Getting closer to releasing something new that Erik and I are really excited about. First trailer is coming in the next 10-14 days. Also have new logo for this series, just a quick teaser below. Getting hard to not share more details. But the last couple weeks editing, email with musicians and fancy logo designers has gotten to the boiling point and had to post something. Check back here shortly for the first trailer.
I have had the privilege of spending many days with women anglers and the topic of clothing and waders does randomly come up. With limited opportunities within the fly fishing industry women did not have many choices. Women will be happy to hear there is going to be another company interested in their needs as anglers. Patagonia launch’s a women’s line of fly fishing apparel. Nice work Patagonia!
I don’t even want to really think about how many years I’ve been steelhead fishing, scary how fast time flies. Feels just like the other day that was I throwing on the full neoprene waders and hitting the trails. But with 24 years later my gear has changed a little. With each an every year enjoying the winter months more and more. With that love affair for the cold and dreary I needed to change my attire to withstand the elements. Out with the full neoprene waders and in with the bibs and boots. What do I mean by bibs and boots, we will cover the product review for bibs at another time. But for the boots, what I usually describe to new clients is boots you would want to wear when snow-blowing the driveway or going on the back of a snowmobile.
Wearing boots when steelhead fishing does mean you are going to have to fish from a boat or from shore, and the Bogs Blaze Extremes are perfect for this. I have over the past 20 years worn many different styles of boots, and this years purchase of the Bogs Blaze Extremes have been my best purchase to date. They are by far the warmest boots I have ever worn. They give me the comfort for a long day on the river, proper cushioning so no soar feet or lower back pain. With 100% waterproofing, so that I can wade up to my shin and have no second thought as I push the boat off the trailer. The traction on the bottom is ideal for wet, slippery, and icy boat ramp conditions that we face day in and day out. With over 75+ days in these boots since October, and no signs of wear or tear I’m sold that Bogs Blaze Extremes are the best steelhead boot that money can buy, if your into fishing for steelhead from a boat. I highly recommend these boots. My normal $100 duck boots would fail after about 3 months, with the rubber sides blowing out and letting cold air and water in. No signs of cracks or leaks in these boots and don’t see it changing anytime soon.
Had the opportunity yesterday (Sunday, January 19th) to take Ben and John out for a little half day steelhead trip. While getting out on the river has been a little more difficult than I’m used to this winter, the fishing still remains pretty rock solid. With some of the best weeks of the winter/early spring season just ahead of us. Have always been a fan of the February. Days growing longer and no spring crowds.
Ed McCoy and I (Jon Ray) will be tying some signature trout and steelhead patterns on Jan 28th at Schmohz Brewery , contact Brian at Nomad Anglers . To sign up for the seminar call the Grand Rapids location (616) 805-4393. This is a first come first serve and space is limited. Looking forward to the good night of tying and some new beer.
New series of fly lines has just come out from SA, have not personally played with one yet, as the first set of lines are trout and saltwater. But looking forward in the coming months to play with the trout line, as the Sharkwave Ultimate Trout Stealth will be a first choice. Also looking forward to the Sharkwave GPX taper for bigger Stoneflies and Hex bugs. Have been waiting for a steelhead taper with this triple coating for over a year, once I heard SA was playing with this. Have not heard but really hope the Integrated Skagit tapers are coming out soon. Check out this website for additional information and if your headed south this winter (Saltwater or South American Trout fishing) pick up one of these new lines you will not be disappointed. Also check back and hope to have a product review coming soon as well.
I’m very lucky to do what I do. Wanted to share this clip and how important it is to Breathe!
Breathe is available as a digital download for $5! Go here: http://tributariesfilm.com/breathe
See my newest film project here: http://tributariesfilm.com/
A people film about fly-fishing and work.
What do you do when the current of work grows so strong you start to drown in it? You take off fishing the scenic waterways of Montana where trout, and the people catching them, teach you how to breathe again. Follow the journey of one man’s fishing adventure that takes him across the state of Montana in search of the next fish, fresh perspective and a more fulfilling life — after all, staying afloat in this contemporary world is a challenge.
How do you Breathe?
A Film by: RC Cone
Written by: Zack Wheeler and RC Cone
Headed to Chicago today (1/14/2014) for a Trout Talk, if your in the Chicago area stop by. Ed McCoy and I are going to be talking about Trout Fishing. Showing off a couple new patterns and tactics for midwest trout fishing.
http://www.edtu.org/?q=node/647 – for more information time and location.
New Great Lakes Steelhead stickers arrived in the mail today. Will be getting the backorders that I have mailed out tomorrow. Thanks for your patience. Purchase your sticker here
Patagonia’s das pants have been a staple of my winter steelhead gear for the past 3 years, anytime when temperatures plummet into the 30’s, 20’s, and or are your crazy your going fishing range. The das pants from Patagonia is one of my first layers I put on. I can still remember the first day I wore a pair of these pants, felt like I was in a warm down based sleeping bag all day. I love the feel of the pant, it’s more of a relax feel than a tight based under layer. No yoga lulu lemon feel. More like a cozy pair of sweatpants. The das pants are easy to wear under waders or bibs. Plenty of room in the legs and crotch area to move, climb over boat gunnels and jump onto shore. The nylon shell is a great windproof layer, and is treated to be very water repellent. Durability just like every other item I own from Patagonia is top notch, 3 years equals about 300 days of use. Not a problem yet. Also feel comfortable in these pants after a long day of fishing to wear them into the local watering hole for a little warm-up juice if I so desire.
My only con with the Patagonia das pants is that they can be “too” warm. I have to watch the high temperature of the day. If the temps are going to reach middle or upper 40’s, I could be too warm. I have to adjust my layering and bring my backup pair of pants to change out. Also if I’m going to do a long walk let’s say on the little manistee for a day of coho and or early winter steelhead, I’m going to be too warm too. I’ll end up sweating underneath the layer, the PU coated nylon will hold in my heat too much and I’ll end up having puddles of moisture. But in the same sense if know I’m spending a day in the drift boat or sled, where I’m sitting more than I’m walking these pants are amazing.
by Jon Ray
Grand Traverse Bay Smallmouth Bass