These days, pretty much any modern skiff you see on the flats is going to have a poling platform on its stern. Why is that? The extra height of the platform gives your guide (or if you’re really lucky, your Significant Other) better visibility, a 360 degree view and less glare at short and long…
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Gear
Polyleaders – What They Are, Why We Like ‘Em
One relatively recent development in the world of spey fishing is the broad use of polyleaders. Since polyleaders are a bit of a mystery to some folks, we asked Charles St. Pierre, Northwest spey fishing and equipment guru, to do a little writeup for us on what these things are all about. Here’s what Charles…
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August in Alaska – Your Quiver
We’ve gotten a lot of questions lately from anglers wanting to know what combination of rods is most appropriate at various times of year at each of our lodges. We’re happy to answer those questions! Today starts a series on rod ‘quivers’ – combinations of rods that work well in a certain location at a…
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Simms Headwaters Reel Briefcase Review
We got really good feedback on our first video blog post last weekend, so we’re going to make a go of the video thing! Thanks to everyone who got in touch. Today we present a review of the Simms Headwaters Reel Briefcase. This is a simple, well-designed reel case that’s big enough to hold the…
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10 Fly Fishing Gifts Under $50
Yes, anglers can ask for gifts that aren’t $700 fly rods. Yes, people shopping for anglers can find gifts that aren’t $600 fly reels. Here’s our Top 10 list of Fly Fishing Gifts Under $50. Happy Holidays! Bug Slinger Microfiber T-Shirt – $39.95. Great for the younger angler – a hip design in a lightweight…
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Smith Ignitor Lens – A Great Choice for the Flats
In our coverage from Fly Fishing Retailer in Denver this year, one new product that we were intrigued by was the Ingnitor lens from Smith Optics. Having been popular in the ski goggle world for flat light conditions, Smith brought this lens to their fishing lineup this year. We said we’d give them a try…
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Sage 7126-4 TCX – The Death Star
The Death Star is at home here. Photo: David Lambroughton As use of Skagit-style spey lines continues to grow and become more refined, rod manufacturers are pushing the envelope on some of the basic variables of rod design. One of the biggest trends is that towards shorter rods that are still plenty powerful. Earlier this…
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Simms HardBite Studs and Star Cleats
Star Cleats – great for moderate traction. Chances are you’ve heard that most wading boot manufacturers are working hard to develop wading boot soles that are less likely to transmit invasive species like the New Zealand mud snail from one piece of water to another. Simms’ main solution to the problem is their StreamTread soles,…
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Simms Gore-Tex Paclite Jacket
Photo: Simms Fishing Products There are some parts of the fly fishing world where you live and die by your rain gear. You’re in it every day, it’s loaded down with gear, and bombproof durability and storage options are key. On the Kanektok and the Kenai and the Skagit, high-end fishing shells like the Simms…
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Rio Bonefish Line
Photo: Rio Products We’ve said in the past that for an all-around line to chase bonefish on South Andros Island, we think the Rio Tropical Clouser is the ticket. The short front taper on the Clouser line does a great job turning over big flies and getting your rod loaded quickly – both important traits…
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