We experienced what I believe to be the very end of our South Carolina winter last week with heavy rain and winds that lasted all day and we barely made it out of the 40's. The rest of last week and into this week has brought warmer days into the 70's. It feels like it's time to sort out the warmwater fly boxes and push the kayak out on the pond.
I don't like wishing the time away but I'm ready for the upcoming warmer months. But first, let's run through the gear list of items that got me through the past few months....
ADLER RHEINLAND HATCHET
A few years ago, there was a wave of "boutique" axe makers with elevated bushcraft offerings with prices that were a little tough to justify for something that was going to get beat up from use in the woods. Recently, I came across Adler of Waghäusel, Germany and have been impressed with not only their family of axes and hatchets but also their garden tools with price tags that are all quite reasonable for the quality.
The Rheinland Hatchet is the perfect all-around companion for camping trips and the backyard fire pit featuring a 1.35 pound hatchet head and a 14-inch hickory handle with the added touches of two (red or green) stripe choices and a anti-slip paint with a bit of grit for better grip. Also included is a leather two-button sheath and cotton draw string bag.
An added bonus is the Rheinland Hatchet fits perfectly in the mentioned below YETI LoadOut GoBox lid pocket for storage in your camp gear so you always know where it's at.
Large fit retro square sunglasses have been somewhat a rage lately and the 12 South is a great choice with three frame colors and seven lens colors in both glass and polycarbonate. I've a few different Bajio frames and the lens that I like best for most angling situations is the green mirror.
The 12 South checks the box of a legitimate fishing sunglasses that also doubles as a stellar lifestyle frame.
The 12 South checks the box of a legitimate fishing sunglasses that also doubles as a stellar lifestyle frame.
BIRKENSTOCK ARIZONA SANDALS
Everyone should own a pair of Birkenstock sandals if for no other reasons than they are wonderfully comfortable and perfect to wear year around with socks on cold days and sans socks when it's warm.
There is a reason why these sandals keep coming back in "style" and there is nothing wrong with riding out the "out of style" times with just continuing to wear them. I do.
FISHPOND NOMAD MID-LENGTH NET
Everyone should own a pair of Birkenstock sandals if for no other reasons than they are wonderfully comfortable and perfect to wear year around with socks on cold days and sans socks when it's warm.
There is a reason why these sandals keep coming back in "style" and there is nothing wrong with riding out the "out of style" times with just continuing to wear them. I do.
FISHPOND NOMAD MID-LENGTH NET
I was an early adopter to Nomad nets and had one before they joined forces with Fishpond. Over the years, Fishpond Nomad have expanded the landing net line up and the Mid-Length Net might be my favorite since it's the right size for carrying on the stream in a lumbar pack but also doubles as a great kayak net, too.
The Fishpond Nomad nets are lightweight and extremely durable made of a mix of carbon fiber and fiberglass composite in the frame and handle with clear rubber nets. There are a dozen different models in a mix of colors and patterns to choose from.
The Fishpond Nomad nets are lightweight and extremely durable made of a mix of carbon fiber and fiberglass composite in the frame and handle with clear rubber nets. There are a dozen different models in a mix of colors and patterns to choose from.
HIGH CAMP FLASKS FIRELIGHT TUMBLER SET WITH WOOL CARRY CASE
I turned 50 last September and a good friend sent me this tumbler set as a gift which has been perfect to carry along on camping trips, overnight work trips, and tucked in the mobile bar or gear box.
These stainless steel double-walled vacuum insulated cups hold the cold or the heat depending on what's being asked of them and I really like that they come in a set. Perfect for sharing a drink. The wool carrying case in a nice touch and keeps them from getting banged up when not in use.
They are available in four finishes with engraving options and at a price that is more than reasonable.
While we're talking cocktails, it's tough to beat Early Times Bottled in Bond for the flavor and pricepoint. I'm fond of mixing it with ginger beer and a squeeze of lime.
I turned 50 last September and a good friend sent me this tumbler set as a gift which has been perfect to carry along on camping trips, overnight work trips, and tucked in the mobile bar or gear box.
These stainless steel double-walled vacuum insulated cups hold the cold or the heat depending on what's being asked of them and I really like that they come in a set. Perfect for sharing a drink. The wool carrying case in a nice touch and keeps them from getting banged up when not in use.
They are available in four finishes with engraving options and at a price that is more than reasonable.
While we're talking cocktails, it's tough to beat Early Times Bottled in Bond for the flavor and pricepoint. I'm fond of mixing it with ginger beer and a squeeze of lime.
If you circle back to "10 for Fall" from 2014, you'll find one of the first write-ups that I did on what was then a new reintroduction for Orvis. Since then, Superfine Glass series grew from three initial offerings to five fly rods in the series. Then a couple of years ago, Superfine Glass was redesigned into four-piece fly rods with some taper tweaks and added another model with a 2-weight through 6-weight and 8-weight.
I've made a couple of visits to the Orvis Rod Factory over the years and seen the steps in design to prototype to production of the Superfine Glass fly rods. I am always impressed and feel like this is a lot of value in a Made in Vermont from start to finish fly rod. I field quite a few emails from folks looking for their next fly rod and if it fits their budget, the Superfine Glass series is typically suggested.
Just a heads up on a rumor I've heard that the bookends of this series, namely the 2-weight and 8-weight, might soon be nixed from the series. So, if you've yearned for either one of those, might be time to break the piggy bank and grab one. I've written about the 8-weight over and over again. It's one of my absolute favorites in glass 8-weights for warmwater to saltwater casting a stack of different fly lines.
While we're talking about Supergine Glass, let's talk fly reels and fly lines that I like on these, too.
First, in my mind, an Orvis fly reel should be on an Orvis fly rod. Period. There are few better choices than the Orvis C.F.O. fly reels in the "trout weight" fly rods and the Orvis Mirage LT in the 6-weight and 8-weight. Both of these fly reels are made just down the road in New Hampshire with the C.F.O. available in three sizes and the Mirage LT in four sizes.
The C.F.O. is a classic that has been been around for over 50 years. It's a simple click and pawl that will always be in fly fishing fashion. I have several and won't ever give any of them up.
I've made a couple of visits to the Orvis Rod Factory over the years and seen the steps in design to prototype to production of the Superfine Glass fly rods. I am always impressed and feel like this is a lot of value in a Made in Vermont from start to finish fly rod. I field quite a few emails from folks looking for their next fly rod and if it fits their budget, the Superfine Glass series is typically suggested.
Just a heads up on a rumor I've heard that the bookends of this series, namely the 2-weight and 8-weight, might soon be nixed from the series. So, if you've yearned for either one of those, might be time to break the piggy bank and grab one. I've written about the 8-weight over and over again. It's one of my absolute favorites in glass 8-weights for warmwater to saltwater casting a stack of different fly lines.
While we're talking about Supergine Glass, let's talk fly reels and fly lines that I like on these, too.
First, in my mind, an Orvis fly reel should be on an Orvis fly rod. Period. There are few better choices than the Orvis C.F.O. fly reels in the "trout weight" fly rods and the Orvis Mirage LT in the 6-weight and 8-weight. Both of these fly reels are made just down the road in New Hampshire with the C.F.O. available in three sizes and the Mirage LT in four sizes.
The C.F.O. is a classic that has been been around for over 50 years. It's a simple click and pawl that will always be in fly fishing fashion. I have several and won't ever give any of them up.
The Mirage LT is the stripped down version of it's big brother in the the Mirage series of fly reels but doesn't lack any performance. Depending on what I'm doing, I go back and forth between the two but often the Mirage LT wins out. There is a great previous T.F.M. post on visit the factory where the Mirage fly reels are made that's worth a view if you haven't already.
As far as fly lines, the Superfine Glass series performs wonderfully with a long list of fly lines but I often grab one of the 406 Fly Lines for trout trips and the Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth Titan Long in 6-weight and 8-weight.
I get a lot of thank you emails for suggesting 406 Fly Lines for fiberglass and bamboo fly rods and as much as I like them in both WF and DT in the trout weights, the heavier line weights are excellent, too. Check out this T.F.M. post for a previous review. Designed from heritage tapers, made for 406 Fly Lines by Scientific Anglers, they are a throwback to when fly lines were made for the line weight in grains they are designed to be fished on. No half size or full size heavy. A 3-weight is a 3-weight and so on.
Changing gears to the Titan Long taper, I've found this to be an excellent choice for smallmouth in the river to the carp flats. This is a two fly line size heavy fly line but it works great on progressive taper glass. It loads the fly rod and lays out long casts turning over larger flies with ease.
PATAGONIA QUANDARY PANTS
Looking for a pair of pants that might be the ultimate travel meets office meets fly fishing meets hiking meets whatever else you have in mind? Try a pair of Quandary Pants.
These lightweight nylon regular fit pants with a bit of stretch are made from recycled fishing nets.
Looking for a pair of pants that might be the ultimate travel meets office meets fly fishing meets hiking meets whatever else you have in mind? Try a pair of Quandary Pants.
These lightweight nylon regular fit pants with a bit of stretch are made from recycled fishing nets.
WHISKEY LEATHERWORKS - THE WHISKEY PASSPORT WALLET
The Whiskey Passport Wallet has been in my travel bag for several years now and mine was made of Natural Veg Tan leather that has aged wonderfully. I always know where my passport, travel documents, Global Entry and Priority Pass cards, luggage slips, and printed airline ticket are which is handy.
Word of warning, TSA and immigration aren't always impressed with the fine design and workmanship of this wallet and will have you remove your passport to present to them.
The Whiskey Passport Wallet has been in my travel bag for several years now and mine was made of Natural Veg Tan leather that has aged wonderfully. I always know where my passport, travel documents, Global Entry and Priority Pass cards, luggage slips, and printed airline ticket are which is handy.
Word of warning, TSA and immigration aren't always impressed with the fine design and workmanship of this wallet and will have you remove your passport to present to them.
WITHERNOT RUGBY SHIRTS
I believe the first place that I saw Withernot was on the Red Clay Soul website and these rugby shirts immediately caught my eye since it was like looking into yesteryear to when I was in grade school. I've since been wearing a couple of these shirts through the fall and winter and they are absolute favorites to pair with shorts or pants.
I believe the first place that I saw Withernot was on the Red Clay Soul website and these rugby shirts immediately caught my eye since it was like looking into yesteryear to when I was in grade school. I've since been wearing a couple of these shirts through the fall and winter and they are absolute favorites to pair with shorts or pants.
Withernot Rugby Shirts are made of heavyweight 14 ounce cotton that have a durability to them that doesn't sacrifice comfort. Rubber buttons with reinforced double stitching where it's needed and ribbed cuffs check the boxes of a classic rugby shirt that's perfect to wear for a casual dinner out or days in the outdoors.
Just a reminder that you can use code "FIBERGLASS" for 15-20% off your order of $100 or more.
YETI LOADOUT GOBOX 30 GEAR CASE
A word of warning before I start lauding this gear case that if you get one, you're going end up getting several more. It just works that way. Your spouse will want one. Your children will want their own. Everyone finds justifiable uses for the LoadOut GoBox gear cases that come in three sizes and in a mix of colors. I've found the GoBox 15 and GoBox 30 to be most useful but a GoBox 60 sits behind the seat in my work truck and is perfect for storing gear of all sorts.
I'm seeing more and more fly fishing guides use the GoBox 30 as a boat box since they perfectly hold and and organize fly boxes, small and large tippet spools, tools, accessories, camera gear, electronics, and anything else needed in one convenient and waterproof when snapped shut case.
I like the addition of the HeftyHauler Handle to the current GoBox 30 model and the included LoadOut Caddy and center divider, which in a pinch can double as a cutting or food board. Don't forget the large zipper pocket and two smaller zip pockets of the Pack Attic. And, as I mentioned to start, you're going to get more than one which makes the Pack-and-Stack design great for keeping your LoadOut GoBox stack organized when in storage.
I'm seeing more and more fly fishing guides use the GoBox 30 as a boat box since they perfectly hold and and organize fly boxes, small and large tippet spools, tools, accessories, camera gear, electronics, and anything else needed in one convenient and waterproof when snapped shut case.
I like the addition of the HeftyHauler Handle to the current GoBox 30 model and the included LoadOut Caddy and center divider, which in a pinch can double as a cutting or food board. Don't forget the large zipper pocket and two smaller zip pockets of the Pack Attic. And, as I mentioned to start, you're going to get more than one which makes the Pack-and-Stack design great for keeping your LoadOut GoBox stack organized when in storage.
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