Casting Creativity
Local Man Brings the Al"lure” of Fly Fishing to the Area
Sasha Bush
The Ashland Beacon
One man’s passion for angling (fish hooking) has reeled in the hearts of fishing enthusiasts everywhere by crafting his custom and intricate fishing lures. Jason Stacy imparts the art of fly-water fishing through his engaging classes. Stacy is a local artisan whose love for fishing evolved into a unique venture during the pandemic. “When COVID hit, I was looking for something that would just help me to unwind and relax,” shared Stacy who works as a respiratory therapist at Kings Daughters Medical Center. “I’ve always had a love for fishing, and I’ve been fishing since my high school days. So, I just decided that one day I was going to start making my own lures, and I found it to be very relaxing.”
Nestled in his workshop or set up at local events such as Ashland Kentucky’s Market on the Square, Stacy meticulously handcrafts custom fishing lures. Each work of art is designed to entice the most elusive of catches. Stacy noted, “What a lot of people don’t realize is that fly fishing isn’t just for catching trout. The lures are designed in such a way that they are meant to emulate something that appears appetizing to the fish such as fly or fly larvae. With each design, the goal is to produce a lot of movement that will catch the fish’s attention.”
His attention to detail and craftsmanship have gained him a devoted following among anglers who appreciate the personalized touch his lures bring to their fishing endeavors. With each and every feather and intricate little detail, Stacy makes sure that every custom lure is made with love and high-quality materials. How does one get started in making custom lures?” For Stacy, who is completely self-taught, the art of making lures just comes naturally to him. He shared, “I learned a lot of what I know from reading various magazine articles, friends, and of course a lot of YouTube videos. I’ve also attended a few seminars.”
Beyond crafting lures, Stacy has become a beacon for aspiring fly fishermen in the community. Offering hands-on classes, he shares his wealth of knowledge on the nuances of fly-water fishing. From selecting the right equipment to mastering the delicate art of casting, participants in Stacy’s classes find themselves immersed in an educational experience that goes beyond the typical fishing tutorial. “My lessons are $15 each. I like to limit my class size to about six participants so that I can offer each person who attends more of a one-to-one experience,” noted Stacy.
Local anglers (fishermen) speak highly of Stacy's classes, praising his ability to demystify the complexities of fly fishing and create an environment where both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts can refine their skills. His passion for the sport shines through, inspiring a new generation of fly fishermen in Raceland. In a world that sometimes moves too fast, Stacy and his business, Home Waters KY Flyfishing, stand as a testament to the enduring appeal of handcrafted traditions and the joy of sharing one's passion with a community.
If you find yourself in Raceland with an interest in learning a bit more about angling, sign up for one of Stacy’s classes by calling 606.547.7585 or send him an email at
