2021 Gift Guide | Sage Sonic

Tested & Reviewed by Derek Bird

In order to better understand each rod, some feel it necessary to contrast the Sage Sonic to the Sage X. But as a person who owns both rods, I feel a side-by-side comparison does both rods a disservice because it promotes an unnecessary focus on the specific components. This can lead to an unfortunate oversight of the overall telos of the Sonic. The Sonic is designed to be a mid-priced fly rod that delivers in a variety of situations. When I set it against that bar, the rod exceeds my expectations. The Sonic is a buttery wand with cork that is velvety to the touch. The rod’s flex and recovery rate is a marriage of love, not utility. I fished with the rod all summer, which meant I fished nymphs, streamers, terrestrials and small dries. The rod performs ably with each. If you’re in the market for a versatile fly rod that feels good and casts well, I highly recommend the Sonic. For me, the first cast felt effortless and subsequent reps made me want to keep casting. I’ll continue to fish the Sonic long after the testing period is over. Accolades to the Sage research and development crew for a job well done.

Hop on over to Sage online for info on the full Sonic Family!

2021 Gift Guide – Scientific Anglers Absolute Leaders & Tippet

Tested and Reviewed by Derek Bird

I’m under the impression that the less you notice leader and tippet, the better off you are as an angler. If you’re tippet is always breaking, you notice it. If your leader is always twisting and knotting up, you notice it. My summer fishing SA leaders and tippet I rarely noticed it, and when I did it was my own fault (like forgetting to change from 5x to 3x when fishing a large Chubby, which makes any leader do all kinds of funky things). The leader and tippet withstood the normal rigors of an angling day including a few wayward casts into rocks and branches. SA sent me a wide variety of tippet from 0x to 7x and I thoroughly enjoyed testing them all. The 1x and 2x performed well for bull trout and Coho, even in clear water conditions with smaller flies. And the 3x through 7x fished extremely well in all trouty situations. Possibly more important than me not noticing my leader and tippet, neither did the fish even in clear water conditions. After a season of using the product, SA’s Absolute Clear Leader and Tippet receives a five star rating from me.

Check out the full line SA Absolute leaders and tippet today!

2021 Gift Guide – Korkers River Ops Wading Boot

Tested & Reviewed by Derek Bird

I’ve been wearing the River Ops all season and I’ll continue to wear them after the testing period. The Korkers team created a boot that’s impressive from top to bottom. River Ops are comfortable over long distances, they’re lightweight and they’re sturdy. Although my pair looks well-travelled now, the boots don’t show any sign of deterioration. The product designers placed features in all the right places: the ankle wrap provides stability and comfort; the upper boot provides the perfect balance between flexibility and support; and the interchangeable soles are effortless to switch in and out. In all the miles I hiked, many of which were through challenging terrain, not once did I experience any malfunctions with the sole system. Hats off to the Korkers crew. These boots are fantastic.

For more information visit Korkers online!

Stream Lines | Life Like Evan

Evan is an elderly gentleman Ive run into at least five times in the last three years. He walks the paths near where I fish for steelhead and cutthroat through the late winter months. I actually dont know his name, though weve spent enough time talking now where I feel like I should know his name, so its going to be awkward when we finally get around to formal introductions. Though realistically, Im really not sure he recognizes me from our previous conversations. Regardless, he looks like he could be an Evan. Hes relatively short with glasses (and without I assume) and looks like a kinder, happier, wispy haired version of the actor Ed Harris.

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The Passion

The Passion is a true ongoing story about transferring a very deep Flyfishing legacy from a Father to his son. Don’t miss this true-life handing down of a passion and a legacy. Make sure to VOTE for your top film in the Stimmies Awards. You are helping an up-and-coming filmmaker win a ton of loot and a spot in the 2022 International Fly Fishing Film Festival. Winner will be announced October 8.

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What Remains

Two university students travel to the Sierra Nevada’s of California to fly fish and document the progression and regression of the native Golden Trout and Lahontan Cutthroat Trout. What Remains, is a finalist in the 2021 Stimmies Film Awards. Angler’s Choice vote is now open. Vote your top film today!

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GladesDays

The Greater Miami Area borders the vast wilderness of the Florida Everglades. The Fish know no boundaries, as the lines blur where the sawgrass meets the pavement. Eric Estrada’s film GladesDays has been selected as a Stimmies Awards finalist – watch and vote today [HERE]!

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River Talks to Me

Ayato Otsubo tells the story of mastering the art of fishing to become an accomplished guide…with the help of an unassuming mentor. The film, River Talks to Me, is a Stimmes Awards finalist. Vote your favourite today! Winner will be announced October 8!

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Fly Fishing 2020

Short and sweet, Josh Nelson takes us on a “best of” trip through his 2020 fishing adventures. Watch all Top-12 Angler’s Choice Stimmies Awards films and vote today!

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A Journey Upstream

This is the story of two seemingly unrelated fish that help us understand the connectivity within our environment and the importance of a healthy Chesapeake Bay watershed.
The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the country, and Maryland’s crowned jewel. From striped bass in the main stem of the Bay, to brook trout in the far reaches of the watershed, Maryland has a lot to offer. My brother and I are young anglers and we feel a responsibility to fight for the health of these places because the future of these resources are in our hands. After spending time in these places we’ve found that the more time we spend in them, the more we know about them, and the more we know about them, the more we’re willing to fight for them.

Watch all Top-12 films and VOTE for your top pick for the Stimmie Awards today!

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