From Lake Ontario to Trout Streams: A Lifetime of Fishing Fuels a Passion for Craft
My name is Al Gleichauf. For me fishing isn’t just a hobby; it’s a lifelong narrative etched into the banks and waters of upstate New York. From childhood excursions with my father to the thrill of landing trophy salmon, I’ve spent over 50 years exploring the region’s diverse fisheries. My journey, however, hasn’t been confined to rod and reel. It’s a tale of heritage, a renewed passion, and the blossoming of a unique craft – the art of creating handcrafted landing nets.
My story begins with early memories of fishing the ponds and bays off Lake Ontario, the Finger Lakes, and the mighty St. Lawrence River. My dad and I were year-round anglers, tackling the water from shore, boat, and even the icy surface. But beyond the thrill of the catch, there was another powerful force at play: a deep-seated passion for woodworking, inherited from my grandfather.
“I assume it was my Grandfather’s DNA that was passed down to me.” I vividly recall my grandfather’s constant projects – chairs, tables, quirky whirlygigs, planters, and the essential pencil bobbers for fishing. The desire to create was there, lurking beneath the surface, but life intervened. With a young family, time was a precious commodity, spent on raising my children. While they weren’t as enthusiastic about fishing, the waters still called to me.
As my children grew, I rediscovered the thrill of the big catch, this time on Lake Ontario. I invested in a boat, and embraced deep water trolling for trout and salmon. I got a great tan, listened to great music, and caught some of the biggest fish I’ve ever caught. My crowning achievement was a 30-pound king salmon, which I proudly mounted myself – “Grandpa’s DNA again!”
Then, in 2018, my fishing world shifted again. I met Jill, and she introduced me to the art of fly fishing. Suddenly, the vast expanse of the lake was traded for the intimacy and challenge of creeks, streams, and rivers. “It became my passion!” I embraced fly fishing wholeheartedly, finding a new way to connect with the water and its inhabitants.
That passion extended beyond the rod and reel. Jill and I began tying our own flies, a throwback to my grandfather’s creative spirit. “Once again, grandpa’s DNA kicking in!” It was this combination of a lifelong love of fishing and my ingrained woodworking skills that led to a unique endeavor.
When Jill retired from corporate America, I wanted to celebrate with a special gift. Having noted her desire for a custom, finely crafted landing net to replace her store-bought one, I set out to find the perfect option. But after reviewing our current nets and scouring local stores and online resources, I realized I could craft something better, something perfectly tailored. And thus, Timber Fly Nets was born.
What began as a loving gesture for Jill quickly evolved into a full-fledged passion project. drawing upon my years of experience on the water and my inherited aptitude for woodworking I designed and meticulously started handcrafting beautiful, functional landing nets. Each net, a testament to my dedication, isn’t merely a tool; it’s a work of art born from a lifetime of fishing, a connection to my past, and a love for the craft. My story is a reminder that passions can evolve, that skills can be passed down through generations, and that sometimes, the perfect gift is the one you create yourself. My handcrafted nets prove that the spirit of the outdoors and the beauty of craftsmanship can truly come together.