I struggled how to work this image into a blog post about fly fishing for the past couple of weeks. Then it hit me...The caption contest. I mean, how could I not post this gem of a restroom sign? I found it while shooting a web story for F&S about stocking the high altitude lakes with airplanes (story forthcoming). I figure the bathroom was in a Department of Wildlife airplane hanger, and the pilot was stocking fish, so yeah - I can post it on a fly fishing blog. Right?

I know we never announced the winner of the last caption contest for the Petzl headlamp, but let's give this one a week, plus a couple of days and I'll announce the winners together. You know the drill. Pretend like you're writing a caption for the image above. Preferably funny and relatively clean. We'll pick a winner. This week's winner will receive a multi-functional headwear piece called a "Buff". Basically an option for those who can't stand wearing sunscreen. Click here to check them out. Good luck.

TR

I'm happy to kick off the week with this dispatch from Fly Talker Alex Pernice, who just returned from a kid's fly fishing camp sponsored by Trout Unlimited:

"I just got back from a week with some guys from the Oak Brook TU camp on Michigan's famous Au Sable River. We spent most of the time learning about how to fly fish a river and how this river system is managed. We had a few guests like  Todd White, a graduate student from Michigan, who taught us about the bugs in the river (mayflies, Caddis flies, and other aquatic bugs and invertebrates). We also had a professor from Michigan State come and teach us about river hydrology and why it matters.

"We also got quite a bit of fishing in, and for all of those who did not know how to fly fish, they taught casting basics and catch and release practices too. We left with a knowledge of how to read a river,  how to identify what was hatching, and fly casting and tying basics. All kids that went to this camp came home with a new fly rod and reel, flies and the knowledge acquired from their mentors, which hopefully will lead to all involved in the camp's program and to enjoy fishing (specifically FLY fishing more).   I think this camp is a great way to get your kids or anyone started on the great sport we all love, fly fishing.

"I would like to thank all of the mentors, kids, people that donated their time or money to make this possible, and all involved for making this a great experience for me, and I hope everyone else feels the same.

"Please click here to visit the camp's website.  I encourage all of you who want to make this great sport last, to please join Trout Unlimited." --Alex Pernice

Congratulations to Trout Unlimited for running such an important program.  I'd also encourage all of you to take a kid fishing this month... it's only a few weeks until back-to-school time.  One evening or afternoon can turn a young person on to fly fishing forever.  I think anyone who really loves the sport understands the importance of fostering an interest and commitment among future generations...

Deeter

What would you say is your favorite all-around fly fishing state in America?  There are a number of great contenders in my mind:  Montana has to be a strong contender... New York's Catskill region is the cradle of many things fly fishing, and don't forget about striper fishing on Long Island... how about Idaho, Wyoming, or Colorado?

All wonderful.

But for me, the number one fly fishing state in the country always has been, and always will be...

Michigan. 

Okay... so I'm biased. That's a sentimental pick.  But there some solid historic reasons for Michigan also.  The first brown trout planted in the United States was planted in Michigan.  Trout Unlimited was founded in Michigan.  Some of the fly staples you know today... like the parachute Adams... created in Michigan.  The literary fly tradition... from Hemingway to Harrison... all rooted to some degree in Michigan.

Add to that the actual fishing.  Trout.  Salmon.  Steelhead.  Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, muskie, and panfish... all legitimate targets for fly anglers here.

How about the bugs? (Nor bad bugs, mayflies!)  The other night on Lake Leelanau, I witnessed the thickest blanket swarms of brown drakes I have ever seen anywhere in my life.  Remarkable.

Whether you agree with me or not (and I hope you do make your cases for other states), I would encourage all of you to get to Michigan at some point to fish and explore.  This state needs you now.  And Michigan's $42 full-season, unlimited species, non-resident fishing license might very well be the best fishing bargain in the country.

Deeter

Ever the good Field & Stream soldier, I spent a little free time recruiting prospects for the Total Outdoorsman Challenge.  I'm pretty sure these guys have the baitcasting part down pat.  (By the way, that's Gary Klein, Dean Rojas, and Kevin Van Dam of the B.A.S.S. Elite Series).  And based on what I saw, they're all pretty rock solid with the shotguns too.  I know KVD is an archery fanatic.  I know Klein is killer with a fly rod.  And Rojas lives in Arizona... gotta be a contender with the ATVs.

So how can we spice it up a little?  Maybe we need a new tiebreaker-type event that combines elements of a couple different sports at the same time... say, trap shooting with spinnerbaits.  Yes, this photo is a shot of KVD chucking a baitcaster on the trap range.  Didn't break the bird, but came darn close.  Scary close.

What's next?  Saddle bronc-fly casting?

Deeter