Flipped Out On Fly-fishing

by Pete Treis
Photography by Cliff White

How a box of hand-me-down lures helped launch a fly-fishing career.

When I was about nine years old, my Great Grandpa gave me his old tackle box full of antique wooden lures. He had used these lures while fishing the waters of Minnesota. He talked of fishing for northern pike and walleye. I had been fishing since I was four or five, but this wonderful old collection of wooden crankbaits was probably one of the things that got me started on what I know will be a life-long hobby.

I purchased my first fly-rod one summer with money I earned cutting grass. The selection of fly-fishing equipment was slim, and I really didn't know much about the sport at the time. A beginner can purchase a basic fly rod for about $40. I ended up buying a 9-foot, 6-7 weight (6-7 referring to the gauge of line the rod uses) fly rod and reel combo.

As soon as I got home, I rushed to my neighbor David's house to ask for some casting advice. After he gave me his crash course on fly-casting basics, I went to my front yard and cast for the rest of the day. I caught on quicker than I thought, and I was really enjoying myself.

That night when I was in my room, I put my new 9-foot prized possession together, not thinking of the spinning ceiling fan above. Before I knew it, I heard a ping and felt a jolt on the rod as if a fish struck. Unfortunately, it was my ceiling fan. The rod tip was damaged. Luckily, I was able to repair it. From then on, I have had a serious interest in building and repairing fishing rods of all kinds for myself and others.

I began reading everything I could get my hands on about rod building and repair. An article by Spencer Turner in the January '93 issue of Missouri Conservationist was a real inspiration. I also subscribe to four fishing magazines and joined the Ozark Flyfishers Club. The more you read and involve yourself, the better your chances to gain knowledge and experience.

Rod building entails taking a rod blank (made of graphite, fiberglass or bamboo) and customizing it by wrapping the guides on with colored threads of your choice. Handles of cork, which are shaped on a lathe, and exotic wood reel seats further embellish and personalize your own custom rod.

After I had the basics of rod building in mind, I began searching for a place to purchase rod components (blanks, handles, guides, etc.) In my trips to just about every fishing store in the St. Louis area, I came across the T. Hargrove Fly Shop. The owner, Tom Hargrove, is a wealth of information and always has a great selection of rod components.

During the summer months, I visited Tom's shop almost once a week. He encouraged me to try embellishing rods with fancy wrappings and inlaid feathers. I am now using peacock herl, jungle cock feathers, and experimenting with incorporating exotic woods with lathe-turned cork handles.

I also developed an interest in antique equipment collecting and restoration. I love searching for old split bamboo fly rods, reels and lures at estate sales, auctions and flea markets. There really is a great deal of satisfaction in finding an old cane fly rod and restoring it to its original condition.

After becoming so involved with fishing and rod building I got into fly-tying. My Grandma gave me a fly-tying kit for Christmas a couple of years ago, and I have been whipping out flies ever since.

Eventually my fishing hobbies started to overwhelm my room. Rod, reels, feathers and flies were everywhere. So I decided to move all my equipment to a barn my dad built in the backyard. This would become my rod wrapping studio - my "Pole Barn." It is a perfect place to house my hobby and growing collection. I covered the walls with fish mounts, a deer mount and many fishing posters and pictures.

My library of fishing books fills a bookcase. My favorites are Chuck Tryon's Flyfishing for Trout in Missouri and Advanced Custom Rod Building by Dale Clemens. I have an antique lab table that my dad refinished for me. On top, my rod wrapping jig awaits its next project. Next to this table is the lathe I use to turn custom handles and exotic wood trim rings. On the other side of the shop, I have a workbench from my Grandpa with 25 drawers to hold all sorts of fishing paraphernalia. An antique store display case houses some of my restored cane fly rods and fishing collectibles.

In addition to restoring antique equipment, Pete also builds new, custom rods.

In the winter of '95 I was commissioned to wrap a custom graphite fly rod for my English teacher to give to her husband for Christmas. I also participated in a fishing swap meet sponsored by St. Louis County Parks Department. I sold some of my restored cane fly rods at this meet. It is a real boost of confidence when I am asked to build a custom rod for someone and see the look on their faces when the rod is done.

I really enjoy fishing Missouri's waters. Many people travel to far off places in other states, but I have had my most enjoyable memories right here in Missouri. During the summer months, I try to visit some of Missouri's wild trout areas. Mill Creek near Rolla and Crane Creek in the town of Crane are my favorites.

My first trip to Mill Creek was with my mom and dad. This fishing excursion was somewhat frustrating. I had been used to fishing for Missouri hatchery trout or farm pond bass, but fishing for wild Missouri rainbow is a totally different ball game. We caught nothing that day. I then learned that when fishing for wild Missouri rainbow, it is not always the fly you use but your stealth and accurate presentation that will get the fish to strike.

After I learned my lesson at Mill Creek, I went on to fish Crane Creek. Crane Creek is a wild trout management area (catch-and-release only) and is probably one of the only places left in the world that has the original genetic strain of McCloud rainbow trout. It was a blistering hot summer afternoon. I couldn't wait to get my feet into that cold spring water.

Luckily for me a local land owner was on his property and said I was welcome to fish the upper spring branch from his property. As I waded upstream it was like going into an untouched world. There were no concrete paths and no bobbers with monofilament dangling from the trees. The spring fed creek is always clear and cool, lined with hardwood trees whose branches spread over the water to shade out the sun. One rarely sees another angler.

I could see trout rising ahead, so I quietly moved forward not wanting to get too close for fear of spooking the fish. I was now50 feet from the feeding McCloud trout. I made a few false casts, and then gave my rod a swift cast forward to shoot the line toward the fish. The line landed right where I wanted it, and I could see my fly drifting perfectly on the surface.

Suddenly a fish struck. I couldn't believe the power. I had little control over where the fish was going. Carefully I maneuvered myself toward the fighting fish which at this point felt like a tornado attached to my line. Suddenly, it rose to the surface and I was able to get a hold of it. I had a few moments to observe the vividly bright colored McCloud trout. I gently released it, and it swiftly darted into a deep blue hole of tangled roots.

My dad and I have also had many good times fishing St. Louis-area park lakes and ponds. Whether we're catching spawning bluegill on poppers or largemouth bass on Rattletraps, we always have a great time together. These memories are why I enjoy fishing so much.

My future plans include wrapping a custom fly rod for my mom using inlaid wildflowers. I'd also like to become more involved with the Missouri Stream Team program. I think programs like this are important. If we don't preserve our resources now, people in the years to come won't be able to enjoy them.

One of the best things about fly fishing is that there is always something new to learn. Every stream will teach you something new if you keep your eyes open.

Pete Treis is 16 years old and lives in St. Louis County.