Long Road

So when I started LOTFO it was meant to help augment my income and immerse my self and life with the fly fishing industry and community. It’s been 3 long years since I started LOTFO and I must be honest and tell you. It’s been a tough road. Economy, timing, industry? I don’t know the answer it’s been one of the hardest things I’ve ever set out to do. I love the sport, love meeting other passionate anglers, travelers and the all around troutbum. What is my next step? What will I do with LOTFO? I say stay tuned , stay in the loop and check back soon. I think I may change it up stay focused on a select few destinations and give it a go. life on the fly

Luke Bodie’s Tarpon Fly

Recipe for Disaster 

-Marabou tail

-Just a couple strands of flash

-Palmered hackle

-EP 3d fiber for the toad head

-Med bead chain.

Tarpon Candy

In Action

King of the Flats

LOTFO Destination Review: Montana

For those of you who haven’t been to Montana, now is the time.  There’s a lot of hype with this destination as this state is featured in every major American outdoor hunting & fishing magazine on a monthly basis, issue after issue, year after year.  And I can see why.  After living there for more than 18-years and fly fish guiding through most of those years myself, the secret’s out and has been for a long time.  The reason being is because of access to very high quality public water fishing.  It’s free and it’s yours.  People from all over the world come here to enjoy the Treasure State’s plethora of public waters on a world-class level on a blue collar budget.  Whether staying at a pre-arranged travel lodge booked through us or simply “rolling your own” way, let us help you with your travel needs, you’ll be glad you did.  This part of the world has two National Parks and more National Forest lands open to public use, especially to fly fishing, than any place else on earth, with out a doubt.  It defines fly fishing & Outdoor Mecca, and for good reason.

*This season will be my personal 17th year guiding in the Treasure State of Montana, after a three-year hiatis, I have to go back for more and do it again.

Brian Ramsey

http://www.lifeontheflyltd.com

LOTFO Destination Wisconsin:

The Driftless region of Wisconsin is experiencing some its weirdest weather in the region’s recorded weather history. As of the last two weeks record warm temps have made this top secret national fly fishing destination experiencing early summer hatches in Mid-March! For those of you looking for something different in very beautiful settings, check out Wisconsin’s Driftless region. This region is known for its smaller sized wild, natural reproducing trout, but you have to give it a break, the streams are very small and simply a joy to fish dry fly on 2-3wt rods and having a place literally all to yourself, except for the occasional Amish buggy tootling by down the road as you’re making a cast. There are larger trout here and you have to pay your dues to connect, but they are here and what a fun place to fish! You can catch minnow sized trout on up to 22 inches in a single day, all on dry flies.
Brian Ramsey
Www.lifeontheflyltd.com

Tears and miles and years and smiles

As my time in Florida ends, and the past week fishing, hanging with salt water guides, going down with the sun and rising with the sun in the Sport Fish Capitol of the world, let alone fly fishing. I seem to have these creative juices flowing again, this drive. After spending long hours, staring at the glared water, searching, looking, waiting. I had a thought. A quick one. but still a thought.

If it suddenly ended tomorrow….

After a long, crisp , picturesque day on the water, you decompress stream side and your mind starts to wander back to the different scenarios that you play over and over in your head about what you should have done differently or the same. Now trout fishing up until this point was rocket science but then you meet someone or read something and a light switch seems like it was turned on. ” By George I think I’ve got it.” ( In a thick English accent) or not. At this point you either get it or don’t .. A lost fish that was trophy worthy or that perfectly needed drift that went terribly wrong. Like I fore mentioned you either get it or don’t. Life is strangely similar.

Approaching my 30′s I recollect my career, relationships, achievements and the different endeavorers I have completed. Then I ask myself, was it all worth it.

I say this. If you get to spend the time with people you love with whom make you better, have a roof over your head, get to enjoy a day on the water unconnected to the “Hustle”. Then I think you doing Okay. Throughout your 40′s -50′s -60′s-70′s-80′s -90′s if your doing this, then you are right on track. Still once in a while torn off the computer, put your phone on silent and go fish. Life on the fly

Fine Angler Art

Hey Folks.

Check out Becca Schlaff and her, abstract angler art . She definitely  has an eye for our finned friends and is letting you know about it. The Tarpon and Brown Trout pieces are my favorite.  A local Michigan Grad is showing her stuff at the local fly fishing shows near and far. So when you get a moment show her some love and visit her site. www.becca-schlaff.com