

Happy New Year to all and a cheers to an exciting new 2012! See some of you very soon!

It was winter in western Canada and the trees were awaiting their new dress. They stood naked and bare, lining the secluded river bank, shivering in the wind and grasping for my back cast.

They, like me, were only moments away from the season’s first coating of fresh snow.

Evening had fast been approaching but the sudden snowfall lit the moody sky and I smiled at the extra thirty casts I may have just been gifted.

Boulders and troughs played hide and seek though the river’s glare, cheating the fish and giving away their hiding spots. I loved this game…

An obtrusive fluorescent green fly line filled me with a false sense of security, connecting me indirectly with my fly as it swung through the current.

My fly hit its dangle as the line swung parallel with the shore and I waited for a grab...nothing.

Refused and neglected, I stripped in my running line, took two steps downstream, and proceeded to do it all again.

From British Columbia, Washington, Oregon and California in the West, to Ontario, New York, Ohio, and other Great Lakes states in the East, winter steelheaders escape the hectic stresses and aftermath of holiday hype by seeking recluse on the abandoned riverbanks.

‘Tis the season; not of shopping malls and home renovations, but the season where we hold our breaths as we turn down back-roads until we’re greeted by puddles of unbroken ice.

Yes, to put it bluntly, it’s the long awaited time of year where we can rely on the weather to single out the die-hards and open the waterways to those willing to sacrifice feeling in their toes for a single fishy grab (if we’re lucky).

As a fishing guide and booking agent, I find myself spending a lot of time answering questions from anglers looking to book a summer steelhead trip.

Usually I am thrilled to answer the expected questions; “What gear do I need?”, “What will the weather be like?”, “How far will I need to cast?”, “When do these fish enter the system?”, “What’s the average fish size?”, “Can we take our fish home?” (Huh? No!)

Like a family fishing Doctor, I have seen and heard it all. It’s a rarity when someone takes me by surprise and it is even more infrequent to find someone who can make me wince (with the exception of thoughtless back casts when I’m standing in the line of fire).

This said, there is one question that inevitably makes me cringe just the slightest: "How many fish can we expect to catch per day?”

It’s a fair question really, a question that I can answer and one that is relatively easy to answer consistently.
The truth is, I cringe because this is the cybernetic moment where I find myself discriminately gauging the experience and dedication of the angler I’m corresponding with.

Then I wait.

For some, standing in the water all day to possibly hook into a couple of steelhead simply isn’t an option. Regardless of the comparatively pleasant conditions that summer steelheading brings, there are some anglers that this sector of the sport just isn’t cut out for, and that’s quite alright.

In this moment, it is made clear to me that I am most likely in communication with a fellow winter steelheader.

Often battling freezing temperatures, bone-chilling winds, icy guides, frozen boots, slippery slopes, and high maintenance fish, it is the winter steelheaders who truly understand and demonstrate sincere appreciation for a successful day on the water.

Notoriously a stubborn species, they often hunker low in the water column and taunt fishers with lock jawed tendencies brought on by their frigid environment.

I have witnessed gear anglers drift bait over winter steelhead so many times that the gooey stink almost hits the fish in its snout. Standing above the bank, I’ve watched them nonchalantly stray five inches to the left or right, only to return to their holding spot as if they couldn’t be bothered to entertain the desperate plea of 100+ casts.

While I am somewhat unfamiliar with the productivity of the Great Lakes fishery, I am quite confident to claim that one hook-up per day is a success for most any winter steelheader.

True, there are some days, fisheries, cycles and months where several fish can be coaxed into taking a persistent fly, however as a general rule of thumb, one landed winter-run steelhead typically results in one radiant smile, one very happy angler, and a whole lot of instilled confidence.

The day, though still cold, is welcoming and even the most depressed of trees seem to come to life as the orange glow pushes through their limbs and remaining few crisp leaves.

The water displays a brilliant green and sparkles like diamonds while the sun’s warming touch heats exposed flesh, dark clothing and sour attitudes. Uplifting and comforting, these sunny days are long-awaited and rarely go unnoticed or unappreciated.

As the sun plays coy, the water loses its charisma and the featureless dark, tarlike currents drain the enthusiasm of many an angler who shows up to play.

Days are often quickly cut short by an extended coffee shop visit or by an excuse to linger in the warmth of a heated truck. Fishing buddies hold out on their secret desire to surrender until the other has displayed a mutual frozen fingered misery and they finally look at each other and agree that lunch sounds “really good right about now”.

It’s fantastic to watch and even more fulfilling to experience; anglers pushing themselves to their limits, each one of them ending the day with rosy cheeks and a smile, content and proud that they put forth the effort.

It’s one that cannot be taught, passed down, preached, pushed or posted on the net. Rather, it’s one that comes with the cliché gospel of blood, sweat and tears; one that is authentic and sure to change the patience of all those who are up to the challenge.

They are the appreciative, the deserving, the elite and the knowing. They are the old-school breed of ‘work hard to reap the rewards’, ‘no pain no gain’ mottos and ‘appreciate all that encompasses the sport of fly-fishing’; they are the winter steelheaders and I am thankful for every one of them that I meet.

After grueling nights of web design and countless pleas for donations, we are finally live here at Flies for Fins!

You can visit the shop at http://www.flies4fins.com/shop

We must apologize in advance as there are many items currently on their way to us via the mail right now that are not yet available in our cart. We will be sure to add them to the site as soon as we have them in hand, so continue checking in over the next week or two.

At this time, we are in desperate need for flies and we are graciously welcoming donations from all tiers; old and new! Please don't be shy to send in your flies. One of the wonderful things about Flies for Fins is the collaboration of our angling community and all of the diversity that it brings.

We have categories set for saltwater flies, trout flies, Atlantic Salmon, bass, steelhead, etc...you name it!

Our online auction system will be set to go live in the next few weeks and we are ecstatic to feature some incredibly rare flies from some angling legends; some who unfortunately are no longer with us.

We appreciate each and every one of you for taking an interest in our attempt to raise money for BC's wild rivers and steelhead. Without your support both as donators and as purchasers, Flies for Fins could never be what it is today.

The Flies for Fins Team

Well, here we go! Flies for Fins is back!

Flies for Fins is a charitable organization whose primary mission is to promote and raise funding for specific projects dedicated to the conservation of various B.C. fisheries that are in need of help.

While most of these fisheries are fortunate to have the aid of other concentrated non-profit organizations, these organizations often still need significant assistance with fundraising. Flies for Fins was founded with the hopes that we could assist these organizations achieve their goals by reaching out to conservation minded anglers around the world.

Flies for Fins carefully considers and partakes in discussions with these organizations before committing to assist them in order to reach their maximum funding potential. This is done by collecting details of the current proposed project (via the selected affiliated organization) and establishing a set amount of money that needs to be raised in order to achieve the desired goal.

The Flies for Fins project works by giving conservation minded anglers an outlet to donate flies and equipment which is then added to our e-commerce system and available for purchase by individuals around the world via our website. This provides multiple ways to contribute; donations, purchases, or both.

100% of the proceeds from the sale of these items goes to help fund the currently selected project. Flies for Fins is operated by a small team of dedicated volunteers that maintain the website and shipping/receiving of donated items.

The F4F cart is set to go live on December 5th, and while most of the donated items are still currently somewhere in the air on their way here, the donations are starting to pour in for purchase!

With Christmas just around the corner, I can't think of a better gift than one that actually makes a difference!

So far, we'd like to thank:

And many more....!

We are also very pleased to announce that we have a very special collection of flies on the way from Wes Drain, Dennis Boulton, Alec Jackson, Leroy Hyatt, Frank Amato, Cal Bird, George McLeod, Walt Johnson, Joe Howell, and Mr. Polly Rosborough!!

We still are in a dire need of flies and other items....if this is something that you feel you can help with, please know that any and all help is beyond appreciated!

From now until December 31st, we are offering Free Shipping on purchases over $99.00 (before tax). Yes, even on international orders!

We have even added a clearance selection to the site that has been discounted up to 35% off...

While we are having technical difficulties with our coupon code on the cart, email april@flygal.ca and I'll arrange your order for you in time for the holidays.

They say it like it is, play fantastic music, and do so all while having a great time.

Recently, I was minding my business when a friend called to let me know that they had been speaking about me on the Jeff O'neil show (a popular morning show on the station) earlier that day.

Regardless, Mariko was on the show as Canada's hottest fisher woman and she handled their crude questions well. "Dinner plates or dimes?", they asked her.... Yes, they are classy guys.

So as my inbox lit up with an email from one of the hosts, I took some time to think about if it was worth signing up for what could potentially be an embarrassment of perverse questions and a self controlled stifled temper.

I thought about it long and hard; it is a big radio station and I am trying hard right now to reach to the general public about the Shell issue that has me so fired up.

Before long I found myself saying yes to the interview, but warned them that I likely wouldn't be as much fun as Ms. Izumi. After all, how can I compete with underwear Olympics and a string bikini?

The "reliable" bossy woman's voice barked me from street corner to street corner "turn left, turn right to destination", and eventually landed me at a dead end; lost and shrieking at the stupid thing.

Without further adieu, check out the link below to hear a very sweaty but recorded radio interview.

Clients didn't arrive for another week, and we were eager to do some "research".

It was awesome...
http://www.youtube.com/user/FlyGalVentures#p/a/u/1/UMTM7iD3vHE

Even landed the first fish that I couldn't successfully pick up (the 30 minute fight didn't help... excuses, excuses, I know.)

Guests arrived the following week.... and fishing stayed hot!

Only two spaces left... email info@flygal.ca to book.

Before long, the steelhead were numerous and the days flew fast as Stevie and I were kept busy while tailing fish and toasting the fish Gods.

The season seemed to fly by and while the stories are countless, they'll have to wait for another day.

Here's a taste of some of our favorite people...

To be perfectly honest, words can't do the season justice... I'll let the pictures do the talking:

April.

Join us as we visit Water Caye (located off the coast of South/Central Belize) and experience this world-class fishery that has been appropriately labeled the best section of permit flats in the world!

Dates/Hosts

Trip Dates- May 6th to May 13th, 2012

Trip Host- April Vokey

Spaces Currently Available-7 of 8

Rates

$3885.00 USD

*Includes 7 nights accommodations (double occupancy), all meals and 6 days of guided fishing (guided days are 10 hours long).

There are flats located directly behind the lodge that are accessible for our guests, in the event that they'd like to wade the flats (without a guide) in the evenings. The combination of 10 hour days and the option of fishing in the evenings, secures this as one of the most productive angling adventures that we offer.

Also included in the price is our private shuttle (flexible to all flight arrival times on May 6th), round trip airfare from Belize International Airport (Belize City) to Dangriga, round trip water taxi service from Dangriga to Water Caye (our final destination).

**Responsible for gratuities, transportation into Belize City, alcoholic beverages and USD Belize Airport departure tax.

To reserve your space click here or call 1.888.359.4259

Package Information

Water Caye is located off the coast of South/Central Belize, roughly 16 miles off the coastal town of Dangriga. Water Caye is undeniably one of the most visually stunning locations in all of the Caribbean.

Along with permit, there will be the opportunity to fish for tarpon, bonefish, jacks, grouper and large barracuda.

Guests arrive in Belize City on Sunday, May 6th, 2012 (at whatever time is most convenient for their scheduled flight), where they are met by our assistant Lilly.

Lilly escorts all of our clients to the domestic air carrier in preparation for the 20 minute flight South to the coastal town of Dangriga.

Upon exiting the plane in Dangriga, guests collect their luggage where they are then met by our driver, Bennett, who makes the drive to the Dangriga boat docks and its waiting water taxi. From here, it's a quick 35 minute ride out to the fishing paradise and island of Water Caye.

This island is situated directly in the heart of what many consider to be the best skinny water permit fishery in the world.

The flats extend both North and South of the island, consistently producing an abundance of permit.

To the South, countless saltwater flats sprawl through the ocean and are indisputably the finest in the world. We know how challenging permit fishing can be, and as a result we're determined to 'fish the best for the best'.

These pristine flats hold incredible numbers of permit and have proven reliable to wading anglers who can handle the excitement of casting to tailing fish while standing in only 3 feet of water.

Anglers can expect to see multiple tailing fish each day and have the opportunity to cast to some absolutely magnificent permit! While the majority of this fishing is done while wading, the ultimate challenge is hooking permit from the flats and fooling these beauties into playing the angling game.

Important travel information- For American, Canadian, and E.U. citizens, all that is required for entrance to Belize is a valid Passport. Guests from China, Columbia, Cuba, India, South Africa, and Taiwan require a Visa for entrance to Belize.

Accommodations

Our guests stay at the Blue Marlin Lodge which is located on the North end of the island.