Tuesday, September 09, 2014
Photos from iCAST and IFTD Day 3
Updated photos from iCast and IFTD Day 3! I finally got more captions done! Only one more group left, I'm on 'em, I promise!
-Nick
Mornin' Folks!
Here's more unedited, uncaptioned photos from IFTD. Today is the last day of the show, so I should have a few more photos tomorrow and I'll caption them all this weekend!
Tight Lines!
Nick
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| The Abel booth was packed full the entire week of the show. I was able to get close enough to take a couple pictures of one display case. I really liked the heft of these line nippers though, and you have to love Abel's different anodizing patterns. |
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| One of Abel's beautiful reels that was on that display. I love the way these trout patterns look on their reels. |
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| Yakima had this sweet little trailer on display at the show. I think even my little car could tow it, instead of strapping the kayak to the roof! I wonder if I'd get any more respect at the boat launch? |
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| This and the next few photos were taken at the L.L. Bean Media Luncheon that I was invited to. I've had a nostalgic affection for L.L. Bean for most of my life and it's gotten stronger as I've gone deeper down the rabbit whole that is fly fishing. I must say, though, that I was a bit disappointed at the luncheon. I really liked some of the new products that Beans had on display, but I was sad to see that every one of them was made in China. It doesn't matter to most people, but it does matter to me and I try not to purchase Chinese items when I can help it. These were all nice items that appeared to be constructed with quality in mind, so just let that guide your opinions of them. |
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| How about zip front waders? |
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| This was a really good looking jacket with lots of pockets and some innovative storage solutions. |
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| Talk about storage! This fishing travel bag had more pockets than I could fill! |
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| The Fishpond booth had some really nice looking products on display. I tend to use a lumber pack when fishing, so I was really attracted to this one that's actually designed for fishing! |
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| A good looking satchel from Fishpond. |
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| Outcast Sporting Gear was showing a bunch of their inflatable boats. Really nice, full featured and well thought out designs I'd love to try one! |
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| The Renzetti Traveller vice, such a great little size, I love this thing! |
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| A whole basket of FlyVines Bracelets. |
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| FlyVines Sunglass Keepers. Such a great idea for recycling used fly lines! |
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| This, quite obviously, is a terrible picture of some folks at the casting pond. Not sure why I kept it in here. |
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| One of my favorite booths at the show, Finn Utility out of Vermont. Hand crafted, heirloom quality, traditional fly fishing accessories. I really need to place an order, but I can't narrow down my wish list! |
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| Awesome drying patches, the big one on the left is for your vehicle's visor! NEED!!! |
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| Another product that is just one of those fantastic ideas! It's a net and a wading staff! |
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| How's this for a stream side fly tying setup! This set from C&F Designs includes everything but the feathers! |
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| These J:son Match'n Catch flies are the epitome of realism and durability in a fly! They've got to be seen to be believed! |
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| Flambeau had a massive booth at ICAST. This was the fly fishing section... |
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| Bote Paddle Boards had one of the sexiest booths at the show. The graphics on these are awesome. I've really got to try one soon! |
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| The fly tying competition at IFTD. It was so cool watching these guys tie as fast as they could! |
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| I scored a very appropriately named beer from Rio Fly Lines! |
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| The Best of Show Old Towne Predator XL motorized kayak! How cool is that? |
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| A nice lineup of Ocean Kayaks. |
Sunday, September 07, 2014
First Cast: Bamboo 2/3 Weight
A while back my grandfather gave me a 6' 2/3 weight bamboo flyrod that had belonged to my late uncle. I've put off using it until I could get the perfect reel for it. Well, today I got impatient, I've been dying to fish it, so I took the White River reel from my TFO, mounted it up and set out for Suwanee Creek. The bamboo had a totally different feel from my TFO, but it cast really well once I got used to the stiffness. I think if I put a 3 or 4 weight line on it it'll cast like a dream. I can't wait to fish it again, but for now, I'm back to searching for a reel.
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| Damn fine 'gill! They weren't biting too well the day I tried out the bamboo rod, but this guy decided to take a brown woolly bugger. |
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| It is a beautiful rod, but I still need to find a good reel to complement it. |
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| I still need to work on the photo skills, but the moss makes a great backdrop! |
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| I just wanted to show you what Suwanee Creek looks like. This is just upstream from a 90 degree turn. You can see a wood fence in the background, the other side of the fence is an industrial park and between the water and the fence is the Suwanee Creek Greenway, a heavily used walking/running/biking trail. |
Thursday, August 28, 2014
A Mess of Bluegill
I've got a bunch of fish pictures for you today. I caught all these (and a few more I couldn't get photos of) in about a two hour window on Sunday evening. In that time I was able to bring 20 fish to hand! Some, naturally, bigger than others, but catching a fish every other cast is always a ball, no matter the size. I was using the "popper-dropper" setup that's outlined in Steve Hudson's book "Bream Bugs". I think it was right around 50/50 on taking the popper or the dropper. For the popper I used a Betts Fancy Grade Bluegill Popper in white and for the dropper (because of the submerged cover) I went through several assorted nymphs that I had in my box. One thing Steve stresses in the book is that trout flies aren't just for trout! Look for a full review of the book "Bream Bugs" to appear on the blog soon!
Enjoy the pictures, and for size reference, I wear a size 16 ring!
Tight Lines!
-Nick
Friday, July 25, 2014
Photos from iCAST & IFTD 2014
UPDATE:
Ok guys, it took a little longer than I wanted, but I've captioned all the photos on this post! There was some really interesting new gear at the iCAST New Product Showcase. Just let me know if you want any more information on any of the products, I plan to put up a few product specific posts of the items that really caught my attention.
Tight Lines!
-Nick
Good morning Folks!
I'm in Orlando, Florida attending iCAST and IFTD as a media representative for The Suburban Angler. I've been posting pictures to Instagram as I take them, I wanted to make sure to get them on the blog as well. I'll try to come back and caption the photos later, I'm without computer down here(!!!) and blogging from my phone has its challenges! This first group is from my campsite and the New Product Showcase Media Preview last night. Enjoy!
Tight Lines!
Nick
Ok guys, it took a little longer than I wanted, but I've captioned all the photos on this post! There was some really interesting new gear at the iCAST New Product Showcase. Just let me know if you want any more information on any of the products, I plan to put up a few product specific posts of the items that really caught my attention.
Tight Lines!
-Nick
Good morning Folks!
I'm in Orlando, Florida attending iCAST and IFTD as a media representative for The Suburban Angler. I've been posting pictures to Instagram as I take them, I wanted to make sure to get them on the blog as well. I'll try to come back and caption the photos later, I'm without computer down here(!!!) and blogging from my phone has its challenges! This first group is from my campsite and the New Product Showcase Media Preview last night. Enjoy!
Tight Lines!
Nick
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| Site 53 at Wekiwa Springs State Park, a very nice campground that I will have to go back to. |
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| Two Tom Turkeys walked through the grassy area behind my campsite as I was setting up. |
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| Made it to iCAST and IFTD 2014! |
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| Made it through the first door. Everyone gathered here to be welcomed before going into the New Product Showcase. |
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| The Old Town Predator XL with optional integrated electric motor. Seems to take the romance out of kayaking! |
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| I liked these loafers from Rugged Shark. The description promises full support for your feet! |
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| The M2300 Fly Caddy from Panaro Plastics. Waterproof and dustproof to keep your tying materials dry after shooting rapids! |
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| The description card for the above caddy. |
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| There was a really good feel to these new pliers from Simms. U.S.A. Made = Bonus Points! |
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| The Argus Fly Reel from Douglas Outdoors. Great feel, traditional styling, U.S.A. made and not shiny so it won't spook the trout! |
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| SO COOL! Helter Skeletons rearticulated fish skeletons in the Gifts section. |
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| The new tandem kayak from Hobie. It has the famous Mirage Drive and can be configured for solo, tandem or "social" kayaking! |
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| LiT Industries LiT Cooler. Awesome idea putting LED's through the cooler. Makes finding that last beer a little easier in the dark! |
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Photos from iCAST and IFTD Day 2
Morning Folks,
Here is the second installment of photos from the International Fly Tackle Dealer's show in Orlando, FL.
Enjoy,
Nick
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| ARC Fishing is a new fly line company that is making some very innovative changes to the world of fly lines and tippets. Their products are also geared toward making fly line selection a little bit easier. I really like the camo tippet material and I can't wait to try out all their products! |
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| Adipose Boatworks had one of their beautiful driftboats on display. I'd sure like to try floating the Chattahoochee in one of these boats. |
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| I thought this was one of the coolest innovations of the show. Umpqua was showing the new for 2015 Tailgater Organizer. This is a "saddle bag" design that can be adjusted to fit almost any style tote box, it will even hang on seat backs or railings! |
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| This is the Mystic Fly Rods booth. You need to check out their 3-weight switch rod! |
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| Reddington had some awesome products on display in their booth. I really like the looks of these Sonicdry Pants. |
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| Allen Fly Fishing had a table full of their beautiful reels. Wish I had a table that looked like this! |
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| I was very impressed with Galvan Fly Reels, a family owned and operated company making some really nice reels right here in the U.S.A. |
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| I got to talk with the co-founders and inventors of the Tacky Fly Box, they're great guys and they've come up with a fantastic product. Look for a full review on this fly box revolution on the blog soon! |
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| Sorry I don't have a better picture, but these Korkers boots are just awesome! These are the K5 Bombers, built with fishing guides in mind. They're like the Swiss Army Knife of wading boots! |
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| The new Living Eyes from Fish Skull were amazing. They're a 3D, Holographic eye for flies and lures and they are very lifelike! You'd have to see them in person to get the full effect. |
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| This is the Atlas fly tying vise from Wolff Indiana. I loved this full featured, full rotary vise. Made in USA and guaranteed to firmly hold from a 7/0 down to a size 32 fly hook! |
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| This is how I spent my second night in camp! |
Friday, July 04, 2014
Independence Day
Good Morning Folks,
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_transcript.html
U.S. National Archives & Records Administration
8601 Adelphi Road,
College Park, MD,
20740-6001,
• 1-86-NARA-NARA • 1-866-272-6272
I hope you're all doing well today! I just wanted to wish all my readers a very happy Independence Day holiday! For those of you who hail from outside the U.S. I hope you all have a great weekend. Instead of talking about fishing on the blog today I wanted to share with you guys what I consider to be one of the most important documents in all of human history. The United States Declaration of Independence. If you've never read it then, please, take a few minutes on this important day to read it. If you have read it, give it another look. It absolutely amazes me the intelligence with which this letter was composed.
I wish you all a very safe, fun and happy Independence Day!
Tight lines,
-Nick
The Declaration of Independence: A Transcription
IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.
We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.
Page URL:The 56 signatures on the Declaration appear in the positions indicated:Column 1
Georgia:
Button Gwinnett Lyman Hall George WaltonColumn 2
North Carolina:
William Hooper
Joseph Hewes
John Penn
South Carolina:
Edward Rutledge
Thomas Heyward, Jr.
Thomas Lynch, Jr.
Arthur MiddletonColumn 3
Massachusetts:
John Hancock
Maryland:
Samuel Chase
William Paca
Thomas Stone
Charles Carroll of Carrollton
Virginia:
George Wythe
Richard Henry Lee
Thomas Jefferson
Benjamin Harrison
Thomas Nelson, Jr.
Francis Lightfoot Lee
Carter BraxtonColumn 4
Pennsylvania:
Robert Morris
Benjamin Rush
Benjamin Franklin
John Morton
George Clymer
James Smith
George Taylor
James Wilson
George Ross
Delaware:
Caesar Rodney
George Read
Thomas McKeanColumn 5
New York:
William Floyd
Philip Livingston
Francis Lewis
Lewis Morris
New Jersey:
Richard Stockton
John Witherspoon
Francis Hopkinson
John Hart
Abraham ClarkColumn 6
New Hampshire:
Josiah Bartlett
William Whipple
Massachusetts:
Samuel Adams
John Adams
Robert Treat Paine
Elbridge Gerry
Rhode Island:
Stephen Hopkins
William Ellery
Connecticut:
Roger Sherman
Samuel Huntington
William Williams
Oliver Wolcott
New Hampshire:
Matthew Thornton
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_transcript.html
U.S. National Archives & Records Administration
8601 Adelphi Road,
College Park, MD,
20740-6001,
• 1-86-NARA-NARA • 1-866-272-6272
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