Riversmith River Quiver: REVIEW
For more than two decades I’ve done it the exact same way. Rise before the sun, chuck my waders, boots, and gear in a big plastic tub, and then toss my rigged-up rods inside the cab of my vehicle.
The long, bumpy, unkempt roads of the southeast’s public lands wreaked havoc on my trucks. Those fragile fly rods that I haphazardly tossed through the back glass? Rod tips sliding across the dash. Blanks bouncing over the backseat. Most days I was just lucky they made it. There were plenty of unlucky days, though. Never did I think that I would find myself snapping off the tip of one of my fly rods because it got stuck between the windshield and the dashboard, but one morning I did just that so I could go fishing. And that sound… That awful sound of a fly rod screming as it is sent through the glass guillotine… my passenger window. Car doors. Rear tailgates. They have all caused their fair share of destruction. Not to mention the constant sliding around of fly rods and constantly moving them out of your face. And yes, I have tried a handful of interior rod racks, but none ever really solved any problems or worked well enough to keep around. So, until recently, I’ve just dealt with having fly rods running amuck in my vehicles.
About a year ago, I received a phone call from the folks at Riversmith. They had recently launched their new River Quiver rod rack and were generous enough to send one my way to test drive. After talking with Luke on the phone, and meeting John at IFTD, I can tell you from the get-go that these guys have the right ideas, methods, and goals in mind. They themselves were avid fly anglers and had used other rod racks on the market that left them with the desire to design a better one. Riversmith unturned every stone on this project. Aside from just being able to carry fly rods, they wanted the River Quiver to excel in areas where others fell short. Security. Durability. Design. Ease of use. They even focused on materials and design that would ensure road noise was kept to a minimum. Not only developing a solid product, Riversmith has also committed to excel in customer service and sharing their passion for fly fishing alongside their customers.
Riversmith offers four different models of the River Quiver that will accommodate most anglers’ needs, as well as two color options. The standard River Quiver is available as a “2-Banger” at $399.99 and a “4-Banger” at $599.99, allowing folks to carry either two or four rods up to 10’4” in length along on their journeys. If you’re needing to carry along some longer sticks, Riversmith also offers extended versions of both the “2-Banger” and “4-Banger” that allows enough space for rods up to 11’4” in length. Originally offered in unfinished aluminum (which we have), the River Quiver is now offered in a sleek, matte black for an extra $60 for the 2-Banger and $80 for the 4-Banger, and is currently only offered on the standard length models. The sturdy reel box is made of tough AES polymer and features a keyed lock with a beefy hinge and side-swinging door. The box has ample room for large saltwater reels and allows for larger fighting butts. A tongue-and-groove joint runs around the entire perimeter of the box and resists prying and tampering, keeping your rods and reels that much more secure. Each of the rod tubes are
Read More »New Alpha Fly Rods From Winston
The new Alpha series fly rods from Winston speed things up.
Winston is hitting the ground running with a new fast action rod. The Alpha is a top shelf offering in Winston green and all the touches that go with it. It also uses the famous Winston Boron reinforced but section. Justin Pickett is a big fan.
WATCH THE VIDEO AND HE’LL TELL YOU ALL ABOUT THE NEW WINSTON ALPHA.
Read More »New Saltwater and Euro Nymph Fly Lines from RIO: Video
RIO has a host of new Direct Core saltwater fly lines, and a nifty trick for the occasional euro nympher.
Rio’s direct core lines have been out for a while. The flagship Flats Pro is a great example of how the direct core makes for better fishing. This year RIO is introducing several purpose driven Direct Core fly lines, including specialty tapers for bonefish, permit and tarpon.
As a bonus, you’ll also see the new Euro Nymph Shortie, an attachable head that turned your standard fly line into a euro nymphing line in seconds. A great trick for when you need to get technical on the spot.
CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO FOR ALL THE DETAILS ON DIRECT CORE FLY LINES AND THE EURO NYMPH SHORTIE!
Read More »The New Yeti Hopper M-30 Portable Cooler: Video
The new Yeti Hopper M-30 uses magnets to keep ice longer.
If you’re looking for a portable cooler that’s rugged, doesn’t leak and keeps ice frozen, the M-30 is a big improvement. Magnetic closures keep the cold in when it’s warm out. Just the thing for those summer days when WE ARE GOING TO GET OUT OF THE HOUSE!!!
WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ALL THE DETAILS ON THE YETI HOPPER M-30.
Read More »New Dry Creek Z Packs from Simms: Video
The new Dry Creek Z Packs from Simms have the coolest zipper ever!
These cool new packs are loaded with features but the toothless, self healing zipper is what really makes them stand out. No teeth means no leaks and dry gear under the most challenging conditions.
Watch the video to see the new Dry Creek Z Packs from Simms.
Read More »The Deschutes River Steelhead Camp, Sept 14-16 & 16-18 2020
If you are like me you’re ready to stop thinking about catching Covid 19 and start catching steelhead.
If you are concerned about the current situation spilling over to Sept, skip to the end of this article and read the cancelations section.
Sept 14-16 & 16-18 2020
The Deschutes Steelhead Camp, operated by Jeff Hickman’s Deschutes Steelhead Adventures, is one of our most popular trips. The cost for this 3 day session is $2200 / $3850 for 6 nights, and includes guided fishing, instruction, lodging and chef-prepared meals.
The Deschutes steelhead camp is a blast. Jeff’s operations, both here in the states and at his lodge in BC, have a fun mellow vibe. Just good times and good fishing, no attitude or pressure. The Deschutes is a beautiful river and has a fantastic steelhead run. We fish the lower river. The Deschutes is a major cold water tributary of the mid-Columbia, so steelhead bound for all of the rivers of the upper system stray into the lower Deschutes to take advantage of the cool oxygen rich water. You have a chance to catch steelhead that are headed for Idaho there.
The Deschutes is one of the best rivers anywhere to catch a steelhead on a floating line. Casting a dry line is a real pleasure, but when a big steelhead rockets up through eight feet of fast water to eat a small traditional fly, it’s anything but relaxing. The steep canyon walls offer us plenty of shaded water through the day to take advantage of the dry line bite, and even wake dry flies. It’s super fun fishing!
We run up river in jet boats to the campsite and use that as our base. There are only a few outfitters licensed to run jet boats on the river. The jets give us the ability to access fresh water any time we like, which is huge. After we get settled in at camp and have a bite to eat, we hit the river and fish until dark. The next two days we start fishing before first light and fish until lunch. We return to camp for a hot lunch and a big nap, then head back out in the afternoon as the shadows fall on the river and fish until dark. Then we have a big dinner (the food is awesome) maybe a drink or two, and hit the sack. The last day we fish until lunch and head back to the boat ramp.
Jeff and his crew set the camp in advance. You arrive to a big stand-up tent with cots and sleeping pads. All you need to bring is a sleeping bag and pillow. There is a screened dining tent, a tent with a camp toilet and a shower tent. There is electricity from a bank of solar cells and batteries. It’s ridiculously nice. There are also ample public composting toilets along the river if you prefer those.
The river is beautiful and the stars at night are amazing. You can see the milky way clear as a bell. The water is beautiful. There are great steelhead runs everywhere you look and dramatic rapids. It’s fishing of
Read More »New Bauer RVR Fly Reels for Trout: Video
The New RVR Trout reels fro Bauer offer 3 technique specific options.
The new RVR reels move Bauer into the future without sacrificing the any of the design and quality that has made Bauer one of the best fly reels on the market for decades. The RVR lineup offers a reel for every trout angler, whether you are a traditional single hand angler, a euronympher or a trout spey junky.
WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ALL THE DETAILS ON THE NEW BAUER RVR FLY REELS.
Read More »Crazy Times, A fly angler’s guide to riding out Covid 19
I know it’s only April, but dammit I’m calling it…. COVID19 wins the “Biggest Asshole of the Year” award.
As the latest news headlines roll across the bottoms of tv screens and are perched at the top of social media feeds, our country sits in a semi-paralyzed state as we wait to hear the latest steps to address this pandemic from our local, state, and federal governments (however strict or lax as you may perceive them). There are a number of differing opinions, models, and predictions about where our country is headed given varying levels of response to this bug. Some are confident we are overreacting, while some are certain the world is circling the drain. As a healthcare worker myself, what I can tell you is that this virus is eerily different from many of the outbreaks that I’ve experience in my career in emergency medicine. From the virality and transmissibility to the overall response thus far, it is certainly like nothing we have seen. One of the quickest things many of us can and have done to help quell the spread of this virus is to practice better hygiene and distance ourselves from one another. Taking these steps can help ease the strain on our hospitals and protect those more susceptible to infections, but with that, of course, brings other problems. The closing down of businesses have already caused a huge strain on millions, and even the businesses that remain open will likely experience a drastic decline in revenue. The fly fishing industry is certainly an industry that will be negatively affected by the measures we have taken in an attempt to save lives. During what is typically the beginning of the busiest time of the year for many fly shops and guides across the country, we are instead seeing closed doors and cancelled trips. With the uncertainty that lies ahead for our health and economy, which both need to be taken seriously, the best thing we can do is support each other. I have seen some amazing displays of kindness and gratitude during this trying time. Let’s keep that going. We’re going to need it. The isolation alone can be maddening enough. Add the loss of a job, a failing business, or illness to the pile and things can go dark quick. Below are some things you can do to help pass the time and keep your spirits up during the days ahead.
Brace For Impact
Let’s go ahead and get the bad news out of the way. This is going to change A LOT of the fly fishing landscape as we know it. Fly shops, manufacturers, offices, and distribution centers have had to shutter their doors to comply with executive orders. Unfortunately, some of them may never open back up. This is extremely disheartening considering the growth we have been experiencing in the fly fishing industry as of late. Even the shops and companies that do survive this economic plunge will look much different on the other side of this disaster. I urge you to help support these companies as best you can during these challenging times so that when the dust settles, they might still be around.
Support Your Local Fly Shops
Many shops have had to close their doors due to “shelter in place” orders issued by local governments. However, some shops are still able to operate and fulfill online orders. Some shops are offering “curbside” pickup of online and phoned-in orders, as well. I have seen several shops offering incentives and giving generous discounts on gear and apparel. They still want and still need your business. You’re going to have some time to restock those fly boxes, so call them up and order some tying supplies. Re-stock those leader wallets, fly boxes, and gear bags!
Support Your Guides
I know many guides are probably getting calls to cancel trips due to travel restraints or folks that fear they’ll catch the wrong kind of bug on their trip. Or worse yet, local governments shutting down public lands, making some trips impossible. Many guides charge a deposit up front that helps cover this type of thing, but it’s not meant to live off of and pay bills. If you are thinking about cancelling, consider offering to re-schedule the trip once things ease up. Many guides also tie flies, typically for their guide service, but in a time like this they may be happy to spin up some flies for you. You can also offer to purchase gift certificates or pay up front for a future trip. Every little bit helps.
Practice Your Casting
We can all benefit from a little more casting practice. Many parks and reservoirs around me have closed their gates to everyone, leaving me with very few fishing options without traveling hours away, which isn’t exactly the greatest of plans right now. However, when this mess does pass, I don’t want to be flogging the water with my whippy-stick. So, I’ll be in the yard throwing loops at hula-hoops, dogs, and small children in an attempt to keep my form in check.
Restock Your Box
A lot of folks have been tying all winter in anticipation of hitting the water this month to chase those first trout of spring. Well, as it turns out, a lot of us are going to have some more time to tie more flies. Spin ‘em up! Tie some new stuff. Try some new patterns. We’re all going to need flies to sling once this blows over. Don’t have the want and fortitude to tie your own? Refer to the above point I made about supporting a local guide, or two, to tie up some flies for you.
Get Organized
This is a great opportunity to get reorganized. My garage is a frickin’ mess! I have fly boxes, and boots, and tippet spools everywhere. And I don’t dare walk into my garage barefoot. There are way too many lost flies hiding amongst the clutter to risk it. My fly tying desk is also in dire need of attention. Sort through those hooks, feathers, and beads. You may also get inspired to tie something new with a once long-lost material. Dive into some hands-on projects and maybe build some fly rod storage. There’s usually plenty of these types of things to help keep us busy.
Get Outside
Staying home doesn’t mean staying inside all day, every day. If you’re like me, you are most happy when you are outdoors. Yes, The Tiger King is an amazingly glorious train wreck that’s hard to look away from, but try not to get pulled into the TV and
Read More »High Tech Sunglasses from Costa: Video
The new Diego fishing glasses from Costa are packed with features anglers will love.
Ventilation, glare protection and sweat control are just a few of the Cool tricks the new Diago glasses have up their sleeves. Learn all obit them and a whole lot about plastic.
WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ALL THE DETAILS ON THE NEW COSTA DIEGO FISHING GLASSES!
Read More »Postfly Expands Subscription Model to Fly Rods and Reels: Video
Postfly, the folks who put flies in your mailbox every month, now make it easier to buy fly rods and reels.
The development of rental fly gear and subscription based services is one of the more interesting developments in the fly fishing market. Postfly made it’s name from a subscription based fly service. They are now expanding that idea to renting and owning fly rods and reels, allowing buyers to try rods and pay off their purchases over time.
What’s really interesting is that it’s not simply a web based service. You can actually go into a local fly shop, try a rod and/or reel, then seal the deal at an online kiosk.
GET ALL THE INFO ON POSTFLY, WADE RODS AND PELICAN REELS IN THIS VIDEO.
Read More »