On Saturday, May 5th, I met with fly-tier Ron LaCroix, of Bow, N.H. I brought him a copy of my column and two samples of mini-tandems that I had tied. He was impressed and agreed that the mini-tandems should work very well during those early times when salmon and trout are in the shallower waters seeking smelt and other baitfish and even fishing for trout in trout ponds. Ron LaCroix, has elected to include supplying some mini-tandem streamers, for his sport shop dealers and for any customers who would like him to tie them. Ron’s cache of streamers and other fly patterns was indeed impressive when he showed them to me. He is a class "A" commercial fly-tier.

Ron LaCroix, has 40 years experience in commercial fly-tying. "For many years, friends wanted me to tie flies for them and I felt that I could get money for tying flies that would help me pay for equipment, as well as for my fishing trips," he told me. What led to his delving into fly-fishing and fly-tying? It started with his love for brook trout fishing and then wanting to be able to catch trout on something he tied himself. "I fish trout in Labrador and Quebec, Canada as well as in Maine and New Hampshire," Ron commented. But, trout are not the only fish he loves to catch on flies. Ron’s an avid angler for panfish, particularly black crappie. "I really love catching crappie on flies. They are a challenge to catch as well as a great eating fish," Ron commented, as he showed me some of the flies he uses to catch them with.

However, back to the subject of tandem streamers. Ron ties them commercially and supplies these businesses: Paul’s Bait & Tackle, in Hudson, N.H.; Wildlife Taxidermy and Sport Shop, in Manchester, N.H.; Paugus Bay Sporting Goods Corp., in Laconia, N.H. and Tight Lines Fly Shop, in Elkins, N.H. Although he will be supplying some of these businesses with the mini-tandem streamers, Ron is more than willing to take orders directly from anglers. Readers may reach Ron LaCroix at his business, 10 LB FLY SHOP, 590 Route 3A, Bow, N.H. 03304 or call him, during the early evening hours, at (603) 225-2165. Stock up and enjoy the fishing.

Fly-tier Ron LaCroix of Bow, N.H., holds two mini-tandem streamers that were tied by the author, a Gray Ghost and a Scraggley Lake streamer.  Mr. LaCroix was impressed and will now tie mini-tandem streamers for anglers.

Bob Harris can be reached via e-mail at: outwriter2@aol.com