More Bargain Books

Scored a couple more bargain books yesterday! Under $10 for the pair, brand new from Ollie's Bargain Outlet over in Orange City.

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2019 Orvis Down The Hatch Film Festival

Doors are open at The Metropolitan Club for the 2019 Orvis Down The Hatch Film Festival!!

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Camper Shakedown

Getting the new camper prepped for it's shakedown run to north Georgia for the Down the Hatch film festival this weekend! Hoping all goes well so I can leave for Colorado the following week. Where did this year go?! I'll have a handful of stickers and buttons at the films, if you want one just ask! Hope to see lots of you there!

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Relaxing Saturday

A good way to round out a relaxing Saturday! I've been enjoying Tom Rosenbauer's newly revised and updated Orvis Fly-Tying Guide. It's full of background information on tying tools, materials and techniques, as well as step by step instructions and page after page of fly recipes. Please let me know any questions you may have about the book and I'll be sure to address them in the full review!

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About to get underway!

The 2018 Orvis Down the Hatch Fly Fishing Festival is about to get underway!

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The Most Exciting Rods at IFTD 2018!

Evenin' Folks,

  Here's a quick rundown of some of what I thought were the most exciting fly rods on display at the 2018 International Fly Tackle Dealer's Show in Orlando, FL.  The show seemed a bit on the smaller side this year, but I think that's due to the change of venue for next year.  This isn't an exhaustive list of all the fly rods at the show, nor is it meant to be a study in the new rods on the market.  These are the rods that, for one reason or another, caught my interest or got me the most excited.  As always, if you have any questions on the rods here don't hesitate to ask!

   I hope you're all doing well!

    Happy Fishing!

      -Nick

Waterworks-Lamson

     Waterworks-Lamson debuted the Center Axis rod at the IFTD Show 2017, but at this year's show they introduced the Saltwater version of the rod and reel combo.  The designers realized pretty early on that the larger and heavier the reel, the more effective the Center Axis design would be.  With the 3-piece integrated arch design they were able to transfer more power to load the rod without any accuracy robbing flex between the rod and reel.  And, if you like the action of the Waterworks-Lamson rods, but you're not ready to make the leap to the Center Axis innovation, they're available in standard reel seat configurations. 

The Waterworks-Lamson Center Axis Saltwater Systems are available in 9' 6-, 7- and 8-weight fast action configurations with a system price of $799.99

Mauser Fly Fishing

Fans of a certain British motoring show might have heard that some of the best English sports cars were built by "blokes in sheds".  This pretty much sums up the feeling I got when I met with John Mauser, owner of Mauser Fly Fishing.  His passion is contagious, his attention to detail is impeccable and the quality and castability of every Waterman rod reflects his long flyfishing and guiding experience.  The Mauser Waterman series fly rods are handmade in North Carolina of the best materials and parts that Mauser is able to obtain.  And, he has a constant drive to improve.  Just to demonstrate the thought that goes into these rods, Mauser has sourced a US made snake guide that is more circular for less line drag and has concave feet for better connection to the rod blank while using less thread and epoxy to keep the weight down and sensitivity up!  That's "just" a snake guide!  

The Mauser Fly Fishing Booth at IFTD 2018

The awesome Mauser Waterman 890 rod. Mausers are available in 4- through 12-weights

L.L. Bean

  L.L. Bean had four rods on display during their hosted luncheon this year.  Two new rods, the Apex and the Double L, and two updated rods, the Streamlight Ultra II Switch and the Quest Fly Rod Outfit.  Apparently I only had lunch on my mind because I only managed to get pictures of the Quest Outfit!!  My apologies for my one track mind!

The L.L. Bean Quest Fly Rod Outfit, available in 4-9 weight models, 2 piece and 4 piece versions.  Includes Rod, Reel, Fly Line, Backing, Leader and reel-on case. 

L.L. Bean says the Quest Fly Rod Outfit is their "...highest value flyrod outfit ever" at a retail price point of $129-$149.

The other new L.L. Bean rods for 2019 are: 

    Streamlight Ultra II Switch Rod - 

         New tapers and materials for a lighter and stronger blank

         All models are 4 piece

         Anodized aluminum reel seat

         6-, 7- and 8-weight models

         Includes nylon covered fiberglass rod case

         Retail $199

     Double L Fly Rod

          Medium fast taper

         Multi-directional scrim (the pattern in the graphite sheets) for a stonger, more sensitive rod

         3- and 4-weight in multiple lengths

          Matching graphite rod tube

          Retail $230

     Apex Fly Rod

          Fast action for high line speed and tight loops

          Multi-directional scrim for stonger, more sensitive rod

          3-10 weights with various lengths

          Matching graphite rod tube

          Retail $395 

Thomas & Thomas

  Thomas & Thomas introduced their new Zone series of fly rods and managed to score an IFTD Best of Show Saltwater Fly Rod award with it!  The new Zone rods will be available in weights 3-10, with 3- and 4-weight rods being medium fast action and the rest being fast action fly rods.  According to T&T, these rods are hand built in their Massachusetts shop alongside their flagship models, but with a much lower price point to bring Thomas & Thomas rods to more anglers than ever before.  

A rack full of Thomas & Thomas fly rods always reminds me of a box of fine cigars!!  Beautiful design, incredible craftsmanship and a joy to handle.  Just like a box of your favorite robustos!

The Zone rods may be entry level for T&T, but they don't skimp on quality components.  Natural finish carbon construction, anodized aluminum hardware, hand rolled blue fiber reel seat, premium quality cork grips and Thomas & Thomas Blue wrapping thread.

Orvis

With Orvis rods the emphasis was on updating classics this year.  The entry level Clearwater line of fly rods got a full revamp with completely updated tapers across the whole line.  Unfortunately, I didn't get any details on how the taper had changed, but I'll do some research and see what I can find out.  I've been using a Clearwater Frequent Flyer travel rod for a number of years now, so I'm excited about trying out this new taper!!

For the 2019 model year Orvis has updated the tapers on the whole line of Clearwater rods!

Clearwater rods are currently available from 2- to 12-weights and 6' to 14' lengths in single handed and switch/spey varieties.

Pete Kutzer Casting Instruction, The Fly Fishing Show Atlanta 2018

Pete Kutzer making it look effortless as always!

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George Daniel's casting demo, The Fly FIshing Show Atlanta 2018

Caught the tail end of George Daniel's casting demo. You know it's serious when the presenter kicks off his shoes and gets in the casting pond!!!

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Pre Flight Checklist

I like to lay out and double check everything before hitting the water.

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Still more than half a week away...

Still more than half a week away, but I'm already counting down the hours until I'm back, knee-deep in cold water waving a stick in the air! Find me at the Orvis Down The Hatch show in Alpharetta, I'll have stickers with me!

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IFTD Demo Day 2017

Evenin' Folks,

  I thought I'd start off the series of AFFTA IFTD 2017 posts with a recap of Demo Day.  IFTD Demo Day is an event where members of the media are invited to the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes in Orlando before the opening of the IFTD Show and given the opportunity to talk with some manufacturers and use their new products on the water, under real conditions with a rep's (or in some cases, the designer's(!!!)) coaching and input.  It really is an incredible opportunity that I very much enjoy.  

  The setup was a little different this year in that all of the participating manufacturers were lined up along one long pond, which really made it easier to get to all the booths and make sure there was time to try all the new toys.  And, I don't want you to think that this was like casting into a 2-inch deep pool like the indoor casting ponds at various fly fishing events.  No, the water hazards of the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes golf course are trophy managed bass ponds.  Certainly not easy ponds to fish, but if you are lucky enough to hook up it's with a largemouth bass worthy of the latest and greatest products being tested.

  Unfortunately, I was skunked.  But, I was skunked using some of the most advanced fly fishing products to date.  And I had a hell of a time doing it and can't wait until Demo Day 2018!  Follow along with the photos below.  I'd love to hear your thoughts on any of them.  And be on the lookout for the next article in the IFTD 2017 series very soon.

  I hope you're all doing well,

     -Nick

IFTD 2017 Demo Day 7am at the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes, Orlando, Florida

The J.W. Marriott Hotel at the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes Golf Course, Orlando, Florida

Hardy Fly Fishing let me cast one of their new Zephrus Ultralight Series rods in 9' 5-weight with one of their classic Bougle reels.  This setup was designed for delicate presentations and was a pleasure to cast!

The new Salt HD from Sage Fly Fishing has a very soft, smooth cast and the KonneticHD technology helps put the power on for the quick casts that sight fishing saltwater fish requires.

I had the opportunity to cast the new Waterworks-Lamson Center Axis rod and reel side-by-side with an identically outfitted conventional fly rod and reel and the difference was quite astounding! 

At the Scientific Anglers station I got to cast their new Bonefish line on an Orvis Helios 3 rod.  This combination made for near effortless casting of this 8 weight!  I'd really like to spend some more time fishing with this setup!

G. Loomis introduced their new IMX-PRO series of rods this year.  These rods take advantage of the IMX-PRO Matrix graphite that they've been using on their tournament bass rods.  This strong, lightweight rod was a pleasure to cast and with a price tag around $500 it's a high quality rod that's not totally out of reach.

We weren't the only ones fishing at the Ritz-Carlton!

I spent some time talking with Nick (good name!) from Simms Fishing in front of the Simms Bus.  As a Large Outdoorsman myself, I was very happy to hear the Simms has starting increasing the sizes available on some of their more popular lines. 

The Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes is a beautiful venue for the AFFTA IFTD Demo Day.  They hotel even provided drift boats and guides to help put attendees on fish!

New Orvis by Tacky Fly Fishing Dropper Boxes

I was recently able to get my hands on one of the new @orvis by @tackyflyfish Dropper boxes! Anybody interested in seeing a Suburban Angler First Cast video on the YouTube channel? Let us know if you have any questions we can address! .

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Hit the beach for a bit of casting tonight.

Hit the beach for a bit of casting tonight. No bites, but I almost caught some gawkers on my back cast!

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Bow view

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Bow view. 

Putting miles on the Frequent Flyer!

Putting miles on the Frequent Flyer! -- This is the only 5 weight I own! It's been from Florida to Sweden and is currently my go-to for the local white bass run. It packs down shorter than my two weight but even with 7 sections it casts beautifully.

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These Put a Serious Bend in a 5 Weight!

These white bass put a serious bend in a 5 weight! They fight like a bluegill would if a bluegill weighed two or three pounds!!

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Another well spent lunch break!

Another well spent lunch break! I think this is the largest 'gill I've caught in the office pond so far.

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A well spent lunch break!

A well spent lunch break!

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Walters Flyrods Cinder Creek

I've really been itching to make some casts with my new Walters Flyrods Cinder Creek. And, while I don't think I'll really need a 9' 8-weight rod for the office pond, it sure was fun ripping that Clouser Minnow out to the middle! I'm really looking forward to getting this rod salty!!

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Orvis Down The Hatch 2015 Event Report

The show poster from the
Chattahoochee River Keepers Instagram feed.

Mornin' Folks,

  Well, it was that time of year again.  Time for Tom Rosenbauer and Pete Kutzer to make the long journey south to Atlanta for the Orvis Down the Hatch Fly Fishing Film Festival.  You may remember from my article last year (which you can read here), that Tom Rosenbauer (Marketing Director for Orvis Rod and Tackle and voice of the Orvis Fly Fishing Guide Podcast) spent some time in the Orvis Atlanta store meeting folks, giving advice and then giving his Small Stream presentation.  This year was done a bit differently in that Tom did a meet and greet in the store, discussing all things fishing with his adoring fans, and he brought along Orvis' casting maestro, Pete Kutzer.  Tom is an incredibly nice guy, he greets everyone in the store with a hearty hand shake and a warm smile that makes you think he's known you for years.  This year was my first time meeting Pete and he gives Tom a run for his money in the warm welcome department.  I didn't stay terribly long with Tom and Pete, I wanted to make sure and give others a chance to meet them.  But we did talk about the small stream, Georgia native Brook Trout that I have come to love, and, of course, bluegill, as always.  Tom and Pete both have an open invitation to fish the north Georgia small streams, cold or warm, with me, anytime!

Me, Tom Rosenbauer and Pete Kutzer at Orvis Atlanta

  We left the Orvis Atlanta store and had to kill a few hours before the show started (which is harder than you might think in Atlanta!).  The Little Girl and I strolled around some of the shops at Atlantic Station and grabbed a pizza for lunch.  This year the Down the Hatch festival was held at a different venue, Center Stage Atlanta, which was right on the other side of I-85 from Atlantic Station, making it, in my opinion, much more convenient and easier to get to than last year's venue.  The theatre room at Center Stage accommodated a much larger crowd than the previous location as well.  

Pete Kutzer, Jason Ulreth and Tom Rosenbauer

Photo borrowed from CenterStage-Atlanta.com

  After a one hour social with beer provided by Sweet Water Brewing and some heavy hors-d'oeuvres we were let into the main theatre to get the show started.  Tom and Pete opened the show with a few words and a quick story then introduced Chattahoochee River Keeper Jason Ulreth to speak about the Chattahoochee River that runs through Atlanta, how lucky we are to have one of a very few trout fisheries that runs through a major metro area and to explain that the proceeds from the show will go to fund two water testing sites on the river for the next year.  

  T-shirts, hats, koozies, and other items were thrown to a waiting crowd just before the lights were dimmed and the films started.  You really owe it to yourself to get to a fly fishing film festival if you ever get the chance.  The cinematography really is incredible.  The films always take place in incredibly beautiful locales, have stunning fish and action and, quite often, have a good bit of comedy that might be a little too insider if you're not a fisherman or, at least, married to one.

  During the shows intermission Tom and Pete called raffle numbers.  There was an impressive list of generous raffle prizes this year: half and full day guided trips for one or two, Costa and Smith Optics sunglasses, water purifiers, coolers, coats and, of course, the one that everybody wanted, the Orvis Helios 2 Sweet Water Brewery 9'-0" 5 weight fly rod, which I should have won, but didn't!  

  Every one was very happy with the evening, and the folks that won the raffles were ecstatic.  Many, many thanks go to the folks at Orvis, Orvis Atlanta, Orvis Alpharetta, Sweet Water Brewery, Center Stage Atlanta and all of the donors and sponsors for another awesome night of beer and fly fishing films.  I hope to see you all there again next year!

  Have a great day, Tight Lines and cold beer!!

     -Nick