Monday, March 10, 2025

RUTHLESS HANDMADE - The Making of a Custom Plier Sheath

If you've followed T.F.M. for any time at all, you know that I like custom made and bespoke items whether that is a fly rod, fly reel, flies, or gear of any sort.  And, it means that much more if I know the maker.   

With a trip to the Louisiana marsh on the books last month, I thought it would be fun to have a custom leather pliers sheath from Ruthless Handmade made and reached out to Cory Routh.  We traded a few DM's on Instagram and a few days later a package arrived.  I did a quick fit test with the several different pliers that I have and found that the Loon Outdoors Apex HD Plier were the perfect fit. 


I couldn't be more impressed with Cory's work and asked if he'd mind chronicling the steps in making this pliers sheath with a series of photographs that you should slow scroll through to see the process of what all it takes to go from two pieces of leather to something that I'll have for years to come.


















Have an idea for your own custom leather pliers sheath?  Reach out to Cory through Instagram and Facebook.  He has a lot of examples of his many designs on social media and he's great to work with.

AMFF - Fishing the Collection - Season 2 - Episode 2

I like that with the Fishing the Collection film series that the American Museum Of Fly Fishing isn't just focusing on "trout weight" fly rods of yesteryear and in this episode, Trevor takes up a vintage bamboo 8-weight from the E.F. Payne Rod Company and tackles a few local carp.



Visit the American Muesum of Fly FIshing website and consider supporting their work of preserving the history and heritage of fly fishing with your membership.

2025 Yellow Dog Angling Travel Guide

Could you use an escape?  Check out the latest Yellow Dog Angling Travel Guide, which covers the many locations that Yellow Dog Flyfishing send anglers to but is also full of great trip advise, gear mentions, and a fun article on the best angling bars around the world.  I've been to a few of them...


Visit the Yellow Dog Flyfishing website and take a flip through the Yellow Dog Angling Travel Guide.

Saturday, March 8, 2025

F3T - Dan's Pain 2

Dan is back for Dan's Pain 2 and is again a selection for the Fly Fishing Film Tour from filmmaker Ben Meadows.  Does Dan get it done this time?



Where will you see the Fly Fishing Film Tour?  Get your tickets online now.

6 Cool Things

I am working through a list of T.F.M. related projects today and in the process of cleaning out my email inbox, found things that caught my eye that are fitting to share in this edition of "6 Cool Things".

Slow scroll, click on the links, and see if any fit in your current list of "Needs" or Wants"...


HARDY - LIMITED EDITION TROUT UNLIMITED TEALWEIGHT REEL

STEVEN WEINBERG - PUT A BROOKIE COMMISSION ON EVERYTHING



FILSON - FAVORITE BRIEFCASE THAT I'VE CARRIED FOR YEARS


 What's caught your gear loving mind lately?  Email or DM on social media to let me know.

RAK ART - A Reminder that Warmwater Isn't Too Far Away...

Yesterday afternoon while scrolling social media, I came across this recent carp flank watercolor from artist Ryan Keene of RAK ART and it gave me a mental jolt that fly fishing for carp, smallmouth, bluegill, and bass isn't really too far away now.  

I figured I'd share this in case you needed this inspiration, too...
 

 Visit the RAK ART website and follow along for the latest studio news on Facebook and Instagram.

Friday, March 7, 2025

F3T - The Hard Way

The Hard Way is a Fly Fishing Film Tour selection that celebrates the Deschutes River and features the story of guide and river steward Matt Mendes.


Where will you see the Fly Fishing Film Tour?  Get your tickets online now.