Est. 2005- News, reviews, stories, gear, and gadgets for fly fishers and those who have to live with them. We endeavor to make "The quiet sport" substantially louder.
Sure, I'm as distracted as the next gal about all the jazz, beads and feather boas glimmering at us from the future. In a year from now we'll be recovering from IFTD 2011 in New Orleans; telling our trade show tales with spent voices, squinting at blurry phone pictures to figure out who flashed us, and saying over and over, "One fish, two fish, redfish, redfish."
Not even close to free internet access (Made in NEVERland--as in, I ain't never payin'! )
Watch out fishy men--the polite, capable and informative fishy kid Tyler Befus could do your job if he was legally old enough
Tough-guys-turned-art-aficionados standing in line to have their copy of The Drake autographed by Derek DeYoung
Here are some pics from the points above:
Tomorrow I'll be breaking down the features of some of the show's top products, including those from Ross, Sage, Redington, Buff, R.L. Winston, Big Sky Inflatables, fishpond, Smith Optics and more. And I'll explain why the Ross F1 Series is my "Best of Show" choice. Hilary
Far Bank Enterprises, Inc. Welcomes Ryan Cade as Hard Goods Planner
Far Bank Enterprises adds to its team to expand expertise in hard goods categories.
04.14.2010 – (Bainbridge Island, WA) – Fly-fishing industry leader, Far Bank Enterprises, is pleased to announce the addition of Ryan Cade as the new Hard Goods Planner. Bringing years of prior product planning experience, Ryan will be working with Sage, Redington and RIO to further develop the planning process and help attain marketing goals.
“The addition of Ryan to our team will bring a new focus to product planning and marketing and will help us expand our expertise to all hard goods categories,” says David Visnack, Director of Marketing & Merchandising. “Ryan brings valuable experience to the Far Bank team, and his skill set will allow us to take our established and successful categories to the next level.”
Sage Brings Innovation and Technology to the New Xi3 Series:
The Ultimate Saltwater Fly Rod
March 1, 2010 (Bainbridge Island, WA) – After six more months of rigorous field-testing since the launch and with warmer weather around the corner, Sage is proud to name the Xi3 the best saltwater rod series Sage has ever created. Utilizing SaltH2O Technology, a proprietary taper construction providing torque and torsion for superior tracking and maximum energy efficiency, the Xi3 performs with true precision. Sage’s Generation 5 (G5) construction employs 100% graphite hoop fibers to provide more power in the butt section and increased sensitivity in the tip. The Modulus Positioning System (MPS) maximizes performance and reduces rod weight by varying the modulus or flex according to the need of each inch of the rod. This provides a startlingly acute level of line feel throughout the casting stroke and allows more efficient application of power.
“With all the design modifications and technological advances applied to the Xi3, we have created a rod that tracks seamlessly and has the backbone to pick up 60 to 70 feet of line all while significantly reducing the weight,” explains Jerry Siem, Sage Rod Designer. “We are very proud of this new design. Everyone who casts an Xi3 feels the difference immediately.”
Other features of the Xi3 include an EVA/cork fighting butt, saltwater-safe, black anodized reel seat, and a full wells cork grip. Fuji hard chrome-plated stripping guides with Alconite inserts are used for durability and line wear resistance. The use of over-sized Tip-tops and snake guides allow smooth line movement. The Xi3 has a Pacific blue colored shaft with Electra blue trim wraps and Cobalt blue primary wraps. It comes in four pieces and in line weights from #6 to #16. The Xi3 includes a black fabric rod sock and powder-coated aluminum tube.
About Sage:Founded in 1980, Sage was created with one idea in mind - to build the world's finest performance fly rods. Passionate about creating fly fishing products that continually exceed expectations, Sage strives to seek performance advantages through new materials and designs based on a foundation of research and innovation. Sage also offers fly reels, fly lines, apparel, accessories and luggage for avid anglers.
Thanks to the Trophy Wife and her excellent nose for the 50% off the already reduced clearance price rack, I scored an early Birthday present and added an eight weight Sage Xi2 and Tibor Back Country CL reel spooled with Sci Anglers intermediate line to the fledgling Saltwater arsenal. When does spring come around here anyway?
Through multiple class options, Sage hopes to share with the public its passion for fly fishing while helping to increase participation in the sport. This partnership will offer new and seasoned anglers the opportunity to learn from experts.
“We want to share our committed passion for fly fishing with the public and part of that passion includes creating excitement about the sport,” comments Chris Andersen, Sales Manager for Sage. “Offering world class fishing schools is a great way to share our excitement for fly fishing with new and experienced anglers. Sage has selected The Blue Quill Angler as the site of our flagship fly fishing school because of the experience and talent they offer.”
The classes will have something for new and experienced fly anglers alike:
Sage Fly Fishing School courses include:
Fly Fishing 101: Students will spend two weekday evenings in the classroom and one full day on the water. Class size will be limited to six students with one instructor. Classes will be held weekly starting mid-April through September.
Fly Fishing 201: Students will spend one full day in the classroom and one full day on the water. Class size will be limited to eight students with two instructors. Classes begin May 14th and run through September 18th.
Advanced Casting School: Experienced anglers will spend one day with a Federation of Fly Fishers (FFF)-certified fly casting instructor to focus on their technique. This is a full day class with 8 students.
Classes begin April 17th and are held through September 4th.For more information on any of these classes or to schedule a date, call 800-435-5353 or send an email to sageschools@bluequillangler.com You can also visit their website at www.bluequillangler.com
Steve is a fellow North Carolina Expat and an excellent fly fisher so if you find yourself heading to Colorado and need to know what flies are working be sure to stop by The Blue Quill and say hello.
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.
"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.
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.
Kirschner, a founding shareholder of Sage and current President of Far Bank, moves up to become Chief Executive Officer of Far Bank where he will concentrate on the execution of the organization's long-term strategic vision. "Far Bank has grown into a multi-branded group of companies with the objective to profitably grow both organically and through additional acquisitions," said Kirschner. In his role as CEO, he will focus on the company's continuing evolution from a "branded house" to a "house of brands" built around the fly fishing lifestyle.
In promoting Travis Campbell to President of Far Bank, Kirschner noted that Travis "will have day-to-day operating responsibility for all three brands of the company." Campbell originally joined Sage as its Director of Business Development in 2001, and was instrumental in the purchases of both Redington and RIO. Added Kirschner, "Travis has run both the Redington and RIO businesses so this is a natural evolution and he is clearly ready for this responsibility. Most notably he is a passionate angler, and embodies the values that we believe are essential to our long-term success."
About his new role, Campbell said, "I feel fortunate to work in this industry and I am honored by the opportunity to add to the foundation of success that has been established here. I look forward to working with the Far Bank businesses to drive the principles of innovation, quality and conservation that I think are critical to our organization, as well as to the industry at large."
Both men agree that the first order of action is to maximize the opportunities afforded by the three Far Bank brands. Kirschner said, "The focus here is to continue to drive value to our retailers and consumers by combining the unique capabilities of the three companies while maintaining their individual identities." "It's the logical next step," added Campbell "and is where we'll be concentrating our efforts in coming months."
The promotions for both men are effective August 1, 2008.
Bainbridge Island, Washington - The threat of a massive hard rock and open pit mining district in Bristol Bay has sparked three of the most recognizable names in fly fishing to come together for a fundraiser for Trout Unlimited Alaska.Sage Manufacturing, Redington Tackle & Apparel, and RIO Products International are creating a special ready-to-fish outfit that will be shipped to customers in April 2008. Only 300 limited edition outfits will be produced. This special outfit will come with a Sage Z-Axis 9-foot 8-weight rod and a Redington moss-colored CD 7/8 reel pre-spooled with RIO Gold fly line. A case will also be included, which will be embroidered with a unique graphical slogan, “More Precious Than Gold – Save Bristol Bay”. Purchased separately, this outfit would retail for more than $875. The companies plan to retail this special outfit for $600. From each outfit sold, Sage, Redington and RIO will donate $200 to Trout Unlimited Alaska. Total anticipated donation, which will be earmarked for campaign activities dealing with the Bristol Bay mining district as well as production, marketing and distribution of the film Red Gold, will be between $60,000 – $120,000.Outfits may be pre-ordered beginning Thursday, January 3rd, 2008. Pre-orders will be taken in two ways: By calling Sage Customer Service at (800) 533-3004, or by simply ordering online at www.redington.com. At the time of purchase, customers can extend their support even further by choosing to donate additional funds to Trout Unlimited Alaska. Sage & Redington are set up to accept additional donations in $50 increments up to a matching donation of $200. Dealers who wish to carry the outfit will also have the opportunity to do a matched donation. Everyone who places an order with a matched donation will have their name listed in press releases, on Redington.com, Sageflyfish.com, and the Trout Unlimited official site. To date, Sage, Redington and RIO have donated more than $10,000 for public and media awareness and the production of a new documentary about the region, entitled Red Gold, about the Bristol Bay fishery For More Information: • www.savebristolbay.org & www.redington.com/bristol.php • Marc Bale (mbale@sageflyfish.com), Bruce Kirschner (bkirschner@sageflyfish.com) or Karen Curry (kcurry@redington.com), Company Representatives, 1-800-533-3004 • Lauren Oakes, Conservation Programs Officer, Trout Unlimited Alaska, loakes@tu.org (907) 321-3725
The wife and I just got back into town from the retailer show in Denver, Colorado where we were able to look at copious amounts of new fly fishing gear, hang out with old and new friends, and get a general feel for the direction of fly fishing as an industry from folks who make their living at the sport we so enjoy. We will have more detailed postings about gear and such later on but for now here are a few of our impressions from this year's show:
Patagonia Pals
First things first, we have to mention Patagonia, Inc. For the past two years they have acted as our host at the show and thanks to folks like Brian Bennett and Steve Stracqualersi we have always been made to feel very welcome. They are a great organization that makes excellent fly fishing product and more importantly does a great deal of good for the environment. A few of their programs that deserve mention are 1% for the planet, Common Threads Garment Recycling, and supporting the World Trout Initiative. A few their products that caught our eye include the combination FishingVest / PFD , and their Pack Vest which combines a fishing vest and back pack in one package. We will be posting about additional Patagonia products in the near future.
New Rods
On the upper end of the spectrum we got our hands on the new Orvis Helios and can say that it has to be the lightest fly rod we have ever held. It will be available in 2008 for around $755.
The big news from Sage was their new line of bass rods. We didn't get to try one of these at the casting pool but with their old school yellow finish they sure did look nice. Their 7'11" length might just allow Sage some inroads into the world of competitive bass tournaments.
Brad Beefus of Ross Worldwide took us through the paces with their Mel Krieger endorsed Essence fly rod series. The rods come in three levels of "trim," with slightly different actions, the FC, FS and at the top of the line the FW. With rods from $99 to $199 and complete outfits from $199 to $249 these rods are an affordable option for anglers. Ross designed these rods and their tapers from the ground up and it seems to have made a difference in the end result. We test casted a 3 weight from each of the three rod classes and found each of them to have a very nice feel. The rods and outfits will hit the market in October of this year.
Reels
Ryan Harrison, managing partner of The Waterworks /Lamson sat down with us and took us through his line of super light weight reels. He explained the company's revolutionary drag design featuring a completely sealed conical clutch as well as their almost bomb proof hard alox finish. The company's big news was the introduction of $120 price point reel called the Konic. The Konic features the same drag as their $400+ models but is die cast and has a salt water safe polyurethane finish.
Polarized Eye wear
We will have more detailed posts on this later but we were able to spend time with three of the players in fly fishing eye protection and fish spotting.
Smith Action Optics - Long time friend of the fly fisher. Tons of anglers wear them.
Seattle outfitter Filson debuted their new five layer fishing waders which will be available March 1st, 2008 at a $310 MSRP. I can say that they look and feel just like what you would expect in a Filson wader. They have built in gravel guards, wool lined hand warmer pockets with brass buttons.
We will continue our coverage with additional products from the show in these and other categories so be sure to check back often.
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. The last selection is by Matthiessen,an avid fly angler with the story centered in the Everglades,my favorite destination
