Always a Student

19-1/4" VA pre-spawn smallmouth bass on a pink jerk changer

As a guide and lifelong angler, I am constantly looking for solutions to problems on the water with everchanging conditions. Things like catching more fish, catching big fish and then catching more big fish are always on my mind. While it might be impossible to substitute time on the water with any number of seminars and youtube videos you may attend or watch, there is most definitely value to be added from your time and efforts invested as long as you follow through. Another option is to lean on the experiences of a mentor or guide who is out there, investing that time and regularly applying that knowledge on the water .

Lunch on the water with some of the boys

SO, what do you get when you throw a bunch of strangers into a house for a weekend to learn all things smallmouth on the fly? You get a REALLY good time!

Pre-spawn VA smallmouth on a swinging D. Crushed in on top!!!

The weekend was spent down in the Roanoke area and hosted by Blane Chocklett and Mike "Schultzy" Schultz with a ton of support from the guys at Virginia Trophy Guides (Josh, Austin and Braden). If you are unfamiliar with who Blane and Mike are, Blane is a guide, author, and the guy who brought us the "game changer" fly platform (among other notable accolades). Mike is the owner of Schultz Outfitters Fly Shop and Guide Service based out of Ypsilanti, MI as well as another innovator in the fly and smallmouth fishing games. We sat down for a day at the house for a masterclass which included a presentation, discussions, casting demos/practice and some fly tying. The next 3 days were spent on the water fighting the wind and catching some seriously great quality pre-spawn smallies before we all said our thank yous and goodbyes.

Pre-spawn VA smallmouth bass on a pink jerk changer

Hybrid Changer

My goal for the weekend was to come back to Front Royal as a more well-rounded angler. I feel I accomplished that goal. It had been a loooooong time since I fished that hard for 3 days in a row (fly/conventional) but I felt it was necessary to get the reps in. Keeping my fly in the water for a better understanding of actual application/technique was critical in being able to pass that knowledge on. Fishing in a boat with the guys who developed specific fly patterns and receiving immediate, real-time feedback on how to fish them was invaluable. Our days on the water were also accompanied by strong and constant winds, lots of laughs and learnable moments.

Danglin with Chad and Blane

Chad, Trevor, Tony, Karl and James... See y'all on the next one!

Blane, Mike, Josh, Austin and Braden... Thanks for all the hard work putting together a successful weekend in tough conditions!

Tight lines and don't forget to tip your guides.

-Brian