Wednesday, August 28, 2024

GEAR REVIEW - Korkers Stealth Sneaker & Wet Wading Accessories

A couple of weeks before my spring journey to Michigan, a box arrived from Korkers with a pair of their new Stealth Sneaker along with the Wet Wade Conversion Kit and I-Drain Neoprene Guard Socks.  I've been in these wading boots for most of the summer, with waders and without, and wanted to share a few thoughts for those who might be considering new boots or looking for ways to update their wet wading setup options.     

The Stealth Sneaker is part of a two boot Wade Lite collection that also includes the Chrome Lite wading boots.  I choose the Stealth Sneaker since I liked the option of a no nonsense (laces, lightweight, more shoe than boot, etc.) wading boot to demo on a handful of trips and fly fishing near the house this summer.


KORKERS STEALTH SNEAKER
I've been able to put a lot of miles on the Stealth Sneakers on the flats around Beaver Island, on our South Carolina streams, and then up in Alaska on the Kenai River.  I've been very impressed with these wading boots and as a traveling angler, where luggage weight is always a concern, these have been lightweight winners.  In comparison to a mix of popular wading boots, the Stealth Sneakers weigh a pound to over two pounds less.  These wading sneakers are lighter on your feet but also can save you a couple of pounds in your suitcase, too.     

One of the first things that I look for in a wading boot is how much protection there is in the toe box and sides since bumping into and getting wedged into rocks happens when wading.  The Stealth Sneakers have protection all around with a highly durable lower material sewn into a woven abrasion-resistant material that so far, with quite a bit of wear, these wading boots still look like new.

If you're a longtime Korkers fan, the Stealth Collection is a departure from past wading boots since they don't have interchangeable soles and instead feature their Kling-On Rock outsole, which I've found has considerable traction on all sorts of surfaces.  The boots also drain water through ports in the soles which keeps them from feeling like they are constantly full of water. 

The fit and feel of these wading boots is similar to a high top tennis shoe and they are very comfortable with waders and without.  I've worn mine without waders more than with and it's been great to be in a supportive wading shoe than a clunky wading boot. 

Lastly, at a time where the prices of some wading boots come with considerable sticker shock, the Stealth Sneaker checks in at a very reasonable $149.99, which is backed by their Rock Solid Guarantee.   


KORKERS I-DRAIN NEOPRENE GUARD SOCKS
There are a handful of neoprene guard sock options out there but I've come to like these since they are offered on four form-fitting foot sizes and where some hold all the water inside of the sock, these guard socks feature a perforated footbed to drain.  The 3.5 millimeters of neoprene is similar to the foot of your waders giving a very similar fit while wet wading.


WET WADE CONVERSION KIT
Don't want to mess with a neoprene socks when wet wading?  I get it.  South Carolina summers have me shedding any layer I can and this conversion kit is great for making my wading boots fit right with just a pair of hiking socks.   

The Wet Wade Conversion Kit is a 10 millimeter insole that is easily cut with a pair of scissors or a knife.  These insoles are marked with different boot sizes making sizing easy. 

I slid them into the Stealth Sneakers and have worn them this way for most of the summer.  The insole makes it easy to pull in and out depending on if I'm using waders or not.

So, if you're looking for a lightweight, but won't break the bank, wading boot option, the Korkers Stealth Sneaker is it and the Wet Wade Conversion Kit is an easy way to turn it into the ultimate summertime wet wading boot that you can put miles and miles on.

Visit the Korkers website to check out all the options discussed and if you have any questions that I didn't cover in this review, send me an email.

SOUTHERN CULTURE ON THE FLY - No. 52

The latest issue of Southern Culture on the Fly is live.  It's a good one, so enjoy.  And, of course, don't sleep on the SCOF Store.


CHECK IT.

STEFFEN BROTHERS FLY RODS - SWARM Builds & Blanks Available

One of the more exciting fiberglass fly rod releases of the spring was Steffen Brothers Fly Rods launching their new tip-over Uni S-Glass 7-weight that they dubbed the SWARM Steamer Glass due to it's ability to pouch out large air resistant flies.  Think poppers, think streamers, think hairbugs, and more.

The four-piece SWARM 7-weight tapers are available in the two lengths of 8'3" and 8'8". 

A limited edition run of builds on these blanks were built by Graywolf Rods earlier this summer and the SWARM 7-weight tapers are now available as a blank to build your own or as a finished fly rod.

Interested?  Scroll the to bottom of the post for a handy discount code.

Check out the SWARM Collection and Andy Stiebler of Steffen Brother Fly Rods is offering the T.F.M. readership a 15% discount off a SWARM blank or build using code "TFM-SWARM-15".  

There are FOUR of these discount codes available.  Once they are gone, they gone. 

Monday, August 26, 2024

TROUTROUTES - Ultimate Fishing Excursion Bundle

TroutRoutes, along with a list of industry friends, have put together a stellar giveaway that is worth tossing your name in on with a prize package valued over $7.000 from WorldCast Anglers, Skwala, Sage, RIO Products, and Fishpond.  There will be a Grand Prize and a Runner Up.

To enter the Ultimate Fishing Excursion Bundle giveaway, there is a form to fill out and you'll be asked to sign up for a TroutRoutes Free Basic or PRO account to be eligible to win.


Visit the Ultimate Fishing Excursion Bundle page to play and you have until September 20, 2024 to get your entry in.

A Few Days on the Water in Homer - Part 1

Though I am typically an "Aisle Guy", an unexpected upgrade put me in a window seat on the flight from Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport into Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport and even though I arrived after midnight, we chased light as we flew over the snow covered mountains from British Columbia into Alaska.  It was late June and deep snow still blanketed the peaks as we floated overhead.

Even though Hadley had been living in Alaska for over a year, this was the first trip that I had made there.  This was somewhat on purpose since it had been important for my wife to check in on Hadley several times through the year with visits and I knew that if and when I made it to Alaska, it wouldn't be my list trip.  I have a knack for going to places that leave such an impact that I find ways to get back there over and over again.
 

Hadley picked me up at the airport and we stayed in Anchorage for the night.  The next day we planned to drive to Homer to meet up with family friends, the Pearson's, who were camping on the Homer Spit.  They had their boat down there with them and if weather allowed, we'd get a day or two out on the water.

It's tough to say something about Alaska that hasn't already been said and we enjoyed the drive from Anchorage to Homer arriving for a late lunch and poking around on the Homer Spit before driving out of town to our Airbnb near the end of East End Road.  We settled into the cabin and then made our way back into town to have dinner at the Pearson's campsite.  Esther had caught a salmon the night before and they baked the large bright red filet with steaks on the grill.  It was a wonderful welcome to our days in Homer.  Weather conditions were improving and plans were made to meet up the next morning to take the boat out.  Even though my visit to Alaska wasn't specifically a "fishing trip", I was stoked that we'd be fishing.  Hadley was excited with the idea of catching and bringing some fish home to share with our family.  Her time in Alaska has really taught her the value to hunting and gathering and how important it is for those who live there.


We set out of Kachemak Bay the next morning and traveled over open water for awhile before Bryce slowed the boat and prepped each of our rods for bottom fishing with a 16-ounce to 24-ounce jigs with a large rubber grub.  This was a new method of fishing for me and as the heavy jig dropped over 150 feet, and in some places closer to 300 feet, it took a few minutes to figure out the technique.  Once the jig touched bottom that started a routine of a slow lift and slow drop, lift and drop, lift and drop. 
  

It was important to keep tension on the line in order to feel the takes and Bryce worked on making sure we weren't drifting too fast so that our jigs weren't getting lifted off the bottom.  It wasn't too long before we were all getting bumps on our jigs.  We were hoping to catch our boat limit on halibut but started the day with a few Pacific Cod and some large sculpin that would mouth the jigs all the way to the surface before letting go at the surface.  Grandpa Troy, with his hot pink jig and grub, was the hot hand for the morning but there was going on to keep us all attentive to what our own jigs were doing. 

Through the morning and into the early afternoon, we caught Pacific Cod two or even three to every Halibut but both are great eating and were slid into the fish cooler.  We moved around the area to try several of the spots that Bryce had marked from previous trips.  There were a couple of spots that he wanted to revisit in the afternoon since the tide would slack giving us a better drift.   
















 





The catching at the last spot we fished immediately transitioned to more halibut while still catching quite a few cod.  While fishing there, we quickly reached our limit with two halibut each.  Add to that several large cod and the fish cooler was filled to the top and we struggled to move it from the back of the boat to the cleaning station. 

The next ninety minutes found us all working together at the cleaning station with Bryce and Grandpa Troy on fillet duty, passing the fillets to Bryce, Jr. and I to skin, trim, and wash before they went into large plastic bags.  Hadley kept the station clean by moving fish carcasses to the dead fish trailer.   


After a long good day on the water followed by our fish cleaning session, we were tired and ready for dinner.  Brats at the camper tasted like a feast and we were already making plans to fish again the next day with Michelle and Esther coming along with us for a second day on the water. 

SCIENTIFIC ANGLERS - Steelhead with Lani Waller - Episode 2

When I shared the first episode of this steelhead series with Lani Waller last week, I had no idea that he had just passed away.  This series of instructional films, supported by Scientific Anglers, were one of the things that he was best known for and for good reason.  Press PLAY and take notes...



Visit the Scientific Anglers website to see the latest in fly line (and more) innovation.  Subscribe to their YouTube channel for films like this and others.

Monday, August 19, 2024

6 Cool Things

Let's start off a week with six things that have caught my eye lately.  There is an artful touch with several, innovative with another, more of a good thing, and a neat way of giving back in the last. 

Click the links to see and learn more about each of these "6 Cool Things"...


YETI - THE WETLANDS COLLECTION

ORVIS - THE C.F.O. FAMILY GROWS BY TWO

PAKMULE - INTRODUCING THE MOTOMULE

SIGHTLINE PROVISIONS X DUCK CAMP COLLECTION

TCO FLY SHOP X RIO PRODUCTS - PATRIOT PROJECT FLY LINE


What's been on your must have list lately? Send an email and let me know...

SCIENTIFIC ANGLERS - Steelhead with Lani Waller - Episode 1

This week we'll share a three-part series of films from the video tape vault of Scientific Anglers with angler and instructor, Lani Waller, on Pacific steelhead.  Press PLAY on episode one...



Visit the Scientific Anglers website to see the latest in fly line (and more) innovation.  Subscribe to their YouTube channel for films like this and others.

MECHA HOROLOGY - Watch Service & Repair

I mentioned it awhile back that I've become a "Watch Guy" now and even more that, I like to see how things work and tick, literally.  When Matt Leiderman of Leiderman Rods isn't building custom fly rods or teaching in his classroom, he's carefully repairing and servicing watches in separate shop that he built for MECHA HOROLOGY.


If you'd like to see some of Matt's past work, visit this T.F.M. post from last year where he brought a Hamilton field watch back to life.

Check out the MECHA HOROLOGY website and follow along with the latest on Instagram.

Saturday, August 17, 2024

REDINGTON - The Taco Tour - Episode 3

"The Taco Tour" with Mario Guel of Taco Fly Co. and Redington continues.  Press PLAY...

Check out and subscribe to the Redington YouTube channel for more video goodness.

MOONLIT FLY FISHING - 20% Off Glass Sale for T.F.M. Readers

Just a heads up that Moonlit Fly Fishing is giving the T.F.M. readership an additional 20% off their two fiberglass fly rods series with the Lunar S-Glass and NIRVANA PhoenixGlass fly rods.  This sale begins today and runs through next weekend.  Scroll to the bottom for the discount code.

The Lunar S-Glass fly rods are available from 2-weight to 8-weight and these are just great fly rods for the money.  Progressive S-Glass, 4-pieces for ease of travel, fun colors, and an all around performer.  If you're looking for an inexpensive "first glass" experience, this is a great choice that won't break the bank.


I've written quite a bit about the NIRVANA PhoenixGlass series and these fly rods just keep getting better with additional light weights and models with a 4-weight 5-piece Pack Rod and 6-weight through 10-weight with fighting butts.  These are workhorses at a price that is half to a third of fly rods in the same performance realm. 


Visit the Moonlit Fly Fishing website to check out these fly rods and at checkout, be sure to use code "TFMPhoenix20" for 20% off either of these fly rods series.

SCHULTZ OUTFITTERS - Tying the PERFECT Bass Popper

Schultzy with a tying tutorial on maybe your new favorite bass popper.  I'd fish it.

Visit the Schultz Outfitters website and follow along their YouTube channel for other great videos.

Friday, August 16, 2024

EPIC FLY RODS - The Do's and Don'ts of Fly Rod Care

Years ago, I skipped over the border to Georgia for an afternoon fly fishing kayak trip.  Halfway through the float, there was a trip ending downpour and we hurriedly broke down gear since we were soaked.  Weeks later I pulled the 7-weight from it's rod tube only to find that I had forgotten to dry it after the trip.  The cork felt like a squishy sponge and this brand new custom fly rod appeared ruined.  Fortunately, I was able rehab it back with some careful fly rod care.

Fly rods can last for decades (or forever) as long as you take care of them correctly.  In this article written by Joe Mahler for Epic Fly Rods, he covers an extensive list of Do's and Don'ts of Fly Rod Care to keep your fly rod in the best shape and ready for your next trip.


Check out this article on the Epic Fly Rods website and take notes.  Your favorite fly rods will last years longer if you incorporate the steps into your post-trip and end of season maintenance routine. 

Keystone Classic Fly Fishing Festival

If T.F.M. somehow had a NetJets sponsorship, you'd find me in Tipton, Pennsylvania for this weekend's Keystone Classic Fly Fishing Festival.  This festival is organized by Mike McFarland of McFarland Rod Company and will feature presenters, vendors, a casting competition, and more.

Of special note, Graywolf Rods and Steffen Brothers Fly Rods will be there and Shane Gray built up several fly rods that will be given as prizes or used in the event raffles.  

Can you make it to Tipton?  If so, have a great time at the Keystone Classic Fly Fishing Festival.

CTS FISHING - "The Delivery" by Jono Winnel

This is a fun film shortie with Wes Anderson vibes from Jono Winnel for the folks at CTS Fishing that highlights their very well done Fly Rod Kits.



Inspired to get one for yourself?  They are running a shipping special of $20 on all Fly Rod Kits that is worth taking advantage of.  Visit the CTS Fishing website to check out the many options they offer from line weights, blank colors, guide types, blank pieces, and more. Fine tune the perfect kit for you.

Monday, August 12, 2024

FLAVOR ON THE FLY - Episode 3 - New York City

Me, after watching this episode of Flavor on the Fly, scribbles on my "To Do" list to book a day with guide Brandon Dale of Carp in the Park NYC.  This is a fun one with good eats, too.  Press PLAY...

Visit Flylords and subscribe to their YouTube channel for other great video content.

6 Good Reads

How about we start off the week with a six-pack of good reads with a reflection on a recent Beaver Island day off, Jess with two articles on travel med kits and photography skills check, Bob on bamboo, a refresh of Dave Whitlock on fly fishing for carp, and a wild salmon recipe that is making me hungry.

Scroll, click the links, and read...


JESS'S SUBSTACK - MUST READ ON TRAVEL MED KITS

BOB WHITE STUDIO - THE UNINTENTIONAL COLLECTOR

FLY FISHERMAN MAGAZINE - DAVE WHITLOCK ON CARP

EPIC FLY FISH - JESS ON BETTER FLY FISHING TRIP PHOTOS

FILSON JOURNAL - WILD SALMON SEASON RECIPE TO TRY


What have you been reading online lately?

FLY FISH FOOD - Top 5 Hopper Droppers

We're deep into late summer and that means terrestrials on coldwater and even warmwater.  In this video, Curtis from Fly Fish Food breaks down his favorite hopper dropper combinations.

Check out the Fly Fish Food website and click subscribe to their YouTube channel.

Friday, August 9, 2024

VEDAVOO X REMEDY - "What's Your Remedy?" Giveaway

The other day, Scott Hunter from Vedavoo sent a text with a heads up of a new collaboration with Nate Karnes of Remedy Provisions with all six of his flag emblem patches can now be added to your next order.  Then we started talking about his latest fly wallet option, the Quest Fly Wallet.  This new wallet has been a long time coming as he took a prototype to Mongolia, I took one to Brazil earlier this year, and a few others have been around the world field testing to make sure it was ready.  It's such a perfect option to carry a ton of flies at a fraction of the weight of a hard-sided fly box.

Scott announced the Quest Fly Wallet on his social media channels this morning and to make the launch fun, he built up two fly wallets, a Brown Trout Flag Emblem and a Smallmouth Flag Emblem, that we'll give away this weekend with a Instagram collaboration post on all three of our profiles.
 

How do you play?  Jump over to Instagram and answer this question, "What's Your Remedy?" 

Your choices are Brown Trout or Smallmouth.  Or be silly and give another answer.  An entry is an entry.  We'll take comment entries on the Instagram post now through Monday, August 12th, at 12:00 EST.



Visit the Vedavoo website to check out the Quest Fly Wallet.  Want to spruce one up?  Take your pick of any of the six Remedy Provisions Flag Emblem patches for your next custom-built order.