Hatch 2013 Anglers Annual: 10 Years of Hatch

Transcription

Hatch Outdoors, inc.
1001 Park Center Drive
Vista, California 92081
www.hatchoutdoors.com
[email protected]
+1 877 634 4343 Toll Free
+1 760 734 4343 Tel
+1 760 734 4344 Fax
Dealer Inquiries
Hatch is always looking for
quality dealers to help us
promote our reels and products
around the world. E-mail us at
[email protected]
or call us at 877.634.4343.
Photo Credits
Hatch would like to thank the
following photographers for
their contributions: Jim Klug,
Bryan Gregson, Ian Davis, Brian
Grossenbacher, Jason Bolt and
John Torok. Special thanks goes
out to all of our customers who
submitted photos to our web site
for use in our catalog.
10
Years
Warranty
Hatch reels are carefully
inspected to assure product
consistency and quality
and are guaranteed against
manufacturer’s defects in
materials and craftsmanship
for the life of the product
by its original owner.
Support your
Local Fly Shop
Proudly made
in the USA
Cert no. XXX-XXX-000
2013
Angler’s
Annual
It’s hard to believe
With six weeks to go until my current job expired,
10 years
have passed since
we started Hatch
Over the years we’ve met thousands of anglers,
attended dozens of shows and events, visited
a ton of dealers, listened to the advice of
hundreds of guides, met some of the pioneers
of our sport and traveled the globe fly fishing.
size reel that actually worked – the 56 (now the 5 Plus).
I reached out to a business friend who was the only
We also had the prototype of the 78 (now the 7 Plus),
person that I knew whose products were machined.
non-working of course, but we asked potential dealers
That person was Scotty Cameron. Scotty suggested
to “imagine” how great it was going to be. I guess it
that I call Danny Ashcraft, the owner of the machine
worked. As newbies, we were tucked into to the very
shop where the majority of his putters are made.
back corner of the venue. The location proved to be
Instead of calling, I drove over and walked in the front
beneficial as we had plenty of spare time to make
door. When I asked for Danny they told me he was
friends with fellow manufacturers, guides, resort
on vacation and inquired what this was about? I told
owners and media types that would prove fruitful
Danny’s GM I had some ideas for making fly reels
in years to come. We also made our first sale to Tim
and that Scotty had sent me. He immediately called
and T.J. Bettis of Orlando Outfitters who were in the
Danny on his cell phone. Turns out that Danny was fly
process of opening a new shop and wanted to take a
fishing in Idaho. Dumb luck. What were the odds of
chance on something different. Thanks guys! Danny
finding a machine shop owner in San Diego who was
and I had a great time at the show, and because our
also an avid fly fisherman on the very first try? Danny
expectations were low, we counted it as a success.
Danny and I
suggested that we meet when he returned. Turns out
When we returned we put the pedal to the metal and
tortured and
that making fly reels had been on Danny’s mind for
the rest is history. Basically that’s it. I could go on but
years, and he had several design ideas of his own.
who the hell is still reading this anyhow?
tweaked all sorts
So a deal was struck within days – the two of us
Danny and I would like to thank each and every
Over the next
20 months
of materials until
would become business partners. Two strangers with
customer, dealer, distributor, guide, lodge, resort,
we came up with
our first working
nothing more in common than a love for fly fishing,
travel company, photographer, bar owner, media
Not too shabby for a couple of overgrown children from SoCal. Through it all one
Mexican beer, fine tequila, great wine and tacos.
honk, web geek, blogger, tweeter, facebooker, park
question always comes up: How did it all begin? So, in an effort to answer this
Perfect. I left my job early and we started a few days
ranger, Fish and Game Officer and anyone else whose
question once and for all, here is a first hand account of what went down.
later. It should be noted that I did all of this without
supported us over the years. We appreciate all of you,
that we oh-so
“really” telling my wife or family. Who, when informed,
and look forward to the next ten years. We feel like
affectionately
thought I had lost control over my faculties. “You’re
Hatch is just hitting its stride and the best is yet to
starting a what and with whom?” “Are you insane,
come. Take care and tight lines.
‘It was cold stormy night in San Diego and a young
was to be merged with another larger competitor in
there’s no fly fishing anywhere near here and you
man with a flat tire sat helplessly on the I-5 freeway
my market. While I could have stayed on in whatever
don’t know anybody?” I can only imagine that Danny’s
when a sage, older gentleman stopped to offer
capacity I chose, I elected instead to do something
family said the same thing. But it hardly mattered to
assistance. The salt-and-pepper-haired stranger
different with my life. I was 35 years old, married
either of us.
(think Sam Elliott) looked mercifully on the younger
and working a ridiculous amount of hours per week.
inexperienced man who possessed the chiseled good
The free time I did have I spent outdoors – surfing,
and tweaked all sorts of materials until we came
looks of a 50’s Hollywood actor (think James Dean).
mountain biking, hunting and of course fly fishing.
up with our first working prototype that we oh-so
The two men locked eyes, and in a surreal moment
Two days before a trip to the Eastern Sierras I
affectionately referred to as – Frankenreel. You’ll
purchased what was the most expensive fly reel I had
understand when you see it. Drag, durability and
company.” The End.’
ever owned. It was a beautiful piece of equipment
design were the main criteria. The goal was to make
and I was excited to use it. Two hours into the first day
heirloom quality type reels. Reels that held up over
happened. Back in 2003 my tenure as the President
the reel stopped working. Literally, parts were falling
time, looked great and stopped fish in their tracks.
of a local commercial printing company was coming
off. I was pissed! It was on the drive back home that I
to an end. At my own recommendation, my company
thought to myself that I could build a better reel.
Hatch Outdoors
referred to as
Frankenreel.
Over the next 20 months Danny and I tortured
blurted out simultaneously “let’s start a fly reel
Stop. Stop. Stop. That isn’t true. Here’s what really
— John & Danny
prototype –
At the 2005 Fly Fishing Retailer Show in Denver we
showed up with an enormous 10’ x 20’ booth and one
2013 Annual
1
1 Plus Finatic
Finatic
Diameter
2.9"
Width
.85"
Weight
We’re talking small You might
even use one of these as a key chain.
We had never considered a reel of
this size since we very rarely fish with
0–2 weight rods. However, our minds
changed when we had so many
requests. How could we refuse? So
for all you creeky anglers who love
the little stuff this reel is for you.
Line Weight
Spools
Capacity
2.8 oz.
0–2
Mid Arbor Only
20# Dacron
MA Spool:
WF0F-70, WF1F-60,
WF2F-50
Hatch Premium
MA Spool:
WF0F-80, WF1F-70,
WF2F-60
Protection
Color Options
Clear / Red
Type 2 Anodize
Reel
$350
Spool
$158
Clear / Green Clear / Blue Clear / Black Black / Silver
Shown actual size
Hatch Outdoors
2013 Annual
3
3 Plus Finatic
Finatic
Diameter
If you’re looking for the
perfect trout reel than you just
found it. The 3 Plus is capable of
running 3–5 weight lines with ample
backing capacity for the occasional
whopper that might come along. At
first glance you’ll notice this ain’t no
dainty trout reel. This little wonder
means business.
3.25"
Width
.8250"
Weight
4.8 oz.
Line Weight
3–5
Spools
Large and Mid Arbor
Capacity
20# Dacron
LA Spool:
WF3F-110, WF4F-100,
WF5F-80
MA Spool:
WF4F-130, WF5F-115
Hatch Premium
LA Spool:
WF3F-118, WF4F-108,
WF5F-86
MA Spool:
WF4F-140, WF5F-124
Protection
Reel
Spool
Color Options
Clear / Red
Type 2 Anodize
$400
$175
Shown actual size
Hatch Outdoors
2013 Annual
5
4 Plus Finatic
Finatic
Diameter
Width
Weight
The 4 Plus bridges the gap in
size and weight between the 3 and 5
plus models. The reel was designed
to be the perfect 5 weight reel, but
feels equally balanced with both 4
and 6 weight lines as well.
Line Weight
Spools
Capacity
3.425"
.90"
5.2 oz.
4–6
Large and Mid Arbor
20# Dacron
LA Spool:
WF5F-100, WF6F-80
MA Spool:
WF5F-160, WF6F-130
Hatch Premium
LA Spool:
WF5F-110, WF6F-88
MA Spool:
WF5F-170, WF6F-140
Protection
Color Options
Clear / Red
Type 2 Anodize
Reel
$450
Spool
$190
Shown actual size
Hatch Outdoors
2013 Annual
7
5 Plus Finatic
Finatic
Style
We call this bad boy the
“do it all” reel. We’ve used this
workhorse surf fishing in So Cal, light
steelheading in Oregon, chucking
nasty streamers to ravenous browns
in Montana, and stalking bones
on the flats in Belize. Designed for
running 5–7 line weights.
Finatic
Diameter
3.625"
Width
.9375"
Weight
6.5 oz.
Line Weight
5–7
Spools
Large and Mid Arbor
Capacity
20# Dacron
LA Spool:
WF5F-130, WF6F-110,
WF7F-100
MA Spool:
WF5F-200, WF6F-180,
WF7F-160
Hatch Premium
LA Spool:
WF5F-140, WF6F-118,
WF7F-108
MA Spool:
WF5F-216, WF6F-194,
WF7F-172
Protection
Color Options
Clear / Red
Type 2 Anodize
Reel
$500
Spool
$205
Shown actual size
Hatch Outdoors
2013 Annual
9
7 Plus Finatic
Finatic
Diameter
Width
Weight
If I was stranded on a desert
island and had only one reel to
bring it would be the 7 Plus. We
have sold more of these bad boys
than any other size in the Hatch
line up. Why? Because it’s the
perfect crossover reel for both salt
and fresh water fly fishing. From
bonefish to permit, steelhead to
carp this reel has you covered.
Line Weight
4.0"
1.125"
8.6 oz.
7–9
Spools
Large and Mid Arbor
Capacity
20# Dacron
LA Spool:
WF7F-220, WF8F-210,
WF9F-200
MA Spool:
WF7F-280, WF8F-270,
WF9F-260
Hatch Premium
LA Spool:
WF7F-360, WF8F-325,
WF9F-295
MA Spool:
WF7F-415, WF8F-380,
WF9F-370
Protection
Color Options
Clear / Red
Type 2 Anodize
Reel
$600
Spool
$225
Shown actual size
Hatch Outdoors
Hatch
2013
Outdoors
Annual
11
9 Plus Finatic
Finatic
Diameter
Width
Weight
where the rubber Meets
the road my friends! If you’ve been
dreaming of a reel that has the look,
feel and performance of a Ferrari
than look no further. Capable of
running 9–12 weight lines, and your
choice of mid or large arbor spools,
this reel is one versatile hombre.
If you are truly serious about
saltwater or spey fishing than this is
your next reel.
Line Weight
Spools
Capacity
4.25"
1.375"
10.6 oz.
9–12
Large and Mid Arbor
30# Dacron
LA Spool:
WF9F-285, WF10F-240,
WF11F-205, WF12F-180
MA Spool:
WF9F-360, WF10F-335,
WF11F-300, WF12F-265
Hatch Premium
LA Spool:
WF9F-285, WF10F-240,
WF11F-205, WF12F-180
MA Spool:
WF9F-360, WF10F-335,
WF11F-300, WF12F-265
Protection
Color Options
Clear / Red
Type 2 Anodize
Reel
$750
Spool
$350
Shown actual size
Hatch Outdoors
2013 Annual
13
11 Plus Finatic
Finatic
Diameter
Width
Weight
We had one thing in Mind
when we designed this reel: Tarpon.
The goal was to create a larger reel
that bridged the gap between the 9
and 12 Plus models. We also wanted
to make sure it had an oversized
handle for greater grip control when
fighting those big silver critters. The
mid arbor option is also great for
spey rods from 13.5–14.5 feet.
Line Weight
Spools
Capacity
4.625"
1.50"
11.1 oz.
11–12
Large and Mid Arbor
30# Dacron
LA Spool:
WF11F-275, WF12F-250
MA Spool:
WF11F-425, WF12F-400
Hatch Premium
LA Spool:
WF11F-275, WF12F-250
MA Spool:
WF11F-425, WF12F-400
Protection
Color Options
Clear / Red
Type 2 Anodize
Reel
$825
Spool
$375
Shown actual size
Hatch Outdoors
2013 Annual
15
12 Plus Finatic
Finatic
Diameter
Conventional wisdom says:
Never take a knife to a gunfight. And
when you’re tackling big fish like the
ones this reel was designed for, then
I think that’s really sound advice.
The 12 Plus was designed for fish
that are notorious for being really
hard to handle. GTs or tuna, just to
name a few, can undo your average
gear in a fraction of a second. You
will not find a better fish-fighting tool
on the market for these situations.
Oh yeah, it’s also great for big spey
applications.
Color Options
Clear / Red
5.0"
Width
1.6875"
Weight
15.6 oz.
Line Weight
Spools
Capacity
12–16
Large and Mid Arbor
Hatch Premium
LA Spool:
WF12F-450
MA Spool:
WF12F-1000
Protection
Type 2 Anodize
Reel
$900
Spool
$400
Shown actual size
Hatch Outdoors
2013 Annual
17
Most Americans do not need to hunt and fish for
by
Ian Davis
food anymore, which is a simple fact of life in our
teach these real life experiences. The act of tying a
modern day culture. The very process of engaging
fly from a heap of feathers and laundry lint, taking
in these activities, however, keeps us sharp, offers
that fly out to the water, catching and landing a fish,
focus, provides family bonding, and – perhaps
and then only to release it is the type of amazing
most importantly – gets us off the couch, onto the
experience that every young person deserves to
water, breathing fresh air. If more people choose the
have. And this entire process of fishing uses all
electronic path to find their entertainment instead
types of personal skills, including art, mathematics,
of heading to the great outdoors, we will not only
athletics, and science. Combine these skills into a
become a country of lazy, weak and timid citizens,
single activity while fishing and you immediately have
but our economy and our ability to protect the
a better understanding of the world around you. Too
natural resources that are so dear to hunters and
many kids today are enabled by our society to seek
anglers will suffer as well. Everyone from outfitters
the easy route; to save time and exert less energy by
and guides to the state and federal wildlife divisions
logging on and tuning out. Our children are falling
will suffer from decreased funding. Our favorite local
behind across the board in too many ways, and when
outdoor retailers, hotels, shuttle drivers, gas stations,
it comes to outdoor interests and activities, it is time
fishing bars and dozens of other small businesses
to do something about it!
will suffer as well. Even the airlines, and car rental
These days it seems as
if too many children
experience their
“fishing adventures”
on the couch –
The days of actually going outside to fish and experience a day on
the water seem to be fading as quickly as a missed tarpon disappearing
back into the stained water of a mangrove creek. Fishing license sales –
especially those sold to young people – are way down from twenty years
ago, and there is little doubt that technology and a life spent in front of a
computer screen has replaced the outdoor foundational skills for a large
number of young people. Historically, these outdoor and on-water pastimes
by logging on, clicking
were not only a rite of passage for many Americans, but an actual means of
buttons and swiping
survival for others. This outdoor and sporting connection no doubt played a
madly at a glass screen.
Hatch Outdoors
key role in creating our country; an America that was strong, powerful, and
the most resourceful country in the world.
them for life, and there are no “Apps” that can really
Every angler that cares about this sport and
companies will feel the pinch if we opt for the latest
cares about our resources needs to get involved
version of Big Bass Challenge on our 90-inch plasma
in promoting the outdoors in our own community,
in the basement over actually leaving the house,
and we can all start by getting our own families and
wader-ing up and stepping into real water. The act of
friends breathing more fresh air. Even if you do not
fishing and hunting drives our economy from a grass
live in an area with easy access to the outdoors,
root to a national level and everything in between. resources exist that can help. Often you will find local
And aesthetically? Show me how a video game
fishing and hunting clubs in your area, or you can
console can imitate the smell of low tide as you wait
search helpful web sites such as takemefishing.org or
for tails to pop in the shallows, or the visuals of the
fedflyfishers.org. Check out your local or surrounding
mist rolling down a steelhead river only to give way
areas for outdoor expos or shows. These events
to the rising sun. You simply cannot download these
can introduce you to numerous local and national
actions and experiences.
organizations as well as local businesses that can
This is why it is more important than ever that
make your outdoor efforts a lot easier. How about
we get our kids fishing. Get them outside and on to
practicing your casting in the park or take casting
the water. Our young people are the future for our
lessons from your local fly shop in between trips? Not
sport and will be the ones tasked with protecting
only is this fun, but will seriously increase your fish
and preserving our sporting resources as well as our
count. Tie flies, this is a wonderful and creative way
sporting heritage. Without a strong foundation in
to “go fishing” without leaving your home. Do what
nature, they will be unable and unwilling to carry the
you can to get outside and go fishing more often, and
torch forward. The outdoors teaches our children so
take as many people with you as you can.
many important traits and values that will prepare
2013 Annual
19
The
Last
Day
One twitch, two twitches,
Three twitches and SPLASH!
“Oh my god, Fish On!”
I yelled in shock.
I saw a place the others hadn’t thrown at as they
by
Laura Jenkins
Photos by
Bryan Gregson
drifted by. So we rowed close and I took a shot. It was
the best cast I had made in four days. It felt really,
We woke up extra early on the last day of our trip. There was still a glimmer of hope left in all
of us as we left camp that morning in search of our quarry. At the very least, we had hopes of
capturing a few photos in the early morning light of tiger musky feeding on the waters surface.
In the distance I spotted a fish boiling in the middle of the lake. Something we had seen time and
again, but could never really figure out what they were eating. One thing was for certain; for the
past three days they had wanted nothing to do with our streamers. My arm and psyche were exhausted from flailing with the
edge of the boat. Seemingly right beneath my feet! I hadn’t
heavy sink tip line - but I quickly grabbed my rod and began
seen him following the fly and I had never seen a boil like that
casting anyway. In my mind I had already made the
in my life, right on the boat! I was elated. However,
connection… fish on the surface… fly on the surface. I pumped
overwhelming disappointment quickly set in as I realized I
a cast directly at the boil - it was as far as I could reach.
might have just ruined my one and only chance at catching a
As I retrieved the chartreuse and white foam body crease
fly, I improvised a pattern of twitches I devised in the moment. tiger musky.
Feeling as if we had blown the spot, we decided to row over
It popped, twisted and turned in all directions as it swiftly
and shoot photos in another area where we could see fish
made its way back to the boat. Several days of lackluster
swirling in the stillness of the early morning water. The
fishing seemed to have drawn out a bit of creativity in my
backdrop of snow covered mountains, combined with the
angling. While lifting my line to recast, a fish exploded at the
willows emerging from the overflowing lake, were incredible. Hatch Outdoors
While weaving our way in and out of the drowning
really good. The fly hit its mark perfectly and my fly
trees I saw another boil. It was closer to our friends
was in the zone. Of course, no one was looking. One
boat, so I pointed and cried out “Zach, cast!” He was
twitch, two twitches, three twitches and SPLASH!
on it in seconds. While Zach retrieved his fly, his
“Oh my god, Fish on” I yelled in shock. buddy Tom took a shot. The two flogged the water
Everyone looked up in disbelief and shouted their
for several minutes but their efforts proved fruitless.
confidences while I fought the fish. It came in twice,
Again… nothing.
ran, dove deep and doubled my rod over. It pulled
After a brief pow-wow, Zach and Tom decided to
hard, much harder than I imagined it would. I stayed
switch to crease flies after we mentioned our
focused, confident and tightened the drag when I felt
interaction with the musky out in the middle of the
things were under control. We frantically shuffled the
lake. Right then, we saw the same fish boil again. We
boats and still managed to leader the fish. Being
immediately started casting and stripping, while
careful not to get bit, I backed the pressure off the
Bryan shot photos rapid-fire from the rower’s seat of
drag and the fish was landed.
our boat. Again… nothing. The musky glimmered in the sun. Tiger stripes ran
Maybe the early morning, middle-of-the-lake,
down its sides as if sparkling golden syrup had been
fish-on-the-surface was a fluke. By this time, I think
poured down its back, leaving trails on an iridescent
everyone had given up on catching a tiger musky. background. I realized I never even knew how
The fish weren’t sitting where they usually did, or
beautiful a tiger musky was before that moment. behaving as we had come to expect. No matter, I was
Fly removed from mouth, photos captured, fish
loving life. My double haul was working (finally), my
released. After four days of battling reckless
casts were getting stronger and I was throwing from
rednecks, mud-boggers, little kids driving wakeboard
the bow of the boat. And while I probably could have
boats, stray bullets, blistering sun, wind, no fish, no
taken a turn in the rower’s seat so Bryan could keep
fish, no fish, I sat down and took a deep breath, still in
shooting, the edges of the bushes sunken in the
disbelief, awe and glee. For a moment, all was right
water were just looking too good.
with the world.
2013 Annual
21
trash fish. Unless I wanted to become a better angler.
You see, carp, for all their undesirable
Tomato
Bruschetta
characteristics, are harder to pattern, predict, and
by Kirk Deeter
ultimately catch than most fish people chase with fly
rods. Fly fishing is about problem solving. We might
Trout live in fragile,
finite aquatic
environments.
And nearly every fly
angler in America has
strong opinions (at
least pretty solid
hunches) on how to catch them. Carp, on
think it’s a culture, a lifestyle, and some of us might
go so far as to think obsession with bugs and fish and
rods and reels is even cool. It’s not. We’re all dweebs,
addicted to puzzles.
And the carp is perhaps the best piscine puzzle in
the world. They have more evolved senses than trout
and other fish. They smell and taste, which is of little
help to the fly guy. In fact, carp are reportedly able
to remember what hooks taste and smell like, so you
might catch one once, but very rarely will you catch
the other hand, live in just about any water that’s,
it twice, especially not the same way. They hear and
well, wet. And nobody I know has figured out how
feel vibrations (also bad for the fly guy, especially a
to catch any carp, any time. Yet some of us still
loud one). And they see… which is your only hope for
wonder where the opportunities in fly fishing are…
tricking one with a fly. But they eat almost anything,
Sure, carp are grotesque creatures. They stink.
which is a greater problem than it is an opportunity,
They’re fat. They’re slimy. And they’re ugly.
so what exactly are you going to tie on? You never
know what mood they’ll be in. And when you spook a
carp, not only will it swim away, it has ways of telling
all its friends and making them split also.
Isaak Walton may have called carp ”the queen of rivers”
in his Compleat Angler, but let’s be honest, standards have
noble species from the nasty invaders.
Unless we’re talking about brown trout. Or rainbow trout
The notion that carp are everywhere, so everyone
should fish for them is utter hogwash. Carp are
This recipe can be modified a number of ways, the important
thing is to have the freshest ingredients you can find. Vine
Ripened Tomatoes and Good Olive Oil are a must. I find
another key is slicing the tomatoes in half and poking your
fingers into the center to dig out all the seeds. You can do it
with a knife but where’s the fun in that.
3 Tomatoes – Seeded and chopped
changed since 1653. Back then, the Rubenesque physique (and
in places like Texas and Pennsylvania. Or salmon in the
everywhere, but only the most masochistic,
I think it’s fair to call carp Rubenesque) was still very much en
Great Lakes. Or lake trout in the West, except for the ones in
dedicated anglers should attempt them. Carp are
vogue. If you had your own teeth and a little junk in the trunk,
Yellowstone Lake. Or northern pike in rivers and reservoirs in
”poor man’s bonefish?” Total bull. You’re better off
you were foxy. A trip to the doctor may have included leeches
the Rockies, except where we’ve learned that it wasn’t such
popping for several trips to the Bahamas and Mexico
1 Teaspoon Dried Oregano
strategically attached to your armpits. And a good Sunday
a good idea to plant them there, because pike are good at
to learn how to sight cast at easy fish like bonefish
1 to 2 Tablespoons of Fresh Basil – finely chopped
dinner might have featured boiled carp and mead.
eating the rainbow trout and brown trout we also planted in
and permit before you bring that game to the mud
Red Pepper Flakes – Sprinkle in for just a little kick
those places. Or largemouth bass in California reservoirs,
flats of Indiana.
Salt & Pepper – To Taste
Which, incidentally, is exactly why carp were brought to the
2 cloves of Garlic – Minced as fine as you can
3 Tablespoons of Olive Oil
United States in the late 1800s — to feed a growing populace at
which actually eat trout, but that’s okay because those bass
a time when native fish stocks were depleted, and refrigerated
are so huge, someone will inevitably break the world record by
flies refused over and over and finally catch carp on
Grill up some Crusty Bread, drizzle with Olive Oil and rub with
transportation wasn’t plausible.
catching a 24-pounder someday.
those flies and feel the reward of holding a stinky,
a Garlic Clove. Slice it up and spoon on the tomato goodness.
slippery, fat blob of golden scales and goo… now
Perfect as is, or topped with your favorite sea creature!
Ah… that word ”native.” When applied to America’s fish, that’s
the moral line in the sand where we separate the worthy and
Hatch Outdoors
I suppose if I lived right along the banks of a classic trout
river, or on an island rife with bonefish flats, I’d consider carp
But do it well, stick with it, bake in the sun, see your
that’s a treasure.
2013 Annual
23
everything you heard.
and then some.
Friends, former classmates and coworkers, guys I used
to work with on Wall Street… I get these calls fairly
regularly and the conversations pretty much revolve
around the same set of questions:
by
Oliver White
“Hey, Oliver, what’s going on?”
“Where have you fished lately?”
“Who are you fishing with?”
“Any wild stories to share?”
Photos by
Brian Grossenbacher
I know they care about how things are going for me.
But I also know deep down I’m helping them imagine
a life very different from the one they’re living. I was
trouble and occasionally harass clients’ bonefish.
logistics that making a living in this business entails,
After a while you can’t help but admire their cunning
it’s easy sometimes to forget where you are. Then one
and brute athleticism. When we finally solved the
of those phone calls from an envious friend looking
mystery of getting a spinner shark to take a fly, well,
for a vicarious thrill will remind me to walk out on the
that was a memorable day. And it has spawned dozens
deck, take a deep breath and realize my back yard is
of unbelievable encounters with sharks. Now when
The Marls.
we spot one cruising the flats, the bonefish rod goes
This vast labyrinth of flats, mangroves and islands
in the hold and the shark rod comes out. They aren’t
totals over 200 square miles. You could fish it for
a nuisance, they’re a target and a thrilling experience
a lifetime and not cover all of it. And the bonefish
for clients.
thrive in numbers like no place else; 20-30 fish a
Celebrities are a thrill, too, I have to admit. We
day for an angler is fairly common at my lodge. The
attract our share here and my friends know it. I’m often
Bahamas doesn’t need me to play adventure-tourism
asked if Flip or Lefty or Chico is in the lodge; who’s the
ambassador. A place this rich in beauty and fish-
latest Hollywood type or captain of industry regaling
tangling opportunity sells itself. But the advantage in
the guests at the bar. And while I’ll play it off like it’s
having been here a while, and specifically out on the
no big deal, I still get a rush when the “Big Names” are
flats transacting the commerce of angler and guide/
here. Of course I know it’s not me they’re here to see.
host, is that the place has begun giving up her secrets.
It’s The Bahamas.
Bonefish are the main attraction, of course. Not
much tops the surge of excitement when you ease
because we love fishing. The irony is the more success
predictable and boring, mine seems exciting and
onto a flat and see tailing bonefish. I’ve caught
you have, the less you get to fish. When I do get out
stimulating and cool. They’re right, of course. This life is
hundreds and the experience still jacks my pulse
it’s usually because there’s a key client or colleague
pretty damn awesome.
several beats per minute. And yet there’s so much
or media person in the lodge. It takes all of about a
more going on out there. You come to see the nuance
minute to be reminded how special this place is. The
guide” story, though. It might spoil the mystique.
in behavior patterns of the species. For instance,
Bahamas remain astoundingly unspoiled to be as
The Bahamas’ reputation as a challenging business
the attitude between a four-pound bonefish and a
close as it is to the population dense southern US
environment is well-earned. Best practices? Let’s just
seven-pounder is starkly different. It’s almost like
coast. The diversity of the fishery and marine life is all
say you don’t deal with a lot of Six Sigma companies
they develop a bully swagger when they pass seven
around. Minutes from the lodge I can pull onto a flat
when you’re building and running a lodge on Abaco.
pounds. They become a different animal. They
and 99 times out of 100 see bonefish tails breaking the
transform from prey to predator.
surface.
I also spend a lot of time in airports, more than
just about anyone I know. Whether it’s to make show
My respect for the flats’ predators has risen
commitments or lead a group of anglers in Guyana or
immeasurably. I’m talking about the big ones, the
Iceland or Jackson, my travel schedule rivals a
‘cudas and sharks that cruise around looking for
Hell, if I was
still working
in New York,
I’d be calling
me all the
time for some
telephone
escapism, too.
We all work hard to have success in this business
once one of them, now I’m not. Where their lives feel
I don’t give them the entire “cool Bahamas fishing
Hatch Outdoors
diplomat’s, I’d wager. When you deal with all the
Hell, if I was still working in New York, I’d be calling
me all the time for some telephone escapism, too.
2013 Annual
25
Fly fishermen have the pirate streak in them,
their minds play out the perfect sequence of events
leading to the brief capture of a beautiful fish;
treasure at last! My mind twists into this fascinating
Like a ‘49er panning for color, my
dry fly searches out the nooks and
crannies of every bath tub sized pool.
daydream often enough; I’ve wondered at times how I
A
ever accomplish anything productive.
by
Andrew Dickinson
photos by
Jason Bolt
Pirate’s Life
for Me
Pirates come in
all shapes and sizes;
wanderers hell-bent
on possessing the
ultimate treasure.
Hatch Outdoors
Maybe others have wondered the same thing. But
how can you change something about yourself that’s
day on the creek. I pick out the second pool as most
as innate as your crooked little finger. We all have our
promising and work my way to a downstream rock.
favorite treasure haunts, mine just happens to be any
I’ve spotted some arrow shaped shadows tucked
small creek with wild trout. Occasionally, daydreams
tightly under an overhanging fern. Looks like treasure
become reality. I recently took the Hatch 1 Plus for a
is near! A quick cast and I catch an arrow shaped fern
day of getting lost in the deep reaches of a mountain
instead; the shadows vanish. Not disheartened, I pull
creek, full of wild rainbows.
up and move down the chain of pools.
Lacing up boots, pulling line through guides,
Like a ‘49er panning for color, my dry fly searches
and selecting my favorite dry fly start the day. The
out the nooks and crannies of every bath tub sized
temperature is heating up but the creek is cool and
pool. I see up ahead a kidney shaped stretch open up
looking down from a canyon ledge, I can see fishy
to a wide basin of placid water. Flashes of gold and
looking pools spilling into each other for a 100 yards.
silver on the rock studded floor tell me I’ve found the
Small gear has to be used in these waters, not only
native nest. My dry fly lays out with a short reach cast
to match the size of the fish but also because getting
to the closest flash. A splashy rise and I’m tight to the
within casting range usually requires an army crawl.
treasure I’ve been seeking. Several moments later, a
Better to carry a carbine than a 50 cal. in the jungle.
glorious eight inch wild rainbow came to rest in my
Here at Hatch, the 1 Plus is the smallest pistol in the
hand. Sometimes, reality doesn’t do justice to my
lineup and couldn’t have been better suited for my
daydreams. For today, I’m a happy pirate!
2013 Annual
27
While attending college back in the late ‘80s and
early ‘90s I worked in a small print shop on campus.
It was there I met another SoCal native named Tomme
Q&A for Tomme Arthur of
Lost Abbey Brewing Co.
Arthur. While Tomme had plenty of printing experience
under his belt, his passion lied elsewhere. The guy was
literally consumed by all things beer. Admittedly, I’m
no stranger to knocking back a few cold ones myself,
but this guy was talking about beers I never even knew
existed. Beers that looked like motor oil. Beers that were
fruity. Beers that were, well — weird.
For the majority of college students any beer will do.
Q How about those Chargers? Where will they finish?
A 10-6
Q How’d it all begin?
A Back in college. I just kept trying all sorts of different beers
from all over the world. I just kept drinking my way up the
ladder. Canadian beer, German lagers until I got to the peak,
Quantity was what mattered most. Cheap, yellow and
which was Belgium style beers. Then I started home brewing
fizzy would suffice. Not Tomme. He was drinking beers
and the rest is history.
made by monks that had corks in the bottle. Corks in
beer? C’mon man. And this stuff was expensive – really
Q What interests you most about brewing?
expensive. I couldn’t wrap my mind around why a guy
A Developing new flavor profiles
would pay $12 for a single beer that had mud in the
bottom when he could get an entire Stroh’s 30 pack. I
used to tease Tomme that he had champagne taste on
a beer budget. After college, Tomme and I lost contact
with one another.
Flash forward 20 years.
Q Anything new and exciting coming down the pipe that you
can reveal?
A Sure. We’re doing a dessert style beer using peaches and
nectarines that will be aged in Cognac barrels. Kind of an
after dinner cordial with about 15%-16% ABV. We’re also
getting ready to experiment using tequila barrels.
The craft brew movement in America was in its infancy
twenty years ago. Today it seems like they’re popping up
Q All time favorite beer? The one you drank that knocked your
on every street corner. However, the really good ones are
socks off or changed the way you thought about brewing.
still few and far between. One of the good ones lies right
by
here in San Diego’s North County - the same place Hatch
John
Torok
calls home. Back in 2008 I visited the tasting room at The
Inspired Beer
for Sinners &
Saints Alike
Hatch Outdoors
Lost Abbey/Port Brewing Company and low and behold
there was Tomme. Turns out that since leaving college
his interest in beer hasn’t waned one bit. In fact, it’s
gotten stronger. Tomme is the cofounder and Director of
Brewery Operations at The Lost Abbey, and the Belgium
style beers they produce have won awards all over the
globe. I sat down with Tomme to catch up and discuss
how it happened.
A Rodenbach Red. Our Red Poppy Ale is done very much in
this style.
Q Is there any truth to beer/food pairings or are people taking
themselves too seriously?
A Yes, but with some reservations. Certain flavor profiles in
beers compliment those in foods. The one that comes to
mind first are acid beers with duck. Very good! You can also
cook with beer. But beer doesn’t have the same depth as
wine, so food pairings with wine are a bit easier to make.
Also, no beer with desserts! More train wrecks there than
success stories.
Q Would you say you have a drinking problem or drinking
solution?
A Definitely a solution. Unless we run out, which is unlikely.
Q Where can our readers find your beers?
A Currently we’re in 9 states (CA, AZ, CO, WA, IL, GA, NJ, MA &
PA). You can also buy our beers in several European markets.
Q What do you think would happen if they invoked prohibition
You can also find us at lostabbey.com.
again?
A The collapse of Western civilization. We’d move to Mexico
Thanks Tomme. You got time for a pint?
like alcohol producers did before.
2013 Annual
29
Innovations
Cranks & Counterbalance
Unlike many manufacturers, whose counterbalance is merely
cosmetic, we’ve made the two pieces the same weight to achieve true
balance in the spool.
Drag
Machined Reel Seat
We wanted it sealed – hence the drag cassette. We’ve employed a multi-disc stack in all
The Original. A solid is always stronger than two pieces attached together. Also, by
models that is comprised of Rulon® and laser-cut stainless steel discs. With multi-disc
eliminating the screws you’ve eliminated the corrosion points. We are well aware that reel
drag , you are applying braking pressure and heat dispersion over several surfaces rather
seats bend and

we will replace the frame if such a problem occurs. It also looks damn cool.
than one to one surface braking on most drag systems today (i.e. metal to cork or metal to
plastic). This system virtually eliminates start up inertia and stick slip problems.
Machined Finish
Dimension in the Frame
At Hatch we don’t polish our reels. Everyone else does, but we like the
We machined dimension in the frame to increase rigidity, strength and reduce lateral flex.
machined look. You can see the witness marks and quality machining.
With the reel and spool together you get virtually no lateral flex when you push/pull the
No buff outs or cover-ups. It just didn’t make sense to cover up what
two. This means the reel tracks truer and it eliminates cavitations in high-speed runs.
Frame/Spool COnnection
Making a positive frame to spool connection is essential and on our reels
we call it the “power flower.” This unique little design feature locks both
together and creates a bomb-proof fit.
Hatch Outdoors
others can’t match. Its more difficult, takes more time, but it’s worth it.
Spool Tension Nut
Designed to be easily taken on and off with or
without full gloves. The nut is press fit into the spool
so it won’t fall out into the water or your gear bag.
Hook Guard
Keep those hooks tucked into the arbor of the
reel and out of the way of your hands.
Large vs Mid Arbor
All Hatch reels are offered in both large or mid arbor configurations.
The two different size spools are capable of running on the same frame,
allowing an angler to run three or more line weights on a single reel.
2013 Annual
31
Premium Braided Backing
Only one size?
You really only need one size to
cover all fly fishing applications. For
At Hatch, we’ve created a backing material that
a moment let’s forget what we know
has the touch and feel of Dacron combined with the
on diameter. Take a look at the chart
about pound (lb) ratings and focus
below. You’ll see that the diameter of
strength and diameter of Gel Spun in a single 8 braid
Hatch backing is equal to or less than
PE line for use in all fly fishing applications.
our competitors’ products. Now look
at the lb/kg ratings. You’ll notice right
away that our material is stronger
than everyone else’s. The diameter
of the line determines how much
BACKING IS BACKING RIGHT?
backing builds up on the arbor of a
Wrong! There have been major advancements
reel, not the pound rating. So, a single
in line technology over the past decade. The most
diameter line can be used effectively
exciting of which for anglers is the introduction of
in all fly fishing applications — fresh
braided polyethelyne lines. Specifically, eight braid
or saltwater.
polyethelyne lines. Commonly referred to as PE
lines, these lines are smaller in diameter and greater
in strength compared to traditional type fly fishing
backing materials. They have greater abrasion
resistance, are UV resistant, tie lower profile knots,
provide less drag through the water, and are capable of
lasting a lifetime.
Cross Section of Hatch PE
Hatch Outdoors
Length
100m
200m
400m
1200m
3000m
Diameter
.015"
.015"
.015"
.015"
.015"
Backing
Strength
68lb
68lb
68lb
68lb
68lb
Price
$29
$53
$100
$293
DEALER
Hatch PE Braid
20# Dacron
30# Dacron
30# Gel Spun
50# Gel Spun
Diameter
.015” / .37mm
.018” / .46mm
.024” / .61mm
.014” / .36mm
.016” / .40mm
Weight
68lb / 30.8kg
20lb / 9.0kg
30lb / 13.6kg
30lb / 13.6kg
55lb / 22.7kg
2013 Annual
33
Pardon our dust! We’ve been hard at work on an all-new online
caps
experience at hatchoutdoors.com so stop by on 12/01/12 and try it on for size.
Our store is still open during the remodel, so visit us today to pick up your
official Hatch apparel, gear and accessories like caps or neoprene reel pouches.
$25
Hatch Icon Trucker
$25
Vista, CA Trucker
$25
Hatch Hunting
$25
Keep It Reel Trucker
$25
Hatch Logo
Garment Washed
$30
Finactic Tour
$25
Women’s Trucker
$25
Hatch Icon Beanie
Neoprene Reel Pouches
$12-$20
Available in eight sizes
for a custom fit on
each and every size
reel we make. A longer
strap accomodates
lap over on your rod.
3 mil red neoprene,
black tape, yellow
stitching with tan
fleece lining.
Hatch Outdoors
2013 Annual
35
NEW
2013
Hatch Bottle
Opener Display
Everybody needs a killer bottle opener
to pop their favorite beverage at the end
of the day.
Look for our new bottle
opener display on the counter
of a Hatch Authorized Dealer
near you.
Fish tail
Bottle Opener
You will not a find a cooler way to open up
you favorite barley pop than with this one
of a kind item.
Features
6061 T6 Aluminum
with red paint fill
Single drill hole for
key ring attachment
Hatch Flag Sticker included
Price
Hatch Outdoors
$25
“Fly fishing
makes you
thirsty!
It’s a fact.
”
Tempest Pliers
The I-beam arms are crafted from 6061T6
Length
7.5"
Width
1.688"
The jaws and cutting blades are made from stainless
Weight
5.6 oz.
steel and plated with electroless nickel for corrosion
Colors
Clear/Red
Grey NLN/White
aluminum and protected with Type II Anodize.
resistance. Pliers come in a ballistic nylon sheath with belt
loop. Both the jaws and blades are replaceable at the factory.
Price
$200
2013 Annual
37
Hatch Outdoors, inc.
1001 Park Center Drive
Vista, California 92081
www.hatchoutdoors.com
[email protected]
+1 877 634 4343 Toll Free
+1 760 734 4343 Tel
+1 760 734 4344 Fax
Dealer Inquiries
Hatch is always looking for
quality dealers to help us
promote our reels and products
around the world. E-mail us at
[email protected]
or call us at 877.634.4343.
Photo Credits
Hatch would like to thank the
following photographers for
their contributions: Jim Klug,
Bryan Gregson, Ian Davis, Brian
Grossenbacher, Jason Bolt and
John Torok. Special thanks goes
out to all of our customers who
submitted photos to our web site
for use in our catalog.
10
Years
Warranty
Hatch reels are carefully
inspected to assure product
consistency and quality
and are guaranteed against
manufacturer’s defects in
materials and craftsmanship
for the life of the product
by its original owner.
Support your
Local Fly Shop
Proudly made
in the USA
Cert no. XXX-XXX-000
2013
Angler’s
Annual