I was presented with an awesome opportunity a few weeks ago. I was able to fish with Troutrageous!, DubTheThorax, and FuncFish. I of course would not miss this for the world and eagerly awaited the day that we had selected to hit the stream. It has been awhile since I just fished to fish. I have been going out fishing, but it has always been with some gear to review or something else in mind....this was just a relaxing day. I brought along my GoPro and my Canon DSLR but never really used them as I would have if I had blogging in mind. I think I took three pictures; though now looking back I wish I would have taken more. I must say that the stream and the weather were just perfect on this outing. I do not think things could have been better!
I arrived at the parking lot at Valley around 9:30 in the morning and met up with Mike (Troutrageous) to do a little tenkara action before the other guys arrived. We headed down to the stream, and he showed me a few places where the fish should be and was also kind enough to give me a few kebari to start the day. First fish of the day went to him. It did not take him long to get a hook set, and while that fish got off, it seemed like just a few casts later, and he was hooked into another one. Thanks to his kebari he gave to me, I had one hooked up as well a few moments later.
Matt (FuncFish) and Mike (DubTheThorax) arrived and were slinging some dries to some fish rising up. They were having great success on top of the water, while the kebari warriors were having some good success under the water. We moved around, caught more fish, and then took an intermission and headed back to the cars for some drinks and snacks. I had husband/father obligations later that evening and had to call the trip early. The guys went on to dominate the stream that day. A rare occurrence from what I have gathered about Valley. I wish I could have stayed the full time and would love to hit the stream with the guys again especially since T! is leaving the area and moving down to Florida (Barracuda on tenkara??). Maybe next time I will actually put my camera to use and get some sweet shots. Most of the pics I stole from Mike.....hope he doesn't mind. You guys can catch other recaps of the trip on Dub's and T!'s blogs.
I was presented with the opportunity to test out and review the Risen Ichthus Reel. I was given a 3wt and paired it up with my Allen ATS 7'6 3/4wt rod. I was really impressed with the quality of this reel right from the start. It also looks amazing!
The main question was how it fished. A reel can look fancy and be pure junk; this reel is not junk. It is a great reel! The reel is machined from aluminum and offers a great drag system. The drag system is what sold me on the reel. The drag system on this reel is a cork/fxb polymer disc drag that is silky smooth and has a wide range of control. Moment of truth - a 3wt reel for me is primarily a line holder. Rarely do I ever go to the reel when fighting a fish. I did test this reel out on some of PA's finest stocked trout, and it handled them well. The largest fish I landed on this reel pushed 17 inches, and the reel handled the fish fine. I could honestly not find anything that was a major flaw or something that would deter me from buying this reel.
My main complaint on this reel is taking the spool off. I am accustomed to the quick little release on the Redington reels, so this one seemed a tad cumbersome. You have to unscrew the cap to change spools. This is not a huge thing but just the one annoyance that I noticed for myself.
Here is the million dollar question....would I suggest this reel to a friend as a good option to purchase? The answer to this is yes. I would highly recommend this reel, or any of Risen Fly Co. gear. I also have a few of their fly boxes that I have determined are the best bang for your buck. Their swing leaf box holds all the flies you would ever need and their clear double sided box is just as good. This is not about the boxes but about the reel. You can go to Risen's website to get the skinny on all the tech specs. The main thing is this is a great reel and something that you should look at if you are looking for a great reel for a decent price. Currently the reel is running at $98 for the 3/4wt which is a sale price. The regular price of this reel is $140. A great budget friendly reel. You do not have to spend $400+ to get good quality gear. Check out Risen fly! They are a great company and one to watch out for!!
Excuse the horrible photos. I did not have my DSLR around so I tried to snap a few in horrible light with my iPhone. I have been slowly getting in the tying mood with the TenkaraUSA Summit coming up in a few months I have been wanting to fill up the box so I have enough to through (lose to trees) to the trout in Virginia.
I have been having some luck with this style of fly and decided I would share with you guys what I have been using. I know I am probably not the first person to tie something like this, but I must say that I am happy I have started tying these because I have been doing pretty well with them (I ADMIT I HAVE BEEN FISHING AND NOT BLOGGING).
What you need:
1) Thread - I have been using Black 8/0 UNI, but any will work
2)Hook - I am using an Allen Barbless Shrimp/Caddis Pupa Hook in a #12
3)Starling Hackle
4)Grey Brahma Hen Hackle
There seems to be a crazy amount of movement with both hackles. I am wanting to try these in different colors, add some gold/silver wire. What do you guys think? What would you add?
I was recently given the opportunity to test out and review the Redington Rise reel. I was given a 5wt in the glacial color for my testing period. When I received the reel, I was a little set back by the blue color. I am typically a black or gunmetal/silver fan and wasn't really feeling the blue color. The reel comes from Redington with decent reel pouch for the reel to be stored in if you do not keep it on your rod. I found that the case was sufficient enough for storing around the house or throwing it in a backpack to take to the stream.
Features
- Cork/Teflon® drag, ideal for big fish and long runs in both salt and fresh water
- Easily adjustable drag knob
- One-way clutch bearing for smooth, immediate drag engagement
- Durable machined 6061-T6 aluminum design with quick release spool
- Nylon reel case included
- Lifetime Warranty
- Colors: Charcoal, Moss, Burnt Orange
I will say this about the reel; it is very durable and the finish on the reel is surprisingly strong. I banged it around the stream, hit it against rocks, and fished with it in freezing temps. The reel looked practically new after I put it through the gauntlet that is my style of fishing. The cork and teflon drag is a very nice smooth drag with tons of control. I absolutely love the drag knob on this reel. It is huge and is very easy to grab and adjust.
The weight of this reel is a tad on the heavy side. It weighed in around 4.8 ounces without any line spooled on it. This really was not a huge deal for me, and it balanced well with my Allen Fly Fishing ATS 9' 5wt. The reel never gave me an issue at all. I liked the look of the reel. The blue actually grew on me as I had it longer. If I was to go out and buy the reel now I would still probably pick out the charcoal, but it if I had a rod with blue accent then the blue would be a great choice.
The reel is very easy to switch the retrieve to. It was not an issue. The mid arbor design of the reel picks up line very cleanly. I really enjoyed fishing this reel. Confession time: If I was forced to buy a new 5wt reel I would probably pick the Redington Drift reel. The trout that I tackle here in SEPA rarely take me to the reel, and if they do they never get to the backing. If you just casually fish for trout, or typically are catching smaller trout, then you can save yourself a few bucks and get a less expensive reel. If you are targeting larger fish and really rely on your drag then this would be a great choice of reel. Redington makes great products for those who are not wanting to drop $400 on up for a reel. This reel is a great reel if you tackle a bunch of varieties of fish from skinny water trout to big rivers. This reel will have you covered for both. I also like the fact that it comes with a lifetime warranty. The rise is a good value of a reel, but it honestly depends on the fish you are after. Check out their Drift reel for a great option that will help you put some cash back into your wallet. Do I like this reel? Yes! Would I recommend this reel? Sure! Is it a necessity? No.
Here is a video on how to change the retrieve from Redington
Here is the brand new short from The Fly Collective. Check it out....like it, love it, share it! I really like what these guys are doing! Just thought I would share it on the blog because I love it so much! Makes me want to strap on a head lamp and hit the water!
Hey everyone! I just want to make you aware of a super sweet giveaway
going on over at A Year On The Fly! Joel Dejong is an amazing artist and the person who helped fashion together my logo.
Over on his blog he is giving away three very awesome pieces of art! Go check it out and enter for yourself. I have one of his watercolor fly paintings that sits on my tying desk and it is amazing! Just want to post a plug for a friend!
Also....My review of the FT3, Redington Rise Reel, and Guidline Swell Glasses are all coming soon, as well as some other gear as soon as I get around to testing it more. I am itiching to get back out and fish as well!
I was approached a while ago by FITs Socks to see if I was interested in trying out a few pairs to see what I thought. I was a little skeptical because they randomly contacted me through my old site. I went along with the e-mail and in a few short days had a pair of their Wader socks, as well as their Upland socks. I am a fan of wool socks....especially in the winter and have yet to find a sock that I like that lasts. I also only wear wool socks when I hike throughout the year and have gone through many companies and never found anything that works. I must say that my initial impression of these socks was that they were weird. They are really narrow at first, and I thought that this would make for a tight, uncomfortable fit, but I was wrong. I love these socks. I will break them down in my typical review categories Oh....the are MADE IN THE USA....that is always a plus!!
Construction
The construction of these socks feel pretty solid. They are made up of 68% wool, 24% nylon, 4% polyester, and 4% lycra spandex. The construction of the socks seem great. I will say that
they hold up better than the Smartwool socks that I have owned. I honestly have had a pair of
their socks for long before I seem to wear them out. The FITs socks have held up great and are
honestly in almost the same shape as they were the day I cracked open the package. There really
is not much to talk about here. This sock really performs in the fit and feel category.
Fit These socks really live up to their name. They fit great! I am a huge minimal footwear fan (yes, I own vibram five fingers) and having socks that really constrict my toes are not something that I am a fan of. The toe box of the FITs socks is a dynamic toe cup that contours to the shape of your toes. A huge complaint I have about most socks is that when I am pulling them out of my waders or boots that they slip off my heel which usually ends up sliding the sock off in my waders or boots. I have noticed that FITs has a super deep heel pocket. FITs claims that the cross stretch of the heel cup also helps in locking the heel in place. Another reason why these socks fit so well and stay where they should is because of the proportion of the sock. The ankle is made for a tighter fit which gradually goes up to a looser fit around the calf giving it a comfortable fit. These socks fit great and stay in place.
This is a huge deal to me.
Feel
These socks are made out of marino wool and are super soft. It is a vacation for your feet.
The sock regulates the temperature well so your feet are never too hot or too cold.
Cons
Upland Sock
Now nothing is perfect. With these socks the main drawback I have found is the price. The Upland sock runs around $21 while the Wader socks run around $18. Most people I know would never pay this much for a pair of socks, but as someone who hikes a lot and knows the importance in keeping your feet feeling good, these are well worth at least owning a pair or two.
Conclusion
I have worn the wader socks exclusively while fishing this winter. The socks combined with Redington Sub Zero waders kept my feet nice and cozy while I was standing in frigid water in the middle of January. The Upland sock has been my go to casual sock this winter. The company also has a line of causal socks as well as running, ski, and biking socks. I am impressed with these socks and look forward to continue to use them. Next time you are looking for a pair of nice wool socks skip the Smartwool and grab a pack of FITs.
Here is a video that explains how the FITs Sock works! (not my video)
Disclaimer:As with all reviews on The FlyFishing Bowhunter, the following review is my honest opinion. I received the FITs Socks and agreed to provide a review in exchange. I am not sponsored by nor associated with FITs Socks and accepting no other compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review. My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.
