F3T 2014 - Fly Fishing Film Tour Minneapolis

Once again, the Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) is making it's way through Minnesota this winter. Of special note, this year the film tour decided to add another night in Minneapolis! What does that mean? It means that all those folks who missed out on getting in on the sold out action the past few years should have a better shot of catching the Film Tour at least one of the nights this year. Of course, I know there will be folks that will be attending the show on both nights just for the social scene. I'll be there. Here're the details:

MINNEAPOLIS MN - 2 SHOWS - The Parkway Theater
Date & Time:
1/31/2014 7:00:00 PM
2/1/2014 7:00:00 PM

Tickets & Info
https://www.ticketriver.com/event/8947

Details from Google Maps:
4814 Chicago Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN
www.theparkwaytheater.com
(612) 822-3030

Tickets went on sale January 2nd. Purchase them online at TicketRiver for $15, or get your discounted tickets at The Fly Angler for $13. SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL FLY SHOP.

Word on the street is that the crew from Pig Farm Ink will be making a special appearance that weekend and sponsoring an Iron Fly event in the Twin Cities after the film tour. Stay tuned for more details.

See you in just a few short weeks!

Great Waters Expo 2013

Great Waters was a success this year. Healthy attendance for 2013, over 1000 more folks showed up this year over last years show. It was evident that carp on the fly was a topic of interest among expo goers. Between Justin's and my talks, every seat at the stage was filled and it was standing room only with a crowd formed around the stage. Even at the fly stage, where I performed an hour long demo tying up some of my best, seats were filled and anglers huddled around the area to see what was going on. I have to say I was impressed, and totally underestimate the crowd and the interest carp would have on the fly angling populace, especially in Minnesota.


Anyone who had a chance to catch Justin's talk was in for a treat. There was some amazing fish porn, and a showcase of support for carp after the whole Moldy Chum debacle and John Montana's Slab of the Year award. Pretty funny to see the bitchy whiny trout guys complain about a carp online after you put it in perspective. The crowd had a few good laughs on that one.


Thanks to Geoff Samples, Brad Befus, and the rest of the Ross/Scentific Anglers crew for letting us showcase our talents. It was also a treat to watch Tyler and Vivian Befus tie up some dandies at the table next to me. They definitely have some talent and and it was pleasure tying alongside them. The SA/Ross fly tying table attracted plenty of visitors. Between MPLS Fly and Rip Lips custom musky flies, there were a steady stream of visitors, passerbys, and folks taking a seat to soak it all in. I filled up some fat sacks of Carp Crack for any unsuspecting customers to try on their local carp scene. If you missed your chance to grab a few packs, get some here.

Brian O'Keefe informed me that I had the best attended seminar at the whole show. Whether or not he was being a gentleman or it was the flat out truth, what was evident to me is that carp do, in fact, rule, and that there was plenty of interest in the subject. I'm already looking forward to next year's show and hoping to convert a few more followers to the dark art of carp fishing with a fly.

2013 Great Waters Fly Expo

Just a little over a week until the Great Waters Fly Expo. This is the 10th anniversary for the Tom Helgeson's Great Waters Fly Expo. The event is once again being held at the National Sports Center in Blaine, MN, March 22 through 24, 2013, in the new exhibit hall. I'll be presenting, spreading the gospel of the dark arts of fly fishing for carp and roughfish. I'll also be found in the fly tying demonstration area so find me at the Scientific Anglers and Ross Reels tying table and their vendor booth.

I'll have plenty of flies available for sale, as well as stickers and dubbing, and a bunch of Mountain Khakis swag and their new spring catalog. Can't forget CarpPro, there'll be plenty of stickers available to go around.

See you there!

F3T Destination Minneapolis

I know it's a week late, but sometimes for us old timers it take a little extra time to recovery from a grand old party ;-). I just want to thank everyone who braved the snow and made it out to the F3T showing in Minneapolis.


An unexpected 4 inches of snow eerily calmed down a usually rambunctious and raucous crowd in Minneapolis. Dare I say they were almost civilized? As was the case the past several years, the film tour stop in Minneapolis easily sold out of all of the available tickets, and patrons packed the Parkway Theater. Standing room only. Perhaps this may be the call for adding another night to the tour in Minneapolis? Anyone?



Probably the most refreshing sight to take in at the tour this year was the high number of women attending the show. This is the most notable amount of women I have seen at the F3T since they started coming to the Minneapolis, and I wasn't the only one who observed this. The highlight of the evening came when the father of a 9 week old won the Rock Grip Wading boots from Patagonia. The film goer was pumped since he "never wins anything", I was more pumped that his wife and the 9 week old were both in attendance as well. Got to start 'em young!


As usual, it was great reconnecting with old friends, seeing some new faces, and BSing with the film tour crew. Until next year....

Reality Bites

I recently did a guest post for the Scientific Anglers & Ross Reels Insider blog, encouraging folks to hit up the Fly Fishing Film Tour, a highly successful and well attended event held at theaters across the country. While the rationale listed are compelling enough to head out to the show, here's what really happens at the F3T.

Listed are the reasons published on the SA/Ross Insider blog followed by my repsonse.

1. An evening packed with fly fishing footage captured in near every corner of the planet chasing foreign as well as familiar species of fish is always a great time, and a great way to get excited for the upcoming season. It is always interesting to see how the action is captured from the different perspectives of the cameraman and director.
For half the show you're sitting in your seat wondering where in the world is Uzbekitajikikurdistan and why in the hell did they travel all that way to fish for stocker rainbows? The other half you're wondering if everyone in the film is stoned the whole time, how did they pass through customs, how did they get any sponsors to pick up the tab for this film, and how do I get in on this racket? Show us something really bold and daring, like fishing the muni cesspool for mutant cyprinids.

2. The F3T is a great place to catch up with friends, reconnect with old acquaintances, and meet some new folks, possibly even future fishing buddies.
The F3T is a great place to see wannabees, Orvis boys, hacks, and washed up old guides hitting on little duck lipped girls, cougars, pumas, divorcees, Stage 5 clingers, and anything else with a pulse. Even more entertainment when the burnouts are trying to score with industry gals who are way out of their league. Word from the underground has it that April Vokey will be making a cameo at this year's tour stop.

3. Your ticket will get you access to great SWAG and killer prizes from the tour sponsors during the show, as well as sweet discounts at participating fly shops across the country.
Watch from the crowd as some clueless first timer newbie walks up on stage to claim the grand prize of an all expense paid guided trip to the tropics or the newfangled, industry over-hyped rod and reel. If it wasn't for bad luck I'd have no luck at all. I'll stick to my F3T swag trucker hat thank you very much.

4. The F3T road crew are an eclectic group of passionate, die hard anglers. These guys are true road warriors and have fished across many borders. Their fishing adventures are unforgettable and their exploits from the road are even more legendary. If you get the opportunity, don’t pass up the chance to shoot the breeze with one of these colorful characters.
I've witnessed firsthand folks playing pimp for some of the tour members, hooking them up with everything from women to weed. When last call comes around, you'll be sure to find these guys getting swept out the door. Rode hard and put away wet. Don't drop the soap!

5. Unless you’re fortunate to live in a warm climate with access to year-round fishing, or have got a hot tropical trip lined up for the winter, is there really anymore reason to leave the snowy, icy grip of winter behind for the evening and talk fishing?
Do you really need an excuse to get out of the house and get hammered on cheap watered down beer, making a complete and utter fool of yourself in public? I bet you a Hurricane High Gravity you don't.

Everybody have fun and I hope to see you all at the F3T in Minneapolis this year! Stay classy, Minnesota.

2013 F3T Minneapolis

The 2013 Fly Fishing Film Tour is back in Minneapolis Friday, February 1 2013. Same location as it has been the past few years, the PARKWAY THEATER, 4814 Chicago Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN. Get your tickets from the F3T online box office or stop by The Fly Angler in Blaine for discounted tickets. I don't recommend waiting until the last minute to get your tickets or showing up at the door to purchase; the past few years' shows have sold out and unfortunately we've had to turn a few folks away at the door. So be sure and get your tix now!

Last year's show was a blast with the F3T hosts, Fly Angler staff, and the 3M/Scientific Anglers/Ross Reels crew. Let's make this year's show even better. See you there!

Product Review: Mountain Khakis Granite Creek Pant

Remember how badass those Mountain Khakis Alpine Utility Pants are I told you about? I'd like to introduce you to their flats friendly brother, the Mountain Khakis Granite Creek Pant. When I'm not in my waders when fishing, I'm in these pants, no exceptions. I've put several pairs of these pants through their paces over the past two seasons and all I can say is wow.


Highlights of the pant include the UV 50+ rating for fighting the sun, the quick drying material preventing you from feeling soggy with jungle rot, key pocket placement and enough of them to stash your tippet and flies so that you can fish minimalist if you want, and of course the reinforced heel cuff, nothing is more important on a pair of fishing pants than protecting your cuffs from getting fragged and frayed out in the aquatic arena.

The nitty gritty:
Retail $82.95
6.3oz 100% Brushed Nylon
ScotchgardTM Treatment
UVA-UVB 50+
6 Pockets with Mesh Pocket Bags
3 Zip Security Pockets
Cargo Pocket
Quick-dry, Lightweight & Packable
Diamond-Shaped Action Gusset
YKK®Zippers
Reinforced Heel Cuffs
Triple-Stitched Seams
Mid-Rise, Relaxed Fit

I've blasted these pants out on the Great Lakes flats, the concrete and rebar battlefied of the South Platte in downtown Denver, my homewaters out on the prairie, and everywhere in between. These pants are also right at home for those hot, humid July evenings in the country, at the lake, or for grabbing a few cocktails out on the town. Best of all, after all that abuse, these pants still look like they're brand new. I couldn't ask for a better of pants for the summer.


Images property and courtesy of Mountain Khakis

Carp Crack: It's an Epidemic

If you haven't checked out the Fall issue of the Drake yet, you're doing yourself a great disservice. Among the accustomed fine photography and literary work is a Scuddlebutt piece by Pete McDonald of fishing jones fame, featuring yours truly.


This is not a an egotistical pandering for your kudos. As per the usual, Pete naturally captures what we ponder and perceive on ink and paper, an arduous task for any writer in a sport as panoramic yet enveloped as fly fishing is. His frustration during his endeavours with pursuing the wily carp are poignantly captured in this anecdote. Read the piece to see how his journey ends against the carp.


On a recent trip to Denver, I had to make pilgrimage to one of the finest fly shops in the nation, Trout's Fly Shop. Aside from the obligatory bullshit sessions with shop celebs Will Rice and Michael Gracie, every staffer in the shop from owner Tucker Ladd down to the shop dog, knows their stuff and they most definitely know how to run a fly shop. It's always a trip seeing your own signature fly patterns in the fly bin, even better when you see customers riffling through the bins and picking out your flies among the other fine offerings Trout's has to offer. Humbling to say the least.


In commemoration of the success of my Carp Crack pattern, I will be offering a special bonus with any Crack Pack order during the month of November from my online store. Simply purchase a 12 Pack of the Crack Pack and enter the promo code: DRAKE (or mention it in the order comment section) during checkout and I'll throw in a free Ruffian, as seen in the photo above. Order the 24 Pack and I'll throw three Ruffians!
This hot fly pattern is not yet available in stores.

The Ruffian is the baby brother to the Carp Crack, and has been my go to pattern this season. Effective in burnt orange, tan, olive, and black, this fly has been deadly on everything from smallies to carp. Burnt orange, however remains my favorite. Order your Crack Pack today and get hooked up!

Product Review: Mountain Khakis Alpine Utility Pant

As you may have noticed by now I don't often kick around praise and kudos to those undeserving. It's unbecoming and frankly seems a bit of a heavy handed offering to those who feed you, simply giving accolade in return for more free product or continued sponsorship. You see it on most pay as you go media, sponsored solely by those providing, it's easy to see why the reviewed product is featured as the next snake oil, with nary a negative comment or an honest critique to be seen. Enter Mountain Khakis and their Alpine Utility Pant. Just how tough are these pants? Let's not beat around the bush and get right down to the nitty gritty.


The Alpine Utility Pant is a wolf in sheep's clothing. At first glance, it may look like your dime a dozen canvas utility pant. Other big time players in this league are Dickies, Carhartt, Wrangler, and even Patagonia. These brands range all across the board in terms of quality and price. The Alpine Utility Pants rank right at the top for price coming in at $89.95 retail. So how do they rank up in fit, feature and function? Nearly all the competitors share common features like triple stitching, YKK zippers, utility pockets, etc. What sets the Alpine Utility Pants apart?

The Pros: Heavy duty cotton canvas, double front knees and seat, gusseted crotch, reinforced heel cuffs, double front right pocket.

I spend a lot of time in the field, whether for work or play, I'm out in all of the four seasons Northern Minnesota has to offer. I've worn just about every cotton duck dungaree-type pant on the market and after the last field season and a half, I can honestly say that the Mountain Khakis Alpine Utility Pant is the toughest pair of pants that I own. These aren't designed just for your weekend warrior. I ran of pair of AUPs through the gauntlet last year, wearing a single pair week after week throughout an entire 9 month field season. That one pair of pants never gave up and are still in regular rotation alongside a couple of other pairs of AUPs for this season. These pants are no worse for wear, with only slight fading and wear, mainly due to the wash cycle. These pants have seen it all, from behind the operators seat of heavy equipment and dump trucks, to survey work out in the field, to boots on the ground hand labor. Anyone familiar with natural resource management and stream habitat improvement and restoration work knows that it is a hard, dirty job. There is no room for gear that it is not up to the task. The Alpine Utility Pants have never failed me yet. The gusseted crotch is a huge plus, adding mobility crucial for laborious tasks. It's a no brainer that the double knees and seat are an integral part of these pants toughness, however the reinforced heel is money. Typically every pair of work pants I have ever owned get beet up right around the back of the heel, right where the cuff meets the back of my steel toed boots. The Alpine Utility Pants have hardly even frayed, which can save you from taking a fall if you ever have gotten the frayed cuff of your pants caught under the heel of a boot. The double front pocket is a nice add on, keeping a deep hold of your wallet and separating it from what every else you need to carry in the front, like spare nuts and bolts, or a couple of wrenches. Probably the best feature is the canvas material used for the pants; MK has found the perfect blend of toughness and comfortness. These pants are smooth against the skin, unlike the brash feel of Carhartts, making them a joy to wear on those 10 hours work shifts. They are no less rugged and durable however, far outlasting the wearability of previous pairs of Carhartt work dungarees. I would say that the only possible con of these pants is the hefty price tag. After further consideration, however, the longevity of these pants far surpass those of the competition, making them more cost effective in the long run.

The Bottom Line is these pants are tough as nails. Savvy enough for street and casual wear, yet sturdy enough for even the toughest of jobs. Hands down these are the best pair of pants I've ever owned, and the first pair of pants I reach for when work calls.

Caveat Emptor: The Alpine Utility Pants were provided for rigourous field testing, courtesy of Mountain Khakis, as part of the "Bad Ass" Ambassador Team Program.

Targhee Fest & Fly Fishing Vacation Sweepstakes

MOUNTAIN KHAKIS® Grand Targhee Resort Present the “Targhee Fest & Fly Fishing Vacation” Sweepstakes

Winner: (1) Grand Prize Winner plus (1) Guest
Promotion Period: April 3 – April 24, 2012! * Winner will be announced April 25, 2012
Prize Package Date: July 12-16, 2012
Prize Package Value: est $4658
Prize Package Details:

• Grand Targhee Resort: (1) room for (4) nights based on double occupancy, July 12-16, 2012; (2) 3-Day “Targhee Fest” Festival
passes; (2) 5-Day Lift Passes; (2) 1-Day Mountain Bike Rentals
• Mountain Khakis®: (4) MK Pants or Shorts of Choice, (2) MK!Shirts of Choice, (2) MK Belts of Choice, (2) MK Hat or Visor of Choice & (2) MK T-Shirts of Choice
• WorldCast Anglers: (2) Private 2-Hour Casting Lessons, (2) Private Full-Day Guided Float Trip & Fly Fishing, (2) Orvis® Equipment Rentals, (2) Shore-Side Lunch
• KEEN® Footwear: (2) Pairs “Targhee II” Shoes of Choice
• Slumberjack®: (2) “Lone Pine” Sleeping Bags, (2) “Trail Tent 2”
• Osprey® Packs: (1) “Stratos 24” Pack, (1) “Sirrus 24” Pack
• Smartwool®: (2) “Head-to-Toe” Outfits
• YETI® Coolers: (1) “Tundra 45” Cooler
• Klean Kanteen®: (1) 27 oz "Reflect" Kanteen, (1) 20 oz "Insulated Kanteen" (1) 4-pack "Steel Pints"

*Winner & Guest responsible for all travel-related expenses and make their own arrangements

Full Rules and Regulations.

Sweepstakes ends at 11:59PM EST on April 24, 2012. Enter now!

2012 F3T Minneapolis - They came, they saw, they partied

The 2012 F3T show in Minneapolis played to a sold out crowd. Folks were waiting at the door in hopes of extra tickets, there was even a criagslist ad asking for any miracles. Standing room only and the folks were loving it. Plenty of yipping and hollering at all the high definition fish porn showing on the big screen. This year's show was far and away the best event since the film tour starting coming to the Twin Cities 4 years ago.


There was plenty of swag to go around, and a few big winners. Plenty of goodies doled from show sponsor Scientific Anglers; glad I was there to represent!



SA stepped up huge with their VIP after party. Their impromptu tickets were baller, embossed even! Some good eats from Pepitos satisfied all of our appetites. And after a few Nordeasts brews and a shot of Makers, this was the perfect cap to an awesome evening.



It's always great recconecting with old friends, guide buddys, industry folks, and meeting new faces. Had a great time befriending the show hosts, even if one of them needed a hemorrhoid pillow haha. Already looking forward to next year's show. Bigger and better!

2012 F3T Minneapolis Almost Here!

Just a friendly reminder to check out the Fly Fishing Film Tour show in Minneapolis at the Parkway Theater at 700 PM this Friday, March 9.

Don't forget, there will plenty of giveaways and free swag to be handed out by the show sponsors! I've also got a few goodies from Mountain Khakis to give away after the show, including a bunch of gift cards and swag. See you there!

PSA #7: Free Advertising

Step One: Schlep your wares on your innocent, unsuspecting kids. Note daughter's gangsta pose.
Step Two: Release them out into the public.
Step Three: Wait for the sales to roll in so you can support your Hurricane High Gravity habit.

Stuff We All Get

Everybody loves SWAG, Stuff We All Get, and fly fisherman are no exception. Go to any consumer or trade show and folks stuff as much as possible into their pockets with the free promo goods from the manufacturers. Hell, I've even seen a few folks sporting packs at shows just to load up on all the booty they can get their grubby little mitts on. I love swag as much as the next guy, but I typically only collect a few things and only from the manufacturers I dig or represent. The hoarders, on the other hand, just take whatever's free.


A box showed up on my doorstep last week, I had a heads up it was coming, but I had no idea what the entire contents were. I knew there were gonna be a few hats and stickers, but I didn't expect the quantity. Or the quality. Survey a bunch of random people at a fly show and you'll find that there is a split consensus as to who calls all this free stuff swag or schwag. I guess both terms are mutually accepted in social circles, but I still think of schwag as an imposter term. Anyone in the know, knows what schwag really means, low-grade marijuana. How the two terms got intertwined I have no idea but I do know that schwag, to put it lightly, is not good. Perhaps that is why schwag got lumped in with swag, because I've seen some of the low grade shit manufacturers (in general, not necessarily in the fly industry) pass off as freebies. Frankly, I'd rather they just skimp out and pass on the free stuff instead of doling out third-rate soft goods that would make me blush in embarrassment if they were mine. So I guess I can see why some folks at these fly shows might opt for the term schwag instead of swag.


My goodie box from Scientific Anglers and Ross Reels is definitely in the swag category. I'll be proud to pop any of those lids on my melon, or stickers on my rig to represent the SA/Ross Nation. Of course, my package was privy to a few exclusive extras only issued to Pro Staffers, and they are sick! Oh, and Jefe? I chuckled at your note... Maybe next go round you'll order up some coolies big enough to cover up a few 40 ouncers for us fly gangstas. But just so you know, those coolies cover up the bottom of my Hurricane High Gravities just fine! And that's how I roll.

GreenFish News Release

July 19, 2011


GreenFish Ambassador Team and GreenFish Gives Expansion
GreenFish, the first apparel brand completely dedicated to promoting a lifestyle of sustainable fishing, today announced a significant expansion to its Ambassador team , adding over 20 new ambassadors with multiple backgrounds and from all over the globe.

Since its launch in 2010, GreenFish has received tremendous support from the fishing community regarding its cause. The GreenFish Ambassador team is made up of freshwater and saltwater professional anglers and guides, TV personalities, marine biologists, artists, photographers and leaders of the non-profit community.

GreenFish founder Bryan Godber explains, "We now have a team of over 50 high profile individuals in the industry, all helping to promote our brand and sustainable fishing message on a volunteer basis. These individuals should be seen as role models to the fishing community not only for their career achievements as industry icons, but also for their efforts to promote a lifestyle of sustainable fishing for future generations to enjoy. It's a great to know how many high profile individuals out there want to help push our brand and our mission forward and represent our clothing brand."


Also - GreenFish has recently added the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust to its GreenFish Gives program, so our customers can select BTT when shopping on www.greenfishmovement.com and we will donate 5% of their purchase to BTT. We are very excited to have them join our program of 501c3 organizations helping promote a cause that is aligned with our mission.



About GreenFish
GreenFish is the first brand promoting a lifestyle of sustainable fishing. Through its line of apparel, the company's goal is to build awareness and shift attitudes toward sustainable fishing and promote the sport for future generations to enjoy. GreenFish recently launched a new program called "GreenFish Gives," in which GreenFish donates 5% of all revenues to a handful of non-profit organizations they work with to promote sustainable fishing practices. To learn more about GreenFish, the GreenFish Gives Program, their ambassador team and their new line of apparel - visit www.greenfishmovement.com.

the GreenFish movement

I was recently added to the GreenFish Ambassador Team, joining the likes of other industry notables like Conway Bowman, Dr. Zeb Hogan, Teeg Stouffer, Eric Wallace, Dave McCoy, and Kirk Werner to name just a few. Why should you care about GreenFish? Because they support the resource. Sustainable fishing is important to us all, regardless of if you are a commercial or recreational fisherman. Without the resource, we will have nothing to fish. GreenFish supports clean angling techniques and promotes the proper way to catch and release fish. They are pro resource, understanding that harvest can be a beneficial means towards a sustainable fishery. Better yet, through the sales of their apparel line, GreenFish donates 5% of all revenues to a select group of organizations that share their mission of protecting recreational fishing, promoting responsible fishing and rebuilding our fisheries and marine environments. GreenFish supports groups that are pro-fishing and also pro-fish. Every time you purchase one of their products, you can choose which organization you'd like to support with 5% of the purchase price through their GreenFish Gives program.


Besides, their clothes just look good!

Scientific Anglers to the Rescue

Check out the next batch of goodies, courtesy of Scientific Anglers.


SA's leaders and tippet are always a solid combo for that crucial fly to fly line connection. Always gotta keep stocked on these essentials; you can never have enough tippet. I'm psyched to fish their new textured line series, like their Nymph/Indicator line or GPX taper. The textured lines should be a perfect marriage of the benefits of their Sharkskin lines, like less line memory, high flotation, and higher durability, meanwhile saving your hands a bit from being chaffed from line screaming off the spool from a running fish.

Of particular interest to me is the Mastery Series Coldwater Redfish line. While I'd love to be out on the salt marshes casting this line to redfish, this line will serve duty out on the carp flats. Featuring a short front taper and a half-heavy head, this line will be perfect for getting off quick shots at tailing carp. The Coldwater version of this line is perfect for environments below 70°F, featuring a soft PVC line and braided multifilament nylon core which will help with turnover in colder water. The line also features a larger diameter running line, very helpful when fishing from a boat or wading out on the flats. This might quite possibly be the perfect carp fly line. I'll have a chance to put this line to a true test later this month. More details on that to follow.

FLY FISHING FILM TOUR 2011 - Minneapolis

The F3T tour is making its rounds to Minneapolis on Thursday, April 21. I'll be heading down to the Parkway Theater to make an appearance and represent. I hope to see some of you folks there.

Parkway Theater
4814 Chicago Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55407

Doors Open: 6:30PM
Show Starts: 7:00PM

Montana Fly Company

Thanks to the folks over at Outside Media for hooking a brutha up with some goodies from Montana Fly Company. Typically, it seems, when you get a package of product samples for testing/review, you get the dregs from the bottom of the bargain basement bin. You know, the stuff nobody wants that retailers can't get rid of on the sales floor. Maybe, out of a handful of product, would you be able to find something that might find some utility or useful purpose. Not is the case with this goody box. Aside from the dubbing, enclosed were all items that I would either likely or seriously consider purchasing from a retail outlet. Note: Nothing was wrong the dubbing, the stuff looks great; I'm just too cheap to buy dubbing anymore now that I can make my own.


If anyone's paid close enough attention, those infamous speckled legs I use on my Carp Crack and other rubber legged patterns are none other than the centipede legs from MFC. I like MFC's products, so it was a no-brainer when I was asked to take a closer look at some of their other products. I'll experiment a bit behind the vise and see what I can come up with from these materials and tools. I'll get back to you all and let you know how it all went. In the meantime, keep it rough.

Caveat Emptor: Products were provided courtesy of Montana Fly Company/Outdoor Media, in exchange for review and extensive product testing.

Welcome to the Family

Some big news on the home front unfolding recently. I've been invited to join the Pro Staff teams at both Ross Reels and their parent company, Scientific Anglers. I'm pretty psyched about the new partnership!

So does this mean that I've sold out? Absolutely not. All this means is that I'll be corporately supported by two companies in which I already own, use, and enjoy their gear. Does this mean that I'll be a walking commercial, shoving propaganda down your throat? Hell no. That's not how I got here, and that's not gonna change. Like has been the case, I typically stay away gear reviews. But if there's a piece of gear that I can't live without, you'll see photos of it in action, and you'll probably hear about it whether you like it or not. Will I answer people's questions about Ross or SA gear? Of course, to the best of my ability. If I don't know the right answer, I'll direct you to someone who does.

As most any fly fisherman knows, good gear speaks for itself, and doesn't need any advertising. Ross Reels and Scientific Anglers have consistently been at the forefront of this industry, and their products reflect that. If I thought it was any other way, I would have passed the hat along to someone else down the line. Besides, with Minnesota based 3M owning Scientific Anglers, who can root against the hometown team?