This series of posts is meant to introduce all of you terrific tiers and cool customers to our small, but fantastic team of anglers here at The Caddis Fly Angling Shop. Each employee answered a number of questions about their fishing expertise, their favorite style of fishing and fishing products. Each week we will publish another employee’s answers to these questions to let you know Who We Are. This series will hopefully give you a peak into who we are, how we fish, and who you are chatting with when you next call or email Caddis.
This week we have a Caddis Fly Shop veteran employee.
Who: My name in the shop and in life is Lou Verdugo. My primary function is retail sales.
Time at Caddis: This year will be my 10th year at the Caddis Fly Shop
Are you a Eugene local, or are you a transplant?
I moved here from Silicon Valley many, many, many years ago….with NO California equity!
How many years have you been fly fishing?
I have been fly fishing since I was 18.
What is your favorite rod and reel combo?
Today, a Sage X, 9′ 5 weight , with a Sage Click series reel.
Prior to today…9′ Sage Z Axis with Nautilus FWX, prior to that…GLoomis GLX 9′ 5 weight with Hardy Princes reel.
Favorite Nymphing rod: Sage 99 5 weight….produced no longer but a flat out Nymphing machine!
Favorite Streamer Rod: Winston Nexus 9′ 6 weight with Lamson Speedster.
Favorite small stream dry fly rod: Sage Circa 5 weight, with Sage Click series…very bamboo like…
Favorite sea run cutthroat fly rod Scott G2 8’8″ 5 weight with Bauer MPX2.
Wet wade or float, and why?
Float…cause I have “The Beast”! 17 feet of cold, hard, Koffler built, aluminum. Love to run the big water (Deschutes) and the technicality of the Mckenzie. Wading only on the Deschutes or when necessary.
Dry fly, streamer or nymph–and do you tie them?
Prefer hopper dropper system for most streams. Nymphing only when necessary or the conditions warrant. I tie flies, my favorites are the stimulator and soft hackles…especially for the March Browns.
Where do you fish?
States: Alaska, Idaho, Washington, Montana, California, *Christmas Island, *Abaco Island, *Cuba: Cayo Cruze, Florida
Waters: McKenzie River, Willamette River, Cascade Lakes. Call Lou and ask–he’s been all over!
Spey or single hand cast?
Single handed but I do have Spey equipment. I prefer single while steelheading on the Deschutes but remain committed to Spey when conditions are right.
Salt or Freshwater?
Salt! Nothing like it…challenges every part of angling ability…knots, casting, dealing with wind, equipment, tides, and finding the fish! 80 degrees air and water temp are not bad either….prefer bones, tarpon…I may go to the grave before I catch a freaking permit! The pursuit of the grand slam ….nothing like it…!
What is your favorite part about working at Caddis?
Customers and new equipment….I have had the privilege of meeting many great people and who just happen to share a common passion…fly fishing! Also, to share in the first looks at many new products and innovations within the fly fishing industry. My colleagues also create an environment that’s often fun to work within.
When a fellow angler asks, “What is the biggest fish you have ever caught?” what is your answer?
Easy….approx. 65 pound Tarpon. Caught it near Key Biscayne on the way to Cuba. 10 weight Echo 3 salt, and Sage 6000 series reel, Sci Angler Tarpon Line with clear tip and a fly you would not believe! Captain Carl Ball and Jim T. by Cuba buddy, were present.
When you want to take the intimidation factor out of fishing, talk to Lou! He is our Fly Fishing 101 teacher and a great educator of all things angling. You will find him in the shop at the register or helping a customer talk shop on the floor Thursdays and Fridays. Some of our favorite fly fishing stories are those told by Lou, and he is ready to tell you all about what he knows when you call. Lou is a wonderful resource for Christmas Island fishing experience, and product know-how.
Want to know more about the Caddis Fly? Visit our website’s About page at this link and feel free to call or email us any time at our contacts below:
(541)505-8061
caddiseug@yahoo.com
Tight lines until next time!
The Caddis Fly Crew
