I don’t know about your fishing experiences this
spring, but mine have been somewhat slow. I caught several holdover trout on
In the shop we’ve had a great fly tying season. I want
to thank Jerry Drake, Don Privett and Jerry Hohla for teaching our classes
and for all of the students who supported our programs and workshops. As a
result of our class success you may have noticed many new materials and
tools that we now stock. Several of them are listed below. If there are fly
fishing or fly tying products that you would like to see in our store please
let me know.
NEW TYING
MATERIALS
A braid that will lay flat with just the right amount
of sheen for a chironomid trout pattern. Also great for shrimp and scud
patterns and as a body material for small bluegill flies.
Hare’s Wiggle Dub
If you like movement in your flies you must try this
dubbing. The material is easily applied using a dubbing loop. Any of the
trapped rubber leg material can be cut with a seam ripper or scissors to
create more movement on the fly. The only other materials you may want to
add to the fly would be a tail and lead wire or a bead for weight. There is
an article in the current issue of Fly Tyer Magazine about Hare’s Wiggle
Dub.
Mustad Signature Hooks
After many years of producing hooks, Mustad has changed
the characteristics of many of the hooks we stock in the shop. I have
replaced most of our inventory as I write this. The hooks are packaged in
groups of 25. I do expect the company to package in larger quantities down
the road. You can visit the Mustad web site at
www.mustad.no/signature.com.
There are print-out charts and fly tying videos available for you to down
load.
NEW FLY RODS
and REELS
Sage Fly Rods
We are still filling in on the new Sage Flight
Series of rods. These are an up-dated version of the now discontinued FLi.
The rods are lighter in hand and a bit faster in action with the Sage G5
Graphite Blank technology. I am stocking a few more two-piece rods in this
series per customer requests.
Redington Fly Rods and Reels
I also have the new CPX Switch Rod. This is an 11’ 3”
8-weight rod designed for salmon and steelhead fishing in the Big Manistee,
If you are looking for a rod to get a fisherman started
in the sport, we carry five different outfits ranging from 4-weight for
bluegill and trout fishing to an 8-weight for bass bugs. All the outfits
retail for $99.00 and come with rod, reel, tapered fly line, backing, leader
and a cloth bag for the rod. This is an excellent value!
New this season is the Redington Rise Series of
mid-arbor fly reels. They are similar in design to last years CD Series of
reels, but much lighter in weight. The reels are still available in four
sizes and are available in three colors; moss, dark charcoal and burnt
orange.
This year
Also from
Korkers Wading Boots
A new product that I’m excited about is the Korkers
Cross Current Wading Boot. With interchangeable soles you can change to meet
different wading conditions. The boots come with felt and trail lug soles.
Or you can purchase sticky rubber, studded felt, boat or studded rubber
soles to meet your specific wading condition. Soles change within a matter
of seconds. Carry an extra set in your vest or wading pack. The shoes are
made from synthetic leather, are very light weight and dry quickly after
use. There may be restrictions in the future regarding the use of felt soles
in many river systems due to aquatic nuisance species (ANS). Korkers offers
a unique alternative for $89.95.
MORE NEW
ITEMS
FYI
We will start the Saturday morning fly casting class
May 2, from 9:30 to 11:00 here at the shop. No need to sign up. Just bring
your fly fishing outfit and dress for the weather. See you this Saturday.
Rock Creek is now catch and release for smallmouth
bass.
Rick