Just one of the many ladyfish that Jeff caught on the fly.
Jeff...looks like a great trip. Thanks for sending the T.F.M. t-shirt photo.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
T.F.M. Spotting - Jeff And The Ladyfish
Though the details are limited, Jeff Rainey passed along a T.F.M. Spotting contest photo from his recent trip to Naples, Florida where he caught seventy-five ladyfish and one flounder.
Jeff with his big stick working the beach.
Just one of the many ladyfish that Jeff caught on the fly.
Jeff...looks like a great trip. Thanks for sending the T.F.M. t-shirt photo.
Just one of the many ladyfish that Jeff caught on the fly.
Jeff...looks like a great trip. Thanks for sending the T.F.M. t-shirt photo.
A Long Drive For Chocolate Milk
This morning I made the three hour drive up to the Pisgah National Forest to meet up with Corey Sullivan from the Fiberglass Flyrodders forum to fish a blue line for native brook trout. When we met up we found the rivers and streams blown out and thick with fallen leaves. There was also a steady to hard at times rain that left us soaked and feeling that today was a bust. Chocolate milk with a huge mix of debris in the water made it tough to run nymphs or streamers.
Not all was lost since it was good to catch up with Corey and I got a chance to flex the Scott Fly Rod Company F2 demo three and five weights. I am liking this series more each time I fish them.
Late fall and winter is my favorite time for heading up to N.C. on fly fishing day trips and I'm sure to be up there again soon.
Monday, November 29, 2010
T.F.M. Holiday Gift Guide - Part 1
It's Cyber Monday and I figured that I would put together a two part series of blog posts with a few ideas for Christmas. Part 1 will cover items that cost $100 or less. Everything mentioned in these two posts are pieces of gear that I fish, I read, I watch, I wear, and suggest you do too. There are a couple discounts in the post to take advantage of too. Here we go...
FLY GEAR
Cliff Outdoors - With fly boxes in various sizes and configurations along with some neat accessories, Cliff's offerings make great choices for both presents or stocking stuffers. The Snap Strap, if you can find it, is a neat addition to your lanyard which is a container of Wonder Dust with a strap/clip that attaches to your lanyard and a magnet on top of the container to hold your fly in place during changes. Neat.
Eagle Claw Featherlight Series - There may be no better bang for your buck than the 2010 Featherlight fly rod series. I particularly like the 6'6" 4/5 weight and 7' 5/6 weight models. $20-30 for a fiberglass fly rod makes this a great first fly rod for a child or the stick always to have in the trunk of the car for those "just in case" situations. They are yellow...and they are a lot of fun.
Fishy Kid Whistles - I've got 150 Fishy Kid whistles coming from Whistle For Life next week and looking forward to getting so they might end up in a few stocking this Christmas. These whistles are one part safety, one part fun, and one part repping your Fishy Kid pride. $10 gets you a Fishy Kid whistle and two Fishy Kid decals. Discounts for multi whistle orders. Send an email if you'd like to place an order.
Fly Lines - The industry is awash in excellent fly lines across all the price points. Since it's Christmas why not splurge on a Scientific Anglers Sharkskin Ultimate Trout (they make it in a Double Taper which I like very much) or the new Mastery Textured fly lines (T.F.M. review coming on a couple of these fly lines too). Cortland 444 Classic Sylk works great on glass and a T.F.M. favorite for several years now. The Airflo Ridge Lines are very nice and the couple double tapers that I have are durable and excellent casting fly lines. I am keen on the RIO Products Trout LT fly line and if you need to stay organized look at the new Head Case which will work for both shooting heads and fly lines equally.
Hook & Hackle are discounting their Hi-Floater and Rise fly lines through December 10th for all those that call in orders and mention that you saw the holiday post on T.F.M. The Hi-Floater lines are $25 each and the Rise lines are $38 with $3 shipping. This is a great time to stock up on needed fly lines that cast superbly and last. Ask for Russ when you call in your order.
Goertzen Adventure Equipment - The Fly Fishing Lanyard is perhaps the coolest piece of gear that I came across this year and the couple of dozen people that I know that now have lanyards rave about them too. $50 is a reasonable price for a Montana made craftsman item that holds all your fly fishing tools, flies, and accessories perfectly. Jon Goertzen also does custom work and the fly patch can be replaced to hold your point and shoot camera instead. Genius.
Landing Nets - Need a new landing net? This one is a tough one for me since I really like the offerings from both Blue Ribbon Nets and Brodin Landing Nets a lot. Give them a look. The durable clear rubber netting is a huge difference over fabric netting and much lighter than you'd think it would be. No more frustration in untangling your flies hooked into the netting.
Montana Fly Company - Fly tying materials and River Camo Tools and fly boxes in plastic and aluminum might be the perfect items for the stocking. I am especially fond of the Midge Thread which really makes some excellent midge bodies.
Recycled Waders - I've put hands on a lot of bags and the Nook Sack and Messenger Creel are both in my top ten list of best fly fishing gear bags. The Nook Sack is great for minimalist day trips and the Messenger Creel can hold fly gear, lunch, and a DSLR camera if needed. On a side note...both bags are a natural match with the Goertzen Adventure Equipment Fly FIshing Lanyard too.
River Road Creations - Tired of cutting foam with scissors and razors for your favorite coldwater, warmwater, or saltwater patterns? Check out the individual and sets of foam body cutters offered by River Road Creations. The STP Frog, in all three sizes, is an effective topwater fly and fun to experiment with too.
TroutHunter Leaders/Tippets - I've got a long week in Montana and a few local trips in now using the nylon and flourocarbon tippets from TroutHunter and I am impressed. The half X sizes might not be needed by everyone but those that fish small flies on pressured waters may really see the advantage of using 4.5X, 5.5X, or 6.5X. The leaders and tippets are top quality and it's a neat tippet system.
William Joseph - Simply put the MAG Series is money. The Current and Amp chest packs and the Surge lumbar pack are well thought out and magnetic closures instead of zippers makes access easy as can be.
MEDIA
Eastern Rises - Perhaps no fly fishing film has been teased and waited on like Eastern Rises but when it was finally released it was certainly worth the anticipation. Solid work by the Felt Soul Media boys and the adventure to Kamchatka is worth watching over and over again.
The Drake - One of three magazines I asked for a subscription to for Christmas and seriously hope that I get. Each issue of The Drake is full of great writing and is fly fishing's indie voice.
The Flyfish Journal - Long form essays and stunning photography make this magazine worthy. Through midnight on December 3rd enter the promo code "GREENFRIDAY" to receive a free TFFJ t-shirt with your one or two year subscription and save over purchasing the magazine issue by issue off the newsstand. That is...if you can find it at all.
Fly Rod and Reel - I've been an off and on reader of Fly Rod and Reel but have noticed that the magazine going in a positive direction in design and content. During a recent interview of Joe Healy, editor of FR&R, on the Itinerant Angler podcast he confirmed an upcoming new look and quarterly issues for 2011.
The Lost World of Mr. Hardy - I thought there was a chance that this film might be stuffy and boring. It certainly wasn't. Full review coming but this was one of the top three fly fishing films I watched this year. The story of the Hardy brand from start to present with interviews, old film footage, photographs, and it is a primer for those that have wondered about the story of the Hardy brand.
METALHEAD - The AEG boys did it again and wrapped up their final film with an epic journey in search of steelhead. Well done and enjoyable to watch. Idaho Joe at Castaway Fly Fishing Shop is offering all four of the AEG DVD's with a F3T t-shirt for $49.99 on ebay. 40% of the proceeds from these sales will be donated to Trout Unlimited. The ebay auction ends on Wednesday so take advantage of this almost $100 in savings for the DVD set.
CLOTHING
Buff - Simply put a couple Buffs are essential if you fish outside during day light. Many a sunburns on my face and neck have been saved by my religious Buff use. The Buff Angler Gloves are worth a look at well. Great stocking stuffer idea.
Bug Slinger - Inspired designs continue to come out of the brain of Rob McAbee of Bug Slinger and I enjoy wearing his threads almost as much as my T.F.M. gear. Between now and Friday, December 3rd, use the code "SLINGERFRIDAY10" to receive a 10% discount on your order.
Patagonia - Does Dad need some new underwear? Skip the tighty whities and pick him up a couple pairs of Capilene Boxers. Yeah...they are expensive but believe me when I tell you that they are comfortable and just don't wear out.
Skinny Water Culture - So far I've picked up a long sleeve t-shirt, cap, decals, and plan on adding a Microfiber Ambush shirt soon from the S.W.C. crew. Stellar saltwater mojo in their threads for sure.
T.F.M. Gear - Of course I'd be remiss if I didn't mention picking up a T.F.M. t-shirt or several of the decals. Chose your favorite T.F.M. from the T.F.M. Trout, the GLASS IS NOT DEAD, or the soon to be announced 2011 T.F.M. t-shirt featuring the art work by Jeff Kennedy.
KAYAK GEAR
Backwater Paddle Company - The Predator and Piranha paddles are one of the most inexpensive kayak accessories out there and essential for the angling kayaker to use for changing positions without having to put the rod down. I especially like the Piranha paddle form using it all summer long in the kayak.
YakAttack - I've used my VISICarbon Pro during both day and night on kayak trips this summer and I am seriously impressed with this kayak light and flag setup. Great for being seen on the water and I feel safer for having it up on the kayak.
WHEW. Part 2 of the T.F.M. Holiday Gift Guide will entail all the big ticket items and a couple more discount as well that you might want to take advantage of.
Happy shopping. If you have any questions or need further information about any of the products listed please feel free to send me an email.
FLY GEAR
Cliff Outdoors - With fly boxes in various sizes and configurations along with some neat accessories, Cliff's offerings make great choices for both presents or stocking stuffers. The Snap Strap, if you can find it, is a neat addition to your lanyard which is a container of Wonder Dust with a strap/clip that attaches to your lanyard and a magnet on top of the container to hold your fly in place during changes. Neat.
Eagle Claw Featherlight Series - There may be no better bang for your buck than the 2010 Featherlight fly rod series. I particularly like the 6'6" 4/5 weight and 7' 5/6 weight models. $20-30 for a fiberglass fly rod makes this a great first fly rod for a child or the stick always to have in the trunk of the car for those "just in case" situations. They are yellow...and they are a lot of fun.
Fishy Kid Whistles - I've got 150 Fishy Kid whistles coming from Whistle For Life next week and looking forward to getting so they might end up in a few stocking this Christmas. These whistles are one part safety, one part fun, and one part repping your Fishy Kid pride. $10 gets you a Fishy Kid whistle and two Fishy Kid decals. Discounts for multi whistle orders. Send an email if you'd like to place an order.
Fly Lines - The industry is awash in excellent fly lines across all the price points. Since it's Christmas why not splurge on a Scientific Anglers Sharkskin Ultimate Trout (they make it in a Double Taper which I like very much) or the new Mastery Textured fly lines (T.F.M. review coming on a couple of these fly lines too). Cortland 444 Classic Sylk works great on glass and a T.F.M. favorite for several years now. The Airflo Ridge Lines are very nice and the couple double tapers that I have are durable and excellent casting fly lines. I am keen on the RIO Products Trout LT fly line and if you need to stay organized look at the new Head Case which will work for both shooting heads and fly lines equally.
Hook & Hackle are discounting their Hi-Floater and Rise fly lines through December 10th for all those that call in orders and mention that you saw the holiday post on T.F.M. The Hi-Floater lines are $25 each and the Rise lines are $38 with $3 shipping. This is a great time to stock up on needed fly lines that cast superbly and last. Ask for Russ when you call in your order.
Goertzen Adventure Equipment - The Fly Fishing Lanyard is perhaps the coolest piece of gear that I came across this year and the couple of dozen people that I know that now have lanyards rave about them too. $50 is a reasonable price for a Montana made craftsman item that holds all your fly fishing tools, flies, and accessories perfectly. Jon Goertzen also does custom work and the fly patch can be replaced to hold your point and shoot camera instead. Genius.
Landing Nets - Need a new landing net? This one is a tough one for me since I really like the offerings from both Blue Ribbon Nets and Brodin Landing Nets a lot. Give them a look. The durable clear rubber netting is a huge difference over fabric netting and much lighter than you'd think it would be. No more frustration in untangling your flies hooked into the netting.
Montana Fly Company - Fly tying materials and River Camo Tools and fly boxes in plastic and aluminum might be the perfect items for the stocking. I am especially fond of the Midge Thread which really makes some excellent midge bodies.
Recycled Waders - I've put hands on a lot of bags and the Nook Sack and Messenger Creel are both in my top ten list of best fly fishing gear bags. The Nook Sack is great for minimalist day trips and the Messenger Creel can hold fly gear, lunch, and a DSLR camera if needed. On a side note...both bags are a natural match with the Goertzen Adventure Equipment Fly FIshing Lanyard too.
River Road Creations - Tired of cutting foam with scissors and razors for your favorite coldwater, warmwater, or saltwater patterns? Check out the individual and sets of foam body cutters offered by River Road Creations. The STP Frog, in all three sizes, is an effective topwater fly and fun to experiment with too.
TroutHunter Leaders/Tippets - I've got a long week in Montana and a few local trips in now using the nylon and flourocarbon tippets from TroutHunter and I am impressed. The half X sizes might not be needed by everyone but those that fish small flies on pressured waters may really see the advantage of using 4.5X, 5.5X, or 6.5X. The leaders and tippets are top quality and it's a neat tippet system.
William Joseph - Simply put the MAG Series is money. The Current and Amp chest packs and the Surge lumbar pack are well thought out and magnetic closures instead of zippers makes access easy as can be.
MEDIA
Eastern Rises - Perhaps no fly fishing film has been teased and waited on like Eastern Rises but when it was finally released it was certainly worth the anticipation. Solid work by the Felt Soul Media boys and the adventure to Kamchatka is worth watching over and over again.
The Drake - One of three magazines I asked for a subscription to for Christmas and seriously hope that I get. Each issue of The Drake is full of great writing and is fly fishing's indie voice.
The Flyfish Journal - Long form essays and stunning photography make this magazine worthy. Through midnight on December 3rd enter the promo code "GREENFRIDAY" to receive a free TFFJ t-shirt with your one or two year subscription and save over purchasing the magazine issue by issue off the newsstand. That is...if you can find it at all.
Fly Rod and Reel - I've been an off and on reader of Fly Rod and Reel but have noticed that the magazine going in a positive direction in design and content. During a recent interview of Joe Healy, editor of FR&R, on the Itinerant Angler podcast he confirmed an upcoming new look and quarterly issues for 2011.
The Lost World of Mr. Hardy - I thought there was a chance that this film might be stuffy and boring. It certainly wasn't. Full review coming but this was one of the top three fly fishing films I watched this year. The story of the Hardy brand from start to present with interviews, old film footage, photographs, and it is a primer for those that have wondered about the story of the Hardy brand.
METALHEAD - The AEG boys did it again and wrapped up their final film with an epic journey in search of steelhead. Well done and enjoyable to watch. Idaho Joe at Castaway Fly Fishing Shop is offering all four of the AEG DVD's with a F3T t-shirt for $49.99 on ebay. 40% of the proceeds from these sales will be donated to Trout Unlimited. The ebay auction ends on Wednesday so take advantage of this almost $100 in savings for the DVD set.
CLOTHING
Buff - Simply put a couple Buffs are essential if you fish outside during day light. Many a sunburns on my face and neck have been saved by my religious Buff use. The Buff Angler Gloves are worth a look at well. Great stocking stuffer idea.
Bug Slinger - Inspired designs continue to come out of the brain of Rob McAbee of Bug Slinger and I enjoy wearing his threads almost as much as my T.F.M. gear. Between now and Friday, December 3rd, use the code "SLINGERFRIDAY10" to receive a 10% discount on your order.
Patagonia - Does Dad need some new underwear? Skip the tighty whities and pick him up a couple pairs of Capilene Boxers. Yeah...they are expensive but believe me when I tell you that they are comfortable and just don't wear out.
Skinny Water Culture - So far I've picked up a long sleeve t-shirt, cap, decals, and plan on adding a Microfiber Ambush shirt soon from the S.W.C. crew. Stellar saltwater mojo in their threads for sure.
T.F.M. Gear - Of course I'd be remiss if I didn't mention picking up a T.F.M. t-shirt or several of the decals. Chose your favorite T.F.M. from the T.F.M. Trout, the GLASS IS NOT DEAD, or the soon to be announced 2011 T.F.M. t-shirt featuring the art work by Jeff Kennedy.
KAYAK GEAR
Backwater Paddle Company - The Predator and Piranha paddles are one of the most inexpensive kayak accessories out there and essential for the angling kayaker to use for changing positions without having to put the rod down. I especially like the Piranha paddle form using it all summer long in the kayak.
YakAttack - I've used my VISICarbon Pro during both day and night on kayak trips this summer and I am seriously impressed with this kayak light and flag setup. Great for being seen on the water and I feel safer for having it up on the kayak.
WHEW. Part 2 of the T.F.M. Holiday Gift Guide will entail all the big ticket items and a couple more discount as well that you might want to take advantage of.
Happy shopping. If you have any questions or need further information about any of the products listed please feel free to send me an email.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Sunday Reading - Mouthful of Feathers
I'm sure more than a few of the T.F.M. readership hunt or at least appreciate those that walk fields and woods looking to flush a few birds with a pup on point.
Mouthful of Feathers is an excellent read and a collaborative effort of several writers and photographers. It's worth a look on your leisure Sunday morning reading.
Mouthful of Feathers is an excellent read and a collaborative effort of several writers and photographers. It's worth a look on your leisure Sunday morning reading.
Gregg's FH Paddock Lemon Drop
Gregg Barckholtz recently posted up a few photographs of his FH Paddock Lemon Drop Series four weight that were shot on a light box on the Fiberglass Flyrodders forum. I thought that the photos really showed off the top notch craftsmanship of Fred's work and asked if he send along a bit of copy to go with his photographs to share on T.F.M..
Gregg wrote... "What to say about Fred's rods? I own all three of the FH Paddock series rods...the Brown, the Butterscotch rod, and now the Lemon Drop. I almost hate to tell how I feel, because it sounds like a politicians speech, too good to be true, but I just love these rods. It starts when you pull the rod from the tube, just look at this thing, it is eye candy for the fly fisher. This has to be the equivalent of a huge diamond ring to a woman! Every time I open the tube and begin to pull the rod from the sock I am amazed at the beauty. Really, rods should not be this pretty!"
"Then, every time I string one up, (any of them) I am amazed at the fact that I could cast just the leader! Every strip of line seems to have the ability to lay a fly on the water with control. Once about twenty foot of line is out from the Lemon Drop it's personality changes from the others. It comes to life, load it up, and you really feel the change. You know then that this is the big brother to the Brown line. It is a powerful rod, tight loops, and pin point accuracy. The rod seems to challenge you to shoot line and pick targets. The Brown line is easy going and the Lemon Drop has an attitude. Today I took it to the lake and fished it for the first time with a sinking line, a 200 grain Rio Density Compensated Sink Tip. I was able to roll cast the entire sinking line with ease and shoot more line than I normally could handle with a much heavier rod.
Bottom line, if you want a rod you can put to the test, this is it. I recently made the switch to glass from bamboo. I was never really was a graphite guy, started there, but quickly went to bamboo, so I am not used to this kind of power. I thought I was happy with the soft flex into the cork of the Paddock Brown line, but now I see what else is possible and I LIKE IT! Actually I love them all...variety is the spice of life."
Fred Paddock has a knowledgeable sense for the tapers that he has worked to achieve and it has been exciting to see his fly rod series come together over the past two years.
For more information check out the FH Paddock website.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Hatch 2011 Angler's Annual
Last week as I was walking out the door at Nomad Anglers I snatched up a copy of the new Hatch 2011 Angler's Annual. The Hatch Annual is one part catalog (think capable/bling fly reels) and one part magazine (think This Is Fly).
The articles are top notch and the catalog design/format is a thought forward way to make print more interesting for potential customers.
Of note in new items for 2011 is the René Harrop Custom Shop 4 Plus fly reel which is extremely sharp in the looks department.
I recently asked Bryan Gregson about René, who had worked and fished beside him this past summer at TroutHunter, and his first response was "René is bad ass." Fitting then that René should have a bad ass fly reel to his name as well.
While finances won't let me pull the trigger any time soon on a Hatch fly reel, I may just have to drop a twenty spot for a Hatch bottle opener for the gear bag.
Of note in new items for 2011 is the René Harrop Custom Shop 4 Plus fly reel which is extremely sharp in the looks department.
I recently asked Bryan Gregson about René, who had worked and fished beside him this past summer at TroutHunter, and his first response was "René is bad ass." Fitting then that René should have a bad ass fly reel to his name as well.
T.F.M. Spotting - The Baker's On Vacation
I found this T.F.M. Spotting Contest Photo from Mark Baker in a message a couple months ago hidden away in my Fiberglass Flyrodders inbox. I know it will be hard for some readers to remember what 100 plus degrees feels like right now as they are "enjoying" snow and minus temperatures.
Mark wrote... "Our family took a short end of summer trip to the Bad Lands and Black Hills and to made certain to get a T.F.M. Spotting photo and wore it on the first day of the trip which happened to be in the Bad Lands."
"A black T.F.M. t-shirt, mid-afternoon sun, and 111 degrees is not a pretty combo but hey, at least I got the T.F.M. Spotting shirt photo."
I've always wanted to see the Bad Lands and the Black Hills (there are trout there...right?) but I might skip it when temps are pushing the century mark. Whew...
Mark wrote... "Our family took a short end of summer trip to the Bad Lands and Black Hills and to made certain to get a T.F.M. Spotting photo and wore it on the first day of the trip which happened to be in the Bad Lands."
I've always wanted to see the Bad Lands and the Black Hills (there are trout there...right?) but I might skip it when temps are pushing the century mark. Whew...Thursday, November 25, 2010
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
I am home from the first of two large family dinners and just wanted to pass along to everyone that might check in today to have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving with their family and friends.
Without a doubt each of us has many things to be thankful for.
Cheers...
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Without a doubt each of us has many things to be thankful for.
Cheers...
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Headhunters Fly Shop
I was cleaning out the photo album on my iPhone this week and found a few images from our stop at Headhunters Fly Shop while on the trip to Montana this past fall to pick up a few flies and to set up our shuttles.
Headhunters Fly Shop is about the size of a couple small bedrooms in your house but fully equipped for all your fly gear needs. It's certainly one of those shops that you could spend a couple hours checking out the latest and greatest and not walk more than twenty steps.
Photog Corey Kruitbosch caught checking out his images in the latest issue of The Drake as I snap an image over his shoulder.
Headhunters Fly Shop has an interactive website full of information, photos, and trip reports. They are also worth a follow on Twitter as well though with their recent frigid cold snap they seem to be pining for some place salty more than anything else. Who wouldn't?
Headhunters Fly Shop is about the size of a couple small bedrooms in your house but fully equipped for all your fly gear needs. It's certainly one of those shops that you could spend a couple hours checking out the latest and greatest and not walk more than twenty steps.
Photog Corey Kruitbosch caught checking out his images in the latest issue of The Drake as I snap an image over his shoulder.
Headhunters Fly Shop has an interactive website full of information, photos, and trip reports. They are also worth a follow on Twitter as well though with their recent frigid cold snap they seem to be pining for some place salty more than anything else. Who wouldn't?
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
T.F.M. 1,500 Fans Scavenger Hunt
Over the weekend the T.F.M. Facebook Fan Page skipped right past 1,500 Fans. It really has been a surprise to see the social media aspect of T.F.M. grow and of course I like to find new ways to give excellent fly gear away. 1,500 Facebook Fans for a silly fly fishing blog is a good enough reason...right?
Instead of just picking a name or number out of the air, I thought I'd come up with an online scavenger hunts of sorts, with participants finding answers to the following questions from the T.F.M. Facebook Fan Page and the Fan Pages of the sponsors of this gear giveaway.
THE RULES:
You will find all the answers for the 1,500 T.F.M. Facebook Fans Gear Giveaway from the following Facebook Fan Pages...
The Fiberglass Manifesto
Cliff Outdoors
Leland Fly Fishing Outfitters
Nature Boy Designs
Sporting Art of Paul Puckett
The Flyfish Journal
Answers will be found on the Wall, Photos, or Info pages of the Facebook Fan Pages.
Completed questionnaires for the 1,500 T.F.M. Facebook Fans Gear Giveaway should be emailed by midnight Sunday, December 5th.
I will randomly chose winners from those that answered the questionnaire correctly for the gear giveaway prize and there will be a few T.F.M. Gear winners too.
THE QUESTIONS:
1. Which fellow blogger cleaned up a marsh flat on Louisiana redfish just a couple days after I couldn't connect with a single one in Charleston and I highlighted the post on the T.F.M. Facebook Fan Page?
2. What kind of fish did the winners of the "Smoltoberfest" contest catch?
3. What fly boxes (Company/Fly Box Names) does Paul Puckett use for his art fly boxes?
4. What fly shop did I stop at and post a photo of on the recent family trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park area?
5. Which gear giveaway sponsor had a fan tattoo their company logo on his right shoulder?
6. Which gear giveaway sponsor started their Facebook Fan page on November 1, 2010?
7. What blog (writer and blog name) recently turned one year old and was highlighted on the TFM Facebook Page?
8. Where did artist Paul Puckett have his first solo show this past fall?
Eight questions with eight answers. Got it all figured out? Please email your answers when you're done. Good luck!
Instead of just picking a name or number out of the air, I thought I'd come up with an online scavenger hunts of sorts, with participants finding answers to the following questions from the T.F.M. Facebook Fan Page and the Fan Pages of the sponsors of this gear giveaway.
THE RULES:
You will find all the answers for the 1,500 T.F.M. Facebook Fans Gear Giveaway from the following Facebook Fan Pages...
The Fiberglass Manifesto
Cliff Outdoors
Leland Fly Fishing Outfitters
Nature Boy Designs
Sporting Art of Paul Puckett
The Flyfish Journal
Answers will be found on the Wall, Photos, or Info pages of the Facebook Fan Pages.
Completed questionnaires for the 1,500 T.F.M. Facebook Fans Gear Giveaway should be emailed by midnight Sunday, December 5th.
I will randomly chose winners from those that answered the questionnaire correctly for the gear giveaway prize and there will be a few T.F.M. Gear winners too.
THE QUESTIONS:
1. Which fellow blogger cleaned up a marsh flat on Louisiana redfish just a couple days after I couldn't connect with a single one in Charleston and I highlighted the post on the T.F.M. Facebook Fan Page?
2. What kind of fish did the winners of the "Smoltoberfest" contest catch?
3. What fly boxes (Company/Fly Box Names) does Paul Puckett use for his art fly boxes?
4. What fly shop did I stop at and post a photo of on the recent family trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park area?
5. Which gear giveaway sponsor had a fan tattoo their company logo on his right shoulder?
6. Which gear giveaway sponsor started their Facebook Fan page on November 1, 2010?
7. What blog (writer and blog name) recently turned one year old and was highlighted on the TFM Facebook Page?
8. Where did artist Paul Puckett have his first solo show this past fall?
Eight questions with eight answers. Got it all figured out? Please email your answers when you're done. Good luck!
Monday, November 22, 2010
New Scott Fly Rod Company Website
The new Scott Fly Rod Company website went live late last week and I've spent a little time running through it this morning. Interesting that the website has a very similar feel and look to the 2011 printed catalog with a clean design and stellar photography. It's also great to see the new fiberglass F2 Series proximately featured on the homepage of the website.
A neat feature of the new website is the individual descriptions for each fly rod offered in each series. Just click on the fly rod and you'll notice that the description will appear in the box for that rod. Cool, eh?
Also of note is that the all glass spey rod Fiberhammer is back for 2011 under the Concept offerings.
Finally, new Scott Fly Rod Company accessories to represent too. The Digital Camo Hat and Colorado Flag T-Shirt top my list.
Also of note is that the all glass spey rod Fiberhammer is back for 2011 under the Concept offerings.
Finally, new Scott Fly Rod Company accessories to represent too. The Digital Camo Hat and Colorado Flag T-Shirt top my list.
GreenFish Giveaways
I have been meaning to highlight the GreenFish website for some time now and Bryan Godber's email this past week about the upcoming "GreenFish Giveaways" makes it the perfect time to do so. GreenFish is a lifestyle brand that is making donations to support various conservation and educational fishing non-profit organizations through gear sales on the website.
Bryan wrote in his email about the "GreenFish Giveaways"... "Through this program, GreenFish will be giving away hundreds of dollars in prizes each month to its newsletter subscribers – with a winner announced every week. Sign up for the GreenFish Newsletter and give yourself the chance to win tackle, fly fishing lessons, fishing art, reel and rod cases and plenty of GreenFish gear! Together we can spread the sustainable fishing message, one angler at a time."
Want to get your name in for the "GreenFish Giveaways"? All you have to do is sign up for the GreenFish newsletter and you're in. Check out the GreenFish website while you're there and order up some gear too!
Want to get your name in for the "GreenFish Giveaways"? All you have to do is sign up for the GreenFish newsletter and you're in. Check out the GreenFish website while you're there and order up some gear too!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
T.F.M. Loves Pie
If there is a word that I don't drop on the whim it's the word "LOVE". The "L" word is saved for Mrs. Manifesto, the children, family, a few select friends, and...pie.
A couple summers back while on a quick trip up north we stopped into a Grand Traverse Pie Company for a piece and have been fans ever since.
Two nights on this trip to Michigan have ended with a lovely slice of rhubarb pie and a cup of dark roast coffee. Bliss.
They've got choices. If they are out of rhubarb (shudder the thought) then the berry or cherry crumble top pies are excellent.
Like pie? Give Grand Traverse Pie Company a look. They ship too.
A couple summers back while on a quick trip up north we stopped into a Grand Traverse Pie Company for a piece and have been fans ever since.
Two nights on this trip to Michigan have ended with a lovely slice of rhubarb pie and a cup of dark roast coffee. Bliss.
They've got choices. If they are out of rhubarb (shudder the thought) then the berry or cherry crumble top pies are excellent.
Like pie? Give Grand Traverse Pie Company a look. They ship too.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
A Quick Visit To Nomad Anglers
If there is one thing that can lighten the blow of not getting to fly fish while on a quick trip home to Michigan it was taking a few minutes to stop in to see Brian Bielecki at Nomad Anglers. I took ten minutes or so to talk shop with Brian in between the mall, Starbucks, and driving through Michigan State University.
The shop looked great and I noticed that some of the 2011 gear from various companies is starting to show up as well.
I was also able to see a few excellent originals by local artist Becca Schlaff. Brian and Becca are good friends and the large canvas behind the fly rod display was a gift. Quite impressive.
Becca's oil paintings are displayed on nearly every wall and are worth a visit to the fly shop if nothing else.
iPhone snaps and Infinicam app filters certainly do not do these paintings justice.
Brian sent me home with a couple Nomad Anglers decals that I'll need to find a spot for.
After ten minutes or so I received a text from Melissa, who was in the car with Finn, that it was time to go. Finn was having a melt down in the car seat.
Well...a quick fix is better than no fix at all. I am already thinking over and scheming my extended (read fly fishing included) visit to Michigan this next summer.
After ten minutes or so I received a text from Melissa, who was in the car with Finn, that it was time to go. Finn was having a melt down in the car seat.
Well...a quick fix is better than no fix at all. I am already thinking over and scheming my extended (read fly fishing included) visit to Michigan this next summer.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Yellow Glass Down Under
Mad angler Simon Chu, along with his photog friends Greig Cousins and Simon Sheppard, have been hitting up local streams just minutes from Simon's cottage.
Simon has been putting to work a new Scott Fly Rod Company F2 7'7" four weight against brute brown trout in small water.
Simon echoes my thoughts on the capability of glass in his email... "These fish were from wee streams around home and it just goes to show that these rods can land good fish and aren't just for little ones, eh!"
Simon continues... "The F2 7'7" four weight is a sweety but is a bit limited sometimes with my casting ability in a wind. It has no problem with the fish with a good reel and a bit of side pressure. We had one hog blow us off into the trees when we were trying to fight it from an elevated position. Side pressure works okay but it struggles lifting big fish sometimes. No worries though. So much fun! Makes me slow down and suck up a bit of trout oxygen."
Simon...way to flex that new yellow stick! It looks like it can get work done.
Simon has been putting to work a new Scott Fly Rod Company F2 7'7" four weight against brute brown trout in small water.
Simon echoes my thoughts on the capability of glass in his email... "These fish were from wee streams around home and it just goes to show that these rods can land good fish and aren't just for little ones, eh!"
Simon...way to flex that new yellow stick! It looks like it can get work done.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Musky Country: Zero To Hero
Without a doubt the new Musky Country: Zero To Hero trailer, by Robert Thompson of the Third Year Fly Fisher website, is the best use of an "actor" wearing overalls and Linkin Park instrumental laid into a fly fishing film trailer yet.
I traded a few emails with Robert yesterday and besides Musky Country, he has an upcoming Michigan Hex DVD in the works for release which sounds very interesting.
I traded a few emails with Robert yesterday and besides Musky Country, he has an upcoming Michigan Hex DVD in the works for release which sounds very interesting.
T.F.M. Joins The Outdoor Blogger Network
I've been a little remiss in not mentioning that T.F.M. is now listed on the Outdoor Blogger Network website. O.B.N. can be accessed by the badge on the right side of the T.F.M. page.
Rebecca Garlock and Joe Wolf, who each have their own blogs, have a great idea to grow and develop.
The Outdoor Blogger Network is a one stop portal to an ever expanding list of blogs across all pursuits on the water and in the woods and certainly worth a look.
Rebecca Garlock and Joe Wolf, who each have their own blogs, have a great idea to grow and develop.
The Outdoor Blogger Network is a one stop portal to an ever expanding list of blogs across all pursuits on the water and in the woods and certainly worth a look.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
1,500 Facebook Fans Gear Giveaway
Last week I realized that the T.F.M. Facebook page is getting ever closer to the 1,500 Fan mark. This astounds me along with the fact that most weeks, according to the stats Facebook sends out, approximately 700 Fans check in on the page.
The comments and photos that are left on the T.F.M. Facebook page are much appreciated. The social media outlets (T.F.M. is on Twitter too) have become a neat extension of the T.F.M. website.
Last week I sent off a few emails and phone calls and was able to line up a very impressive prize package for this giveaway that involves a group of new sponsors that are putting some much appreciated support behind T.F.M. with the following items...
Cliff Outfitters - Bugger Beast Fly Box
Leland Fly Fishing Outfitters - $25 Gift Certificate
Nature Boy Designs - "Size Matters" T-Shirt
Paul Puckett - Custom Artwork on a Bugger Beast
The Flyfish Journal - One Year Subscription
Stay tuned and in the meantime click "LIKE" if you haven't on the T.F.M. Facebook page.
Instead of letting the random number generator or my daughter pull a name from the hat, I might use part of the twenty-four hours of driving this week to and from Michigan to "mastermind" a contest to determine the winner once the page strikes 1,500 Fans.
The sooner the page reaches 1,500 Fans the sooner this prize package will be going out to a very lucky T.F.M. Fan.
UPDATE - Ready to do the T.F.M. 1,500 Fans Scavenger Hunt? Eight correct answers gets it done and you're in.
The comments and photos that are left on the T.F.M. Facebook page are much appreciated. The social media outlets (T.F.M. is on Twitter too) have become a neat extension of the T.F.M. website.
Last week I sent off a few emails and phone calls and was able to line up a very impressive prize package for this giveaway that involves a group of new sponsors that are putting some much appreciated support behind T.F.M. with the following items...
Cliff Outfitters - Bugger Beast Fly Box
Leland Fly Fishing Outfitters - $25 Gift Certificate
Nature Boy Designs - "Size Matters" T-Shirt
Paul Puckett - Custom Artwork on a Bugger Beast
The Flyfish Journal - One Year Subscription
Stay tuned and in the meantime click "LIKE" if you haven't on the T.F.M. Facebook page.
Instead of letting the random number generator or my daughter pull a name from the hat, I might use part of the twenty-four hours of driving this week to and from Michigan to "mastermind" a contest to determine the winner once the page strikes 1,500 Fans.
The sooner the page reaches 1,500 Fans the sooner this prize package will be going out to a very lucky T.F.M. Fan.
UPDATE - Ready to do the T.F.M. 1,500 Fans Scavenger Hunt? Eight correct answers gets it done and you're in.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Kineya Tackle
Over the past couple months talented rod builder Fred Paddock has been posting images of his growing collection of Kineya Tackle on the Fiberglass Flyrodders forum. I asked Fred if I could post his photographs on T.F.M. along with a few words of his experience with Kineya Tackle.
Fred wrote... "I first saw Kineya Tackle on the internet and after looking at the photography I clearly saw the craftsmanship and details that go into the reels. After reading more on the Kineya Tackle website, I ordered one reel...then another...and then another..."
Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.
"As I took interest in the craftsmanship of Kineya Tackle, Masatoshi Okui (Kineya Tackle) took interest in my craft which was the start of my fly rod company, FH Paddock. We became friends through our crafts. Masatoshi visited the U.S. this spring to participate in a fiberglass fly rod conclave that I organized. Fishing with Masatoshi in the Catskills was a great experience and our friendship grew. I look forward to his visit again soon and I will hope to visit him in Japan as well. For his reels, the beauty is far more than skin deep. There's heart and soul in his work and the end result is a beautiful reel that is precision crafted. Reels that work and have a timeless look. There's something special about having a "face" to the tackle you fish and Masatoshi is the "face" for Kineya Tackle. There is wonderful tackle coming from Kyoto, Japan."
Masatoshi Okui is a talented craftsman of the highest order and his fly rods and fly reels certainly speak to me as an angler and collector.
For those interested in adding a piece of Kineya Tackle to your collection, Masatoshi can be reached by email.
Fred wrote... "I first saw Kineya Tackle on the internet and after looking at the photography I clearly saw the craftsmanship and details that go into the reels. After reading more on the Kineya Tackle website, I ordered one reel...then another...and then another..."
Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.
"As I took interest in the craftsmanship of Kineya Tackle, Masatoshi Okui (Kineya Tackle) took interest in my craft which was the start of my fly rod company, FH Paddock. We became friends through our crafts. Masatoshi visited the U.S. this spring to participate in a fiberglass fly rod conclave that I organized. Fishing with Masatoshi in the Catskills was a great experience and our friendship grew. I look forward to his visit again soon and I will hope to visit him in Japan as well. For his reels, the beauty is far more than skin deep. There's heart and soul in his work and the end result is a beautiful reel that is precision crafted. Reels that work and have a timeless look. There's something special about having a "face" to the tackle you fish and Masatoshi is the "face" for Kineya Tackle. There is wonderful tackle coming from Kyoto, Japan."
Masatoshi Okui is a talented craftsman of the highest order and his fly rods and fly reels certainly speak to me as an angler and collector.
For those interested in adding a piece of Kineya Tackle to your collection, Masatoshi can be reached by email.
FISHY KID WHISTLE ORDER!
Last month Whistles For Life created and sent Fishy Kid a donation of whistles for us to use as prizes and giveaways. These are excellent whistles, a great safety product, and so cool to have the Fishy Kid logo on them too.
There was quite a bit of interest on Fishy Kid's Facebook and Twitter page about purchasing whistles and we have started taking orders.
There was quite a bit of interest on Fishy Kid's Facebook and Twitter page about purchasing whistles and we have started taking orders.
The price for one Fishy Kid whistle with two Fishy Kid decals will be $10 shipped to those in the U.S. I am willing to figure out reasonable shipping for international orders.
For those wanting more than one whistle and decals a discounted price can be worked out as well.
Fishy Kid whistle color choices will be Orange, Hot Pink, Dark Green, Lime Green, Red, Yellow, and Blue.
Orders can be placed by sending an email to us at gofish@fishykid.org. Payments can be taken with PayPal or by check.
For those wanting more than one whistle and decals a discounted price can be worked out as well.
Fishy Kid whistle color choices will be Orange, Hot Pink, Dark Green, Lime Green, Red, Yellow, and Blue.
Orders can be placed by sending an email to us at gofish@fishykid.org. Payments can be taken with PayPal or by check.
Ian at Whistles For Life has confirmed that we'll have these to send out in time for Christmas. A Fishy Kid whistle would make a great stocking stuffer!
Monday, November 15, 2010
T.F.M. Spotting - Michael Doing Laundry
I get frequent emails from those with T.F.M. t-shirts which say that it's one of their favorite shirts and that they wear it several times a week. I appreciate the kind words but I'm always left wondering if they are washing them between wearing or if they just give them the sniff test (which might not be to accurate) and wear them a second or third time.
This T.F.M. Spotting photo from Michael of Guys, Flies & Pies is confirmation that at least his T.F.M. shirt is getting a good wash every now and then. WHEW...
This T.F.M. Spotting photo from Michael of Guys, Flies & Pies is confirmation that at least his T.F.M. shirt is getting a good wash every now and then. WHEW...
MOTIV FISHING
There were a few posts across the fly fishing blogosphere a month or two ago on the launch of MOTIV FISHING but the boys have already made it to Mexico in their veggie diesel pickup truck and are on their way to the Yucatan Peninsula.
Follow along by reading their trip journal and Facebook page for updates, video shorts, and photographs of what they've been up to.
Follow along by reading their trip journal and Facebook page for updates, video shorts, and photographs of what they've been up to.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Seth Morrison's Fish Art
T.F.M. t-shirt artist Seth Morrison, recently sent along a new piece of fish art that he's been working on. There is an element of his work that is imaginary and surreal while capturing the fluidity of where fish live.
Seth does limited commission work and can be reached by email to discuss his art.
Seth does limited commission work and can be reached by email to discuss his art.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
FishingPoet T-Shirts For A Cause
Matt Smythe of fishingpoet.com has recently offered t-shirts and decals for sale on his website. Matt's plan for the proceeds from the gear sales is to make donations to worthy causes.
Have an extra few dollars? Order up a fishingpoet.com t-shirt or decal and help make a difference.
Friday, November 12, 2010
IMAGO Fly Fishing Products
Over the last couple months I've been hearing and seeing more about the Swedish based fly fishing brand IMAGO on the internet and industry magazines. I thought that it would be interesting to introduce the T.F.M. readership to the company through an introductory post and then follow that up with several gear review of their products as well.
John Zerihoun, co-founder of IMAGO, and I have been trading messages recently and I've gotten a good sense for what their company is about and where it is going. I'm excited for the IMAGO brand and looking forward to watching it grow. The IMAGO vision is about providing practical and useful gear that has been thoroughly tested prior to release to the angling public.
John provided a few photographs showing the IMAGO crew on a two month fly fishing trip in the "Imagomobile" full of gear where they covered over 3,000 miles in their travels to find fish.
Look forward to an upcoming Gaia fly reel review by Christian Hörgren and a Waist Bag review by myself.
I believe we'll be seeing more IMAGO fly fishing gear stateside in the coming year.
John provided a few photographs showing the IMAGO crew on a two month fly fishing trip in the "Imagomobile" full of gear where they covered over 3,000 miles in their travels to find fish.
I believe we'll be seeing more IMAGO fly fishing gear stateside in the coming year.
Clean Freak
I get a lot of grief any time I post up a photo carefully washing my Native Ultimate kayak but after a muddy redfish trip earlier in the week, my first priority upon getting home was to give the kayak a deep clean bath. I get more than a little weirded out about saltwater sitting on any surface that it might breakdown.
Is the kayak dirty enough for a bath? Yes...I think so.
Warm soapy water and a rinse gets everything clean.
Pluff mud was on everything from the bottom of the kayak to the paddle to the stake out pole to the bow skirt. Each piece got washed and left out to air dry.
I'm a clean freak no doubt but my Native kayak setup is an investment that I want to keep in prime shape for years to come.
I'm a clean freak no doubt but my Native kayak setup is an investment that I want to keep in prime shape for years to come.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Rich's Fly
It's been just over a week since the unexpected passing of Rich Schaaff and it has been neat to reflect on Rich's life and all that he touched from the abundance of comments and memorials left in his honor on websites, blogs, and on his facebook page.
Rocky Maley tearfully sat down at his vise this past weekend to create a fly that tells the story of Rich, their friendship, and the rivers that he held dear to his angling heart.
I am honored that Rocky allowed me to post this series of photos and narrative of his creation that he simply named "Rich's Fly".
This is the under body of the fly I am working on in memory of Rich. This fly tells a story about stuff Rich and I shared with each other. So to start the story of the low spot will represent his love of the East Fork of the Lewis River. The large butt will be the love of the mountains and the gold tip is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
To start with Rich loved birds with natural color. His top four were the Peacock, European Jay, Impeyan Pheasant, and Macaw which will come later in the fly. The ribs are there because Rich always wanted to know what is around the next bend. The green represents the color of the grass at "River X".
The gold body represents the brown trout that Rich loved to pursue. The ribs get closer moving forward which represent how Rich and I grew closer as friends. The four macaw horns represent the four rivers we talked about...the Owahee, the East Fork of the Lewis River, the Lochsa River, and the Grande Ronde. The blue section represents his home river, the East Fork of the Lewis River, and the red horizontal rib represents the steelhead in that river.
Okay...to finish this story. The silver section represents Rich always seeing the silver lining in everything. The brown and green are just memories of the earth tones from the trip to the "River X". The eyed tragg feathers represent Rich's keen eye through his photography. The blue macaw represents the sky and the two tragg feathers are clouds in which Rich captured so well in photos. The two green Impeyan Pheasant cheeks and the Peacock head represent how Rich went to a greener place.
This image says a lot about Rich...fly rod in one hand, camera in the other, and completely enjoying himself in the company of friends.
Rocky Maley tearfully sat down at his vise this past weekend to create a fly that tells the story of Rich, their friendship, and the rivers that he held dear to his angling heart.
I am honored that Rocky allowed me to post this series of photos and narrative of his creation that he simply named "Rich's Fly".
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