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 well being of American families. Every Bauer reel is manufactured at their facility in Ashland, Oregon.

Bauer CFX (Free Fly Line)

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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:  
Outerwear           
Additional Layering Options
Socks and Gloves
Headwear

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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.

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

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"Fly Fish the World with Us"