Articles

Half of Pebble Mine Partnership Calls it Quits

by Ben Kryzinski - Tuesday, Sep 17th, 2013

A Bristol Bay sockeye salmon (photo: Reel Wilderness Adventures).

After years of fighting, activists who have been seeking to prevent the informally proposed Pebble Mine in Alaska's Bristol Bay region -- home of the world's two most prolific salmon runs -- may finally have something to cheer about. One of the two foreign companies in the joint venture formed to explore the Pebble deposit, Anglo American, announced today that it will be withdrawing from the partnership at an expected cost of $300 million dollars.

Anglo American CEO Mark Cutifani stated,"despite our belief that Pebble is a deposit of rare magnitude and quality, we have taken the decision to withdraw following a thorough assessment of Anglo American’s extensive pipeline of long-dated project options. Our focus has been to prioritize capital to projects with the highest value and lowest risks within our portfolio, and reduce the capital required to sustain such projects during the pre-approval phases of development as part of a more effective, value-driven capital allocation model. We wish the project well through its forthcoming permitting process and express our thanks to all those who have supported Pebble and who recognize the opportunities and benefits that such an investment may bring to Alaska.”

Photo Caption Contest: UV Buff with Insect Shield

by Colin K. Breck - Monday, Sep 16th, 2013

Enter your caption below for a chance to win.

Our latest caption contest photo comes to us from Nicole Andrews, who entered the photo below in our 2013 Fly Fishing Photo Contest, which closes on October 31 (if you've yet to get your entries in, be sure to do so in the next 6 weeks). And yes, though it is hard to see, the young lady on the front platform is indeed mid-cast.

Enter a caption for the photo above for a chance to win one of two of Buff headwear's UV Buffs with Insect Shield®. Buffs, which were only seen sparingly on the water 10 or so years ago, are now almost as ubiquitous as fly rods. And there's a good reason -- their versatility. Anglers have taken to wearing Buffs primarily on sunny flats and sunbaked meadow streams to protect their neck, ears and so on from the sun. But the Buff's utility doesn't end there. They are good for warmth (especially the cold weather Buffs), as headbands or wristbands for soaking up moisture and they're great for bugs.

Quick Review: Redington Shuttle Pant

by Paul Snyder - Thursday, Sep 12th, 2013

The Redington Shuttle Pant

The company line: "Our rough and tumble Shuttle pant is ready for whatever adventure you've got planned. With multiple pockets to hold all of your tools, winged gusseted crotch for awesome mobility and a reinforced seat, makes these pants your ultimate go-to. With two inseams for short and tall. Or tall and taller if you have a height complex."

Typically I wade wet. My standard gear includes a pair of quick-dry, lightweight pants that zip off at the knee with the bottoms removed over a pair of mid-weight polypropylene base layer bottoms. This is the “Kiwi style,” that I rather like. It keeps your legs protected from most hazards (including the sun), as well as the prickly bushes and trees anglers encounter along the banks and trails. The tight fitting base layer also dries relatively quickly and is drag free around the knees and ankles when in a quick moving river.

Quick Review: Redington Redibalance Crew

by Paul Snyder - Saturday, Sep 7th, 2013

You do not want to run into this guy in a dark alley.

The company line: "Smarter than your average tee. Smarter? Yes. Because this shirt knows your body temperature and keeps you cool when it’s hot and warm when it’s cold. And, it looks pretty good too. So do what you must. This will be the smartest shirt you will ever wear."

Most times the company line on apparel and gear is overstated. This time, Redington has it pretty close to right.

Orvis Introduces All New, Zip-Front Silver Sonic Waders

by Ben Kryzinski - Wednesday, Sep 4th, 2013

Don't fear the zipper.

Orvis has long been associated with well constructed, heavy duty, long lasting waders. But while Orvis waders have been considered dependable by most, they haven't been known for their comfort or innovation. This began to change several years ago when Orvis introduced its sonic welding technology which allows waders to be constructed without stitching, thus reducing opportunities for holes and leaks. In the last year or so, that trend has continued as Orvis has redesigned their wader lineup with a strong design focus on fit, comfort and features.

And customers are noticing. Last month, we reviewed Orvis' relatively new Silver Sonic Waders for Women, where tester Aileen Lane took note of Orvis' attention to detail, focus on providing a woman's unique frame with a comfortable fit and addition of industry-unique features like a waterproof, touchscreen-capable interior flip-out pocket for storing smartphones, digital cameras and other touchscreen devices.