LIFE OF BRIAN - Episode 5: The Western Hatches Tour

The "Life of Brian" adventures continue at the Skwala Lounge with Brian O'Keefe breaking down the bug hatches of the west.  Who'd drop everything to road trip with Brian?  I would.

Check out the latest gear on the Skwala website and follow Brian on Instagram.

FLY COUNTRY - Episode 2: Alaska

The R.L. Winston Rod Company Fly Country film series continues with an adventure on the Cooper River with The Ridge Alaska.  Press PLAY...
 

Look for future episodes of Fly County here and on the Winston YouTube channel.

FIRST LOOK - Thomas & Thomas Fly Fishing Lotic II Series

There is going to be more to share on this new series soon but in the meantime, here's a heads up and a first look at the next generation of fiberglass fly rods from Thomas & Thomas with the Lotic II.  

I've said it out loud before that the Lotic fly rods aren't talked about enough.  I've found these fly rods to be wonderful and I have a couple Lotic II demos that I'll get on the water with soon.  The 7106-3 will likely go with me to Florida next week to tangle with juvie tarpon with Captain Noah Miller.

In the meantime, here's a studio photograph of the Lotic II with information on the series below.

 

From the Thomas & Thomas website...

Thomas & Thomas is pleased to introduce the new Lotic II for 2026. Building on the success of the original Lotic series, the Lotic II retains the feel and performance anglers have come to expect while expanding the lineup with two new models: a 6’3” 2-weight and a 7’10” 6-weight. These additions complete the family of medium-action fiberglass fly rods, offering exceptional recovery, crisp performance, and lightweight responsiveness.

The Lotic II bridges the gap between traditional slow-action E-glass rods and full-flex graphite rods. Its steeply tapered S-glass blanks provide a lively, lightweight feel with a responsive tip, delivering tight loops, excellent line speed, and surprising power without sacrificing touch or presentation.

The progressive action of the Lotic II makes it exceptionally versatile across a wide range of fishing situations. Whether casting delicate dry flies and dry-droppers or larger poppers and streamers, the Lotic II offers the accuracy, feel, and control needed for both coldwater and warmwater applications.

The new 6’3” 2-weight is purpose-built for small-stream fishing, making it an ideal New England brook trout rod. Its compact length excels at short, precise casts in tight cover while providing ample hook-setting authority and fish-fighting capability.

At the other end of the spectrum, the new 7’10” 6-weight is equally at home targeting larger trout, smallmouth bass, and carp. With the power to throw streamers and poppers while maintaining the smooth feel that defines the Lotic II series, it is an outstanding choice for anglers seeking a versatile warmwater or larger-trout fiberglass rod.

Features:

•     Three-piece construction with progressive-action, bamboo-colored S-glass blanks.
•     Models 2-weight through 5-weight feature a half-wells cork grip with a cork spacer and silver hardware reel seat.
•     The 6-weight features a full-metal silver reel seat, a 7-inch full-wells grip, and a 1-inch fighting butt.
•     Snake Brand ECOating® snake guides wrapped with cinnamon-colored thread.
•     Silver hook keeper on all models.

Visit the Thomas & Thomas Fly Fishing website for more information and cast one of these (or all of them) at your local dealer soon.

What is Orvis Adventures? Introducing The Season That Never Ends

A new video series is rolling out from Orvis Adventures, which will highlight their network of guides, lodges, schools, and trips the world over.  Press PLAY...|



Look for upcoming episodes here or on the Orvis YouTube channel.

FLAT CREEK RODS - The 15th Anniversary Fly Rod Series Grows

You might remember the announcement from Flat Creek Rods last month on the 15th Anniversary series of fly rods that began with a yellow glass 7' 3-weight that is now being followed by these five 7'9" 4-weight builds.  

This series of fly rods have a notable pedigree as they are being rolled by Mike McFarland of McFarland Rod Company and then thoughtfully built out by rod maker Ben Casarez to his exact specifications.  

Next after this will be a 5-weight from the 15th Anniversary series that will be announced soon.

Ben wrote...  "The 15th Anniversary series continues with the 7'9" 4-weight in three pieces and this taper that was developed in 2017 with longtime friend Dave Pyle and Mike McFarland.  This custom taper delivers a full‑flexing, moderate action with a firm butt section that will cast dries but also nymphs and streamers. 

After two successful limited runs, it returns as part of the anniversary series.  These builds feature a translucent brown blank, Snake Brand guides, Struble agate stripper, red and black silk wraps, 6” Fenwick reverse half‑wells flor grip, shop‑turned alligator juniper or padauk wood insert, and Lemke LC7 down‑locking (NOS) hardware.  One rod will feature a Lemke LC14 slide‑band (NOS) seat with a cork insert.  Each build includes a custom rod sock and tube.  This series of 4-weight fly rods is limited to five builds."

And, if you're looking for something just a little different, Ben is offering a slide band version of his 3-weight and 4-weight 15th Anniversary series fly rods.  See more in this Instagram post.  

Learn more on the Flat Creek Rods website and follow along with the latest shop news and announcements on Facebook and Instagram.

A STROLL WITH SLED: JULY

In just a couple months from now, we're all going to be thinking back to our own summer evenings like this of big bugs, fish, and friends, wishing we could do it again.  We can.  Next summer...



Visit the Schultz Outfitters website, maybe book a trip, and click subscribe to the YouTube channel.

C. BARCLAY FLY ROD CO. - Notes from a Colorado Road Trip

When I stopped in to visit Chris Barclay of C. Barclay Fly Rod Company at his shop in Winston-Salem earlier this year (T.F.M. post), we talked about the summer road trip that he and his wife were planning to Colorado to look for a few new small streams and dry fly sipping trout.  It sounded like fun.

Plans made, miles traveled, trout caught, truck camping, friends found, and more in Chris's latest Smallwater blog post detailing he and Kristen's adventure west in his wonderful storytelling style.  

Visit the C. Barclay Fly Rod Co. website, don't sleep on his Smallwater blog updates, and follow along with the latest shop news on Facebook and Instagram.

Need more?  Consider joining the C. Barclay Fly Rod Co. Enthusiasts Group on Facebook, too.