Wednesday, May 30, 2012

MRO and Ohio Musky

For those that don't already know......Ohio is one of the top producing Musky states in the country. Huge populations of wild muskies exist in a variety of watersheds throughout the state and we have been doing extensive research (fishing) for a number of years now! There are Musky all over the place, and MRO is your source for catching this fish on the fly!

Our very own Pat Kelly is guiding folks for these fantasic gamefish in a few select locations in Southern and Central Ohio. He guides out of his "Clacka" driftboat and can accomodate 1 or 2 anglers although he prefers one as it allows for a better chance for folks to land the fish of a lifetime.

MRO's Patrick Kelly and his "Unofficial" World Record Musky caught on a Fly in Ohio


Pat charges $425.00 for one angler and $500.00 for two for a float trip. All equipment and flies can be provided and you need to bring your own lunch. He will meet you at a designated location which will be determined a day or so before the trip depending on current conditions. He will not tell or advertise the names of the rivers that he fishes...and he shouldn't. He won't even tell us and we appreciate that...if you know what we mean.

You won't find a ton of information on this service on our website and this is on purpose. We are looking for a small, select group of dedicated Musky anglers and he only guides 1 day per week during the prime seasons....if that much. We are not looking to overfish or take advantage of this incredible fishery here in Ohio. If you are interested, please give us a call at the shop, 614-451-0363 and we'll be  happy to answer any questions.



Below is a short story written by our friend and customer Don Gregory. Don has been out with Pat three times now and this is an account of his trip on Monday, May 21st:

"The musky, fish of 10,000 casts, fish of dreams--- mine anyway.
While sliding the drift boat into a small Appalachian creek barely ankle deep at the put-in, I find it hard to believe that the piscatorial predator at the apex of the food chain could actually be living here. But always trust the hunch of Musky Pat, particularly when he guided you into your first musky on the fly.

Well… 10 minutes later, and within sight of the truck, a musky t-boned my oversized fly and I actually remembered to strip set. A musky caught, the pressure off. Did I sleep through my alarm?
A few dozen casts later, a second take. The hook set led to a series of gill rattling jumps and ferocious headshakes. A thick female well over 3 feet long eventually yielded to my sage 10 weight, and my personal best landed in the oversized net. Should we stop with perfection having only fished the length of a football field or simply sip a cold one to calm down before pressing on? Not a hard decision.

Another vicious strike and a THIRD musky fought with attitude all the way into the net. 3 for 3. A perfect day—right here in the Buckeye State.

My daddy taught me that it is sometimes better to be lucky than good. Well with Pat Kelly as your musky guide, you are lucky indeed."

Don Gregory- Columbus, Ohio

Don Gregory on a guide trip with Pat on 5/21/12


Please remember that we also feature Musky fishing up on Lake St. Clair with Captain Brian Meszaros. He is a Musky "Guru" in his own right and St. Clair is regarded as one of the top Musky destinations in the country.

Captain Brian and a Happy client on a St. Clair guide trip.

Musky season opens June 1st on Lake St. Clair and trips are booking now!!!

Click Here for information on Fly Fishing Lake St. Clair with MRO
 
 
Mad River Outfitters
Your source for Musky on the Fly!
813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214
614-451-0363


Wednesday, May 23, 2012

MRO Featured in Local Newspapers




"Retail and Internet Presence Pays
Off with Record Sales"

By Andrew Miller - ThisWeek Contributing Writer

(originally published in local "This Week" papers on Tuesday, May 15th)

Cincinnati native Brian Flechsig has helped define central Ohio as a fly-fishing mecca while building one of the top fly-fishing shops in the country.


Mad River Outfitters, at 813 Bethel Road, consistently records national sales in the top 10 for fly fishing, thanks to a thriving Internet business as well as a professional retail shop, according to Flechsig.

“We’re one of the top 10 fly-fishing operations in the country,” he said. “Most people think of a fly store as a mom-and-pop shop with just a few things and people sitting around talking and tying flies.

“But we’re very serious here, with a full-time shipping manager and full-time web manager. So not only do we maintain an extensive retail store, but also

an extensive online store with dozens of packages shipping out around the world daily.”

Flechsig said one of his keys to success is what he calls the umbrella.

Mad River Outfitters offers retail and online sales, guides fly-fishing tours locally, nationally and internationally, and produces instructional courses and DVDs.

“I’m hosting our annual spring Tarpin trip in the Everglades right now,” he said earlier this month. “We do these trips all over the world, South America – a lot of trips to Brazil for Peacock bass, in the Bahamas.
“We operate a full-blown guide service, including about 16 guides working for us throughout the Great Lakes region, so if you can’t afford a week to Montana or wherever, there are trips you can hop in your car and do on a weekend.”

According to Flechsig, fly-fishing has always been labeled as something that is only for trout fishing.

“Everyone associates fly-fishing with trout and snow-capped mountains, but I produced a video about 10 years ago called ‘Carpin’’ that was all about catching carp on a fly rod,” he said. “I got a lot of hate mail about it because people didn’t like that I was catching a trash fish on a fly.

“If you’re open to fishing for things other than trout, then Columbus becomes a fly-fishing heaven. There’s carp and bass all over the place here.”

Being innovative, such as teaching people to fly-fish for the local fish population, working hard, and hiring committed employees, Flechsig said, are the other keys to his success.

“I was 24 years old when I quit my job, borrowed money to start this business, and opened the doors that December in 1994,” Flechsig said. “I paid the bank off in two years and haven’t owed anyone a dime since. I’ve been very lucky, but it took a lot of hard work and thinking outside the box.

“I have some very loyal and hardworking employees who have believed in me and my dream. If it weren’t for their help and the help of great friends, I don’t know where we’d be.”

The retail store was recently remodeled and expanded and Flechsig said a new website design is under way.

“I think the future holds growth for us, that expansion will be at the remodeled store but mostly through the Internet,” Flechsig said. “After 18 years, I’m just really learning how to do this now, so if we’re halfway through, then the second half is sure to be even better.”

For more information visit www.madriveroutfitters.com.“If we can play even a small part in that, we want to. We want to keep doing this because we truly believe in it.”

Mad River Outfitters
813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214
614-451-0363


Tuesday, May 8, 2012

News and Specials

Howdy Friends! Just a quick update on the "new" shop and some great promotions for May.

Well, our shop "remodel" is finally complete and we couldn't be more excited!! It's a whole new ballgame around here. We have greatly improved the look and feel of the shop here in Columbus and it's working! We have seen a significant impact on Sales....especially in the clothing departments.

Now...we move on to the website. Our site will be getting a major facelift and improvements in the months to come. Keep your eyes on www.madriveroutfitters.com.

Here's a few shots of the "New" Mad River Outfitters






Shop MRO for Mother's Day?

That's right friends! Think of MRO for your Mother's Day Gift and we'll save you 20%

Stop in the shop and pick up a coupon.....or simply place an order online and mention the "Mother's Day Promotion" in your "Order Notes"


Test Cast an Orvis Fly Rod



Suncloud Eyewear Promo


*place the order online and mention this promo in your "Order Notes". The website won't calculate but WE WILL when we ring you up!

20% OFF Orvis "Outfits"


Order any Orvis Helios, Access or Superfine Rod along with an Orvis Reel and Orvis Fly Line and we'll knock 20% OFF!!

Let us know which hand you reel with and we'll get it right!!


Mad River Outfitters
813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214
614-451-0363
www.madriveroutfitters.com
admin@madriveroutfitters.com

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Steelhead Season!!

Steelhead Season is On!!!

Truth is...it has been for a while.

Guides have been out in full force the past few weeks with clients but have also been catching fish for months now. The Erie streams really never froze this "winter" and we have had steelhead around. January and February saw some of the best fishing in years!

Regardless....fishing right now is pretty hot both in Ohio and Michigan and folks are out having a blast!

Last week we set old friend J.B. Howard and his crew up with SAO head guide Patrick Robinson. Of course we know Patrick always does a great job...but here is what J.B. had to say:

"Great day with Patrick - tough (warm) conditions but we persevered - headed back next week and look forward to several fall trips...

As always your endorsement of Patrick was understated - he was extremely hospitable, hardworking & competent - an ideal guide to spend a day in the water with....

Thank you all & please find a spot on the MRO site for our steelhead:)"
JBH

Always nice to get great feedback from happy clients......and yes we found a place for your pictures!!!




No doubt though...with the unseasonably warm weather we have been experiencing, we could be looking at an early close to the season. We'll see. Already guides starting to bang some really great smallies which is definitely an indication. Above is Rick Gostel last Friday with J.B.'s group. We should still have some decent steelhead fishing to be had for a few weeks but if you are thinking of a trip yet this year.....do it soon!!


Click Here for information on our Guide Trips


Click Here for current fishing reports on the Erie Tribs







Michigan Steelhead Trips - Muskegon River

Our 1st run up to the Muskegon was a success. 22 fish landed in two days for Tony Nguyen (right) and Mick McMillin.....even despite 80 degrees and bright as a nickel conditions.




Mick McMillin on the early Muskegon Trip!






Our 2nd trip heads up April 1st with a full group hosted by Patrick Kelly. Full report and pics surely to come! We also serve as a full booking agent for the lodge and can set up a trip for you at any time!



Click Here for information on our trips to the Muskegon River Lodge





As always, Mad River Outfitters is working hard to serve as your source for Great Lakes Steelhead on the Fly!



See our "Steelhead Central" page for great links to all of our products, services and trips


Mad River Outfitters
813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

Friday, February 10, 2012

Fly Fishing Film Tour in Columbus!


The Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) 2012
Gateway Film Center
1550 North High St.
Columbus OH
Thursday, March 8, 2012
(6:00pm - 9:30pm)

Tickets can be purchased online at http://flyfilmtour.com/buy-tickets for $15, or in store at Mad River Outfitters www.madriveroutfitters.com 614-451-0363 for $12.

ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE COLUMBUS SCREENING TO BENEFIT PROJECT HEALING WATERS www.projecthealingwaters.org

Local event sponsors include: Trout Unlimited, Mad River Outfitters, Central Ohio Fly Fishers, and Miami Valley Fly Fishers. Industry professionals and non-profit organizations will be in the lobby before the films begin to meet with guests: Project Healing Waters, The Fiberglass Manifesto, Angler's Choice Flies, Central Ohio Fly Fishers, Mad River Outfitters, Steelhead Alley Outfitters, and more...

Don't forget to bring some cash. There are some outstanding raffle prizes that you won't want to miss out on!


FLY FISHING INDUSTRY’S LARGEST EVENT EMBARKS ON CONTINENT-WIDE HD TOUR
Adventure film tour showcases global locales while supporting local businesses and filmmakers
Fly fishing’s most celebrated annual event, the Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T), the original and largest event of its kind begins its continent-wide trek January 26th. The traveling spectacle serves as a stage for the best filmmakers in the industry, an avenue for supporting critical conservation groups, an expo for local outfitters, and one heck of a party for growing outdoor enthusiasts and avid anglers alike.

With never-seen footage from across the globe, a party atmosphere, audience giveaways and valuable coupons, the annual high-energy spectacle is the sport’s most anticipated live-event. This year’s tour will make stops in over 125 cities across the U.S. and Canada. Along the way local businesses, conservation groups, filmmakers and fans all stand to benefit from each screening.

“Our goal in doing this is to share our passion and support the sport we love”, says F3T producer Chris Keig. “This year our tour will donate over $30,000 dollars to filmmakers. We’ll work in conjunction with over 175 local business and 150 conservation groups, and we’ll be giving away over $350,000 in prizes to fans who come see us. It’s important people know that walking the talk is at our core.”

This year’s spectacle includes a more diverse set of content than any prior year or any other tour. “We have something for everyone”, says F3T Filmmaker and Road Manager Thad Robison. “From scrappy Steelhead in Kodiak, AK to 100-pound jumping Tarpon in the Florida keys, from places you may have been to destinations we probably couldn’t find on a map if we tried.” Other featured destinations (and fish) include the Bahamas (Bonefish), the Northwest Territories (Grayling and Arctic Char), the jungles of Belize, Scotland, Montana, British Columbia, Wisconsin, Silver Creek, Idaho and more.

With nearly 75% of the shows selling out in advance, the F3T is the fastest growing event of its kind. “We hear from people constantly who couldn’t get tickets, or want us to bring the tour to their town”, Robison says. “As far as tickets go, we recommend our fans visit our local retail sponsors where they can get discounted tickets.”

As for adding screenings, Robison continues, “We’re adding markets each year but we have a program setup where we partner with fans to put on their own show. It’s a great way to raise money for a local group. We help with the marketing and they get to put on a screening, have a great time and make some money.”

The Fly Fishing Film Tour is produced by Webeye Group, LLC. It is presented by Costa, and sponsored by Patagonia, Sage, Hardy Reels, Yeti Coolers, Scientific Anglers, Trout Unlimited, Mountain magazine, El Pescador, Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures, and is presented in HD by the Outdoor Channel.


Mad River Outfitters is proud to be a sponsor of the 2012 Fly Fishing Film tour here in Columbus!




Mad River Outfitters

813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363



Sunday, January 29, 2012

Exciting Early Spring Events!

Exciting Early Spring Events and News:



Special guest: Jeff Liskay


Saturday, February 25



"Stepping Into Another World"


A program on Spey and Switch Style Fishing


Friend, guide, trip host and long rod extraordinaire Jeff Liskay will be giving a special presentation for us here at the shop. Things will get going around 11:00 and last until about 3:00 with a 1/2 hour break for lunch.
Topics covered will include:* What makes a steelhead tick* Rod Talk- Switch and Two Hand* Fly Lines- A-Z for the Great Lakes Tribs* Choosing the right cast* Sink Tips- The Right Tip for the Job* Go To fly patterns* Wade right in- presenting the fly on the swing


Click Here for more details and pricing!

Or...

Give us a call at 614-451-0363 to sign-up






Fly Fishing Film Tour in Columbus!


Thursday, March 8th


Gateway Film Center



Sponsored by: Trout Unlimited, Mad River Outfitters, Central Ohio Fly Fishers, Miami Valley Fly Fishers and Michael Decoteau.


All proceeds to benefit Project Healing Waters, Ohio Chapter


Click Here for more info


Tickets available in the shop!




Very Special Guest:





April Vokey


Monday, March 12th



Fly Tying Masterclass: Tying Intruder Variations




Click Here for details and pricing






Just a reminder that there are some great deals to be had on our SALE Page. Tons of winter closeout and clearance items and more on the way!








It's also that time of year that some "one-offs", discontinued and a bit of used stuff starts showing up on our E-Bay store. Just added a few things this weekend and much more to come. Might want to check there occaisionally!

See our Ebay Store




Mad River Outfitters
813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214
614-451-0363
www.madriveroutfitters.com
admin@madriveroutfitters.com



Saturday, January 21, 2012

Layering and Insulation

Surely a few cold months of fishing ahead for most around here.....for some even more. What an important category. We feature "Layering and Insulation" products from companies like Simms, Patagonia, Orvis, Filson and more. Below are some of our featured favorites! All in stock and available in the shop or on the website.

Patagonia's capilene long underwear has set the standard in "long johns" for decades now. It is simply the best next-to-skin layering material that you can buy....period.

Capilene baselayers feature a moisture-wicking polyester fabric that dries and wicks incredibly quickly. Capilene polyester is also recycled, recyclable and features Gladiodor® garment odor control.

Capilene 3, or Midweight is surely the most versatile. It provides the perfect balance of wicking and insulation. It is by far the best selling weight that they make.

Capilene 1, or what we used to call "Silkweight", doesn't provide any insulation but is the most superior at wicking. For extreme situations or more aerobic situtions you may want this next to your skin for maximum wicking. We use the shirts as undershirts as well as for sun protection in the tropics.




Simms Merino Wool!



In the Fall of 2011, Simms introduced their Merino Wool long underwear. We really felt they did a great job and gave them a shot. We love the stuff and it has sold exceptionally well so far! The merino wool is exceptionally comfortable and the natural fiber is odor-resistant.




A great layering piece that has been around for a few seasons now. Simms Waderwick Fleece Top and Waderwick Fleece Bottoms. 2 way stretch 200 weight polartec fleece at a great price. These things are great and continue to sell well. Now in the Simms Orange!


Top of the Line!




The Simms Guide Fleece Top and Guide Fleece Pants are exceptionally cozy pieces of gear!
Exceptionally warm, comfortable fleece-ideal for layering in any situation. Fabric is smooth on the outside soft inside. Easy-in, easy- out and super comfy. Insulates with hardly any weight and never hinders mobility. Can get away with this as a general top as well and the pants CAN go from river to bar pretty well!






Maybe the most important Category.........Socks!



We do carry a great selection of socks from Smartwool and Simms. Both in the shop and Online.


New this Spring we are featuring the Simms Exstream Wading Sock and the new Liner Socks.






Absolutely one of the finest pairs of insulating type/wader pants we have seen! These have been selling equally as well in the "front" of the shop to casual folks looking to walk the dog or shovel a bit of snow.

It sure is nice to put on fleece-lined Nylon shell pants on a frosty morning headed out to the river. The DurapelPlus finish and COR3™ technology make this cold weather pant a winner.







And to top things off....the Simms Rogue Fleece Hoody. This thing is wildly popular, and pretty cool looking. DWR finish Softshell fleece at a great price!



Of course Gloves are a staple of any layering system. We feature a pretty good selection in the shop and online.



Shown here are the Simms Foldover Mitts. By far our best sellers but there are some other great choices on the site.






The Simms Gore-Tex Exstream Hat is a great choice for keeping the melon warm and dry.



Of course, many other choices in Hats to be found on our website.













Thanks for taking the time to read this folks and of course any questions about "Layering and Insualtion"- give us a call or drop us an e-mail!






Mad River Outfitters
813 Bethel Rd.


Columbus, Ohio 43214