At the start of this new year the realization of several ideas finally began to take shape. The first, was switching over the site from wordpress.com to a self-hosted shindig that has been really fun to play around with. With that new site another piece has fallen into place with a new logo that has graced the top of the page for several days. I would like to send a big thank you out to Jason Jones for his help in taking my randomness and honing it down into the work of art that is the new logo.
With the new logo in place, stickers and some other Arizona Wanderings paraphenalia should be showing up within the next couple of weeks. Please keep your eyes open for these additions.
The second bit of news is more of an update. In mid February, I set up a small sales page for the mini-hopper to try and guage interest in these Arizona tied flies. I really appreciate the support of all who have contacted me and the great response I had to these flies. The sales page has been updated with a PayPal/credit card button, so that purchasing these flies is now a whole lot smoother and easier for both parties. If you have not had a chance yet, check out these bugs. I already have been having success on our small Arizona creeks and several buddies have found that the big bass love the mini-hopper as well.
The last bit of news is some really amazing upcoming trips. This spring I will be headed up to Bend, Oregon to float the Deschutes with Eric from Hooked Up Films and wrapping up with a cruise through Alaska with the wife and in-laws. I have grand plans of getting on some Alaskan water for at least a day of fishing and experience all that area has to offer. With all that said, I will be tying like a madman trying to fill a box or two for the trip, so expect to see a good amount of fly tying. I will also be fixing myself up with a 6 weight rod/reel combo for the trip, so I always value recommendations. Remember that I am a junior high teacher, so funds are limited at best. (If you are a company looking for a rod/reel review, feel free to get in touch…that would be nice)
As always, I really appreciate all the kind words and support. I look forward to bringing more quality content as the fishing season here in Arizona is really starting to pick up. If you are in the area, shoot me an email and we’ll get out on some water.
Ben
Ben, I am really enjoying your blog, and I especially love that new logo. Jason did a great job.
Thanks Mark. Really like the look of your site as well and will be adding it to my reading list. Thanks for the kind words on the logo. All the props go to Jason. Thanks again.
Ben
New look looks fantastic. Alaska and Oregon…sounds like a tough spring ahead 🙂
I know. I’m going to get spoiled fishing those big rivers up there. Glad the new logo fits with the site. Thanks again.
Ben
Hey, I enjoy reading your blog. Since you’re in the market for a new fly rod, I thought I’d tell you about RDP Fly Rods, http://www.rdpflyrods.com. Mark Prewitt makes some of the highest quality rods for under $200. I’ve been using his rods for a couple of years now and have caught literally hundreds of fish with them. Not only does Mark make an awesome rod, he’s also an honest business man who won’t try to sucker you out of your money. Here’s a link of a blog I did about his rods and a picture of me with him when I picked up my 3/4wt, 8 1/2 ft rod. http://madguyflies.wordpress.com/2010/10/27/rdp-custom-fly-rods/
Good luck finding the right rod!
Madison
Thanks Madison. Those are great looking rods. Does Mark make a 6 weight? They are really gorgeous looking and thanks for sending me that link. Glad you like the site and I appreciate the kind words. I like the look of Mad Guy Flies and look forward to following your writings over there. Thanks again for the link. Tight lines.
Ben
Dig the new logo! That is some talent. I found out recently that AZ’s high mountains are 14 miles closer for me than NM’s. You might get an email from me soon. Good luck in Alaska!
Sweet. Let me know when you’re coming out this way. Thanks for the compliments on the new logo. Appreciate the kind words David.
Ben
One of those stickers might look good on my Jeep. But no one will know what the heck it’s about…..unless that is they go online.
Looking to get them in a couple of weeks. I like the idea of you showing Arizona some love down there. It’ll be some good publicity to the Southern Hemisphere. Thanks Rohan.
Ben
I like the look of the new logo. You have a really nice web-site with some great information. Some of the Az Fly Casters go to alaska. White and pink simi seal leeches work well from what I have been told. Also white and pink clousers. Keep up the good work on the web. Missed you last night at the fly tying event. I will have a few parachute ants for you.
Thanks Gary. Jason did a excellent job and I am real happy with the final outcome. I think it really brings everything together. Looking forward to getting some of those foam ants. Thanks again.
Ben
Hey Ben,
Lovin the new logo, and put me down for the sticker when it finally hits. I’m a sucker for a good outdoors sticker! Azwanderings is a great blog and it’s going in a great direction. Keep up the great work and keep us in the loop on the stickers.
Thanks Bruce. It’s support and kind words like that, that make keeping the blog up and running worth while. I appreciate the support and will definitely keep you posted. Thanks again and tight lines.
Ben
Nice logo. You’re going to like self-hosting your own WordPress blog. Lots you can do to it.
I’m a small stream fanatic, and broke down and ordered a dozen of your mini-hoppers. Can’t wait to see how they work, though with our snowpack, that won’t be until June.
BTW – consider adding the “Subscribe to comments” plugin to your WordPress install. Keeps folks coming back to your site once they’ve left a comment.
Thanks Tom. I appreciate the support and I know you’re going to love the minis. Good tip on the plugin. I’ve been a longtime follower and look forward to hearing your insight on the bugs. I’ll get those out to you shortly. Thanks again for the kind words.
Ben