MCFF Tying Night -- 17 March 2025

 Tying Night at MCFF saw Bob Dillon leading us with his interpretation of the late Bob Popovic's Hollow Fly that he dubbed the Spye! As per usual, mine was tied far too heavy, but this is a great technique that's open to lots of customization to suit your fishery! Tying Night is the 3rd Monday of each month! All are welcome, and as always, I'll be glad to save you a seat! 

MCFF Meeting -- 10 Mar 2025

 Many thanks to Leiza Fitzgerald, CCA S.T.A.R. Tournament Director for speaking to the Mid-Coast Flyfishers tonight! She covered CCA's conservation efforts in our area and all over Florida, as well as an overview of the S.T.A.R. tournament and some of the prizes available! MCFF meets the 2nd and 3rd Monday of every month and all are welcome! As always, I'll be glad to save you a seat!!

Hobie Eyewear -- Press Release 4 Mar 25

 

Hobie® Eyewear Brings High Performance Fishing Sunglasses to the 2025 Bassmaster Classic in Fort Worth, TX

Oceanside, CA (Mar. 4, 2025) - Hobie® Eyewear is set to impress at the 2025 Bassmaster Classic, taking place in Fort Worth, TX. Attendees can visit Booth #3312 to explore the latest innovations in high-performance fishing eyewear, including the highly anticipated Hull Float sunglasses, the first-ever sunglasses made from 100% upcycled Hobie® kayak plastic. With special event discounts, guest appearances by top athletes, and exciting giveaways, this is an event anglers won’t want to miss. Experience the New Hull Float Sunglasses For the first time, consumers will have the opportunity to interact with Hull Float sunglasses in person and see them showcased in an elevated display. These sustainable polarized sunglasses are a game changer for eco-conscious anglers, offering UV protection, polarized lens technology, and water-resistant lenses to reduce glare on the water. Made from upcycled Hobie® kayak plastic, the Hull Float model is part of Hobie® Eyewear's commitment to sustainability while delivering top-rated fishing sunglasses for professional and recreational anglers alike. The new Hull Float sunglasses by Hobie® Eyewear are the first ever sunglasses made from 100% upcycled Hobie® kayak plastic.

Exciting Guest Appearances & Athlete Competitions Hobie® Eyewear athlete Carl Jocumsen will be competing in the Bassmaster Classic, bringing his expertise and passion for performance fishing sunglasses to the water. Additionally, several elite anglers sponsored by Hobie® Eyewear will be competing in the Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship, including Matt Ball, Bailey Eigbrett, Adam Milstead, Josh Counce, Kristine Fischer, Garrett Wade, Abby Abbondanza, Jody Queen, and Cory Dreyer.

Bassmaster Elite Series angler and Hobie® Eyewear athlete, Carl Jocumsen will be competing in the 2025 Bassmaster Classic.

Exclusive Event Specials, Games & Giveaways Visitors to Booth #3312 can take advantage of exclusive event discounts on durable polarized sunglasses for fishing, including affordable polarized sunglasses under $100. Anglers can test out the latest floating sunglasses, scratch proof fishing sunglasses, experience the hydrophobic coating sunglasses designed to repel water and oil, and discover how to choose the best fishing sunglasses for any condition.  Fun activities and giveaways will keep the excitement going throughout the event. Stop by to learn how to keep sunglasses from sinking with Hobie® Eyewear’s lightweight floating sunglasses and get hands-on with their new Hull Float sunglasses that help protect fisheries while supporting sustainable fishing eyewear. A portion of the proceeds from all sales of these sunglasses goes to the FishAmerica Foundation, ASA’s conservation and research foundation. Since 1983, the FishAmerica Foundation has awarded $12.1 million to 1,007 projects in all fifty states and Canada to enhance fish populations, restore fishery habitats, improve water quality, and advance fishery research to improve sportfishing opportunities and help ensure recreational fishing’s future. Kristine Fischer, who will be competing in the Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship, sporting the new Hull Float sunglasses by Hobie® Eyewear.

Why Hobie® Eyewear? Hobie® Eyewear has been a trusted name in professional angler eyewear for decades, known for producing the most durable fishing sunglasses with polarized lens technology to prevent eye strain while fishing. Whether you're an inshore angler, a kayak fisherman, or a tournament competitor, Hobie® Eyewear offers high quality budget fishing sunglasses with features like non-slip frames, impact resistant sunglasses, and waterproof sunglasses for anglers. Where to Buy Hobie® Sunglasses Looking for the best deals on eyeglasses? Find Hobie® floating sunglasses at select retailers or shop online to get the latest in UV protection sunglasses, sunglasses to prevent eye fatigue, and glare reducing sunglasses. Learn more about the Hobie Eyewear warranty and explore sustainable vision gear designed to last. Join Hobie® Eyewear at Booth #3312 at the 2025 Bassmaster Classic and experience the future of fishing sunglasses firsthand!

As the exclusive licensee for Hobie® Eyewear, Eyeking LLC stands as a multi-generational, award-winning design firm dedicated to crafting and delivering distinctive eyewear globally. Specializing in private label and licensed eyewear, Eyeking LLC fosters the evolution of Hobie® Eyewear, a brand inspired by the legendary waterman Hobie Alter. This sunglasses collection is tailored for outdoor enthusiasts, water sports athletes, and those passionate about adventure. Since 1982, our extensive line of performance polarized sunglasses has consistently upheld a legacy of cutting-edge vision technology and design focused on enhancing performance. Committed to excellence and driven by a shared love for enriching outdoor experiences, Eyeking LLC and Hobie® Eyewear jointly shape the future of performance eyewear. Explore the collection at www.eyeking.com or www.hobieeyewear.com for more information.

GRAPLRZ® - New Gear for the Season -- Press Release 4 Mar 25

 

GRAPLRZ® - New Gear for the Season

New Hudson, MI (MAR. 4, 2025) – As we enter the new season, it is time to start thinking about all the gear needed for getting out into the great outdoors during the winter months. Eye comfort is among the many needs that those participating in the outdoor lifestyle must consider. Few things are more frustrating than spending a day outside, constantly squinting under the blinding sun. That is an easy fix—grab a favorite pair of sunglasses. But what about ensuring those glasses stay firmly affixed when the action picks up? Whether fishing, shooting, or enjoying the outdoors, nothing works better than GRAPLRZ cutting-edge sunglass retainers. They are a sure fit, whether the activity is target shooting, being out on the lake, or hitting the trail. GRAPLRZ is the ultimate solution for active lifestyles and is essential for outdoor enthusiasts. GRAPLRZ is comfortable, durable, and ready for adventure. The retainers are designed to be the toughest sunglass retainer system on the market. With attention to strength and dependability, GRAPLRZ is constructed from high-quality materials, and the patented system comes with a lifetime warranty. GRAPLRZ is perfect for winter sports activities. Each retainer is constructed from wire made from 7-strand stainless steel aircraft cable that is PVC-coated and UV-protected. An anodized, machined aluminum barb connects the wire and temple piece, securing it with a screw that has a knurled point for grip – making it the strongest retainer on the market. The temple piece is made from durable, heat-resistant, industrial-strength silicone. GRAPLRZ comes in two sizes to fit every frame size on the market and is available in six styles: Original, Backcast, Adjustable, Original- youth, Backcast- youth, and Adjustable- youth. GRAPLRZ is designed to be the toughest lanyard on the planet, guaranteeing that no lifestyle is too much for it. Whether at high speed on the lake, down at the fishing hole, on horseback, or clinging to the side of a mountain, GRAPLRZ will ensure that sunglasses stay where they are most needed. So whether an outdoor enthusiast is out on the water, on the practice range, exploring the outdoors, or keeping up with the pack while cycling, one thing that will not be a concern is keeping that pair of sunglasses in place, thanks to GRAPLRZ sunglass retainers. For more information on GRAPLRZ, visit https://www.graplrz.com.

About GRAPLRZ®: GRAPLRZ creates ultra-durable sunglass retainers for those who demand reliability in the harshest conditions. Made in the USA with industrial-grade stainless steel cable, protective polymer coating, and anodized aluminum crimps, GRAPLRZ ensures a secure, comfortable fit for any adventure. Built for anglers, athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts, GRAPLRZ delivers unmatched strength and performance when it matters most.

For more information, please visit https://www.graplrz.com

Glock Sport Shooting Foundation February Matches 2025

 Just thought I'd share a couple "selfies" I took while shooting two Glock Sport Shooting Foundation matches in February!  I have very much enjoyed shooting GSSF the last couple of years and I'm really starting to see some great improvement in my performance.  If you're interested in a low-key, laid-back pistol match, I highly encourage you to check out GSSF.  It's always a ball and involves some of the nicest people and best volunteers you'll find anywhere.  I'll be shooting at the Myakka match next, near Tampa at the end of March.  Lots of fun, and some pretty decent prizes involved! Hope to see you there!

Having a blast in Tallahassee at my first GSSF match of 2025!!

Here's my result from the Northern Florida Regional Classic (Tallahassee), Midway, FL Feb 15, 2025:

    Major Sub      | Glock 30S .45ACP | 1st Place Amateur

    Heavy Metal  | Glock 21 .45ACP   | 2nd Place Amateur

    Pocket Glock | Glock 43 9mm        | 2nd Place Amateur

    Subcompact   | Glock 27 .40S&W  | 3rd Place Amateur

    AmCiv           | Glock 17 9mm        | 10th Overall

    Rimfire          | Glock 44 .22LR       | 19th Overall

My first time shooting GSSF matches on consecutive weekends! Had a great day and pretty happy with my performance. Little bit of a break before heading to the Tampa match next.

And, my result from the Volusia County GSSF Match, New Smyrna Beach, FL Feb 22, 2025:

    Rimfire          | Glock 44 .22LR       | 1st Place Amateur

    Subcompact   | Glock 27 .40S&W   | 1st Place Amateur 

    Major Sub      | Glock 30S .45ACP  | 2nd Place Amateur

    Heavy Metal  | Glock 21 .45ACP     | 3rd Place Amateur

    Pocket Glock | Glock 43 9mm          | 14th Overall

    AmCiv           | Glock 17 9mm          | 19th Overall

    

MCFF Tying Meeting -- 17 Feb 2025

 

Excellent turnout for tonight's MCFF Tying Night! Members Guy Faherty and Bob Dillon are running a refresher course on some of the knots to know when setting up a new fly line, and Guy will be finishing the evening with showing his version of the McVay Gotcha Fly! MCFF meets the 2nd and 3rd Monday of each month. As always, all are welcome and I'll be glad to save you a seat!

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#MCFF #MidCoastFlyFishers #FlyTyingNight #flytying #flytyingmeeting #saltwaterflyfishing #knots #fishingknots #knotwork #flyfishing #flflyfishing #flyfishflorida #TheSuburbanAngler= 

MCFF Meeting -- 10 February 2025

 

Carolyn Kovacs, our area's Seagrass Extension Agent, gave a great talk to the Mid-Coast Fly Fishers tonight on the improvement in the state of the seagrass they're seeing in the Indian River Lagoon and to also introduce the members to their new citizen science program "Eyes On Seagrass". MCFF meets the 2nd and 3rd Monday of every month. As always, all are welcome and I'll be glad to save you a seat!!

#SeagrassExtensionAgent #UF #IFAS #SeaGrantFlorida #EyesOnSeagrass #MCFF #MidCoastFlyFishers #flyfishing #saltwaterflyfishing #flflyfishing #flyfishfl #flyfishflorida #FLOutdoors #FloridaFlyfishing #TheSuburbanAngler