Logo sketches. One of many freebies to be won. Rules are simple: 1)follow @flyfishu 2)repost the first picture (logo) 3) tag #FlyFishU or #flyfishUgiveaway Be sure to follow FlyFishU.tumblr.com for all the latest
One of my favorite releases to date - healthy Bighorn River rainbow sighted chowing on sow bugs and picked out of a riffle | Bighorn River, MT May 2014 | Photo: Hale Harris
So who exactly am I? And what exactly is FlyFishU? How exactly do you fit it? Why should you take the time to hear what I have to say? These are a few of the questions that formulated in your head as you navigated the mysterious corners of the internet, or perhaps not. Perhaps you shouldn't listen to me, but I can only fit so much in a description box, so I thought it fitting to share my story and mission right off the bat.
You might say FlyFishU is that neglected corner of your tying bench when dubbing wax, elusive CDC barbs, hare's mask remnants, neon floss trimmings, some strange fabric you snuck from your mom's (or spouse's) craft supply, and ostrich hurl culminate to form some sort of magical UV-enhancing pixie dust, aka your secret weapon.
FlyFishU is the culmination of the wanderlust that is my 22-year long journey in to the sport and artistic expression that is fly fishing. It all began the day I was born, February 9 of 1993, in Colorado Springs, CO when the first fly rod was placed in my hand that very day (yes, literally). Legend has it that my father (pictured below) found a tube delivered from Cabela's on the porch that day on his way to the hospital, and I truly believe that when he placed the cork in my fingers for the first time it created a connection and unprecedented comfort that would stick with me forever.
My old man can typically be spotted casting to a pod of rising fish in one of his hand shaped Open Road style hats (and often a sweet-smelling cigar), no matter the time of year | Arkansas River Tailwater, Pueblo, CO November 2014 | Photo: Jeff Minnich
I owe most of what I know and attribute a great deal of experience to my dad, who has been consumed by "the bug" for nearly 40 years. The moment I could walk, he presented me with my own pint-sized fly rod (an ice-fishing rod with a 2 wt. reel on a modified seat), and with such a fine hand-crafted piece of equipment in the hands of a curious toddler, the possibilities were endless. I was a blank slab of marble in the hands of Spongebob, the master sculptor (thank you to the three of you out there who got that joke). Okay maybe I'm exaggerating a tad, but I did manage to catch my very first fish, albeit a measly bluegill, with nothing but my custom rod, a bare hook, and the shear determination of will possessed only by a three year-old on the banks of a pond. It was at that very moment that I raised the fish from the water, placed the cork between my teeth, and raised my arms in triumphant elation when the fish gods struck down a fish shaped scar upon my forehead that would stick with me forever (alright we all know that no fishing tale is complete with a little "creative fabrication", but that's how I like to play things out in my head).
From then on I have been pestering my dad to tag along with him on fishing trips for longer than I can remember, but I will never forget the day that he said he would touch my gear for the last time some 11 years ago. I sit hear nearly 11 years later creating this community where I hope to share with you all the experience I have picked up along that journey. From every corner of Southern Colorado to Wyoming, Montana, Alaska, New York, Pennsylvania, Ireland, and basically anywhere else I see a blue line on a map, I have spent more days than I could possibly count on the water. I am blessed to say that I have fished for trout and salmon with friends and family across the country and world, and I have no plans of stopping any time soon.
Papa Minnich nets and admires a feisty Bighorn Brown before the release taken on a #18 CDC Sparkle Dun (look out for a tutorial soon) | Bighorn River, MT June 2013 | Photo: Hale Harris
Over the past two years I have also been extremely fortunate to have fished alongside and developed lasting friendships with some of the top anglers in the country competing in TroutLegend Competitive Fly Fishing League. Many people I talk to scoff at the thought of competitive fly fishing, just as I used to, but I can honestly say that I have learned more about this sport during my short competitive stint than I did in all of my prior years spent fishing. The list is far longer than I can get in to in just one post, but the one thing I have learned over and over again throughout the entirety of my experience is simpler than you might think:
When it comes to fly fishing, you can NEVER stop learning or teaching, no matter who you are. Quite simply, it is what you make it.
This is the cornerstone from which FlyFishU was born. Whether it is the way a first-time angler reads a piece of water differently, or a seasoned Team USA Fly Fishing member's perspective on fly tying and entomology, we all have something to share. So join me in creating this pseudo-university where we can all expand our inherrently unique style of fishing and share in our experiences.
Stay tuned for more and be sure to follow my Instagram (@flyfishu) for giveaways, sneak peeks, and of course pretty pictures.
-Jeff
A throwback to my younger days and one of my first Alaskan salmon on a fly | Middle of nowhere, AK July 2007 | Photo: Rick Barry
