Articles

Thomas & Thomas Introduces its NS II Series of Fly Rods

by Marshall Walker - Saturday, Nov 16th, 2013

The all-new Thomas & Thomas NS II series.

Thomas & Thomas has announced a new line of fast action rods based on their very successful NS series of fly rods. Considering their roots, the new series is aptly named the NS II.

The NS II rods are equipped with titanium silicon carbide and universal snake brand guides, and feature a newly tweaked fast action, high modulus, clear graphite blank and reduced ferrule profiles. Unlike its predecessor, the NS II has been crafted with all types of fly fishing in mind -- from big rivers to vast still waters.

"The NS was originally conceived as a distance trout rod with big western rivers in mind," explained Mark Richens. "But as reports came back from the field we knew it was being used for much more than that. We envisage the NS II finding favor across the globe for trout, salmon and steelhead but also saltwater species. If you are looking for one rod that will span the spectrum, most of these rods are equipped with salt proof components and make a great choice for freshwater anglers that make occasional forays in to the salt."

Review: Simms Rivershed Boots with StreamTread

by Tom Estilow - Friday, Nov 15th, 2013

The Simms Rivershed boot with StreamTread.

SIMMS Rivershed boots with Vibram StreamTread soles were first introduced in 2009. The fact that this workhorse wading boot is still on the market over four years later is a testament to its well-rounded feature set and quality construction. After outings to everywhere from local streams to the backcountry of Yellowstone, the Riversheds never failed to deliver. Besides typical wading, these boots were used for wet wading in many situations with either wool or neoprene socks. Size 11 Riversheds clock 66.5 ounces with generic studs installed, which is just over two pounds on each foot. While this may sound heavy, in reality the boots are perfect for hiking long distances on trails and river banks to reach the next fishing spot. Lighter boots can be had, however the Riversheds offer well-rounded durability, comfort, and protection in and out of the water.

At $179.95 these aren’t the least expensive boots on the market, but when it comes to a balance between price, quality, and functionality it’s hard to beat the Riversheds.

Features

SIMMS details the materials and construction of the Rivershed boots to highlight the main selling points of the design. The company states that a “full perimeter of burly rubber” fuses “exceptional support” and durability. The pull-on heel strap simplifies putting them on, and tightening the laces through metal hardware makes for a comfortable fit. Here are highlights of the official specs:

2013 Fly Fishing Photo Contest: It's Voting Time

by Colin K. Breck - Wednesday, Nov 13th, 2013

One of our previous winners (photo: Clayton Paddie).

We've been lucky enough to receive some amazing images for this year's fly fishing photo contest. It has been our privilege to host and showcase many of these amazing images. That said, now that the contest has formally closed, it is time to get on with the best part: picking the four lucky photographers that walk away with this year's amazing prizes. Thanks to contest sponsors Thomas & Thomas, Maui Jim, Montana Fly Company and Airflo -- this year's winners are going to walk away with the best offerings we've put up thus far, including the grand prize, a Thomas & Thomas NS 5 fly rod (valued at $820).

As in the past, winners will be selected by a panel of judges. These judges will represent a mix of personalities from the world of fly fishing, ranging from professional photographers to outdoor writers to product developers and so on. But, this year we're letting the readers get in on the action too. Each of you will have the opportunity to rate each photo entered in the contest (from 1 to 10). When the judges go to make their selections, they'll be taking into account reader ratings and comments.

Chasing Mackerel in Tarpon Bay

by Chris Hunt - Tuesday, Nov 12th, 2013

Spanish Mackerel are feisty, with the zeal and determination of a fish twice their size.

I worked the barbless Clouser free from the mouth of the third straight toothy Spanish mackerel and wondered why on earth this place was named for tarpon when it seemed much more appropriate to name it after this salty rocket that I cradled in my hands.

I stood on tiny sand spit at the mouth of southwest Florida’s Tarpon Bay on an incoming tide, casting the red and black Clouser that Florida fly fishing legend Norm Zeigler recommended to me the day before into the rushing current. It was a lot like throwing streamers at big browns on the Henry’s Fork.

Only, on the Henry’s Fork, you don’t need watch the water around your ankles for big jellyfish cruising along with current. One brush with these bulbous mucous-masses will ruin your day, for sure.

Oregon's Crooked River Flowing More Freely

by Colin K. Breck - Monday, Nov 11th, 2013

The Crooked River, flowing freely for the first time in over 100 years (photo: Scott Wright).

After several weeks of removal and restoration work, Oregon's Crooked river is flowing more freely than it has in over a century. In late October, crews from the River Design Group began removal of the Stearns Dam, which was built in 1911 by homesteader Sidney Stearns in order to divert water for pasture irrigation. Now complete, the project is the culmination of 10 years of planning and negotiation.

As a result of the dams removal, steelhead and salmon migrating upriver from the Pacific Ocean as well as resident trout now have access to an additional 12 miles of the Crooked River. The Stearns Dam removal is one of several projects planned or being explored -- including creating passage at the Rice-Baldwin dam a mile downstream of the former Stearns dam site -- that would serve to restore the native runs of these fish.