A Truckvault Offers the Ultimate in Function, Convenience and Security
THIS MAY BE THE SINGLE GREATEST PIECE OF GEAR A FLY ANGLER CAN OWN.
As I have said on many occasions, it’s called Gink and GASOLINE for a reason. I live in my truck. Last week alone I drove over 5000 miles with my Adipose skiff in tow. This year I have driven from Atlanta, GA to Idaho, twice! I camp, I fish, I float and most of all I drive.
I’m not complaining. It’s a hell of a lot of fun, but take a minute and think about the logistics of it. A single road trip may last two or three weeks away from home. It’s going to involve photography, video, writing, online publishing, camping, cooking, boating and fishing of every imaginable type. It requires a mountain of gear.
Much of this gear is really expensive. Cameras, microphones, lights, computer, iPad, not to mention better than a dozen fly rods and reels and, of course, I have to have a guitar. All of that expensive, and fragile, gear rolling around in the back of my truck for weeks on end. Baking in the sun. Sitting in plain view at put ins and sketchy roadside pull offs. My life savings in an unlocked truck waiting for a shuttle driver. It has been a nightmare for years.
Well, not any longer. I recently upgraded from a ’98 Subaru Forester to a 2002 Toyota Sequoia. When I did, I knew it was time to get a Truckvault. I have wanted one since I saw my buddy Michael White’s Truckvault, which I wrote about last year. I had spent plenty of time drooling over the Truckvault site and knew that they made custom units for SUVs as well as pickups. I knew the time had come.
I logged on and started the process of designing my own Truckvault. The site makes it easy and some of the options are mind blowing. Anything is possible. Mine is a two drawer unit ten inches deep and fifty inches long. It spans the width of the vehicle and is covered in carpet which matches the truck. When you look in the window, you don’t even know it’s there. It has combination locks with key backups. The drawers pull out to full extension and are lined with foam and have customizable dividers. The unit is rated to hold three-thousand pounds on top and is fire safe.
Read More »Epic 370 Ready-To-Wrap Fly Rod Build
WHEN IT COMES TO STARTING SOMETHING NEW, WHETHER IT BE FLY TYING OR WOOD WORKING, THERE IS TYPICALLY A LARGE LIST OF QUESTIONS THAT COMES WITH VENTURING INTO UNCHARTED WATERS. WHAT DO I NEED TO GET STARTED? HOW DO I USE THIS? WHY DO I NEED THAT? WHERE CAN I FIND WHAT I NEED?
Swift Fly Fishing has taken all of the guess work out of rod building with their Epic Ready To Wrap kits. Offered in 3wt through 12wt, they come well-appointed with quality components and materials, as well as detailed instructions, to build a quality fiberglass or carbon fiber fly rod. They even offer a kit for the chrome-obsessed, two-handed bug slingers out there. And, with each kit offering everything you need to complete each build, there is no waiting on shipments, or running around to find components. It’s all right there in the box, ready to go. It’s the perfect starting point for the beginning rod builder.
This is my third Epic Ready To Wrap kit that I have built, and each one has provided me with plenty of enjoyment and learning along the way. Not to mention, with the completion of each build I’ve added another amazing rod to my quiver.
Let’s dive in!
The components in the kit are top notch, which is what you can always expect from Epic and Swift Fly Fishing. The cork is beautifully dense and without flaws. The updated FastGlass II (Made in USA) blanks and Snake Belly finish offer enhanced performance and improved durability across the entire family of fly rods. Also updated since my last build is the new Sure Fit Ferule. These ferules are so precise that should the unthinkable happen and you break your rod, Epic can send you a replacement section without the worries of an improper fit. Along with each rod comes a hand-stitched, divided rod bag and a handsome, natural fiberglass rod case.
As I’ve mentioned, my kit came with a detailed instruction booklet that lays out each step of the build process and is extremely easy to follow. No confusing jargon or directions to trip the builder up along the way, and includes photos to help aide with each step. After re-familiarizing myself with the instruction booklet, I setup my workspace in my office where I have a large table and plenty of light. Since the Ready To Wrap kit has just about everything I need to build this rod, there wasn’t too much prep work for me to do before I got started. The only additional supplies I had to gather was masking tape, denatured alcohol, and sand paper.
Before beginning with my build, I needed to
Read More »Sunday Classic / Don’t Let Go of the Fly Line in Your Rod Hand During the Hook Set
Have you ever set the hook on a fish, and the next thing you know, you’ve got your arms spread apart in the shape of a giant slice of pizza, leaving you unable to reach the fly line with your rod hand? Do not be ashamed if this happens to you every now and then on the water. You’re not alone, I promise. Many fly anglers do this regularly, and the reason they get themselves in this situation is because they’re letting go of the fly line in their rod hand when they set the hook. You can completely eliminate this problem on the water if you make sure you keep a solid grip on the fly line with your rod hand during and after every hook set. Doing so, it will allow you to maintain tension and control of the fish while you’re stripping in fly line or getting that excess fly line on the reel.
I know some of you that have found yourself in this situation have probably used your mouth to hold onto the fly line until you can get your hands back into the correct position. God, I know I have plenty of times.
Read More »Saturday Shoutout / Cody Richardson
By Justin Pickett
Check out this License Plate Art by Cody Richardson
Cody Richardson travels all over the western hemisphere in search of his next memorable catch, but it’s not just the fish that he is after. Wherever the destination, he always makes sure to carry along a screwdriver in case he happens to find a junkyard full of old cars. Crawling on his hands and knees through mangled metal, Cody harvests some of the most desired, vintage license plates for his custom works of art.
These plates are cut, bent and shaped into the forms of prized catches, such as Tarpon, Permit, Bonefish, Trout, and Steelhead. Each one created from the license plates of the country in which they are sought. Fishing destinations such as Belize, the Bahamas, Cuba and Alaska are known for colorful license plates that, when collaged together, make beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces that will add fly fishing pizazz to any room.
These unique works are a great way to commemorate a memorable trip to the Florida Keys to chase Tarpon, or to memorialize your first Steelhead. Cody started his art career by creating personal designs at his home for friends and family, but it wasn’t long before his art caught on through local Colorado fly shops, and are now sold in shops around the world.
These amazing works make the perfect gift to spoil yourself, or as a gift for a loved one. Give Cody’s work a look over at www.codysfish.com and catch some of his most recent works on his Instagram account at @codyrichardsonscreations! If you don’t see what you are looking for, be sure to reach out to Cody on his site! With his network of license plate collectors, he’s able to customize your license plate piece to just about any desired species and destination!
CHECK IT OUT!
Read More »Practice Your Fly Casting With A Plan
I believe that most fly anglers don’t practice their casting because they don’t really know how.
Most anglers count on fishing time to improve their casting. Fishing and practicing are two very different things and if you are working on your cast while fishing, you’re not doing either one very well. Practicing, without a plan, isn’t that productive either. Simply going out on the lawn and hucking as much line as possible isn’t an effective way to practice. In fact, it can reinforce bad habits.
Of course, if you’re really struggling, the best thing to do is work with a casting instructor. That’s a commitment, so we thought we’d lower the bar and bring the casting instructor to you. I spent an afternoon with champion caster, Tim Rajeff on his casting pond and he shared a simple practice plan that will build skills and reinforce good habits.
WATCH THIS VIDEO AND LEARN TO PRACTICE YOUR FLY CASTING LIKE A PRO.
Read More »Stilt Houses of Texas
By Louis Cahill Stilt houses of Texas is a unique and beautiful documentary work by one of my favorite photographers. If you fly fish, the odds are good that you know the photographs of Tim Romano. Even if you don’t know him by name, his work is unmistakable and hard to miss. For me at least, Tim’s images are as much a part of the fly fishing culture as moving water. This year, his first coffee table book was published and, if you fish the Texas coast, the imagery will be familiar. The Stilt Houses that dot the Texas coast are a collection of ad-hoc structures built by squatters over the years. Now owned and managed by the state of Texas, these structures host a culture as unique as the buildings themselves. A unique and enduring expression of Texas individualism. Over the past few years Tim has assembled a collection of hundreds of images, which capture this amazing piece of Texas history with insight and detail that will have you tasting the salt air. If you love the Texas coast, this boo will be near to your heart. Enjoy this collection of photos By Tim Romano. You can buy your own copy of Stilt Houses of Texas here. Louis Cahill Gink & Gasoline www.ginkandgasoline.com hookups@ginkandgasoline.com Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter!
Read More »Get Slinky With Your Indicator
By Johnny Spillane
AS WE GET INTO FALL AND FISH ARE BECOMING MORE SELECTIVE AND EATING SMALLER BUGS LIKE TRICOS, FISHING CAN BECOME MORE CHALLENGING. USING A FRENCH SLINKY INDICATOR OR SLINKY INDICATOR CAN BE A GREAT WAY TO HOOK A FEW MORE FISH WHEN THEY ARE BEING ULTRA SELECTIVE OR ULTRA SPOOKY.
I like to use it when fish are in shallow water or they are suspended close to the surface in deep water but not feeding on the surface. Typically, I like to use some sort of dry dropper rig in this situation, but if the fish are being picky and ignoring the flies, it might be because of the larger dry fly used to support the nymphs. They have been seeing that stuff all summer.
Removing it can be a big help, but then you’re stuck with the problem of detecting the strike. A slinky indicator is perfect for that situation. It’s easy for fishermen to see, detects even the subtlest strikes and is very difficult for the fish to see. There is no splash when it hits the water so you can get it in fairly close to fish without spooking them and if you grease it with mucilin it actually floats really well and will support a moderately sized dropper. There are countless other ways to use this rig but this is where I have found it to be the most effective for me.
MAKING THE SLINKY INDICATOR
In order to build the indicator, you’ll need a few things. An empty Bic pen case or something similar, duct tape, 15lb high visibility monofilament and some boiling water.
Cut a two foot section of the mono and tape one end to the pen case leaving a 6- to 8-inch tag and then tightly wrap the mono around the pen 8-15 times depending on how long you want your slinky indicator to be.
Read More »Make Your Next (Or First) Rod Build Epic!
IT’S GIVEAWAY TIME!!!!
PRESENTS AREN’T THE ONLY THING WE WILL BE WRAPPING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!
There’s no doubt that Swift Fly Fishing and Epic Fly Rods have made fiberglass sexy again. For years, they have been pumping out high performance fast-glass and getting their Studio Built bendy sticks into the hands of anglers around the world. What’s even more awesome, Swift also offers all of their blanks in their well-appointed Ready To Wrap rod building kits. Each Ready To Wrap kit includes EVERYTHING you need, from the blank to the fighting butt, to build a quality fiberglass fly rod that is sure to put a big ‘ol smile on your face! There is no hunting for supplies or guess work involved. Simply open the box and follow Epic’s detailed 42-page Instruction Manual. They make it super easy, and even more enjoyable! This week I will begin my third Epic Ready To Wrap build with the 370 Olive blank. I will be posting updates of the build on our social media accounts throughout the build, and, on December 24th, one of you lucky anglers will win a Ready To Wrap kit of your choice!
How To Win:
Head over to Instagram and check out today’s post on @ginkandgasoline and hit that “Like” button!
Follow @ginkandgasoline and @swiftflyfishing on Instragram!
Tag three of your fishiest friends!
That’s it! On Decemeber 24th, we will draw a winner at random! It’s like getting an extra, badass Christmas present! Be sure to follow along during the build process as I wrap up my new small stream bug slinger!
In the meantime, be sure to check out these Epic Ready To Wrap kits and more over at www.swiftflyfishing.com! Use code “G&G10” for 10% OFF any purchase throughout the duration of this giveaway!
Good Luck!
Read More »G&G 2018 Holiday Gift Guide
By Alice Tesar and Justin Pickett
If you are shopping for a fly fisher this year, G&G is your elf on the shelf.
HERE IS OUR LIST OF HOT HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR THE FLY ANGLER ON YOUR LIST.
RiverSmith River Quiver
New to the scene, the award winning RiverSmith River Quiver is the piece of equipment that just about every angler would love to see mounted to the top of their adventure vehicle. Built in the USA by a group of passionate fly anglers, the River Quiver delivers the quality and protection you demand. Offered in “2 Banger” and “4 Banger” configurations (or double up for the Octo Banger!), you’ll have room for the rods you actually need, and also for the ones you don’t. Each system carries rods up to ten feet in length, has the space to accommodate most rigs up to an 11wt, and offers security features to keep your precious gear out of the hands of would be tackle terrorists!
https://riversmith.com/catalog/category/view/s/products/id/4/
Simms Midstream Vest/Jacket
I’ve been impressed with the Simms insulated gear as of late. The Fall Run and the Downstream jackets are favorites of mine. This year Simms stepped things up with the Midstream insulated vest and jacket, in both men’s and women’s sizes. These mid layers offer the high performance of Primaloft Gold which keeps you nice a toasty on those frosty mornings. Despite the big performance, the Midstream vest offer the angler all of the warmth and comfort that we demand, without the bulk that you might expect.
https://www.simmsfishing.com/shop/mens/layering
Simms River Camo
Simms teamed up with the gurus over at Veil Camo and entered into the world of camouflage with their new River Camo. Simms didn’t just pick a pattern out of a bunch of swatches because it looked cool though. There’s a ton of science behind this cutting edge camo pattern, which is specifically designed based on how fish are able to perceive shape and color. River Camo’s ability to distort the angler’s silhouette and obscure movement will help you get closer to your next big catch! Simms offers their new camo in their G3 Guide waders and Bulkley jacket, as well as several shirts, mid-layers, hats, and accessories, so you’ll be covered for all of your covert fishing needs!
https://www.simmsfishing.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=river+camo
Simms Riverbank Chukka Boot
The fully waterproof, fleece lined Simms Riverbank Chukka Boot will keep you dry around the yard or on the boat. Slip on style and non-marking soles make it ideal for good boat etiquette.
Patagonia Tuff Puff Hoody
Extremely durable, available in men and women cuts, and made for layering in the coldest months of the year, the Patagonia Tuff Puff Hoody is the perfect gift. Elastic cuffs that are DWR coated, tool attachment points, and 2-low profile pockets the size of fly boxes make any angler will feel at home in this layer.
Patagonia Middle Fork Packable Waders
For the minimalist in your family. High-tech meets low weight, at 26oz these waders pack down to the size of a water bottle. H2No® Performance Standard fabric with a waterproof/breathable barrier and a DWR finish makes icy high alpine lakes bearable for hours longer than your wool socks and hiking boots do.
Read More »Sunday Classic / Friends Don’t Let Friends Fish Muds
“THIS IS THE KIND OF BONEFISHING THAT RUINS YOU. THE KIND OF FISHING THAT IMPAIRS YOUR ABILITY TO MAKE GOOD DECISIONS.”
The sky is a perfect robin’s egg blue. Reflections of the morning sun dance on the underside on the mangroves giving the bright green leaves an unnatural glow. A breath of breeze cools my face in contrast to the warm sun on my back. Sixty or seventy yards in front of the boat there is a small school of nice size bonefish moving our way along the edge of the mangroves. It is a perfect morning on South Andros.
This flat is called Dodum. Dodum flat is a large white sand flat adjacent to the ocean at the mouth of Dodum Creek. The sand of the flat is as perfect as fresh snow and the water is a uniform depth of one to four feet depending on the tide. With the tide out, it’s a great wade and with it in, you can spend a whole day poling a boat around it. Dodum is big. Picture a Wal-Mart. Now picture the piece of land a Wal-Mart sits on, parking lot and loading docks included. Dodum is five times that size.
The tide is just beginning to fall and Captain Freddy is poling Kent and me along the mangroves at the edge of the flat. We are picking up fish as they come out of the mangroves with the tide. They are nice fish, averaging five or six pounds and there are plenty of them. We’re putting good numbers on the board early.
This is Kent’s first trip to South Andros. It’s my favorite place in the world to fish and he’s listened to me go on about it for countless hours. It’s our third day of fishing and, though the fishing has been good, Kent has yet to have one of those South Andros ‘magic days’. Almost anyone who has fished this place knows what I’m talking about. When the stars line up, things happen on South Andros that make your friends call you a liar.
Though Kent and I fish together all the time and have made some truly epic trips together, it just hasn’t worked out for us to make this trip. I’ve lost count of the days I’ve spent on Andros, but for me this trip is special. This time I get to show my best fishing buddy my favorite water in the world. Any fish I catch is a surplus to my excitement. Watching Kent, a look of child-like wonder on his face, soak in the beauty of this place and feel the power of these fish, that’s what I’m here for.
“You picked a fine time to leave me Lucille,” Freddy bursts into song as
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