The Gloved One

It's that time of year again...the time when people start cringing and commenting when they see my hands. Yes, I'm hideous. Look away. My fisherman's hands make sense considering the activity--cracked from wind and water, grooved from stripping, scabbed from mosquito bites, rough from grip-n-grin, hookjabbed, peeling from sunburn, claw-shaped, calloused and cramped from casting. Super sexy. You know what I'm talking about--just look at your own nasty hands. Yikes, right?! What doesn't make sense is that I wait until the end of the summer to address the issue. With my hands at their worst, I finally put on my fabulous Buff, Inc. Pro Series gloves while shooting and episode of Trout TV on the lower Big Hole River in Twin Bridges, Montana a couple of weeks ago.

They are amazing, and I always find instant relief, especially with my hand cramping, since the accordion finger grip provides more surface area which means less hand energy is lost by gripping the flyrod. However, this glove is a whole 'lotta glove. I realize that while everyone should have a pair, they might be too warm and more glove than is necessary for people proactive (smart) enough to wear gloves throughout the season for everyday fishing or watersports.

So, imagine my stoke when my coworker Sammi went to IFTD and brought me back two pair of Buff Sport Series Water Gloves to test on Trout TV.

Here's Kate from Buff high-fiving with Sammi at IFTD.

At a lower price point ($27 MRSP) Buff, Inc. says these lighter water gloves “help anglers stay protected from damaging UV rays, fatigue and general wear and tear associated with poling. Power Stretch fabric keeps hands comfortable and protected by deflecting UV rays from the sun and reflective water.”

Um, wait...so, I don't pole. But still. More research reveals it's truly made for any water sport, including paddling and rowing. Here are more features of the Buff Sport Series Water Gloves:

• UPF 50+ ultimate UNV protection
• Brethable and durable stretch fabric
• Naturally contours to your hand
• We/dry silicone grip palm
• Longer cuff for UV protection
• Easy-on wrist pull
• Easy-off finger-tip pull

I'm excited about them because while I do love the Pro Series Gloves, I feel like something lighter and more acceptable for everyday (yes, I love the solar orange color every day) is the simple ticket to protecting my hands earlier in the season and keeping my skin healthier longer. And, I am planning a trip to Andros South early December, so I'm excited to put the Buff Sport Series Water Gloves to the test on the flats. Of course, no matter how great they are, my career as a hand-model is not promising.

Gear: Buff Introduces Angling Gloves

The company that makes FlyfishMagazine.com's favorite functional tube of cloth, Buff has announced the introduction of "New Premium Line of Pro-Series Angler and Fighting Work Gloves® to Encompass All Angling Needs"

Buff unveils the Pro-Series Angling Gloves and Fight Work Gloves for all angling needs.

The gloves will be available in February 2010.

The Pro-Series Angler Glove has a Diamond Grip palm by Clarino™, along with an Accordion finger grip and longer stripping guard fingers.

The Fighting Work Glove boasts a pole grip palm, and is designed for large catches and poling.

Both models have UPF50+ protection, and breathable, moisture-wicking, two-way comfort stretch for flexible lateral movement.

Read their entire release here.

Photos shortly.

Buff now with 100% Merino Wool

Buff now with 100% Soft Merino Wool. Think cool in summer, warm in winter, and it doesn't get stinky because it is naturally anti-microbial. We will be field testing this in Colorado very shortly.

Check out all their great designs at the Buff website.

FTC disclaimer - Yes they sent these to me. Yes I am keeping it. A bald guy can never have enough Buffs.

Gift Guide 2008 - Capt. Paul Rose's Picks

It's time for the third annual edition of FlyfishMagazine.com's annual gift guide. Our gift guide is a bit different than many you will find aound the net, in that we ask each of our contributing Editors to let us know what products have caught their eye during the the past year. We start this year's guide with picks from CarolinaBonefishing.com's carp guru and FlyfishMagazine.com's Editor of rough fishing, Captain Paul Rose.


Captain Paul's first pick comes from the new line of Sage Bass Rods.

"These rods are designed to deliver large flies into tight corners. Great for new anglers to get started with.Loads on one false cast and can cast flies a mile. Good short stick for fighting saltwater species around structure. Great on windy days for reds.By far, the best new product I have gotten in years. Multiple clients all felt the same this guiding season. The sunset colors are a standout alone as well."



Paul's second pick is one is showing up under many of the FlyfishMagazine staff's Christmas trees this year, the Original Buff.

"Already quite popular with the staff but still worthy of another plug. I was introduced to them on a tarpon trip when I forgot my hat. The guide had extra buffs to wear and I now provide them in my skiff.Great for bike riding and skiing as well. Beats the bandana any day.






Third on Paul's list is the Ocean Fly Box from RGM Outdoors.

"My third choice for a great gift idea is the Ocean fly box. These fly boxes keep flies dry,organized and provide easy access. Eliminates the need for small boxes. Great from a drift boat,pontoon boat or a skiff. I have multiple boxes depending on the species I am after.Pick it up and go. Plus the boxes are a great place for fly fishing stickers. "






Finally, Paul breaks out his private stock for us to enjoy with some of his favorite reads.

This last gift is for the days we are not fishing or maybe back at the lodge or camp. It is more of a combo. First is Crown Royal,Cask 16 with three ice cubes and a lime wedge in a fat,short glass. A good read with sipping whiskey is required. Choices of this years titles include City of Thieves: A Novel,The Story of Edgar Sawtelle: A Novel (Oprah Book Club #62), Shadow Country (Modern Library). The last selection is by Matthiessen,an avid fly angler with the story centered in the Everglades,my favorite destination

Stay tuned for more gift guide picks all week long. Captain Gordon Churchill is up next. Expect to hear from him midweek as we will be taking a Monday night football break to take our Mom to see the Tampa Bay Buccaneers play the Carolina Panthers. Look for us on TV.

FFR Show 2008: Buff now with Insect Shield

I've been wearing a Buff (and getting some odd looks from the worm dunkers) on our area trout streams and lakes for several months now so I was pleased to hear that Original Buff has announced the addition of Insect Shield (FKA Buzz Off) to their popular and versatile line of sun and wind protective head gear. My own, non-insect repellent Buff, kept my nose warm and my neck pale in grand fashion during the trip but it would have been great to have it keep the bugs out of my face as well. From their recent press release:

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (September 14, 2008) -Buff ® Headwear, known for their innovative line-up of stylish and multifunctional headwear, continues to deliver with the Insect Shield ® UV Buff. Buff Headwear is coveted globally by outdoor enthusiasts who will now be able to focus more on fishing and less on bothersome insects thanks to the added protection of the Insect Shield technology.

Beyond the guaranteed insect protection apparent in this new product, the Insect Shield UV Buff offers enhanced UV protection, blocking 95-percent of the sun’s harmful UV rays. The Insect Shield UV Buff, among other Buff models, comes complete with a non-toxic Polygiene treatment that prevents odor-causing bacteria and leaves your Buff fresh and odorless. Additionally, the CoolMax yams provide moisture wicking, dry comfort.

The Insect Shield process binds insect repellent to fabric to repel mosquitos, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers, midges and no-see-ums. This technology helps protect against insects that carry the West Nile virus, Lyme disease, malaria, dengue fever and other insect-borne diseases.
"The Insect Shield technology is just another value-added feature that will enhance Buff products," says Shirley Choi Brunetti, Buff general manager, United States. "For outdoor enthusiasts who are exposed to mosquitoes, ticks and many other annoying insects, the Insect Shield UV Buff is a dream come true since it reduces the need for a topical repellent."

For more information about Insect Shield (A North Carolina Company) visit their website.