105. When engineering meets art. A conversation with Brandon Bailes of Panther Branch Bugs on designing incredible Deer Hair Flies.

In this episode, Joshua and Caleb speak with Brandon Bailes of Panther Branch Bugs. Brandon is a NASA Engineering Technician by day and a fly-tying maniac at night. He resides in North Alabama with his wife and two sons, surrounded by countless small streams and cold and warm water creeks that they get to enjoy all year round.

Brandon grew up wading, fishing, and exploring these small hidden gems, and still, to this day, it’s his favorite type of water to fish due to the challenges it presents and the intimacy of being in close quarters with the quarry. He began fly fishing early but didn’t begin tying until he was an adult, mainly as a creative outlet to relax in the evenings. Brandon has become a master at tying spun deer hair poppers, amongst other amazing flies. He has been featured in Fly Tyer magazine and Field and Stream, where he was titled "The Michelangelo of Deer-Hair Flies."

In our conversation, we dive into Brandon's early love of fly fishing and go into depth on his process of creating beautiful deer hair bugs.

Find Brandon Online:

Instagram: @panther_branch_bugs

Field and Stream Article: https://www.fieldandstream.com/fishing/brandon-bailes-deer-hair-bass-flies/

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