The Wilds prove the Munchable Minnow is Munchable!

Some time ago, I got bored with the same old fly tying and decided to try my hand at designing some new patterns. One such pattern that was created that day was the munchable minnow.

I tied it in a number of different color combos for anything from steelhead to bass. I have fished for many years and knew it would catch fish, but you really don't "know" until the fly is tied and in the water.

Not long after designing it, I posted the photo below and had a client who fishes with out warmwater specialist Graham Stokes email me asking if he could buy some. I said of course, and tied some up for him.

His plan was to use them at "The Wilds" in the early summer. For those of you who aren't familiar with "The Wilds," it is a bass fisherman's paradise!!!

At any rate, Brian (Graham's client) agreed to test some flies for me and here is the rest of the story.....

ROBINSON'S MUNCHABLE MINNOWS

The rest of the story is here by Graham Stokes.......

Wednesday I fished with Brian B. This was Brian’s third year in a row fishing largemouth with me and I really wanted to put him onto a big fish. Last year he landed a great fish so I knew no ordinary fish would make the day.

We found the fish. It may or may not have been as big as last year’s fish but the fight it gave us certainly made the catch. Brian’s TFO 8 weight was bent in half and I had a hard time keeping the kayak out of the brush. The fish jumped twice and went deep into the weeds but eventually came to hand.

We measured the Largemouth at 22 inches and this time I had my boga grip, so we weighed it at 5 pounds. I also used my new waterproof case on the camera to get a picture of the fish underwater.

Perhaps the best part of the story is that the fly Brian used was one he’d specifically requested from Ohio guide and fly tyer, Patrick Robinson. It was Patrick’s “Munchable Minnow” that brought this fish and many others to hand that day.

After some discussion with Graham about his take on the fly, I am pleased to say that Graham liked it enough to request some for his own guide boxes! That in my opinion is the true test. A lot of flies can catch fish, but will other guides want to use your fly?

BRIAN WITH ONE OF MANY FISH CAUGHT

WITH GUIDE GRAHAM STOKES

THE MUNCHABLE MINNOW AFTER GETTING MUNCHED

Graham Stokes guides many days every summer in pursuit of trophy largemouth. On this day, he scored again with a very nice fly rod bass.....maybe not as big as last time, but I bet Brian didn't mind this guy on the end of his line!

GRAHAM HOLDS THE 22" 5LB BEAST THAT HIS CLIENT LANDED

ON AN OLIVE "MUNCHABLE MINNOW"

Graham, thanks for the great job with Brian and thanks for the feedback on the fly. I look forward to seeing photos of even bigger fish taken by the "Munchable Minnow!"

Until next time,

Patrick "Flybum" Robinson

Head Guide

Steelhead Alley Outfitters

Bass Gone Wild at the Wilds

This weekend I had an opportunity to guide in an area I have wanted to for some time!  The area we guided in is called the Wilds.  

The Wilds is one of the largest and most innovative wildlife conservation centers in the world.  Located on nearly 10,000 acres in southeast Ohio, it is home to rare and endangered species from around the world living in natural, open-range habitat, as well as home to hundreds of indigenous species.

Graham Stokes, our warm water specialist,  and myself both fished multiple days with great success on this water packed piece of property.

A party of nine fished numerous lakes in kayaks and jonboats bringing in hundreds of Largemouth bass and panfish that were world class.  Although no monster bass were landed, several 8-10lb class largemouth were fought and lost.....much to our dismay :(

The Wilds is a unique place, not just because of what they do, but because of the landscape.  For those who have been out in the plains states, the Wilds looks more like Wyoming than it does Ohio.  It is a beautifully wild place with great fishing opportunities.....and I am glad I had the opportunity to experience it.

Here are a few photos of the weekend.  I wish I had taken more, but the paddles occupied to much of my time.

On day one, we were on our way to rendezvous with the clients when BOOM!!!! a blowout.  Here Brian shows his NASCAR pit crew style.  With great team work, I helped Brian with the change while Graham made the rendezvous with the clients just on time.

A shot of Graham in his truck, positioning the boats so we can off load the raft that I fished out of daily. 

One of my clients with an average size bass at the Wilds.

The panfish (mostly Bluegill) were world class on these lakes and ponds.  Some fish in the 10" range were common place!  Ever had your boat pulled by a Bluegill?  I have :)

And here is what an average view was like from the boat.  You would see this mixed with lots of fish, hawks, Osprey, wading birds, deer, etc.  It was a beautiful place with lots of great times.

Well, that is it for this installment.  Don't forget that just because the water has warmed, it doesn't mean that Steelhead Alley guides have gone into hibernation.  We are out fishing and you should be too!!!

Tight Lines,

Patrick "Flybum" Robinson