3 – Tand Fly Reel – Very Impressed

/in , , /by

 

 

So if you know me you might find this post kind of funny.  But yes I was impressed by a fly reel here most recently.  While a lot of my teaching on how to go about fighting and handling fish here in Michigan does not require the reel.  I believe in stripping the fly line in and landing them.

But with my new arsenal of Scott Radian rods, I was finding out my old school reels where just too heavy and my balance was off.  As fly rods continue to get lighter and lighter my “coffee cans” needed an upgrade.  Now to my dilemma, with smallmouth bass season here my 907 Radian needed to be outfitted with my favorite bass line 7wt Titan Taper, but as you all know smallmouth do not require the reel for drag.  Strip them bronze back beauty’s in.  So I did not want to spend a lot of money, for a line holder.  Not going to be using a drag.  But balance is key, smallmouth require that you cast.  Longer casts on wider rivers, and banging shoreline on our reservoirs.  Don’t want a heavy setup for a long day of casting.

So my good friend and fellow endangered species hunter Russ Maddin, told me about a new company 3-tand reels.  He had just bought a few for his Scott Radians.  Well after picking up a TF 70 from TNA (The Northern Angler) for $209.  I am floored by the value that one gets with this reel.

The TF 70 is perfect for trout and smallmouth fishing.  There are a couple things that I look for in a reel.  1) How does it balance on the rod, 3-tands TF-70 is super light, well ported but still seems durable.  2) How does it spin, what do I mean by this.  Can I pick up line quickly by spinning the spool.  The answer is yes here, the reel is balanced almost like a center pin reel.  Spins like a champ.  3) Sounds funny but is it sexy.  Do I like how it looks.  While I see reels as men’s jewelry, I want my stuff to be looking good.  Answer again is yes.  4) If and when I need drag what am I working with? 3-tands and there TF-70 model?  Well the Patent Pending sealed NanoCF Drag system to begin with, what does that mean?  Smooth and Sealed basically and secondly for the money more drag than you will ever get anywhere else.

If you need a new reel check out 3-tand and contact Brian at the TNA he has them in stock.  Great reel and OMG great value.

Patagonia Great Divider III – Product Review

/in , , /by
Patagonia Great Divider

Patagonia Great Divider III

Time for a new boat bag and the Patagonia Great Divider was my choice after looking at the many options out there, it was a few simple things that sold me on the Patagonia bag.  First the 100% waterproof and fully-welded construction.  I found with my old  bag, that I would forget about the rain fly, and by the time I remember it was too late and my bag and the inside was soaked, leaders and flies now wet.  This is not good.  Problem solved now, as the Great Divider gear bag.  I also can’t tell you how many times rain flies turn into moldy rain flies if you don’t dry them out and store them correct.  Secondly the keep it simple lay out.  I don’t like search through endless pockets.  With a 4 panel divider system is’t nice to keep fly boxes separate from tippet.  But I can see everything in the bag at once and I know where it will be.

 

Thirdly the  transparent floating panel with hook-and-loop attachments and removable end pockets help organize small items.   Great place for car keys and cell phones.  Easy to find and protected.

Details

  • 100% waterproof, fully-welded construction with a single-side TPU coating
  • Main compartment is made of a pliable and resilient high-density foam that gives bag shape and protects contents
  • 100% waterproof TIZIP® zipper with waterproof materials and construction at main closure
  • Two interior zippered end pockets are transparent and removable
  • Strap attachments and seams are welded to eliminate leakage
  • Adjustable and removable padded shoulder strap; two grab handles
  • 11.75-oz 800-denier 100% nylon with a PU exterior coating and TPU interior coating

 

Liberty Bottles – American Made and Much More

/in /by

If you have not checked out Liberty Bottles you need too, I first talked about Liberty Bottles in a post a few months ago referring to how much Liberty Bottles recycles and how focused the company is on being Green.

This American made company philosophy, their focus on being green, and their dedication to giving back to veterans is something to behold in today’s go fast make money normal business trends.  I have been very impressed by Liberty Bottles and proudly support their brand.

Just made my first purchase as to make sure I stay hydrated in the next couple months and recommend that if you need a water bottle you look at what Liberty Bottles has to offer.

Bogs Extreme Boots – Product Review

/in , /by

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.

  • Ultimate winter hunting/steelhead boot
  • 8mm of Neo-Tech™ insulation with NEW Bogs Max-Wick™ lining to manage moisture surrounded with 600 grams of ThinsulateM to lock heat in
  • 5.4 lbs. per pair (size 10) –almost 2lbs lighter than other brands highly insulated boots
  • Comfort rated to temps of -40 degrees (hard to snake roll in these temps)
  • A waterproof 3mm Neo-Tech™ snow cuff lined with plush fleece to seal out wet and cold
  • The thermo-molded EVA midsole and deep lug outsole provide great traction in snow
  • Aegis antimicrobial odor protection insole with scent elimination
  • Height: 16 ½”

Patagonia das pants – product review

/4 Comments/in , , /by

steelhead clothingPatagonia’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.

Details

  • Lightweight, PU-coated nylon ripstop shell is durable, water-resistant, windproof and treated with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish
  • Highly compressible, water-resistant 100-g PrimaLoft® ONE insulation provides maximum warmth for its weight
  • Pants have elasticized waist with hook-and-loop tab adjustments at side zips, and separating 2-way zip fly with snap closure
  • Full-length 2-way side zips with insulated wind flaps for easy on/off
  • Elasticized mini-gaiter cuffs with snap-tab closures lock in heat and accommodate an alpine boot
  • 1.2-oz 20-denier 100% nylon PU-coated ripstop, with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish. Insulation: 100-g PrimaLoft® ONE 100% polyester

by Jon Ray

Product Review – ARC Eyeglass Retainer

/in /by
arc sunglass retainer

ARC Sunglass Retainer

ARC Outdoor Gear has made a sunglass retainer that can stand up to the abuse of even my standards.

GRAPLRZ Retainers are made of stainless steel cable, industrial grade silicone and anodized aluminum. Stylish, durable, comfortable, and with a lifetime warranty.

After wearing out similar products by another company , I trashed two sunglass retainers this past summer alone.    When I saw the heavy plastic cups that suction onto the glasses, I knew this wear point would not give out, the heavier gauge wear is nice because it stays off your neck.  For sure one of the greatest negatives of all other sunglass retainers is the retainer laying on the back of your neck.  Drives me crazy! I will say my only negative to the ARC Sunglass Retainer is that it’s a little long.  Pulling on my hoodie over my hat the retainer does get pinched, usually a simple maneuvering of the retainer lays it down properly but having this wire a little shorter would be nice.  But the positives that it has already lasted a couple months with no signs of wear, means this retainer will out last the rest.  Plus with the lifetime warranty that ARC has given this product, means the manufacture knows it’s going to last a long long time.

Check out ARC other products as well they have some pretty cool lights and knives for the outdoor enthusiast.