Tag Archives: fly fishing

Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians with Alen Baker



Segment 2, May 13th, 2023

There is a fly-fishing hall of fame that opened in the Catskills, NY, back in 1985.  It was opened there because of the rich history that the area had within the sport.

However, the southern Appalachians also have a rich history of fly fishing.  For that reason, in 2013 the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians  (FFMSA) opened.  The first location was in Cherokee, NC.  It soon moved to Bryson City, NC, & recently has relocated beside the Appalachian Rivers Aquarium on Island Street.

Alen Baker was the driving force in the opening of the museum & continues on the Board.  After growing up in the Lenoir-area & working for Duke Energy, he became a leading advocate for fly fishing & conservation.  His work for Trout Unlimited & the NC Wildlife Federation, along with authoring several books have made him a mainstay in the community.

Baker joins the Carolina Outdoors to share the Museum’s place as a center point for education, history, & the arts, as well as the crafts & science of the sport.  Baker describes the goal of capturing the history of fly fishing as “old-timers” pass away & technology changes.

Technology has helped add to the sport & bring new people into it but the Museum’s intent is helping them know the techniques, styles, & people that came before them.

Bill Bartee spoke to Alen Baker with a Winston fly rod in Charlotte just to keep the spirit of the conversation in-style.


Show Recap & Black Bass Slam in SC



Segment 4, May 13th, 2023

Special thanks to Alen Baker of the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians & Allyn Morton from Appalachian Trail Days for joining the program this week.

One announcement:
The SCDNR Black Bass Slam is being promoted & celebrated by the state of SC.  The goal is getting people to fish more places in the state while pursuing other species of fish.  The four targets are Largemouth, smallmouth, redeye, & spotted bass.

Participants must email photos of the fish from the side & a pic of themselves with the fish.  Each submission must include date, location, angler contact info & your fishing license number.  This can be sent to SCBassSlam@dnr.sc.gov

Check out this link for more info; Black Bass Slam (sc.gov)

The Carolina Outdoor producer, TJ, thinks that an 8-weight fly rod in Charlotte would be perfect to pursue all four of the black bass species.

Wardrobes for the podcast host are brought to you by the outdoor store in Charlotte, Jesse Brown’s Outdoors.  Bill Bartee was wearing Mountain Khaki pants from Jesse Brown’s along with his Free Fly Shirt in Charlotte & Jesse Brown’s Leather Patch Hat.  His performance underwear? Worn just for this performance & from the other side of the store, the fly shop in Charlotte.


Fly Fishing the Delayed Harvest streams with Dave Bergman



April 29th, 2023, Segment 2

In the early 1990s, North Carolina began the Delayed Harvest program in the western part of the state.  It opened up the streams available to fish for trout.  Trout require cold water due to their gill system & its ability to create oxygen.

Dave Bergman, Lead Fly Fishing Guide & Instructor, at Jesse Brown’s, knows this.  His knowledge has helped hundreds of people learn the sport of fly fishing.

Bergman shares with the listeners of the Carolina Outdoors why this time of year is so good.  May’s warming air temperatures, warm the water temperatures, & enliven the insect activity.  Also, the state stocks the streams & the requirement of catch & release until the first Saturday of June, helps build confidence for people fly fishing.

Learn the biggest challenge for new anglers, along with the different types of new anglers.  We’ll learn about the growth and success of ladies joining the sport & the biggest & smallest fish caught on a fly fishing trip with Jesse Brown’s.

Trips available for booking now.  Pick a date and contact us at jesse@jessebrowns.com or call 704.556.0020


Not Goodbye to Wes! Just so long for now




April 1, 2023, 3:58 Segment 4

The Facebook Live event with Jesse Brown’s Outdoors is coming to the Carolina Outdoors on Thursday, April 6th, at 1:30 p.m.  We hope that you’ll participate.  Ask questions, make comments, tell us how your spring season is starting out.

Whether it is a hike, how the fly fishing was on opening day, or what you’re seeing or hearing in the turkey blind; we want to know.

Wes Lawson has been a part of the Carolina Outdoors for four years.  He’s now moving over to work with our friends at Mountain Khakis & leaving the program.  He has shown his talent, experience, & wisdom on the program.  Plus, his leadership at Jesse Brown’s has been amazing.  We wish him continued success & look forward to having him visit the program as a guest.

 


Learning A Lot PLUS February 2nd Via Facebook Live With Jesse Brown’s!



(From 1.28.23, Segment 4)

Join us at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 2nd, for a Facebook Live taping of the Carolina Outdoors.  You can participate by saying hello, asking questions or sharing some of your favorite fly fishing areas & hikes.


Mount Rushmore of Fly Fishing- Henry Cowen



(From May 22nd Program, Segment 3)

Henry Cowen’s article in Fly Fisherman Magazine describes “Our Fly Fishing Mount Rushmore” & the faces that would be chiseled into his “Mount Rushmore.”

Cowen describes Lefty Kreh’s influence in the outdoor world bring fly fishing to everyone & acting as the best fly fisherman in the world.  His timing helped make the use of book, video & internet & launched him into the status of greatest.

One of Lefty’s great mentor and influencers was Joe Brooks that was one of the initial “rock stars” of fly fishing.  Brooks’ appearances on Wide World of Sports & American Sportsmen helped make him the father of American fly fishing.

Another face of fly fishing importance, according to Cowen, is Lee Wulff.  Another larger than life fly caster, tyer, television star & educator–within fly fishing–that helped propel the sport.

Lastly, the surviving member of Henry’s–Mount Rushmore–is artist, tyer & warm water advocate, Dave Whitlock.

These are Henry’s top four influencers in fly fishing, but what are yours?  The Outdoor Guys from Jesse Brown’s want to know?

 


Ocean Flies USA with John Antignano



(From the May 15th, 2021 Program, Segment 2)

When the Carolina Outdoors hits the airwaves of WBT Radio early on a Saturday morning we have listeners up and down the Eastern seaboard:  New York to Florida

John Antignano, fly designer, tyer & fly fisherman, learned in New York but now resides in Florida.

He comes onto the Carolina Outdoors to report on the Florida fishing from Key Biscayne to the Keys.

Plus, to talk about some of his newest patterns of saltwater flies that have arrived at Jesse Brown’s & the balanced importance of “matching the hatch” to the all-important presentation.


“Cicadas Hit Snooze” says the Headline



(From the May 15th, 2021, Segment 4)

CNN’s headline says it all.  But why?

For people that love the outdoors and may head out for a camping trip, fly fishing journey or drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the sounds of the outdoors includes insects.

However, the 17-year Cicada hatch scheduled for this year (Brood X) has been delayed due to the cooler weather.

So instead of putting on their buggy-little Baggie Shorts they’re relying on their Long Underwear.

All kidding aside, May’s cooler temperatures have kept the ground cooler & that is where the Cicadas emerge.  Don’t worry they’re still coming & the sounds of the trees will be louder than ever across the East Coast but especially in the mountains and hills of our Carolina Outdoors.


Mother’s Day Reminder



(from the May 8th, 2021 Program)

A quick reminder that May 9th, 2021, is Mother’s Day.  A Guided Fly Fishing Wade Trip in North Carolina is a great idea.

Bill Bartee & Wes Lawson talk about how women often time take instruction better.  Contact Jesse Brown’s if you need help getting outdoors and want to know more about fly fishing.


The Month of May



(From the May 1st, 2021 Program, Segment 4)

The month of May is a fantastic time in the Carolinas.  Going camping or to the Wells Fargo Championships being held may call for a Crazy Creek Camp Chair from Jesse Brown’s.

Mountain Khakis dresses and shorts are perfect for looking good, too.

Wes Lawson, GM from Jesse Brown’s, breaks down some product ideas.  Plus, fresh shipments of fly rods, fly reels & flies have arrived at Jesse Brown’s.