Hey guys, just thought I’d toss up another update before our trip to Argentina… (Some details on that can be found in this link and next year’s dates and rates will be posted in the same link upon our return.)
First and foremost a HUGE thanks as always to everyone who helped out in any way with our 29th annual spring river cleanup this past Saturday!! (This fall will be the 30th for that season and our 59th in total. The next Fall River cleanup is scheduled for October 24th, 2026 if you’d like to plan ahead of time to join us! It should be a good one as we are also celebrating our 30th year in business!)
We obviously cannot and do not get it all, but every little bit (and usually more like a lot) helps to keep the river in a better place for all. We thank you, the river thanks you and I’m sure the other users as well of the residents of it themselves thank you also!!
I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by the lack of garbage in my usual run from Sulak to Upper and I am convinced that a Boy Scout troop, church group or something of the like must have just beat us to it!!
We still got our fair share from the higher tree branches using a tool that Dennis developed for specifically for that as well as the occasional bait container, beer can or the like that they either missed or was deposited afterwards, but in a section that usually produces at least 2 or 3 lawn and garden bags full of garbage we came out with what probably amounted to 1 in total and were off the river with much more time than we usually have to cleanup and set up my barn for the appreciation afterparty… 🎉
Some other sections were also much cleaner than usual and some were worse… 🙄 (Interesting side note. We were kind of laughing at the obvious progression of fancy more expensive beers to the more affordable ones as they relate to top to bottom in the river’s corridor, but there is no clear “winner” as to who leaves more of them and if you leave trash you are trash IMHO regardless of your pocketbook…🤷♂️)
The river itself is in really good shape right now, but if you are floating be aware that there are still some tough spots to get by and there is a high likelihood that you’ll scratch up your pretty boat a little as I have been! 🙄😅
Dennis and I cut safe passage in a few spots while fishing on Sunday and Monday below the fly water, but also bumped over or thru some others that still need attention. (Dennis very rarely misses a cleanup and does plenty enough extra every time he’s up so I wasn’t going to spend the entire day of his guide trips doing more than what we needed to get by.)
I’m really not a “numbers guy” and I’m smiling if you are, but the DNR does require us to report all catches these days, something I’m not against, but also causes me to keep an actual count.
We brought the whole kitchen including the sink to the party those two days and were loaded for bear, but in the end the action was really solid just pitching “raps” and the bobber, bead, dry fly, nymphing and streamer rods never really saw much action.
Sunday was more focused and intense for us with lots of players and almost constant action of some sort. Saw and lost a lot of fish we’ll be seeking some revenge on, but also put 16 Browns to hand. Most were smaller fish as you can see, but some nice ones in the middle and a few on the larger size as well.
I decided to give the little guys some picture love on both days that we normally just release because they are beautiful residents that are often overlooked with some of the best colors! (And Dennis has mastered the quick hand shot & release! 😎) Probably won’t keep that up all summer, especially as the water gets warmer, but it was admittedly fun to do and there wasn’t one we let go that I don’t hope and expect to see again.
Monday was a bit slower, but then again, so were we! Took a little more time to just relax and chat than usual, but still put half as many as the day before to hand and found the houses of quite a few more that I’ll be focusing on next time thru! (We knocked on a lot of doors and located some dandies that showed themselves but didn’t commit. 😜)
On Tuesday I had the distinct pleasure of taking Mark and his daughter Cassandra out for a fly-fishing instructional followed by a little bit of spinning. We didn’t tear ‘em up at all and other more experienced anglers reported slower going as well, but did have action on dry flies, streamers, nymphs and a Rapala at the end. Good times with some great people that I hope to spend more time with… Thank you guys!! 😎👊👍
That’s about all I’ve got for you right now. Shop hours remain 8am to 6pm daily, we are still hiring and while John K and I will be gone next week we do still have a guide or guides available if you’d like to get out during that time as well as plenty of openings upon our return. Give the shop a call to check on or book a date or dates with one of our guides or motel rooms. (231) 745-3529
Have fun out there, but please be safe and try to be nice to one another… (Everyone just wants to have fun!) 😎🇺🇸👊🦅👍🎣
-Steve-
BBT Fly & Tackle Shop is seeking full and/or Part Time Retail Sales Associates
Description:
We are seeking a passionate, knowledgeable individual to provide top-tier customer service, assist with rod, reel, fly, tackle and accessories selections, manage point-of-sale operations in an often fast-paced environment and take reservations for Guide Trips & Motel Rooms.
Requirements:
A solid foundation of knowledge in fly, spin and bait fishing as well as the equipment needed, experience with POS systems, and strong interpersonal skills. (Interpersonal skills is the only actual unconditional requirement as the right person could be trained on the rest.)
Responsibilities Include:
Assisting customers with gear, taking reservations, managing inventory, and maintaining a clean and inviting shop/work environment.
Experience Needed:
This varies a lot depending upon your work ethic, personality and ability to learn, but being “experienced in fly and/or spin fishing” is most certainly a major bonus as is some history in retail sales…
Benefits:
Employee discounts are nearly universal, alongside product discounts direct from many of our manufacturers and a very laid-back work environment despite the fact that it can and does get hectic at times. Pay raises will be quickly granted based on good performance as we are looking for long term employee(s).
“It’s the shop environment, spending time with quality like-minded individuals, talking hunting and fishing all day…, quality of life, low pressure work environment… the list is long!!!”
So, please call the shop and talk with either Jake or Jimmy if you have any questions about the position. Applications can be picked up at the shop and résumés can be dropped off there or emailed to [email protected]
(231) 745-3529
