Scenes from Michi-Glass and Ken Frazee's Notes

I have records of Michi-Glass going as far back as 2011 and this northern Michigan one-day long event bringing "Glass Geeks" together was first organized by rodmaker Mark McKellip, with Ken Frazee and Paul Frost taking over the reins this year.  The other day I shared a T.F.M. post on floating with those two and left a stash of Japanese fly rods with Ken to be displayed at the event, which he reviews his notes below.  Take a moment to slow scroll this post.

 

Ken wrote... "We had a beautiful day for casting and displaying fiberglass fly rods.  Turnout was more than double of last year even given the late cancellation of four individuals who intended to display a decent number of their own rods or blanks.  It was still a fantastic time given the collection of regulars, local anglers dropping in, several of the participants from Grayrock Rodmakers Gathering saying hello and a few fly fishermen who were new to trying fiberglass fly rods.  Those attending came from Iowa, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Ohio.  

The day went fast with a dizzying array of modern and vintage fly rods on hand.  The following makers or brand names of fiberglass fly rods were on hand and I'm sure that others could add a few that I missed, yet this is my recollection: Campanella, Conolon, Cortland, Browning, Fenwick, Fisher, Fred Paddock, Garcia, Glastech, Hardy, Heddon, Ijuin-Rod, Kabuto Rods, Larry Kenny, Lamiglass, McFarland Fly Rod Copmany, Tom Morgan Rodsmiths, Orvis, Paul Young Rod Company (yes in glass), Phillipson, Ramaglass, Scott Fly Rod Company, Seele, Shakespeare, St. Croix, Steffen Brothers, Three Jays, Tiemco, Wanigas, Winston, Mario Wojonicki, Wright & McGill, Yamame Fly Rods, and likely others.  

The fly rods on hand ranged from 3-weights to 10-weight fly rods with the 3-weights being especially well represented in higher end well crafted fly rods.  One could have limited themselves to just say 6-weight fly rods alone and had a full day of casting."

Ken continued...  "A special treat was to be able to handle some of the finest fiberglass fly rods being made currently in Japan and provided by The Fiberglass Manifesto for the enjoyment of those attending the 2026 Michi-Glass gathering.  Paul and I overheard many positive comments about the Japanese rods on display.  Those attending had never cast any of these rods previously other than a few who had tried the Ijuin-Rod Yomogi in the past and some had never even seen images of the rods before so it was fun to see the reactions.  Here are a few of my own notes from casting each...

CAMPANELLA LUNAR FLEX 6'6" 3-WEIGHT - This fly rod had the hallmarks of being made by those who care.  The blank diameter was thin even for a 3-weight.  Good tube and tube cover were included with the test rod.  It would travel well as would the three section rods noted given the four sections.  While well conceived and with a unique attractive blank color this rod would be best for shorter casts in smaller waters.  Generally I like longer fly rods than this length; however, this rod would be fun to try on our trico hatch later this summer. 

IJUIN-ROD YOMOGI 7' 3-WEIGHT - A well made handcrafted creation.  Overall a fine casting fly rod.  The green color paired with the hardware shown is especially attractive to my eye and blends naturally on many river settings.  Finishing touches are tastefully executed from the rod to the packaging.  This level of quality is admired.  A good all around 3-weight rod for this length.  Casting this model was a pleasure and if I had time to fish it could imagine enjoying it even more.  

IJUIN-ROD SAKURA 7' 3-WEIGHT - This fly rod was the most interesting of the collection received.  A beautifully created fly rod in all respects that when cast places one in a very calm frame of mind.  Exceptional reel seat insert and beautiful rod bag.  Just a joy to cast with its slower pace and exceptional balance.  Would be best enjoyed with small flies for short to medium distances on flowing water.  Have cast this rod from a moving raft and while wading.  A better wading rod and all smiles when casting with feet planted on the substrate.  This rod had my favorite grip of the bunch.  Most all who cast this rod at the event from those new to fiberglass to those with large collections came away with a positive impression for its unique feel.  

KENNEY FLY RODS 793S 7’9” 3-WEIGHT - The new team at Kenny Fly Rods got this one right.  Experimental taper which should come to market.  Having owned his 8’1” 3-weight and having tried his 733 3-weight previously, it was clear Larry had a good handle on this line weight.  The new 7’ 9” version shown was another hit.  I found this to be slightly different from the well regarded earlier creations and in a good way.  Would seriously contemplate acquiring this model for our local rivers as the casting feel, length and quality checks many boxes.  Others testing casting this rod at the event enjoyed it providing positive feedback which mirrored my observations.  Also, it had a nice tube and tube cover for extra protection. 

TIEMCO GLASS MASTER 7’6” 4-WEIGHT - This rod had the most folks test casting it of any in the group provided.  It has a feel easily identified and resonates even with those who aren’t experienced with fiberglass fly rods.  It has a more traditional color scheme for fly fishing to most eyes; however, it has more of a factory built look to it compared to the other well crafted rods noted above.  As a fishing tool you could do quite well with this rod.  We enjoyed it on a float and a couple of the younger graphite anglers who stopped by inquired as to how to acquire this fly rod.  This model is a good all around fly rod which makes fine casts.  I believe Tiemco will do well with this series and it is a nice complement to their traditional fly fishing products.  

A special thanks to the local fly shops in the Grayling area who each helped promote this event including Gates Au Sable Lodge, Old Au Sable Fly Shop, Drakes Fly Shop, North Branch Outing Club and Au Sable River Outfitters.  If you are visiting this area fishing each of this shops is worth a visit and can connect you with the latest conditions and current hatches." 

What a stellar report and I'm going to do my best to try to make it up for the 2027 Michi-Glass event.

R.L. WINSTON ROD CO. - FLY COUNTRY

There is a lot going on in Twin Bridges, Montana with the recent announcement of new ownership of R.L. Winston Rod Company and the kickoff of a series of films dubbed "Fly Country".  Press PLAY...

 


Look for future episodes of Fly County here and on the Winston YouTube channel.

P.S.  If someone is listening, Winston making fiberglass fly rods has been on my wish list for years...

6 GOOD READS - The "Currier 500" Edition

I happened on Jeff Currier's website this morning and was captivated by his most recent trip dispatches from France where he chronicled his attempt to catch his 500th fish species with the Wels catfish on the fly.  Jim Klug of Yellow Dog Fly Fishing and filmmaker Chris Patterson were also along for the trip in hopes of making a film to submit for next year's Fly Fishing Film Tour.

There are actually nine different blog posts from this trip but I grabbed six of the best to share here...  

ARRIVAL TO WELS CATFISH COUNTRY

FLY FISHING FOR WELS CATFISH

FLY ROD WELS MAY BE TOUGHER THAN EXPECTED

CHANGE IN TACTICS NOT ENOUGH TO CATCH THE WELS

WE HAVE A MOVIE - THE FISH GODS ARE REAL

A MOST MEMORABLE JAUNT COMES TO AN END

EXTRA CREDIT...
If you'd like a bit more, Jim Klug sat down with Jeff Currier at the end of their trip to France to record a WAYPOINTS Fly Fishing Podcast that is certainly worth a listen.

Congrats to Jeff on this angling feat of 500 species and getting it done with the Wels catfish.  Keep up with Jeff's latest exploits on his blog, and of course, Instagram.

DUCK CAMP - The Guide's Guide: Nicky Mill

In Duck Camp's latest The Guide's Guide feature, Nicky Mills of Mill House tells his story in his short but well done film.  Press PLAY...



After you've enjoyed the film, give a look at the Duck Camp Summer Closeout Sale for up to 60% off their apparel and gear.

An Evening Float to the Oxbow Club

As usual, last month's trip home to Michigan was a stacked dance card of time spent with family, rounds of golf with my dad, a last minute float on the Muskegon River, days on Beaver Island, and an invite to float the South Branch of the Au Sable River with Ken Frazee and Paul Frost, who worked together to organize this year's Michi-Glass event.  I will always have a soft spot for the Au Sable River area since it is where I learned how to fly fish (way back in the mid-90's) and there is an unmistakable angling culture seeped in decades of tradition that I am drawn to.  I may not care for fly fishing for trout as I once did, but will always want to spend time on these tannic streams in northern Michigan.

We met late afternoon at Smith Bridge, which is just off M-72.  I had arrived a few minutes early, which gave me time to sort out of the back of the Outback (which was becoming a mess from a week on the road), loaded up a fly reel with a 5-weight fly line, picked a couple of fly rods to take in the boat, and grab a few beers for the cooler.  Ken and Paul arrived together and put the driftboat went into the water.  It took just a couple of minutes to sort everything out and we were on our way.

It was a shaping up to be a pleasant evening on the river but things were sort of stacked against us with a river that was still recovering from a massive flood event and a cooler than normal spring which was slowing the evening and nighttime hatches by several weeks.  I think between the three of us we had five or six glass fly rods in the boat and all took turns casting a bit.  We started with dry flies followed by a soft hackle and ended on small streamers, which did turn a few fish.  Ken had a solid brown trout rush out from a wood pile and slash at his streamer, just like he was supposed to.  There are few things better than dinner on the river and sandwiches, chips, and chocolate chip cookies on a slow flow corner of the river topped the evening off.

Just after dark we made it to the Oxbow Conservation & Fishing Club to find Paul's vehicle and trailer waiting for us.  We could hear the laughter of a group of guys having a good time playing cards on the screened porch of the club house.  We pulled the driftboat from the river and onto the trailer, sorted gear, and Ken, who's been a member at Oxbow for a number of years, invited us in for a drink.  I didn't get to be as nosy I'd as I wanted to be as the room was wall to wall natural wood panels, taxidermy arranged over the large fireplace, newspaper clippings on cork boards, framed vintage photographs, and individual lockers behind the bar where members could keep a select few bottles of spirits to be at the ready.  

Institutions like the Oxbow Club, and there are other historic clubs and lodges dotted around northern Michigan along these noteworthy rivers, are such special places and have done so much on the conservation front to protect the Au Sable River and the Manistee River, along with the surrounding branches and creeks.  The fight and commitment to the health of these rivers is admirable.   

After a drink and talking with a few members at the club house, we drove back to the parking lot at Smith Bridge so I could get my car and then made our way to Ken's home on the North Branch of the Au Sable River.  One of the neat things about Michigan in the summer is that it doesn't get dark until well after 10:00 pm but it sure messes with your head as it doesn't feel as late as it really is.  1:00 am (or even later) kind of sneaks up on you.  

Ken showed me to the guest room and gave me a quick tour of their home, where just a few weeks before, the river had jumped the bank during an incredible snow thaw and rain event which brought the river up to the doorstop of his porch.  He was at the house that weekend and watched overnight as the river continued to rise, passing through the woods and around all sides of his home.  Fortunately, it stayed inches deep but still gave them quite a scare and cleanup afterwards.     

The next morning, while Ken made us breakfast, I went through a few fly rods, which you'll hear about in the report from Michi-Glass, that I brought to leave for the event.  These were a collection of notable Japanese glass favorites in 3-weight and 4-weight and I lined up two Iwana fly reels with 406 Fly Lines so they could be test cast or even fished during the weekend of the event.  

I greatly appreciate Ken's generosity on inviting me for the overnight and also to Paul for letting me take the backseat of the driftboat.  These northern Michigan experiences are always a thrill, even if the bug hatches and trout aren't being cooperative.  There is always next time...

HOWLER BROTHERS - END OF SEASON SALE

Didn't summer just begin?  Even so, Howler Brothers has kicked off their End of Season Sale and if you like 60% off their latest collections, it's worth a look.

HEED THE CALL

PANTHER BRANCH BUGS - How to Fish the Carp Kwan

Okay, we've given you some time to get a few Carp Kwans whipped up on the vise and in this post, Brandon Bailes of Panther Branch Flies is going to give you a primer with the techniques and gear (fiberglass fly rods!!!) on how to effectively fish this pattern.

Brandon wrote...  "How I fish the Carp Kwan varies greatly on the watershed I’m fishing and the water depth and clarity but there’s no wrong way really.  Typically though, I use the tried and true “Drag N' Drop” technique but with a subtle tweak to the presentation.  The difference in my approach is I try to drop the fly a little further out from the fish and have it on bottom, crawling slowly and because of the wide EP fiber body it creates a nice visible mud trail that carp simply can’t resist as it comes into their view!  But if you stop the fly completely, then the Skworm tail will be standing upright with subtle movement from the hen saddle and that makes an ideal target for a tailing fish.  The EP body also slows the flies descent as it's dropping through the water column which can be deadly on suspended fish that are cruising and not actively tailing.  I have also had fish eat them in the surface film by Mulberry trees by simply sneaking close and high-sticking the fly or doing a contact drop so I can control how slow the fly falls.  To me, that’s what makes the Carp Kwan so versatile.  It can be taken as a mulberry, clam, tadpole, crawfish, worm cluster...you name it, they just eat it!  And because of the signature trail the wide EP body leaves, its easy for both the fish and angler to follow, which leads to more fish in the net!

As far as terminal tackle, I may be the minority here but I use leaders built to be no longer than my rod (7.5-8 foot) so I can present the fly as accurate as possible and not struggle to turn over super long leaders but I know plenty of anglers that can stretch out the leader lengths and still maintain good accuracy.  As far as fly lines go, I will say that I thought for a few years there was not a better fly line for carp than the Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth Infinity Warm but after trying their new Amplitude Smooth Carp line, I’ve been sold on it!  It just does everything well from roll casts up close, to making quick “ pick up and shoot” casts, to the long range casts.  It does it all without feeling clunky or aggressive. 

And lastly, you really should fish the Carp Kwan with a glass stick to maximize its effectiveness.  Joking, sorta...  I do love glass for everything but especially carp, since you can put a lot of pressure on the fish and turn them without worrying about busting tippet.  Oh yeah, and it's just plain fun!!!"

Follow Panther Branch Bugs to keep up with his latest flies, tutorials, and time on the water.