Fly Fusion Magazine’s entomology editor, Robert Hinchliffe, just sent an internal email to the editorial team with a link to a short fly-fishing documentary he created and produced, but the link is too good not to share with the fly-fishing world. Hinchliffe says his film has “no fancy gear, no epic drone shots, no trendy outfits; just real people talking about life, fly fishing, and the final cast.” If you’ve got a few extra minutes today, it’s worth watching.
Articles
OtterBox Gets Even Cooler
FORT COLLINS, Colo. – The outdoors are not a club with velvet rope and insider access. The outdoors belong to everyone, and OtterBox enables people to get out and do it their own way. OtterBox, an outdoor staple since 1998, is proud to introduce the Venture line of premium rugged coolers.
Venture coolers incorporate superior cooling technology and trusted OtterBox durability. The design is certified bear-resistant, can hold ice for up to 14 days and has been drop tested for durability on every side and edge, empty and full. 1 But Venture takes it even further with a fully customizable experience. A subtle and sturdy mounting system lets users attach accessories that fit their lifestyle. A cutting board, dry storage tray and separators help organize and maximize the internal space, while the sidetable, cup holders and drybox clips extend use beyond the confines of the cooler.
“Being outdoors is about having fun, not worrying if you’re doing it the way the pros do or following a set of unwritten rules,” said OtterBox founder Curt Richardson. “The only requirements should be to be respectful and enjoy. I started OtterBox in 1998 as an outdoor brand, and we’re refocusing our efforts here in a big way. Our new coolers deliver on the OtterBox commitment to innovation, quality and our customers.” click here
Take a Sneak Peak Inside the Summer Issue
There’s lots to look forward to in the summer issue. One of the many highlights is Jim McLennan’s article on Pale Morning Duns. The article is packed full of helpful insight into this favourite summer trout snack. In addition, it is accompanied by some outstanding photos like the one below by fly-fishing photographer Jason Jagger. By the time you’re finished reading Jim’s article, you’ll be able to identify a few distinguishing features between PMDs and other mayflies like the blue-winged olive pictured below.
Gear Review: Orvis Nippers
With so many different species fly anglers can target nowadays, the amount a person can spend on species specific gear adds up quickly. So I suspect that more and more companies will design tools, gear and gadgets that, where possible, will be useful across a broader species spectrum. Orvis is a prime example. They produced nippers a trout angler can use on his home trout stream and also on the saltwater holiday he’s taking to the Seychelles. The body of the tool is machined from aluminum with a Type III anodizing, the same kind of corrosion resistance found on high-wear aerospace parts and the finest fly reels. The replaceable cutters are designed in a cutter-and-anvil design, which ensures a cleaner cut. According to Orvis fly-fishing guru, Tom Rosenbauer, who’s tested the nippers on species from trout to tarpon, “…not only does the shape allow the snips to cut through 80-pound shock tippet, it also makes it easier to cut fine tippet like 7X because it ensures the jaws close cleanly over the fine stuff.” click here
Understanding Fly Rod Flex and Recovery
Fly rods can be defined by so many characteristics, including physical weight, swing weight, stiffness, just to name a few. But what really defines the feel in your hand?
By Jeff Wagner
Photo Credit: Paula Shearer
Happy Star Wars Day
Krueger’s Black Darth Invader by Chris Krueger
Rear Hook: Partridge Universal Predator, #1
Thread: 140 denier, black
Tail: MFC BuggerBou, black
Body: UV Polar Chenille, copper, with black schlappen, wrapped together
Collar: Black marabou, wrapped
Legs: Sili Legs, chrome black/copper
Junction Wire: Senyo’s Intruder Wire or 49-strand Beadalon
Beads: Silver-lined glass beads
Front Hook: Partridge Universal Predator, # 1
Eyes: Pseudo Eyes, black nickel/red, large
Prop: Chocklett’s Body Tubing ¼”, black
Hackle: Schlappen
Flash: Senyo’s Barred Predator Wrap, black and red
Body: Black marabou, 2 wrapped together
Legs: Sili Legs, chrome black/copper
Head: EP UV Chromatic Brush, midnight
Fly Boxes That Give Back
From its simple beginnings that formally began in 2014, the young Utah company Tacky Fly Fishing has enjoyed significant success. The company was formed with the goal of building the best fly box in the industry, and their national and international industry awards and rapidly growing sales numbers attest to their success.
Now Tacky Fly Fishing wants to give back by sharing the passion its founders and owners have for fly fishing with children and families that are at a tough place in their lives. The company has joined forces with Primary Children’s Hospital to host the first annual Tacky Cares event for children that are being treated at Primary Children’s Hospital along with their families, for a day on the water. “We want to help them, even if for just a short time, take their minds off their struggles and treatment. We want to make this an event that they’ll never forget and one in which they feel the love and support of a global community,” says Tacky co-owner Shaun Curtis.
The company has solicited the support of that global community in the form of hand tied flies, hundreds so far, donated by fly fishers from across the globe. The flies will be loaded into Tacky Fly Boxes and given to the Primary’s patients participating in the event, which will take place May 6 at Falcon’s Ledge Lodge, graciously donated by Dave Nelson for the event. Each family will be accompanied by a professional fly fishing guide and will have the opportunity to learn the basics of fly fishing, catch fish on Falcon’s private ponds, and tie flies, play games and relax in the lodge.
Supporting sponsors for the event include other Utah-based fly fishing companies including Utah Fly Guides, Blue Halo Fly Rods, and Rising. More information about the event can be found at www.tackyflyfishing.com/tacky-cares, or by contacting Spencer Higa at spencer@tackyflyfishing.com.
Gear Review: Loop EVOTEC CAST Medium Fast
The EVOTEC Medium Fast is distinguishable by its smooth grey blank with dark grey wraps. On each of their rods in this series the reel seat is somewhat triangular so the single locking reel ring does not rotate, which means it’s in the right place every time—a small but significant detail. The rod is sensitive during the casting stroke and a fly angler who enjoys feeling a little more of the flex will enjoy this rod. It’s a rod designed to handle well in a variety of situations. The EVOTEC Medium Fast is available in single hand, switch, and double hand models. click here
New RIO Stillwater Fly Line
RIO’s CamoLux line is an intermediate sinking line that sinks about one-and-a-half to two inches per second. The line is built with a unique clear camo coating that is extremely effective when targeting wary fish in clear water, and is deadly efficient for fishing between 2ft and 6ft depth in lakes. No matter if you’re fishing in shallow bays, close to shore, over weed beds, or in deeper water, the CamoLux allows anglers to be extremely effective and confident while on the water. Each line features a welded loop on the front end for fast rigging. click here
Photo of the Day: Chasing Rainbows
Where: On a Remote Stream in British Columbia’s Cariboo Region
Photographer: Chris Bird
Shot on: Nikon D3000
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