T.F.M. Spotting - Zac's New Lucky Shirt

Zac Church spent part of the recent holiday weekend out on the water and had a successful outing catching a mess of bluegill and crappie while wearing his brand new t-shirt for the T.F.M. Spotting Photo Contest.

Zac wrote...  "I wore my sweet new T.F.M. t-shirt for the first time today and I think it might be my new 'lucky' shirt.

A buddy and I caught easily 100 bluegills and crappie today, and brought home twenty-eight bluegills and eight crappie for dinners. The bluegills were up to nine inches and the crappie measured out to 11-12.5"!  Thanks again."

I always figured that the T.F.M. t-shirts had some good mojo in them...but Zac's shirt might have gotten an extra dose.

Introducing Lilly Pond Fly Rods

Over the last year or so Brian Ebert of Relax The Cast has been taking the steps to establish a small fly rod company which is called Lilly Pond Fly Rods.  The focus of Lilly Pond Fly Rods is to specifically create gear with warmwater anglers in mind.

The first step in Brian's plan was to find suitable fiberglass fly rod blanks for his builds and called on Mike McFarland who offered up the last of his black S-Glass material to do a limited run of eight weights.  

Brian describes the 8'6" two piece eight weight fly rods as medium fast in action with most of the flex is in the top half of the fly rod.  The all metal reel seats are made by Joel Lemke and are a great match for these builds.  Brian is wrapping these builds in olive silk with no color preserver.  Pricing is set at $450 with rod bag and tube. 

The idea was to make a fly fishing tool that is not entirely an heirloom.  Brian wants people to fish these rods.  He is also working on six and seven weight models in two and three piece configurations as future offerings.

Please check out the Relax The Cast website for more information. 

If you should have questions or what like to inquire about a build please send Brian an email or he can also be reached by cell phone at 847-754-0100.

Varnished Silk Wraps - Before/After

I never really knew how unpredictable and different silk wraps can look before and after varnishing until recently.  Add to this equation the color of the blank which the silk is wrapped around and it can be quite a surprise what the final results end up looking like.

Shane from Graywolf Rods has wrapped his fly rod builds almost exclusively in silk for years now and even he's not quite sure how a certain color combination will look on a blank until varnish is applied.  He provided photographs of a couple recent fiberglass builds to show how different the "BEFORE" and "AFTER" can really be. 

BEFORE VARNISH

AFTER VARNISH

BEFORE VARNISH

AFTER VARNISH

Check out the Graywolf Rods website, Blog, and Facebook page for more information. 

T.F.M. Spotting - Lake Mission

Thomas Harvey of Carolina Fly took advantage of a warm fall afternoon to get out on a nearby lake. 

Thomas wrote...  "A little late season search and destroy mission to the marina.  We went searching for carp but the cats came out to play.  Not bad for late November."

Thomas representing for the T.F.M. Spotting Photo Contest with a slippery kitty cat.

Check out and follow the Carolina Fly Facebook page to see more of Thomas's work and keep up with his latest projects.

Another Child...Another Fly Rod

Jason Inman has got a good thing going that he gets a new fly rod with every child that is born into their family.  Here is the story of his latest fly rod build named after their recently born son, Roy Carrick.  

Jason wrote...  "I will give you a bit of the story.  My wife let me get a custom fly rod named after our firstborn a couple months after she was born around Father's day.  I had a guy in Missouri named Mark Prewitt build it and he built me the "Merci Raegan" which turned out to be a really nice 7'6" four piece four weight to all of my picky specs for only about $140.  He mostly builds graphite and cane and that rod build was graphite but wrapped similar in pattern to my vintage Browning Silaflex fiberglass fly rod."

"Fast forward and we had a son about seven months ago.  Not long after I started shopping for a fiberglass rod or blank for a fly rod that would be the "Roy Carrick".  Well, after school loans, a mortgage, two young kids and two dogs there isn't much dough left for fancy fly rods.  However, my taste in rods turns out to be fancy.  So, I began a search for affordable yet tasty classic components.  I found a factory second Nori clone supposedly rolled in the Nori factory set of spigot ferruled glass blanks on ebay for $11 including shipping.  I then found a nickel silver and agate stripping guide for about $15.  Next, a couple weeks later I purchased a nickel silver and circassian walnut reel seat.

Finally, around Father's day it was time to start emailing Mark at RDP Fly Rods.  Mark endured about forty emails from me describing silk wraps, rods I'd seen here or there, the philosophy behind the rod, how it should be playful yet bold and daring like my son.  I rambled like I am now."

"In the end, Mark produced a beautifully wrapped and finished Nori clone four piece 2/3 weight fiberglass fly rod with vintage yet modern silk wraps, a rod sock and an aluminum rod tube for...well...lets just say he gave me a good deal.  His price for a build with supplied blank is $100 without a rod tube.  I can't say enough good things about how custom and awesome the process is to build a rod with Mark, on top of that it's perfectly affordable for a young guy like me with a family.

All said and done I got a rod I am very happy with what feels very fun and very classic for about $155."

Jason...looks great but I'd warn against having more children just to get another fly rod. It can get very expensive in the end.

Angling Trade - December 2011 Issue

The December 2011 issue of Angling Trade is available to view online and as always is a solid insight to what the fly fishing industry is thinking about.

Read online or subscribe for free.

T.F.M. Spotting - Black Friday Escape

What's there to do when you and the baby end up tagging along with the wife to the mall on Black Friday? How about get yourself  and the kid dropped off at the fly shop to escape the madness.

That is exactly what Joshua Mills of Chucking Line and Chasing Tail did yesterday and sent in this most excellent T.F.M. Spotting Photo Contest entry.

Josh this short note...

"We were chilling at the Silver Bow Fly Shop in Spokane awaiting the wifey to be done at the mall.  We are sipping our beverages if choice."

Josh...well played.

Fiberglass Flyrodders New Home

The Fiberglass Flyrodders forum, which has become an ever growing resource for glass geeks everywhere, moved into a new home late this week with forum administrator Tom Gould spending his Thanksgiving holiday putting the finishing touches on the board.

There were a lot of reasons for the move with the largest being that on the last forum system there was not a reliable way to backup all the content that was being posted and it would have been a shame to lose years of great material if something happened.

So...if you are a current member of Fiberglass Flyrodders then please email Tom Gould for your temporary password to access your account on the new forum.  Please give Tom a bit of time to get back to you since he's been working feverishly the past few days to get the board up.  In short...he needs sleep.  This forum move cost him one night of sleep and he's still catching up.

New members are always welcome to join so please check the forum out.  In my opinion there isn't a nicer or more knowledge group online anywhere. 

BLACK FRIDAY DEALS

Over the past couple weeks I've been collecting up various discount codes and heads up on upcoming sales from the various friends, supporters, and advertisers on T.F.M.

Some of these deals last just today, others through the weekend, and then some until the end of the year.  I'll be tweaking this post to keep all the information up to date and likely will be adding new codes and discounts for readers to take advantage of.

ANGLER'S CHOICE FLIES - Mike Schmidt is offering 10% off your total order and free shipping when you email him directly with your order and include "TFM FLY ORDER" in the subject line.  He'll write up an online invoice with the adjusted order cost.  Offer good until December 31st.

BECCA SCHLAFF FINE ANGLER ART - Becca is offering free shipping on all online merchandise purchases through December 30th.  

BONEYARD FLY GEAR - Take 15% off all online orders using the code "ZUDDY".  Offer good until December 31st.

BRIAN SCHIELE HOLGA PRINTS - Anyone that sends an email to Brian with the title "TFM DISCOUNT" can purchase an 11"X14" or 9"X12" image for $55 each or $100 for two images shipped.  Offer good through December 11th, 2011.

CANVASFISH.COM - Derek DeYoung is selling off a few originals and sketches.  Check out this page for the latest update.

CHRISTOPHER FAVE FLY FISHING - Three possible deals here.  First, get 20 mono knotted leaders of your choice for $30.  Or Buy 2 Get 1 Free on all flourocarbon knotted leaders.  Lastly Buy 1 Get 1 Free on all mono knotted leaders.  Christopher will be away from his computer until December 5th but will return emails and work on orders on his return.  Offer good until December 31st.

GRAYWOLF RODS - Shane is offering a reduced deposit price of only $50 for this list of available blanks.  Send an email to place secure a blank from this list for a future build in the coming months.

HOWLER BROTHERS - Use online checkout code "HBTFM" for $10 off your entire order.  New styles to check out as well.

ROBIN'S LEADERS - Send Robin an email with "BOGO" in the subject line and Robin will double your furled leader order.  Be sure to include your PayPal Unique Transaction ID as well for reference.

ROSS REELS/SCIENTIFIC ANGLERS - To kick off their new websites launching Ross Reels and Scientific Anglers is offering $25 off a purchase of $150 or $50 off a purchase of $250 through their online store or online dealers.  Bang the LINK for details. 

SOUTH FORK ROD COMPANY - The Redington's are offering free shipping on all orders through December by using the discount code "FREESHIP" during checkout.  They will personalize any build free of charge as well.

THE FRESHWATER FLY -  Use code "THE FRESHWATER FLY" during online checkout to purchase a Fish Fighter Fly Clip for $5 each with two extra foam replacement pads and a couple decals as well.  This offer is good through December 31st.

TIGHTLOOPS FLY RODS - George is offering a free handmade leather fly rod tube, valued at $150, with all custom fly rod orders through December 31st.  All custom builds include Lemke Concepts nickel silver reel seats, silk thread wraps and tipping, and premium cork grips.

VEDAVOO - Remember Vedavoo?  I think we'll all be seeing more from this company in the next year or so.  Use the online discount code of "TFM15" for 15% off your order.  Vedavoo has gear choices for fly fishing, climbing, trail/camping, and yoga as well.

Happy Christmas shopping.  No one would fault you if you ended up purchasing a couple items for yourself as well.  Right?  HA...

THANKFUL

I just wanted to take a moment and wish everyone that reads this website a very Happy Thanksgiving and hope that you are spending the day surrounded by family and friends.

I am thankful for a loving wife (who puts up with this fly fishing affliction), healthy children that always keep me going, family, friends, and a job that provides a solid paycheck every two weeks. 

I'd be selfish to ask for anymore except maybe a day here and there to get out on the water with a fly rod in hand.

Enjoy today with good food, good drink, and good times.

T.F.M. Spotting - Baby Burkholder

Ah...a new baby goodness T.F.M. Spotting Photo Contest entry.  This time from proud pops Brian Burkholder holding his newborn son, Peter.

Brian wrote... "This is Peter, our second boy. I’d love to give him my Scott F2 7’7” four weight when he’s old enough to fish the brookie waters of Vermont.  His brother will likely get my Hardy “Test” 7'6" four weight when it’s his turn (hopefully soon).  What a treat it would be to guide both of them to the little brookies and ‘bows in the upper White River here."

Brian...congrats.  You're going to ruin those boys with Scott and Hardy fly rods.  I thought kids were supposed to start out with a Featherlight?

Good Fortune

T.F.M. friend Derrol Hammer sent this photo via a text message while at dinner last night with a note saying...

"This is a fortune I can live with."

Indeed.  I could use some good fortune like that about now. 

Fall Float On The Yakima River

For the past year or so I've had a couple Kabuto Rods demos (7033 and 8053) which have made their way around the United States a few times to prospective customers.   Send me an email if you might like to demo one of these before buying. 

Last month Derald Lo gave the Kabuto Rods 8053 demo and his McFarland Rods 9'2" five weight a workout on the Yakima River and sent this report.

Derald wrote...  "I had both the loaner Kabuto 8053 and my McFarland 9'2" three piece five weight on the Yakima River on a glorious fall day with pretty decent fishing too.  BWO's and the October Caddis were out and the trout were really active.  Originally had the loaner Kabuto set up as my dry fly option with a Nautilus FW5 and a S.A. Textured six weight forward line with size 18 dry behind big orange stimulator.  The McFarland was set for nymphing little BWO's.  I missed a few nymph takes with the McFarland and was wondering if that was due to the tip being a bit softer than I'm used to (this would make a great spring creek rod).   It is a mending machine!  Also, playing fish on it was excellent in terms of tippet protection and feel.  I switched it to the dry fly set up and it actually felt better suited for that."

"Then I took a turn with the Kabuto.  To be honest, I wasn't overwhelmed by the casting of the Kabuto at first.  A bit heavy feeling (especially in the tip) and I had a hard time getting a delicate presentation as well as over shooting my targets a few times.  Then I straightened the hook out on  a size 18 Adams on the Kabuto with the drag set right on a Nautilus reel on a REALLY nice bow that jumped a few times before the hook shot back at me.  Shortly thereafter my brother had a three or four inch salmon smolt get ripped by a bow so we both decided to try streamers.  Thinking about the power and the heavier tip feeling, I decided to put a short sink tip and 3X on the Kabuto and threw it as a streamer rod the last two hours of the day and loved it! Every run had a taker or two.  The heavy tip handled a weighted sclupzilla well and the aggressive takes. I didn't really expect that out of the Kabuto."

Beautiful images and it's been interesting to read reviews and thoughts on the Kabuto Rods 8053 from so many different anglers and casters over the last year and a half.

Derald's long McFarland Rods black glass five weight sounds intriguing as well.

Two New Cortland Lines I'd Like To Try

This past August while at IFTD, I spoke with Nate Dablock of Cortland and he walked me through the new product line up for 2012.

I've always liked Cortland fly lines and the two highlights for me were the new Trout Boss and Liquid Crystal fly lines.

The Trout Boss is available in lines four through eight weights, employs the new HDT "Heat Dissipation Technology", and has a sixty-five foot head.  This fly line should shine on short accurate casts, long mends, and as an indicator fly line as well.  Truly a get work done type fly line. 

The Liquid Crystal is a totally clear fly line in weights six through twelve and designed for both tropical and warmwater applications.  Supposedly this fly line stays supple in cooler fishing and water conditions than other clear fly lines which for me would allow use on ponds and lakes for bass and then the coast for redfish.  This fly line uses the PE+ technology for shootability and distance in casting.

Both fly lines should be available online and at your local Cortland dealer in the coming month or so and I'll hopefully end up with a couple to see if they are as good as they sounded at IFTD.

Steelhead On Glass

Late last week Todd Hirano, a.k.a. "808steelheadher" joined the Fiberglass Flyrodders forum with a stellar intro post on fly fishing for steelhead in the P.N.W. with his vintage Fenwick big sticks and clicker reels.

Todd wrote... "I began my fly fishing career using two glass rods on small streams in Montana and Oregon and even used them on the Deschutes River.  Of course the allure of high tech graphite took over my desire to own the latest and greatest and my two little Fenwick fly rods sat on the sidelines for almost two decades.  

Just for a change of place I decided to use my FF756 for steelhead this summer and got a couple hatchery summer runs on the Willamete. I was surprised at how well this rod handled fishing for steelhead.

I love doing something different than most of my peers and the glass road is a fun ride!"

Check out this Fiberglass Flyrodders thread for more photos and discussion on fly fishing for steelhead on glass and click and pawl fly reels.

Nature Boy Designs Wader Lanyard

Nature Boy Designs is getting a double mention today with a post up on Moldy Chum regarding their new custom sized for each customer "Bomb Proof" Rod Tubes and a mention here for their recently released 550 Wader Lanyard.

The 550 Wader Lanyard is made from paracord with loops on each end to place around your wader straps.  Kind of genius and no more stress from a heavy lanyard hanging from your neck.  Priced right at $25 and can be made in a array of paracord color combinations. 

Check out the Nature Boy Designs website for more information. 

In Stock And Discounted T.F.M. T-Shirts

Over the past week I shipped off over four dozen T.F.M. t-shirts and hoodies and still have a few left over that I need to move in preparation for next month's order and a few new screens that need to be made up for the 2012 apparel items. 

As a way to help move these along I am offering the following black short sleeve T.F.M. Retro Fly t-shirts at a discounted price of $15 shipped in the CONUS.

I have the following T.F.M. Retro Fly t-shirts ready to ship...

YOUTH
Short Sleeve Medium

WOMEN
Short Sleeve XL

Thank you for the continued support and if you are interested in purchasing a T.F.M. t-shirt or two please send an email.

Free Fly Launches

Props to The Headhunter Blog for tipping me off on the launch of a new fly fishing clothing brand called Free Fly which is surprisingly based just down the road in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.

Free Fly offers a mix of caps, t-shirts, and long sleeve tech shirts and I'll be placing an order for a Vintage Drum Tee. 

Free Fly is a fly fishing lifestyle brand which is using part of their profits to help fund Water Missions International in providing sustainable water treatment systems to those in need.


Free Fly Story from Free Fly Apparel on Vimeo.

Check out the Free Fly website to check their wares and for more information.

Graywolf Rods 8' Six Weight Build

You'd never believe that Shane Gray of Graywolf Rods holds down a full time job and still finds time to complete several fiberglass builds each week.

Shane's latest offering is a yellow glass eight foot six weight in four pieces and will be one of the last for sale fly rods that he has for a while since he's low on blanks and has a few customer orders to finish as well.

I am seriously digging that big yellow agate ring.    

Visit the Graywolf Rods Blog and Facebook page for more information and photographs on this build.

Spencer's Weekend Away

Late last month T.F.M. friend Spencer Ballard got a pass from the wife and headed up north for a couple days of hucking streamers on one of his favorite Michigan rivers.

By the looks of it he did alright. 

Spencer wrote...  "With three kids age five and under, getting out and fishing for trout has become difficult at best.  I had an opportunity to escape for a weekend and chase some trout while staying at Gates Au Sable Lodge in Grayling, Michigan.  This is a worthy destination, regardless of how far you are traveling.  Trout Unlimited was founded on the banks of the Au Sable River.  The difference between the trout fishing in Michigan, and trout fishing out west, is that you normally have to work twice as hard in Michigan.  The fishing can be spectacular at times and fall is one of the best times to hit the rivers here, especially if you enjoy streamer fishing.  I am a streamer addict, and it seemed fitting that the my second trip to the area this year should happen in late October.  Fishing far above any passage that can allow salmon or steelhead to enter helps ensure that we have some solitude on the water (I didn't see a single angler the entire weekend).  I am willing to face the facts, streamer fishing with big heavy articulated streamers and sinking lines isn't necessarily the strong suit of glass.  I can still comfortably throw a lead eyed Conrad's Sculpin thirty feet with my Steffen 5/6 weight and that is all that is needed when fishing the area I was in.  The rod performed well and I ended up with two German brown trout over twenty inches and one gorgeous brookie.  The temperature when we hit the water in the morning was well below freezing but these fish warmed me up a bit."

 

In short, it's tough to beat Michigan in the fall.

Howler Bros. YETI Coolers Giveaway

You know whats cooler than a YETI Cooler?

How about a Howler Brothers badged out YETI Cooler.  

Check the rules on the Howler Brothers Blog for your chance to win.

While you're there take a look at the new styles that dropped recently for both men and women.

Remember to use discount code "HBTFM" to receive $10 off your order. 

Kabuto Rods 7033 Available

Rod builder Yasuyuki Kabuto of Kabuto Rods has just completed a seven foot three piece three weight build which he is offering for sale to an interested customer.

Typically Yasuyuki Kabuto has had a long waiting list for his builds and the current wait time is late August of 2012 for orders placed now.  This is only the third fly rod that Yasuyuki Kabuto has built that was not already called for.

The Kabuto Rods 7033 is an extremely capable fly rod with a progressive action and some prefer this short three weight with a four weight fly line instead.  I personally like a 3DT fly line best.

Yasuyuki Kabuto's builds are as close to flawless as they come.  Perfect work.

The price for this Kabuto Rods 7033 is $655 (plus $45 for international shipping).

Yasuyuki Kabuto can be reached by email with questions or to purchase this beautiful fly rod.

Consider it an early Christmas present...to yourself.