This two-day event will be catered by Duane Hada, Tadd Fore, and their team to meet the desires of members of the Arkansas Fly Fishers. By request, the typical tying portion of the course will be replaced by a full day of fishing on Saturday and a 1/2 day of fishing on Sunday. There are 4 instructors on the Smallmouth Tour team, all professionals in the fly fishing industry. The Tour is considered an instructional course, not a guide trip. Though we will catch fish, the primary goal is to teach participants how to chase Ozark smallies on the fly both from watercraft and on foot. The trip will be limited to 15.
On Saturday, participants will float a section of the Illinois River in canoes, kayaks, and rafts. Participants will take turns spending one-on-one time with instructors during the course of the day to develop the skills required to catch smallmouth bass on the fly. When participants are not in instructors' boats, they will share canoes and fish on their own - following along with instruction and what they have learned up to that point. It is not uncommon that participants will frequently stop to fish on foot and to sit in on a short clinic given by an instructor. Most likely, Sunday will be a fishing day on foot. Teams will split up with each instructor and the art of wade fishing for bass will be taught.
Lodging is included in the cost of the event. Lodging will be at Cookson Hills near Kansas, OK. Detailed directions will be given at a later date. We will have 6 cabins and a large common area with a full kitchen and large television. Wifi is available in the common area. Each cabin can comfortably sleep 3-4 people (though the cabins are small and primitive). The cabins typically have a full size bed and two sets of bunk beds, one bathroom, and a small dorm-size fridge. A larger fridge is available for use in the common area. You must bring your own linens and pillows.
The Smallmouth Tour will provide dinner for participants on Saturday night at the cabins. Saturday evening is usually a night of great fellowship, food, unwinding, and fly tying.
The cost for this event will be $600 per person. Again, lodging and Saturday dinner from the Smallmouth Tour plus breakfast and lunches from AFF are included. Essentially, participants experience two days of fishing, instruction, and fellowship for the cost of one day of guided fishing.
The cost for this event will be $600 per person. Again, lodging and Saturday dinner from the Smallmouth Tour plus breakfast and lunches from AFF are included. Essentially, participants experience two days of fishing, instruction, and fellowship for the cost of one day of guided fishing.
This is the 5th season for The Smallmouth Tour and we are excited to have you join in on all the fun. We have made countless lasting friendships over the years - all built around the simple joy of catching smallmouth bass on the fly! Should you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
Participants must be AFF members.
This being an outdoor event, there will be no refunds due to extreme weather. We will find water to fish somewhere!
AFF Member David Watson is coordinating trip. He can be reached at 501-416-3378 or watson4859@sbcglobal.net.