Brian Flechsig and Mad River Outfitters hosted their 1st trip to this legendary Bonefish destination in the Spring of 1999. We have pretty much been hosting two trips per year since!
Brian will be hosting yet again....February 24th- March 2nd, 2024 and has two spots open!
Care to join him for the celebration!
Click Here to for the details and to register and feel free to call Brian at the shop if any questions.
It's that time of year again and we want to make Black Friday and Cyber Monday easy.
Our Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deal is site wide and applies to all merchandise purchases online and in-store at or above the following amounts:
• Spend $100.00 or more, get a $20.00 Gift Card
• Spend $250.00 or more, get a $50.00 Gift Card
• Spend $500.00 or more, get a $100.00 Gift Card
• Spend $700.00 or more, get a $150.00 Gift Card
• Spend $1,000.00 or more, get a $200.00 Gift Card
• Spend $2,000.00 or more, get a $400.00 Gift Card
* Spend $5,000.00 or more, get TWO $400.00 Gift Cards
* Promotion applies to merchandise purchases only * Services- Trips, Classes, Schools, Guide Trips are not eligible for rewards * Gift Card purchases themselves are not eligible for rewards * Purchases made WITH a Gift Card as payment, or with a Coupon Code of any sort are also not eligible for rewards * Gift Card rewards will be issued on a physical Gift Card and either included in the shipment (for online) or received at the time of purchase (in-store).
Please let us know if any questions!
Online orders received between 12 a.m. EST, on Black Friday, November 24th, 2023 (Midnight on Thanksgiving) and Midnight Monday, EST, November 27th, 2023. That's 4 full days of Gift Card rewards!
All qualifying purchases during the 4 day period will automatically receive the Gift Card in the order shipment. No coupon or code required!!!!
Gift Cards will be included with the order shipment. Due to the huge volume of orders, we cannot e-mail these as we normally offer on Gift Card purchases. They will be included in the order shipment only. Sorry but no exceptions.
In-Store purchases during normal store hours on Black Friday, November 24th, 2023 and Small Business Saturday, November 25th, 2023. (Remember that we are CLOSED on Sundays and Mondays). Gift Card will be issued at the point of sale.
Remember that our local friends can still shop online on Sunday or Monday and choose "In-Store Pickup" and stop by Tuesday or after.
Watch the video on how to easily use MRO Gift Cards on our online store:
Thank you for supporting a small, locally owned family business this Holiday Season!
Basic Fly Tying- THE course for Beginners! Learn the basic fundamentals of fly tying with a night spent on each, Wet Flies, Nymphs, Streamers and Dry Flies. Geared towards trout flies but the skills and concepts can be used on any types of flies. A 4 week course, 2 hours each class, one night per week for 4 weeks. Course include all hooks and materials and step-by-step patterns sheets and recipes for each fly tied. You need to bring your vise and basic tools.
Group Size: 6 students | Instructor: Ryan Ratliff- January Pat Kelly- February
Cost: $195.00 | Location: Mad River Outfitters
January Course- starts Wednesday, January 10th- Click Here
February Course- starts Wednesday, February 7th- Click Here
Intermediate Fly Tying- Takes over where the Beginner Class leaves off. More intermediate advanced patterns and concepts will be covered: Material blending, articulation, hollow tying techniques. Understanding silhouettes and shapes. Like like patterns/impressionistic. Match the hatch "Big Bugs. Classes include all hooks and materials, you need to bring your vise and basic tools.
Group Size: 6 students | Instructor: Ryan Ratliff- March Cost: $195.00 | Location: Mad River Outfitters
March Course- starts Wednesday, March 13th- Click Here
Introducing: Saturday Sessions
Morning Coffee? Donuts? Fly Tying.....count me in!
Saturday Sessions are specialty fly tying classes geared towards intermediate and advanced tyers. These will be held on select Saturday mornings during Winter Semester at the shop from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Participants will need to bring their vise and basic tools and all hooks and materials for the classes will be provided. Class dates and registration for 2024 classes are listed below and on the Calendar Page of our website.
Topics for 2024 Winter Semester:
Women's Beginner Class- with Katie Johnstone Pike/Musky Flies- with Pat Kelly Steelhead Flies- with Ryan Ratliff Saltwater Flies- with Brian Flechsig Bass Flies- with Pat Kelly Carp Flies- with Brian Flechsig Women's Fly Tying- with Katie Johnstone
On a crisp autumn day, Brian from Mad River Outfitters embarked on a fly fishing adventure with Ryan Ratliff from Ohio Fly Fishing Guides at the Briarwood Sporting Club. Known for its abundant giant hybrid bluegill and other panfish, the lake was a perfect spot for Brian, who passionately shared his comprehensive collection of surface and subsurface panfish bugs, including some he tied himself.
These intricate lures, from rubber spiders to jig-style welding worms, showcased not only his dedication to the craft but also the excitement that comes with every cast and catch.
As the day progressed, the duo noticed that while the smaller fish gravitated towards the surface, the larger ones laid deeper in the water. Adapting to this realization, Brian showcased a micro popper from their shop, ideal for the situation.
Ryan, on the other hand, shared a versatile rig that combined techniques from both nymphing for trout in lakes and conventional crappie fishing. This rig, paired with specific flies and balanced with the perfect float, proved effective, especially when the fish laid deep.
Interestingly, this unique method isn't just about casting. It's more akin to "bobber fishing," where you lob the setup out and let it drift, waiting for a bite.
Ryan's technique, clearly derived from both conventional and fly fishing realms, proved especially effective as he consistently reeled in bigger fish from the deeper waters. Brian, staying true to his love for surface fishing, enjoyed his fair share of catches too.
For those eager to dive deeper into these techniques and witness the camaraderie and thrill of the day, we invite you to watch the full video. If you're inspired to experience this firsthand, why not book a session to fly fish with Ryan this fall through our guide services? Dive into the world of fly fishing and equip yourself with some of the best gear and knowledge, all available at Mad River Outfitters. Your adventure awaits!
Watch the full video to experience the magic of fly fishing with Brian and Ryan! Ready to create your own fishing memories? Check out our guide services and book your session to fly fish with Ryan this fall!
Armed with patented 3M micropolishing technology, this pad effectively removes the unavoidable dirt and line contaminants that accumulate during fishing, restoring the line's original performance. Incredibly, the dressing outlasts and remains on the line longer than other dressings in the market.
Brian Flechsig of Mad River Outfitters emphasizes how crucial it is to clean and lubricate your fly line. Many, he observes, are unaware of this simple maintenance step, yet it can profoundly impact the line's behavior, how it shoots through the guides, its buoyancy, and even its longevity. Using the Scientific Anglers kit is straightforward—clean with the sandpaper-like side to remove dirt and then apply the dressing with the spongy side.
The result? A line that's "just like butter."
Beyond its cleaning capabilities, the pad is practical. Brian confesses to going through more of these pads than the dressing itself, highlighting its utility. Whether he's guiding, fishing, or teaching, he always has a couple of these pads at the ready in his pocket.
Cleaning your fly line can extend its life two to three times longer, making this pad not just a tool, but an investment.
Fly fishing has long been an artform, a dance between the angler, the fly, and the water. But as every seasoned fly fisher knows, the unsung hero of this dance is often the fly line itself. Enter RIO's latest offering: the Elite series of fly lines.
Expertly crafted and meticulously designed, this series promises to redefine performance, precision, and ease for anglers worldwide. Whether you're wading in tranquil streams or casting in dense jungles, the Elite series ensures that every cast is more than just a throw – it's a statement. Dive in as we unravel the magic behind each version of this revolutionary fly line series.
RIO Elite Indicator Fly Line
Perfect for wading or fishing from an anchored boat, the RIO Elite Indicator Fly Line is every angler's dream. Engineered to effortlessly turnover a variety of indicators and fly sizes, it ensures extended, accurate casts, and efficient mends for an impeccable dead drift. Its unique design permits anglers, whether wading or in an anchored boat, to cast further upstream and achieve a longer, more natural drift.
The long head not only facilitates efficient mending at a distance but also enhances stack mending techniques downstream. Advanced features such as the low-stretch ConnectCore Plus and SlickCast technology amplify casting control, performance, and durability. Furthermore, the EasyID on the front taper guarantees quick line recognition. Available in White/Red/Gray, this line promises "Strike, Set, Game On."
RIO Elite Smallmouth Bass Fly Line
Specifically tailored for the ardent bass angler, the RIO Elite Smallmouth Bass fly line guarantees precision and accuracy when targeting smallmouth bass. Its powerful front taper makes casting typical bass flies effortless, while its extended handling section ensures impeccable control and delivery of the fly from a distance. The line's specially crafted coating maintains its slickness during summer but is easily straightened in the cooler spring and fall temperatures. Combined with the SureFire tricolored measuring system, this Moss/Chartreuse/Beige line is truly the epitome of excellence for bass fishing.
RIO Elite Warmwater Predator Fly Line (Sink Tip Version)
Destined to be a game-changer, the new RIO Elite Warmwater Predator Fly Line is the definitive choice for casting large, heavy, and wind-resistant flies, especially in warmwater and jungle scenarios. Whether targeting Largemouth Bass or Peacock Bass in the dense jungle, this line has got you covered. Taking inspiration from their popular Elite Predator line, this version ensures that casting big flies remains a breeze.
With a floating running line and the (F/S5/S7) density combination, it promises a swift and deep descent. Presented in a striking Black/Yellow/Blue color, it's bound to be a favorite among anglers.
RIO Elite Warmwater Predator Fly Line (Intermediate Tip Version)
Another masterpiece in the Elite series, this RIO Elite Warmwater Predator Fly Line, with its floating/hover/intermediate profile, promises top-notch performance when casting large flies in warm waters. Its short, powerful front taper combined with a floating running line guarantees effortless mending and pick-up.
This particular line features a (F/H/I) density combination, making it ideal for fishing in the top 2-3 ft of water. With a beautiful Clear/Sand/Yellow/Blue color palette, it not only performs well but looks the part too.
Get Yours Now! Experience the ultimate in fly fishing with RIO's Elite series of fly lines. Head over to Mad River Outfitters now to grab one for yourself and redefine your angling experience. Because with RIO, you're not just fishing, you're making every cast count.
