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Saturday 30 November 2013

The Great Gear Story

For a fly fisher, awesome gear that keeps you comfortable can keep you on the water to enjoy that incredible fishing day.  For me living on the wet coast, I target the conditions that keep other people at home.  Anadromous species, be they steelhead or trout, move into rivers, become more active, etc when the tap is turned on.  Patagonia has put together a video about people that have used great gear for years, or even decades.

I have some Paddy gear myself that may be in to its second decade.  I can't think of stitching ever coming apart.  The fabric may wear out around the zippers, but the zipper still functions.  Their clothing is awesome.  The Worn Wear story is also pretty cool to check out.


Massive Flash Sale--Black Friday Edition

The Clymb has a massive sale going on for tons of outdoorsy items.  Click on through to get huge discounts.

Link:  The Clymb


Monday 25 November 2013

The Fish Bowl

This is a FFF original.  It was some of the very first video footage I ever shot with the idea of "putting it out there".  The camera was standard definition but the scene was solid gold in my opinion.  Two fishing buddies working as one.  One working the rod, the other being the set of eyes.

Two feet further up.  That was right over him.  He bit it, he bit it, he bit it....



The Fish Bowl--Steelhead Edition from Fly Fishing Fantasies on Vimeo.

Sunday 24 November 2013

Saturday 2 November 2013

Russian River

Well okay, maybe that was a cheap trick.  This is actually The Russian Rocket on the day his jersey was retired in Vancouver.  What a player.  I remember training for a Seven-A-Side tour at UBC in Vancouver while Pavel was out doing plyometrics style training on his own with some sort of personal trainer.  This was before you heard about personal trainers.  He was the most exciting player you could ever imagine watching, probably because he was also likely one of the hardest working players you could ever imagine.


Flash Sale--Baselayers Edition

Flash Sale $39.98, Retail $110
Baselayers from Columbia, Adidas, Cloudveil and many more at great markdowns.  Also on flash sale today are:  Zoot footwear, Spy sunglasses, Endeavor Snowboards, and more.  Click through to The Clymb to get some.

Link:  The Clymb

Multi Day Float Trip Steelheading--Grande Ronde Edition

Tuesday 29 October 2013

Sierra Designs Flash Sale

Flash Sale $109, Retail $200
One of these puff hoodies is definitely on my wish list.  And at 45% off, you can probably afford to grab one.  If you've been a good boy (or girl) this year, get one now and wrap it up for Christmas.

Other brands on Canadian Cartel's flash site today include Element and Flow.  Click through to Canadian Cartel (upper right side of the blog) to get in on the action.

Saturday 26 October 2013

Thursday 17 October 2013

Vermillion

Chuitna Mine--Bigger Than Pebble

The proposed Chuitna coal mine in Alaska would cost $6 for every dollar generated by the mine.  If these stats are accurate, why would any government even consider it for approval.  Read on...

Via, Patagonia's blog The Cleanest Line

Flying Tigers

Tigerfish!



Flying Tigers from Fishtube.tv on Vimeo.

Lay Off The Coffee

Don't speak a word of Scandihoovian, but this was kinda humorous to watch nonetheless.



Dæven det "taket" -studio edition from Utras.net on Vimeo.

Cuba. Solid.

Tuesday 15 October 2013

Dry Fly Atlantic Action

Incredible close ups in this one.  It's been quite the day for new material.  Enjoy.



Breaking the surface :: Loop Tackle Design from Loop Tackle on Vimeo.

Big Boy Bonaventure Atlantics

The Hooke tribe does it up real good on this outing.  Check it.



Hooké Adventures / Bonaventure Fall! from HOOKÉ on Vimeo.

Atlantic Salmon

Some absolutely wicked images here.  You must give it a look.



Eoin Fairgrieve Photography from Eoin Fairgrieve Fly Fishing on Vimeo.

Norwegian Browns

Babine Steelhead

It's Not About The Fish

Or is it?  This piece takes apart one of the most common cliches.



The Fish: SCOF issue #9 Moving Pictures from Southern Culture on the Fly on Vimeo.

Sunday 13 October 2013

Dude Can Cast

If you follow spey casting much, you've probably heard of Eoin Fairgrieve.  As a student of the spey casting game, I love to watch a great caster.  Eoin qualifies.



Speycasting in Slow Motion - Part Two from Eoin Fairgrieve Fly Fishing on Vimeo.

Lefty Kreh

Every interview I hear with Lefty Kreh makes me think it would be an absolute treat to spend some time on the water with him.

Link:  Lefty

Skeena Steel?

Don't know for sure, but I'm guessing this is Skeena River tributary action of some sort.



Steelhead Trailer from Ramon Cliff on Vimeo.

Hurley Flash Sale

Of epic proportionortionortions.....

I like my surf styles.  Check out these shorts at 73% off.  Now that's a discount.

Today's flash sales at The Clymb include snowboarding gear as well.  Check 'em all out by clicking through.

Link:  The Clymb


Saturday 5 October 2013

World Fly Fishing Championships 2013

I've definitely got a few competitive bones in my body but trying to outnumber somebody else's catch doesn't excite me that much.  I'll take beautiful scenery, areas away from the crowds, and fewer, bigger, and more challenging fish anytime.  What do you think?




Maybe something like Reel Girl in Slovenia for example.



Reelgirl in Slovenia from Lotte Aulom on Vimeo.

Can't help but notice Reelgirl casts better than many of the competitors at the World Fly Fishing Championships.  What are the qualifications I wonder?

Aaaaaaahhhh

Look how fast the chinooks have taken up residence after dam removal.  Salmon, trout, steelhead, and all the plants and animals they nourish will be thankful.

Link:  Going Home

Monday 5 August 2013

Out of The Cold

Flash Sale--Icebreaker and More

Flash Sale $39.98, Retail $70
Icebreaker gear is on sale today at The Clymb's flash sale.  Several items are already sold out so move fast by clicking through the link to The Clymb if you're interested.

Other flash sales going on currently are:  Element and Zoot apparel and footwear, Ambig skate apparel, Garmont footwear, Under Armour eyewear, cycling components, and hydration supplies.

Link:  The Clymb

Wednesday 31 July 2013

Facials

You know that look you have on your face right after a huge trout jumps and spits yer hook.  Check this one out at the 7 minute mark.  The rest is good fun as well.

Saturday 27 July 2013

Mouthful Stoneflies

Stoneflies can be a real mouthful for trout.  But they can also be a mouthful in other ways.  Watch on, you'll see what I mean.



Gorge -Fly Smart Media from Fly Smart Media on Vimeo.

Thursday 18 July 2013

Rods, Nets, Sunglasses--Flash Sale

Flash sale $59.98, Retail $150
Some great deals on fishing gear today like these sunglasses by clicking through to The Clymb.  If you hear people talk about the benefits of polarized glasses when they're fishing, they ain't talking trash.  They not only help you spot fish, they also allow you to more easily spot depressions and structure that fish are likely to hold in and around.

Other flash sales today include Craft apparel, Millet alpine gear, Asics shoes, Suunto watches, Camp Comforts camping gear and more.  Check it all out at The Clymb.

Sunday 14 July 2013

Hanwag Flash Sale

Flash Sale $134.98, Retail $330
Years ago my buddy that led students on hiking trips multiple times yearly talked about Hanwag hiking boots like they were the top of the heap.  They're on massive markdown on The Clymb's flash sales site today, almost 60% off.  Click on through to check em out.

Other flash sales today include Hurley surf styles, OTZ shoes, and Annex iPhone and iPad cases.

Sunday 16 June 2013

First Atlantic

Some of us fish a long time before getting that first Atlantic salmon or Pacific steelhead.  Others are much more skillful.



I am the champion from Inwaders Media on Vimeo.

Wednesday 12 June 2013

Switch Rod Review--Deneki Style

If you're into spey fishing for steelhead, Deneki Outdoors is a great blog to frequent.  In this review, they compare the Sage 8119-4 TCX to the Sage ONE 8116-4.

Link:  Deneki Spey Review


Thursday 6 June 2013

Spey Clave--Helsinki, Finland Edition

Fly Castaway Guides Days Off


What does the guide you want to have do on their day off?  They go fishing of course.


Sage's Jerry Siem on Sage One--Iceland Edition

Looks like Jerry Siem is on the road.  I imagine he plans on wetting a line a time or two while in Iceland.  Most fly rod company higher ups always seem to find a way to mix business with pleasure (which is also their business).  See what he has to say about Sage One rods.


I've been fishing Sage rods for somewhere in the twenty plus year range, so I'm a believer.

Wednesday 5 June 2013

Light Up

Flash Sale $49.98, Retail $120
On those multi-day fishing/camping trips, a good headlamp is a must.  The Clymb's flash sale today includes headlamps, apparel and every type of camping gear you could possibly need at great markdowns like the headlamp shown (58% off).  Click through to shop the awesome Dads and Grads flash sale going on right now.

Link:  The Clymb

Tuesday 4 June 2013

Do The Tarpon Roll

You gotta walk you gotta roll you gotta do the tarpon roll.  And, oh yeah, check out the chick with the belly button piercing at the end.  Well almost a belly button piercing.


Monday 3 June 2013

Silver Lining For Chromers?

It looks like the Skeena sockeye fishery may be weak enough this year that the mouth of the Skeena will be closed for sockeye fishing.  The silver lining for steelheaders is that steelhead travel at the same time and sockeye closures usually lead to far better steelhead escapements.  If you've been planning on your first trip to the Skeena this year or if you go regularly, this could be a great year to make the pilgrimmage.

Link:  Skeena sockeye Fishery Notice

New Zealand Dry

If you're a trout fisher, dry is awesome and big trout dry is awesomerrrr.



New Zealand 2013: A Dry Fly Short from The Fly Commission on Vimeo.

Saturday 1 June 2013

Alberta's Bow River Trout

As Arthur Fonzarelli often said, step into my office!  Vantage Point Media House has put together Out Fly Fishing Outfitters promo video.  Check it out by following the link below.

Link:  Out Fly Fishing

Thursday 30 May 2013

Switch Rods--My Fave

I own a couple spey rods and a couple switch rods.  The switch rods are definitely my preference.  They do the job of the full spey rod with more feel and more delicate presentations.  This is important for my favourite quarry--summer steelhead.  My absolute favourite is the Sage 7119-4.  Check out what Jeff Putnam has to say about switch rods by following this link.


Tying Tips?

Hank Patterson branches out from fly fishing to fly tying.


Italian Trout

Don't worry the stereotypes aren't true.


Chilean Trout--Pro Photographer Edition

Val Atkinson is one of THE GUYS in fly fishing photography.  Check it out--in 1080 p would be my suggestion.


Stripper Clip Anyone?

Practice

Took up spey casting quite a few years back.  The best thing to do to get better is definitely to practice--despite what Iverson might think.  This video cracks me up.  It's a remix of Iverson's rant, Jim Mora, Joe Namath, Dennis Green, and others.




Monday 27 May 2013

Saturday 25 May 2013

Vantage Point Demo Reel

Gregory Packs Flash Sale

Flash Sale $57.98, Retail $90
Gregory packs have defined quality, comfort, and fit for the past 30 years. It’s hard to imagine that Wayne Gregory first operated the now hugely successful company with little more than a sewing machine and a Volkswagen van. Party on, Wayne.

Click through to The Clymb today if you're interested in packs, paddleboards, socks, apparel, bike helmets, hats, sunglasses, and more.

Link:  The Clymb

Solitude

Tuesday 21 May 2013

Rooster Party

Not Cogburn this time people.  Check out the wash down near the end.  Classic.


The Rooster Party Beard Chronicles 2013 from Marc Crapo on Vimeo.

Los Roques

Lefty on The Strongest Fish He Ever Caught

PC comment of the day:  "So ugly the tide wouldn't take 'em out"



Lefty Kreh from Jay Cavallaro on Vimeo.

Fly Fishing Comedy Break


Steelhead With Curtis

Some great long casts and steelhead hookups.



Fishing for Steelhead with Curtis Ciszek from Poler Outdoor Stuff on Vimeo.

Norwegian Atlantic Salmon--Orkla River Edition

Sight Fishing Patagonia



Friday 17 May 2013

Playin' a Player--Dry Fly Steelheading


What’s a Player

Spring has sprung.  Which means the best time of the year is almost upon us, summer run time.  If in your summer forays you can get a steelhead to come up multiple times, you’ll have found what many steelheaders call....a ”player”.  What can you do to turn a riser into a player?



Playin' a Player--Dry Fly Steelheading from Fly Fishing Fantasies on Vimeo.

Try, Try Again--But Not Too Hard

The first thing to do is to make the same cast again.  Sometimes this will do the trick.  If not, try working a little above the rise, a different angle, or a little below the rise.  Don’t move too far below the original rise point or you may line the fish and put it down for good--especially in unbroken, glassy water.

Switch it Up

The next thing to try is changing flies.  This serves two purposes.  First and foremost, it gives the fish a different look that may spark some interest.  Secondly, the fish gets rested a little while you tie on a different pattern.  I remember a fish that took a run at my buddy’s fly a couple seasons ago.  The fish wouldn’t solidly take any of his other offerings.  He even went back to his tried and true pattern a couple times with no luck.  We carried on down river and as we passed the same run on the way out he dropped the original pattern over the fish and it hammered it on the first cast.  The calamity that followed happened so quick that we didn’t get the camera set up in time.  The fish screamed through the tailout and ran the rapids below to the next pool.  In response to the line pouring off his reel during the fish’s long sustained run, my buddy leaped off the greasy log jam into chest deep water to try and follow but the fish eventually unbuttoned him in the pool below.  The moral of this story seemed to be that resting the fish was key.  It’s often worth a try.  At times you can just stop and have a sandwich before trying the fish again.  The fish may take immediately after it has been given a little rest.








Have Confidence

When you do change fly patterns, the pattern you tie on should be another one you have confidence in.  Smaller, darker, and more drably colored are all good suggestions made by many past writers.  If you don’t have many patterns that you’ve had success with, fish a fly that others have confidence in and act like it should work until one does.  Every fly that catches somebody a steelhead caught that person their first steelhead at some point.

Work the run the same way you did earlier with this new fly.  Again, avoid spooking the fish by moving too far downstream.  In the video, I worked the run for almost three minutes before the fish rose again.  It eventually rose a second time and shut down a second time.  When I switched to a third fly, the fish took solidly on the second cast.  In the end, this fish didn’t make it to hand but if you learn how to play these players, some otherwise missed fish surely will.

Fly Fishing Fantasies’  2012 dry fly steelheading video release, Paid in Full, can be purchased at flyfishingfantasies.com or your local fly shop.