Yesterday I attended the Midwest Fly Fishing Expo for the third year in a row with my friend Eddie. The Expo is perfect for getting your fly fishing juices flowing after three months of winter. I wanted to touch on the subject of “progress” in the fly fishing community. I realize that progress can be defined in many ways. We can’t live in the past. The world is always changing. Fly fishing is no different. For example, Flashabou (sparkly plastic strips) is being used a lot more. I mean “a lot” more. Five years ago I think it would be safe to say it was only used to show a hint of flash. Now flies are being tied that are 50 – 90% Flashabou. When I saw this trend I had to ask myself, “what’s the difference between a flashabou fly and a Rapala?” The only difference being one doesn’t use treble hooks. Dont get me wrong, I’m not a fly fishing purist. I’m as guilty as the next person for using spin fishing techniques. But, that may change. Like an alcoholic in AA I will probably always say, “Hi my name is Gregg and I’m a spin fisherman”. But I’m going to try to move away from the so-called progress in fly fishing towards spin fishing. That being said, my heroes of the day at the Midwest Fly Fishing Expo were the guys at the 
Hog Creek booth making furled leaders. No, it’s not a new science in leader technology. Furled leaders were first mentioned in Isaac Walton’s book, “The Compleat Angler” in 1766. They were originally made with horse hair but these leaders were eventually replaced by silk, gut and then nylon. I bought one for my trip to the Smoky Mountains this spring. Sure I’ll have to take extra care with it. No, it’s probably not perfect. But this is the sort of progress that I like to see. But that’s just me. I’m the same guy who drinks Shlitz Beer because I like old things sometimes. I’m the same guy who pitches 6″ Rapalas for Pike with my spinning gear. I’m also the guy who knows the difference between fly fishing and spin fishing. When I want to spin fish I’ll get out my Ugly Stick. When I want to fly fish…well, keep your flashabou outta my face. I’m fly fishing.
The Heron 