Colorado Fly Fishing Blog - The Flyfisher

G.Loomis Introduces The Next Advance In Graphite Rods

WOODLAND, Washington USA - ICAST Show 2010 Introduction - Anglers around the globe realize G.Loomis is a long-time leader in graphite rod blank technology. It started with IM6 and GL2, then to GL3 and IMX, and then GLX more than 16 years ago, the only graphite made strictly for use in the construction of fishing rods. The next breakthrough is now here with G.Loomis' new 16 NRX four-piece fly rods in weights and designs for trout, salmon/steelhead, saltwater and two-hand/spey techniques.

(Editor's Note: G.Loomis' NRX fly rods will be available from select retailers in both the U.S. and Canada on Friday, August 13 - we'll have additional information on the rod launch including participating shops the week of August 2)

Calling on the talents of chief rod designer Steve Rajeff and the support of the entire G.Loomis team worldwide, anglers "will uncover a series of rods that are at least 15-percent lighter than similar GLX rods, plus we're able to offer a durability feature to make them up to 20-percent stronger and more impact resistant," said Rajeff. "And as anglers would expect from G.Loomis, we bring the best in components - from reel seats, grips and guides - specific for the bass rods and fly rods. At G.Loomis, we have never settled for just good enough. These NRX rods are the best at every level in terms of graphite, resins and components to provide anglers with the most dynamic, lightweight and sensitive rods we've ever made."

According to Justin Poe, brand manager for G.Loomis, the NRX construction method is completely unique to rod manufacturing. "By utilizing a stiffer, lighter and higher density carbon married with Nano Silica resin systems, we can provide Steve and his design team with a material that provides all kinds of positive benefits to anglers. The rods are lighter, yet more durable, extremely sensitive, and yet stiffer. Obviously we simply think they are the best rods out there."

All rods feature G.Loomis' unique 'Hybrid Guide System' that combines the strategic placement of both Fuji titanium-framed SIC and REC Recoil black ion coated nickel-titanium guides from the stripper to the tip. "We use stiffer Fuji guides closest to the reel to offer more sensitivity transfer to the angler along with moving weight back to rods' butt section - plus also on the tip," said Rajeff, "and then REC black Ion-coated single foot guides that are extremely small and light so as not to impede casting and retrieve performance. Looking down the rod, it looks like the guides disappear off the blank."

"Never before have I felt a rod with this much life," said Poe. "Life is something we talk about as a premiere rod company, and in these NRX rods, anglers will feel the difference when their lure drags across silt, gravel, and ridges - even at 60-feet. With the life in these rods, even a light tick turns into a thump. Set the hook."

As with all G.Loomis rods, the NRX models are manufactured in the USA. For more information on the new NRX fly rods, visit www.gloomis.com or call 1-800-GLoomis.

Courtesy G.Loomis

Costa Honors Angling Legend Jose Wejebe in New Sunglass Style

Daytona Beach, Fla. –When it comes to fishing legends, one name often shoots to the top of the list: Jose Wejebe.  Costa Sunglasses has been an avid fan and supporter of Wejebe, host of TV’s Spanish Fly and expert saltwater angler, for years.

 

In tribute to Wejebe, Costa Sunglasses named its latest sunglass style after him: Jose.  The new style will debut at the American Sportfishing Association International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) at the Las Vegas Convention Center July 14-16, and be entered into the New Product Showcase competition during the show.

 

Part of Costa’s 2010 collection, Jose features co-molded injected performance technology.  Translation: the frames are made of nearly indestructible nylon, able to withstand even the most rigorous adventure. At the same time, the lightweight full frame with anti-rocking spring hinge and no-slip Hydrolite™ nose pads give the wearer a comfortable “forget-they’re-on” fit.

 

Jose is available in Costa’s patented 580™ lens.  By blocking yellow light at 580 nanometers on the light spectrum, Costa’s 580 lenses provide unparalleled visual clarity, the highest levels of polarization efficiency and razor sharp color enhancement.  Costa 580 lenses are available in optically correct, scratch resistant glass or in the new lightweight, impact resistant polycarbonate (Costa 580P) option. 

 

“I’ve been wearing Costa’s sunglasses for years – my work depends on being able to separate fish and targets both in the water and in the air,” said Wejebe.  “For Costa to name one of its new styles after me is an incredible badge of honor, one I’m proud to wear.”

 

Jose’s frame color choices include tortoise or black, and can be customized with the full variety of Costa’s lens colors and materials. The style retails from $159 to $259, and will be available at authorized Costa retail outlets and online at www.costadelmar.com.   

 

 Courtesy of Costa Del Mar

Moffitt Angling Systems Debuts Innovative Line at FlyFishing Retailer Show

Each year there seems to be a handful of innovative products rolled out at the FlyFishing Retailer Show in Denver. The overall number of booths on the floor was about one-third less but the number attending was consistent with previous years at the Colorado Convention Center.

 

The booths were busy with attendees getting the lowdown on each of the manufacturer’s new product line. The one booth that was busy from start to finish daily was the Moffitt Angling System. This new system of fly fishing could be revolutionary for the sport.

 

This hookless-fly system is incredibly simple to rig and to fish. You attach one or more of the patented Moffitt hookless flies to the leader with a fast-loop connection and the flies are positioned at distances of 6 to 36 inches above a single barbless circle hook. The separation of the circle hook from the nearest fly is critical to your success. When the fish takes the hookless flies, the angler sets the hook pulling the circle hook into the side of the fish jaw. This leads to less hook tangles and quicker releases.

 

The Flyfisher Guide Service will be fishing the new system on Tuesday at Lincoln Hills Fly Fishing Club in Pinecliffe, Colo., learning about this system. A full report will be provided detailing our experiences on our blog.

 

Simms, who introduced the Vibram StreamTread technology in 2009, announced that the Montana-based company is 100 percent felt free. This significant movement is to improve upon their commitment to help protect the waterways from the spread of aquatic nuisance species.

 

For those of you who may consider the rubber StreamTread slippery, Simms introduced the Hardbite Star Cleat that fits between the mini-360 lugs on the StreamTread outsoles. The carbide-welded cleat creates as much surface area as six studs and increases the overall outsole life span. This new cleat design makes these boots extremely “sticky.”

 

Scientific Anglers has several new fly lines ready for the 2010 season, including the Kelly Galloup designed Streamer Express Lines in a floating line and intermediate sinking line.

 

“The new Streamer Express Long Sinking lines give you ability to make pinpoint casts to shaded banks, pockets, ledges and dark troughs,” Galloup said. “And by offering the Streamer Express floating version, Scientific Anglers offers a line that provides the all-important mendability needed to change direction without having to over-mend and lift big flies out of the strike zone.”

 

Titan Rod Vault created a buzz with the introduction of their rod carrier that is attached to your vehicle’s roof rack to carry up to three rigged rods. The 10-foot long, enclosed carrier is made from aircraft grade aluminum and lined with non-marking nylon providing safety to your rods. The Titan Rod Vault is locked to your roof rack and there is a lockable case around your reels.

 

Many other manufactures introduced newly tweaked and improved versions of their existing products. Some of these included Umqua, Rising, Rio, C&F Design, Dr. Slick, and Hatch Fly Reels.

 

As with any FlyFishing Retailer Show there were a number of new gadgets that are marketed to make your time on the water a more enjoyable experience. The one gadget that seems like the winning ticket is Loon Outdoors’ Shark Tooth, a highly functional and easy tippet cutter. You simply slip the elastic band over the tippet spool and use the tooth to cut the it, ultimately leaving you more time fishing and less time searching for your nippers.

 

In other news, the rumor that G.Loomis is getting out of the flyfishing business is false. The Woodland, Wash., company is increasing their distribution across the world into Europe and Japan with the expertise and experience of parent company Shimano.

 

The new G.Loomis Czech Nymph rods are solid for the popular nymphing style utilized in Europe and can be used in the states for those who utilize the short-line nymph techniques. In testing the rod, the 4-weight can easily accommodate a 5-weight line as long casts are not required while nymph fishing.

 

Sage came out with several new rods targeted at beginners to those who rank themselves as experts. The attention grabber was the 9-foot, 9-inch rod, appropriately named the “99,” that provides a longer reach across the river for better fly presentations and avid still water anglers.

 

The one noticeable booth not in the mix was Orvis. Where were they?

 

The rumors circling the showroom floor on the location for the 2010 show were rampant and we will just have to wait for the official announcement.

 

We have secured some samples of the new products and will have future blogs reviewing them over the next several weeks.

 

 

Anthony Bartkowski

The Flyfisher Guide Service

Pro Staff Guide

Hatch Fly Reels Pro Staff

International Sportsman's Expo Day 1 Review

January 24, the beginning of the third fly fishing outdoors show in Denver in three weeks. I am all hyped up with ice on the water. I Cheesman is always an option, a great option and it looks like we may creep slightly above freezing for a couple days, so who knows. I am actually enjoying a little time away from the river, a chance for my boots to dry out and my fly boxes to fill up.

The ISE is off to a good start. Thursday's crowd, the hard core crew, was out if full effect. Scouting for bargains and 6 dollar dozens before all the good fly patterns are gone. Here is a little inside info to help you navigate as the crows pick up.

Best Wow: Right inside the front door at Sun Motorcycle is the $16K 2008 Polaris R2R 800 EFI ATV. I am not a big motorcycle guy and even I want this thing. I am just dreaming about all the back country places I could reach and in style may I add.

Best Discount: Booth 546 - Orderflies.com offering there usual $5 mix and match dozens. It does not get any better than that. For all of us who do not tie as fast as we would like, here is a great way to begin the season with a full box with out breaking the bank. Added Bonus: $1.50 for a mouse - a pattern no good fly box should be without.

Best Presentation and Best Giveaway: Beginning Fly Fishing -First Steps into the Sport. This is an interactive presentation never before seen at the ISE or anywhere in the fly fishing industry. Cutting edge teaching technologies engage you like never before possible. Where was this stuff when I was in school? Plus, Ethan Emery and Anthony Bartkowski of Angling University are giving away a gob of gear from Scientific Angler during the presentation; Fly Rods, Reels, Fly Lines, DVD's, hats, terminal tackle... the works. The catch: You must watch their presentation to be eligible. Good news: Everyone wins something. The next and last opportunity to get in on the goods: Saturday, January 26, 6:30 PM

mattieb