Tools of the trade

Fly fishing vests, packs, jackets and waders all have been made to accommodate retractors in some form or another. In some cases retractors are being built right into the gear. Retractors are not fly fishing specific. Ski areas issue season passes on retractors. These same retractors are standard in hospitals for doctors and nurses so they can have their security passes ready at all times. I personally haven't developed a "can't do without" need for them as it relates to fly fishing yet but man they seem popular (I have my clippers and hook sharpener attached to basic fly line lanyards). Fly fishing product design seems to demand retractor attachment capability. Do you agree? If so, what kind of retractor do you use (pin back, post, clip, etc.)? If not, why? Regardless of your retractor opinions, what tools are mandatory and how do you attach/store your tools of the trade?

Merging Streams

Here's a Way Upstream press release from our technical department:

"After intensive R&D, we've found a way to merge our blog stream, our comments stream and our photo stream into one. All subscribers will now be able to follow along with new blog posts as well as with comments and select Flickr photos featured on the right hand side of the blog - in other words, the whole Way Upstream experience!! RSS and email subscribers may notice a few hiccups as we work out the bugs but we believe this will be an upgrade for everyone."

Test this latest upgrade and let us know what you think about merging streams!

When it's time to go fishing

Why does even the thought of fishing produce such a powerful response in an angler? Fishing seems to make the synapses of the mind, body and soul fire on high. The mind's eye takes over as the primary source of vision. Is it because of ancient DNA or the cellular designs in our bodies that link back to our hunter/gatherer past? Is it because of the connection to adventure and our natural desire to seek? Is it the connection to all that is around us, the diversity we call "nature"? I'm not sure. I think we just instinctively know when it's time to go fishing.
Photo courtesy of Pedro Lopez-Baldrich

Watermaster II Wader demo

I read a lot of comments on the wader posts about zippers. I also heard from some readers that they were a little unclear on the roll down feature of the Watermaster II wader. Here's a one minute video that demonstrates how the feature works (turn volume up). The demo does not show that you can relieve yourself without removing layers or a jacket but I think you can see that it is possible for men...for women it's tricky but I've heard tell that it's possible. Keep the wader conversation going. I'm still listening. Phone camera work by Rene Braun.
Way Upstream Productions, Copyright 2007

Inside the box

I was recently in a discussion with some well traveled fly fisherman and the topic of fly boxes came up. The group consensus seemed to suggest that the perfect box does not exist. Many felt that waterproofness was key and that strides have been made in this area but most felt that waterproof boxes were still too heavy. Weight was a big factor with this crowd. Lightweight boxes do exist but some felt that durability was often their weakness. Someone mentioned the new boxes that actually dry the flies with silica crystals. Others talked about preferring ripple foam for lining; others liked slits while some were most concerned about the structural materials and design. This made me wonder what you think. What do you use, like, hate or wish for in fly storage? If you are a retailer or manufacturer tell me what you sell. Think inside the box.

Fly selection

Here's a dry fly pattern to consider next time you are out chasing Orca.

Migration

Currents change. Temperature changes. Migration. With the movements of herring and tern and degree come the movements of thought and action. Thoughts like wandering flats in Maine wearing surf trunks. Actions like fly fishing in the salt. Migration.

By El Pescador

Photo by Dave Skok, Copyright 2007

Sea of change

New cut on Nantucket Nantucket after the storm Nantucket before the storm
Have you seen the physical changes to ACK (Nantucket, MA) following the most recent storm? There's a new cut on "the rock". The new cut on the way out to Smith Point is putting a major hurdle in access to a great shore fisherman's nighttime spot (sadly) -- but the cut itself looks VERY fishy. The only problem is that it's waaaaaay to easy to get to.
Story and image contributions by Jared Tausig