Tuesday, March 12, 2024

GRAYWOLF RODS - Rodmaker 24/7 Blanks & Builds

The other day I was on a bit of a road trip for work and checked in on Shane Gray of Graywolf Rods and Rodmaker 24/7 to see how things were going in the shop.  It's been awhile since Shane and I have talked and he gave me the rundown of various projects that are in the works with one that will be announced soon that is VERY interesting...

We talked quite a bit about the Rodmaker 24/7 blanks and the fly rod builds that he's been doing on them.  Shane is focused on offering interesting tapers at an affordable price.  Of course, some of the colors of the blanks are fun, too.  Fiberglass fly rod blanks range from $69 to $149 and for the next month, if you use code "TFM20", you'll get a 20% discount (on most things) on your order on either websites.

Here a few images from Shane showcasing recent Rodmaker 24/7 blanks and builds...













Visit the Graywolf Rods and Rodmaker 24/7 websites to see all the offerings.  Follow along with the latest shops news on Facebook and Instagram

The "TFM20" code is good through April 15th, 2024, on either website and is good to apply to most purchases.  Reach out to Shane with questions.

HOWLER MONOSONIC SESSIONS - Kitchen Dwellers

The latest MonoSonic Session features the Kitchen Dwellers and it's a good one.  Press PLAY...


Check out the library of previous MonoSonic Sessions on the Howler Brothers website.

C. BARCLAY FLY ROD CO. - A Few Fly Rods in the Store

Over the last several years, Chris Barclay of C. Barclay Fly Rods Co. has gone through a series of life changes but is still building fly rods.  Though, he's typically a little quieter than before online.  I miss his thoughtful blog posts.  He recently listed several fly rods for sale on his website and figured that a share here could be helpful.  If you've been looking for your next new fly rod, these are all worth checking out.


Check out the C. Barclay Fly Rod Co. website and follow along with the latest shop news on Facebook and Instagram.  There is also a support group, I mean "Enthusiasts" page to join, too.

Friday, March 8, 2024

EPIC FLY RODS - The Stocktake Sale

You might be tracking on this already but if not, Epic Fly Rods kicked off their Stocktake Sale this week with savings of 15-50% off a few overstocked items on their website. 

Highlights for me?  This is a steal on the Boca Grande, a great price on the Epic 686 Rod Building Kit, and Epic Reference 476 Packlight might be the perfect travel 4-weight.  Of course, there are other things to check out, too.


Click the link to shop the Stocktake Sale and as I often do with Epic posts, if you have questions about any of their fiberglass lineup, send me an email to sort it out.

SCHULTZ OUTFITTERS - Senyo on the Perfect Stone

In this video, Greg Senyo of Schultz Outfitters is back with his thoughts on the "Perfect Stone" for your steelhead fly box. Grab your vise and get tying... 



Check out the Schultz Outfitters website and YouTube channel for more.  Don't miss the upcoming Bobbin the Hood gathering the first weekend of February.  Visit the Greg Senyo Fly Tying website for flies, grab a copy of his book, and more.

SANDY'S CUSTOM FLY RODS - A Special Birthday Gift

Sandy Nelson of Sandy's Custom Fly Rods and I have been trading messages and realized that we both have a significant birthday this year in turning fifty.  Sandy's birthday is a few months before mine but we've both been thinking of ways of "treating ourselves" to a few fine things this year. 

This Tom Morgan Rodsmiths 8' 5-weight is a thing of beauty.


Sandy wrote...  "A special build for my significant birthday this spring.  A Tom Morgan Rodsmiths 8’ 5-weight two-piece glass with Bellinger downlocking nickel silver hardware and Amboyna reel seat.  I used Marcia’s best cork, Struble lava agate stripping guide, smoked Snake Guides and wrapped this fly rod in Kimono 316 Lego Brick silk.

I kept it clean and classy in the TMR style but with a dollop of me in there, too.  Have to say I’m blown away by how smooth and silky it is to cast.  Roll on the glorious 15th.  Happy Birthday to me."





See more of Sandy's work here and follow along with the latest shop news on Instagram.

Thursday, March 7, 2024

6 Cool Things - The Fly Reel Edition

I am pushover for fly reels and a few have caught my eye lately.  I thought it would be fun to share a six-pack of favorites in this post to include two new Battenkill updates from Orvis (we'll be giving one of these away on T.F.M. soon), Lo-Fli with a new smaller spool model (which I have one and can't wait to play with this spring), Sage with a new spey machine that is available in three sizes, the return of a legend from Islander, and finally, Ross Reels breaking the rules with a "USA Made" fly reel for less than $300.  I like that price...
 
Each fly reel is linked below.  Check them out... 

ORVIS - BATTENKILL CLICK REEL

ORVIS BATTENKILL DISC DRAG REEL

LO-FLI MODEL 2 MINI SPOOL

SAGE SPEY II FLY REELS


ISLANDER - IR SERIES CLICK & PAWL FLY REELS
ROSS REELS - CIMARRON REEL
For an extra credit link, there is a good write up on this fly reel on the Flylords website with Brody West of Ross Reels on the new Cimarron series.

Which ones caught your eye and what fly reels are on your list lately?  Email and let me know...