SHOP NOTES | C.J. BOVA RODS

 One of my little “Black Ninja Midges” tied on a #17 TMC 212Y   The process of tying is like trying on new hats for me. There are infinite combinations when it comes to fly tying materials. Recently within the last ten years synthetics have come a long way indeed. Manufacturers have developed more UV glues with different viscosities, colors, and even buoyancies. Synthetics such as Aero Wing Dry Fly have superb qualities that incorporate hollow fibers much like a feather does. When considering the durable and expressive qualities the synthetics have then combining them with more traditional mediums the results are often outstanding. Anyone who knows me knows I am a die hard traditionalist when it comes to materials but alas my synthetic repertoire is growing exponentially. Most of my hooks I have to get from Europe because they are simply not available in the United States. Most of my concerns are with the hook availability here in the USA. In my honest opinion the European fl

“Shallow Waters” by Clint Bova  11"x14" Watercolor on Arches 9o lb. “Breaking the norm” is always a fishing mantra of mine especially when it comes to the topic of where the fish hold and where they actually feed. Many fisherman go directly to the deepest chasm they can find and drop lines. Depending on what time of day you may find them in the deepest lanes but they may not be feeding. The Mad River has taught me time and time again that big fish often feed directly in front of the deeper lies or holding areas. The upstream approach is always the most intelligent tactic carefully watching for tipping snouts and what I call “super sippers” these are fish that are over 15" and out in the open taking smallish flies.  This nice Mad River Brown (above) was caught in about 12 inches of water and took a #18 Para Ant. Below him back about 25 feet was his holding lane that is about 4 feet deep. Looking for deep water is all fine and good but always remember often

“When the artist is alive in any person, whatever his kind of work may be, he becomes an inventive, searching, daring, self-expressive creature. He becomes interesting to other people. He disturbs, upsets, enlightens, and opens ways for better understanding. Where those who are not artists are trying to close the book, he opens it and shows there are still more pages possible.”                    ~Robert Henri