The International Fly Tackle Dealer show starts today in Denver, and your fearless editor is on site to provide you with an inside peek into the wonderful world of new fishing gear. IFTD is the annual gathering of fly tackle manufacturers, retailers, independent reps, guides, media and more, and it’s where the majority of the…
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Gear
Sage 99 Review
Last summer, Sage introduced their ’99 Series’ rods – purpose-built nymphing sticks from 4 to 9 weight, and all 9 feet, 9 inches long. We cast them at the big industry trade show last year and thought they felt fine, but after a shoulder shrug and a grumble that “the world doesn’t really need dedicated…
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Simms Shoes
Last week we told you about Simms‘ new dedication to camo. Today it’s all about shoes. Simms has 5 new shoes coming in early 2011. They’re all good looking shoes with some fishing-specific features, and several in particular we think are pretty cool. The Harbor Shoe that you see above is one of 3 that…
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Camo!
We recently got a walk through of the Spring 2011 product line from Simms, and over the next little while we’re going give you some of the highlights from our standpoint. Today we’re starting with a category of product that is maybe not the most technical but we think is pretty cool nonetheless – camo…
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Big Nasties
Just a selection of big meaty morsels preferred by rainbow trout in Western Alaska! More on Flies for Alaska Silver Salmon Fly Selection Mr. Hankey Steak and Eggs
Gear Galore – Blogging from IFTD
Last year we attended Fly Fishing Retailer, the fly fishing industry’s big annual trade show, and we did our best to tell you all about the coolest new gear that the manufacturers in our industry came up with for your fishing pleasure, straight from the show floor. This year AFFTA, our industry’s trade group, took…
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Good Luck Charms
On his trip to Andros South this past May, Michael White brought along his trusty hyena – a good luck charm that always seems to bring him good fishing. Have a look at the writeup Whitey sent us on his hyena, and then let us know what brings you good luck! Whitey’s Hyena Amulet/Talisman: Any…
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Let Your Guide Pick Your Fly
It’s time for another Universal Fishing Tip – pointers that are useful anywhere in the world you go fishing. When you’re headed out for a day in a new fishery, show your guide your fly box and ask what they think you should fish. You might be the best angler in the world, but you’re…
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Pelican Cases
If you’ve spent much time on the water with serious photographers, chances are you’ve seen Pelican cases at work. Pelican cases are bombproof, and they’re simply the safest way to take electronics like cameras along on fishing trips. Here’s why. They’re waterproof 100% of the time. They’re dustproof 100% of the time. They protect your…
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Cotton Candy – The Old Standby
At Alaska West our guides are constantly pushing the envelope as it relates to fly design. Big, beautiful composite hackle king flies, innovative new mouse designs, dangerously articulated flesh flies and more are routinely born in our staff quarters next to the Kanektok River. On the other hand, there are some patterns that have produced…
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