Let's end 2008 on the right note

In addition to Mongolian throat singing, be sure to look for lots more excitement from FlyfishMagazine in the coming year. Stay tuned for more gear, film, and book reviews, interviews with the movers and shakers of the fishing world, expanded video coverage of the sport, and even more articles from our warped point of view.

In the nearer term, be sure to check out this week's upcoming report from FlyfishMagazine's globe trekking angler, Tim Weston. We can't divulge where Tim is fishing this time but let's just say we hope he enjoys a good curry. Happy end of 2008 and start of 2009 from all the crew at FlyfishMagazine.com

Gift Guide 2008: The Editor's Picks

It's time for our elusive and well camouflaged Editor to make his gear picks for 2008.

This year, for my holiday gear picks, I have selected a few items that have stood out / survived this year's field testing. Field testing for 2008 included fishing trips to Alaska, Colorado, and the North and South Carolina coast, as well as misadventures somewhat closer to home.

First of all lets get to the one piece of gear no fly fisher can do without, the fly rod. My pick goes to the world's lightest fly rod, the Orvis Helios. The Helios that has become my trout rod of choice is a four piece, 9 foot, 5 weight, tip flex. During the past year, this rod has proven itself on large trout and even survived a hook up with a massive carp (my leader was not so lucky). The Helios is made from space age materials so the entire rod only weighs 2 and 3/8ths Oz. It can cast small nymphs and dries like a dream, yet still has enough back bone to punch a big streamer on a windy day. The rod is made in the USA and comes complete with a carbon fiber rod tube and a 25 year warranty. MSRP $755.00




For the gadget minded angler on your list you can't get much more "gadgety" than the Origo Guide Pro Series, Fishing Pro watch. This stainless steel watch keeps up with the best fishing times, moon phase, and tides, has an altimeter, thermometer, barometer, compass and even forecasts the weather. The fact that it tells time (in several time zones at once) might seem like overkill but when we got our hands on one of these for an extended field test we found ourselves relying on it's useful functions more and more. MSRP $240



Being a bald fly fisher, keeping my noggin sufficiently warm during winter fishing trips is a priority for me. The Windproof Beanie from Glacier Outdoors is long enough to cover the ears and form fitting enough not to get in the way under a low profile ball cap. It is breathable yet blocks gusty breezes that can make a day on the water less enjoyable. MSRP $12.99



Another cold weather item that I am not sure I could get along without, is the Polar Buff from Buff USA. The original Buff headgear has been a warm weather favorite of the staff here at FlyfishMagazine.com for some time. The Polar Buff, which combines a traditional lightweight Buff with a collar of Polar Fleece, keeps you warmer with the same convertible functionality as a traditional Buff. See this Youtube Video for more information, MSRP $26.95.



The Editorial Trophy Wife weighs in to this year's gift guide with this pick of travel pants for the ladies. Sahale Pants from REI impressed her during her recent trip to Alaska. In addition to their being available in tall sizes (she is a tall drink of water,) she says they were comfortable, worked well both in the airport and under a set of fishing waders, and are one of the few items she has found in outdoor stores that are cut to accommodate a woman's curves. She recommends them for the lady on your list. MSRP $58.00


Finally, to top off your next fly fishing excursion may we suggest the Dominican Trifecta sampler from Thompson Cigar. The sampler contains some of excellent cigars including five each Cohiba, Bolivar, and one of our personal favorites, La Gloria Cubano. Trifecta Sampler, Set (Contains: 5 COHIBA LONS GRND - 5;5 BOLIVAR LONS - 5;5 LA GLOR - 5) MSRP $65

We hope you have enjoyed the 2008 edition of the FlyfishMagazine.com Holiday Gift Guide. Feel free to post your own suggestions via the comments. Stay tuned as FlyfishMagazine goes International later this week.

2008 Gift Guide: Jay Moore's Picks

Jay Moore is FlyfishMagazine.com's Middle Tennessee Editor and general go to guy for all things fly fishy in The Volunteer State. An unrepentant Texan who found himself fly fishing Tennessee tail waters, Jay's unique picks show him to have excellent taste in both gear and fishing buddies. He writes:

My first item is Appleton Estate 21 Year old rum. I have a fondness for the islands and the drinks you can enjoy there. If you are into rum, this 21 year old beauty is for you. There is only a limited number of bottles produced each year and if you are lucky enough to find some please send me a bottle or two. MSRP around $89.

Something I really need this year is a new warm weather fishing hat and a Tilly LT6B is just what I am looking for. It looks great and lasts for years. Made out of breathable nylon, it's made to keep you cool and shaded while looking stylish. MSRP $74.00 at http://www.tilly.com/

I am not sure a man can have too many fly rods, and in case you agree, check out The Classic by Hexagraph fly rods in Kingwood, Texas. I have a Hexagraph rod that I fish with almost all the time. I have written a review about them before and The Classic is a step up from mine. It is the best looking fly rod I have seen and the fact it is made in my home state, makes it a must have for a Texas boy. When I get a spare $840.00 I might just pick one up. http://www.hexagraph.com/

Last but not least on my list this year are a couple of items from our friends at ExOfficio. Products from ExOfficio are not just clothes, they are technical gear for the serious outdoors person. The first thing that should be on every anglers wish list is an Air Strip Lite fishing shirt. The Air Strip is light weight , cool, and comfortable. They look great right out of the dryer and mine is nice enough to wear to work. MRSP $85.00

Something I never thought I would put on my list or write about is the famous ExOfficio Give and Go underwear. Our friend Sven gave us a sample at the show in Denver and I thought to myself, "How good can underwear get?" One month later I had six pair and I could use a few more. Most of you that know me know that I am watch a dollar closer than most. I am used to paying $5.99 for three pair in a bag form some Mart or another. The Give and Go boxers retail for $25.00 each and I can tell you that once you try them, you will pay the money and be glad you did. http://www.exofficio.com/

While we must admit that, after that last item, we probably have a bit more information about Jay than we would like, we can certainly agree that Ex O makes some great gear from head to...well you get the picture. Stay tuned for more picks next week including the 2008 Editor's choice awards and perhaps even a few gear picks from the resident Trophy Wife.

Gift Guide 2008 - Capt. Gordon's Picks

Our saltwater pal to the East, Captain Gordon Churchill, dropped us a line with a some of his picks for the 2009 holiday gift guide. As usual Gordon is short, to the point, and has very good taste.

1. Waterproof Cell Phone- I went through 4 mobiles this past summer for any variety of reasons ranging from having to go swimming to get my boat when it came loose from the dock to just ending up in the washing machine. All my phone disasters are indeed water related. This Casio G'zOne Boulder Black/Silver Phone (Verizon Wireless) seems to be the slickest one out there and they say you can even wear it rock climbing! So that's pretty cool.

2. Lightweight Fast Drying Long Billed Ball Cap For Fishing (that actually will fit someone with a size 7 3/4 hat size) - All these "low profile" caps mean that none of them fit me. They sit on top of my head like a beanie. This hat may not actually exist. I have looked low and high.

3. Wading Shoe- The Patagonia Surf Sneaker looks pretty sweet. Has a boat shoe sole so you don't slip in the skiff while waiting for your quarry to appear and also is a little lighter than some of the other models I have tried in the past.

4. That Tarpon movie from the old days.

5. Sunglasses- Smith Optics sunglasses are what I have been wearing for the past couple years. The ones I am interested in now are the Interlocks with interchangeable lenses. This has extreme application for sight fishing. If you are having trouble picking up the fish due to weird light situations, try another color lens until you find the right one. No brainer really. Stay tuned for picks from Middle Tennessee Editor, Jay Moore and then my own "Editor's Choice" picks for 2009.