[VFB] Sowbug

[Matthew Fuller]

I have to agree with Larry Johnson, "Wowbug" sounds like a good fit.    I attended my first Sowbug on Friday and Saturday and had a great time.  There were so many talented tiers.  They were all gracious and helpful.  The VFBers were even better.  I spent some time watching Larry Johnson tie.  He is a really nice guy!   Also, Skip Shorb had some incredibly tied woven patterns and furled leaders.  Dave Whitlock also signed/illustrated a book of his that I had.  What a treasure!   The best part of the trip was meeting Tony Spezio and Denny Conrach.  What an interesting couple of guys.  They showed me so many tips and tricks that I think I shaved a year off my learning curve.  They are also fun to just chat with.  Next time we will have to fish together.    I split a room at Wildcat with Jack Lehman.  Another nice guy who ties up some neat saltwater flies for the Texas flats.    I will have to say that Tony has those White River trout trained to take a Chili Pepper fly!  Within the first 20 min of fishing I picked up a nice heavy brown with it.  Best fish of the weekend!  I continued to pick up several respectable rainbows throughout the weekend.    I have a picture of Tony receiving an award for his years of work on the Sowbug.  If anyone would like a copy, e-mail me off list.   ~Matt Fuller