Fly fisher, fly tyer, and fly caster wants you
Compiled by Mimi M.Maddock

Michael Frank with one of the striped bass he caught on the Saluda River. This photo was featured on the front cover of February issue of Huntin' and Fishin'Guide.

Michael Frank, a public school teacher by profession, has an avocation, fly fishing. Frank wants to raise awareness of the rivers and fish population in the Columbia area and promote their responsible use for outdoor recreation. According to Frank, there is a little- known population of smallmouth bass in the Broad and Congaree Rivers. The fish were stocked by the state in a tributary to the Broad in the mid 80s and forgotten. As of now, there are no regulations regarding the size or number limit for these fish. He is hoping these gamefish will be protected from over- fishing by state regulations.

Frank also promotes fly fishing with adult guided fly fishing trips and a kids' fly fishing programs. Frank also offers a fly tying course. He is presently putting together fly tying kits for patterns of his own design.

Frank is offering a beginners fly tying/ fly fishing course at The Art Shack Gallery and Cafe Wednesday evenings, March 19- 23, 7- 9 pm. Registration includes all materials, tools, instructional CDs, fly casting lesson, and weekend fishing trip. Call Michael Frank, 803-673- 0238 or email urbanfisher@earthlink.net.

One of Michael Frank's fly creations