A Look Back... Year End Review

The future starts today, not tomorrow. - John P.

As the year comes to a close, 2013 marks another year for the books. Many things to take note of and to look back on and think about for the coming year. We saw many new and exciting products announced and introduced to our site: Sage Method, Outcast Stealth Pro, Kast Steelhead Gloves and Gear, Flyvine products, ConnectCore technology and much more. As we look towards 2014 and plan our bucket list for the year we look forward to bringing you the latest and greatest gear, travel destinations and the latest fly fishing technology known to man. 

Below are a few of our favorite posts in the last year or so, we hope you check them out if you haven't already done so. Some of them have been updated, for example our Sink Tips and Pontoon Guide posts.

Sink Tips, Polyleaders, Versileaders - A Buyer's Guide

Polyleaders and Versileaders are both words coined by their respective manufacturers. Polyleader – Airflo. Versileader – Rio. Ok, think of these as taking the place of a conventional, mono leader however unlike conventional leaders there is actually a polymer coating that surrounds the inner, mono core. These leaders come in various densities, lengths, strengths and sink rates. Just like your mono leaders, they loop onto the end of your fly line and they are tapered so as to eliminate “hinging” and encourage smooth turnover. They have more overall mass – starting thick at the loop and tapering down to just the mono core at the fly end. So think of these as a leader - A leader that attaches to your fly line the same way a conventional leader would.

Fly Fishing Pontoon Boats - A Buyer's Guide

Floating atop the surface of a lake or a river is a beautiful thing. Not only is it an enjoyable way to travel, but you may also experience places that would otherwise be impossible to reach. For anglers around the globe, the benefits of pontoon boats have become quite clear. They help to bring you where the fish are -or through those special landscapes that your own two feet, cannot.

NRX vs ONE...Who rules the flats!

2013’s Mexico trip came to an end on May 3rd. The gang packed it up and headed out of the little town of Punta Allen on our way to catch a flight in Cancun. The long bumpy gravel road from the lodge to Tulum seems twice as long on the way out. We had a great time at the Palometa Club. Good food, good drink and lots of good company swapping stories back and forth. The Permit were elusive to us this week but we had some good times with the Bonefish, watched Tarpon tail dance while spitting flies and the occasional Barracuda rip towards our fly at lightning speeds. A warm thank you goes out to Dick and Kaye, Host of the Palometa Club, for providing plenty of entertainment and Margaritas. Watch out for the third Margarita!

Lines for Switch Rods - A Buyer's Guide

Finding the right line for switch rods (rods between the lengths of 10.5 – 11.5 feet) can be confusing. Let us try to clear a few things up by talking about the different types of applications that switch rods are used for.

Spey Fishing. These short rods provide a light, agile alternative when fishing small to medium sized rivers. Finally, lines now exist to give anglers a sound spey experience with rods of this size.

One Guide Tip to Reign Them All

OriginallOriginally this article was going to list my top 5 guide tips. The plan was for a distillation of wisdom that I have received from fly fishing guides the world over. After all, this is the time of year that our existence seems to be whittled down to a parade of top ten lists so we can reflect on the year gone by.y this article was going to list my top 5 guide tips. The plan was for a distillation of wisdom that I have received from fly fishing guides the world over. After all, this is the time of year that our existence seems to be whittled down to a parade of top ten lists so we can reflect on the year gone by...

G. Loomis Factory Tour

Today’s fly rods are nothing short of amazing! The master rod builders have perfected so many actions and tapers that enable us to expand our reaches of angling with a fly. The loading of a fly rod is also something one needs to witness...Hard to see with the naked eye but a video camera can catch it…

Sage Method Rod Series (NEW 2013)

Sage Method: Earlier this year you heard me talk about the Sage One in my article NRX vs. One. The ONE is an awesome casting rod with a very intuitive feel of stability with Sage’s Proprietary Konnetic Technology. But I said it in the article that The One is not a fast rod and I suspect we’ll see Konnetic Technology in the future refinements of faster action rod categories such as the TCX.

Welcome in the NEW Sage Method.

The Story behind an Angel (Steelhead Angel Fly)

My wife, Angelique Garrett and her Mama, Rosalie Stavaas were featured in a cancer survivor add for Celio Treatment center, my wife was gearing up to join me in my guide service business before cancer struck. We had bought a second drift boat and she was excited about joining me.

Casting for Recovery: Photo Contest

Casting for Recovery Photo Contest. In support of CFR the GFS team has created a very first for GFS and have commissioned the help from some of our friends, G. Loomis, Nautilus Reels, Hatch Outdoors as well as fellow fly fisherman and fly tyer, John Garrett (GFS Employee). We have some pretty cool prizes to give away to four lucky winners.

Getting Started

Mention Fly Fishing in a room full of people and inevitably someone will respond with "I always wanted to do that but don’t know how to get started”. If I had a Dime for every time I heard this, well, I would have a pocket full of dimes. But the question remains how to get started? It seems almost an enigma to the beginner. Sort of like a secret society and unless you have friends that fish or grew up fishing with family, well it can be a bewildering undertaking.

Mike Prine - Webmaster
Gorge Fly Shop Team

Newly Added Products

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Charlies Journal...Steelhead Date 10/28/2001

Date: October 28, 2001, Sunday

Time: 6:30a till 10:30 and then 3:30p till 5:30p
Where: AM: Above Harpham flat, PM First run above Maupin

Steelhead today: 1
Steelhead ever: 5
Flies: Purple Peril     

Thanks goodness for a wonderful wife who lets me go out to fish when her sister visits. This weekend, Sue came for a visit, and today, I get to go out and frequent my new home waters, Deschutes River. The fall has been record in terms of steelhead though alas my take has been a new record for me given my recent steelhead efforts, but pales in comparison to that of others.

"I only eat these on fishing trips"

Tried to get up early to meet the sun. Something so invigorating and meditative about being alone in the car first thing in the morning with anticipation of not knowing what the day will bring. Add to the ambiance, fresh brewed coffee and a cheap piece of danish. It ranks up there with what I consider life's other perfect moments, holding your child while she sleeps, a fresh glazed Kruller, watching a meteor shower, observing your most hated sports team lose at the hands of your favorite team. I really can’t get a handle on why this A.M. ritual is so special to me. Perhaps, some wrappings should best be left on the box only to marvel at the wonder of the surprise. Or maybe, I just like driving anywhere that leads me to emerald rivulets and potential for silvery wild fish.

Tried getting to the moss hole, but found someone already plying the waters. Decided to try to work the area above Maupin. My first guided steelhead trip to date, with John Smeraglio was successful  above Harpham flat. That was a memorable fish. My first wild steelhead,  my second steelhead of all time. That fish was so strong and for what seemed like hours, I was linked to the inner prana. I chased that fish from the riffle above Harpham to the boat ramp. Such a mixed sensation to see the flyline backing. First the joy of the strength of the fish, and then the “oh shit, that’s my freakin backing”. As an aside, why do we feel the need to conjure up this objective endpoint to fellow anglers. “Oh yeah, that one took me well into my backin.” As if, only partially into the backing weren’t enough. Or better yet, took me to within two cranks of the end of my backing. Well, a simple tip, set your drag so light that a stiff wind or butterfly flutter would rip line off like a shrieking ghoul. “Yep, that monarch took me to the end of my backing. Should have seened the smonofabitch. “ Anyway, that first wild steelie dragged me down around a quarter mile to the boat launch at Harpham. I told John to let me sit for awhile and get my breath back. Perhaps, a little winded but more likely to soak up the wonder and the thrill of it all. I remember how long it took to revive that fish. How I held his strength in his hands and watched him undulate away into the deeper water. That kind of simple joy strikes the cords of my soul with the same impact as the coffee, danish, car in the morning event.

Anyway, today, I went to the same area. More from default, than from any real determination. As I was gearing up, some chap suddenly showed and worked the water I intended. I was momentarily perturbed but decided to settle down. After he had worked well downstream, I thrashed the water with my line. Had a two fly system with a “Joe Gert” and Purple Peril  After just a few casts, something struck the back of my legs scaring the hell out of me. I looked up to see a mink on a large rock with a mischievous grin on his face. Of course, the “Joe Gert” was store bought and like the unknown ensign from Star Trek on the landing party, would be the first to be horribly lost in a tragedy. Sure enough, 5 minutes later, no “Joe Gert” to be found. But shortly thereafter, a beautiful hatchery steelie. Not a great fighter, but that connection to the prana intact and invigorating. Recently, Judge Hoagy has reversed the decision that suggested that wild and hatchery fish are different. I had in my mind to sacrifice this hatchery fish. One less hatchery fish competing for spawning ground with the wild cousins. One less hatchery fish for some half-assed judge to consider the same as the wild version. Sure, argue the genetics or the watershed, but until you’ve hooked and fought both, you can’t possibly understand that the difference is obvious and doesn’t need objective proof.  I knew that the buck would be on the dinner table this evening and not wasted or spoiled. I brought him to shore and struck him with a grapefruit sized rock. I felt so futile because I don’t know how many times I had to strike him. But the method to this madness, instilled upon me how life struggles to stay on this plane of existence. However, once the fate of the beautiful anadramous creature was decided, a sense of calm came over him as I lay stroking him and looking into his clear eye. Almost an accepting, and with my voicing saying an awkward prayer of thanks, peace came about both fish and fisherman. Throughout my life, death has literally scared the life out of me. But at this moment, I knew that at my passing, I hoped someone that respected me for who I am despite my frailties could stroke me, whisper to me and help me to accept my fate with a quiet awkward but sincere prayer.

I cleaned the fish at the river bank, and placed him in the cooler. I felt a strong urge to preserve him as well as possible. Nothing seems more a rape of nature than the wholesale killing of fish by “sportsmen” only to stock the freezer. After coming back to the run, I found not one but two fisherman. Initially, I had the urge to go over and turn their two piece rods into travel rods. But calmed down to realize that maybe they were just naive and that every fisherman has the potential to be a steward of the resource. However, in contrast to the convention, they didn’t work downstream allowing the water for others to pass, but stayed in a holding pattern. Moments such as this sometimes make me feel that I have more in common with my recently sacrificed steelhead than some anglers and people. By this time, I had had my fill and went to Maupin for the requisite cheeseburger at the local greasy spoon. Man, I love those places. Unabashedly, serving up plain heart warming “grub”. I love cuisine as much as the next guy but occasionally I need to have something that isn’t covered in a guava chutney, blackened with a side of confit and dressed with radichio. I need a place that doesn’t bother to ask how I’d like that burger cooked. Where the refills are always free and the food comes in a basket. Just like some days, I crave spam and eggs, chicken-fried steak, fried bologna sandwiches, and hamburger helper. Maybe I like these simple things because it reminds me how stripped of all my airs, I can be wholly satisfied by fundamental food, relationships, sports and moments. Or maybe I just like greasy food because it’s damn good.

Chase down the river

Afterwards, wandered to Oak Springs for some trout fishing. The day started so promising that I thought those beautiful river sailboats, blue wing olives would hatch. But the sun came through and ruined my hope. Nonetheless, the fishing was reasonable, and I didn’t waste my time. Late in the afternoon, went to just above Maupin at the first run below a short rapid. Not much luck, but my heart didn’t seem in it. Perhaps, my morning spiritual sojourn had filled me and there was no room for any more experience. I picked up and left and found my way home to the ones I love and the ones I adore. I’m not sure what constitutes the perfect day but it was a day lived perfectly. I had a boyish grin as my youngest, Camaryn, had more than one helping of fresh steelhead.

Charlie Chambers

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Flyvines Review: New Product

Product: Flyvines – Recycled Fly Line Accessories

Sunglass Retainer

About Flyvines: Flyvines are an innovative and unique solution to fly fishing’s chief environmental hindrance: fly line. Based out of Missoula, Montana, we recycle used fly line to create lanyards, bracelets, key chains, retainers for sunglasses, and other fly fishing accessories. Each product is hand-braided, using a pattern we developed over long Montana winters and while enduring muddy run-offs. As such, each piece is one-of-a-kind.
Flyvines has quickly become the go-to lanyard among fishing guides and hard-core anglers not only because each Flyvines lanyard is stylish and environmentally friendly, but also because each is finished with a break-away washer, which keeps all gear at the ready, but safely splits apart in an emergency.

Look closely at rivers such as the Missouri and Bighorn and you will see the most dedicated anglers on the river donning Flyvines lanyards. Minimalists will keep just their floatant and hemostats handy, while gear-heads will string their lanyards with tippets, split-shot, and sometimes, enough tackle to fill a small fly shop! Whatever the angler chooses to let it carry, the Flyvines lanyard will be ready for the task.

Buy Flyvines products -- you’ll be accessorizing with style while upcycling a product that would otherwise negatively impact the environment.

Flyvines: Gorge Fly Shop

We at the Gorge Fly Shop like the idea of Flyvines. Function meets fashion and fun. We like the idea of Flyvines for the first time, I had to check them out. I even ordered 3 Flyvines bracelets for myself and my kids before I ever started working at the Gorge Fly Shop. Kids love bracelets and my kids are always wearing theirs. As you can see in the picture below where I am sporting one of a few Flyvine Bracelets that I own, I can neither confirm nor deny that there might be a little mojo that goes along with wearing a recycled Flyvine. Flyvines come in a variety of color combinations (see photo above) and are a great way to help the environment and let others know your passionate about the sport. Flyvines are a great stocking stuffer or gift idea for young and old alike. Try one or a few and see…if they don’t help you catch more fish…

“A beautiful native steelhead tail and a Flyvine recycled fly line bracelet…” – photo John Garrett

John Garrett
Gorge Fly Shop

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It's just backing right?!

Backing Guide: An in-depth look

I would like to take a few minutes and discuss what is available and being used for backing in today’s world of fly fishing. I’m not going to waste your time explaining why we use backing. You're here; you probably already know what backing is for. But rather I wish to identify what is available to you today.

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There are no fish here!

Like most of the population - at least the male population - I fell in love with a woman who is not at all like me. Most of my closest friends admit that's the good news. So does my wife.

Meet Ben and Ginger
Ginger with a nice Wyoming Rainbow

As much as I agree with everyone though, our differences present some challenges around fishing. I suppose that's the rub with all fly-fishermen. Our sport takes us away from home or other responsibilities, often at the least opportune times. I remember, in fact, sitting at the breakfast table when I was a kid, listening to my two younger brothers scream bloody murder as my Mom tried to get a little cereal down their gullets. My father, who was headed out to fish that morning, strolled through the kitchen, patted my brother Fred on the top of his head and said, "It's okay, my boy." Then he walked out the door. I can only imagine what my Mom was thinking at that moment. Probably not, "Hope you have a great day, Honey!"

In an effort to chart a slightly different path through my own marriage, and because I greatly enjoy my wife's company, I have spent many years slowly trying to indoctrinate her into the fraternity of fly fishers. I figured that was the way to go. She would grow to share my affection for the pastime. We would have yet another marvelous thing in our life together. And our fishing future would be assured. That was the theory anyway.

In practice, Ginger (no Gilligan's Island jokes, please) has indeed become a good and occasionally enthusiastic fisherman. She casts well, can handle a boat, and genuinely enjoys being on the water. In fisherman's vernacular, she's quite a catch. And I have tried not to follow in my father's admittedly insensitive footsteps ... with some success.

The problem - if you want to call it that - concerns our differing degrees of interest. Put bluntly, Ginger is far too reasonable and unselfish. Those are virtues, I know, but only in other endeavors. Where I will happily try to catch fish all day and much of the night, Ginger will try for only so long. If we have early success, her bloodlust is pretty quickly satisfied. I catch one fish and it just fires me up to catch some more.

That's fine, though. If she doesn't want or need to fish, she can still row. I'm happy to have her do that while I bomb away in the bow, an opportunity that I believe my wife genuinely appreciates giving me. Many a fellow fishermen has fired a smart aleck comment my way as we drift by with Ginger at the oars. Even heard a marriage proposal or two. You'll have to ask Ginger if she was at all tempted.

Unfortunately, her rowing, as wonderful as it is, defeats the purpose of the plan. How can Ginger become rabid about fishing if I am the one doing most of the catching? It's all about the quarry, right?

So I push her to keep fishing and let me row. On more than one occasion I have insisted, which of course screws everything up. You'd think I'd learn something in nearly thirty years of marriage.

What's more, my pathological optimism, which leads me to believe that every cast is a potential hook-up is not a pathos that my wife shares. Ginger will happily tell you that she'll plan for the worst, so if things go well, it's a pleasant surprise. And you can see it when she is fishing. A strike always produces a quizzical expression from Ginger, as though she had assumed that there weren't actually any fish in this river and she was simply humoring me by wetting her line.

Part of the reason for her skepticism may be because I have spent so much time assuring her that there are, in fact, lots of fish here. She knows me well enough to understand that more often than not I don't know what I'm talking about. Why should I suddenly be right when it comes to fishing?

On many occasions, I have "suggested" a drift over a particular run and been greeted after one cast with, "I don't know why we are bothering. There are no fish here."

On other occasions, like when she can see the fish, for instance, Ginger credits any catches to the extraordinary stupidity of the fish, rather than skill on her part. On one trip, in fact, to a lake in Northern Montana that contained a slew of voracious cutthroats, I watched Ginger land some thirty fish. When I commended her, she simply deflected.

"They were small. Anyone could have caught those morons." Meanwhile, there were lots of folks on that lake getting skunked.

It doesn't matter, of course, that I think my wife is a good fisherman and a good companion - especially if she does not believe it herself. And the fact that she has landed lots of great fish doesn't seem to make my case any stronger. More often than not those moments of apparent success produce an entirely unexpected set of responses.

Ginger hooked up with a nice fish

Like the time in New Zealand when Ginger hooked three big trout in an afternoon, only to have each one eventually break her off. She seemed crestfallen.

"It happens to everyone," I offered, "and those were really big fish!" Very politic, I know, and proof as it turns out that I didn't get it.

Ginger wasn't mad or upset that she lost those fish. She could not have cared less. Unlike her husband, Ginger isn't all that concerned with the fish she brings to the net. What bothered her was she knew that we would not stop focusing on her until she landed one. She didn't want the spotlight and she sure as hell didn't want me to stop fishing until she had one in the net.

When she did actually land a fish early the next day - a beautiful big Brown - Ginger was just relieved that she had gotten the monkey off her back. So delighted was she that as I plied the waters of the Clinton River in search of more such fish, Ginger sat on shore in her leaky waders and sobbed. Gotta love those fishing vacations!

Thankfully now, I get it ... most of the time. Fishing is my thing, and I think Ginger is touched that I want to share it with her. And thanks to my fiscal irresponsibility, she has all the gear she'll ever need, most of it with her name engraved or embossed on it. I even bought her a new pair of waders. But she only has to use the stuff when or if she chooses.

Ginger's first New Zealand Brown

Being on the water is important for me. Ginger knows that. And occasionally, she loves it too. But only when the experience is not burdened by the weight of expectation - hers or mine.

Besides, if she is always there with me when I am knee deep in a river somewhere, who am I going to tell my stories to? And you know what, she always asks me how the fishing was.


Damn lucky, I know.

Author, First time GFS Contributor

Ben Williams

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