Free shipping on orders $75+ | Hand tied to order | 3–5 day turnaround
Built on the vise. Proven on the water.
Handcrafted fly boxes inspired by real American waters.
THE LAKE TAHOE STORY
Built from the waters that shaped Pennino Outdoors
Lake Tahoe and Griff Creek shaped the way I fish, tie flies, and see the water.
This box was built around the patterns, waters, and memories that started it all.
- Inspired by real Sierra waters
- Built from patterns trusted on Tahoe tributaries
- Designed around Western trout fisheries
- Represents the foundation of Pennino Outdoors
- Hand tied in small batches at the vise.
Fish the Waters That Built Pennino Outdoors
American Waters Fly Boxes
American Waters Fly Boxes
Built from real waters.
Hand tied at the vise.
Designed to fish—not sit on a shelf.
Custom fly selections paired with engraved bamboo boxes inspired by waters across the United States.
Why These Boxes Exist
Every angler has a place that shaped them.
These boxes are built around that idea—real water, real conditions, real experience.
No mass production.
No filler flies.
Just purpose-driven selections tied one box at a time.
What You’re Getting
- Engraved bamboo fly box
- Hand-tied fly selection
- Built for real-world fishing
- Small batch production
- Tied to order
Available Options
Box Only
Perfect for building your own collection.
36 Fly Box
Balanced, versatile selection for most waters.
50 Fly Box
Expanded coverage for serious time on the water.
Make It Yours
Add a personalized name to your box for a custom touch.
Production & Shipping
Built to order.
Please allow up to 14 days for production and shipment during high demand periods.
Built Different
Mike's Bio
I’m Mike—the fly tier behind Pennino Outdoors.
I don’t mass produce flies. I tie them the same way I always have—one at a time, with purpose behind every pattern.
These flies come from years fishing places like Griff Creek and Lake Tahoe. They’re not trends. They’re proven.
My love for fishing started when I was five or six years old after my family moved to Kings Beach, California. We lived just steps—maybe 30 yards—from Griff Creek, where curiosity turned into something deeper. Some of my strongest memories, though, were formed along the rocky shoreline of Crystal Bay at Lake Tahoe, fishing from a double-decker pier with my dad.
I remember early mornings on that pier—my dad bringing a small hibachi, a can of beans, and butter. As we caught fish, we cooked them right there and had breakfast on the water. Simple. Quiet. Perfect.
We fished there for years. I can’t remember not catching fish. We’d bring a minnow trap, catch our own bait, and spend the day learning, laughing, and just being together.
At the time, I didn’t realize what was being built in those moments.
It wasn’t just about fishing.
It was about time.
It was about presence.
It was about a father passing something down to his son without ever needing to say it out loud.
My father passed away in 1983. I haven’t been back to that fishing hole since. But the memories never left—and neither did the legacy he gave me.
Because the truth is, what I received in those moments… those early mornings, those meals on the pier, those days on the water… those are things that can’t be bought.
What started as catching fish with worms and bugs eventually turned into tying my own flies—built to perform where it matters most. Every fly I tie is made with purpose, attention to detail, and a commitment to doing things the right way. This isn’t about mass production. It’s about craftsmanship. And more importantly—it’s about flies that catch fish.
But Pennino Outdoors is about more than fishing.
It’s about living with intention, staying grounded, and holding onto what matters most—faith, family, values, and integrity.
My identity is in Jesus Christ—as a man, a husband, and a father. I’m not here to force anything on anyone. That’s not my role. My role is simply to share.
I’ll cast the line…
Jesus will reel them in.
My job is to be a fisher of men.
“Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” — Matthew 4:19
This is where it started.
Before the brand. Before the vise. Just time on the water.
About
About
My work place
My work place
The goal of Pennino Outdoors is to build up and give back to the fly fishing community through articles, videos, stories and faith. We are committed to providing high-quality, hand-tied fishing flies and carefully selected products through Mike’s Fly Shop—designed to enhance your time on the water.
Pennino Outdoors—Faith, Family and Fly Fishing.
Matthew 4:19 Let's Go Fishing
My work place
My work place
My work place
My fly tying desk with my Norvise Fly Tying System. Yes, my desk can get messy. But I know where everything is.
Contact Us
Have a question or a story to share? Send us a message and we'll get back to you soon.
Pennino Outdoors And Custom Fishing Flies
Legacy on the Water
Uncle Fred’s Legacy Black and Red—Tied by Mike
A proven fish-catching streamer built on tradition, memory, and results.
This fly was originally tied by Erik’s uncle—“Uncle Fred”—who used it for years to catch fish and create lasting memories on the water.
After his passing, the pattern was no longer available. Erik reached out, hoping to bring it back—and now, that legacy continues.
Tied with the same purpose and simplicity that made it effective, this black and red buck tail streamer produces aggressive takes and consistent results.
Best used in rivers and lakes when fish respond to movement and contrast. The bold color combination and natural motion make it a reliable choice when you need a reaction strike.
Every fly is hand-tied with attention to detail, durability, and real performance on the water.
This isn’t just a fly—it’s a legacy carried forward.
Details:
Color: Black & Red
Type: Bucktail Streamer
Water: River / Lake
Uncle Fred
Used with permission by Erik Pizani—To honor his Uncle Fred
Uncle Fred’s Legacy Black and Red on the water.
A fly passed down, now tied again—keeping a story alive with every cast.
Uncle Fred’s nephew—Erik
Uncle Fred’s nephew—Erik
I have been searching for a black and red Mickey Finn for years now to no avail. My uncle used to tie them, but passed away 4 years ago. I mentioned this to Mike, and he not only tied the perfect fly, but made sure that they were exactly what I was looking for. He really cares about his product, and his customer service is top notch! I highly recommend him for all your fishing needs. You won't be disappointed!
On The Water Gallery. Real Anglers. Real Fish. Real Results.
Johan K.—customer | McCloud, CA
Hey Mike, The flies you sold me worked great! My son and I got a guided fishing trip at Mccloud Dam and your flies knocked them out of the water. So much so the guide asked what I was using. I showed him the fly box told him just these. I got them from a guy named Mike on eBay. lol. I didn’t get any pictures with fish (catch/release) but this picture is my son and I. I wanted to drop you a note and let you know how they did.
Shared by permission by JK
Erik Pizani—Rainbow | Windsor Pond.
I have been searching for a black and red Mickey Finn for years now to no avail. My uncle used to tie them, but passed away 4 years ago. I mentioned this to Mike, and he not only tied the perfect fly, but made sure that they were exactly what I was looking for. He really cares about his product, and his customer service is top notch! I highly recommend him for all your fishing needs.
Uncle Fred’s Black and Red named in honor of Erik’s Uncle
