It’s been a while
It’s been a while since I’ve had a chance to post a Quarterly Review. In fact, nearly two years have past since the last time I felt I had enough to share to warrant such a post. Life, though still throwing the occasional curve ball, has begun to stabilize once again. And, while I don’t foresee weekly Step-by-Steps returning anytime soon, I’ve at least found the occasional calm moment to tie and opportunity to get on the water.
With that in mind, here’s a look back at the past three months as well as a look at what is on the horizon for Q2 of 2026.
In the Field: When time allows
2025 was easily my most disappointing year in the field since I began this blog. With work and life taking precedent over days on the water, I found myself ending the year with fewer than 25 species to my name. A far cry from the 57 that I tallied only three years earlier, I entered 2026 adamant that I would improve upon 2025’s poor showing if only slightly. Time admittedly still limited, I was resolved to take advantages of the opportunities that arose entering this new year.
After hitting the ground running with a Southern Flounder and (at least a dozen) Redfish during my first marsh trip in 12 months, the majority of the first quarter was focused on freshwater species. Adding nine more species including my lifer White Crappie and a 2.5lbs White Bass in the five weeks that followed, I entered late February at 11 species before turning my attention back to the salt.
That return to the salt came courtesy of friend (and newly minted Fly Fishing Guide), Capt. David Rogers, who was kind enough to take me out on his skiff one Tuesday in late February. While my casting proved suspect early on, David put in some serious work to help produce what was easily my best day in the marsh. Highlights include my lifer Sheepshead (never thought that day would come!), reds to 38″ and black drum to nearly 40 lbs. If you don’t already, I highly recommend clicking the link at the beginning of this paragraph and giving David a follow on social media.
With time again limited in March, I returned my focus to targets nearer to home and found myself at 16 species late in the month with the addition of a Common Carp, Rio Grande Cichlid and Longear Sunfsih to my 2026 Species Count.
On the Vise
After an 18 month hiatus, Q1 of 2026 saw a return of Step-by-Step Tutorials as part of this blog’s regular content. While not as frequent as in years past, we did manage to produce one SBS per month thus far in 2026. Here’s what was posted in case you missed them:
With three new tutorials on the docket for Q2, be sure to keep an eye out for new email notifications.
A Look Ahead: The 4th Annual Gulf Coast Classic
In the spring of 2023, the Gulf Coast Council of Fly Fishers International hosted the inaugural Gulf Coast Classic Fly Fishing Festival at Gulf State Park (Gulf Shores, AL). A small gathering of ~90 fly anglers from across the region, the show boasted a Fly Tyer’s Row manned by members of local clubs as well a handful of exhibitors, vendors and NPOs. A small mixed bag tournament drew roughly a dozen anglers and half a dozen seminars were hosted by local experts. Though modest in size, that event was deemed an overwhelming success by all involved and helped to lay the groundwork for what we hope will remain an annual gathering of gulf coast fly fishers for years to come.
Slatted for May 1-2, 2026, this year’s Classic (still hosted on The Learning Campus at Gulf State Park) is expected to reach at a scale far beyond that of our inaugural event.
Tyer’s Row has expanded to include more than 20 talented tyers from across the country including Deer Hair Guru, Jeff Rowley (TX), Dave Whitlock-protege, Allen Rupp (NY), and Umpqua Signature Tyers, Matt Bennett (LA) and Steve Maldonado (CO). These four and others will be hosting paid workshops and free seminars throughout the weekend with 19 seminars & workshops in total including our first ever Youth Workshop (Saturday, May 2, 10am-12pm).
Our list of exhibitors has grown as well with 15 of this year’s ~30 sponsors joining us in-person. While the full list can be found on the Classic website, you can expect tables representing regional fly shops, rod manufacturers (including new addition, Douglas Outdoors!), guide and travel services, tying material providers, artists and a skiff manufacturer!
With so many sponsors showing their support in 2026, you can also expect an impressive array of items up for raffle as well as auction each day as well. Expect to find tying materials (including some amazing hair/fur products from Title Sponsor, The Fly Hair Co), rods, reels, line, flies, art work and more! Among the higher-end items featured in our daily conservation auctions, you’ll find a total of six guided fly fishing trips from guides throughout the region, art from the talented Mary Beth Meeks and fly rods from Douglas, TFO and Bluewater Rod Co. If that’s not enough, 4Corners Costa Rica is back once again to raffle off an amazing six-day fly fishing adventure in Costa Rica. At only $25, this year’s raffle makes this trip of a lifetime even more acccessible. With funds from all of the above contributing to GCC FFI’s ongoing conservation efforts, these raffles and auctions are a great opportunity to support our regions fisheries while possibly heading home with some amazing prizes.
Our Mixed Bag tournament will be back for a fourth year as well with TFO, Cheeky, Bajio and Danco Pliers providing this year’s prizes. A 3.5 day tournament more focused on diversity than size, the tournament is a great opportunity for anglers of all ages (adult & youth categories) to go home with more than just bragging rights.
Continuing our focus on conservation, we’re excited to announce Dr. Aaron Adams of the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust will be joining us this year to serve as Conservation Keynote. A passionate conservationist, Dr. Adams is also a renowned fly fisherman and author of a number of books including 2007’s Fly Fisherman’s Guide to Saltwater Prey.
A “can’t miss” event, Dr. Adams’ Keynote Address is slated for close of the festival on Saturday afternoon and will precede this year’s showing of the Fly Fishing Film Tour.
While the above is only a glimpse of what this year’s Classic has to offer, I hope it is enough to draw your interest. A labor of love for those who organize it, we’re hopeful that it can continue to grow as we aim to further the FFI mission to ensure the legacy of fly fishing for all fish in all waters by focusing on conservation, education and a sense of community. Be sure to join us in Gulf Shores this May if your schedule allows.
The Months Ahead
Beyond the Classic, my focus in the coming quarter is consistency. I’ll have at least three step-by-steps to share (two are already scheduled!) and, with any luck, I’ll be able to add to my early success in the field. While I don’t imagine the coming three months will be as productive as the past three, here’s what I’m aiming to accomplish:
- Surpass 25 species on my 2026 Species list (16 down; 9 to go)
- Focus on the Florida Parishes
- Shadow Bass, Flier & American Pickerel are among the Florida Parish (Louisiana) species that have evaded me in recent years.
- Add to my Life List
- 112 Species Strong following the addition of my first Sheepshead, I’ll look to add at least one or two new local species to me list (Bluehead Chub, Yellow Bass & Jack Crevalle are all high on my list of targets)
- Explore the Panhandle
- While the Classic keeps me busy, I’m hopeful that I can find some new waters to explore between Pensacola & Destin in the lead up to the event.
With that, I think it’s time to wrap up this Q1 review. Thanks to those who have stuck with me over the years and those who have managed to find their way to the bottom of this surprisingly long post. As always, don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s a pattern you’d like me to tie. Or, better still, send along some pics of fish you’ve caught on patterns that you’ve learned here. I’d love to share them with everyone.
Until next time…
Tight Lines
Chris