Gear reviews
The new Scott Centric is a rod for the ages
When the tube arrived from Scott, I expected it to be something special. So, I wanted the first analysis to more than a cursory shakedown. I headed to the grass field behind my house for some quality one-on-one time, poured myself a small mason jar of red wine, put on some Bose noise-cancelling headphones, strung up the rod, and got ready to “dance.” I put my playlist on shuffle, the first song that came on was AC/DC’s “Hell’s Bells”
A look at Loon’s new Rogue hook-removal forceps
For me, a good pair of forceps has become a requirement on the water, particularly during summer when I’m fishing more frequently and, subsequently, catching more fish (hopefully!). Forceps or hemostats are great multi-purpose tools — they help with hook...
Douglas Outdoors: Born on the Salmon River
For Douglas Outdoors founder David Barclay, growing up on the Salmon River instilled a deep love and passion for the area and provided a reason to follow his dream of creating a local upstate New York business that would offer high quality fishing equipment and could provide jobs for the local communities.
TroutRoutes
Until now, no phone or tablet app was particularly useful in locating trout streams and finding public access to them. Enter “TroutRoutes,” an app that maps trout streams in Colorado, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Nebraska and North Dakota. Montana,...
Simms Dry Creek Z backpack
As the name implies, the Dry Creek Z isn’t just water resistant. It’s waterproof. And, the pack itself, before you put anything in it, is virtually weightless. In fact, your first impression when you open the box might just be, “Is this it?”
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Simms introduces two new wader models for women
Women’s interest and involvement in the sport of fishing is growing and becoming more of a focus in the industry. Simms announced last week the introduction of the new Women’s G3 Guide Z Stockingfoot and Women’s Freestone Z Stockingfoot waders.These women-specific...
Back to the vest
I had back surgery last winter—three vertebrae were fused just above my tailbone after a lengthy battle with sciatica and what turned out to a cracked and splitting bone. I was honestly worried about the future of my fly fishing. The first few weeks after surgery were...
Voices from the River: From toys to necessities
The UPS man came to the door the other day, a pretty big package in his hands. It was from Simms. Not too long ago, the arrival of orders from outdoor gear retailers would make me giddy. Soon, I’d have my hands on a new rod. Or a new reel. Some cool flies or lures. A...
Seattle Sports E-Merse Neo XL submersible phone case
By Scott Criqui There are times when we test products that are fishing specific, like a fly rod for example, and then there are times when we review more of an all-around product, like the well-designed E-Merse Neo XL from Seattle Sports. The benefit to receiving this...
Catch-A-Lure can help retrieve tree-bound flies
I don’t know about you, but I’ve always been a little suspicious of little plastic gizmos that look like they came from a late-night venture on some home shopping network. But sometimes you run on to a very simple idea that you wish you had invented yourself. Here’s one. It’s not expensive, and it’ll pay for itself in no time through reclaimed flies – yours or someone else’s. It’s called Catch-A-Lure, and it was invented by Dave Olexson, a lifelong angler from eastern Pennsylvania. I talked with Dave recently about this nifty piece of simple technology.
Pescador on the Fly’s El Boso sling pack
Our friends at Pescador on the Fly make fly fishing gear that’s light and packable and functional. It’s just the thing for the traveling angler. And now, they’ve launched a fully loaded sling pack. They call it “El Bolso” – the bag. It’s got tons of extra D rings,...
Use floatant and desiccant together
The news out of Ashton over the weekend was pretty encouraging. The big stonefly nymphs were moving around, heading to streamside rocks in anticipation of a little sunshine. Any minute now, the fabled salmonfly hatch on the lower river would start to pop. The big bugs...
Kammock’s Kuhli weather shelter
Weather has always had a way of rearranging an outdoor experience. There’s a famous quote by Mark Twain that says, “Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it.” Many of us have seen it all while fishing, camping, rafting and hunting on our...
Midland X-tra Talk GXT radio
By Bill Thorne In this day and age of smart phones boasting limitless data capabilities, you may not think you need a set of walkie talkies. In the rural parts of the Ozarks, where I fish and hunt, I have found the Midland X-tra Talk, GXT Walkie Talkies to come in...
How to fix your Gore-tex waders
With as much as a good pair of Gore-tex waders costs these days, it pays to do your best to take care of them. But even in the best conditions, waders will eventually fail—water is pretty determined to find its way into even the smallest of holes. Above, Cameron...
Patagonia hits the road to fix your gear … for free
Fly fishing soft-goods manufacturer Patagonia is starting its first-ever Worn Wear Fishing Gear Repair tour on April 13, and I’ll be visiting the Jackson Hole tour stop on May 3 to get a pair of Patagonia waders patched by the pros. For free. Patagonia’s Worn...
Gear test: Under Armour Shoreman Gore-Tex jacket and pant combo
Over the past two months, I have spent countless hours wearing the Under Armour Shoreman Gore-Tex jacket and pant combo. It has seen wind, rain and snow, as well as activities ranging from hiking to fishing, and even a bonfire and some late night pick-up ice hockey on...
TU members get discount on onX app
At TU, we’re strong believers in public lands. We see these lands as a legacy for future generations and a keystone in our efforts to protect, reconnect, restore and sustain coldwater fisheries across America. These are your lands and waters, to hunt and fish and hike...
New gear: Redington Butter Stick 8-weight
When I think of glass rods, I think of noodly little sticks meant to pluck backcountry brook trout from beneath overhanging willows or in tight quarters where a short backcast is as vital as a quiet presentation. But I have new appreciation for big glass after a day...
New gear: Tom Morgan Rodsmiths gift creel
In the fly-fishing world, some “gear” items aren’t terribly functional. But Tom Morgan Rodsmiths fly rods are that and more—they’re made for you by craftspeople who have discussed the implement with you, and know exactly what you’re...
New gear: Simms G4 Pro Shift Pack
I was pretty sure that nothing could convince me to step away from my newfound “less is more” approach to trout fishing. Years ago, I was a vest guy—load up the pockets of the fishing vest with everything you need and off you go. Then I tried the lanyard...
New gear: Cheeky’s new pliers and backing
As Cheeky’s Ted Upton says, “We like to have a little fun with our designs.” That would explain the rainbow of color options for the manufacturer’s quality fly reels—the color options give customers the ability to add a little personality to...
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