Bauer CFX Reel Review

With the introduction of the CFX, Oregon based Bauer Reels has reinforced their growing position in the quality reel market.

In hand, they weigh like a reel should – Not too light and not too heavy. This is what quality materials and quality machining feels like.

Turning the reel knob reveals a seamless relationship between spool and housing. Revolution occurs naturally, and offers no sound for those who prefer a more subtle presence on the water.  (A slight click can be heard as line leaves the reel)

The aspect that really blows me away about all of Bauer’s reels, however, (The CFX is no exception), is the smoothness of their drag systems. It engages immediately – free of any noticeable bumps that often accompany initial drag system startups.

Unlike Its predecessor, the MSL, which had a cork disc, the CFX utilizes an encased carbon fiber disc drag system. What this move accomplishes for us is less time spent on cleaning and general maintenance and that can be a “Reel Drag”…

One more note on the drag system: I love the design of the knob but my thoughts remain mixed as to the location. It is shaped like a star and it is easy to adjust with only one finger. This is actually brilliant! However, like all other reels, it is centered but it is centered on the spool-side, NOT ON THE BACK HOUSING.

So what does this mean? Well, being on the same side as your reel hand, it is quick and easy to adjust, especially when you only need to dedicate one finger to the cause. But, if that spool handle is spinning wildly at the mercy of some reckless quarry, sending your finger into that lion’s den might be a tricky maneuver. I suppose that decision rests on your own personal dexterity and your ability to stomach the sight of your own blood.

Personally, I often like to palm the reel in the heat of battle and only adjust drag when there is a pause in the run. In this case, there is no trouble unless your quarry lives in the salt and takes a one way ticket to the horizon. For fresh water species, undoubtedly trout and bass, I think the drag knob location is great – allowing for quick adjustment.

Oh yea, unlike the MSL, the drag knob does not completely release from the spool, so the chances of losing it in the river drop down to zero.

A few other notes: The CFX is a fine looking reel indeed. Its style seems to embrace a blend of yesterday and tomorrow thereby making it a wholesome fit for any day. The housings are all black and folks have the choice of a wide range of spool colors. The spools are V cut allowing for added capacity.

By balancing out a stick with a CFX you not only quench your thirst for quality, but you also aid in the wellbeing of American families. Every Bauer reel is manufactured at their facility in Ashland, Oregon.

Bauer CFX (Free Fly Line)

Have a good time out there,

-Duffy

Gorge Fly Shop now Mobile

For all you Smarphone users out there our online store is now set-up to purchase items faster and quicker with Paypal Express on our new mobile phone site.  

Need to access our full site? No worries, scroll down the page and click "Full Web site".

Fly Fishing Film Tour 2012 Lands in Portland, Oregon

Friday, February 3rd 2012 is approaching. 

If you have plans that do not involve viewing a cornucopia of fish porn at the nostalgic Bagdad Theater in Portland, it is time to cancel them. 

If you have no plans (This will be so after canceling them), then it is time to get your tickets and make yourself unavailable to all other trivial matters.

Built in 1927, The Bagdad has provided a picturesque setting for both film and stage for generations.  When walking or sitting in the breast of this marvel, one can't help but feel awed by her stature.  It would actually make a fine venue for something that wasn't even happening! 

"Hatch" trailer - by Gin Clear Media from The Fly Fishing Film Tour on Vimeo.

 
But, lucky are we to also get a facefull of video that depicts some sort of story centering around our favorite character.  I think the name is Fish...  Traditionaly this night brings me great joy because it gives me a chance to experience three of my most favorite things at the same time.  Beer, Pizza and Fish.  And, I must confess, Fish humble me as does footage of our wider world.  Watching these videos makes me wish that I could be multiple places at once.  Sometimes they make me feel like I am not seeing enough or doing enough to challenge my own curiosity.    But, my best response is simply one of reverence and wonder to know that these events actually happened at a particular moment in time.

Get your tickets

Simms Flyte Jacket - The Perfect Inner or Outer Layer

One of those inevitable and slightly dubious tasks that I face each time I head out to a piece of water is how I am going to dress myself. It sounds trivial but there actually is a bit of thought that goes into building a layering system that works. Just the term, “weather” is indicative of fluctuation. It is interesting to live in a dynamic world where stepping into moments of change often necessitates a bit of planning. If you do not think carefully about how you are going to wrap your body, you just might become miserable and being miserable is not one of the reasons we choose to go fishing.

I like garments that are neither restrictive nor bulky. When I’m on the water, I need full range of motion and the only appendages that hang from my body are those that will help me on my task. I don’t need a floppy jacket that hooks every thorn bush or one that dips its loose folds into the water. I’d rather not have a cumbersome sleeve cuff catching my running line when I’m in the meat of the hunt.



Steamlined comfort and functionality!


At the same time, clothing that seems as though it were painted across your shoulders and then pops a stitch on the cast, is far from keeping you pliable for the situation at hand. Let your body do what it needs to do by wearing garments that afford fit and motion.

What else? Round up those layers that make you comfortable. If you have the right wear with you, comfort should always be within an arm’s reach. Your layers should all be breathable. Sweat needs a place to go other than dripping out of your pits and down your torso. Aside from making you “squishy”, moisture can drop the core temperature when you sit idle or a cool breeze moves in.

If you think about the different layers that start at your skin and end at the elements, they should grow in thickness and/or their ability to block wind and precipitation. This time of year, I like to throw on a light polypro shirt. Then, I take stock of the thermometer and try to get a forecast. What I think about mostly, is that outer-most layer that I wear INSIDE my waders. Being a steelheader, I appreciate traveling light as I work down a run. No vest or fanny pack. I prefer to keep some tippet, hooks, and a tip wallet in my wader pockets. I have a slender box of critters that I tuck into the inside of my waders and yep, I’m ready to go. Unless it’s raining, I’m not wearing a coat over my waders as they can be cumbersome and make it more difficult to get to my maxima. For me, the last layer inside of my waders is the most important. More than likely, it will be the barrier to the elements for the majority of the day.

So, if it’s cold, I might have a few layers on inside my waders: A soft lightweight, a soft mid weight layer and then another mid-weight layer that is wind and rain resistant. If need be, I might even add an additional lightweight layer for added warmth. All the layers breathe and the last layer repels the elements without being too bulky or restrictive. As I said earlier, this layer is the key and this is where Simms new Flyte Jacket comes into play.

The Flyte Jacket embodies streamlined comfort and functionality. Wear it with one layer or wear it with multiple layers. It is that perfect front-line barrier that slides in beneath your wader straps. It renders you agile, protected and it helps to keep your focus where it matters most. It actually pains me when I fail to get my layering right. For me, this little bit of preparation is all a part of the fishing process. Maintaining my own condition needs to as efficient as possible or else the entire process starts to crumble. It doesn’t matter which fly I tie on if I am not physically, mentally and emotionally in the game. Aside from all the fly rods, reels, lines and flies in your bag the greatest tool is really ourselves. The Simms Flyte Jacket will help to keep you sharp and accessible. It’s also a pretty nice looking jacket for those of you that don’t mind looking how you feel.

Check out the specs:  Simms Flyte Jacket - New for 2012

Check out:                    Additional Layering Options

Have a good time,
-Duffy

Steelhead Fishing Report 01/06/2012

The Hood, Sandy and Clackamas rivers are presently flowing at ideal levels. The weather is mild and winter steelhead are finding their way back home. The rivers have cleared rather quickly following the recent surge. Although we shouldn’t expect numbers to peak until march, there are enough fish around to necessitate some fleegan floggen.

Now would be a perfect time to get out there and create your own fishing report!

Recent Encounter.  Photo: Jeff Hickman

We all have our favorite patterns to serve up to the steel…

This time of year, I’m reaching for red, orange, white and shell-pink patterns when the day is bright. If the sky is gray, I’m a sucker for black & blue. Keep in mind, there is no important “hatch.” If you open up your box and you are taken by a certain pattern, then chances are that you will not be the only one.

That said, it can’t hurt to switch up, when your mood says so. Tying on a new pattern can work wonders for your confidence and it can help to inject passion into the swing. Twist on an intruder if you’re feeling like a bully. How about a gob of flash if you want to show off? Feeling shy? Tie on something a little more subtle…

Surf the waves of your emotions, but be careful not to stay in the trough too long. One thing is certain: (well maybe), you will not hook a steelhead if you are angry! An appreciative, happy nature will help charge the current for that electrifying connection.

Have a good time,
-GFS

SA Skagit Extreme Intermediate Head

Rivers are falling into shape rather nicely and the Clackamas was no exception yesterday, as I got a chance to spend time swinging bugs with my good pal and steelhead guide, Jeff Hickman.  We had a stellar time out there probing the goods with tips and spun wads of marabou.  It sure felt good to share a few laughs and maintain the search that is so bitter sweet this time of year.

One of Jeff's rods was strung up with a Scientific Anglers Skagit Extreme Intermediate Head that I was able to play around with a little bit.  It is certainly a  joy to cast, but the real benefit is how this line works to slow down fly speed and achieve a deeper presentation.  I really think that this line is going to be a game changer, especially during mid winter excursions.

Here, Jeff gets into a little more detail on the line and how it can help you out there on the river.

SA Skagit Extreme Intermediate Head

Drop us a line or shoot us an email if you need any grain weight recommendations.  We are always happy to hear from you!

Have a good time out there,

-Duffy

Winston BIIMX Spey Review

A guide buddy recently told me that this was his favorite all around stick to use while chasing steelhead. His words: “It is my favorite rod.” Hmm… although he is a year round, fin-sniffing machine, I figured that this type of statement demanded further explanation.

“It just feels so very nice.”

Okay… It was time to get to the bottom of it.

Short speys are gaining more popularity with every passing year. Why not, you put the right line on em and lookout all you 8134’s! The line goes. Thanks to the recent short spey head innovations over the last few years, the little guys are getting promoted rather quickly.

Short, fast tapered rods are not for everybody however. A shorter rod means that you lose lever length. A faster rod demands more line speed. Folks that are new to the world of spey casting will certainly have more difficulty learning their craft with one of these. It’s kind of like picking out a surf board. In the beginning, a longer, broader board will help you maintain your balance and help you to ride on the tongue of a wave. More surface area allows you to stay afloat more easily. But, after getting the actual ride down, you may find that these big boards are not quite as agile as you would like. You want to start cutting more quickly and lightening your feet on the crest. The best surfers you see out there any more are on short skinny boards.

The same is true for spey casters. Upon becoming comfortable and consistent with the cast, many anglers find that it’s time to try something new. Wouldn’t it be nice to hold a lighter stick in your hands? I tell you, they are much easier to tote while weaving through the streamside thatch to your secret seam line. They fit better in a raft or a drift boat. You break fewer of them on overhanging tree branches. They allow you to cast in tighter quarters. Essentially, you lighten your load and your motions are left more agile and closer to your own body. It’s far less work to sweep a short stick around all day. I feel much lighter and closer to my own personal intent with a shorter rod. My motions become more crisp. The chain reaction from my torso to the rod tip is much tighter…

At 12 feet 3 inches, this rod is on the tall end of the short spectrum – but not too tall to be cumbersome. Lately, I have been thinking about short sticks to use in the winter. An exceptional rod in my quiver is the 11 foot 9 inch 8wt TCX. It is light, easy to tote around, crisp and it is powerful. You got to be on time with it however, or you’ll pay the piper. Performance can come at a price after all. How would the BIIMX be different?

 As far as back bone goes, they are essentially the same. The BIIMX 7/8 is really a stout 7 wt, but at 12 feet 3 inches, I found that I like to line it with the same amount of grains as I would the TCX 8wt - which is 11ft 9 inches long. Although it is fairly fast, it is more forgiving than the TCX. Over all it’s got a little more flex from tip to butt. Under a good load, one can feel the tension down in the cork. Anglers that prefer a real light line could go with a 480 Skagit (This is real light.) Most folks will find the sweet spot from 510-540 grains. I like a 510 Airflo Skagit Compact or the Airflo Skagit Switch. SA has a Skagit head that seemed to feel pretty groovy in the 520gr line size. I didn’t get a chance to try out any dry lines but I have moved away from the Scandi Heads in favor of the new Airflo Rage Head. This line cuts the breeze way mo betta (Nothing is worse than having your leader land way upstream from your head!)

This stick feels like a good friend should. For those looking to elevate their performance and lighten their load, this is the rod. The cork feels exceptionally comfortable in hand. And, It is so incredibly smooth! Although it is fast, it does flex - and it does so very smoothly. After pinching yourself, you remind yourself that, “Oh yea, it’s a Winston! Why should I be so astonished? Yea Winston is there at the top, no doubt. I found the BIIMX 7/8 to be an intimate feeling stick that likes to operate at a highest level of performance. In the right hands, it can be no other way. Oh yea, it is also a gorgeous, classy looking stick, as all Winstons are.

My buddy said that it’s his year round rod of choice. I can see why… It’s not too bulky to dwarf an average summer run and it’s got the backbone to perform on larger, brighter winter fish. I gave it a shot with a 12 foot chunk of T-14 and yep, it handled it without protest.

The only real problem that I have with this rod is that I don’t actually own one! You bet that I’ll be saving my pennies.

-Duffy

Winston Boron IImx 12'3" 7/8 Weight Spey Rod, FREE LINE!

Oregon Rivers Surge

I.. was dreamin...of a ... wet...Christmas...

Well, guess who heeded the call!  Yep, that jolly ole fat man, Kringle sent us a trenchant dousing alright. 

Weeks of high pressure had left our rivers thirsty.  But now, with this hefty gulp, they will likely swallow up fresh winter steelhead and scatter them throughout your favorite fly water.

Chances are that the rivers will not be back in shape til early next week, but we'll have to see how the chips fall.  Here is a look at what the rivers are doing today.  They are expected to keep rising over the next few days...

Have a good time,

-Duffy

WHAT'S UP WITH GABE?

This is the title of our new periodical column. 

Its purpose:  To update the angling community as to the adventures of our local fisher-extraordinaire.  You see, Gabe is not your average angler. While only in his early teens, he has hooked more fish than most of us could only dream of.  His passion is second only to his prowess.  He is a young man posessed.  If he is not busy working hard in school, he is on the water.  If he is not on the water, he is in the fly shop sharing his adventures or planning his next outing.  He is an extremely humble, likeable fella and we are fortunate to share in his passion.  Here are a few shots from this past season.  We can only imagine what the winter will bring...

Whew...  All that fishing is hard work! 

Well, we intend to keep a close eye on him when he wakes up.  We will make sure that you stay informed.  Who knows, maybe he will give up a few of his secrets in the next "What's Up With Gabe?" posting.

Have a good time out there,
-Duffy

Happy Holidays Everyone