All Points Fly Shop + Outfitter - News

Last night was all about foam. The theme was centered around the "hopper-dropper" technique and tying dry flies/hoppers utilizing foam. Shaun Baggitt was the featured tyer for the night and detailed out two great patterns - a foam caddis and "chubby chernobyl." Both of these flies can be fished solo, or as the main (buoyant) dry fly which holds up an accompanying nymph. 

We were graciously hosted by Oxbow again. Being one of our favorite places to have the Maine Bar Fly, we enjoyed Oxbow's big selection of beers. Their Farmhouse Ale, Endless Summer, Metal Face seemed to be the most popular among us.  

Thanks to all who joined us last night! The next Maine Bar Fly will be held at Stars & Stripes Brewery in Freeport. We will be tying two different saltwater crab patterns taught by Travis Shipman. This will also be the last Maine Bar Fly of the season and we will be going out with a bang! There will be lots of great raffle prizes available which will continue to support Project Healing Waters such as: 

1. Full day guided fishing for stripers with Eric Wallace
2. An Original Maine Fly Tying Base made by Nate Hicks
3. A box full of streamers tied by Shaun Baggitt
4. One hour private fly tying lesson with Nate Wight

Words + Photos By: Josh Thelin

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A little snow isn't going to stop us! Last night we gathered around the fermenters and brewing equipment at Sebago Brewing HQ in Gorham to tie some Euro/Czech style nymphs. As the snow flew outside, Nate Wight walked us through three patterns which thought would be a good basis for "standards" - Frenchie, RCC Caddis, and Brown + Copper. Not only are these great all around flies, but perfect for Maine waters! These style of flies and fishing techniques are fairly new to most anglers, so Nate also did a great job of explaining gear specifics and also details on how these flies are fished.

Our efforts to continue supporting Project Healing Waters through the raffle. Up for grabs last night was a Redington Hydrogen 10' 3wt Euro Nymph fly rod and a box of 90 Euro nymphs tied by Nate Wight. Thank you to Redington and Nate for the kind donation!

The beers last night at Sebago were great! I saw about 5 different styles around the room, so there was clearly plenty of options for everyone. Lots of dark beers to go along with the snowy weather...

The next Maine Bar Fly will be announced soon, so keep an ear out!

Words + Photos: Josh Thelin

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Last night we gathered at Fore River Brewing Company in South Portland for the second Maine Bar Fly of the season. The theme was "Half & Halfs" which was taught be Shaun Baggitt. Two variations were done - a saltwater one for striped bass, bluefish, etc and the other was a freshwater crayfish imitation for trout/bass. This was the first time that we had tied using bucktail. Although probably my favorite material to tie with, it can be tricky not only for beginners, but logistically for large groups. But, everyone prevailed and tied some super fishy patterns! 

Continuing the effort with Project Healing Waters, we were able to raffle off some good items including a fully guided day on the water targeting striped bass with Kevin Stone of Old Oak Outfitters - a very generous offering! All proceeds again will go towards PHWFF and specifically their local chapter. This will be true for the remainder of the Maine Bar Flies this season, so at the end of these events I will be able to give back to a wonderful organization. 

The great people at Fore River Brewing put up with us again and provided a great place to gather, tell stories, and learn some new tying techniques. They always have great beer including a newer brown ale called All Hands and Timberhitch which is a red ale. I enjoyed both quite a bit! 

The next Maine Bar Fly will be taught by Nate Wight and we will be doing Euro style nymphs on jig hooks! Stay tuned for more info. It will take place in January, but date is not confirmed. If you have not signed up for the email list. You can do so HERE. I will be sending out an email with specifics through there. 

Hope to see you at the next one!

(Shaun Baggit checking himself out on the big screen above)

Words + Photos By: Josh Thelin

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We are back! The Maine Bar Fly has returned and it is shaping up to be a great season of fly tying. I thought it would be proper to arrange the first one (of this season) to be held at Oxbow and to also have Aaron Lockwood tying the fly. That was the setup on the very first bar fly...so if it ain't broke...

Last night was a special one as I coordinated with local Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing members/chapters. Seeing as it was Veteran's Day, it made it even better. We were lucky enough to have a good amount of PHWFF members there tying with us as well. Those who attended got to hear a little bit about what Project Healing Waters does and how it can help those who have served our country. Further, we were able to raise a little bit of money via donations and ticket sales. 

You can read up on Project Healing Waters HERE

Last night we tied Lockwood's "Sneaky Smelt" which is a trout streamer tied with marabou and synthetic Senyo's Laser Dub. It's a killer pattern!

The next Maine Bar Fly is scheduled for December 11th at Fore River Brewing. We will be tying "Half & Half" patterns with Shaun Baggitt in both freshwater and saltwater variations. Hope you can join us! 

I would like to give out a big "thank you" to Tim Adams from Oxbow who has been a big supporter of All Points and the Maine Bar Fly since day one, Aaron Lockwood for not only bringing his expertise to the tying table but for all his help along the way, and also Jon Larrabee from HMH Vises (these nights would not be possible without him). 

Words + Photos By: Josh Thelin 

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Last night (Feb. 6th) was the third Maine Bar Fly. Hosted again inside Oxbow Blending & Bottling's great tasting room, we gathered to learn more about Nome Buckman's approach to tying her "Predator Flies." Well-outfitted with HMH's generous supply of vises and LIGHTS (!!!!) we all drank and listened to Nome's instruction. As for the beer, Oxbow always provides a great assortment. Many people had variety/tasters so that they could try them all. I personally enjoyed and had my share of their Town Line Porter. 

Before the tyers all arrived, we did the ritualistic assembling of vises and divvying out materials... 

After settling in, people chose their preferred beverage and tuned into the tying instructions. The great thing about these nights is that the teacher(s) try and not only give you specifics on tying, but also how those tying techniques translate into the fly's motion/behavior/appeal. 

The next Maine Bar Fly has been scheduled for March 14th at Bunker Brewing in Portland. The tyer will be Kevin Stone and we will be doing an "EP 101" night: an introduction to working with EP fibers for striped bass! It will be the last one for this season until we pick back up again in November. If you haven't made it to one yet, you are missing out! s

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