Fly Fisherman - Glass Revolution Article

I guess it's been up for some time now, but I just came across the article that I wrote for the 2014 Gear Guide yesterday and stoked that it can be read in it's entirety on the Fly Fisherman website.

The online article includes photographs and links to several video reviews as well that are worth watching.

Check out the Fly Fisherman website to read the article and others.

JP Ross Fly Rods - "Blue Steel" Epic

Jordan Ross of JP Ross Fly Rods is the latest to be added to the Swift Fly Fishing "Epic Rod Builder" list and this 990 build, dubbed "Blue Steel", is a fine example of the many things that a custom builder can do over what can be found on the rack of a fly shop.

I have been very impressed with the Epic 990 and it can handle steelhead, musky, and I've been told tarpon too without fail.

Check out the JP Ross Fly Rods website for more photographs and background on this build and others.

Introducing SHARKWAVE

The wizards at Scientific Anglers have been busy with the development of their latest fly line called Sharkwave.  The initial Sharkwave fly lines will be offered in the Ultimate Trout, GPX, and Saltwater tapers.

I've long been a fan of the Mastery Textured Series fly lines and the prototype Sharkwave GPX fly line that I've been playing with since late summer has been impressive. I just received a couple other Sharkwave lines to use and will get those wet soon.

Look for the new Sharkwave fly lines to show up at your local fly shop in March and there will likely be some sort of giveaway on T.F.M. as well when these fly line are introduced.

Check out the Scientific Anglers Sharkwave website for more information on this next generation of fly lines.

CONFLUENTUS

Here's five minutes of brute bullies and mad beats.



Check out the Adipose Vimeo page for a few other videos and follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as well.

A Trio Of Epic's

It's always good to hear of readers positive experiences with the companies that support T.F.M. and when Rich Steckler emailed about the three fly rods that he had purchased from Robert Spalliero of Custom Fly Rod Crafters, I asked if he would mind sharing his experience for everyone to read.

Rich wrote...  "A few months ago I came across a classifieds ad for an Epic four weight posted by Robert Spalliero of Custom Fly Rod Crafters on the Fiberglass Flyrodders forum.  The build looked very nice and I have read about these rods but never cast an Epic, so I picked it up.  

The rod arrived, and having the good fortune to live on a stream, I took it down to the water for some test casting.  It was very nice, but not what I had expected given the "fast glass" marketing on the Swift Fly Fishing website.  In fact the rod is fairly full flexing but with a nice quick recovery.  In short, no excessive tip wobble that many full flexing rods have.  

The grip Robert turned for the rod was a huge Ritz grip and I mentioned that in an email to Robert.  Within minutes he replied telling me to send it back and he'd reshape it to my liking.  Done. He was so generous and accommodating I got thinking, "Hey, I have been looking for the right five weight, sampling more than a dozen vintage and modern glass rods over the past year, so maybe the Epic 508 is the one?"  I email Robert who had an Amber blank in stock and I had another Epic in a week.  The rod is in fact the five weight I have been hoping was out there.  And it is on the quick side of glass.  I look forward to taking it to the Bitterroot this July.  The perfect taper for casting dries on medium to large water that holds equally large Montana cutthroats and rainbows.  

After reading the glowing reviews on the 686 here and elsewhere, I decided what the heck, got a Salsa four weight, Amber five weight, might as well complete the hat trick with a Flame six weight.  I asked Robert to use saltwater safe components for those days striper fishing when the only fish close to shore are shad and 13 inch schoolies, although I am sure the rod can handle Massachusetts "keepers".  

After spending some time casting the six weight I know it will be the rod I'll fish with for landlock salmon here at home and in Maine.  It is as versatile as any rod could be, tremendous range (well, as much range as this caster is able to throw), and with feel all along the way." 

Custom Fly Rod Crafters carries everything needed for building your own fly rod from start to finish and they are the exclusive U.S. dealer for the Swift Fly Fishing Epic blanks.

Orvis & T.U. - 1,000 Miles Campaign

Orvis + Trout Unlimited = 1,000 Miles Campaign



Check out the Orvis/T.U. 1,000 Miles Campaign page for more information on this worthy collaboration.

C. Barclay Fly Rod Co. Expands The Barclay Glass Series

Last weekend Chris Barclay of C. Barclay Fly Rod Co. sent along a short email with a photograph of the latest additions to the Barclay Glass series with a 7'8" four and 7'10" five weight soon to be offered.  I am beyond impressed with the three weight and really excited to see the other line weights added to this series.

C. Barclay Fly Rod Co. is taking pre orders for the four and five weight fly rods and Chris will be sending one of each to be added to the T.F.M. Fly Rod Demo Program in the coming months as well.

Chris wrote...  "The response to the Barclay Glass three weight has been so overwhelming that I decided to go through with the production of the four and five weight fly rods as well.  

I have the final prototypes in hand and have spent countless hours casting them.  I can attest that they cast fine in -10 degree weather, although I don’t!.  I have to say that I’m extremely pleased with these rods and can’t wait to get them out there.

I expect the blanks to arrive by the end of January and will have completed rods in February.
 
These fly rods will be built the same as my three weights with proportionally larger grips. The four weight is 7’8″ and the five weight is 7’10″.  Both will be three piece rods."

To read more about the Barclay Glass Series check out these past T.F.M. posts...

FIRST LOOK - BARCLAY GLASS SERIES

BARCLAY GLASS - DUFF'S SEVEN POINTS  

Visit the C. Barclay Fly Rod Co. for more information.  You can also follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as well.

Tommy's Drunk & Disorderly Streamer

Tommy Lynch + Bar Flies = Awesomeness

Check out the Schultz Outfitters Facebook page for the latest Bar Flies event info.

The Birth Of A Drift Boat - Part 5

The work continues on the Croff Craft Custom Drift Boat with this weekly dispatch from Phil Croff.  I really hope that these posts foster a greater understanding about what these boats take as far as the workmanship and time to create each unique drift boat.

Phil wrote...  "In this phase, the concentration has been placed on the bow of the boat.  The photos you see here are of the front dome and the nose block.  The front dome is constructed of western red clear vertical grain cedar.  To create the arch, the dome is constructed of several one inch wide by 3/16 inch thick pieces that are glued together to create a large panel.  After sanding and more sanding, this panel is glassed front and back and then installed to create the dome.  The dome in a Croff Craft is a signature design feature that not only is aesthetically pleasing, but also serves as a line catch and creates structural stability for the bow of the boat. The nose block in this boat is tiger wood."

Visit the Croff Craft website for more information on these beautiful and river worthy drift boats.

Finn Utility Streamer Wallet

This past weekend I received a text message from Ryan McDonald of Finn Utility and he mentioned that he was at the Fly Fishing Show in Somerset and had quite a few people come to his booth saying they had seen his products highlighted on T.F.M.  It feels good to hear things like that and highlighting some of the coolest things within the fly fishing industry is just one of the reasons why I write this website each day.

The text message also reminded me that I wanted to share the Finn Utility Streamer Wallet that I ordered for myself at Christmas that is now stuffed with swing patterns from a few of my favorite steelhead fly tiers.

The Streamer Wallet is made from a highly waxed cotton in dark orange which Ryan still has a very limited stock of.  The heavy weight waxed fabric, leather closure, and plush sherling makes for a high quality product that will last for decades on the water.  There is also an inside pocket which will hold leaders or more flies in small bags.  This wallet has quite a bit of capacity for flies with a very classic look as well.

Ryan has a very limited supply of this orange waxed fabric so if you are interested in a streamer wallet in this alternative fabric I would email and order one soon.

Check out the Finn Utility website to see more of what Ryan is working on.  Follow along on Facebook and Instagram as well for the latest shop news.

Tributaries

RC Cone's latest film, called Tributaries, was released recently and explores the contrasts and commonalities of fly fishing through the stories of three guides in three very different areas. This is a beautifully made film and RC Cone's style and camera work is stellar.



Patagonia's The Cleanest Line highlighted this film with a behind the scenes look written by RC Cone that is well worth checking out.

Tributaries can be purchased several different ways.  Check out the website and give it a watch this weekend.

The Vince Cummings "Amawalk" Reborn

This story has been in my inbox for a bit but no less a wonderful one to share of a very special Vince Cummings fly rod that was built for Chip Drozenski of Andes Drifters well over thirty years ago and how it was reborn recently by Steve Hoye of Klondike Rod Company.

Chip wrote...  "In 1970 I was introduced to Vince Cummings, a legendary rod maker that specialized in custom glass rods.  Our first face to face meeting was the ultimate experience that one encounters when talking to the rod maker who is designing your rod.

Vince said, let me see you cast as we walked outside the shop with a number of rods.  Once back inside we discussed the rivers that I fished and Vince had all the information that he seemed to need.  Custom designed glass rods were unheard of in the 70's.

Fast forward six weeks and I received the anticipated call from Vince that your rod is ready.  That Saturday I drove down to Thornwood to first see my rod!  Vince made a 6' 8" five weight and inscribed it the "The Amawalk" named after a tailwater in Westchester County, New York.  I was amazed that a glass rod could be so sweet.

I fished the rod very hard over a thirty five year period on the Battenkill, the Beaverkill, the West branch of the "D", Montana spring creeks, tricos on the Missouri and the list goes on.

Late in 2012 I decided to restore the rod for my grandson. My first and only choice was Steve Hoye of Klondike Rods.  Steve is a true master and the results speak for themselves. Minimal restoration to return the rod to its grand glory.  Another generation will carry on.

When the rod restoration was complete I shared the rod with my visitors from Argentina that were not even born in 1970.  As guides and outfitters at Andes they were blown away by this rod's power and delicacy.  WOW...GLASS!

Special past memories but more importantly future memories watching Colin and the Vince Cummings rod."

Chip...thank you for the very neat story and photographs.

Check out the Klondike Rod Company for more examples and information on Steve Hoye's work. 

The 2014 Fly Fishing Film Tour Begins

The 2014 Fly Fishing Film Tour kicks off in Denver tomorrow night in all of it's awesomeness and it's really neat to see this thing grow year to year with packed and sometimes rowdy audiences, high quality films, and really just a fun night out with friends. 

I've had a chance to watch a few of the films that were included in the media kit that arrived the other day and this year's line up is an exciting mix of fresh, salt, local, and far flung. 

Well Done, Fellas.

Watch the film trailers HERE.  Buy your tickets HERE. 

Where are you catching the Fly Fishing Film Tour this year?

Late Fall

Here's your moment of Zen with the latest film release from Simms.  A cup of coffee, ice on the windshield, a glass rod, and a few BWO's to make your day.



The peeps in Bozeman know...GLASS IS NOT DEAD.

Fine Tackle - Blue Halo 2Gen Builds

It's winter and Christian Hörgren of Fine Tackle is finding time to work on a few builds with these two Blue Halo 2nd Generation fiberglass blanks being completed in his simple yet striking style.

This is high art in the form of a fly rod.

Christian wrote...  "It's always flattering when someone in the business appreciates your work.  These two builds came to happen thanks to the guys at Blue Halo.   Jory Ward asked me in October if I was interested in doing two feature rods on their new blanks.  He sent me one each, and here is the result.  These are much lighter than the first generation of Blue Halo blanks.  

The midge rod is a 7'6'', 3/4wt rod, very full flexing, reminding me of a typical Japanese Yamame rod.  The other one is a 8', 4/5 taper placing itself right in the sweet spot where fiberglass really shines.  More back bone than the 3/4wt, but without losing its nice progressive action.  Both rods are appointed in a similar style with Snake Brand dark nickel guides, Yli silk thread, tiny Ritz grips and rubber butt plate.  

If you are looking for a winter project, don't hesitate, contact the guys at Blue Halo and place an order. These blanks make really nice trout rods!"

Check out the Fine Tackle website for more on Christian's work and the Blue Halo website for more information on these new blanks.

The Beard Chronicles IF4

There are a lot of characters within the fly fishing community and Marc Crapo is near the top as being parts genius, fishbum, artist, and madman all built into one. 

In short, Mr. Crapo lives this shit.



This video was his submission to the International Fly Fishing Film Festival (IF4) last year and it's been circling around social media this week.  I figured it would be a fun flick for everyone to enjoy that didn't catch it at IF4.

If you dig the song in this video then check out The Blue Aces.  The song is called "Dear Moon" and can be downloaded on iTunes or Amazon.

Check out more video genius on the Vimeo page and his art with leather on the Fly Wallets website.

Gear Review - Orvis Safe Passage Carry-It-All Rod And Gear Case

Soon after I started to do presentations on fiberglass fly rods it was quickly evident that I needed to streamline what I was carrying to these meetings and shows and wanted to have everything in a backpack and a gear case for ease of travel.  I am also the type that when going on a fly fishing trip somewhere that I like to carry along a few extra fly rods and reels as well.

I did some serious looking around and soon came across the Orvis Safe Passage Carry-It-All Rod and Gear Case and was impressed with how it was laid out with removable dividers that can also be moved around to make spaces small or large for fly reels, fly boxes, or whatever else and still have the ability to carry quite a few fly rods whether using the divider or not.  

Having carried the Carry-It-All Rod and Gear Case on dozens of trips, both by vehicle and by plane, I can tell you that this case is perfect for the traveling angler that likes to carry everything in one place.  For several trips where I've needed to carry quite a few demo fly rods, I've removed the center divider and was able to stack thirty fly rods in their socks within in the case without a problem.  One most trips however I'll carry a half dozen fly reels on one side and still have room on the other to carry at least a dozen or more three and four piece fly rods.  This gear case eats it all up with room to spare.

A few other notes on this gear case is that it's clearly well thought out with pockets on the exterior and on the inside of the lid for more storage.  It's also impressive how well this gear case is built using heavy duty nylon fabrics with rubberized bumpers on the corners to keep them from fraying and falling apart.  After dozens of trips my large Carry-It-All gear case still looks brand new with almost zero wear.  This case also has a carry strap for over or across your shoulder and a comfortable rubber carry handle as well.

As far as sizing, I would mention that the medium case will hold four piece fly rods up to nine feet in length or three piece fly rods up to 7'6".  If you have three piece fly rods to 8'6" or four piece fly rods to eleven feet then the large gear case is going to be your best option.  When in doubt, order the large Carry-It-All gear case since it's nice to have the extra capacity.

A quick note or two on airline travel with the large Carry-It-All gear case is that I've only been hassled once for declining to gate check and have almost always walked onto the plane without a word.  This gear case always fits easily in the overhead bin, typically in front of or behind other people's carry-on bags, without an issue.  On most flights I carry the large Carry-It-All gear case along with either a Patagonia MLC or backpack without any trouble.  One goes in the overhead bin and the other under the seat in front of me.

PROS:
- Carries EVERYTHING and then some.
- Built to last.
- Available in two sizes and two color choices.
- Priced right at $159 (medium) and $179 (large).

CONS:
- The medium size isn't as useful as the large sized case.

The Safe Passage Carry-It-All Rod and Gear Case is a great choice for traveling anglers that want to carry multiple fly rods, reels, and other gear carefully organized and protected in one place. 

Check out the Orvis website for more information and other reviews on the Safe Passage Carry-It-All Rod and Gear Case

Patagonia - Women's Fly Fishing Collection

There has been a definite push over the last several years from many aspects of the fly fishing community to involve and interest more women and the latest offerings from Patagonia go a long way in making sure that they have the choices for waders, jackets, and clothing that will keep them comfortable and dry while on the water. 



From the Patagonia website...

After years of research, we are pumped and proud to announce the official launch of our women’s line of fly fishing products. Check out the women’s sized waders, designed-for-women sunshade hoody, heavy duty River Salt rain jacket, Away From Home fishing pant and two new shirts just for the female angler, the Sol Patrol and the Island Hopper. Watch as Millie Paini and April Vokey, Patagonia Fish Ambassadors, explain what went into this new line and why we are so excited to present it to you.

Check out the Patagonia website for more information for more on the women's fly fishing collection.

Quick Fix On My Local

Truth told I don't spend enough time on my local waters and it was good to take Jake Howard of Saluda Valley Guides for a quick half day trip on the Saluda River.  Water was up and a bit off color, which made it a little tough, but we still pricked a few.  We didn't however catch any of the leviathans that live in the river on our half day trip.

Over the past several years stable flows, improved water quality, and heightened oxygen levels have allowed a significant number of rainbow and brown trout to holdover and trout over twenty inches are now quite common throughout the tailrace.

This was my first time fishing with Jake Howard and he definitely has a strong knowledge of the Saluda River fishery.  I was also very impressed with his Star Inflatables raft made for a stable and smooth ride down the river.

In the coming months the stripers will enter the river and we'll get back out after them which I am really looking forward to.

Check out and follow Saluda Valley Guides on Facebook and if you find yourself in Columbia consider booking a day on the river. 

2014 BOTE Boards

I'm starting to think that kayaks are kind of like fly rods and you just can't ever have to many.  High up on my list of wants is a BOTE Boards of some sort.  My wife wants one and our son will need his own Monster in the next year or two as well. 

The BOTE Boards 2014 digital look book went live a couple weeks ago and it's evident that this year is going to be big for them with quite a few new offerings and a refresh in cosmetic design from the mind of Rob McAbee of Bug Slinger who went to work for BOTE Boards earlier this year as brand director.

Give the digital catalog a flip through and check out the BOTE Boards website for more information.

The Birth Of A Drift Boat - Part 4

Another week and more progress is being made on the Croff Craft Custom Drift Boats project with Phil Croff sending along this dispatch and photographs to update from last week's post. 

Phil wrote...  "Every drift boat that Croff Craft builds is like an original piece of art.  The differences may be small but there's never a boat built exactly the same.  All the different woods on the planet have different characteristics, colors, grain design, etc.  

In this particular boat, The Louise, tigerwood has been chosen for the anchor stancion and the cap on the top of the transom.  This particular boat will be running a 5 hp outboard at times, there, the extra strength was needed in the stern.

The transom support seen here is western red clear vertical grain cedar.  Drift boat anchor stancoins need to be bullet proof strong, therefore it must have a design that will stand the test of time.

All the components in a Croff Craft anchor system are stainless steel, bronze, and brass along with black duralin pulley wheels which will be shown later.  

The end result is ruggedly solid and beautiful in appearance."

Visit the Croff Craft website for more information on these beautiful and river worthy drift boats.