F3T Invades Austin

It happened on a Thursday night in Austin,TX. The Fly Fishing Film Tour came to Texas and the afternoon looked like a fresh hatch on the river as people socialized before the film began.

It was my first time to see it at the beautiful Paramount Theater located off of Congress Ave. Pretty sure this was on my mind more than work that day.

Arriving a little early and patiently waiting for the doors to open. The crowd started growing outside with everyone trying to be one of the first 500 through the door in order to get a pretty cool hat from the F3T donated by Howler Brothers.

The great part about the social hour is meeting old friends and meeting people face to face for the first time. I also enjoyed walking around and talking to the many sponsors who had a small booth set up inside the theater. Without these great companies and people this probably would not happen.

Oh yeah, there were fish tacos during the social.

I also had my name drawn a few times. One for a certificate for a fly line of choice from Scientific Anglers and a gift certificate to Backwoods Austin.

This was my view from the balcony. I had a great time and will be back again next year. The film was great and if you ever get the chance to see the short film Hit 'em again Doc, do so as it was my favorite of the night.

OKTOBERFISCH 2012

Turning right onto the highway, I found myself settling in for a two hour trip West to the town of Junction. This would be my first trip to Oktoberfisch and the original plan was to go there and experience all three days but there was another important event going on this weekend, the Baptism of my new niece. Some things trump others so I will shoot for the full experience next year.
The weather looked promising for the day, partly cloudy with a slight breeze and warming up as the hours slipped away. Exiting the Interstate and heading into town I had finally reached the Llano river and was greeted with a beautiful view as I crossed the old iron bridge.

Pulling into the campground I looked for a place to park close to the river. Walking up to the event tents I saw a couple of seminars taking place. One group was getting casting instruction while two other groups sat under a tent learning about knot tying and building flies.

Approaching the main vendor area, the aroma of BBQ was in the air and led me to a pit where they were selling plate lunches of sausage or brisket with beans, chips, and a soda for five bucks. After lunch I made my way around the tents checking out the gear and the raffle items for that afternoon.

During the day the crowd grew larger as people were returning from fishing the river and getting ready for the evenings festivities which included a steak dinner and raffle. I took advantage of some expert casting instruction from Austin of Salt396 . We then proceeded to try our luck at some of the impromtu casting challenges put on by the instructors that were at the event, and we held our own.

As I drove home it became clear that I had to get back next year and experience more of the event and to fish the river.

Adios, till' next year...............................................

Living Waters Fly Fishing

Tucked away in the Historic downtown section of Round Rock is Central Texas' best kept secret. Started in 2006 as a fly fishing guide service, Chris and his wife opened the doors to the only fly shop in the area in 2008.

Chris and Matt

This was my second visit to the shop. I went there to pick up some Pole Dancer flies that Matt was holding for me that I plan on using on the next redfish trip. What impressed me the most about this place, is how comfortable they make you feel.It's like I have been going there for years. The abundance of equipment that they provide for the fly fisherman is easily noticed as well as the amount of items needed to tie whatever fly you desire in stock.                                                 

Living Waters also hosts events every month, with the highlight being the fly tying night every Wednesday.
Although I didn't see a shackle around his ankle, i'm pretty sure Matt spends a lot of time at his fly tying station. How else can you keep winning the employee of the month award.

If you happen to be in the area stop by and introduce yourself. They are willing to help you anyway possible.