Tag: gear review

Dry Flies – the basics to have in your box

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Part I: The fly box – The main problem with dry fly storage is damaging the hackles (squishing or flattening your fly). If you put them into foam incorrectly you risk bending the hackles and altering how the fly floats. The safest way to go is a compartment box – but you have to keep in mind that a windy day can eat a lot of flies. The other boxes that work well are slit foam style from Umpqua – UPG and Scientific Anglers that are built to hold tall dry flies.

10: Royal Wulff

Might be too low for this classic, but it’s on the list. I use this fly in a size 20 during the Deschutes caddis hatch and size 12 on the Blitzen in the fall.

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Gear Review: Simms Slick Jacket

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Slick JacketThis fall Simms released the Slick Jacket – the newest, most advanced rain jacket in fishing outerwear. I was lucky enough to test one this summer at Alaska West and here is the low-down on what I found:

The Slick jacket is constructed with Gore-tex Pro shell blended with elastic, creating a jacket that is waterproof AND has extreme mobile. It is also designed with “pass-thru” technology, meaning you can unzip you hand warmer pockets and reach into your wader storage without unzipping your jacket and getting soaked. There are also no bulges on the front of the jacket to catch your fly line while you swing and step your favorite run or bomb BWOs on your favorite winter trout stream.

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Bauer Rogue Classic – A spey reel with incredible guts.

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DSC_0242Bauer Reels are made locally in Ashland, Oregon by a small group of dedicated makers. They were the first to introduce the large arbor design you see on most modern fly reels and haven’t stopped being one of the best reels around. All reels now feature a carbon fiber composite disc drag that is smooth and reliable. The engagement is instant and has no start-up inertia as a result of there patented clutch system. The Rogue series reels also have a V machined into the arbor to store excess backing while still maintaining a large arbor for maximum line retrieval rate.  A recent addition to their lineup was the Rogue Classic, which features a non-ported back to properly balance spey and switch. They also happen to look incredibly sexy, especially in all black.

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