Articles

Sage introduces the new R8 CORE fly rod lineup

Sage's newest flagship fly rod series is here, backed by major technological advancements

by Hatch Magazine - Thursday, Mar 31st, 2022

Photo: Sage Fly Fishing.

You’ve probably heard us quote our good friend, frequent contributor, and School of Trout “headmaster” Todd Tanner by stating that the true hallmark of a great fly rod is one that “disappears in your hand,” a rod that is so intuitive and tuned to your angling, that you barely notice it’s there. It seems that iconic rod maker Sage, who this week introduced its latest flagship rod, the R8 CORE, is in agreement.

Sage teases new R8 CORE fly fishing rods

The iconic Bainbridge Island rod maker's next big thing is here. Well, almost.

by Hatch Magazine - Saturday, Mar 26th, 2022

Photo: Far Bank Enterprises.

The world of fly fishing is no stranger to new fly rod releases from Sage. There may be no brand that makes more of an effort to keep its lineup of offerings fresh and new than the Bainbridge Island, Washington-based rod maker. Most new rod releases (for all rod makers, not just Sage), however, are born solely new of designs—whether new rod tapers, new models tuned towards specific fishing applications, new componentry, or so on. They aren't the product of major advancements in materials or other technologies.

Review: Petzl TACTIKKA+RGB headlamp

We put Petzl's hunting and fishing headlamp to the test

by Johnny Carrol Sain - Thursday, Mar 24th, 2022

Photo: Johnny Carrol Sain

Outdoor lighting options for backcountry adventures were limited back in the day. For illuminating a campsite, my family leaned heavily on a green Coleman kerosene-fueled lantern with its wispy-webbed mantles and clanking handle. Despite its cantankerous temperament (which often led to Dad sharing his colorful vocabulary with the moon and stars) and knowing there was the slim possibility of camp-consuming fireball, the comforting hiss of a pump-primed Coleman is still one of my favorite lullabies from childhood.

How to drink your way through the fishing day: Alabama Gulf Coast

Your guide to the best food and drink on the Alabama coast

by Chris Hunt - Wednesday, Mar 23rd, 2022

OSO at Bear Point Harbor in Orange Beach, Alabama (photo: Chris Hunt).

You’re not supposed to fall in love with the first place you visit on a fishing trip. And you’re especially not supposed to fall in love with a kitschy chain joint, but when the stack of fried green tomatoes appears on the table, you roll with it and you go with your heart.

When the tide birds sing on South Andros

Even in the hardest wind you can always find a lee

by Ted Williams - Thursday, Mar 17th, 2022

Photo: Chad Shmukler

Andros Island is the biggest of the Bahamas with the fewest people. You catch the spirit of the place when you make your approach into Andros Town airport (where there is no sign of a town) and see the old plane wrecks left along the runway. Much of this 150-mile-long island is an unexplored jungle of coppice, pine, mangroves, sand and mud, all woven with cays, cuts, creeks and channels. You can fish there all your life and still get lost in virgin water.