My name Al Gleichauf. I’ve been fishing upstate New york for over 50 years. Dad and I fished the ponds and bays off Lake Ontario, the finger lakes and The St LAwrence River. We fished year round from shore, from a boat and through the ice.
I’ve always had a passion for wood working. I assume it was my Grandfathers dna that was passed down to me. He was always building something from wood. I can remember, chairs, tables, whirleygigs, planters and of coarse pencil bobbers for fishing! When he passed I remember being upset because one of my cousins got his wood lathe. At the time I was busy with a young family and free time was spend either partying or being involved with the kids interests. Neither of my children cared much for fishing.
However as my children grew older I started to fish Lake Ontario for trout and salmon. Bought a boat and trolled Deep water with downriggers and trolling rods. got a great tan, listened to great music and caught some of the biggest fish I’ve ever caught. 30lb king salmon was my biggest! I did my own taxidermy on this fish….Grandpa’s DNA again!
In 2018 i met Jill. She introduced me to fly fishing! It became my passion! still fishing year round but now I’m standing in a creek, stream or river. I’m still learning the sport but I can go out and usually catch fish. We tie our own flies, once again, grandpa’s DNA kicking in!
Jill recently retired from corporate America. I needed to get her a gift and she had wanted to replace her inexpensive landing net with something custom and artfully crafted. I looked around at local stores and online. I also analyzed the nets we currently were using and decided i could make one for her. exactly the way she wanted…….and Timber Fly Nets was started!