IN STOCK - Featherlight & Crafted Glass in T.F.M. Store

After a way too long hiatus, Eagle Claw Featherlight fly rods and spinning rods, along with Crafted Glass spinning rods, are in stock in the T.F.M. Store.  I will be packaging up pre-orders of these rods over the weekend and if anyone else is in need of one (or several) please let me know and yours will get sent pronto as well.

I've said it quite a few times before that there is just no better bang for your buck than these fly rods and the spinning rods are 100% fun as well.

The models of Featherlight and Crafted Glass that I am currently stocking include...

EAGLE CLAW FEATHERLIGHT FLY RODS
6'6" 3/4 Weight - Two Piece  
7' 5/6 Weight - Two Piece
8' 5/6 Weight - Two Piece

EAGLE CLAW FEATHERLIGHT SPINNING RODS
5'6" Ultralight Glass - Two Piece - 2-6 Pound Line Weight - 1/16-3/8 Ounce Lure Weight
6'6" Ultralight Glass - Two Piece - 2-6 Pound Line Weight - 1/16-3/8 Ounce Lure Weight
7' Medium Light - Two Piece - 4-8 Pound Light Weight - 1/16-1/2 Ounce Lure Weight

EAGLE CLAW CRAFTED GLASS SPINNING RODS
5'6" Light - Two Piece - 2-6 Pound Line Weight - 1/4-1/2 Ounce Lure Weight
6'6" Medium - Two Piece - 4-12 Pound Line Weight - 1/4-5/8 Ounce Lure Weight
8'2" Medium Heavy - Two Piece - 10-25 Pound Line Weight - 1/2-3 Ounce Lure Weight

Interested in placing an order or have questions that I can answer?  Please send an email to thefiberglassmanifesto@gmail.com.  I can take payment through PayPal, check or credit card.  International orders are possible but heads up, shipping can get quite expensive.

Additional swag offerings in the T.F.M. Store and T.F.M. Decals pages including the Rep Your Water #glassisnotdead Knit Hats which I am down to the last couple dozen of.

FLOOD TIDE CO. - The Tailer's Ball is Coming

It's looking like work is going to keep me from jumping down to Charleston for the upcoming Flood Tide Co. Tailer's Ball but that doesn't mean you can' scribble it on your calendar and plan to attend. 

This year's event will be held on Friday, October 12th at The Royal American and it will undoubtedly be a damn good time.  The hijinks kick off at 6:00 p.m. and this event will also serve as the Captain's meeting for the Badfish Tailers Cup.

More details on the Facebook events page for the Flood Tide Co. Tailer's Ball.

P.S. Keep an eye on the Flood Tide Co. website as the Fall '18 collection should be dropping soon.

Flipping the Switch Back On

So things have been kinda quiet around here for the past couple weeks besides an occasional posting on social media and there is a reason for that.  I was in Italy with my wife on a long time planned trip where I ended up having way less internet than I expected.  Not that the lack of Wi-Fi was a bad thing at all.  The break was actually quite nice.  Ten days of seeing so much in Italy was really made better without any worry about whether or not T.F.M. was updated or not.  In ten years of writing this website, I don't think I've taken a hiatus like this before. 

We weren't totally disconnected from reality.  We had enough signal to stay in touch with home, answered a few work emails and having the access to GPS and a map on our mobile phones proved invaluable as we drove from place to place and walked the many alleyways in towns and cities throughout Italy.  We were completely blown away by every part of Italy that we saw and already planning a return.

We're home again and playing catch up with a busy fall schedule ahead of us.  The T.F.M. light switch has been flipped back on and I've got a ton of stellar content in the hopper with hopefully a few more trips in the mix as well before the year ends.

I came back from this trip to find a slip of paper in my mailbox at work telling me that I have 90 hours of vacation that I need to use before the year ends.  It kind of has me scheming of where and when I can get away for a few days on the water.  No reason to just lose those hours, right?

Thanks for the patience if you've checked in and found the same posts from a couple of weeks ago staring back at you.  Things should stay fresh from here on out. 

Mosquito Madness Vol.1

Here's your moment of glass and clicker Zen funk from Nordfonn Production.  Can you dig it?



Give SpeyCo Fly Reels a look if you haven't in a while and fingers crossed that Volume 2 isn't too far behind this release.

SWIFT FLY FISHING - The Epic 580 is Back

Last week Carl McNeil of Swift Fly Fishing and I traded a few messages about what's been going on in their New Zealand shop as of late and since then the Epic 580 has been reintroduced and is now available as a Blank, Ready to Wrap Kits and Studio Built Fly Rods.

WHAT'S SO GREAT ABOUT THE NEW EPIC 580's?
The next generation FastGlass II four piece Epic 580 is built out of S2 Zentron composite fiberglass and offered in the three colors of Amber, Nude and Olive. The FastGlass II blanks feature 8 micron fibers that are developed and produced in the USA. The unidirectional materials result in tighter, more precise and stronger fly rods.

From a angling and casting stand point, the Epic 580 is an excellent choice as a "good at a lot of different things" kind of fly rod.  Make adjustments with a short stack of different fly lines and you'll be ready for just about anything that you'd ever need a five weight to do from dry flies to nymphing and streamers.

SnakeBelly exterior finish gives these blanks unbelievable toughness and after production they are painted and clear coated. This produces blanks that are both scratch resistant and durable. The preciseness of the SureFit Ferule system means that breakages can be fixed with a black section replacement instead of an entire blank.

Studio Built Fly Rods now a new option for reel seat hardware with native New Zealand hardwood along with black or silver metal reel seats.

WHAT IS THE "EPIC STANDARD"?
While we likely won't see these stateside, Swift Fly Fishing will be offering what they are calling "Epic Standard" built fly rods through their dealers in Japan and Scandinavia.  These fly rods will be offered in olive color only on the four piece Epic 370, Epic 476, Epic 580 and Epic 686 blanks and these builds will include a matching glass reel seat.

Visit the Swift Fly Fishing website for more information and follow along on Facebook and Instagram for the latest shop news and announcements.

P.S.  I've mentioned it before that I have an ongoing affiliate relationship with Swift Fly Fishing and this post is a good reminder that each purchase made from the links in these posts puts a few dollars in the T.F.M. piggy bank.  If you do place an order, please let me know by sending an email to thefiberglassmanifesto@gmail.com.  I'd be happy to send along a T.F.M. swag package as thanks.

HOWLER BROTHERS - The Aguacero Rain Jacket Has Arrived

I mentioned it a few weeks back in the Howler Brothers Fall 2018 Collection announcement that it was coming, but the Aguacero Rain Jacket has arrived and is ready to check out.

This IFTD award winning jacket is offered in four colorways and features 2.5 layer stretch waterproof fabric, bungee drawcords, taped seams, Western-style front pockets with snap pockets and it all fits into it's own hood pouch.

The tough part is figuring out which color you want.



Visit the Howler Brothers website to check out the new Aguacero Rain Jacket and remember to use the T.F.M. discount code of "TFM2018" for 20% off your order.

SIGHT LINE PROVISIONS - CARP!!!

"Carp Freaks" can rejoice, Sight Line Provisions has (finally) released a Carp Bracelet for those who dig chasing these fish with hopes that they will take a fly.

Visit the Sight Line Provisions website to check it out and follow along on Facebook and Instagram for the latest shop news.

JP ROSS FLY RODS - Glass Blank & Ross Reel Sale

JP Ross Fly Rods is kicking off the coming fall season with a blank and fly reel sale that is worth a look.  Today through Wednesday, September 12, 2018, you can purchase a Muir, Black Jack or Wild Card blank that is matched with a Ross Reel with a hefty discount approaching or over $100 off for the combo.

EDIT - Use code "TFM" for an additional $30 off.  Thanks JP for the extra extra.

Visit the JP Ross Fly Rods website for details and more information.

GRAYWOLF RODS - Ameriglass E-Glass Ultralight Spinning Rod

Great things happen when rod builder Shane Gray of Graywolf Rods and taper guru Mike McFarland of McFarland Rods collaborate.  Their latest creation is a six foot ultralight E-Glass spinning rod which might make you think about putting your fly rod down for a bit.

Or use the already worn out excuse that your children would REALLY enjoy it but we all know who will be fishing with it most.

No judgment here at all as tossing a spinning rod (with crickets even) after decades of not has me wanting one of these for my own collection.

Shane wrote...  "An ultra light spinning rod made of yellow E-Glass!  What's not to love? 

These blanks where designed by Mike McFarland and are sold under the Ameriglass brand name.

This rod is 6 foot and rated at 2 - 6 pounds.  The pleasant full flex action makes this rod the perfect choice for your next light line, panfish or trout trip.

I've spent a month on the reel seat hardware design.  The hardware is simple, yet attractive.  All handmade from nickel silver, blued and buffed to give an "antique" look."

Specifications:

• 6'0" Length
• 2-6 lbs Ultralight 
• Full Flex Action
• Two piece
• Handmade nickel silver hardware
• Asking $395 with a rod tube shipped in the U.S.A.

Interested?   Please contact Graywolf Rods with questions, intent to purchase or to inquire about international shipping options. 

The Introduction: New Zealand's Brown Trout Story

I know, it's Tuesday but it really feels like a Monday.  You deserve a break already. Take twenty minutes and enjoy this documentary on how those oversized brown trout ended up in New Zealand's rivers and lakes.



Solid work, Jack Kós.

IJUIN-ROD & LEIDERMAN RODS - Pretty In "Sakura"

One of the translations of the word "Sakura" means pink and Kazutomo Ijuin of Ijuin-Rod has offered his 7'6" three piece four weight parabolic blank in this color in very limited runs that he has built commissioned fly rods on and then a few blanks have landed in the hands of custom fly rod builders as well.

Recently Tomo posted two Sakura builds built for clients which was followed a couple of days later with Matt Leiderman finishing a build that has been listed on the Leiderman Rods website for sale.

Here's several build takes on the Sakura blanks to enjoy.

IJUIN-ROD

LEIDERMAN RODS

Matt wrote...  "This is about as unique a rod as you’ll find from my shop.  The pink blank is the start but the details bring the build home.  The reel seat is Lacewood with nickel silver, which I RARELY use anymore due to supply issues and machining properties.  The seats is custom machined, or better described as carved, with many gentle swoops and curves.  While a general profile was machined, much of the final design was shaped on the lathe by hand using a series of files and, eventually, sanding.  The acorn-style butt cap adds a fantastic detail as well as the rounded wedding-band style rings and swooped cork check.  The winding check matches the cork check in profile.  I personally feel the hardware adds a Japanese and feminine quality to this unique blank.  The grip is a very slender 5.5″ full wells style.  The wraps are light pink tipped grey with maroon accents at the grip and ferrules.  A pink agate rounds out the build.  This rod was a fun creative venture and I’m pleased and proud of the final product.  That said, it is NOT a style I will do often or possibly ever again."

Want to see more from both builders?  Visit the Ijuin-Rod and Leiderman Rods websites but follow along with the latest shops news HERE and HERE.

239 FLIES - Tying the A2Z Minnow

Several months ago Nick Davis of 239 Flies flipped the lights on at a new space in Bonita Springs, Florida and through the 239 Flies Instagram page, he took everyone along for the ride as he moved from his tying room at the house to what is now a full fledged specialty fly shop.

Now that things are somewhat settling down with the shop, Nick sat down at the vise recently with LivitFilms behind the lens to begin production of a series of new fly tying videos. 

The first to drop on the 239 Flies YouTube page is the tutorial for the A2Z Minnow and this pattern is also offered in fly tying kits in several colors which includes everything you need to twist up a dozen and a half flies on your own.

239 Flies offers A2Z Minnow kits in Bronze & Olive, Mardi Gras, Mullet, Neon Grape and Red Head.

Visit the 239 Flies website to kick the tires and be sure to follow along on Instagram and Facebook.

ORVIS FLY FISHING - "20 Days in September" Contest

Need an excuse to get on the water over the next several weeks?  Orvis is celebrating the transition of summer to fall with their annual "20 Days in September" contest on their Facebook and Instagram pages.  Of course there are great prizes in the mix but the focus is really to get out and enjoy your local places before or after work and on the weekends too.  Can you do 20 days?

Visit Orvis News for the full run down on the rules and prizes.  Good luck.

THE FLYFISH JOURNAL - Where It All Started with Karlie Roland

Along with a new issue in subscriber's mailboxes every three months, The Flyfish Journal continues to create films and tell interesting stories.  This seven minute shortie highlights Karlie Roland's journey into fly fishing to becoming the first female guide at TroutHunters Lodge.

Visit The Flyfish Journal website for the film and story and be sure to enter the giveaway at the bottom of the page for a Hardy Ultralite MTX fly reel.

You don't subscribe to The Flyfish Journal?  Take a look at the subscription options and change that.

YETI Presents: The Tundra Tour

It's hard to believe that the Tundra hard cooler is ten years old and honestly, quickly through those years, YETI has quickly into nothing short of a juggernaut in the outdoor industry.  Along the way, YETI has invested tremendously in film and The Tundra Tour is a celebration of this and the wild stories that have been told. 

From the YETI presser...  "YETI®, a leading premium outdoor brand, is celebrating the ten year anniversary of its iconic Tundra cooler with a multi-stop film tour. This fall, YETI will be hitting cities across the nation, showcasing a selection of YETI Presents films, appearances from brand ambassadors, and raffles with exclusive YETI prizes.

 It all started in 2008, when YETI founders and brothers, Roy and Ryan Seiders, debuted the Tundra — a never-before-seen cooler born out of frustration. They were tired of handles breaking apart, latches snapping off, and lids caving in year after year. So, they decided to create a solution — to engineer a cooler that was strong enough to double as a casting platform, packed with powerful insulation to keep ice for days, and tough enough to be dropped out of a truck, dragged through the backcountry, withstand any weather, and still be game for more.

“We’re proud to be celebrating ten incredible years of the Tundra,” says YETI CEO, Matt Reintjes. “For the past decade, the Tundra has paved the way for all YETI products—rugged, dependable, built to last—and has become a trustworthy companion. As we hit the road this fall, our team is excited and honored to share stories from the wild, both new and old, with the YETI community across the nation.” Kicking off in Denver, CO and wrapping in the brand’s hometown of Austin, TX, all proceeds of The Tundra Tour will support local non-profit organizations that share YETI’s love for the outdoors."



Look for the Tundra Tour at the following events...

• Denver, CO | September 06 | The Ogden | 7:00pm MT| Benefiting Trout Unlimited
• Salt Lake City, UT | September 13 | The Depot | 7:00pm MT| Benefiting Backcountry Hunters & Anglers
• Redwood City, CA | September 19 | Fox Theatre | 7:30pm PT| Benefiting Save the Waves
• Santa Ana, CA | September 20 | The Yost | 7:30pm PT| Benefiting Surfrider Foundation
• Nashville, TN | September 26 | Marathon Music Works | 7:30pm CT| Benefiting Tennessee Wildlife Federation
• Atlanta, GA | September 28 | Buckhead Theatre | 8:00pm ET| Benefiting CCA Atlanta & Ducks Unlimited
• Chicago, IL | October 03 | Thalia Hall | 7:30pm CT| Benefiting American Rivers
• Somerville, MA | October 10 | Somerville Theater | 7:30pm ET| Benefiting Stripers Forever
• Arlington, VA | October 11 | Arlington Drafthouse | 7:00pm ET| Benefiting Teddy Roosevelt Conservation Partnership
• Orlando, FL | October 18 | Plaza Live | 7:30pm ET| Benefiting Captains for Clean Water
• Austin, TX | November 14 | ACL Live | 7:00pm CT | Benefiting Texas Parks & Wildlife

Need more information or want to purchase tickets?  Visit the YETI Tundra Tour website.

THE MISSION - Issue 11

Just in time for your weekend, or if you're stateside the long Labor Day weekend, the latest issue of The Mission is free for the reading and of course, it's really good.

CHECK IT.