My passion for the outdoors started at a young age, around 11 or 12 when I would go bird “hunting” with my father and uncles during the fall and in spring and summer. We would also go to various trout ponds and it was there that I learned about “bait” and different set-ups to catch fish.
As I got older and started to drive, my fishing world expanded greatly. My buddies and I were constantly scouting for new waters to fish, but one place would beacon us back over and over again – the Ganaraska River; it became our second home. Back then, I used spinning gear but always came prepared with stoneflies, caddis and various other patterns so when spin fishing got slow, we could carry on and still catch fish. Funds being limited, my friend Steve and I both decided we wanted to learn to tie our own flies. We went to every fly fishing show we could and pick the tier’s brains. They were happy to share their knowledge and we both decided to take a tying class. As luck would have it, I wasn’t able to attend the class, but Steve did and was willing to share his vise, materials and “vast tying knowledge”. I was “hooked”, pun intended. I started reading books, watching videos and talking to various tiers about “techniques”.
I brought a few of my “proud accomplishments” into the shop owner who had held the tying class I was unable to attend, and he was so impressed he ordered some of my flies for his shop! Before long, he was calling me to come and check my “inventory” and replenish what was needed. Shortly after that, I found myself tying “specialty” orders for folks going to Alaska, Russia and beyond to fish. That was 15 years ago and to this day, I still tie for that same shop and some of those early clients.
I fish and tie flies for the tributaries of Lake Ontario, the streams of New York and Lake Erie. I tie flies for folks that are serious about catching Trout, Steelhead and Salmon.
This is not just a business for me, it’s a life’s dream come true that is fueled by passion. I take great pride in my work, use the highest quality materials and make sure that every fly that leaves my vise is tied properly and precisely.
I invite you to look at my website, Castaway Flies Canada to view my entire fly selection for sale or to contact me about personally putting together a "Custom Fly Order" for the waters you are heading out to fish!
Thanks for stopping by and good fishing!
~ Mike
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