GIVE THE GIFT OF GLASS

I'm always a little conflicted as the holidays approach with how much sale content that I want to share on The Fiberglass Manifesto.  As if your email inbox isn't overwhelming enough, then you come here for more.  There will be "selectively" a few posts highlighting a few gear and apparel favorites over the next week or so but what I do think is important to pass along the various promotions in fiberglass since that is the mission and focus of the website.

Giving the gift of glass, even if it's to yourself, is a stellar idea this holiday season.

I am going to keep this post pinned to the top of the page at least through the first week of December since I have a feeling that there will be additions along the way with various promotions and this will be easy reference if you saw something that you liked.

Of course, if you have any questions and want to hash out anything fiberglass fly rod related, I'm easy to connect with a DM on Instagram or an email to thefiberglassmanifesto@gmail.com.

You can spend your gift giving money a lot of places but it likely is felt a lot more with a purchase with a small shop fly rod builder or gear maker over a big box store.  

Let's get started and certainly circle back every so often for updates.  I'll keep this post refreshed with new promotions for the next couple of weeks.

C. BARCLAY FLY ROD CO. 
While Chris isn't running a holiday promotion per se, he does have a select few of his builds listed on discount in his online Store.  I am really keen on Chris's tapers and don't talk enough about his small stream magic wands.  You look back at previous posts HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE.

EPIC FLY RODS

I need to talk to Carl McNeil on what he has planned for the holidays but even if it's nothing, if someone on your list needs a 6-weight, 8-weight, Bandit, or even a 12-weight, the Epic choices are always at or near the top of my list.  And, the trout weights are all so good, too.  

I've said it over and over but everyone needs a Bandit in their lives.  The El Tiburon post from ten years ago is a great reminder why...

GRAYWOLF RODS

I'm not sure when it ends, but Shane Gray has a Black Friday 25% Off Sale going on site wide.  Discounts are already plugged in on everything already.   

When that ends, we announced it the other day an ongoing 15% off everything on the Graywolf Rods website when you use TFM15.  This code is good through the end of the year.  

I've said it already (over and over) but don't sleep on the UL and BFS Rods.  A not so secret guilty pleasure and easily a top gift contender for a kid or adult.  Guaranteed smiles.

FISH ON! CUSTOM FLY RODS 

I traded text messages with Joey Moll and while he's still mulling over holiday discount plans, he's fully, fully, fully stocked with a lot of neat fiberglass fly rods blanks and components on the rod building pages of his website.  And, if someone has been very good this year, he has a stash of Kabuto Rods (including a sex bamboo fly rod) that are worth a look.  

JP ROSS FLY RODS & COMPANY
JP and I traded text messages this week and he assured me that some holiday sales are coming on his five different series of fiberglass fly rods (with a sixth coming soon...) but in the meantime, use code BFCM20 for an extra 20% off everything on the Cabin Clean-Out Sale page.  There are all sorts of great stocking stuffers, gear bags, art, and more.

KABUTO RODS

I haven't heard of any holiday sales but there is the new two handed rod and the 2026 Limited Edition fly rod model should be announced soon.  If you're looking for something special, these are that.

 

MOONLIT FLY FISHING

I already tipped you off that the Lunar S2 Glass and Nirvana PhoenixGLASS are both back in stock with a post last week.  The Lunar S2 Glass 6-weight (with mini fighting butt) is on my Christmas list... 

Now through November 30th, use code BLACKFRIDAY2025 for 20% off everything on the website.

When that discount code cycles off, you can always get 15% off everything using this LINK.

 

ORVIS FLY FISHING 

I mentioned it awhile back, and a few times on social media, but the Superfine Glass family was expected to shrink from 2-weight to 8-weight to a smaller family of 2-weigh to 5-weight.  The 6-weight and 8-weight fell off the website a couple of weeks ago and if you wanted to add either of these to your collection, it's time to start hunting for them at your local dealer.

6-weight or 8-weight?  I am a HUGE fan of the 8-weight and fortunately have a fresh backup to the one that has traveled all over the world with me.  

 

RED TRUCK FLY FISHING

I'll check with James Park to see if he wants to up the discount but TFM10 will give you 10% off your online order.   The Diesel Glass Fly Rods continue to be a favorite and don't sleep on the fly reels.

 

SCOTT FLY ROD COMPANY
The F-Series is obviously wonderful but if you poke around your local dealer, you might be able to find one of the 50th Anniversary Edition F703/4 models on the rack.  It would be worth the hunt. 

 

STEFFEN BROTHERS
You'll likely see a separate post at some point tipping you off that this website is now powered by Shopify and the discount code TFM15 works here too for 15% off your purchase.  

All the fiberglass blanks are in stock and I'll never not tell you that the 8' 3/4 weight should be in your quiver.  If you need an excuse to place an order, Christmas is as good as any.

Alright, this will get us started.  I'm sure there will be more to add here over the next week or two.

The Story of Smithey, So Far

You can go back almost ten years ago for the my very first mentions of Smithey on The Fiberglass Manifesto and they have been highlighted in almost every "Good Eats" post over the years.  We cherish each piece in our collection.  And, we use at least one pan, if not several, every day.  

Over time, I've gotten to know Isaac Morton and this short brand film is a neat insight into his company.  I've always thought that it's very cool that they are just down the road in Charleston, too.  This is a good reminder that I need to get down there for a shop visit this winter.

 

A Smithey cast iron or carbon steel pan is an investment but as mentioned in this film, you'll pass these well worn and used pans on to your next generation.

Visit the Smithey website and a good start for your collection is the No. 10 Cast Iron Skillet, the Carbon Steel Farmhouse Skillet, and one of the Dutch Ovens.   

SOUTHERN CULTURE ON THE FLY - Issue 57

The latest issue of Southern Culture on the Fly is live and ready for what will hopefully be a lazy day in the office for you.  Or, better yet, you're already off to enjoy the long Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

CHECK IT.

12 DAYS OF SKWALA SALE - Fusion Collection Favorites

The 12 Days of Skwala Sale has kicked off with Day 1 giving you 15% off (5% donated to fishery conservation) on three Fusion Collection layer options with the Fusion Hybrid, Fusion Snap Shirt, and the Fusion Tactical Hoody.  

This is the LAST DAY to take advantage of these apparel layers before the next sale begins.

More and more of my "Angling Uniform" has turned to Skwala from top to bottom and I've spent a ton of time in the Fusion Hybrid.  This jacket remains one of my favorites to wear alone or as a layer under a shell.  The newest addition to the family is the Fusion Tactical Hoody and the few days I've been able to wear it have confirmed that it's a very worthy layer.  The only piece of this grouping that I don't have personal experience with is the Fusion Snap Shirt, but I have friends who have one and rave on it.  

If you're on the fence on which one to first own, I'd go with the Fusion Hybrid.  Hands down a must have.  You can find some my own on the water reviews HERE and HERE with mentions of this jacket.

I'll do better from here on out giving you a heads up on the 12 Days of Skwala Sale on the front end of the promotion and if you're completing your own "Skwala Uniform" this will be the sale to do it on.

TIGHT LOOPS - A Desert Full of Life

Do you remember when I tipped you off on Listers?  If you haven't watched it, put it on the list.  And, then take a few minutes to enjoy the latest film from Aimee and Chase of Tight Loops, which is a classy respite heavy on desert birds and a few moments pursuing a weirdish fish on the fly.  

There is much more goodness on the Tight Loops website, Instagram and YouTube channel to take in.

"12 Days of Skwala" Gives Back to Waters We Fish

Though it's hard to believe that the holidays are just around the corner, Skwala is getting us all in the spirit with their annual "12 Days of Skwala Sale", which begins today.  For the next several weeks, there will be a series of promotions with savings for you and 5% of your purchase will be donated to Trout Unlimited and Bonefish & Tarpon Trust.  This is a win all around for you and fish conservation.  

Check out the news release below and maybe start making your own list for "Santa"...

From the Skwala Fishing presser...

Skwala Fishing, the independent fly fishing apparel and leader in technical fly fishing apparel, has announced its annual holiday program — 12 Days of Skwala — a seasonal celebration that rewards customers and gives back to the fish and waters that inspire the brand’s work.

Beginning Friday, November 21, 2026, the campaign features twelve days of exclusive deals on Skwala’s most sought-after technical apparel. At the same time, Skwala will donate 5% of all proceeds from participating gear to Trout Unlimited and Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, two organizations working tirelessly to protect and restore coldwater and saltwater fisheries worldwide.

“12 Days of Skwala is more than a sale — it’s a way to close out the year by supporting the places and people who make fly fishing what it is,” said Rich Hohne, Chief Marketing Officer at Skwala. “We build gear that connects anglers to water, and this program connects that same community to the causes that keep our fisheries thriving.”

The initiative is supported by a broad mix of storytelling, digital outreach, and retail partnerships — connecting anglers everywhere with opportunities to give and get during the holiday season.

“At TU, we know that the future of fly fishing depends on the health of our rivers,” said Maggie Heumann, Director of Engagement Partnerships at Trout Unlimited. “Skwala’s commitment to conservation directly supports the places we love and helps ensure young anglers grow up with cold, clean water and resilient trout.”

“The connection between anglers and conservation is what drives our mission,” said Jim McDuffie, President and CEO, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust. “Collaborations like this with Skwala help turn that connection into tangible impact.”

The campaign is available online at skwalafishing.com and through participating retailers across the country. Additional details about the promotion can be found on the campaign’s landing page.

YETI - Away Game Tarpon

Though it's hard to ever compare to the art and beauty of YETI's tarpon film, 120 Days, their latest with guide David Magnum and backcountry skier Tatum Monod is a good one.  Press PLAY...



I like how emotional Tatum gets when the tarpon comes boat side.  We should all take a little more time to celebrate the fish we catch instead of a silly quick grip and grin and then on to the next one.  

Check out the latest on the YETI website and look for more great films on their YouTube channel.