The People Behind Campanella

I came across a three film series this week that highlights the folks behind Campanella, and gives a look into their fly rod shop and streams in Iwate, Japan.  Press PLAY on each one by one.







I hope to speak with Ken E. Blaxley soon for a deeper dive into Campanella on their fiberglass blanks and fly rods.  For those in the states, you'll soon have easier access to the Campanella fiberglass and graphite blanks as Struble just announced on Instagram that they will be the sole source.

Visit the Campanella website and if there is something specific that you'd like me to ask Ken E. Blaxley, send an email to thefiberglassmanifesto@gmail.com.  

HOWLER BROTHERS - Apply Now for the 2026 Privateers

It's been a few years since Howler Brothers sent off a team of Privateers on a summer long adventure and they are taking applications now for a team of two who will run hard for a few months traveling coast to coast making and sharing their experiences along the way.

Visit the Howler Brothers website to see what they are looking for with the 2026 Privateers and if it sounds like a stellar fit, apply now!

Kyle's Goes Deep on His C. Barclay Fly Rod Co. Collection

I like diving down rabbit holes and when Kyle Vang gave me a heads up that he was working through a series of reviews of his ever growing collection of C. Barclay Fly Rod Co. fly rods for a few posts on his Instagram, I asked if he would consider compiling all of his notes for a post on T.F.M.

So, if you ever wanted to know a bit about nearly every fly rod model that Chris Barclay has taper designed and built in his shop, this post is it. 

I'll never let go of my Synthesis Series 68 and you can visit these posts for on the reasons why...

SOMEWHERE UNDER THE RHODODENDRON
A DAY IN THE DRIFTLESS WITH A COUPLE OF FAVORITE 3-WEIGHTS

Slow scroll, read, and take notes on which one(s) you might want to have for your own collection.  

Hello to all Fiberglass Enthusiasts far and wide...

This is my attempt to do a short collective review of the premium fly rods that I own from Chris Barclay at C. Barclay Fly Rod Co.  I've been a big fan of Chris' since 2015 when I was a poor graduate student.  I officially bought and received my first C. Barclay fly rod in 2022, which was a 8'2" 4/5 Tailwater Special. Since then, I've had the opportunity to come across many good fly fishermen friends who share the same passion for premium fiberglass fly rods.  A handful of them who've let me picked their brains, which I still chat with 'til this day.  Also having the opportunity to speak to Chris himself, who I consider to be good friends with, and also being patient with me pestering him with infinite questions. Thanks, Chris!

I've come to amass a decent amount of glass rods, sold a few, and regretted a few of them.  You know how that goes.  But the rods that receive the most questions are my C. Barclay fly rods, thus leading to this review.  Let me preface this by saying that this review is based on my experiences and how I attempt to describe these rods to the best of my abilities.  I know for sure that I pale in comparison to a lot of great fly fishermen out there.  Here we go!

In this review, you'll hear me say "Authoritative Tip".  By this I mean a tip that is not soft.  It's firm, strong yet smooth.  You can push the rod and the loops won't collapse as you shoot line.  The loops stay tight and the fly lands EXACTLY where you want it to.  I like to call it "casting with your eyes."  My eyes see it there, and the rod delivers.  Instinctual casting.

Chris Barclay describes all of his rods as, "Not necessarily progressive or parabolic, the best of all synthesized into a new classic. Smooth and unhurried with quick recovery.  Responsive tip, mid and butt sections.  You feel the cast and the fish."

This is exactly it.  Some days when I fish Chris' rod, it feels progressive with a dash of parabolic.  The longer I fish it, the more progressive it becomes.  That is until I move onto another of Chris' taper, then that rod is even more progressive than the previous.  A bit confusing to understand if you have not cast a few of Chris' fly rods.

60 - THE SCOUT - A 6' 2-weight in 4-pieces.  This is a very sweet casting rod.  It has a dash of parabolic in it, but still enough progressive bend in the blank to allow you to push it more than the 66.  The "hinge" of the blank doesn't start to bend until about 18-19" from the bottom of the blank.  I say it is 80% progressive and 20% parabolic.  "Probolic" and "Paragressive" as the Mrs calls it.  Sometimes I wonder if the rod is truly progressive, and that I "think" I feel a dash of parabolic in it because it's a smaller rod at 6'. I'm not sure if this is just me or the rod?  Being only 6' in length, it can't be pushed too much for distance or your loops start to fall apart.  It's not built for that.  It is perfect for those tight spaces where you have little room to cast, bow and arrow casts, casting on your knees and super finicky small stream trout! It's also very fun on ponds for bluegills and smaller bass in the spring, summer and fall! 

66 - THE GILA SPECIAL - This is a 6'6" 2-weight and this fly rod leans heavier on the parabolic spectrum.  I've read that the feel of the 66 is stated as "Interesting."  It's probably the most parabolic fly rod that I have from the C. Barclay Synthesis Series, similar to that of the 82, but lighter and smoother since it's shorter and in a 2-weight.  There is a hinge at about 18" from the bottom of the blank.  This is where the blank starts to engage with the stiffer mid-section from the softer butt-section.  The tip of the rod is a medium stiff (if that makes any sense) and helps with hook sets and controlling fish.  This rod cannot be rushed and is such a delight for casting foam flies to panfish and small stream trout. You have to SLOW down, but it's not a snail kind of slow.  It's more of a smooth rhythm slow, where you actually enjoy and savior it.  Once you get into the rhythm of casting the rod, it's very enjoyable.  I love setting the hook on this rod and waiting for that tight contact you get when you connect with the fish!  There is just something about it that is SO addictive!  Perhaps because of the parabolic taper, it slows down that moment when you connect.  That feeling is exemplified with this rod. This rod, along with the 60, are true to weight and does well with a WF/DT2.  When I asked Chris how he intended the 66 to be built and fished, he replied that he enjoyed his lighter rods with a cigar grip, but will make them with a small ritz grip per request. 

603 PROTOTYPE - This is an EXTREMELY fun rod.  The Mrs describes it as a grown man's toy, because it is exactly that!  This rod is progressive and slightly semi-parabolic.  It's got a good backbone for a 3-weight.  I'd call it progressively semi-parabolic.  Much more progressive, but not quite as semi-parabolic as you think!  I'd venture to say it is 90% progressive and 10% semi-parabolic.  It is an excellent blend of the two.  This fly rod doesn't like to be pushed, but it CAN be.  To a certain point of course, as it is 6' long.  It is similar to the 60, but firmer and faster and can handle size 10 foam flies.  It is one of my favorite rods and I am sad to say it is a 1 of 1.  I'd love for other glass enthusiasts to enjoy this rod with me.  It is the prototype to Chris' 6'2" 3-weight.  It is a true 3-weight, but can handle a WF/DT4 if you need it to.  I feel that rods at 6' are very hard to do as most are overly progressive and become too stiff.  This fly rod along with the 60 are perfect examples of 6' rods that are done correctly.  Smooth and unhurried.

68 - THE BLUE RIDGE SPECIAL - This is a 6'8" 3-weight in 4-pieces.  I believe this rod is the cornerstone of Chris' Synthesis series. If you were to only get ONE C. Barclay Fly Rod Co. fly rod (or two, 70p!), this would be it.  It captures all of Chris' passion, experience, and essence of small stream fiberglass fly rods into a small, light package.  A fly rod he wanted everyone to enjoy with him.  This fly rod is progressive at short to medium distances and becomes semi-parabolic when shooting line.  It's quick and has a stable tip for recovery and accuracy.  It is as exactly as he describes it to be.  It is true to weight and handles a WF/DT 3 and even a WF/DT4 very well. 

68L - THE BRUSHY CREEK SPECIAL - This fly rod is mostly known as the 68L, which is a 6'8" 3-weight 3-piece LIGHT.  It is a strong smooth progressive with a strong authoritative tip.  The blank bends progressively throughout, but isn't stiff.  It has the backbone to bring in a three pound bass with no complaints.  It is much firmer in action compared to the 68 Blue Ridge Special 4-piece.  I'll also use this fly rod with an integrated 150 grain Scientific Anglers Spey Lite Skagit to single spey to local smallies and panfish on a warmwater stream on a hot summer day.  One of my favorite things to do!  This rod does very great with a WF/DT 3 and WF/DT4.  These two rods pair up very well together and you can choose your flavor depending on where you fish.  I've used mine for trout and bass and it keeps on bending and bending.  Amazing duo. 

633SP - This is a 6'3" 3-weight Semi-Parabolic fly rod.  This is such a cool rod and is one of Chris' new tapers that he's cooked up!  These are different from Chris' 64p, 70p, and 75p, as they're slower and fuller flexing, but with equal recovery.  The original 64p, 70p, and 75p are quicker and has a heavier feel especially the 70p and 75p.  Chris describes these new semi-parabolic rods as having a "double-hinge" to the taper.  It has a stiffer tip and a softer mid section.  I find this to be true with the 633sp, though it may not be as noticeable in the 633 as the 733.  Chris says the 733 is a little bit slower/more delicate.  The 633 is true to weight and handles a WF/DT3 and WF/DT4 very well with no complaints.  It is very similar to the 603 Prototype, with the 633sp having the hinge in the taper and the 603 Prototype being more progressive throughout the blank.  Think of the 633sp as the size and weight of the 603 Prototype with the feel of a 70p!  It is very capable and feels like it can handle BIG fish.  In our previous conversations talking about glass rods, he said if I enjoyed the 66, I'd probably enjoy these new semi-parabolic rods too. He was right!  

703 - This fly rod is a 7' 3-weight 3-piece and it is VERY close to the 68L vs the standard 68-4 piece BRS. It's built to stand in between the 68 and 72 models.  It is a strong smooth progressive taper with a strong authoritative tip.  During casting, it bends and flexes progressively throughout the blank.  It is definitely a strong 3-weight and handles a WF/DT 3 and WF/DT4 very well.  Chris modeled this rod after an old Winston Stalker 7' 3-weight and I think he nailed it!  It's true to weight and can handle small dries and decent foam flies and micro streamers!  Think size 10 and 8!

70P - This is a 7' 3/4-weight in 4-piece.  This fly rod is a classic and is world renowned.  It's one of the best fiberglass rods you can own.  Chris describes it as smooth, medium-fast semi-strong semi-parabolic.  I can't explain it any further than what Chris describes it as.  It's very unique and different compared to the synthesis series.  When I first held the rod and did a test wiggle, I went, "Hmm?"  I then proceeded to lawn cast it and said to myself, "I understand now." It's that good!  The 70p is semi-parabolic, but if I was not aware of Chris' description, I would've said it was progressive.  I have a hard time explaining this rod because there is nothing like it.  You have to experience it for yourself.  I can't do this rod justice at all, but those who know about the 70p, know all about it.  Despite it's short length, it's a great do it all rod.  This rod does well with a WF/DT3 and WF/DT4 depending on what you like and the situations you come across.  Chris says the only way to get one is on the used market at this point in time.  I hope he continues these in the future.  I'd like to have two!

72 - THE DRIFTLESS SPECIAL - This rod is very interesting because when I first felt it and did a wiggle test, there was a dash of "parabolic-ness" to it, just a dash. I seldom feel it nowadays, but I still remember that initial feeling.  To me now, it's a progressive rod.  What is interesting with Chris' fly rods is that the more you fish it, the more progressive it becomes, until all that's left is a progressive action.  This rod also has an authoritative tip and bends progressively throughout.  It is similar to the 703, but perhaps a pinch slower as it is a 4-weight.  It is a true 4-weight and handles a WF/DT 4.  I've tried it with a WF/DT5, and the rod slows down significantly.  Having experienced the Synthesis series, I wished I would've went with this taper and/or the 79 4/5 GP first!  It probably would've calmed the storm of my curiosity in fiberglass rods...but what's the fun in that? 

82 - THE TAILWATER SPECIAL - This is a 8'2" 4/5-weight in 4-pieces.  This fly rod is parabolic and much slower than the 66.  It's got the same thing going for it, just a 4/5.  It is a little tip heavy, but with a light reel it can cast off the tip of the rod well.  It's definitely got the hinge on the butt section of the rod, but with a good strong tip that lends well to fighting fish.  It bends deep and true.  You really have to slow down with this taper, but once you do it's actually enjoyable.  I usually take this rod on outings where I have no expectations.  Meaning if I catch fish, cool.  If not, cool.  I say this because there's been times where I take this rod and I try to push it and I'm immediately frustrated as it's not casting as fast as I'm fishing.  If you push it, the loops fall apart.  The magic is when you're cool, calm, and collected.  It's like a catapult!  It slings lines and flies a fair ways when you let it.  If you take care of it, it'll take care of you! This rod excels with small flies and does well with a WF/DT4 and WF/DT5.  I've also used it with an Scientific Anglers Spey Lite in 180 grains.  This is an integrated Scandi fly line that I use to spey cast and swing soft hackles with.  It matches the 82 (other glass rods too) very well and is one of my favorite ways to fish for spring, summer and fall trout on.  If you haven't tried fiberglass fly rods with a micro Skagit or Scandi line, you're missing out!  Feel free to message me on line recommendations on your favorite glass rod!

84 - THE REDEYE SPECIAL - This fly rod is a blend of both E-Glass and S-Glass and is a 8' 4-weight in 4-pieces.  It's a strong, but true to weight 4-weight, that can handle small to medium poppers, streamers, Gamechangers, and whatever you'd normally throw at smallmouth and largemouth.  It's very unique in the way that it feels and casts.  It's slightly heavier than the Synthesis series and carries a bit of a heftier swing weight, but still retains that smooth progressive feel.  It's probably the ultimate warmwater stream rod. Chris originally designed it to fish for the Redeye Bass in Alabama.  I've used mine to pull in four pound bass with ease and it also feels awesome for bull bluegills breeding in the spring!  It also does well with a WF/DT4 and WF/DT5!

79 - THE GENERAL PRACTITIONER - This 7'9" 4/5-weight 3-piece fly rod is spectacular!  If you're undecided on which of Chris' rods you want, but know you need an all around rod or just need a general rod that can do just about anything, this is THE rod!  It's progressive with an authoritative tip.  It does well with streamers up to size 8.  It's an easy rod to get along with as you're instantly familiarized with it the moment you cast it.  The progressive taper lends well to someone that is new to glass rods and let's seasoned glass fanatics enjoy that smooth feeling that E-Glass is popular for.  It's like an old friend.  You haven't spoken to each other in a long time, but when you do, it's like ya'll were never apart.  I've used mine for bluegills, smallmouth, spotted bass, largemouth, trout, and even summer steelhead!  I'd love to hook a carp on this fly rod one day as I know it'll handle it with no problem!  One member on the Fiberglass Flyrodders forum describes the 79 as "The Jack Russel Terrier of Glass Rods" stating that it fishes bigger than it is.  I agree!  Of all of Chris' Synthesis series, the 68L, 703, 72 and 79 are the most similar to one another.  I often describe them as "It's exactly the same, just shorter/longer and made for this weight."  Chris knows what I mean, we've also agreed on this. LOL.  This rod leans more on the 4-weight, but does well with a WF/DT4 and WF/DT5.   Use a 4-weight fly line if you want a faster stroke during casting, and a 5-weight fly line if you like slowing down.

79-5 - THE TRAVELING GENERAL PRACTITIONER - This is the BEST traveling fly rod ever made.  You can take that with a grain of salt or not, but it is truly a magical rod.  Also, smooth and progressive throughout.  Chris describes it with a less authoritative tip compared to the 85 Bighorn Special (which has a firmer tip that's better suited for streamers and casting from a small watercraft), but by no means does it have a soft tip.  This rod is more "trout" oriented, but that doesn't stop me from chasing warm-water species with it!  Visually, the blank is beefier than the 79GP due to the rod being a 5-piece, but Chris accounted for that in the design.  This makes for a firmer and stiffer rod compared to the 3-piece 79GP.  It travels well and does everything well.  It's a solid 5-weight and true to weight.  It does well with a WF/DT5. I've also tried a WF/DT6 and it doesn't complain, though the loops are not as laser tight. 

76 - THE 'LIL STIFFY - This 7' 6-weight 3-piece is one of my favorites!  It is a progressive medium-fast action in S-Glass and is very quick.  It handles BIG fish and punches way above it's weight class.  I've cast poppers, rat patterns, and used sinking lines to bluegills, crappie, bass and trout with it and it keeps catching!  It excels in shooting line and has fairly good line control even at 7'.  It also casts well through wind and doesn't complain.  I've used mine wading for bass and on my Wenonah Fisherman/Kingfisher canoes.  It's true to weight and casts like a 5-weight, but fights like a 6-weight!

796 CUSTOM - This 7'9" 6-weight is a 3-piece custom build.  This rod is also progressive.  It's lighter, quicker, and crisper than the 86, but not medium-fast like the 76.  A tad bit slower being that it's E-Glass. It is much more similar to the 79-5, but perhaps just a tad smoother since it's a 3-piece.  I've read before that there were a few gentlemen who wanted Chris to make a 796 when he first debuted his Traveling General Practitioner...and I actually have one!  Well, it's the only one, a 1 of 1.  One that I wished more C. Barclay Fly Rod Co. enthusiasts could get to enjoy and experience as I get a lot of questions about it.  This fly rod is true to weight and does well with a WF/DT5 and WF/DT6.  It shoots a WF5 sinking line better than a WF6.  The 86 does better with the WF6 sinking line. 

86 - THE BIG STIFFY - This 8' 6-weight in 3-pieces fly rod is progressive with a hint of parabolic in it.  I classify it as a "Trout 6-Weight" versus a "Bass 6-Weight."  This rod does extremely well with terrestrials and foam flies, but also performs well with smaller flies if you happen to catch yourself in such a situation.  I've used it casting size 4 streamers to bass and sinking lines to stripers.  It is a true to weight 6-weight and does well with a WF/DT6, though I've used it with a WF7 sinking line in a pinch.  My current favorite lines on it currently are a Cortland 444 Peach in WF5/6, Scientific Anglers Infinity 5/6 and a general Sink3 WF6.  If you're talking single hand spey casting, I enjoy it with a 240 grain Scientific Anglers Spey Lite Integrated and a 270 grain Scientific Anglers Spey Lite Integrated with a S7 Versileader.  It's a killer swinging for summer and winter steelhead!

777 - THE JACKPOT - This fly rod is a 7'7" 7-weight in 3-pieces.  What's not to like about a 777?  This fly rod is a BEAST!  It is my favorite 7-weight glass rod.  The action is a strong, smooth progressive and has a strong authoritative tip with incredible line speed.  The blank bends progressively throughout during casting and while fighting fish.  At 7'7", it lends well in tight spaces and shines on small watercraft. Smooth, short, and accurate quick shots are what it excels in.  It does well with big bass poppers as well as deer hair bugs and tandem flies for browns, smallies, largemouth, and stripers.  I've used mine for big largemouth bass and I have no trouble getting them out of thick seaweed on the California Delta.  My favorite line is currently the Scientific Anglers Titan Long WF7. 

C. BARCLAY X MCFARLAND GTX 88 - This 8' 8-weight an E-Glass and S-Glass combination.  This fly rod is a rocket!  It's a fantastically smooth and strong progressive rod.  The tip is extra firm on this fly rod. It's got the ability to shoot line and Chris built it with a mini extended fighting butt, which means I can figure eight to my heart's content!  Bucktails, poppers, Gamechangers tossed to smallies, largemouth, pike, redfish, stripers, and more.  You name it, it can do it all!

A final note, per Chris Barclay, the 60, 66, 79-5, 76, 777 and 63SP (733SP and 744SP semi-parabolic series) have been posted on the Retired Rods page of his website.  If you're looking for one of these fly rods, I highly suggest you look on the used market as they pop up occasionally!  In the meantime, check out the C. Barclay Fly Rod Co. website to see what he's up to and what's available in his shop.  Fly rods occasionally show up for sale on the C. Barclay Fly Rod Co. Enthusiasts group on Facebook.

Thank you, Kyle for putting all these notes together for this post.  Follow him on Instagram for more.

FRIED EGG GOLF - The Sights and Sounds of Hickory Golf

These sights and sounds of hickory golf at Northwood Golf Club is giving the last segment of the show CBS Sunday Morning and I'm here for it.  Press PLAY, it's worth it.

Finn and I played this course a few years ago (T.F.M. post) while on a spring break trip to California and we look forward to getting back there for a few more loops at some point.  

Fried Egg Golf is a favorite golf place online for their newsletter, podcasts, and YouTube channel.   

OAK & OSCAR - Watching Artist Tim Johnson Hand Paint a Watch Dial

The Fly Fishing Show is making its way around the country and the weekend before last it stopped in Denver, Colorado for a few days.  I flew out to be with Oak & Oscar and connect with what seemed like most of the fly fishing industry all in one very large room at the convention center.  It was great to see everyone and I came away with some interesting fiberglass fly rod news to share soon and even an unexpected fly fishing story that you'll see later this week.  

Denver was the only Fly Fishing Show that Oak & Oscar was doing this winter and Chase Fancher, founder of this independent Chicago watch company, invited artist Tim Johnson to be at the booth through the weekend.  

 

Tim has been working with Oak & Oscar on hand painted custom dials for some time now and this is a process that takes precision, time, and paint brushes with single strands of fiber.  It's no surprise that Tim doesn't drink coffee as this work takes a very steady hand.

 

With the booth set up on Thursday afternoon, Tim Johnson put together a desk and assembled his microscope with lighting and a screen for onlookers to see what he was seeing through the ocular lens.  Of course there was a hiccup with figuring out the correct cord to make the display screen work but this was solved the next morning when the show began.

The dial that Tim would be working on through the weekend will end up in an Olmsted field watch for a customer who asked that a notable brown trout that he caught be painted on it.  For this commission piece, Tim began with an outline sketch on his iPad which was followed by moving a photograph of the actual trout to the screen as reference.  This would guide his painting through the weekend and give onlookers a good idea what he was seeing and how that would translate through his artwork.   

With this initial work done, it was time to put a light sketch outline on the dial and begin painting.  

The remaining photos in this post are occasional snapshots over the next three days as I tried to capture every layer that Tim put down.  It's amazing that so much work was completed, as Tim was set up in the outer corner of the booth area and connected with so many show attendees who wanted to ask him about his artwork and what he was doing.  Understandably, there was a lot of interest as it isn't often that you come to a fly fishing show and there is a guy eyes deep into a microscope.

 

 

By the end of the show on Sunday afternoon, the dial was maybe 80% complete.  Tim packed up his microscope and will continue to work on it in his studio.  Once the trout is finished, a stream bed of rocks will be added underneath on the dial to look as it is still fining in the river.  

If all works out right, there will be a follow up post when the dial commission is complete and then a third post with images from Oak & Oscar headquarters of their in-house watchmaker doing final assembly of the Olmsted making it ready for their new "Owner".

If you are wondering, each hand painted custom dial takes ten or so hours to complete and adds approximately $1,000 to the overall cost of the watch.  Oak & Oscar has numerous examples of both the Olmsted and Humboldt GMT with custom fish dials and are always interested to discuss your idea.

Learn more on the Oak & Oscar website and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.  Reach out with an email to begin the discussion of a watch of your own.

THE FLYFISH JOURNAL - Off Season Flyfishing in Montana

This shortie film from the folks at The Flyfish Journal is a stellar watch to start the week.  Press PLAY...



The Flyfish Journal continues to publish some of the very best content in print, online, and in film.  Subscribe and follow along if you're not already.

T.F.M. SHOP - NEW TFM X PETER PERCH DECAL PACK

What began as a sketch book doodle for artist Peter Perch a few years ago is now the newest T.F.M. decal in the T.F.M. Shop and a fun emoji adaption on the idea of #glassisnotdead.

The first batch of these decals measure 1" wide by 3" long, and are available in green, yellow, and orange.  They are perfect for your mobile phone case, fly box, laptop, fly rod tube, and anywhere else you'd want to slap one.  

The TFM X Peter Perch Decal Pack includes two of each color of this new decal with a T.F.M. script and #glassisnotdead decals, and two sizes of Comrade decal all for $12 shipped anywhere in the world.  If you'd like more of the new decals included in your order, it'll be just a few dollars more.

To order a TFM X Peter Perch Decal Pack, send an email to thefiberglassmanifesto@gmail.com.  

Check out the T.F.M. Shop for other offerings that can be included in your order.  I can take PayPal, Venmo, or check for payment.  

TOM'S TIPS - Different Hook Sets

This is a short primer from Tom Rosenbauer of Orvis on how to set the hook most effectively depending on the type of fly you're fishing.  Press PLAY...

Subscribe to the Orvis YouTube channel and check out the latest gear on the Orvis website.

FISHPOND - Horse Thief Tote

Last week I was out in Denver to visit a good friend and to attend to the Fly Fishing Show.  My large rolling duffel on the way out was a half pound away from being overweight when I checked in on my flight.  I had a few gifts packed and figured that I would be much lighter on the way back.  As the weekend at the show was winding down, I started going through a mental checklist of new things going home with me and began worrying that my single checked bag was going to be overweight.  What to do?  

Fortunately, I was able to pick up the new Horse Thief Tote from Fishpond as they were packing up, which gave me a cavernous zipped bag to fill up and check as a second bag.  A perfect solution.

 

The Horse Thief Tote is part of Fishpond's updated FP Field collection and this is undoubtedly going to be a favorite for our adventures of all sorts.  The organic waxed cotton exterior is going to get better with age and the robust rope handles give this tote some additional structure to carry with ease.  

Look for a more in depth gear review of this tote on T.F.M. in the future.  In the meantime, check out this video from Fishpond going over the highlights and features of the new Horse Thief Tote.

Visit the Fishpond website to see all of the New Arrivals.  Which ones are your favorites?

PATAGONIA - Tying the Pheasant Tail Flymph

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 short tying video, Yvon ties the Pheasant Tail Flymph.  Press PLAY, take notes...



 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.  

FLY FISHING AND MORE - An In-Depth Interview with Larry Kenney

Jay Lee of Fly Fishing and More published a very insightful interview this week with rod maker Larry Kenney of L Kenney Fly Rods and they cover a lot of ground over the dozen questions.  This is a personal biography, a history lesson on the early days of Scott Fly Rod Company, fiberglass fly rods, and so much more.

This is a lengthy article, so pour yourself another cup of coffee before you get started.

 Visit Fly Fishing and More for this interview, along with others in the fly fishing industry.

YELLOW DOG FIELD REPORTS - The Tarpon Coast

The latest field report from Yellow Dog Flyfishing has me itching for a trip to Mexico. Press PLAY...



Visit Yellow Dog Flyfishing and check out the 2026 Worldwide Angling & Travel Guide.

C. BARCLAY FLY ROD CO. - Of Joy and Fly Fishing

I don't think anyone within the fiberglass fly rod makers realm does a better job with his life and shop updates than Chris Barclay of C. Barclay Fly Rod Co..  His latest, Of Joy and Fly Fishing, was published this week on his Small Water blog page and worth a few minutes of your time to read.

 

Visit the C. Barclay Fly Rod Co. website, follow along with the latest news on Facebook and Instagram, and request to join the C. Barclay Fly Rod Co. Enthusiasts Group, too.

FLYTYINGDUCK - Four Hand-Tied Flies

Social media these days can sometimes be such a downer and I'm glad for profiles like flytyingduck that brings a moment of beauty and obvious talent to the scroll.  

Click the links above each fly to see the step-by-step on how each of these flies are hand-tied, without a vise, from start to finish with stunning photography.

THE DUKE

TWO DIFFERENT DUNTS

QUILLED EAGLE

BOULDER CREEK

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10 for the Marsh

I've been starting to wonder if my social media algorithm has been broken on Instagram for the past few months since my feed is typically a non-stop barrage of oversized redfish being hoisted up on the front of a skiff, gaudy flies in purple and chartreuse, and scenes from the Gulf marsh.  Somehow, I've only seen the rare dispatch, which I guess is a blessing since plans to get there this winter just didn't materialize like I hoped.

I did make it there early last year with Captain Kevin Morlock and Captain Steve Martinez and this is a long lost gear review that still needs to see the light.
 

There's a lot of gear tucked into the photograph above but listed below are ten items that I wanted to highlight most from the last trip, listed in alphabetical order...
 

ATOLLAS 2GO FLY BOXES
I've been using these fly boxes almost exclusively on trips for the last year and couldn't be more impressed.  I'd call Atollas an "emerging" brand with a dynamic husband and wife team who are growing with good ideas and seriously great fly boxes.

The 2GO fly box is the perfect trip box for warmwater, saltwater, and in this case, two of them held more than enough flies for this marsh trip.  I like the layout of the foam slits and this allows flies to be organized in several configurations.  

KORKERS NEO FLEX ANKLE BOOT

I've worn most of the major brands rubber ankle boots and none come close to the comfort, fit, and sole grip of the Neo Flex Ankle Boot.  Where other ankle boots fall short with a very loose and "sloshy" fit, the Neo Flex feel like a boot should which increases stability and makes them easy to wear all day.  The mid-sole is cushy and the Kling-On Deck outsole is both non-marking with great grip on wet and dry surfaces.  Perfect in the skiff, around camp, and on rainy days around town.  

MARSH WEAR BOGARD FLEECE JACKET

I've mentioned it before that Marsh Wear just keeps getting better and better and this fleece jacket is no exception.  It's warm, the fit is great, and I like the mix of camo fleece with shoulder and elbow reinforcement.  The chest pocket is perfect to stash your mobile phone, too.  

MAVEN GULF CRYSTALGLASS SPINNING ROD

After a few trips taxing a light line weight fiberglass spinning rod with too many bull reds, stepping up to the Maven Gulf has been a revelation.  This 7' Uni-Directional S-Glass blank spinning rod can huck rigs a mile and paired with a Shimano Stella, it's up for almost any saltwater adventure.

PURPOSE BUILT OPTICS
I've worn several pairs of PBO sunglasses for the past year or so and continue to be impressed with the highest level of lens clarity and specialized polarization to match the angling conditions.  For this trip, I had two pairs of sunglasses in the Storm frame with the Chandy and Laguna lenses, which covered low light and clouds to sunny conditions looking over mud flats that can be stirred up or dingy with silt.  

Purpose Built Optics has a "Lens First Strategy" that prioritizes how and where you plan to use these sunglasses when on the water.  They have multiple lens choices across offshore, inshore and flats, freshwater, hunting and shooting, electronics, and more.  

RED TRUCK DIESEL 889-4 GLASS FLY ROD
Longtime readers will know that I have a soft spot for the 4-weight and short 5-weight Diesel Glass and this was one of the first trips with the Diesel 889, which is the 8'9" 8-weight, that I spent quite a bit of time with it.  The taper of this fly rod is progressive for glass and it handled the over-weighted redfish fly line with ease.  Paired with the new Red Truck Pickup V8 Fly Reel, it's the perfect match. 

RIVERSMITH CONVOY SERIES DUFFEL & TRAVEL PACK

I've taken a number of trips over the last year with the Duffel and Travel Pack, and these feature-filled pieces from the Convoy Collection solve a ton of "problems" for the destination angler.  Both the Duffel and Travel Pack are built tough, extremely lightweight for their size, can be carried with handle grabs, or can be worn as a backpack.  

The Convoy Duffel is cavernous at 45L and holds everything that I've ever needed to take a long for a trip when it comes to fly reels, fly boxes, camera gear, tools, and much more.  It makes the transition from a backpack carry-on for easy airplane travel to boat bag with ease by tucking the straps away.  It stows easily above or at your feet on a plane and it's not too big to have in the skiff or drift boat once you've arrived.  It has an internal waterrproof bag built into the cargo area that you can fill, roll the top, and clip closed so that everything inside stays dry.

The only downside I've found?  The "secret" lid pocket was almost too secret since I slid my passport into it on a trip and forgot about it when I arrived home.  Months later, as I prepped for a trip next month to the Bahamas, I went looking for my passport, which began a week and a half of searching and searching again my desk, gear bags, luggage, and anywhere else it could have been stashed.  In the back of my mind, I knew it was somewhere tucked away safe.  Searching the Convoy Duffel again, for the sixth time, I found the small zipper pocket, reached in, and immediately recognized the Whiskey Passport Wallet.  Hallelujah.  

The Convoy Travel Pack is the solution for traveling anglers who are looking for a single piece of luggage to house several fly rods along with everything you might need for a trip, to include several days of (carefully rolled/folded clothing, all in one place.  Dividers and zip pockets make it easy to keep everything organized and in it's place.  If only using for fly rods, fly reels, fly boxes, and accessories, carrying six or eight fly rods wouldn't be too many.  There is a ton of usable space in this travel pack.
 

I have flown with the Convoy Travel Pack by walking it on the plane as a carry-on without an issue.  That said, your experience may vary depending on the airline.  

RUTHLESS OUTDOORS LEATHER PLIERS SHEATH
I feel like I've known Cory Routh ever since I've been on social media and he's full of talent that for the last several years he's been putting towards creating leather pliers sheaths.  I like bespoke things and ordered a redfish tail carved sheath that only gets better with age and patina.  You might remember a post awhile back where Cory gave readers an inside look to his process with this T.F.M. post.  

Looking for a new pair of pliers?  The Loon Outdoors HD Plier are great and a great value.  The only thing that I wasn't keen about was the sheath, and a custom leather sheath from Ruthless Outdoors was the  solution.

SCIENTIFIC ANGLERS AMPLITUDE SMOOTH REDFISH COLD FLY LINE

I've used several generations of redfish taper fly lines from Scientific Anglers and they just keep getting better and better.  The Amplitude Smooth casts great and turns over redfish flies with ease.  This fly line is a great match with several of the fiberglass fly rods that I routinely take on this trip to include, Red Truck Diesel Glass 889-4, Orvis Superfine Glass 888, Epic Fly Rods Reference 888 FastGlass.

This fly line is also a favorite for cold water carp angling, too.

WOODY BRAND KNIVES KING JEREMY OYSTER SHUCKER 

A real highlight of any visit to the marsh is having from scratch meals at the house with local shrimp from the boat, Cajun stuffed chickens, boudin, and of course, oysters.  We usually get a bushel of oysters (or two) and prepare them in several ways, including my favorite, chargrilled.  

The King Jeremy Oyster Shucker makes quick work of opening dozens of oysters and is both a stunning and efficient tool.  There are multiple handle color and material choices and a leather sheath keeps it safe when not in use.  If you're looking for a worthy gift, these are wonderful.  

Well, now I need a Gulf marsh fix more than ever.  How about you?

Battling GT's in Seychelles

I am just guessing that the bright red fly rod is glass.  Fun to see it bend in the Seychelles.  I wonder who the maker is?  If you know, let me know.

Subscribe to Vaidas Uselis's YouTube channel for other stellar adventures. 

See Oak & Oscar at the Fly Fishing Show in Denver

This is quickie post for those in the Denver area that the Fly Fishing Show will be touching down at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center this weekend and Oak & Oscar will be there, too.  If you needed another reason to stop by the booth, artist Tim Johnson will be painting under the scope for all to see his meticulous process.

The gallery of fish that Tim has painted on the Oak & Oscar watch dials are certainly eye-catching and if you were looking for a way to make a special watch purchase even more noteworthy, this is it.

 

AND, way less important than all that, I'll be flying out for the weekend to spend time at the Oak & Oscar booth and I will be walking around the show.  I'll have a stash of new T.F.M. decals to share, so hit me up.  Let's talk fiberglass fly rods, watches, and whatever else.

Check out the Oak & Oscar website and if you have any questions about their watches, reach out with an email.  I am fortunate to wear both a Humboldt GMT and the Atwood.  Could an Olmsted with a painted fish dial be in my future?  My wallet says no...but we'll see.

JP ROSS FLY RODS & CO. - Snow Glass Platinum Rod Builder Kits

I don't know if you're looking for a winter fly rod building project but JP Ross Fly Rods & Co. just released two DIY options with their Snow Glass Platinum S-Glass of either their 6 1/2 foot 2-weight or 7 1/2 foot 3-weight (both four pieces) with blank, rod bag, and case priced at $199 or the complete fly rod builder kit with everything that you need for $79 more.  

 

This is a great way to add a new glass fly rod, that you can build, before spring arrives.

Check out the JP Ross Fly Rods & Co. website to learn more about the Snow Glass series and the Snow Glass Platinum Rod Builder Kits.  Just want to talk fly fishing?  JP Ross started a new Facebook community page called Simply Fish that is growing every day with anglers from the world over.