Carlo Bongio's New Guide Service

One of the persistently consistent emails which we receive is "Where's Carlo?" With the impressive number of years in which Carlo Bongio has been prowling the waterways of Northern California, spending a few hours under his tutelage has made a huge difference to a large number of avid anglers. Simply put, there are few people we wholeheartedly recommend as guides or teachers, and Carlo is one of them.

So it was with great pleasure that we got wind of Carlo's new website - North Coast Fly Fish - http://www.northcoastflyfish.com - which makes his contact information quickly available to anyone looking for fly casting lessons, fly fishing guiding for steelhead, trout or largemouth bass and panfish, or even Tenkara rod fishing and nature hikes (in case you never heard, Carlo is an expert herpetologist and very knowledgeable mushroom hunter - check the Nature Tours section for more information.)

You are encouraged to give Carlo to schedule lessons or trips. Enjoy!

Carlo's Kids Casting Weekend Photos

Sorry for the delay - but here are a good portion of images from the Youth Flyfishing Weekend event last month - it was great to see so many young anglers so excited about fly fishing. 15 new anglers learned fly fishing from the ground up, with expert assistance from the Redwood Chapter of Trout Unlimited and our own fly fishing department manager Carlo Bongio.

Day one was spent up at Galvan Pond going over knots and gear, the mechanics of casting, and handling the equipment. Day two put the young anglers onto a hungry group of fish at a private pond, where everyone seemed to catch more than their share. Things wrapped up with a certificate of completion and it seemed like everyone was ready to hit the stream!

Here Comes June!

Flyfishing 101 course.
New dates in June and July - click here for a flyer. This popular introduction to fly fishing course fills up quickly - taught by fly department manager Carlo Bongio, this will get you casting effectively and teach the basics of fly tackle, knots and etymology. Perfect for the new or intermediate fly angler.

Bass/Panfish Warmwater flyfishing clinic
Sessions in July and August - click here for a flyer. Join Carlo Bongio at a private pond in Sonoma for an intermediate to advanced session focusing on the specific techniques for fishing for these dynamic species.

Other Clinics
As of the weekend, only a couple places left for the Kid's Flyfishing Weekend.

Bluewater/San Diego Fishing Seminar/Alan Tani Reel Repair Seminar
Mark your calendar for Saturday, July 16 - it will be a great day for learning about the electrifying fishing down in San Diego (and more about our 5 day trip this September), as well as an opportunity for you to get down and dirty - digging into your conventional fishing reels and learning how to clean and maintain them under the tutelage of reel repair icon Alan Tani - look for updates soon, but make sure you don't miss this day!

California Hunting Licenses, draw tags and bird validations have been available since last month - the new computerized system can be a little confusing, but we've been helping folks untangle their questions. The important date is coming up - the tag applications are due Thursday June 2nd.

These are now transmitted electronically through the DFG Automated License System. If you have not done so, you must bring in proof of Hunter's Safety (either a validated Hunter Safety card or previous Hunting License) in order to apply. If you are joining an existing hunting party, you will also need the ID number for that party. You will need to know exactly which zone you are applying for (or if you plan on applying for preference points). We have DFG Big Game information booklets and a larger scale map of zones at the shop.

Again - the deadline for drawing applications is Thursday, June 2nd.

(Please note - this is for lottery draw deer or other big game tags. If you are hunting in a non-lottery area, you may purchase tags up to the point the zone closes - pending availability of the tags).

Carlo Bongio Shad Clinic - May 14th

Do you want to learn the tricks and techniques to catch scads of shad? Then make sure you sign up for Carlo's Shad Clinic on Saturday, May 14th!

"On the Water" Shad Clinic
SATURDAY, May 14th, 2011

The anadromous American Shad is a fly fisher¹s dream. When hooked, shad's aerial displays are reminiscent of a tarpon or steelhead's flight. The shad runs as powerfully as a salmon, and shows a tremendous amount of endurance. Shad hit flies with reckless abandon and attack with such shuddering strikes that you may find them arm-numbing. This day-long clinic will give you the tools you need to effectively pursue and catch this most challenging and
exciting of gamefish on a fly rod.

Clinic Meets in Santa Rosa, Directions supplied upon payment.
Reservations required.
Clinic Fees: $125/person

This clinic requires wading to be most effective. Waders and appropriate
wading equipment is the responsibility of the student. Attendees should
have mastered basic casting techniques & be familiar with basic fly fishing
equipment. For more information, please contact Carlo Bongio the shop (415)
456-5454.

What is Covered in this Clinic:
Wading Techniques - Fly Selection - Reading the Water for Best Results - Casting & Fishing Shooting Heads - Presentation Techniques for Shad (which work well for steelhead too!) Plus - Russian River "Hot Spots"

Recommended Equipment for the Clinic
Required: Valid California Fishing License (available at stores)

8 weight fly rod with fighting butt.
(6 or 7 weight rod acceptable).
Disk-drag reel set up with a shooting head system.
(enough capacity for approximately
150-200 yards of backing,
plus 200' running line & 30' head)
20-30# Backing
Running line
Shooting heads with a sink rate of 2, 3 and 4.

Shad Flies in sizes 6 & 8 (chartruese, red, orange are most popular)

7' tapered leaders in 2x - 3x tippet size

Waders (unless you want to "wet wade")
Wading staff
Polarized sunglasses
Hat
Sunscreen
Food, drinks & necessary snacks

If you have any questions, contact Carlo Bongio at the shop (415) 456-5454.

Flyfishing 101 Classes Scheduled

There is more to successful fly fishing than learning how to cast. This class covers the skills and techniques necessary to get you on the stream and catching fish! Ace teacher and experienced fly fisher Carlo Bongio - who also manages the fly department for us - gives this essential overview of fly fishing, including learning three types of casts, knot tying, presentation techniques, and understanding equipment, trout habitat and entymology (the study of insects -- the natural food of the trout).

During the session, students will have opportunities to both learn and practice techniques. Beginning with a description of the fly fishing equipment and how it is put together into a complete outfit, this class then focuses upon essential fishing knots, the different types of flies and when to use them. Once all students understand the “why” aspect of fishing, coursework moves to casting and controlling line for different conditions and presentations. By the end of the course, budding anglers are ready to concentrate on catching fish. We recommend these sessions rather than casting-only classes for novices.

This class is limited to 6 students and goes from 9 am to approximately 12:30 pm.
Reservations required - contact Carlo at 415-456-5454. (Note - classes generally fill early, so don't delay!) All gear provided. Cost: $95/student.

Saturday, March 5
Saturday, March 26
Saturday, April 2

Carlo's Steelhead Wrap Up

Fly Department manager Carlo Bongio sent over just a few shots from this year's excellent steelhead season

"The first wild steelhead was caught and released from a local tidewater stream in sonoma county. The second photo taken in the boat is a Smith river hatchery Steelhead that was kept for the barbaque. The last photo with the flyrod is a Russian River hatchery Steelhead that was also kept. The point of this post is to make sure that all anglers understand that all wild steelhead in California must be released. You will notice tha large intact adipose fin of the wild steelhead compared to the clipped adipose fin of the hatchery fish. This winter's runs have been fair to good on most rivers on the coast. - Carlo"

Some Older Photos for the New Year

San Rafael fly department denizen Doug B. manages to get more than his share of fish. A lifetime of paying attention, listening, learning and fishing will do that for you.

So will trying things that not everyone has thought about... Certainly, everyone has heard about the bonefishing on Christmas Island. But, what do you do when you are laid over in Hawaii waiting for that connecting flight?

The answer, quite clearly, is unlimber that tackle and make some casts into the lagoon across from the airport:




And, yes, Doug did make it to Christmas Island as well.

Carlo Hauls Up a Hawg

Here's an update to Carlo Bongio and Jerry Warren's trip to Eagle Canyon Lakes - a couple of photos of Carlo landing an impressive trout -





At this point, we are looking to do a stillwater clinic at Eagle Canyon Lakes in either late February or March. If you are interested, please call Carlo at the Santa Rosa store 707-542-4432, or email customerservice@westernsportshop.com

Jerry and Carlo's Trip North

Not to be outdone by the salmon and steelhead contingent, Western Sport Shop staff members Jerry Warren and Carlo Bongio headed north to evaluate conditions at one of the more amazing fisheries we've heard of - the Trophy Trout Lake at Eagle Canyon. We've rarely seen Carlo and Jerry actually worn out by a day of catching trout, but when we saw the photos, we understood why -



Just to be clear, Jerry is holding a TROUT!

This lake can be fished either from the bank or via a float tube. It is open through the winter and closes for the summer at the beginning of April. This unique, spring-fed fishery has some of the most monster fish we've ever seen.

Right now, Carlo is working to set a date for a "Monster Trout" clinic - check back here for updates as soon as we firm up the specifics. In the meantime, here is another of the many fish they caught:

Carlo Bongio Fly Tying Video

Even with the Big Fall Sale happening this week, our fishing and fly departments continue to be busy with folks enjoying the lengthy summer fishing season this year. As we look towards fall, Santa Rosa Fly Department Manager Carlo Bongio is beginning to set his schedule for fly tying classes (and other "On The Water" clinics as well!)

Recently, a video crew from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat caught up with Carlo and put together this excellent video -



If you are interested in signing up for Carlo's next class, give him a call at our Santa Rosa store - 707-542-4432. Thanks for watching!

Countdown to the Fall Super Sale! - Starts 8/27!

If you've come by the stores recently, I'd like to apologize if you were

blocked by large trucks dropping off huge quantities of decoys, steel shot, waders,
fall camouflage clothing or any of the other orders which arrived in the past few
weeks. We've been organizing like mad, trying to get ready for the Western
Sport Shop Annual Fall Shooting Sports Super Sale!

The logistics of such a big sale are usually enough to keep us kind of crazy
through August, but when you combine a sudden ocean salmon bite, a continued
surge of freshwater action in the local lakes, and eager anglers getting set
up for our annual San Diego long range trip, it's been an utter madhouse
recently.

Of course, we enjoy seeing everyone so excited about getting out into the
outdoors, and like to take the time to set you up right - it's been
especially fun to see all the families coming in for kids' "first rod & reel" setup.

Now, the one thing I want to make sure is that you take a moment and mark
your calendar, update your smartphone or make a quick entry to your online
calendar -
Because the biggest sale with the lowest prices of the season is scheduled
to start on Friday, August 27th in both stores!

(And, if this is news to you, the first word always goes out in our email newsletter, which you can sign up for right on our main website)

This is the event where our waterfowl enthusiasts - the folks who have been
asking about this season pretty much since the end of last season - and
upland specialists descend upon the store to get the best deals on steel shot, camo
clothing, decoys and more - pretty much everything that will be important
for you this season!

However, as most anglers know, this is also the time when we move out
anything that's overstocked in the fishing or fly departments as well - there will be
great deals in every department! That's why we say this sale is not to be
missed.

Of course, you don't have to wait until then to find some cool new stuff and
some great deals - In fact, if you are a fly fishing enthusiast, we recently got the word that the Sage VT2 and TXL series fly rods will be discontinued for the upcoming year.

So, effective - wait for it.......right..... NOW!

Any of those rods still in stock are 30% off the regular price.

We've also been piling up some tackle items on our sale tables, so make sure you visit the stores right now for the best selection on great lures and gear that may be a little shopworn, slightly changed for the new year, or just something we can't get any longer.

See you at the sale - Starting Friday, August 27th!

Flies In The Surf

Wow! Between getting ready for our Huge Fall Sale on August 27th and playing hooky and going fishing myself, I managed to get a bit behind in posting photos!

One of the great things about running Western Sport Shop is that we get to meet really talented anglers. Occasionally, we get lucky enough to have one work for us! Those of you who have been in the fly department in San Rafael have probably met Loren, who has worked for us the last couple summers. When Loren isn't answering questions or helping get folks rigged up right, he manages to do better than most folks when flyfishing the surf. Here are just a few photos we've seen of his adventures -

Carlo's Fly Fishing Update

Well, we needed rain and we got it! That made our steelhead season a short-lived one, and all this late season snow runoff has made both shad fishing and early trout season a tough one for fly fishing.

But, now things are shaping up to be a great mid- to late-season for trout fishing throughout the state. Small creeks in the Sierra are producing well now. Backpackers should now be able to start fishing most of the High Sierra lakes in the next few weeks. Smart anglers have been picking up some of the new 3 weight 4 pc rods from Sage (the Flight Series has a 7' which is perfect for this) or the Redington CT series (Redington also makes a new 6-piece 3 weight 8' rod which is proving popular, too).

Speaking of backpacking, the other multi-piece rod which is a staff favorite is the Echo Trip - another 6 piece rod with the light action for all-around backpacking travel.

Want to catch a Golden Trout this summer? How about catching one and not have to hike? Drop by or call me at the Santa Rosa shop (707-542-4432) and I'll tell you just where this is possible!

Hand & Sun Protection

New Sun-reflecting, fish-fighting gloves from Buff, originally uploaded by Western Sport Shop.

Buff has made some excellent protective headgear for a few years now. We brought it in a go0d assortment last year, and it more than took off in popularity with anglers who spend a fair amount of time out in the sun.

The basic Buff Headwear is a simple tube, which can be worn in about a dozen ways without even thinking about it. We stock two models in a couple dozen patterns and styles - the "UV Buff" which is made with Coolmax Exteme fabric - a four-channel fiber forms a transport system that pulls moisture away from the skin to outer layers of the fabric, and it dries faster than any other fabric, thermoregulating the body - which blocks somewhere around 95% of the UV rays.

This is important for someone who spends any time around the water - where sunblock gets washed off pretty easily. With the Buff, it's easy and comfortable to wear it loosely around the neck at the start of the day, then pull it up to cover your ears or even the crown of your head as the sun rises. Easy and comfortable means you are likely to use it.

Of course, the sharp-eyed among you realize the above photo shows a pair of gloves - specifically the Buff Fighting Work Gloves. These were announced last fall, and we've been excited to get our shipment -

(excuse the press release, but they say it better than I could)

Buff Fighting Work Gloves

The Buff® Pro-Series Fighting Work Gloves...the best all purpose fishing glove! It will provide you multipurpose fish handling, light wiring and leadering, grabbing large catches or bills, as well as removing hooks. Pole grip palm makes it ideal for poling and paddling

Features & Benefits:

1. UPF 50+. Breathable, moisture wicking, 2-way Comfort Stretch for lateral movement.
2. Anatomical Thumb and wipe patch.
3. Adjustable hook and loop closure.
4. Full finger for protection.
5. Fingertip pulls.
6. 3 fingertip cut for dexterity.
7. Ergonomically stitched palm and fingers for natural, curved hand position which then reduces fatigue.
8. Durable Japanese aquatic synthetic suede. Will hold up to wet conditions and dries quickly.
9. Reinforced palm overlay and unique design which reduces bunching.
10. Flex Tech^™ adjustable cuff for mobility.

Now, we've also received the Buff Angler Gloves, which are a little lighter weight -

(more press release to follow...)

Buff Angler Glove

Pro-Series Angler Gloves, you'll never fish without them again. Every detail thoughtfully engineered for dexterity, comfort and the ultimate in Ultra Violet protection.

Ultraviolet Protection Factor(UPF):

Features & Benefits:

1. UPF 50+. Breathable, moisture wicking, 2-way Comfort Stretch for lateral movement.
2. Anatomical Thumb.
3. Extended cuff for UV Protection of wrist area.
4. Finger tip pulls makes it easier to pull off after use.
5. Fingertip cut for dexterity
6. Stripping guard-stitched with Dupont^® for added strength.
7. Accordion Finger Grip-Provides better grip and less hand fatigue which means better performance
8. Diamond Grip™ Palm by Clarino™-Each individual diamond cut provides suction power and extra grip for wet and dry conditions.
9. Ergonomically shaped palm/fingers-Designed and engineered for natural hand curve position which reduces bunching.
10. Durable Japanese aquatic synthetic suede-Will hold up to wet conditions better and dries quickly.

Both of these gloves provide 50+ UPF protection, are comfortable to wear all day and most importantly, give some protection to the easily sun-scorched hands - check them out in both stores this weekend!

Mike S. Checks In

Weekend Santa Rosa Fly Department staffer Mike S. checked in via email -

"A good trip to BC fishing for steelhead - hooked 7 and landed 4. A bonus is that I also caught a 35-40 lb Chinook.

Mike "



Yes.... That is a pretty darned good "bonus", Mike. Thanks for making us all jealous!

Spring Shad Fly Fishing Clinic - May 23rd!

“On the Water” Shad Clinic
SUNDAY, May 23rd, 2010

The anadromous American Shad is a fly fisher’s dream. When hooked, shad’s aerial displays are reminiscent of a tarpon or steelhead’s flight. The shad runs as powerfully as a salmon, and shows a tremendous amount of endurance. Shad hit flies with reckless abandon and attack with such shuddering strikes that you may find them arm-numbing. This day-long clinic will give you the tools you need to effectively pursue and catch this most challenging and exciting of gamefish on a fly rod.

Clinic Meets at the Santa Rosa Western Sport Shop - 2790 Santa Rosa Ave. Limited to 8 attendees. Reservations required.
Clinic Fees: $125/person

This clinic requires wading to be most effective. Waders and appropriate wading equipment is the responsibility of the student. Attendees should have mastered basic casting techniques & be familiar with basic fly fishing equipment.

For more information or to reserve your place in the class, please contact Carlo Bongio at the Santa Rosa store (707) 542-4432.

New Book - Sight Fishing for Trout

New Book - Sight Fishing for Trout, originally uploaded by Western Sport Shop.

Another new title just arriving - by Landon Mayer.

New Book - Fly Tying Made Clear and Simple II

New Book - Fly Tying Made Clear and Simple II, originally uploaded by Western Sport Shop.

Advanced techniques on fly tying by Skip Morris. Skip is the guy who set the benchmark intro tying book - Fly Tying Made Clear and Simple.

Excellent photographs and clear instructions. It's bound in a softbound, spiral format, so you can easily flip the pages around for more tying bench space. A perfect book to while away the winter months.

New Book - "Single-Handed Spey Casting" by Simon Gawesworth

Single Handed Spey Casting by Gawesworth, originally uploaded by Western Sport Shop.

New Book - "California's Best Fly Fishing" by Chip O'Brien

New Book - California's Best Fly Fishing, originally uploaded by Western Sport Shop.