Longtime T.F.M. readers should remember BlueSky Furled Leaders, and hopefully even have a few of their furled leaders in your kit.  What you might not know is that for years now, Nathan Register has been going through a series of health setbacks which sidelined the business and understandably greatly affected his family.  They have recently announced that BlueSky Furled Leaders is back in business with Kayla Register, Nathan and Rebecca's daughter, taking charge of this "Made in...

The other week, I made a trip up to North Carolina to carp fish with Dave Fason (T.F.M. post) and the only fly that we fished that day was the Carp Kwan from Brandon Bailes of Panther Branch Bugs.  Dave has long been sold on this fly for his local carp lakes and he has a fly box full of this pattern in various colors and sizes.  I quickly became a believer on it's effectiveness when we found a carp mudding on a shallow flat, I made a misguided cast a bit too far to the left,...

I don't know why exactly but out of the half dozen The Perry Pork films that I've shared here, they've always fit into the content flow on a Sunday.  Take twenty minutes and enjoy this tutorial. Visit The Perry Pork website for more and be sure to follow along on YouTube and Instagram.Subscribe in a reader

A few weeks ago, I posted a write-up from Shane Gray of Graywolf Rods on his Rodmaker 24/7 Glass Spey blanks and soon after, I received an email from Mark Erickson who passed along that he had built one of these blanks up and would follow-up soon to share a short review and photographs of his experience.If your interest is perked on this glass two-hander blank, then read Mark's review below...Mark wrote...  "Here's a quick-and-dirty write up on the Rodmaker 24/7 11' 5/6-weight Glass Spey...

Judging from the comments, I'm not the only one who appreciates Rolf's unique take on fly fishing and videography.  So good.  Enjoy this one... Dive down a rabbit hole on the YouTube channel and on the Rolf Nylinder website.Subscribe in a reader

The weekend is here and with it, a six-pack of good reads to ease you into your Saturday morning.GARDEN & GUN - IN THE BEGINNING THERE WERE BREAMFIELD MAG - Q&A WITH STEVEN WEINBERGCALIFORNIA FLY FISHER ON YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARKLOON OUTDOORS - KEN MORRISH ON SUMMER TRAVEL TIPSATOLLAS - FLOOD TIDE PRIMERTHE OLD GHOSTS - THE BUDDY'S GOLF TRIPSubscribe in a reader

This one has got me all in my feels.  Happy (belated) Father's Day to all the dads out there.     Visit the Loon Outdoors website to see the latest gear to round out your kit.   Subscribe in a reader

I am home after almost two weeks in Michigan and while playing catch-up with my email inbox, I came across the first dispatch from the Howler Brothers Privateers.  This summer's twosome, Joe Buceti and Graham Mcalister, started their trip in Austin and are working there way across the west.  It's been a few years since Howler Brothers gave away the keys to the van and Joe and Graham are making the most of it to "Heed the Call" with this unique opportunity.  Check out...

Here's a quick tutorial from Tom Rosenbauer of Orvis on how to break down fly fishing large rivers. See more on the Orvis YouTube channel and check out the latest gear on the Orvis website. Subscribe in a reader

I was on the road by 5:00 am heading north to meet up with Dave Fason to explore one of his local lakes outside Greensboro for carp nosing around on the flats.  Everything from the weather app to sun coming up to a cloudless sky told me that it was going to be perfect.  It was going to be warm with little wind and we'd have full sun all day long.  I texted Dave that maybe it was going to be a little too nice.  I ended up being right and it's a bit humorous now that I am...

One of my favorite books from last year was Pheasant Tail Simplicity and the trio of Yvon Chouinard, Craig Mathews, and Mauro Mazzo teamed up again for this Patagonia paperback which is full of stories, techniques, and fly tying recipes with step-by-step instructions.In this short film, Mauro Mazzo ties the Pheasant Tail Nymph. Order your copy of Pheasant Tail Simplicity on the Patagonia website or pick one up at your local book store or fly shop.  Want to jump ahead and watch...

A few weeks back I needed to be up in Greensboro for a dinner and as I planning the trip up, I reached out to Chris Barclay of C. Barclay Fly Rod Co. to see if he'd be around and if I could stop by the new shop for a visit on my way through.  Chris texted back that I was welcome to stop by and that he should be working in the shop for most of the day.  I arrived just afternoon noon and after a quick glance at the shop, we walked across the street for a poke bowl and a chat.  We...

A shortie swing film from The Flyfish Journal that should some with a NSFW warning for language if you're pressing PLAY at the office or around the kids. The Flyfish Journal continues to publish some of the very best content in print, online, and in film.  Subscribe to the magazine and the YouTube channel if you don't already.Subscribe in a reader

In the latest email blast from Graywolf Rods this week, Shane Gray shared a recent 11' 5/6-weight Glass Spey build and even though I've been aware of this Rodmaker 24/7 blank, I hadn't seen one built up.  I asked Shane to put together a few notes on this fiberglass two-hander blank since I figured that I couldn't be the only one who might be intrigued with this unique offering.Shane wrote...  "For the past couple of years I’ve been offering an 11' 5/6-weight fiberglass...

This is going to be a summer of celebration with America's 250th anniversary and there have been some tastefully patriotic gear collections that have rolled out recently that are worth sharing.  I've also included a flag company based in Charleston that are 100% American sourced and sewn.SMITHEY NO. 11 AMERICAN ANNIVERSARY SKILLETABEL REELS, ROSS REELS & HATCH REELSYETI - SUMMER ANTHEM COLLECTIONTURTLEBOX - AMERICANA BLUE COLLECTIONWOODLEY CO - AMERICA 250 COLLECTIONALLEGIANCE FLAG...

The longer that I am into fly fishing, the more particular ethos, mantras, and manifestos make sense in how someone would approach different angling situations and preferences.  Skwala's latest profile on guide Mark Raisler of Headhunters Fly Shop hits a lot of high points and I get it.  Sign me up. I've known Mark for years and I need to book a few days on the Mo with him.  There's something special about Craiglandia and Mark and Headhunters Fly Shop are a huge part of...

This short film from Prolific Northwest is just the reminder that we all need when it comes to fly fishing and trips, both near and far.  There's some good life lessons in this one, too. Check out the Prolific Northwest website and subscribe to the YouTube channel for more.Subscribe in a reader

If you are looking for something a bit different in the fiberglass fly rod realm, always consider giving a look at Yamame Fly Rods as Nico Vreugdenhil is always working on something, either on his own or in a collaboration with another esteemed fly rod builder.  Nico's latest is a 7'11" 4-weight that he's dubbed "The Supernova" and he's shared a few of the latest build images along with notes below.Nice wrote...   "The Supernova" is made of S-Glass and finished in a...

When you've been building fly fishing gear since the late 1800's, you know a thing or two.  This short film from Hardy is wonderful.  Press PLAY and enjoy. Visit the Hardy website for their latest offerings.  I sure wish they'd bring back a glass fly rod...Subscribe in a reader

One of the highlights from being at the Fly Fishing Show in Denver earlier this year was spending quite a bit of time with Chris and Randi Freeman of Emerger Fly Fishing.  After years of trading emails, text messages, and the occasional phone call, it was good to get to know them both better and to hear their plans for the future.  Good gear, and this is some of the best, means so much more when there are good people behind it.  If you follow on Instagram, we hinted at an...

One of my favorite books from last year was Pheasant Tail Simplicity and the trio of Yvon Chouinard, Craig Mathews, and Mauro Mazzo teamed up again for this Patagonia paperback which is full of stories, techniques, and fly tying recipes with step-by-step instructions.In this short video, Craig Mathews ties the Pheasant Tail Sparkle Dun.  Press PLAY.  Take notes.   Order your copy of Pheasant Tail Simplicity on the Patagonia website or pick one up at your local book store...

While fish on watch dials are having a moment, let's remember that Oak & Oscar did it first and their collaboration with artist Tim Johnson continues to create one of a kind watches for owners to cherish that are not screen printed but instead hand-painted one brush stroke at a time under a microscope.Thier latest is a Westslope cutthroat painted on a black dial Olmsted for an owner to capture memories of fly fishing trips many miles into the backcountry for these wonderful dry fly...

Gilbert Rowley's Buffet Series continues with five stunning minutes of Brown Drakes.  Press PLAY...   Follow Gilbert Rowley on Instagram and subscribe to his YouTube channel.Subscribe in a reader

Here is a six-pack of articles to start your day.  If nothing else read the first one from John Agricola.  Then read it a second and third time.  He captured something tragically beautiful, with a level of honesty I don't think I could share in my own writing, in his remembrance of our friend, Dave.CARPICOLA'S COMMON CURRENT - THE MOST HONEST THING I'VE EVER READTHE CONTENDER - COGGINS ON THE MYSTERIES MEMORIESFLY FISHERMAN - DAVE WHITLOCK ON TOPWATER SMALLIESTROUT UNLIMITED -...

Your Tuesday is likely your Monday after a long holiday weekend.  Let's take it easy with a slow flip and read of the latest issue of Southern Culture on the Fly, which is heavy on carp.  Can you dig it?  Don't sleep on the latest gear drops in the SCOF Store.CHECK IT.Subscribe in a reader

The story goes that when Shawn Combs was in the hiring process at Orvis, sometime around 2010, he was asked during an interview what project or idea that he'd like to work on in new product design.  He mentioned that he'd like to bring a fiberglass fly rod series back to the Orvis lineup and that suggestion was met with less than positive reaction.  Nonetheless, Shawn was hired and while poking around the Orvis Rod Factory, came across several vintage light line weight Golden Eagle...

A post on T.F.M. from a few weeks ago on the latest generation of Fenwick Yellow Glass for the Japanese market sparked quite a few conversations through emails and DM's on social media on how someone stateside could order one.  I did some digging around and Drag Free, a fly shop in Osaka, Japan has these fly rods in stock and is willing to ship to customers in the United States.  I traded emails with Yukaku Tsutsui and he provided the ordering information below in our...

America's 250th anniversary, which will be celebrated on July 4th, means that we're all in for a heavy dose of red, white, and blue over the next several months (and beyond) on gear of all sorts.  Ross Reels is feeling patriotic in launching their Liberty lineup with seven of their fly reels getting a new colorway choice of a red frame, platinum spool, and anodized blue accents.  These limited edition fly reels will only be available at your local Ross Reel...

I am a huge fan of Loon Outdoors and a big part of that is the folks behind the brand.  This is a new brand video and worth watching.  Press PLAY...    Visit the Loon Outdoors website to get geared up from fly tying to fishing tools to floatants and more.   Subscribe in a reader

I have an ongoing infatuation in landing nets of all sorts and the creations of Kinni Forge are some of my favorites.  You can circle back to a couple of T.F.M. posts HERE and HERE on the K2 that I have but also check out the wild new collaboration nets with Sanborn Canoe Company.  These were launched a couple of weeks ago and there are still quite a few available.  They are all styled and painted differently and I'm not sure which one that I would choose from.  How about...

This might be the last episode of "The Snacklebox" film series (for now...) with Chef Spencer White and XTRATUF.  I love a good on the water game and it reminded me of a day in Montana with the boys from a few years back. Everyone needs a pair (or several) of XTRATUF boots.  Our family kicks around in them to stay dry when it's wet outside.  Check out the latest styles on their website and follow their YouTube channel.Subscribe in a reader

I've been sharing Rolf Nylinder's films on T.F.M. since at least 2012 and they are always a wonderful and playful escape.  This spring mix of fish watching, birds, and "nonsense in nature" is no different. Enjoy the deep and wonderful rabbit hole of Rolf's YouTube channel and click subscribe.  Subscribe in a reader

This is just a quick heads up that Yasuyuki Kabuto has opened the books at Kabuto Rods for fiberglass fly rod blank orders with June delivery. There are eleven blanks to choose from, in seven color finish choices, and it looks like the two handed models will be available on the list soon.  Visit the Kabuto Rods website to get your order placed and reach out to Kab if you'd like to add guides or components, too.  Follow along with the latest shop news on Facebook...

I'm certainly not alone in thinking that Tom Rosenbauer of Orvis is one of the most interesting people in fly fishing and he's an absolute hoot to spend time with on the water, especially carp missions.  In this Fulling Mill film, Tom dives into his fly boxes and you might be surprised with what all and how all he carries them around.     Check out the latest from Fulling Mill and subscribe to their YouTube channel, too.Subscribe in a reader

This is a very cool new anthem film from YETI.  Press PLAY... It looks like they are using this "Four Letters" theme to tell some social stories, which is genius. See the latest YETI gear on their website.  The Summer Anthem Collection might be the vibe for America's 250th anniversary over the coming July 4th holiday.Subscribe in a reader

I get a handful of emails each week where glass aficionados (or soon to be ones) are working out the details of their next fly rod to have built and the conversation is usually "Do I want this or do I want that?"  More times than not, if they are looking at a premium option, one of the two blanks being discussed is from Steffen Brothers.  And, for good reason.  Steffen Brothers tapers took Mark Steffen years to refine, with field testing on weeks long camping trips, and he took...

The latest issue of The Mission in live and ready for a weekend flip through.  Enjoy...CHECK IT.Subscribe in a reader

Scott Hunter of Vedavoo and I have a few neat things to talk about on T.F.M. in the coming weeks but in the meantime, his announcement on Instagram this week should interest existing customers.  Maybe it's time for you to carefully snip the Vedavoo patch off a favorite piece of gear to see what the upgrade MARK-2 version would be like...I've known Scott for over 15 years and he's always thinking about new ways to make his gear better through new fabrics and materials, buckles,...

One of my favorite books from last year was Pheasant Tail Simplicity and the trio of Yvon Chouinard, Craig Mathews, and Mauro Mazzo teamed up again for this Patagonia paperback which is full of stories, techniques, and fly tying recipes with step-by-step instructions. Order your copy of Pheasant Tail Simplicity on the Patagonia website or pick one up at your local book store or fly shop.  Want to jump ahead and watch other Pheasant Tail Simplicity videos?  You can find...

I came across this photograph the other day and a flood of memories came back of being a twenty-something rambling around northern Michigan on solo fly fishing and camping trips in a less than reliable Ford Escort.  I was a poor college kid with a couple of part-time jobs, not doing too great in classes, and when I read my journal from back then, I couldn't have been happier.    On this trip, I had spent a few late summer days camping outside of Grayling, and this photo...

As a follow-up (with one more in the works) to the news release from Umpqua Feather Merchants on their new SWIFTLINK Packs and LINK Magnetic Accessories, Russ Miller breaks down the entire pack lineup in this video.  If you're considering a new pack this spring, these are worth a look. Visit the Umpqua website to check out the SWIFTLINK Packs and LINK Magnetic Accessories lineup.Subscribe in a reader

Yesterday this image popped up on the Tiemco Instagram page and while I try to run down some additional information to share on the latest generation of Fenwick Yellow Glass, you can visit the Tiemco website to sort out some of the basic information.This 5th generation of the Fenwick Yellow Glass, available in Japan, has five fly rods in the collection from a 6'6" 3-weight to a 7'3" 5-weight.  All of the line weights and lengths look very interesting to me and when doing a YEN to USD...

Today's posts are a double dose of Tom Rosenbauer but there are few in fly fishing who I think are more interesting to spend time with on the water with, both from an opportunity to learn and Tom just likes to have fun.  Sometimes we all forget what fly fishing is supposed to be.  Be more like Tom. I can't be the only one who's impressed with the films that Fulling Mill has been rolling out lately.  Subscribe to their YouTube channel and give their flies and fly tying...

I listen to a lot of podcasts and the recent Orvis Fly-Fishing Podcast with Tom Rosenbauer where he spent studio time with Orvis President Simon Perkins reflecting on the changes to the company over the last several years with restructuring and store closures but also highlighting their commitment to long-term family ownership, continued focus on conservation, and enhancing in-person experiences through their stores, partner fly shops, and events.  There is also a push for Orvis to...

One of my favorite books from last year was Pheasant Tail Simplicity and the trio of Yvon Chouinard, Craig Mathews, and Mauro Mazzo teamed up again for this Patagonia paperback which is full of stories, techniques, and fly tying recipes with step-by-step instructions.At some point, I had an entire side of a fly box filled with X Caddis in various sizes and body colors.   Order your copy of Pheasant Tail Simplicity on the Patagonia website or pick one up at your local book store...

Late last year, Seth Winkleman, aka Swinkfly on Instagram, sent me a trippy and somewhat rambling write-up of his experiences with his Epic FastGlass 888 fly rod that he built from the kit.  I'm not sure why it's taken me so long to put this post together but this was a fun one to push "publish" on this morning.  Have a good time reading this and blame Seth if you finally pull the trigger on your own Epic 888.  Seth Winkelman wrote...The Epic 888 has filled a void, a...

Season two of filmmaker Gilbert Rowley's Buffet Series continues with a trip deep into the jungle for Golden Dorado.  Press PLAY and escape for a few minutes...  Follow Gilbert Rowley on Instagram and subscribe to his YouTube channel.Subscribe in a reader

This past week, Umpqua Feather Merchants rolled out four new SWIFTLINK Packs complete with a full collection of LINK Magnetic Accessories.  There is a lot of innovation packed into these packs and accessory items and I hope to get hands on the Steamboat Sling Pack with a few accessories soon.  Press PLAY on the video and check out the news release below... From the Umpqua presser...Umpqua Feather Merchants, a leading name in fly fishing, is excited to launch our latest...

I continue to enjoy the Instagram posts of Robert L. Smith and his YouTube channel is a treasure trove.  I've always had a soft spot for spider flies and soft hackles.  This tutorial is worth your time. Follow Robert on Instagram and click subscribe to his YouTube channel, too.Subscribe in a reader

We have the doors open to our porch this morning as I am writing this post and birds of all sorts are singing in the trees.  My Merlin app is having a hard time keeping up with the sound identifications of them all.  Spring is certainly here and that puts my mind on bluegills and bass slurping foam flies off the surface of our family pond.  Time to get the kayaks cleaned up and a gear bag sorted with all the warmwater fly boxes and gear needs.I don't know if there is a more...

Fulling Mill follows along with angler and fly tier Tim Pottage in downtown London for an urban carp session and tutorial.  Press PLAY and take notes... This post reminded me that I still have a set of photographs to edit from a trip earlier this year to the South Platte River in Denver carp angling at night.  Standby for that post soon.  Check out the latest from Fulling Mill and subscribe to their YouTube channel, too.Subscribe in a reader

It's "Throwback Thursday" with Ethan Ingleheart of Stonefly Nets and if you missed Part 1 of this two-part series, circle back and then find your self here to slow scroll through this post to enjoy his top shelf work and a look inside of the workshop.  I'm glad that we were able to unearth these images from my Lightroom account from six years ago (apologies again...) and collaborate on these posts to share Ethan's work on how he built these unique landing nets for Hadley and...