History of Miami Vise

In 1985, Michael J. Franz began doing business as "Miami Vise" with the registration of this name with the State of Florida. Originally he was tying custom flies and teaching fly tying classes in South Florida. As time progressed, Miami Vise became a retailer of fly fishing products. Through the years while working as a helicopter pilot and guide, Mike became very experienced and knowledgeable. He feels blessed to have fished for Atlantic Salmon in Iceland, Russia and Eastern Canada on the Miramichi and Grand Cascapedia. This led to his skills with a two handed rod which he used while heli-fishing British Columbia for Steelhead. The Babine, Sustut, Kispiox, Bulkley, Skeena, Suskwa and Zymoetz treated him wonderfully and he was privileged to meet many of the famous Steelhead guides, Gurus and personalities and learn much from them.

Living in Florida with its proximity to the Bahamas and Belize, Mike has fished for Bonefish, Permit, Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, Barracuda, Jacks, Tripletail and Sea Trout. Learning about all of the Inshore species has given him some expertise in the required equipment and methods to enjoy these fish and he is eager to share this information and knowledge with you! South Florida also offered Peacock Bass as well as Largemouths in the waters and canals of the Everglades.

Working out West in the summer months helped Mike become an accomplished Trout fisherman and he has traveled extensively in Idaho, Montana. Wyoming, Colorado, Oregon, New Mexico and Alberta.

In 1999, Mike's work schedule finally allowed him to attend a Federation of Fly Fisher Conclave in Tennessee and become a Certified Casting Instructor. Since that time, he has become the head casting instructor for the Backcountry Fly Fishers in Naples, Florida. He has taught FFF Certification courses to develop a casting instructor group. He also teaches post graduate classes on Methods of Instruction as he has three Federal Instructor Certifications with 30+ years experience as an instructor. Portions of this MOI course have been published by the FFF LOOP quarterly instructors newsletter.

Says Mike, "I have learned that fly fishing is a wonderful sport to be shared and enjoyed for a lifetime. Young or old, male or female can enjoy being outdoors with nature and the thrill and rewards of fly fishing. Feel free to contact me for information on where to fish, how to fish, casting questions, and equipment questions. I have equipment both new and used at many price points. Tight lines and best fishes!"