Guided Float Trips

Available for full and half days.  Call for availability.

Back in the Saddle Again - Once the Corona Virus is over and it is deemed safe to guide in driftboats - I am going to start guiding in my "Hog Island" Drifboat - Its big and like fishing out of your living room - on Fridays only - due to work Schedule and the like - I will have the ability to do this - one of the benefits of getting older - this will be the only day I have free - So if you want to spend a day in my boat - smoking great cigars - eating great food and snacks I prepare ( I like good food) - good drink (I like a good drink) - telling stories - learning about the history of the area - I have had the luck to have fished all over the world - and have been rowing drifboats since i was a teenager - - And you might even catch a fish or two. (Maybe) I live here I fish here - get ready for a boat ride:) Full Day or Half Day - One or Two People $500 - Cash or Check - all is included - flies food cigars and drink - Bring your sense of humor. I have also been guided all over the world and I know want constitutes a great guide trip ITS NOT JUST ABOUT HOW MANY FISH YOU CATCH - AND IF THAT IS YOUR FOCUS - I AM NOT THE GUIDE FOR YOU. _ I guide like a fish - in a nice relaxed manner. You can call the store to make a reservation - 860-672-1010.I FORGOT TO ADD - ALL MY GRATUITIES AND TIPS WILL BE DONATED TO ST. JUDE'S CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL - SO PLEASE BRING A CHECK SO YOU CAN MAKE IT OUT DIRECTLY AND UTILIZE THE DEDUCTION - THIS IS ONLY FOR THE TRIPS I GUIDE - THANK YOU

Take a guided boat tour down the river in one of our many driftboats.  It's and excellent way to fish the river and really get a good feel for the river's true nature and subtle forces that shape and guide the river. You will be able fish spots that are not always available for waders and when the river is higher, it really give you an advantage by being able to anchor up and cast to either side of the boat.  We especially like driftboat trips for my streamer fishing as it allows us to cast from the middle and pound a streamer up against the bank, drawing out the big fish to my streamer the size of a small squirrel. For nymphing, it is often easier to get a better drift as the river drifts down the current. You can even sit back and relax while the guide drifts you down the river and watch the wildlife or listen to the guide's fish tales and knowledge of the river. We offer driftboat trips for trout, bass, carp and pike. (We offer a special guided trips where you will be targeting bass and pike. See description below.)

Buy, Sell or Trade

We buy, sell or trade used and antique fishing equipment rods, reels, lines, duck and fish decoys, fishing lures, books, artwork, collectibles and tying materials/tools. If you are looking to trade in, sell, or are just scaling down as they say, bring your items in or take pictures and email them to us and we will happily purchase or offer a trade up. I have been purchasing and selling used and collectible items for over 25 years and our fishing/hunting library in the store is the finest and largest probably in the country. We will happily show you the value of your items and then offer trade-in or purchase prices. So give us a call (860-672-1010) or send and email (hflyshop@aol.com). We also purchase estates and will gladly come over to your house to assess the value of your collection and purchase the entire collection.

Equipment Rentals

Whether it's a day of fishing or a hike through the snowy woods we can outfit you with the gear you need to make it a great day. If you'd like to try out some of the wonderful activities the Northwest Hills of Connecticut has to offer before you buy a bunch of gear, come see us. All of our rentals are available at affordable, daily rates. Fishing and snowshoe rentals are available at the last minute and are fulfilled on a "first come, first serve basis." All rod and reel rentals come ready to fish, but things like specialty fly lines, leaders and tippets are not included and will need to be purchased separately. Our staff will be sure to get you properly equipped.

Rod Repair and Restoration

We offer full rod repair service. Bring in your favorite old rods and Tom will repair them and have you fishing them again shortly. He can repair bamboo, graphite and glass rods; from a missing guide to full rod wrapping and finishing Tom has you covered. Tom can also replace your grip or restore your cork so it looks new again. Rod repair services are not done on the premises, but drop off your rod and he will have it back to you in a timely manner. 

Hiking Gear and Supplies

Being located right on the Appalachian Trail we have a selection of hiking gear and items. It doesn't matter whether you're out for a day hike or a longer hiking expedition we have the necessary items to help you on your adventure. Our staff are knowledgeable on the local area and can recommend some different hikes if you're not up for the challenge of the Appalachian Trail.

Snowshoeing

We rent snowshoes and there are plenty of public trails nearby. Many of these are very scenic. Snowshoeing is great fun, great exercise, and you can really enjoy the natural beauty around you in the wild. They forecast a "true" New England winter this year so it may be the right season to get started in this great sport. Renting is a great way to try out the sport before you buy. We also offer snowshoes for sale if you decide to take it up.

We also do group outings for snowshoeing. Give us a call or send an email and we will gladly work with you and your group to make it a memorable day out in the quiet corner of Connecticut.