Spend the day with Capt. John Bottko and learn his secrets from 25 years on the water fly fishing N. E. Florida. This seminar covers everything you need to know about fly-fishing the Jacksonville area.. Whether you are experienced, or a beginner, the course will help you to be a better fly fisher. Topics covered include tackle, knots, rigging, casting, fighting fish,  line management and fly selection. A special emphasis is placed on what species are available in N.E. Florida to the fly fisherman  and how to catch them. The class is taught by Capt. John Bottko. Lunch is included. Cost is$150.00. Call the store to reserve your space 904-645-8998. Class is limited to six students.

Next Class: July 17, 2010

Advanced Inshore Fishing School

Dec 3rd and 4th 2010

The who’s who of Northeast Florida’s inshore fishing. Over a hundred years of light tackle and fly fishing experience. Captain’s John Bottko, Larry Miniard, David Borries and Tony Bozzella have teamed up to present North Florida’s first inshore fishing school.  This two day seminar is limited to only 12 students so you will be up close seeing what’s in each of the Captains tackle bags and how they rig their boats.  Many of the classes will be broken down to even smaller groups with two captains teaching six students.

The seminar is going to be held at Deep Creek Lodge, which is located just south of Jacksonville on the ICW.  This pristine setting will allow both class room and on the water instruction. There will even be kayaks available for you to use after class if you would like to try out what you learned.

The first day is going to cover tackle and techniques. You will learn how to use all the tools from fly rods to trolling motors. This is where you will learn the secrets of what to use and why. There will be casting and retrieving lessons with both fly and spin.  And plenty of one on one time to get all your questions answered.

The second day is going to cover structure and reading the water. Northeast Florida is unique in that it has seasons and water temperatures that vary from the high forty’s to the low ninety’s. It has tides that move from four to seven feet of water every 6 hours and six area inlets that vary in clarity from tannic to clear.  With all these varying conditions, you will learn what to fish for and how to fish twelve months of the year.  We’ll even touch on cooking and cleaning what you catch. And of course there will be plenty of time to get all your questions answered.

Cost is $650.00. Lunch and munchies will be included. Class is limited to the first 12 paying students.

Advanced Inshore Fishing School Presents:

FLY FISHING THE GRASS

2 Full Days Fishing with the area’s top professional guides

Captains Tony Bozzella, Larry Minard, John Bottko and Dave Borries

September 8th and 9th

In deapth Classroom Session Tuesday evening September 7th

Experience this once a year event, fishing for true tailing Redfish in the pristine backcountry grass flats of North Florida

Topics include proper flies, presentation and technique, understanding water and tides, proper boat handling etc.

Hands On fishing, learning and tips from the Pro's

Contact: Captain John Bottko at The Salty Feather 904-645-8998

Have you been tying flies for awhile? Would like to take the next step?  In this class we teach fly design from the point of view of imitation.  You will learn baitfish, crab and shrimp patterns designed to fish the inshore waters of N.E. Florida. You will learn to tie the epoxy spoon and to work with epoxy to strengthen all your patterns. This class is for everyone that has a basic knowledge of fly tying. Capt. John Bottko will not only teach you tie his favorite patterns, he will teach you where and when to use them.  Cost of this four week class is $150.00.  All materials are included.

The art of fly tying is one of the most rewarding facets of our sport. Catching fish on a fly is one thing, but creating that fly takes the catch to a whole new level. This course will get you tying the flies you need for our local waters in just four weeks. The topics covered include tool selection, knots, and the use of all the different materials. The lessons do not stop there though, also included is a lot of discussion about how and where to catch fish on the flies that you tied. All materials and tools are included. If you already own a vise and tools you are encouraged to bring them. Cost: 150.00 Four consecutive Tuesdays or Thurdays, starting between 6:00pm and 6:30pm

Next Class:  10/01/2009