Where Fly Fishing and Beer Lovers Meet

In this modern era, it’s almost impossible to come up with a unique idea, especially in the business world.

But Jeff Harrell, a graphic artist by trade, fisherman by heart and beer lover by nature, might have pulled off the impossible with his new downtown establishment.

Bar Fly is filled with all sorts of things you don’t expect to find in a small bar in a city setting: a fly-tying station, original art for sale, and an impressive selection of craft beers from around the world. 

“I’m a graphic artist, I own an apparel company and I’m an avid fisherman,” the easygoing Dunedin native says.

“I wanted to open a retail outlet for my work, but I wanted it to be a fun, neighborhood spot with a Key West vibe.” 

Harrell's mission was accomplished when he opened Bar Fly in the Harbour Pointe complex in March. The place is clean, laid-back and filled with an interesting mix of fishing-related items and art. 

For example, paintings by Harrell and other Southern artists adorn the walls of the narrow bar, and tee shirts, hats and other merchandise from the owner’s apparel company, Finatic Designs, occupy one corner of the place. 

The actual bar itself, depicting rows of tarpon scales, is crafted from one of Harrell’s original works, and a large Styrofoam sculpture of his logo hangs above the bar, courtesy of local artist and patron Kumpa Tawornprom.

“Kumpa was in here one night and he said, ‘I’m going to make you something for the bar’. The next day he came in with the piece. That was pretty cool.” 

In addition to art and fishing merchandise, Bar Fly also boasts an impressive selection of beers from around the globe, including Kalik from the Bahamas, Pacifico from Mexico and Tampa’s own Cigar City Brewery.

The bar also serves wine and a delicious homemade sangria, and Harrell recently added peel & eat shrimp from Thursday through Sunday to go with the already popular fish spread. 

The 44-year-old says he could have opened a bar in his nearby hometown, but after moving to Safety Harbor two years ago, he knew he wanted to be part of the burgeoning downtown scene. 

“People ask me why I didn’t open a bar in Dunedin. That would’ve been easy,” he admits. “I wanted to be on the leading edge of something. I wanted a challenge.” 

“There’s a lot of new, young business owners down here who are changing the culture of downtown. I’m excited to be a part of that.”

Bar Fly

Address: 100 Main Street, Suite 106

Phone: 727-400-4790

Hours: Mon, 6pm - 11pm; Tue- Thu, 4pm - 11pm; Fri, 4pm - midnight; Sat, 2pm - midnight; Sun, 4pm - 11pm