by Chad Shmukler - Monday, Feb 23rd, 2015
Last week, we reviewed the P5 fly rod from Stickman Rods, with much fanfare. While that may have been the first time you heard of Stickman Rods -- a relative newcomer out of Spain and Hungary -- but there's a good chance it won't be the last. A few weeks ago, we sat down with Ákos Szmutni for some insight into Stickman's design philosophy, manufacturing principles and some insight into Stickman's decision to enter the high-end rod market.
by Chad Shmukler - Friday, Feb 20th, 2015
Continuing our burgeoning series on underwater fishing photography, we're going to take a look the gear available for those of you looking to take your fishing photography below the surface. From inexpensive technology that you might already have, to mid range investments to professional underwater rigs, there's a bevy of options out there that will allow almost anyone looking to enter the world of underwater photography to get wet.
by Chad Shmukler - Wednesday, Feb 18th, 2015
Someone in Montana has my fly rod.
Sitting at the bar at Izaak’s in Craig, Montana, a stone’s throw from the banks of the Missouri River, I’m struck by a hollow ache in the pit of my stomach. Something is wrong, but I haven’t yet put my finger on what. A moment later, I replay the end of our day and realize what it is.
We clamber up the Missouri’s steep banks, make our way down the road and back to our vehicle, lay down rods, kick off wading boots in favor of flip flops, strip off waist and chest packs, pluck flies from the brim of hats and drying patches and toss the whole lot in the back before heading off in the direction of town.
The whole lot except for one: the Stickman P5 Stealth that I laid on the roof of the Subaru Outback we’d rented for the week.by Tom Sadler - Tuesday, Feb 17th, 2015
The popularity of tenkara has given anglers an opportunity to chose from a variety of rods. In fact, at last count, there were more than a dozen U.S. based companies selling tenkara rods. Having that many options can make things confusing.
Folks just starting their tenkara journey may find this many choices intimidating and be concerned about the research required in making a sound rod purchasing decision. Those who have taken up tenkara, used to just a few options, now face unfamiliar names and performance characteristics.
I asked a few of my favorite tenkara groups, “If you had to pick your favorite rod -just one- what would it be and most importantly why?” I asked because I wanted to learn what characteristics make a favorite.
Whether you are new to tenkara or an old hand, the myriad choices of rods makes it more likely you will find a rod (or really more likely, rods) that you enjoy fishing with. Here are some things to consider.by Ben Kryzinski - Monday, Feb 16th, 2015
Orvis's new, mid-priced Recon rod series has been garnered with heaps of positive feedback since its announcement last summer. While the Recon is being touted as Helios 2-like in its feel and performance, a fact that surprises few given the Recon is based on the Helios 2's design, the Recon series is built on a unique set of tapers and blanks that use less expensive materials than Orvis's flagship rods. The result, many have noted, is a rod with high-end performance but without the high-end price tag. Late last week, Orvis announced they are expanding the Recon lineup with nine new models, expanding the full lineup to 18 rods.
Inlcuded in the ranks of the nine new models are three specialty "brush rods" designed specifically for fighting big game in backcountry environments, such as snook and baby tarpon in tight mangrove quarters. Also amongst the newcomers are five new longer models, including 10 foot models in sizes 4, 5, 7 and 8 as well as a 9' 6" six weight. The new models are slated for availability come May 2015.
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