NL Wilson WoolyBlogger®

Here at our Biltmore School we are blessed with mild winter days and trout streams in close proximity. When warm, sunny days occur in December, January, and February, we go fishing. For those who are willing to work a little bit the rewards can be great. This was the case on February 14th. The day started out crisp and calm with about 4 inched of snow that fallen two days prior piled on the riverbanks. The morning started slowly and we were having trouble getting a good drift with the about of ice floating in the river. However, in the gin-clear water below, the trout didn’t seem to mind the cold. They were in the feeding lanes and actively picking off passing nymphs. Before noon the sun was high enough in the sky to melt the ice and warm the anglers. Just before we had to get out of the water for lunch we landed a nice rainbow. With angling pressure lighter in this cooler weather the fish seemed less disturbed by our presence and perhaps even more willing to take a well-presented fly. Meanwhile closer to the home office back at the Biltmore Estate, the ponds and lakes are starting to warm up, bringing the fish out of their winter dormancy. As we go into March, our resident crappie fanatic, Kieran, will be spending countless hours searching for these scrappy panfish. The crappie will start to school up during the pre-spawn and readily take small streamers once they have been located. In addition to the crappie becoming active the largemouth bass will start to move, taking baitfish imitations presented slow and deep over structure. There’s nothing like knowing that the next cast might bring a 10lb monster from is cold weather lair. I can’t speak for everyone but this fly angler has spring fever. Come by and check out the year round action to be found in western North Carolina. Fish hard, fish safe, and play by the rules. Tight lines. See you on the water, Nate

Posted by NLW at 06:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

So, here it is; NL Wilson’s first official blog. NL Wilson was formed in 2003 by outdoor enthusiasts and educators who love to fly fish. We currently have four locations in the United States. They are in Breckenridge, Colorado - Jackson Hole, Wyoming – Asheville, North Carolina and Windsor, Vermont. Many of us have had an experience when out on a guided trip where the guide says, “cast over there. . . NO . . . over . . . not there . . . you missed it . . . (frustrated sigh) . . . never mind.” Sound familiar? What many people don’t know is that the art of fly fishing can really take a life time to learn. It’s practically impossible to fly fish and not obtain some patience along the way. It’s the only sport that I know of that you can be repeatedly out-smarted by something with a brain the size of a pebble. NL Wilson instructors strive to patiently teach and inspire everyone from beginner fly fishermen to old leather-faced fish heads. Teaching is our first priority on a guided trip and we will continually instruct unless you tell us to shut up and just row the *$#@ boat. Dive into our website, this year we are offering everything from 2 hour lessons up to our new three day all inclusive fly fishing course. We specialize in both warm and cold water species and tactics. Wade or drift ponds and rivers; you want it we got it. We offer half and full day guided trips at all of our locations. Our podcast is in the works and we will get it out as soon as possible. If there is anything you would like to hear about please be sure to e-mail us with questions and comments. Tight Lines, Brayden “Bump” Williams

Posted by NLW at 08:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Every state has different regulations on fly fishing and professional outfitting services. Some states require a guide to be board certified for fly fishing, others do not even know you exist as you guide waters with paid guests. Should we see more regulation or less? Does it help paying clients and guides themselves to have a state standard that designates "approved" guides? While many states have guide registration and permit regulations, it makes little difference on what may be ailing the fly fishing industry the most--service of the customer. What all these guide regulations miss out on is the one thing the entire Fly Fishing industry seems to overlook--that we should not be in the business of "disposal guests" or one-time casting lessons. None of the courses for certification discuss how to handle customers, how to be proactive in meeting their needs, how to build clients through exceeding expectations, and how to actually TEACH. There are many guides, but few teachers out there. Here are some other pro and cons of guide registration and regulation. No Regulation: Pros: Guides can begin working immediately, can set-up "shop" in less time. Cons: Mixed results on market, guides will not have any set baseline of knowledge required for safety and state fish and game regulations, forget fly fishing skills. Regulation: Pros: Guides are tested and know the basics of what the state deems important for their sport. Normally this includes First Aid, water safety, and the very basics of their field sport techniques, along with regulations. Customers know that state certified guides have some basic level of training, are recognized by the state and have some credibility. Cons: Let's face it...it is a hassle. Many guides feel like it is a hoop to jump through and that the tests and badges do not mean they know anymore than the next (perhaps) uncertified guide. It is too easy (normally) and you can have bad guides that still do not know how to treat guests or teach fly fishing. Creates a false sense of what makes a true fly fishing guide.

Posted by NLW at 08:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

Welcome to the Wooly Blogger, a blog about fly fishing, outdoor adventures and our opinions on anything we feel you should know...

Posted by NLW at 11:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)