Finally! We can shed a few layers of clothes and hit the water. Winter has lightened it’s grip on us down south, and you know what that means… the fish are moving up shallow from their deep water haunts. I have been catching some decent fish around the house, including one close to 10lbs. last week. I finally got Mark on the same schedule and we headed out Wednesday afternoon. Flippin and pitchin around docks did nothing, so we headed out to some brush piles and standing timber in about 5 ft. of water. That’s where I’ve been catching a few on soft plastics and jigs. I think Mark shot some video of the day’s events, maybe I can ask him to post that up here.
This is where I like to assert my ‘admin’ dominance into Chris’s posts. Sometimes I go fishing with the intention of taking pictures and some video. This was one of those days where I really hadn’t thought about it much. When shooting video, it seems like you get a lot stuff you don’t want or shouldn’t have shot. If that’s not the case, then its not unusual to get caught off guard and miss something good. I managed to piece a few tidbits together to make a short video. So, without further delay, let me introduce you to Chris’s little friend…
Diesel and fly reels. That just sounds cool. Here’s a new official press release from Leland Fly Fishing Outfitters.
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
Red Truck Diesel Fly Reels are now available.
February 1, 2011 (San Francisco, CA): Old-school anglers take note. With the growing popularity of Red Truck’s proven Diesel Series of fly rods, Red Truck raises the bar again with its traditional series of Red Truck Diesel fly reels.
Old meets new: Fully-machined from bar-stock, aircraft-grade aluminum, then anodized for a long life of use, these traditionally-styled fly reels are anticipating your next fishing trip. The rim-mounted drag adjustment knob awaits your fingers to fine tune the “click and pawl” drag system. The exposed palming rim is there for you when added drag pressure becomes necessary. Classic porting reduces reel weight and provides that vintage look. The sweet sound of the click and pawl drag will announce “fish on.” A removable brass line guard reduces line wear, while adding to that classic look. Each reel comes in a handsome leather-capped, padded reel pouch.
The Secret: Working with one of the world’s premier fly reel manufacturers, Red Truck leveraged its buying power to design and manufacture a world class fly reel for the traditionally minded fly angler.
The Line Up: The initial Red Truck Diesel series of fly reels is offered in the most popular sizes: 3/4 (for lighter trout use), 5/6 (perfect for all-around trout applications) and 7/8 (designed for steelhead and sea run fish). More models are slated for production in the near future.
The Ultimate Outfit: Red Truck Diesel fly reels will work with any existing quality fly rod. However, if you’re searching for the perfect outfit, make sure to pair up a Red Truck Diesel fly reel with one of Red Truck’s popular, Diesel Fly Rods. They not only balance perfectly, but cosmetically complement one another.
See For Yourself: To examine Red Truck’s new Diesel series of fly reels, visit either Leland’s Sonoma Ranch location or the downtown San Francisco, California store. You can also take advantage of Leland’s 365 day return policy and see for yourself at home.
The Red Truck Challenge: Red Truck is so confident in their Diesel series of fly reels, that they bravely request you compare them against your current fly reels. Regardless of brand and price tag, they believe it will be your new favorite fly reel. If it isn’t, they want you to send it back for a full refund.
The Red Truck Warranty: Red Truck proudly stands behind its Diesel fly reels. If during normal use, your Diesel fly reel should not perform to your satisfaction, contact them directly. Red Truck will make it right!
Bottom Line: Classic styling meets contemporary performance. Acoustically perfect…sounds like a “real” fly reel should. The reel your grandfather should have fished.
About Red Truck: Red Truck was formed with one goal: to make fly fishing better for everyone. At Red Truck, they think everyone should have the opportunity to fish with the best equipment available, at the best price possible. At Red Truck, you get more!
Contact: Burke White at info@flyfishingoutfitters.com or 415-781-3474
January 7, 2011 (San Francisco, CA): As a proud sponsor, Leland Fly Fishing Outfitters is happy to finally announce the availability of Skagit Master 2, Steelheading Outside the Box, featuring Scott Howell.
Delivering the Goods: Filmed in British Columbia and Oregon, Skagit Master 2 is the most insightful technique-focused steelhead film in over twenty years. There are no indicators or dead drifted nymphs in this film, only steelheading on the swing. Whether it’s dredging the depths with a custom-styled intruder or popping a foam-lipped Ska-opper over a rock garden run, Scott Howell gives you all the information necessary to increase your odds of crossing paths with a steelhead on a two-hand fly rod.
The Man: Scott Howell’s passion for steelhead began at a very young age. His singular dedication to this fish has elevated his name as one of the foremost fly fishing guides for steelhead. Based in Oregon, Scott puts his clients on the best runs of the best rivers year round as the season dictates. Scott walks the fine line of staying true to the heritage of fly fishing, while always pushing the envelope in tackle, flies and techniques.
New Thinking: Scott Howell’s innovative approach to chasing steelhead with a two handed fly rod will challenge traditional fly anglers to think outside the box and will launch newer two-handed steelheaders on a more productive approach to the sport.
Here’s a great new video produced by Leland Fly Fishing Outfitters featuring fly fishing for Steelies with Red Truck Fly Fishing Company’s spey and switch rods.
There’s some nice fish caught in this video, as well as some great examples of how these rods are used. Some fine examples of casting technique. Maybe some examples of what not to do also.
The Red Truck switch rods come in two different models, the Diesel and Premium. Each model offers up a 7wt. 11′ 0″ rod and a 7wt. 13′ 6″ rod. Other weights and lengths are also available.
*Special thanks to Leland Fly Fishing Outfitters for allowing PTO to feature this video!
The Allen’s Sili Hopper is a fairly simple and effective fly pattern utilizing silicone legs instead of rubber legs. Silicone offers some advantages over rubber in that the silicone is less likely to melt or stick to other lures, flies, and surfaces.
Below, you’ll find a brief slide show tutorial for tying this hopper pattern.
