Snowbird Fly Tying

It was a fun night at Sanibel Fly Outfitters last night. Thanks for the hospitality Whitney!!

The Fly that took 2nd place in the Gulf Coast Classic "Iron Fly" competition. Tied by Scott Mentzer.

Get away from the hustle of the day go day. There is a lot going on today at The Gulf Coast Classic. Classes, demos and Dr. Aaron Adam's will be giving the Keynote this afternoon!

Day 1 of the Gulf Coast Classic is underway. Lots of classes, tyers and suppliers.

Patagonia lived up to it's reputation for sure. One of the highlights was hooking up on some size 14 parachute Purple Haze. It was high floating and durable. I caught 14 fish on 1 fly until the 15th stole it! It was a top producer for me on the trip.

I'll be taking a swarm of Parachute Purple Haze to SET's Spring Creek Lodge Patagonia next week.

🎣 Featured Fly Tyer: Scott Mentzer Scott Mentzer’s fly fishing journey started in childhood and has taken him from Montana to Belize over the past 30+ years. Known for tying durable, fish-catching patterns for both fresh and saltwater, Scott is a familiar face on Tyers Row at shows across the country. A retired public safety professional, he now spends his time tying custom flies and chasing fish from his kayak in New Hampshire and Southwest Florida. He also partners with the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism for their Annual Bonefish Tournament Series and is on the Ahrex Hooks Pro Staff. Catch Scott at the vise during the 2026 Gulf Coast Classic Fly Fishing Festival. 🔥 #GulfCoastClassic #FlyTying #AhrexHooks #FlyFishingLife

A batch of Scratchy Mantis Shrimp headed out the door. Shrimp eating fish around the world beware!

I had a great time this morning with the folks from teaching how to tie the Super Gotcha. Thanks to Jim and for hosting and thanks to for sending some sample hook packs and stickers for me to give out!! Time yo get out and fish them!!