KORKERS - Everyday Waterproof Boots Rebate

My inbox is tough to keep up with, especially with holiday email blasts already starting, but one that caught my eye the other day is that Korkers is again running a $25 rebate on several of their models of waterproof boots.  If you've been thinking about a new boot for fall and through the winter, these models deserve a look.

I've worn a few different waterproof boots and keep coming back to the Neo Flex Ankle Boot for their formed fit, especially around the ankle, mid-sole cushion, being fully waterproof, and the Kling-On Deck sole.  It would be hard to convince me that these don't top out the category.  Being less than $100 with the rebate right now makes them a steal.

You can look back at two previous gear reviews with 10 for the Marsh and 10 for Alaskan Winter where both the Neo Flex Ankle Boot and Alpine Chelsea footwear were highlighted.  

Visit the Korkers website to check out all the models that apply, purchase online or at your local dealer, and then complete the online rebate request by November 15, 2026.  

IJUIN-ROD - A Refreshed Website That is Worth a Look

I have a short list of fiberglass fly rod builders that I would like to spend some time with a shop visit and Kazutomo Ijuin of Ijuin-Rod is certainly in that group.  Along with being a talented taper designer, he just seems to always want to intersect the "fun" of fly fishing into the casting of a fly rod.  A visit with him would involve a trip to Japan, which I would be all for.  Someday, maybe.

Tomo re-launched his website and it is a visual escape along with model by model highlights with images and background.  The mayfly animations floating across the home page are a neat touch.

 

Take a few minutes and check out the new Ijuin-Rod website.  Be sure to follow along with the latest shop news on Facebook and Instagram.  

FIRST LOOK - Redington Butter Stick Salt LE

Not on my bingo card for the year was Redington giving us "Glass Geeks" a limited edition big brother to the Butter Stick family with the Butter Stick Salt LE.  This is a T-Glass 8' 8-weight that is saltwater (or heavy freshwater) ready, four pieces for ease of travel, and with a progressive taper that you won't feel under-gunned walking the flats or the pointy end of a skiff.  

One just might be headed to the Louisiana marsh with me in a few weeks.  I can't wait.

Have a look at the sell sheet for dealers with all the particulars and marketing talk...

Visit the Redington website to learn more and cast the Butter Stick Salt LE at your local dealer. These are a limited edition model in limited numbers and are expected to sell through quickly.

BRAMMER'S CUSTOM FLIES - An Intro to Two Hand Musky Fly Rods

It's been a long time since I've been on a trip focused on musky (take the wayback machine to 2013 with Brad Bohen in this T.F.M. post with links to other posts from the trip) and I remember not being mad when the trip ended since my arm and shoulder were wrecked from casting a wet 15+ inch fly all day.  If you're not continually casting, stripping, figure-eighting, lifting, and casting again, you're not really musky fishing.  You are in constant motion.  

Gunnar of Brammer's Custom Flies just might be on something with a two-hand musky fly rod setup.  Press PLAY to see what he's talking about...
 

Check out the Brammer's Custom Flies website, follow on Instagram, and subscribe for other video content on YouTube. 

6 Good Reads

We're going to start the week with a six-pack of essays that begin with an essay from Darren Bush where he talks about canoe paddles but all I heard it in my mind as fly rods, Monte Burke with a good one from out west, five different experiences with blue lines, on granddad's fish stories, the next chapter for Kirk Deeter, and some thoughts on "Trout Bumitis".    

CANOELOVER - AN ESSAY YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO

GARDEN & GUN - MONTE BURKE ON BECOMING A TROUT ANGLER

PATAGONIA - FIVE ANGLERS ON BLUE LINES

VINTAGE TROUTS - ON THE LOST ART OF TELLING FISH STORIES

FLYLAB - ON THE END OF ANGLING TRADE AND WHAT'S NEXT

HOOKSWAIN - ON TROUT BUMITIS

Let's all have a great week and make sure you take some time for yourself on the water or at the vise.

PATAGONIA - Tying the Pheasant Tail Soft Hackle Dry Fly

One of my favorite books from last year was Pheasant Tail Simplicity and the trio of Yvon Chouinard, Craig Mathews, and Mauro Mazzo teamed up again for this Patagonia paperback which is full of stories, techniques, and fly tying recipes with step-by-step instructions.

In this film, Yvon ties a variation of a soft hackle that floats higher to imitate a mayfly dun or spinner.
 

Order your copy of Pheasant Tail Simplicity on the Patagonia website or pick one up at your local book store or fly shop.  

Want to jump ahead and watch other Pheasant Tail Simplicity videos?  You can find them on the Patagonia YouTube channel.  

SOUTHERN CULTURE ON THE FLY - DAVE MAGAZINE

Dave Grossman of Southern Culture on the Fly would have been 48 years old this weekend if not for his unexpected and tragic passing this past spring.  I still can't believe he's gone but he sure did leave us with a lot of stories and good times to remember him by.  Dave Magazine is a collection of selected stories, essays, photographs, and remembrances of a man we miss deeply.  

Crack open a cold PBR, even if you're reading this over breakfast, and enjoy the read...

BORN TO BE FREE