REWA Lodge - Arapaima on the Fly

The Arapaima is the world's largest scaled fresh water fish and can range in weight from 150 to 400 pounds. It can grow to over 9 feet in length.  The people of Rewa Village in Guyana have partnered with a group of anglers to use catch and release fly fishing to support their village and protect this endangered species.  Villagers, who once had to travel long distances to find work in mines, are now able to provide for their families via this fishery.

Situated about a day's journey from the USA, Rewa Eco Lodge offers anglers the opportunity to stalk these behemoth sized fish on fourteen weight rods and large flies that imitate peacock bass. The fish live in local rivers but seem most likely to "eat" when fished for in jungle ponds. Getting to the ponds involves a bit of effort. Local guides have to hack through vegetation to haul in the boats anglers use to get a shot at one of these beasts.

Outside TV Features is running a new film which tells the story of this effort:  "Rewa: Conservation through Fly Fishing."  Outside TV Features (not to be confused with the cable TV network) is a digital app with content aimed at outdoor pursuits.

Before you start tying giant peacock bass flies, check out more videos about Arapaima on the fly and Rewa Village by following  this link.

Yuppie 911

The ever vigilant Editorial Trophy Wife found this MSNBC and the Associated Press article about a new symptom of the proliferation of cheap personal locators and other gps based alert electronics: Yuppie 911. Basically people who have no business in the outdoors, getting themselves in a tight spot that they never should have been in and then relying on the government to save their sorry hindquarters.

"Technology has made calling for help instantaneous even in the most remote places. Because would-be adventurers can send GPS coordinates to rescuers with the touch of a button, some are exploring terrain they do not have the experience, knowledge or endurance to tackle."

Some of the examples from the article really make you scratch your head in awe and wonderment:

They include hikers who pressed the button when they ran out of water on the trail. They refused rescue because they managed to find a creek but later pressed the button again because the water was salty. The third time they pressed the button during the same trip, the rescuers forced them into the helicopter and then cited the group leader for endangering the rescuers. Another example has a lady pressing the button when she got scared during a thunder storm.

"In the past, people who got in trouble self-rescued; they got on their hands and knees and crawled out," says John Amrhein, the county's emergency coordinator. "We saw the increase in non-emergencies with cell phones: people called saying 'I'm cold and damp. Come get me out.' These take it to another level."

What's next? Feeling tired and have a blister on your next back country hike? Press a button, pop a smoke grenade, and wait for your ride. People, the fine folks at search and rescue are not your personal taxi service. I do not want to think that you are calling them to bring you some Evian while I am in the woods somewhere sawing my leg off with a swiss army knife!

Editor's note: Even though it was cold and windy and there was very obviously an active volcano behind me, I did not press the button on my SPOT Messenger. I was however fully prepared should an emergency arise.



Because sometimes fly fishing is tactical

5 Point Film Festival: May 8-10th

The email inbox this morning held an interesting invitation to the 5 Point Film Festival to be held in Carbondale, Colorado May 8th - 10th. The outdoor adventure film fest is sponsored by Patagonia and Beattie Outdoor Productions.

It features a five-star roster of adventure films, special guests and panel discussions. Featured guests and speakers include Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard, surfer Gerry Lopez, blind mountaineer Erik Weihenmayer, and climber Tommy Caldwell. Films incorporate all realms of adventure: fly fishing, mountain biking, climbing, surfing, base jumping, mountaineering and kayaking, just to list a few.

Included in the movies is Destinations. It is an action packed fly fishing short film that features the stories of three different groups of anglers from different parts of the world. The film begins in Slovenia, transitions to the remote Alaskan wilderness, and then concludes with fishing for False Albacore in North Carolina. Additionally, Kate and Mark Rutherford will be at the festival and will be part of a discussion panel: Inspiring Passion & Lifestyle with Your Children.

Right now it doesn't look like we will get to attend but should you make it to the show drop us a note to let us know how you liked it.

Tuesday Safety

Adventure Medical Kits Solo Kit


Ideal for one-to two-day solo back country blue line fishing trips.
Ultra-light and packed into a resealable Aloksak® bag for waterproof protection up to 200'.
Kit includes instruments, medication and wound/burn/blister care.

$10.95 via Sierra Trading Post

First Look: Filson Announces Women's Line

Classic outfitter Filson has announced that it will be launching a women's clothing line which will hit retail stores next month. From their press release sent out earlier today:

In response to strong demand from female outdoor enthusiasts, Filson (http://www.filson.com/), an established hunting and fishing apparel and accessories brand with a 110-year heritage in the outdoor category, is launching its first women’s line, available at retail next month. This classic line, known for its iconic pieces engineered especially for these outdoor endeavors, incorporates the same first-class quality and performance in its men’s offerings that have established the Filson legacy in American apparel and gear history. The Filson tradition, revered by generations of customers, now is available for the most discerning outdoor female devotee.

Don't expect red plaid to be a big part of this new offering. Pictured above from the new line is the Women’s Feather Cloth Fly Fishing Long Sleeve Shirt MSRP $67.50. It will be available in Desert Tan (shown), Sunrise Yellow, and Salmon.

We expect to have more information on this new venture for Filson in the very near future. In the mean time check out our previous coverage of Filson including a first look at those ever elusive Filson waders.

Design your own Sleeping Bag

Via PHD Mountain Software in the UK you can design your own custom sleeping bag. It's not cheap, especially with the dollar's current weakness. However, it is fun to play with. We await the design your own fly rod website.

Don Barone's ESPN Outdoors Debut

One of our favorite outdoor writers is Don Barone. Don recently made the switch from ESPN feature producer to ESPN Outdoors web columnist. Don's debut article for his new bosses reminds us that "There's and outside out there."

I actually remember the first time I knew there was an outside: It was Christmas Day, 1959. (I was 7.)

And I was standing in it — The Outside, that is. And trust me, for a kid from Buffalo to be outside on Christmas Day in SHORTS with all my knees, ankles and elbows all wiggling around in the air was, as my Grandma Tess used to say, "A damn miracle, Donny … just a damn miracle."

Years later I found out the "Damn Miracle" was actually Florida.