Articles

Fishpond Acquires Nomad Nets

by Ben Kryzinski - Tuesday, Aug 6th, 2013

The Fishpond lineup of Nomad landing nets.

Late last month, fly-fishing accessory makers Fishpond announced it will add Nomad Nets to its lineup of high quality fly-fishing and outdoor travel gear. Nomad Nets founder and designer Kevin Best will add his waterproof and buoyant nets to the Fishpond family in November.

"After meeting the crew at fishpond and the initial acquisition talks began, I was very excited about the distribution and awareness a company of Fishpond's stature could offer my nets," explained Best. "Now that I am joining the Fishpond team internally as well, I can't wait to explore expanding the net line and creating spectacular products for anglers and outdoorsmen alike."

Smith Optics Announces New ChromaPop Lens Technology

by Marshall Walker - Tuesday, Aug 6th, 2013

Smith ChromaPop

Smith Optics has announced ChromaPop, a new polarized lens technology that it promises will revolutionize the optics industry with groundbreaking "film-free" technology. According to Smith, ChromaPop utilizes a new process that allows for polarization without the need for film and lamination. This new technology allows ChromaPop lenses to deliver "exceptional optical clarity" without the worry of delamination, according to Peter Crow of Smith Optics.

"ChromaPop lenses selectively filter light out in the optically confusing transmission areas of 480nm and 580nm, with the result of brighter more vibrant and popping colors," explains Crow. "The lenses are lighter in weight than any other lens material, 4 to 5 times more scratch resistant than Polycarbonate, have the impact resistance of Polycarbonate and the clarity of glass."

Fluke on the Fly: More Than Just Bycatch

by Chris Goldmark - Tuesday, Jul 16th, 2013

Fluke are terrible at blending in with their surroundings.

Historically, Fluke (or summer flounder) have rarely been targeted by fly fishermen. Instead, fluke have been considered by most to simply be a pleasant bycatch, More recently, however, fluke are being sought after more and more by northeast fly anglers.

Fluke have always played a major part in my life. I spent many years dragging nets for fluke up and down the New Jersey coast during the summer and in the winter offshore on the edge of the continental shelf from Virginia to the Hague line. It was how I supported my family. My commercial experience carried over to my recreational fly fishing passion which inevitably led me once again to chase the flat ones, only this time for pleasure. If there was one thing I learned during my commercial days that I would consider the most important element in understanding fluke, it would be tides. Tides are everything. Tides control the bait movements and bait determines where the summer flounder will be at any given time.

Liquid Gold Needs Your Support

by Marshall Walker - Monday, Jul 15th, 2013

The protogolden.

Sierra Nevada's Volcano Creek is home of the very first Golden Trout, also known as the 'Protogolden'. Today less than two dozen protogoldens remain.

Keith Brauneis and Caltrout are at it again. You may have seen their last film 'Enough Is Enough', the story that not only exposed the issues but revealed the blue ribbon beauty of the McCloud River. This time they're out to raise awareness of California's state fish, the Golden Trout.

In a 2 week backpacking excursion through the Eastern Sierra, home of the Golden Trout, they will clamber amongst 13,000' crags to examine current conditions and determine future threats to this species. The story of the California Golden Trout will be the over arching theme that will unfold within a real life adventure story about six men's quest to find Liquid Gold in the great American west.

IFTD 2013 'Best of Show' Winners Announced

by Chad Shmukler - Friday, Jul 12th, 2013

The award winning Fishpond Black Canyon backpack.

AFFTA has announced the selections for the best of the new products showcased at this year's IFTD show. As you'll see below, the winners represent a diverse group of manufacturers.

Several highlights of the selections include best saltwater rod going to the Redington Vapen, which also won best new fly rod at EFFTEX, the Scott Radian -- which has been receiving high praise from those who have spent time with it -- taking best freshwater rod and overall best in show, and Simms redesigned G3 Guide Stockingfoot waders being awarded best new waders.

The award winning Fishpond Black Canyon backpack.

Redington, Fishpond and Simms each saw multiple products receive honors. Simms' aforementioned G3 Guide waders, their Acklins jacket and its new G4 BOA wading boots received honors, while Fishpond received honors for its Black Canyon backpack, Vaquero vest and Westwater Zippered Duffel. Redington took honors for their Vapen Rod and for their new Youth wading boots, Ruckus.

Here is the full list of the 'best of' selections: