PDF - Angling Trade

Transcription

PDF - Angling Trade

the buzz on the fly-fishing biz
®
INSIDE THE
SHOW 2016 ISSUE
Simms and the Bass World | Loving and Hating
Competitive Fly Fishing | Sage Launches the “X” |
The State of the U.S. Fly Market | Follow-Ups on
Magnuson-Stevens... And More
June 2016 AnglingTrade.com
FISH THE
TRUTH
NEW LEADER AND TIPPET
THE STRONGEST STRAIGHT TENSILE AND WET
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*REMEMBER X SIZES? SO DO WE. OUR NEW LEADER AND TIPPET MATERIALS FEATURE
ACCURATE BREAKING STRENGTHS AND TRUE-TO-SPEC X SIZES, MEANING OUR 5X REALLY IS 5X.
scientificanglers.com | #fishthetruth
the buzz on the flyfishing biz
CONTENTS
®
Features
Departments
Editor
36 F LY- F I S H I N G
COMPETITIONS: LOVE
O R H AT E ?
6 EDITOR’S COLUMN
Managing Editor
Rank
amateur
Kirk Deeter
[email protected]
Tim Romano
[email protected]
Art Director
Pretender
Tara Brouwer
[email protected]
shovelcreative.com
Editor-at-Large
Does it Really Have to Be That Scary?
A fresh spin on an old debate. (Plus a
sidebar on a new competition format that
might make everyone happy.)
By Kirk Deeter
Geoff Mueller
Copy Editors
Mabon Childs, Sarah Deeter
By Marshall Bissett
8 CURRENTS
Contributing Editors
44 S I M M S A N D B A S S
The latest news from the fly-fishing industry,
including reactions to the latest AFFTA
Retailer Survey.
Tom Bie
Ben Romans
Steven B. Schweitzer
Greg Vincent
50 C O U N T E R P O I N T:
TRCP Responds on the Morris-Deal Report.
By Whit Fosburgh
Five years ago, an iconic fly-fishing brand set
out to become an iconic bass-fishing brand.
How’s that working out?
By Shauna Stephenson
52 O P I N I O N
More reasons to care about MagnusonStevens.
By Charles Witek
58 X M A R K S T H E S P O T
Photos unless noted by
Tim Romano
Angling Trade is printed twice a
year, supplemented with bimonthly
E-Newsletters by Angling Trade, LLC.
Author and photographic submissions
should be sent electronically to
[email protected].
Angling Trade is not responsible
for unsolicited manuscripts and/
or photo submissions. We ask that
contributors send formal queries in
advance of submissions. For editorial
guidelines and calendar, please
contact the editor via E-mail.
Printed in the U.S.A.
62 B A C K C A S T
Advertising Contact: Tim Romano
Telephone: 303-495-3967
Fax: 303-495-2454
[email protected]
A comprehensive, straight-shot review on the
latest rod offering from Sage. Is it going to
be a sales magnet for shops? We think so.
New Rod Lines
By Kirk Deeter
By Geoff Mueller
Street Address:
3055 24th Street
Boulder, CO 80304
AnglingTrade.com
AnglingTrade.com | June 2016
Mail Address:
PO Box 17487
Boulder, CO 80308
3
INTRODUCING THE X ROD
COMMAND THE WATER
s a g e fl y fi s h . c o m
E D I TO R ’ S C O L U M N
WHY DOES EVERYTHING
HAVE TO BE SO SCARY?
A couple years ago, I got a call from a
producer of “Naked and Afraid.”
Yeah, it made me laugh too.
Apparently, he’d seen a story I wrote
for WIRED magazine, where I canoed
a stretch of the Cumberland River in
Tennessee and Kentucky, by myself,
camping for a couple nights, and
testing “techie” gear along the way.
It really wasn’t that “extreme” of a
trip. Truth is, I portaged around any
rapids that were more than class II.
At night, I sat in a comfortable chair,
satellite-texted my wife, read a book,
and sipped a bit of moonshine. I didn’t
eat much, because I didn’t catch much
(that I wanted to eat), so as soon as
I hauled out, I made a beeline to
Kentucky Fried Chicken.
I politely told this producer, “Dude, you
don’t understand. I make 90 percent of
my living by informing people exactly
6
how NOT to find themselves underclothed, or feel at all scared when they
It now seems that everything has to
“almost kill you” to have any media
legs. I’m sorry, but where, along the line,
did it become boring for someone to
have their shit in one bag? I mean, isn’t
that kinda why some of the companies
in this magazine make things like GORETex waders, and fly rods that can toss a
perfectly balanced fly line 80 feet… or
coolers that hold ice for several days,
thermal woollies, and sun protection?
Trust me, I get the “generational”
thing, but I’m a little tired of “pavement
walker” magazine editors and television
producers who live in Brooklyn dictating
the guidelines for outdoor “survival”
in the modern era. Not that they are
wusses. I’m always more afraid when I
ride the New York City subway these
days than I am when I’m fishing a river
in bear country.
out writing stories and fly fishing,
something has gone terribly wrong.”
I went on to explain that the most
dangerous animal in the world is
actually the mosquito. I also explained
that I have been to many of the jungle
places that Mr. Wade has chased
“Monster Fish” in, and I might be crazy,
but I can tell you that when a body with
no face is found floating in a Bolivian
river in the heart of booger-sugar
country, my first hunch wouldn’t be that
a fish ate that person’s face off.
Now we have “Fish or Die” and I
actually wish those guys the very best
because I like them, and I think they’re
good for the sport. I wouldn’t have
given them all the ink I have in various
media outlets over the years if I didn’t
genuinely feel that way. Those guys
can actually fish! I think they’re going
I just don’t like the outdoors treated
like some scary realm that forces you to
put your life on the line whenever you
experience it. I recently went to talk to
a 5th grade class, and I spent an hour
showing the kids awesome slides on a
big screen—shots taken out of airplanes
flying over the Alaskan Bush, or from
the jungles in South America, and the
flats in the Bahamas, and so on, and so
on. And the point was that WRITING…
stuff I started learning in my 5th grade
composition class, has led me on all
these cool adventures to places I never
imagined I would see when I was a
young boy.
So after that, it’s question time, and I
call on the first hand that shoots up at
the back of the classroom. And what do
you suppose the question was?
to do well, and put a great spin on fly
fishing (pun intended) for a whole new
audience to see and experience. And I
think that’s absolutely fantastic.
I just hope that after they film episodes
in the jungle in South America, if they
happen to fly back through Miami,
they don’t take a wrong turn out of the
airport. Because the truth is, that would
be the most dangerous part of the trip.
Better you than me, boys. I’m on
the “lodge plan” now. You keep
pushing, and charging, and most of
all, having fun.
Because the moral of the story is that
people can have fun in different ways,
seeking thrills or in the lap of luxury...
fully clothed, and, well, of course,
are experiencing the great outdoors.
If I’m ever naked or afraid when I’m
Thanks, Jeremy Wade. Nice work.
“How many times have you thought the
fish you were trying to catch was going
to kill you?”
unclothed. And if the fun happens to
involve a little fly fishing, it’s all good.
Actually, it’s great.
FINATIC
© Bryan Gregson Photography
7
CURRENTS
Congrats to AL Q!
Survey SAYS…
European model for fly fishing in
this country?) so, the total size of the
market appears, at least to us, to be
relatively stable.
The survey pins the total number of
fly-fishing participants in the United
The American Fly Fishing Trade
Association (AFFTA) has just released
its Fly Fishing Retailer Survey. The
information for this report was
collected through an online survey of
AFFTA member/retailers conducted by
Florida-based Southwick Associates,
an independent market research and
economics firm specializing in the
Those of you who know Al Quattrocchi,
hunting, shooting, sport fishing, and
and know what a genuinely good guy
outdoor recreation markets. Over 230
he is, how much he has given to fly
fishing… well you’ll know that this is not
a fluke at all. Al Q reports having caught
two pending fly world records while
fishing with his good friend and IGFA
record holder, Dr. John Whitaker. Both
AFFTA surveys. We’ve poured
through the findings, and think that
it gives a pretty good reflection of
where things stand now.
A Calico Bass on 12-pound tippet,
To view the full survey, you need to be
weighed 9.23 pounds, (largest recorded
an AFFTA member, and as such, you can
on fly, existing record is 5.4) using a
access the full report. Angling Trade has
Al Q sculpin fly. Also a white sea bass
permission to highlight several of the
on 20-pound tippet weighed in at 36
findings here, and comment on what we
pounds (existing record is 18.2).
think those findings represent.
Wrote Q: “Pretty crazy stuff to get two
The survey estimates the size of the
sight casted using an old Loomis 10/11
and Seamster reel loaded with Cortland
Liquid Crystal clear intermediate on an
is a notable increase over previous
on the same day!
back to back. The white sea bass was
8
dealers completed the survey, which
Al Q-tied brown Shady Lady Squid fleye.
I wanted to use this outfit to honor a
trade to be $815 million, which seems
like a jump over the past surveys
that have put the market between
$650 and $700 million; however, this
survey factors in guiding as a source of
couple of old buddies that I always looked
income. Guiding and outfitting actually
up to, in fact the outfit was my friend Dr.
represented the largest segment of
Jerry Pierce’s who just retired from fly
the market at 16% (are we headed
fishing and was one of my mentors.”
more and more toward a pay-to-play,
States to be 4.5 million. Before you get
excited and launch your E-magazine
or new rod company based on that,
realize that includes one-shot wonders.
Angling Trade estimates the population
of anglers who actually buy things and
participate on a fairly regular basis to be
closer to 1-1.5 million, and two of the
largest manufacturers (the only two we
checked with) in this space concur with
that assessment.
continued on next page...
Rise to the top of the fly fishing world...
www.jrharrisphoto.com
The AFFTA Dealer Summit
October 16-19, 2016
Bozeman, Montana
Registration opens August 1
“ Hands down the best business seminar
I’ve ever been to. We’ll be back.”
— Steve Schmidt, Western Rivers Flyfisher
“ We received knowledge we can
implement tomorrow!”
— Steve McLaughlin, Front Range Anglers
“ I have so many good ideas from the
Dealer Summit, I don’t know what to
act on first!”
Join AFFTA in Bozeman, Montana
for educational hands-on seminars
and roundtable discussions to benefit
your business including marketing,
advertising, merchandising and some
of the best fishing in the West during
the most beautiful and productive
seasons of the year.
— David Leinweber, Angler’s Covey
For more information, visit: www.affta.org
CURRENTS
Good news for Far Bank: In terms of
popular rod brands, Sage came in
first, and Redington tied for second
with Orvis.
Company and People News
concept for fly reel design. The
R.L. Winston Rod Company Acquires
quality approach in all of its product
Bauer Fly Reels
company continues with this precision
development and design.”
The Fly Shop Hires Eric Esch
The largest contingent of fly dealers in
America (28.9 percent) are in the Rocky
Mountains. Those dealers also sell more
fishing licenses than in other regions.
Most fly shops report gross income
between 500-$750,000. Fewer than
Winston Rod Company in Twin
two percent report gross sales of $3
Bridges, Montana, recently acquired
million or more.
Bauer Premium Reel Company in
Ashland, Oregon. “There are a lot
“The 2015 Dealer Survey is another
of very good fly reels,” said Winston
example of how AFFTA is helping
Chairman and Owner, David Ondaatje,
to move the business of fly fishing
“but there is something extraordinary
forward. This survey provides retailers
about Bauer that made us want to be
and manufacturers invaluable
more involved over the long term… a
data regarding the health, general
performance and long-term direction
of our sport and industry. All members
of AFFTA will find this survey and its
results to be invaluable as we plan
our business for 2016 and beyond,”
stated AFFTA Chairman Tucker Ladd.
"I always find surveys that track the
fly fishing industry to be interesting,
and this (effort) seems more in
line with what we (Far Bank) have
tracked in recent years," said
Travis Campbell, CEO of Far Bank
fly-fishing travel specialist. Ersch brings
a wealth of field-gained fly fishing
experience having fished, guided and
leading-edge technology.”
managed some of the most famous
Bauer Premium Fly Reels was founded
water experience spans decades, and
in 1995 by Jon Bauer after designing
includes the Kola Peninsula of Russia,
one of the first large arbor fly reels made
the Bahamas, Mexico, Alaska and
in the USA. Previously, Jon had driven
Panama. Eric managed Big Ku Lodge
race cars for Porsche and Ford, winning
in Alaska for the past two seasons, and
several major events including the 1980
prior to that was manager of Paradise
fishing lodges in the world. His on-the-
Trans-Am Championship.
Lodge in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.
Said Bauer: “I did a lot of design and
Atlanta Will Host 2017 Fly
development work when I was racing.
You develop widgets all the time,
FIshing Show
Greater Atlanta, the ninth largest
for new ways to make your car better
population center in the U.S, will play
and faster. Starting in 1994, as an avid
host to one of the 2017 editions of
questions, but by and large, it gives
fly fisherman, I took the same approach
the Fly Fishing Show™, announced
us a pretty good impression of where
in designing innovative fly reels. Since
president and CEO Ben Furimsky.
things stand. We are obviously happy
I came from a different sport, (racing
to see where some of our brands are
not fly fishing), I approached fly reel
The Atlanta Fly Fishing Show is
positioned in the mix. I also find it
design differently. By applying principles
scheduled for Feb. 3 and 4. The Georgia
interesting to see how high the guide
of basic physics to the design and
show dates will replace the North
and outfitter category is in the listing
incorporating precision manufacturing,
Carolina show, said Furimsky, adding,
of revenue sources."
I was able to produce a totally new
“It is unfortunate that we have a limited
of areas where I still have some
announced it has hired Eric Ersch as a
because that’s how you win – you look
Enterprises. "There are a couple
10
beautiful product, good people and
The Fly Shop (Redding, Calif.)
CAPT. SHANE SMITH
They just keep coming...
The awards, that is.
IFTD Best of Show Overall, IFTD Best Saltwater Fly Rod, Gray’s Best, Field & Stream Best of the Best, American Angler Gear of the Year,
Yellowstone Angler 8-weight Shootout, Fly Fisherman Best Saltwater Fly Rod, Fly Rod & Reel Kudos Award,
and so many more… Thank you all, we’re honored to receive the recognition.
Scott Fly Rod Company
|
2 3 5 5 A i r P a r k Wa y, M o n t r o s e , C o l o r a d o 8 1 4 0 1
|
970-249-3180
|
scottflyrod.com
CURRENTS
us the room for a watercraft area
showcasing both fresh and saltwater
boats designed for fly fishing including
inflatables, kayaks, center consoles,
flats skiffs, drift boats and Jon boats,”
said Furimsky.
In addition to approximately 100 new
product and vendor exhibits, the Atlanta
Fly Fishing Show will feature some 60
demonstrations, fly-casting and fly-tying
seminars, films, tackle and gear each
day all pointed at southeastern states’
Atlanta will host The 2017 Fly Fishing Show
number of show and travel weekends to
was formerly called the Gwinnett Center.
work with and the demand to do Atlanta
was just too great.”
“Atlanta is an ideal show location, within
hours of fly-fishing venues from native
The Fly Fishing Show will be held at
trout streams to saltwater flats,” said
Infinite Energy Center, 6400 Sugarloaf
Furimsky. “Additionally, the expanded
Parkway, in suburban Duluth. The site
site at Infinite Energy Center gives
anglers. Exhibitor booths will include
tackle manufacturers and retailers, rods,
reels, boots, waders, vests and other
accessories; technical clothing, lodges,
overseas and domestic resorts, guide
services and conservation organizations.
The two-day show is expected to draw
fly-fishers – expert and novice – from
North and South Carolina, Tennessee,
Florida and throughout Georgia for
demonstrations, classes and seminars by
fly-fishing notables including Lefty Kreh,
Bob Clouser and Gary Borger.
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers calls
for ‘Stream Access Now’
For anglers, access to streams and
14
waterways is the most important
factor in our participation in—and the
perpetuation of—our outdoor traditions.
Our access opportunities, however, are
far from guaranteed. Laws governing
CURRENTS
ownership of streambeds vary widely
and organizations that contribute to
from state to state, some favoring public
expanding U.S. exports. Since 1961,
use and others favoring exclusivity.
nearly 2,800 companies have received
Well-moneyed efforts to further lock out
the E Award recognition.
everyday anglers from public rivers are
advancing, with sportsmen experiencing
Fishpond’s LeCoq Honored
several major losses in recent years.
Until now, no national sportsmen’s group
has tackled the issue of stream access.
At ICAST/IFTD, Backcountry Hunters
& Anglers will be launching a national
campaign, Stream Access Now. They
will not only be engaging and informing
Recognized by Commerce Secretary
Pritzker as the first Montana firm ever to
receive “E” Award
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny
Pritzker made a point to recognize
Simms. “Today, we honor companies
like Simms Fishing Products—the
anglers and other sportsmen about the
first-ever Montana company to receive
issue; they will also combat the greatest
an E Award,” said Secretary Pritzker.
threats to access, state by state.
“The recipients being honored today
demonstrate the opportunity inherent
Alongside some of the most powerful
in selling Made-in-America products
brands in the angling industry, BHA is
to the broad customer base that exists
launching a crowdfunding campaign to
outside our borders. Their success
raise money and awareness around the
contributes to growth, job creation,
issue of stream access. This will enable
competitiveness, and the success of the
us to uphold, enhance and expand
American economy.”
access to flowing waters – our birthright
as Americans.
vision to build premium quality fishing
and outdoor gear, using profits and
shared passions of their dedicated
consumers to support water, fish and
habitat conservation efforts. Last
month, Le Coq was recognized for his
commitment and contributions to the
environment as one of four nominees
for the annual Pegasus Foundation
Wings award.
Working on behalf of animals, the goal
To learn more and join the battle, visit
and Senior Director, Employee &
of the Pegasus Foundation is to “Give
www.streamaccessnow.com.
Community Engagement, Diane Bristol,
Great Ideas Wings” through focused
were on hand to accept the award from
grants and recognition of outstanding
the Secretary.
individuals and programs. The third
annual Pegasus Wings Award ceremony
“Over the last 25 plus years, we have
will recognize extraordinary people
made a concerted effort to find the
who have made a significant difference
level Export Award
best partners to help us build our
for animal protection. 2015 nominees
Simms Fishing Products was one of 123
brand internationally,” Bristol said.
were recognized at a gala event in
“We have a deep appreciation for the
nationwide companies and organizations
Washington, D.C. at the Cosmos Club,
relationships we’ve built and the efforts
to receive the President’s E Award for
founded by John Wesley Powell in 1878.
they’ve made to represent us.”
Simms Recognized with Presidential-
founded the brand Fishpond with a
Sales Manager, Tim Malyurek,
Accolades
16
Simms Fishing Products International
Nearly 20 years ago, John Le Coq
exporting excellence during a May 16
“As both a business owner and an avid
ceremony in Washington, D.C. This is
The President’s E Award was created
angler, water and habitat conservation
the first time that a Montana-based firm
by President John F. Kennedy in
is paramount to everything I do.
has received the award.
1961 to recognize persons, firms,
I’ve had the privilege to work with
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17
CURRENTS
NGOs, governments, science-based
Affordable impulse items for
anglers of all types & budgets
Books & DVDs
environment and species diversity,”
says Le Coq. “I want to bring more
DVD: $24
.99 srp
compassion to the table when it
comes to wildlife issues, especially
for states like Colorado that depend
heavily on outdoor recreation dollars.”
Softcover: $24.99
make balanced decisions about the
Softcover: $16.99
organizations and businesses to help
Enamel Mug set of 6 $72.00 srp
srp $12 each
Le Coq regularly travels to Washington
to speak about conservation. Most
recently he has been meeting with
several NGOs and individuals to
DVD: $29
.95 srp
discuss predator-management issues,
and importantly, creative funding
mechanisms to be sure that non-game
species across the country remain
ANGLER’S BOOK SUPPLY 800.260.3869
a priority. “As a CEO of an outdoor
recreation company, and as an American
Featuring the very best books, dvds,
calendars & gifts that fly-fishing has to offer.
who cares deeply about our natural
resources, I know I need to make a stand
for something much larger than the
company I have created,” adds Le Coq.
“My business must become a voice to
communicate the principals of change
that I feel and that are paramount to the
longevity of species and diversity.”
AFFTA Awards Washington,
D.C. Conservation Leaders
www.anglersbooksupply.com
Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and White
clean water and healthy fish habitat,”
House senior advisor Brian Deese.
said Ben Bulis, president of the
AFFTA president Ben Bulis, along
Bozeman, Montana-based American Fly
with AFFTA members Simms Fishing
Fishing Trade Association.
Products, The Boat Company and
AC Beane Outdoors were on hand to
“We are attentive to opportunities
present the awards.
to protect clean water for fish and
fishermen, and appreciate all that
“Fishermen and our $646-billion
outdoor recreation industry depend on
Washington, D.C. – The American Fly
Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA) held
a Capitol Hill reception last night to
18
celebrate champions for clean water,
fish habitat and the outdoor industry.
Earlier in the week, AFFTA awarded
four conservation leaders including
Senator John Tester (D-MT), Senator
Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Senator
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19
CURRENTS
leaders in Congress and the White
off, Redington, launched its inaugural
House are doing to protect our outdoor
Home Waters events on the Deschutes
heritage and sporting traditions.”
River May 21st and more events have
continued into the summer.
Product News
BUFF UV Arm Sleeves
AFFTA is also closely watching public
debate around potential conservation
of the Canyons and Seamounts area
of the Atlantic Ocean—off the coast
of Cape Cod, Massachusetts—and
supports a monument designation for
the area should access for recreational
fishing be permitted. This unique ocean
ecosystem supports a wide variety of
“Home Waters Co-Op is a celebration
For 2017 BUFF is launching a non-
fish and coral species.
of shared experiences on the water.
greasy alternative to sunscreen.
It’s about evening hatches, cold beers,
Available in three sizes, the new UV
campfire stories, and fishing with our
Arm Sleeves feature highly breathable
Redington/Sage Hit the Road to
Home Waters
community,” said Redington brand
Continuing to lead the push to engage
hit the water and engage with anglers
more anglers both on the water and
across the country.”
manager Josh Prestin. “We’re excited to
polyester UPF 45+ fabric that blocks UV
rays, wicks moisture, dries quickly and
stays cool. The low profile design won’t
impede while casting or reeling. The
elastic upper with engineered silicon
grip holds the sleeve comfortably in
UNI PRODUCTS J.G. Cote Inc.
1004 Princippale
Ste-Melanie QC. Canada JOK 3AO
Tel: 450-889-8054
Toll-Free: 1-877-889-8054
Fax: 450-889-5887
Email: [email protected]
NEW FROM UNI
UNI-GloFloss
(Glow in the dark)
Light Blue
place for a clean, streamlined fit and
stretch flatlock seams eliminate chafing.
They pack up small so anglers can keep
a pair in the boat, another in a tackle
box and one stashed in their waders.
The UV Arm Sleeves come in six fishing
styles. Additionally, there are four
styles of new Coastal UV Arm Sleeves
that include extended back-of-hand
protection and three UV Arm Sleeves
UNI-Thread 8/0
Fluorescent Green
Waxed or Unwaxed
on spools of
50 or 200 yds
with Insect Shield. MSRP: $25 for UV
Arm Sleeves. Coastal Sleeves and Insect
Shield prices slightly higher.
Gogal Publishing announces the
release of Stream Map USA -
20
UNI-GloFloss
(Glow in the dark)
Light Green
Look to UNI for the best in spooled fly-tying materials!
www. uniproducts .com
Mountain West
Imagine being able to instantly find
even the most obscure river, lake, stream
or pond by simply typing its name,
then immediately getting turn-by-turn
THE RIGHT LINE
RIOPRODUCTS.COM
FOR EVERY FISH.
21
CURRENTS
driving directions right to that water.
“Go” for turn-by-turn driving directions
Gogal Publishing announces the release
right to that spot.
of Stream Map USA - Mountain West
expanding Gogal’s signature brand
Upon arrival, Stream Map USA works
to 33 states with complete watershed
like a handheld GPS showing your
maps of Idaho, Montana, Wyoming,
location and following you as you travel
Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and
on the water. Along the way, you can
New Mexico.
save additional waypoints and even
add your own notes with GPS accuracy.
Stream Map USA is a searchable,
This is ideal for marking fishing holes,
color-coded river, lake and stream map
campsites, tree stands, scenic locations,
displayed over your choice of roadmaps,
or just about anywhere you may want to
satellite images, and high-resolution
find again in the field.
topographic maps. You can search for
any water across the entire region or
To get back to any waypoint, simply
limit your search by state or even search
choose it from your waypoints list,
an individual county. Once you locate a
tap the “Target” button, and then use
water destination, simple touch the map
the app’s built-in navigation compass
near a road to add a waypoint and tap
to point the way and count down the
“We d
on’t
attra
ct fly just
an
we cr
eate glers;
them
.”
March 11 & 12, 2017
www.txflyfishingfestival.org
• brew tastings (Texas)
• extensive programs for
women and children
• wine tastings (Virginia)
April 8 & 9, 2017
www.vaflyfishingfestival.org
•castingandfly-tying
instruction
p: Tim Romano
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the thrill of human experience. Our ChromaPop™ lenses are the most advanced
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23
CURRENTS
distance right to that spot. It’s just
like geocaching. Stream Map USA
includes a field navigation compass that
displays your GPS coordinates, compass
heading, altitude and speed of travel,
along with a red direction of travel arrow
Fine Rod Components and Cases
Providing innovative solutions to the fishing rod industry since 1968
that points directly to your “Targeted”
destination and it even works without
phone service.
Each river, lake and stream is uniquely
colored to set it apart from its
tributaries. This eliminates the need to
carefully read stream labels while tracing
the blue lines to follow a stream. You
simply follow the colored line from the
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* Natural and Black Pearl finishes
also available in Micro sizes
stream’s headwaters to its mouth. As a
planning and safety tool, Stream Map
USA includes access to current water
TM
A REPUTATION YOU CAN BUILD ON
conditions through the US Geological
Survey’s National Water Information
Service. Each stream monitoring station
is highlighted on the map and you
simply tap its gage icon to see current
stream height, water flow, and other
important information before you travel.
“We wanted to step away from
traditional mapping and create a 21st
century map of America’s watersheds
includes free updates and we don’t
embed obnoxious advertising.”
You can view the entire Gogal
Publishing catalogue online at www.
StreamMapUSA.com.
Orvis Launches US-Made Mirage Reel
harnessing the power of digital
mapping, GPS technology, and the
smartphone,” said author and company
president, Mike Gogal. “With the
release of Stream Map USA, we think
we’ve done just that!”
Five editions of Stream Map USA
covering 33 states are currently available
24
on the App Store for $8.99 each. When
asked about plans for Android, Mike
Gogal said, “ We’re hoping to have
the entire lower 48 states mapped by
The big push for Orvis this year is going
year’s end for both iOS and Android
to focus on two reel models and a line
users. Most importantly, our price always
of accessories. We are most intrigued
25
CURRENTS
FEATURES
Rod Weights: 10-foot 3, 4 and 5wt.
Action: Medium
Grip: Cigar with 2” extension
Sections: 4
Guides: Hard chrome snake ‘Shooting
Guides’ and nano-lite stripping guides
Reel Seat: Downlocking Nickel Silver
with burled wood insert
Storage: Premium graphite rod tube
with embroidered logo rod sock
Suggested Retail Price: $845
Winston's Super 10 Rods
about the American-made reboot of
10-foot models (3, 4 and 5wt.). Each
its Mirage reel. This one is going to
has been specifically designed for
sell for $649 for a size 5, but it’s going
high sticking and European style
to feature a number of Cadillac design
nymph fishing. The dynamic Boron III
elements that warrant that price.
technology, combined with a longer
Examples: 330-degree drag adjustment
length, progressive medium action and
with 27 detents (easy to access and
finely-tuned rod characteristics, provides
operate, using a patent-pending ball-
anglers with precise, delicate control of
and-ramp design; Type III military-spec.
line, leader and fly placement. The new
anodization (the best level available for
Boron III X Super 10 rods were designed
scratch and corrosion resistance); and
with the versatility to handle a range of
hardened steel clickers and plate. This
technical nymph techniques, double
one is going to be bombproof.
nymphs, weighted nymphs, strike
indicators and light streamers. The rods
On the other end of the pricing
spectrum, Orvis is launching a new
model under the familiar Battenkill Disc
Reel name, bargain priced at $139 for a
size III. Orvis will also be launching their
own branded aluminum snips for $79,
and pliers for $189.
26
feature their popular new “Shooting
Guides,” with a new specialized down
locking reel seat for optimum weight
distribution and a 2˝ cork extension on
the grip to reduce arm fatigue.
HIGHLIGHTS
American consumers can help protect
Bristol Bay when buying wild sockeye
salmon this summer.
Bristol Bay, Alaska watershed benefits
from Pride of Bristol Bay partnership
Pride of Bristol Bay has begun accepting
online reservations for its Buying Club,
delivering sustainable Bristol Bay
sockeye direct to consumers and chefs
in communities across the country
including Hailey, Ketchum and Boise,
Idaho; Jackson, Wyo; Burlington and
Warren, Vt; Brunswick, Rockland,
Vinalhaven and Northhaven, Maine;
Advanced Boron III TechnologySensitive
and Orleans and Westport, Mass. The
tip to detect subtle takesStronger mid-
company, founded by fisherman Matt
Rod Series
section for accurate fly placementStrong
Luck in 2015, will donate 10 percent
lower half to control larger fish 2” cork
of all profits to Trout Unlimited’s Save
This new mini series of specialized
extension reduces arm fatigue in high-
Bristol Bay program. The Save Bristol
nymphing fly rods consists of three
stick and extended reach situations
Bay program is aimed at protecting
Winston Launches Nymph-Specific
B A P T I S M S D O N ’ T TA K E P L A C E I N FA CT O R I E S . T H E Y B E LO N G T O T H E WAT E R .
F U L L I M M E R S I O N I N A B E L I E F SY ST E M T H AT S AY S A F L AW L E S S D R I F T W I L L
R A I S E T H E L A R G E S T B R O W N . FA I T H T H AT W I N D W I L L S U B S I D E . T H U N D E R
W I L L F I Z Z L E . A N D H I G H LY- C O N S I D E R E D G E A R W I L L S E E Y O U C O M F O R TA B LY
T H R O U G H T H E B E AT- D O W N . R I V E R S A R E W H E R E W E R E C A L I B R AT E A N D
C O N N E CT. T H E Y ’ R E W H AT W E M A K E O F T H E M . A N D T H E Y I N S P I R E W H AT W E
M A K E . S O I T ’ S N O S U R P R I S E T H E W O R L D ’ S B E ST WA D E R S A R E H A N D C R A F T E D
B Y A N G L E R S . B E C A U S E I T TA K E S O N E T O K N OW W H E N T H E Y ’ R E R I G H T.
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27
CURRENTS
“MOJO MUD“ is now
Bristol Bay, Alaska’s pristine watershed
To learn more about Pride of Bristol
and wild salmon populations from the
Bay and reserve a share of sustainable
Pebble Mine; a proposed open-pit mine
Britsol Bay, Alaska sockeye, visit: www.
in the headwaters of Bristol Bay’s most
prideofbristolbay.com For those who
productive salmon rivers. This unique
do not live in the above communities,
partnership allows consumers in the
Pride of Bristol Bay’s online ordering
lower 48 to buy wild Alaska sockeye
and national home delivery program
salmon direct from fishermen, while
commences September 15, 2016.
also helping protect the world’s largest
sockeye salmon fishery. In response to
Pride of Bristol Bay’s pledge to support
the Save Bristol Bay program, Trout
Unlimited’s Alaska Program released the
following statement: “Trout Unlimited is thrilled to partner
Habitat
USGS Studies the Impact of
Insecticides on Northwestern
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with Pride of Bristol Bay to bring a
little bit of Bristol Bay into the homes
15353 E. Hinsdale Circle, Unit F
Centennial, Colorado 80112
www.anglersaccessories.com
and onto the grills of salmon lovers
across the country. “Bristol Bay’s rich
fishing history and famous salmon runs
A new study by the U.S. Geological
have captured the hearts of Americans
Survey, published today in the Journal
around the country, including President
of Environmental Monitoring and
Obama who visited Bristol Bay last fall.
By purchasing their salmon from Pride
of Bristol Bay, consumers can feel good
about where their salmon comes from
while also supporting critical work to
ensure that this national treasure is
around for future generations to use
and enjoy. Buying Bristol Bay sockeye
salmon sends a strong message that
wild salmon matter to Americans. It’s an
investment in our nation’s health and in
the cold, clean rivers that wild salmon
require. While progress has been made
to protect this world-class fishery, we still
have more work to do. Luckily, eating
Bristol Bay sockeye is one easy and
Assessment, found high concentrations
of commonly used insecticides in
streams running through the highly
urbanized portion of Clackamas County.
The levels found in streams flowing
through the greater Portland
metropolitan area during a September
2013 storm were above U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency
from the areas where it was applied
through storm drainage systems to
streams. When even small amounts of
this chemical are mobilized, beneficial
insects may be affected when the
sediments and associated chemical
settle out in streams.
“Because aquatic insects provide food
for fish, birds and other wildlife, it is
benchmarks to protect aquatic
critical to better understand the full
life. The active ingredients of the
impact from this insecticide, including
insecticides detected included the
whether it is entering the food chain,”
chemicals bifenthrin, fipronil, malathion,
said Kurt Carpenter, USGS hydrologist
breakdown products of DDT, and others.
and co-lead on the study. “The strong
negative effect of bifenthrin on aquatic
delicious way supporters in the Lower
28
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The chemical appearing to cause the
invertebrates seen in our study is
Club program is a great way to make
most toxicity was bifenthrin, a broad-
consistent with national USGS findings
Bristol Bay sockeye more accessible
spectrum insecticide used to kill insect
that in urban streams, of the many
to Americans and encourage people
pests around homes and businesses.
contaminants examined, bifenthrin
to vote with their forks for Bristol Bay’s
Bifenthrin attaches tightly to sediments
in bed sediments was the single best
fishery and communities.”
contained in stormwater, traveling
predictor of observed toxicity.”
CURRENTS
More than 600 products contain
duplication of effort was avoided, and
some of the most innovative community-
bifenthrin; its high use and persistence
the quality of the final product was
based project proposals that are making
in the environment result in its frequent
substantially increased.”
a difference for native trout conservation
across the western U.S.”
detection. Bifenthrin was detected in all
five stormwater outfalls sampled, and
73 percent of streams sampled during
the storm, sometimes at levels well
above EPA benchmarks. Seventy-one
Western Native Trout Initiative Offers
Funding Opportunities for Worthy
Trout Projects
The 2016 Small Grants Program is
supported by generous donations from
project partners at Bass Pro Shops,
percent of streams contained bifenthrin
Orvis, and Blue Valley Ranch. The full
in streambed sediments at levels likely
RFP can be found here:
to affect aquatic insects.
http://www.westernnativetrout.org/
Streams with no or low levels of
bifenthrin in their sediment had
significantly more aquatic insects such
as mayflies, caddisflies and stoneflies
than streams with high concentrations
of bifenthrin. Streams with high
The Western Native Trout Initiative
(WNTI) and its partners are once again
offering opportunities for community
organizations to tap into dollars to
restore or recover western native trout
sediment levels contained mostly
in the rivers, lakes and watersheds
pollution-tolerant organisms, primarily
where they remain. The 2016 Small
non-insects.
Grants Program Request for Proposals
western-native-trout-initiative-smallgrants-program
For more information about the
Small Grants Program, visit www.
westernnativetrout.org
will be accepting applications until
The USGS study was conducted, in
June 17, 2016.
part, to comply with a 2012 Oregon
Department of Environmental Quality
The program specifically funds
“MS4” (Municipal Separate Storm
innovative projects that “jump start” or
Sewer System) Permit issued to 13 local
complete smaller, high-impact efforts.
governments in Clackamas County.
Projects considered for funding under
The permit’s primary purpose is to limit
the Small Grants Program may include
pollution discharges to creeks, wetlands
riparian or instream habitat restoration,
and rivers from urban areas.
“I’m proud of the fact that a dozen
separate units of local government
worked together to design and fund this
monitoring study in partnership with the
USGS,” said Andrew Swanson, water
30
barrier removal or construction,
population or watershed assessments
needed for prioritization and planning,
water leases or acquisitions to improve
in-stream flows, and native trout-focused
community outreach and education.
quality analyst with Clackamas County’s
Individual projects can be funded at a
Water Environment Services. “Each of
maximum of $3,000.
these local governments could have
chosen to implement separate, small
“I know a $3,000 grant award may
monitoring efforts without assistance
sound small, “ said Therese Thompson,
from the USGS, but by working together,
WNTI Project Coordinator, “but over
the cost for each participating local
four previous years of funding, this grant
government was reduced, potential
program has consistently brought in
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T H E N E W B O R O N I I I X S U P E R 1 0 R O DS
31
CURRENTS
New This Year - IFTD Demo Day
to Fly Fish. The book was written,
each chapter is a “sidebar” of travel
compiled and edited by Terry and
information including airports nearest
Wendy Gunn and Bennett Mintz.
the park, fly shops, campgrounds,
Park chapters were researched and
hotels, restaurants, lodges, outfitters
written by guides, fly shop owners and
and nearby emergency medical services.
outfitters who best understand those
waters, from Maine’s Acadia Park to
Of America’s 57 National Parks, 29 have
Katmai in Alaska.
some degree of fresh- or saltwater fly
New this year! IFTD will be hosting
Each park chapter contains entry and
covered in full detail. Four parks–Dry
Grande Lakes Tuesday, July 12, from
access information, fish species, fly
Tortugas, Isle Royale, Voyageurs and
9am to noon, with lunch to follow. The
patterns, seasons and mile markers for
Wrangell-St. Elias—are discussed
inaugural IFTD Demo Day will allow
river and lake entry along with detailed
to a lesser degree because of their
maps and photos. Accompanying
remoteness and limited access.
media and retailers the opportunity to
catch trophy bass using manufacturers'
products. Twelve pond locations will be
available for IFTD exhibiting companies
to sponsor, and participating attendees
will be utilizing golf carts to access the
sponsored locations. This is a great
opportunity for companies to talk
directly with the attendees one-onone about their product outdoors, on
the water, in a live fishing scenario.
Sponsorship of a pond is $500 and
includes a table, three chairs, and
transportation of all product to and
from the Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes
golf pro shop to your pond location
and lunch. To reserve your pond email
[email protected] today. This event will fill
up quickly! If you want to fish it’s FREE,
but you must sign-up by emailing
[email protected].
Books
Fly Fishing National Parks from East
32
fishing. Twenty-five of the parks are
a Demo Day at the Ritz Carlton at
to West in the U.S.
Stonefly Press has just released a
comprehensive where-to-go, how-toget-there, do-it-yourself manual on fly
fishing titled 25 Best National Parks
Archival quality. Limited ads.
Iconic voices; stunning images.
Conservation, adventure and travel.
Tablet and collectible paper editions.
Get The Flyfish Journal in your shop today
Retail and adver tising:
questions@thefly fishjournal.com
or call 360.752.5559
www.thefly fishjournal.com
“Fly fishing in many parks is a longtime
flows from the bottom of Lake Murray
brook trout streams. Even though the
American tradition; but there are
offering a cold water fishery unlike any
Shenandoah National Park is only an
National Parks with outstanding fishing
other in the country. The Broad River,
hour from our nation’s capital, one can
that are largely ignored by anglers and
flowing from the north is a smallmouth
still hike into these hollows and fish all
more renowned for other activities,” said
bass angler’s dream. These two rivers
day without seeing another angler.
Stonefly Press publisher Robb Clouse.
merge to form the Congaree River.
The Congaree flows easterly and forms
For additional information or to
He cited Congaree National Park in
the southern boundary of Congaree
purchase the book, contact Stonefly
South Carolina. The chapter begins,
National Park. The Congaree
Press at www.stoneflypress.com;
“Few places in the world offer a year
boasts large numbers of small and
fax (877-609-3814); email orders@
round trout fishery lined with Spanish
largemouth bass. In the spring, stripers
stoneflypress.com.
moss-laden hardwoods; and come
up to 40 pounds migrate to spawn in
summer you’ll find smallmouth and
the upper stretched of the Congaree
striped bass.”
River and then move into the Saluda
River for the summer.”
Congaree author Jake Howard of
JUST IN... (More New
Product)
New From Simms (a first foray
Shenandoah National Park author Harry
elaborates on opportunities in or
Murray of Murray’s Fly Shop in Edinburg,
adjacent to the park, “The three rivers
Virginia, wrote, “The opening of the
The new DOWNStream Jacket ($349.95)
located in its heart offer world class
Skyline Drive on September 15, 1934
leads Simms’ fall lineup. It is comprised
fishing that have been kept a secret for a
was especially important to anglers for
of a DWR treated down blend with
long time. The Saluda River, a tailwater,
it made available the headwaters of the
Primaloft Gold synthetic insulation with
into down)
Barron’s Outfitters in Columbia
33
CURRENTS
ultimate high loft. The DownStream
G4 Pro Packs will include a backpack,
specialty retailers in North America.
has 750 fill power equivalent and
sling, hip and tactical hip models, all
Locally’s technology also allows
is engineered for wet weather
featuring hideaway strap capabilities,
participating retailers to show
performance. Body mapping means
magnetic tool docking stations and
shoppers their available inventory
more insulation in lower sleeves and
large openings for easy access.
at their store directly on the Simms
hood. Hydrophobic sleeves remove
stitching at the wrist so you can release
fish and not lose warmth at the wrist.
SIMMS First Fishing Company to
Integrate Locally’s On-Site Tools
There is a Women’s DOWNStream
Simms has already launched with this
Locally further by adding product
availability feeds directly on its product
Two other major offerings from
Simms Fishing Products recently
Simms for 2017 will be Headwaters
announced its website (simmsfishing.
Stockingfoot waders at a pricepoint of
com) will incorporate on-site tools
$399.95, and a series of G4 Pro Packs,
powered by Locally. Based in New
be able to locate gear in their area,
including slings hip packs, etc.
Orleans, LA, Locally helps online
reserve the gear for pick-up, or even
shoppers find and buy in stock in
transact and get the product delivered
The Headwaters Pro Stockingfoot
nearby stores through a platform of
to their door.
features three-layer GORE-TEX Pro
tools for brands and retailers.
pages via Locally’s Product Locator
technology. Then, visitors would
“The Locally integration is all
Shell material, as well as patented
front-and-back center seam design. It is
Locally was launched in 2014 by a
about helping the customer find
made in the USA.
handful of outdoor specialty retailers
product expertise that can only
with expertise in both local and online
be found at specialty retail,” says
sales. They realized that there was a
Steve Bendzak, Simms’ VP of Sales.
need for retailers to have a widerreaching online presence, especially
targeted to their potential
local shoppers. In addition,
there was also a need
for online shoppers
who enjoy conducting
product research on
the internet but prefer
completing purchases
in stores to be able to
access local inventory
using the internet.
In launching with
universal inventory sync process.
functionality, and plans on integrating
Jacket variation as well (also $349.95).
34
Dealer Locator, using Locally’s simple,
“Our objective is to create brand
awareness, provide access to product
knowledge and drive traffic to
specialty retailers where a lifelong
relationship can be established. The
response to partnership with Locally
from our authorized dealers has
been rewarding and we anticipate
significant participation.”
The Simms Dealer Locator is already
live and the company is working
with getting as large a percentage
of its retailer base signed up in time
Simms, Locally
for the ICAST-IFTD Show in July in
now powers the
Orlando. To see it live, visit https://
company’s Dealer
www.simmsfishing.com/dealer-locator.
Locator, highlighting
Retailers are encouraged to visit
the locations of
simms.locally.com/retailers to sign up
approximately 550
and get started.
The new Air. The lightest, finest performing fly rod
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A true advancement. New for 2017.
winstonrods.com
FEATURE
COMPETITIVE FLY FISHING–
IT’S A LOVE-HATE THING
Written by Marshall Bissett
"Rank
amateur..."
36
"Pretender"
“Fishing tournaments seem a
little like playing tennis with
living balls...”
The first told the sad tale of how
At the same time in far off Jajce,
Anthony Naranja, organizer of the Pro
Bosnia, another competition was not
Fly Angling Tour scammed anglers out
receiving the recognition it deserved.
Jim Harrison, Just Before Dark, 1991
of their entry fees and then refused to
In the 35th World Championship of
pay their winnings. When Field&Stream
Fly Fishing, the U.S. International Fly
The words “fly-fishing competition” can
ran this story, readers piled on with
Fishing Team won a silver medal and
raise enough hackle to supply a fly tiers
comments: “Add this to the list of
team member Devin Olsen scored an
convention. It’s a topic that prompts
reasons to stay away from competitive
individual bronze medal–an astonishing
stream rage and can twist the knickers of
fly fishing.” Naranja, a dentist from
achievement for a team that used to
a normally serene group.
Colorado, became almost as hated as
be soundly thrashed by the French,
the dentist from Minnesota who shot
the Brits and the Poles. Pro angler Jeff
In 2015, two news stories highlighted
Cecil the lion. A bad day for dentists,
Currier remembers when the event was
the extremes of this contentious debate.
anglers and competitors.
held in Jackson, Wyoming, in 1997.
of
FEATURE
Best
Show
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37
DENVER, CO
JANUARY 6, 7 & 7
FEATURE
MARLBOROUGH, MA
JANUARY 20, 21 & 22
“The US team came in 29th in a field
SOMERSET, NJ
JANUARY 27, 28 & 29
of 30; the Europeans walked all over
us on our home water.” The amazing
turnaround in team performance
since those dark days is the result of
hard work, sponsorship dollars and
national pride. Two competitions with
very different outcomes.
2017
TESTOSTERONE AND THE
COMPETITIVE SPIRIT
38
We already have casting competitions
and secretly find them irresistible.
From Best of the West to Speyorama
we are held in awe by arrow head
loops and gravity-defying distances.
Casting gods are great theatre and
good for business—any other sport
would have them tricked out in
NASCAR outfits. Even the stately and
austere River Test has succumbed to
that most American event, the One
Fly Tournament.
LYNNWOOD, WA
FEBRUARY 18 & 19
PLEASANTON, CA
FEBRUARY 24, 25 & 26
LANCASTER, PA
MARCH 4 & 5
PHOTO COURTESY OF BARRY AND CATHY BECK.
If you don’t believe fly fishing is
already competitive then you are not
fishing enough with your male pals.
Every time Frank catches his limit
and Jim gets skunked, it might as
well be the World Series. Winning
and losing are the sub currents of
any fishing trip. According to Currier,
“That is why reels have click drags –
so that you can tell your buddies that
you’re catching and they’re not!”
Now you may be that exceptional
human, so evolved that the outcome
is less important than the experience,
but you can be sure that your guide
does not share your life view. Every
time you tell him that “it’s not about
catching fish but having fun on the
water” you are driving a stake into
his heart, forgetting that he belongs
to the most competitive social group
on earth.
;
ATLANTA, GA NEW LOCATION
FEBRUARY 3 & 4
Fly
Fishing
is NOT
part of
the show
IT IS
THE
SHOW!
flyfishingshow.com
INDUSTRY NOTABLES WEIGH IN
says Rajeff now in his 50th year as a
competitor. “I don’t think it will ever
At a recent industry show in Denver,
there was no shortage of angling
legends with their own take on
competitive angling. World champion
caster and rod developer for the
G.Loomis Company, Steve Rajeff
be a big money deal but I would favor
more competition if it didn’t mess with
our rivers and disturb the guys who
want solitude.” Just as the technology
of Formula One racing results in better
seemed like a good starting point.
brakes on your minivan, competitive
“What I learn from tournament casting
casting has turned the fly rod from a
finds its way into our everyday rods,”
noodle into a cannon.
FEATURE
888.512.8812
The trickle-down theory finds another
strong supporter in Simon Gawesworth
of RIO PRODUCTS, author of The
Art of Speycasting and Speyorama
competitor. “Developing Spey lines
capable of much greater distance
than 10 years ago is a passion driven
by competition. Our new long belly
line is based on what we learned from
tournament casters,” says Gawesworth.
Few people have more insight into
top level competition than former USA
team captain, author and guide George
[email protected]
Daniel. Now retired from international
competition, Daniel looks back on his
competitive years starting with the
ESPN Games in 2002. “You learn a lot,
especially from the top European teams
but there’s a big price to pay being
away from home for long stretches.”
Currier agrees, “I’ve been asked to
fish the Masters Championships (for
over 50’s) this year on a loch in Ireland.
If it was more of a nymphing event in
Europe I’m not sure I would be so keen.
It’s not my favorite way to catch fish.”
Daniel believes that outsiders look at
competitions and immediately see
the ‘loud and obnoxious’ side of the
Pro Bass circuit. “What they don’t
realize is that we can learn a lot from
the bass guys—they are consummate
innovators,” he adds. Asked about
the strict rules of international team
tournaments, Daniel pursues the
innovative theme. “The rules can be
a barrier to entry for many people. In
competition we can’t be as creative as
we would like. You have to play the
percentages to win.”
In his guiding career, Currier has seen
the direct effects of Euro angling on
his home water. “A few years ago
you would never see a 10- or 11foot 4-weight rod in Montana, and
companies like Winston have really
gotten behind these changes.”
Both agree that it is a ‘young man’s
game’ and that today’s youth are less
competition averse than their solitude
seeking parents.
Wisconsin angler, teacher and bona
fide legend Gary Borger thinks we
should focus on bass. “They are in
waters all over the US and require the
same casting, tying and other skills as
trout. We could use the model of bass
Top flight competitive anglers have
a hand in designing fanny packs, fly
boxes, jackets, waders and everything
else we use on the water. You may hate
the idea of competition but it’s hard turn
down its unintended benefits. Currier
likens it to his other passion–playing
pool. “I want to play someone who can
kick my ass, that’s how you learn.”
www.tflats.com
39
FEATURE
tournaments, and they could learn from
us. How often do you see them use a
tube fly or a two fly streamer rig?”
Borger hopes that over time
competitions might attract the interest
of educators and fly fishing could be
part of high school physical education
programs. This is an idea that seems
to be working in the UK where British
tournament angler and director
of the England Youth Fly Fishing
team, Charles Jardine runs the very
successful Fishing 4 Schools program
and is a vocal proponent of anything
that will bring young people in touch
with the outdoors. He has this to say.
“Competitive angling; like it or loathe
it (and most fall into the latter category)
has been the tinder to the embers of
fly fishing in the UK. It is growing not
so much on stillwater where the heady,
mass participation on our reservoirs
over the last two decades was akin to
a crusade. Instead, more and more
fly fishers are turning to rivers and
especially grayling—a species once
shunned in the UK, but is now finding
acclaim and revered. This is wholly on
the back of vast interest of river fishing
in the competitive arena that is Europe.
In turn this has spawned new tackle,
thoughts, tactics and introduced the
sport to a whole new type of fisher.“
40
If you were born before 1990, you may
remember a time when every televised
event was not a competition; cooking
shows taught recipes without blue and
red teams and you were in no danger
of being voted off the island. Of
course you can opt for quiet time on a
pristine river (if you can find one) and
find the antidote to all that winning at
all costs stuff. At least you will never
risk losing your entry fee or worse,
coming in last.
OPINION
I’M CHANGING MY MIND ON
COMPETITIONS… SO LONG AS
THEY AREN’T ONLY ABOUT TROUT
WRITTEN BY KIRK DEETER
It’s funny to me how this topic of
the famous Jackson Hole One-Fly,
competitive trout fishing comes
or the One Bug on the Delaware
up every few years. I’ve tried to
are at all bad. Quite the contrary.
see it from all angles. I’ve fished
Really great, in fact. They raise
(and failed) in charity one-fly
a ton of money for conservation
tournaments. I rejoiced at the news
causes. They’re fun, social events,
that Team USA (and our juniors) did
and nobody takes them too
well in international competitions.
seriously. Most importantly, in the
I’ve thought about it and thought
end, after those events are done,
about it… and I have run numerous
the rivers that they are held on
stories from all sides of the issue.
are in far better shape (or will be
in better shape) than they were
But in the end, I cannot shake the
before, because the competitions
feeling that competitive fly fishing
happened. Sure, there are tons of
for trout is just plain stupid.
sore-lipped fish who would just as
soon do without the competitions,
Now that’s not to say that the many
charity fishing competitions, e.g.
Millie Jo Paini releases a gray ghost back to its old haunt. Jardines de la Reina, Cuba. Rich Paini © 2016 Patagonia, Inc.
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but they’re about the only ones with a
himself, who founded the Bassmaster
But once you get one brown trout,
right to complain or criticize.
Classic, once said that if carp could
that’s it. You're wasting your time
jump, bass fishing wouldn’t be nearly
catching any more. Time to go get
Any other tournament, for pride, or
the sport it is today (well, he said
a smallmouth bass. After that, a
profit or show, that shows up, pounds
something like that, trust me, I just
the living snot out of trout for a week
carp. Then chase a pike. And if you
can’t remember exactly what it was).
really have some chops, you might
or so, then leaves, is one I would just
even get a tiger musky, for which
as soon do without. And I have yet to
The carp thing took off a little bit,
find a way to believe that anyone who
but only enough to maintain a very
draws or earns the “honey hole” on any
small counter-culture of bona fide
river is legitimately a better angler than
angling weirdos like myself. I don’t
you will get extra “tiebreaker”
points if you happen to end up tied
at the end of the day.
the one who drew a
Okay, sure, that requires
stinky beat.
Just my opinion, but I
am entitled to it, and
a helluva lot of other
anglers share it.
I’m not against
fishing tournaments
in general. You’ll
remember that a few
"Any tournament, for pride, or
profit or show, that shows up,
pounds the living snot out of trout
for a week or so, then leaves is one
I would just as soon do without."
wanted legitimate competitions as
a means of generating attention, we
should have more carp tournaments.
You can’t kill enough carp in most
places to suppress their populations.
They live everywhere. Every angler
has a training ground, no matter
somebody is going to
have a lock on the bucket
where all the walleye eat
egg flies. I get that, but I
have at least a little hunch
that the team that wins
the chase for 25 species
might be equal all around
fly-anglers as the team
years ago, I wrote
that if fly fishing really
burning a lot of gas, and
that Czech-nymphs the
think anyone thinks its ever going
to be the major sales kicker we all
hoped it would be. Oh well, we tried.
So now I hear about the “Mile High
25” in Colorado, and am starting
to think that might be the best
most trout out of a river.
At least they better represent the
type of all-around angler we want
more of in this sport if we want to
ultimately see the industry grow, and
diversify… and the more we want
approach. It adds diversity to the
to create more space on rivers…
mix, encouraging people to chase
and the more we want to keep trout
And most of all, those carp are hard
different species with fly rods (which
populations viable. In the end, I
to catch! I have absolutely no doubt
no matter what anyone says, is a
think that’s more in tune with the
in my mind that when you factor in all
no-brainer positive ideal that can
ideals of “growing” the sport most
the things that make a great angler—
only benefit the sport of fly fishing).
retailers are interested in.
from casting ability, to fly selection,
And, by the way, the tournament
to reading water, and spotting
format doesn’t require pounding the
I’m sorry if you disagree with me, and
targets (or at least knowing where
living tar out of a population of trout
in some ways I’m happy for you if
they will be)—the common carp is a
that’s finning around in some pristine
you’re killing it through pushing the
far, far more accurate test than any
mountain stream.
competitive fly fishing for trout angle.
where they live.
If so, I’d love to know just how many
species of trout ever will be. They’re
tougher and smarter than bass, for
Twenty-five species. Go get as many
European-style nymphing rods you sold
that matter. And the great Ray Scott
of them as you can in a weekend.
last year and how you did it.
43
FEATURE
FEATURE
SIMMS AND BASS...
HOW'S IT GOING?
Five years ago, a fly-fishing standard
set out to “cross over” into the bigger,
badder bass market. Will the Simms
experience prompt other major fly
brands to follow suit?
Written by Shauna Stephenson
44
There’s a grey wall in the lobby of the
deep paragraph—not something you
everything beyond that wall together.
Bozeman-based Simms mothership.
can read quickly as you walk by. It’s no
On one side, a television plays loops
half-hearted slogan or inspired quote
Before civilization, it says, before all
of fish porn. To the right, a bank of
from someone long-dead.
today’s trappings and problems, there
were rivers. And lakes. And oceans.
windows illuminate a hive of activity—
the production floor that cuts, sews
Rather, this set of words set in san
and welds the waders for which the
serif caps of slaty grey on grey seem
company has become known.
to serve as a prelude, or perhaps
“...The more time immersed, the
the parentheses around an idea -
better we feel. The more time adrift
the rounded boundaries that hold
elsewhere, the deeper we ache to
On the wall is a long paragraph. It’s a
And we were drawn to them.
Scot A Kuchta — SAKMEDIA
CHUMS-FLYVINES
EYEWEAR RETAINER
Chums is proud to partner with Flyvines, a Montana
company which recycles used fly line to create
outdoor accessories. Each Chums-Flyvines
eyewear retainer is hand braided and one of a kind.
chums.com
FEATURE
return. It’s our addiction. It’s religion.
And it’s philosophy, economics and art
all smashed into one. It’s nothing but
ions, molecules, and particles and yet it
is everything. At Simms, these aqueous
environments are our root…”
From root comes brand, and the
brand Simms has built is recognized
throughout the world. Simms orange is
to this growing company is what yellow
is to Big Bird—birds of another color
feather wouldn’t quite be the same.
For a long time, Simms has been a “go
to” gear maker for fly anglers, catering
to the drift boat rowing, river wading,
hatch matching feather chuckers of the
world. A fly-fishing standard.
And for many years, in occupying that
niche alone, life was good.
But in 2011, Simms set their sights on
an even bigger market: Bass.
That year, Simms unveiled its Pro
Dry Jacket and Bibs. Since then, the
company has brought on some major
names in the bass world. Today, nearly
half of the Simms Pro Team specialize in
bass fishing.
Which has the angling world buzzing.
How can a company rooted in fly
anglers also cater to what seems to be
"Simms Angler Casey Anthony winning the BassMaster Classic in 2015." Photo Credit Rich Hohne
a very different audience?
46
At its core, the choice to venture into
The sun a guide in Montana has to
Seated in the break room—also painted
the bass market boiled down to what
worry about is the same sun that a pro
in Simms orange—Rich Hohne, brand
bass had in common with fly: sun, rain
bass angler in Georgia has to worry
communications director for Simms
and cold.
about, or a flats guide in Florida.
But beyond that he says, there’s a
Fishing Products, explains: The bass
world and the fly-fishing world really
“It was clear that a lot of our gear
aren’t that different.
translates to other types of fishing,” Hohne
***
universality to fishing.
says. “Gear should be there to connect
“We want to be a leader in promoting
anglers to their best days on the water.”
fishing and the fishing lifestyle.”
FEATURE
“People say ‘I’m a skier,” or ‘I’m a
runner.’ We want more people to say
‘I’m an angler.’”
***
Breaking into the bass market is no
small feat.
This is a world of big money.
Big boats, big engines, big
manufacturers… big ad budgets.
Beyond that, marketing tactics
are simply different. While the
fundamental desire to have high
performing gear may be the same,
the marketing behind those products
looks very different.
In 2012, research firm Southwick
Associates, estimated that of the
26 million people who considered
themselves anglers in this country,
11 million of them were primarily
chasing bass. And that translates
to dollars: With $45 billion spent
annually on fishing,
Sixteen billion dollars of that was
dedicated solely to bass.
“This market segment represents
significant buying power
and tremendous marketing
And the average bass audience: They
opportunities to fishing brands,”
that the two worlds are all that different.
fish as much as they can and have the
said Rob Southwick, president of
same concern for the environment and
Southwick Associates, in a news
quality of fisheries.
release at the time.
concerned about the river, its fish
While some of the gear may be
In short, a good time to diversify.
populations and habitat. They aspire
different, and the geography may be
to fish more and define themselves
different, the fundamentals—desire and
There has been criticism that Simms
as an angler.
passion for fishing—are the same.
has devoted too many resources to
Take the average fly-fishing audience:
Typically they are a passionate angler,
Hohne says he doesn’t necessarily accept
47
FEATURE
the bass arena. But when you look at
the numbers, that simply isn’t true,
Hohne says.
“We’ve got a very modest media spend
[for bass],” he says.
48
Known for their gritty black and white
angler-based photos, Simms has
In 2015, not long after signing Casey
defined themselves with a very specific
Ashley, the pro bass angler went out and
look. And while they don’t plan on
won the Bassmaster Classic in some of
getting away from that baseline, you
the coldest conditions ever endured.
will see differences. The look is cleaner,
Part of that he attributed to Simms.
more angular, a nod to an audience
that thrives on speed and energy.
“I’ve never fished in a tournament this
cold like it was the first day,” Ashley
“We’re a product-led company. Always
said after winning.
have been, always will be,” Hohne
says. “But we don’t yet know how
The ongoing shift raises the question
much of that [traditional Simms] look
of how a company diversifies without
and feel to move over without making
alienating its core audience? For
it its own thing.”
Simms, the trick has been to go with
what they know with a few tweaks to
In the end, the main difference between
fit into the “typical” bass look. How
the fly world and the bass world?
far they will take that is a question the
company in still weighing.
Rather, the company has focused on
making key connections, bringing on
well-known names to the bass team.
In 2010, members of the Mercury Pro
team showed up in the Simms suits. By
2011, the company started signing bass
anglers and has added to that team
since with a number of well-known
names including three-time angler
of the year Aaron Martens, 33-yearveteran and bass fishing icon, Gary
Klein, one of the fiercest competitors
in the sport, Ish Monroe, and the
legendary Shaw Grigsby.
And those relationships have paid off.
The bass world is one of big boats, big engines, big manufacturers, and big money...
“More lights,” Hohne says.
COUNTERPOINT
WANT BETTER POLICIES AND HEALTHIER FISH STOCKS? THEN
WE NEED TO STOP POINTING FINGERS WRITTEN BY WHIT FOSBURGH
Our goal in producing the Morris-Deal
report was to lay out a broad vision for
how federal fisheries management can
work better for all recreational anglers,
based upon the principles of upholding
conservation, enhancing access, and
highlighting our economic strength.
Witek’s critique is off-base and founded
in the manipulation of certain facts and
the omission of others.
As a lifelong fly fisher, I have no doubt
that the six recommendations in the
report are good for all recreational
anglers and the fisheries themselves.
Here’s what they would mean:
Rec Gets a Seat at the Table
For too long, recreational anglers
have been ignored in federal fisheries
management. In recent years,
sportfishermen have redoubled efforts
to make our voices heard, but infighting
and division within our community
continues to hold us back.
50
Case in point: The spring edition
of Angling Trade featured a guest
column by Charles A. Witek, III,
(“Speak for Yourself”) that claims our
community’s efforts to reform the
Magnuson-Stevens Act will cripple fly
fishing. Witek specifically takes aim at
the recommendations made by the
Theodore Roosevelt Conservation
Partnership and its sportfishing partners
in the report “A Vision for Managing
America’s Saltwater Recreational
Fisheries,” more commonly referred to
as the Morris-Deal report, owing to the
panel’s co-chairs, Johnny Morris of Bass
Pro Shops and Scott Deal of Maverick
Boat Company.
More than 12 million Americans are
involved in recreational fishing on
saltwater every year, and we are as
big as or bigger than commercial
fishing in terms of economic benefit.
Yet, recreational fishing has never
been a priority for the National Marine
Fisheries Service (NMFS). To its credit,
the agency is trying to work more
closely with anglers, and they give
credit to the Morris-Deal report for
helping strengthen that relationship.
Shortly after the report’s release,
NMFS developed and issued its
first recreational fishing policy, a big
step forward in improving relations
with the recreational community and
ensuring that recreational fisheries are
considered in all agency actions.
A Different Approach for a Different
Kind of Fishery
Recreational fisheries require a more
conservative management approach
than commercial fisheries, which are
managed under the general principle
of maximum sustained yield—pushing
harvest right up to the edge to
maximize catch without jeopardizing
stocks. This requires very precise realtime data, which is difficult to gather in
recreational fisheries. There are better
models, such as the way the Fish and
Wildlife Service manages waterfowl.
Each year, scientists and managers
estimate breeding success and mortality
(whether by natural causes or human
impact) and set the next year’s bag
limits and seasons. You need to build
in a conservation cushion in case
events conspire against you, but at
least hunters know when there will be
a season so they can make their plans.
Recreational anglers, and the businesses
they support, deserve the same
thing—a well-managed fishery with rules
that all anglers can understand.
Fair Allocations
Recreational fishing has exploded in
popularity over the last 40 years, but
in mixed-stock fisheries (where the fish
are pursued by commercial harvesters
and recreational anglers), allocation of
that stock may have been set decades
ago. Our report recommends that
the fishery management councils
periodically review allocations based
on economic and conservation factors.
Recreational fishermen may actually
lose some allocation in certain fisheries,
but the point is still to make sure the
conservation and economic needs of the
fishery as a whole are being met.
Rebuilding Fish Stocks at a
Reasonable Rate
No one is advocating for a limitless
timeline to rebuild stocks, as Witek
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claims. Instead, this recommendation
is based on the National Academy of
Sciences stance that rebuilding timelines
should vary depending on the species.
Stocks should get stronger whether they
are fully rebuilt in 10 years or 12 years.
Some latitude would also allow for
moderate changes in seasons, as long as
fisheries are still rebounding and healthy.
This is how it’s done in very successful
inland and coastal fisheries. There is no
reason to believe it won’t work in the
oceans as well.
Better Coordination with Local
Fishery Managers
fish and expect to have strong gamespecies stocks.
What You Can Do
It is easy to cherry-pick facts and try
to divide our community through
name calling or relying on broad
stereotypes. But this is not about fly
fishermen versus spin fishermen versus
blue-water anglers. Those who have a
vested interest in the status quo want
you to believe this, but if we are going
to create better recreational fisheries,
with more fish in the water and more
opportunities to pursue them, then we
need to come together and not retreat
to our comfortable—or critical—corners.
Stronger Protection for Forage Fish
The species at the base of the entire
marine fisheries ecosystem need robust
management so our sportfish can
flourish. We cannot decimate stocks of
menhaden, herring, and other forage
Whit Fosburgh is the president and CEO
of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation
Partnership. He grew up hunting and
fishing in upstate New York and was a
member of Team USA in the 1997 World
Fly Fishing Championships.
We want to make sure that the federal
fisheries managers are working hand-inglove with their state counterparts. The
most successful recreational fisheries
are largely state-managed—snook,
redfish, speckled trout, Alaska salmon,
largemouth, and smallmouth bass to
name a few—and federal managers
should embrace this expertise. Witek
suggests that the states have allowed
overfishing of Atlantic striped bass
to occur, but he fails to acknowledge
that in 2015, the states responded
to declining trends in the fishery and
angler concerns by implementing a
significant harvest reduction before
the stock reached “overfished” status.
Examples of federal management being
that proactive or responsive are few
and far between. Are states still subject
to political pressures? Absolutely, and
one could argue that the Atlantic States
Marine Fisheries Commission’s response
to the striped bass decline should have
happened sooner. But that is why we
as advocates need to stay engaged; it is
not an indictment of co-management.
51
June 2016.qxp_1/3 vertical 6/7/16 08:04 Page 1
Introducing
OPINION
STREAM MAP USA
Covering the lower 48!
MAGNUSON-STEVENS:
ANOTHER REASON TO CARE
WRITTEN BY CHARLES A. WITEK, III
Stream Map USA is the first and
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for iPhones, iPads and Androids.
"Where are the fish and
how do I get there?"
As a fishing professional, you’ve
probably spent a lot of time
answering these questions.
It’s said that just about every fly
even whole books devoted to such
fishermen owns a 9-foot 5-weight.
species. The explosion of interest in fly
They probably also own every other
fishing for carp is a case in point.
fly rod that they need to fish in
fresh water. Freshwater fly fishing
In salt water, that’s not the case. While
is a mature sport, with equipment
anglers regularly throw flies at bonefish,
purchases driven more by new
permit and snook—arguably the salt
technology than by new opportunity.
water equivalents of trout, salmon
and bass—few fly fish for the maritime
That’s not true in the ocean. While fly
counterparts of bluegills and crappies.
fishermen have been landing striped
52
bass, weakfish and tarpon for more
In the Northeast, fish such as black sea
than a century, there are still a lot of
bass, scup and summer flounder will
untapped opportunities swimming
readily take a fly that’s retrieved in front
along America’s shores.
of their nose. Thanks to successful
federal fisheries management efforts,
In fresh water, people cast flies to
all three species are abundant during
just about any fish that might take an
the dog days of summer, when striped
artificial lure. Whether one wants to
bass and false albacore are nowhere to
catch panfish or pike, it’s easy to find
be found. Even so, few fly fishermen
magazine articles, Internet essays and
have shown much interest in them.
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OPINION
Southern fly fishermen seem more
And red snapper are only one of a
They demonstrate the kind of
open minded about what they’re willing
number of species that can be caught
innovation, and marketing opportunities,
to fish for. Even so, underexploited
over relatively shallow reefs.
that result when fly fishermen target fish
that they once ignored.
opportunities exist. In the Gulf
of Mexico, federal managers are
In southern California, a group of
successfully rebuilding the red snapper
fly fishermen have already decided
stock; snapper are steadily recolonizing
areas where they haven’t been caught
in many years. That includes some
shallow inshore structures, where they
are vulnerable to flies.
to broaden their horizons. Naming
themselves the “Calico Syndicate,”
after the calico bass that is one of their
primary targets, they have dedicated
the past few years to designing new
Anglers who drop cut bait down to
the reefs complain that red snapper
have become so abundant, while bag
limits have remains so low, that they
gear and techniques that allow them
to catch fish that swim as much as
100 feet beneath the surface. They
have worked with a number of tackle
However, there is a catch.
Fly fishing remains the least efficient
way to catch fish such as flounder,
black sea bass and grunts. If fly fishing
for such species is ever to achieve the
same popularity as fly fishing for carp
and bluegills in fresh water, then the
salt water panfish must be as abundant
as carp and bluegills as well.
are forced to stop fishing shortly after
manufacturers to develop new lines of
Right now, that is the case. Thanks
they begin. Fishermen who have risen
gear that range from ultra-fast sinking
to the challenge of catching snapper
lines to leaders that saw through fronds
to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act,
on flies enjoy far longer, and more
of kelp, rather than snagging, when
interesting, outings.
dragged across them by a hooked fish.
THE ALL NEW OSG STRIKER
Light, easy to set up, and packs down small so you have better access to new rivers and wild places. It’s a two person, 102 lb. raft that
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which requires fisheries managers to
Such organizations have already won a
end overfishing and promptly rebuild
victory in the House of Representatives,
overfished stocks, the populations of
where H.R. 1335, a bill that would gut
some popular coastal species have
the conservation provisions of federal
already been rebuilt. For others, the
fisheries law, was passed early last year.
rebuilding process is well underway.
Rebuilt stocks provide both angling and
marketing opportunities that just don’t
exist when fish are scarce.
Unfortunately, there are a number of
commercial and recreational fishing
organizations that are working hard
to weaken Magnuson-Stevens. More
interested in increasing short-term
harvest than in the long-term health
Fortunately, they have not yet convinced
anyone in the Senate to introduce a
companion bill. However, their efforts
to do so continue, and legislation to
weaken Magnuson-Stevens could be
introduced in the Senate this year.
Such legislation could only threaten the
health of fish stocks, and would stifle the
expansion of salt water fly fishing.
of fish stocks, they seek to delay the
For while abundant populations of fish
rebuilding of overfished populations
provide a host of new opportunities,
and to allow overfishing to continue for
depleted populations often provide no
an indefinite time.
opportunities at all.
FEATURE
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Some people live to work. Others work to live. But you, through luck or by design, remain focused on toiling in
the halls of commerce only enough to maintain a formidable supply of ﬂies. Or at least this is your plan some
day. While they check email, you check hatch tables. While they hold a death grip on the throttle of their career,
you have your hand wrapped around the cork grip of a St. Croix ﬂy rod – casting. WWW.STCROIXRODS.COM
57
MARKS
SPOT
THE
Product review by AT editor Kirk Deeter
FEATURE
By now, the cat is well out of the bag.
I also see the market being extremely
you fish through superior loop control.
You all know that Sage has introduced
ripe and ready for this product.
With our innovative KonneticHD
a new fly rod it has named “X.”
Anglers love fast-action rods, and this
Technology came new inspiration
is a line-speed demon. By that, I mean
and opportunities in rod design.
I think that “X” is going to be the best-
that it is what the fattest sweet-spot,
The X rod’s all-new fast action taper
selling fly rod of all time, probably
graphite shaft driver is to every golfer
delivers greater blank recovery and a
within two or three years from right
in America—a legit way to help you
crisper tip stop, creating tighter, more
now, though I will be pleasantly
perform better than you actually are,
efficient loops throughout all ranges
surprised if Far Bank Enterprises
and take strokes off your game.
of casting styles. This taper allows you
"I hate false casts. Having spent a lot of time in scuba gear in
rivers, watching how trout react to different factors, especially
flies and fly lines that are cast over them, I know that shadows
and motions from above are the primary deal-killers. The “X” is
a one of the best “pick it up, set it down” rods I have ever cast.
By that, I mean, if you strip tight to the surface with a low rod
tip, then load and shoot some line with an aggressive backcast,
your forward cast is almost an afterthought. Done deal."
(parent of Sage) actually tells me when
Most importantly, I am genuinely sold
to dig deeper into the rod and access
that happens.
on the performance and technology
the lower sections, shifting power
on a personal level, and over the
closer to the angler. Decreased lateral
From my vantage point, I see a well-
past 20-some years of writing about
and medial movement and vibrations
conceived, focused, yet grassroots-
fly rods, trust me, I’ve seen a ton of
in the blank result in a more accurate
up marketing strategy (it’s all about
contenders and pretenders. This one is
and efficient presentation, resulting in
the “buzz”) that the largest fly
real, and I will explain why in a bit.
a performance driven, forgiving fast
rod manufacturer in the world has
action blank - refining the synergy
obviously thrown “all-in” behind. This
First I’ll give you the promo-speak, if
rod series covers the whole fishing
for no other reason than it makes me
gambit, from small trout models
look smarter than I really am.
The technology, described by Sage:
handers, so Sage is obviously sold on
From Sage: “Ushering in a new era of
· New proprietary graphite/resin
its own “KonneticHD” (the HD stands
performance fast action fly rods, the
composite developed through
for high density) technology.
X will dramatically enhance the way
exclusive partnerships.
between angler, rod, line, and fly.”
through the saltwater realm, even two-
59
FEATURE
· Advanced high density (HD) fiber
positioning, enhanced laminate
characteristics, and optimized
manufacturing techniques
increase composite modulus while
maintaining durability.
· KonneticHD creates amplified
strength-to-weight and stiffness- toweight ratios as needed within the
rod blank.
· Optimized fiber-to-fiber energy
transfer along the length of the blank
minimizes both lateral and medial
vibrations, delivering accuracy in an
easy loading blank with quick recovery,
a crisp tip stop, and enhanced line feel
for complete loop control.
Sage's marketing material for the X promises tighter loops.
· The highest energy transferring
(which I have professed to be the
flips my switch, as an angler, may
material we have ever
best fly rod made before), the Sage
or may not flip yours. It’s becoming
created, opening new doors for
One (which I also loved, and in some
even more of a totally subjective
our R&D Team to experiment
ways, am finding myself hard to budge
deal, because there are so many
with construction techniques, taper
away from), the Orvis Helios 2 (what
wonderful options out there that may
designs, and action profiles.
I consider to be the original “game-
just marry up to different anglers for
changer” in the modern era) and
lasting, meaningful reasons. What I
Okay, if you’re like me, you actually
the Thomas & Thomas Spire (which I
say, based on how I cast, may or may
get, at face value, about 40 percent of
simply find dead-sexy). I cast them all
not resonate with other anglers, and
what that really means. The real test
with the same two reels (a Sage Click,
I’m perfectly fine with that. In fact,
is when you line one up and fish with
and a Hatch 4-Plus), and the same two
I appreciate and respect that, more
it, which I started doing, over a month
lines (a RIO Perception 5-weight, and
than ever.
ago, long before the market tremors
an SA Ultimate Trout 5-weight).
But I will say a few things.
started to take full effect.
60
Now, if you are expecting a ranking,
Sure, I was impressed at first shake,
or a proclamation that I have a new
First, I have never, in my life, cast a
and then at first cast. But in the
favorite rod, you might be a tad
rod that generates this type of line
interest of “due diligence” I went
disappointed. But the older I get,
speed, in a manner in which I can feel
down to my home pond and cast
and the more rods I fish, the more
that line speed being generated, in my
the “X” alongside the Scott Radian
I accept and understand that what
hand, through the cork grip, like the
FEATURE
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50% Dealer Margins
10 Functions - Stainless Steel
of the sipping trout you’re fishing to.
Of course, there’s an easy fix for that—
elevate the imaginary landing zone
a few feet above the water surface
(where it probably belongs in the first
place) and everything will be hunky-
WWW.CREEKCOMPANY.COM ▪ [email protected] ▪ (970) 879-5221
dory. Some of us, including myself,
still prefer a moderate, even soft-
“X” does. It’s a more intimate casting
and motions from above are the
action rod for the most precise dry fly
experience. Yes, I have boomed big
primary deal-killers. The “X” is a one of
situations for that reason alone.
casts with other rods… I’ve even felt
the best “pick it up, set it down” rods
the precision just as much (when it
I have ever cast. By that, I mean, if you
The “X” is 1/16th of an ounce lighter
comes to accuracy) once I’ve made
strip tight to the surface with a low rod
than the One, for the record. What is
friends with other fly rods. I’ve just
tip, then load and shoot some line with
that, about two extra winds of backing
never felt it so deep down to my
an aggressive backcast, your forward
on a reel? Don’t concern yourself with
casting hand at the onset. I think that
cast is almost an afterthought. Done
weight these days, it’s all a wash now.
opens opportunities to understand
deal. Pick it up, load it, point it, will the
things like how to match the right line
target, and it goes there. It’s a hopper-
with this rod, and if an angler can dial
to-the-bank, all day long, out of a dory
in on that, they have more legitimate
option… and at larger sizes, a banging
performance freedom.
the mangroves for snook or bonefish,
with minimal effort, stick.
When I cast, I often look at my loops,
For those anglers who are looking
for an all-arounder… something
with which they can cast some
dry flies, or huck nymphs under a
bobber, or even streamers, this is an
indisputable “money” rod. There’s
no two ways about it. I still love all
and I’m not bragging (I admittedly
Sage talks about the “tip-stop” factor,
cannot cast like some of you can), but
and normally, I’d take that with a
I do pride myself on driving a pretty
grain of salt… but for the fact that I
tight wedge. Wind doesn’t typically
genuinely noticed that also. It goes,
bother me. I’m going to say, looking
but it stops, and then it drops, with
at the loops I toss with the “X,” that
dead-on accuracy. Casting this rod can
That said, I love the “X,” partly for how
wedge is tightened at least another
be like driving tacks from 20 yards.
it feels in my casting hand and how I
2-3 inches, which might not sound like
Super precise. Bang, bang, bang.
am fishing it (we are still building our
much, but I think it matters a helluva
lot, a least in certain conditions.
the other rods I mentioned earlier,
and others too. In certain fishing
situations, I still might opt for some
of those rods over the “X.”
friendship at this moment), and partly
If I were to ding the “X” on any front,
for what I think, as someone who has
covered this industry for years, it’s
I hate false casts. Having spent a lot of
any fast-action rod. If you’re generating
going to mean for the fly shop owners
time in scuba gear in rivers, watching
that kind of line speed, and you
who sell it, and the anglers who fish it.
how trout react to different factors,
happen to drop the rod tip even a tad
especially flies and fly lines that are
low on final delivery, it’s going to look
It’s a legitimate “holy smokes, did I just
cast over them, I know that shadows
like someone tossed an M-80 on top
make that cast?” rod.
I’d ding it for the same reason I’d ding
61
B AC K C A S T
Jim Bartschi, president of Scott Fly
Rods in Montrose, Colorado sees the
phenomenon of forced introduction
as an unnecessary means to an end.
“Every X number of years we replace
this product category, or every year
we want to unveil something new,”
he says. “My feeling is that [rod]
innovation really doesn’t happen
on a timeline—and it certainly
doesn’t happen by reacting to your
competitors, which I see all the time.”
NEW MODEL
YEAR
How good fly rods are
becoming harder to quit
Written by Geoff Mueller
The tech world’s pace of innovation is
a rocket-propelled reality. By the time
we pull the trigger on the latest iPhone,
flat-screen TV, or digital camera there’s
already a replacement waiting, ready
to force us to rethink “what’s next.”
That whole process is both exciting and
nauseating. Will innovation somehow
revolutionize how we watch Sunday
Night Football? Do we really care?
62
In the flyfishing sphere, life’s a little
more relaxed. We stand in rivers for
long hours pondering the behavior of a
species propelled by a heartbeat—not a
lithium-ion battery. We turn technology
off. (Sometimes.) And we slow our roll
in order to explore peripheries rather
than the remote in our hands. But that
hasn’t stopped industry manufacturers
from marching to the mantra that says
in order to sell more there must be an
element of forever-new in the mix. That,
too, can be both thrilling and wearing.
Scott’s Radian rod series was introduced
at the International Fly Tackle Dealer
show in Orlando in 2013, pocketing
best-in-show honors. The company
has since made new hires and ramped
up production to meet demand. And
although fresh offerings from the
company will be unveiled this summer,
it’s expected that the Radian, as a
rod series, will dig its heels in for a
while longer. In an intimate flyfishing
community with relatively educated
consumers, Bartschi adds, a quality
fly rod should be a non-disposable
product. “Instead of constantly tiring
people out, our goal is to delight them.”
Non-endemic companies that make
high-end goods have had success
following a similar strategy. Porsche’s
911 model was born in 1964,
launched a year later, and through the
generations has become symbolic of
athleticism, performance and, well,
affluence. Over time, it’s also become
an iconic ride. So much so that Porsche
has not—likely will not—let it go.
When it comes to fly rods, however,
most of the iconic, from classic
Winstons to beloved Sages and other
once-favorite sticks, are no longer in
production. They live in collections.
They occasionally come up for auction
on eBay. And they’ve since been lost to
a landslide of new names, technology
advancements, and an ever-changing
spectrum of color hues that would
make Bob Ross’s afro spin.
But there’s a shift occurring. And it
stems from the fact that graphite
rod technology is, according to the
companies that turn out great gear,
reaching a state of “Well, damn, there’s
not much left to revolutionize here.”
Josh Prestin came to Redington two
years ago, following a corporate
stint at Cabela’s. As the Washingtonbased company’s brand manager,
he’s witnessed what he calls a
leveling of technology across the [rod
manufacturing] industry. “As a brand
we can produce incredibly performing
rods at relatively approachable price
points and the tech divide is shrinking.
It isn’t as much of a distinguishing
factor as it once was.”
What that means is rods like those in
Redington’s trout-centric Hydrogen
family are being developed around
a specific application; how we use a
rod rather than a technology-hyped
storyline. And unlike the latter, a richer
purpose-driven narrative has the power
to resonate over a longer time period,
creating a degree of legacy in the
lineup. Prestin says that Hydrogen,
even with future tech updates, will
maintain its moniker as well as its place
in the Redington portfolio. For now,
at least. And until relevant technology
sparks the need for a new conversation.
Story, he adds, is key to Redington’s
rod-naming practice. Every rod starts
with a concept based on application,
performance, and a target audience.
Projects typically have a title from
the outset that relates to the plot.
Hydrogen was all about “lightest in
class.” Redington’s new Vice series, on
the other hand, is all about something
pretty self-explanatory.
Its hard-to-quit aesthetics were
inspired by a can of Copenhagen
Wintergreen.
The AFFTA Fisheries Fund supports fisheries conservation projects to protect
wildlife, habitat and access, and also fosters educational initiatives to grow
new anglers. Let’s move the sport and industry of fishing forward...together.
To date, the Fisheries Fund has supported the
following projects:
• The Freshwater Trust’s efforts to restore steelhead &
salmon habitat in the Big Sandy River Basin, Oregon
• Trout Unlimited’s 5 Rivers Program that grows new
university and college aged-anglers
• Utah Stream Access Coalition’s fight for public access to
Utah fisheries
• Montana Trout Unlimited’s advocacy work regarding a
proposed mine near the iconic Smith River fishery
• Alaska Conservation Foundation’s work to permanently
end threats of drilling and mineral extraction in the
famed Bristol Bay, Alaska
For more information or to donate, visit: www.affta.org
h a nd cr a f t ed t o pe rf ec t i o n
est
19 6 9
T H E R O D YO U W I L L E V E N T UA L LY OW N
Our craftsmen’s hands may not win any beauty contests but the rods they produce sure as hell should.
Beautifully handcrafted, we strive for perfection and uncompromising performance in every rod we make.
www.thomasandthomas.com
HANDMADE IN AMERICA

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