ORVIS - A Look Back at Fly Reels in 1976

I've had a good time going through this Orvis catalog that I scored from Vintage Trouts awhile back and you can see visit posts on Glass in 1976 and Bamboo in 1976 before you dive into this one. 

Today we're going to look at the fly reels pages of the catalog and there are some gems on four packed pages.  Those 50 year old English-made C.F.O. and Battkenkill fly reels make me want to scour the classic tackle websites and start some saved searches on eBay.  And, don't get me started on the Seamaster... 

Do you have any of these fly reels in your own collection?  I'd like to hear about it with an email or DM on Instagram.

Check out Vintage Trouts, follow on Instagram, and subscribe to the Vintage Trouts Journal on Substack.

FlyFishingJobs.com Relaunches with Modernized Job Platform

I'll give it to the team at Angling Trade and Flylab that they are always looking at what might be missing in the fly fishing industry and the refresh of the FlyFishingJobs.com website delivers in big ways on an easier to use platform for both employers and those looking for a job in the fly fishing industry.

I'm six months out from the possibility of being able to retire from a career in law enforcement and I've been on the website routinely to see what could be a good fit for the next chapter of my life.  

From the FlyFishingJobs.com presser...

"FlyFishingJobs.com, THE job board built exclusively for the fly-fishing industry, has officially relaunched following a complete ground-up rebuild of its website. The modernized platform offers a faster, more intuitive experience for employers and job seekers alike, while reinforcing the trust and credibility that have defined FlyFishingJobs.com for most of the last decade.

Designed specifically for fly-fishing brands, retailers, lodges, outfitters, and industry professionals, FlyFishingJobs.com connects employers with qualified candidates and helps job seekers find legitimate, industry-specific opportunities across the fly-fishing world.

The newly rebuilt site introduces cleaner listings, improved navigation, and enhanced search and sharing tools—making it easier to post, find, and distribute jobs across key fly-fishing industry channels. Listings are optimized for scaled distribution and visibility, ensuring employers reach the right audience quickly and effectively.

“Just as important as usability is trust,” said Tim Romano, owner of Fly Fishing Jobs. “Imitator job boards and scam sites come and go, but FlyFishingJobs is backed by 20 industry years of real people, credible media distribution, and proven results.”

Built and operated by long-time fly-fishing industry professionals, FlyFishingJobs.com is not a generic or AI-generated job board. The platform is linked with the team at Angling Trade Media and Flylab.fish and delivers real reach through established, trusted channels. Job listings are distributed directly to nearly 8,000 industry inboxes via bi-monthly email newsletters (January – April) and amplified to a highly engaged Instagram audience of more than 15,300 followers actively involved in the fly-fishing community.

With hundreds of successful placements, free résumé postings for job seekers, and flexible sponsored content options for employers, FlyFishingJobs.com consistently delivers higher-quality applicants and better hiring outcomes—without résumé spam, fake listings, or low-quality traffic."

Visit the new FlyFishingJobs.com if you're interested in posting a position or if you are looking for a new opportunity within the fly fishing industry.  There are two dozen jobs listed right now.

ROSS CO. GOLF - Making of a Harris Tweed Driver Cover

For the last year or so, the golf that I have played has been almost exclusively with a set of PING Eye 2 laminated woods, green dot PING Eye 2 irons, and an old Anser putter.  Yes, the same guy that goes fly fishing with old fiberglass fly rods is the same guy that plays golf with clubs that are 40 years old, too.  

The truth is, I don't play any worse and have a lot more fun with my after work walks.

I continue to kit out my custom Retro Fly edition MacKenzie Golf Bag, and a few unique club covers are a must.  With most cool things that I find, Ross Co. Golf popped up on my Instagram radar a couple months ago and I really liked that Ross Steidel mixes a life of being a caddie with making small batch custom headcovers in his shop in Bandon, Oregon.  

When I placed an order for a Scottish Hillside Cover, made of Harris Tweed, I asked Ross if he'd chronicle the cover build step by step to see inside of his process.  Who doesn't like to see how makers make, even if you might not be into golf.

Ross Steidel of Ross Co. Golf wrote...

"I’ve been a caddie for over 20 years now.  In that time, my relationship and connection to the game has evolved beyond being able to explain with words.  Thru the thousands of rounds played myself, as well as the countless rounds I’ve caddied for others, the golf course is always there with me, no matter the day, with another trick up its sleeve.  It’s comforting.  These feelings, for me at least, are expressed thru the designs I’ve created.  I do it because I’m not sure I’d know how else to show my appreciation.  

Golf is honest and tough.  It’s natural, and connected to the land.  It shows many shades of color, both literally and figuratively.  No matter how much we as people evolve, we still can’t figure out how to one up a golf course.  I’d like to think my covers bear some resemblance.  They are simple and tough in their construction, wildly vibrant with color and personality, and natural with regards to the textiles we choose.

I feel it a duty to share my relationship to the game, in whatever sense a headcover can."

I am beyond impressed at the quality of this Harris Tweed cover and look forward to some upcoming walks with it on my wood driver and appreciate Ross's time in sending along some images and words for this post.  This won't be my last order from him.

If you'd like to place an order for your own headcover, Ross Co. Golf is offering a 10% off code of "FGM10" or click the link for it to be automatically taken care of in the online cart.

STONEFLY NETS - Handmade Nets Made to Last Generations

I first met Ethan Igleheart of Stonefly Nets at the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition a few years ago and after the show, he built two nets for our children that we'll share soon with a neat step-by-step series of posts that I've had archived in Lightroom for way (waaaaaaaayyyyyyyy) too long.  

Ethan has a new brand film that I thought would be perfect preface to the upcoming net build posts.



Check out the Stonefly Nets website and follow on Facebook and Instagram for the latest shop news.

Help Support Lincoln Westby's Recovery

When I met Lincoln Westby of Blue Horizon Lodge ten years ago on the dock of a barrier island in Belize, it was immediately struck with what an absolute legend of a man that he is.  Lincoln was in his mid-70's then and he still wanted to be on the water every day that he could.  That enthusiasm has continued until just recently with a fall at home that put him in the hospital and the news that his guiding days are over.  

For Lincoln, this is a crushing diagnosis and a GoFundMe has been set up to help him through thesee medical bills, recovery, and adjusting to a new reality.  

If you've spent any time with Lincoln, you know what a special man he is.  If you can help with a donation, please consider it.  

Look back at a couple of past T.F.M. posts from my time with Lincoln here...

ON THE FLATS WITH THE PERMIT MASTER
A BELIKIN WITH MR. LINCOLN WESTBY

Lincoln, prayers for your healing and I hope to make it down to see you again soon.

Casting Lessons With George Revel - The Roll Cast

I am not sure what the planned cadence of releasing this series of casting lesson videos with George Revel of Lost Coast Outfitters and Loon Outdoors, but this primer on the roll cast is so good.  

Filmed at the Golden Gate Angling and Casting Club and well worth your ten minutes, even if you think you're already doing it right.



A dozen years ago, George and I spent a morning together at the G.G.A.C.C. and this film is a wonderful memory to reflect on.  Visit the T.F.M. post if you haven't seen it already.

I'll continue sharing these videos as they are released but find more goodness on the Loon Outdoors YouTube channel.

Tom Morgan Rodsmiths is Closing Shop

I heard from someone late last week that this was happening but it was still tough to see Facebook and Instagram posts from Tom Morgan Rodsmiths that they are closing down.  I don't think that they've been open for awhile now, and along with liquidating everything in their Bozeman shop space, Joel Doub is trying to make whole those who had orders in the queue.  

Several years ago, I spent a morning with Joel and had the run of the place for a couple of hours with my camera.  You can visit the photo heavy T.F.M. post and I appreciate Joel being welcome to a visit.  We had a great chat as he worked.  I wish him the best with his health.

For those interested, there is a inventory list of the Shop Sale posted on Instagram.  Reach out to Lindsey Doub with questions or offers by email.