Bob “Popfleyes” POPOVICS

Born and raised in New Jersey, Bob Popovics “Popfleyes” has been saltwater fly-fishing around the globe for close to 40 years. Bob’s involvement in the promotion of saltwater fly-fishing runs as deep as the concepts he has created at the vise. A member, former president and executive board member of the Saltwater Flyrodders of America, chapter #1 in Seaside Park, NJ, Bob helped pioneer modern day saltwater fly fishing in the northeast through his ground breaking fly tying concepts and teaching of the sport to anyone who was interested in learning. A true sportsman in every sense, Bob’s contribution to saltwater fly fishing continues to prosper today through his fly fishing, tying, and eye catching videos.

In 1992 Bob founded of Atlantic Saltwater Fly Rodders in Seaside Park, NJ. In 1998, he was inducted into the FRESHWATER FISHING HALL OF FAME where he sits amongst some of the greatest names in the sport. Most widely known for his innovative fly tying techniques and designs, Bob’s creations of “fleyes” have literally changed the direction of fly tying with unique and durable saltwater fly designs. The originator of epoxy and silicone flies, Bob’s realistic “baitfish like” designs have come to be widely known as Popfleyes. From his early introduction of the Surf Candy design in the late 1970’s to such sport standards and recent collaborations as the hollow fleye, siliclone, pop-lip, ultra shrimp, bucktail deceiver, Bob’s Banger, 3-D, cotton candy, and shady lady squid, Bob’s impacted on fly tyers and fly fishers across the globe has been expediential. Lefty Kreh has called Bob “The most innovative fly tyer I have ever met!”

Currently, Bob sits on the advisory staff to many of the industry’s top manufacturers such as St Croix Rod, Tibor Reels, and Renzetti. He is a contributing writer to Fly Fishing in Saltwaters Magazine, and his co-authored book, “POP FLEYES” with Ed Jaworowski is a staple read for anyone interested in saltwater fly fishing. To his additional credits, he has created and star’s in two “POP FLEYES” videos from Reel Resources and is a frequent seminar speaker at many of the sports national and regional consumer and industry venues.

Today, Bob spends much of his time passionately capturing video history of fly fishing in the northeast. As a surf fly fishing specialist with innovative approaches to the challenges and demands of using a fly rod in the ocean surf, Bob continues to share his knowledge with beginners and experts alike whenever he has the opportunity to share his vast experience. He is referred to by many as one of the greatest ambassadors of our sport, and will always humbly pass accolades on to his mentors and fore fathers of the sport of saltwater fly fishing.

Bob owns and operates the Shady Rest Restaurant with his wife Alexis in Bayville, NJ and still resides just a short walk to the beach from his house in Seaside Park, NJ.

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