KOKKAFFE DIARIES - Fish Watching Vlog - Spring Mix Deluxe

I've been sharing Rolf Nylinder's films on T.F.M. since at least 2012 and they are always a wonderful and playful escape.  This spring mix of fish watching, birds, and "nonsense in nature" is no different.



Enjoy the deep and wonderful rabbit hole of Rolf's YouTube channel and click subscribe.  

XTRATUF - The Snacklebox - Episode 3 | Dough Dogs

This might be the last episode of "The Snacklebox" film series (for now...) with Chef Spencer White and XTRATUF.  

I love a good on the water game and it reminded me of a day in Montana with the boys from a few years back.

Everyone needs a pair (or several) of XTRATUF boots.  Our family kicks around in them to stay dry when it's wet outside.  Check out the latest styles on their website and follow their YouTube channel.

FULLING MILL - What's in Tom Rosenbauer's Fly Box?

I'm certainly not alone in thinking that Tom Rosenbauer of Orvis is one of the most interesting people in fly fishing and he's an absolute hoot to spend time with on the water, especially carp missions.  

In this Fulling Mill film, Tom dives into his fly boxes and you might be surprised with what all and how all he carries them around.    



Check out the latest from Fulling Mill and subscribe to their YouTube channel, too.

KABUTO RODS - June Delivery for Blank Orders

This is just a quick heads up that Yasuyuki Kabuto has opened the books at Kabuto Rods for fiberglass fly rod blank orders with June delivery. There are eleven blanks to choose from, in seven color finish choices, and it looks like the two handed models will be available on the list soon.  

Visit the Kabuto Rods website to get your order placed and reach out to Kab if you'd like to add guides or components, too.  Follow along with the latest shop news on Facebook and Instagram.  

STEFFEN BROTHERS - Usually a "This or That" Conversation

I get a handful of emails each week where glass aficionados (or soon to be ones) are working out the details of their next fly rod to have built and the conversation is usually "Do I want this or do I want that?"  More times than not, if they are looking at a premium option, one of the two blanks being discussed is from Steffen Brothers.  And, for good reason.  Steffen Brothers tapers took Mark Steffen years to refine, with field testing on weeks long camping trips, and he took his time to make sure each taper felt right and fished exceptionally.  

While other fly rod companies roll out new generations of glass, Steffen Brothers tapers stand the test of time.  They were great and they continue to be great.  There is something very cool about that.

I've long said that everyone should have a Steffen Brothers 8' 3/4 weight but really any of the blank offerings should be considered.  The dual line weights give them the ability to be "sped up" in feel with the lighter line weight or "slowed down" with the upper line weight.  There are nine blank choices in the rusty brown glass and four blank choices in black glass.  I still need to pull the trigger on an 8' 6/7 weight for my warmwater fly rod needs.  Maybe this summer...

I checked with Shane Gray of Graywolf Rods and Steffen Brothers to make sure the 15% off promo code still works, and it does.  Use code "TFM15" on your online orders on Steffen Brothers blanks and more.

Lastly, considering a new fiberglass fly rod?  I am always happy to field emails with suggestions to point you in the right direction.  Begin the conversation at thefiberglassmanifesto@gmail.com.

YETI - FOUR LETTERS

This is a very cool new anthem film from YETI.  Press PLAY...



It looks like they are using this "Four Letters" theme to tell some social stories, which is genius.

 

See the latest YETI gear on their website.  The Summer Anthem Collection might be the vibe for America's 250th anniversary over the coming July 4th holiday.

VEDAVOO - Big News for Existing Customers

Scott Hunter of Vedavoo and I have a few neat things to talk about on T.F.M. in the coming weeks but in the meantime, his announcement on Instagram this week should interest existing customers.  

Maybe it's time for you to carefully snip the Vedavoo patch off a favorite piece of gear to see what the upgrade MARK-2 version would be like...

I've known Scott for over 15 years and he's always thinking about new ways to make his gear better through new fabrics and materials, buckles, handles, straps, reinforcements, sewing techniques, and fit with an ongoing mission of building "Better American Gear".

 

Visit the Vedavoo website to see the latest gear offerings and reach out to Scott via the contact page to start the discussion on your next favorite piece of kit.

P.S.  Don't forget that Vedavoo has a stock of Comrade and Retro Fly patches to jazz up your order.