Tibor Tested - Tried and True

My Tibor Signature Series 9/10 reel on it's first time out on the river and we SCORED! Always a good sign when that happens. Both specimens equally beautiful.

I was like a kid in a candy store the day my new Tibor Signature Series 9/10 reel arrived, it was ridiculous, ask anyone who was in the shop that day and they will testify. Honestly I had my eye on one for quite awhile, but just couldn't pull the trigger. Finally I was able to place my order and that was the point that I couldn't sleep much for the next few days until it arrived. I guess if you've ever wanted something and had to wait and then finally got it, you'd know what I mean. After ripping open the box like it was my birthday and giving the reel the close once over (like a surgeon) I lined it up with backing and my running line and planned on fishing it as soon as I could (see photo above). A few days later I found myself shin deep the water testing the reel out and within an hour I was hooked into my first steelhead with the new reel!

Couldn't have been a better scenario as far as I'm concerned. Not just because the reel had Mojo (if a reel or rod catches a fish on the first outing - it has Mojo, no need to argue.) but because I now own one of the greatest reels ever made of all times. Don't believe me, just check out how many World Records that are now held when using Tibor reels. The number is staggering - according to their website the count is now over 900 as of 2017.

"In 2017, Tibor Reels earned 68 new world records according to the International Game Fish Association (IGFA). This brings the Tibor's World Record count to over 900 - more than any other fly fishing reel in history. IGFA Hall of Fame fisherman, Lefty Kreh, describes Tibor Reels as "the finest saltwater reels I have ever used." They are the prized possession of every fisherman who owns one. Each is capable of delivering a lifetime of virtually maintenance-free fishing enjoyment for which Tibor Reels are famous." - excerpt from Tibor's website.
When looking at their current world record standings it is difficult to even try to argue with their success. I certainly am pleased with my Tibor Signature Series 9/10 which I use mostly as a spey reel as show in the photo about but, I will also use it most definitely for saltwater applications when I get lucky enough to do so. Since that first outing, I have had a number of times to get out and get better acquainted with the reel and there have been a few other fish caught. Confirmation that the reel truly does have "MOJO"!

I love the reel color and hub color options to choose from to help personalize your reel. Of course the species engraving is a sweet addition, as well as the name plate to really make it your own. What's not to love?!

I chose to have the salmon engraving to add a nice touch. With a Tibor, I am not too concerned about reel malfunction while on the water, history shows them to be solid in saltwater and freshwater. I love the sound of the clicking of the reel when reeling in but even more so when a fish is tearing up the water trying to shake the fly. I'm not a silent reel kinda guy. I work hard to hook my fish and when I do come tight, I want anyone near me to know about it. I am all about the serenity of the situation, being stealthy to spooky fish and getting in the full on Navy Seal mode when approaching nervous fish, BUT, when it gets reel and the war is on, you better know I get excited and the world knows it.

Here are some of the features of the Signature Series reels
Features

• The completely ventilated spool and frame keeps the reel cool during long, smoking runs. 
• Boasts a robust incoming and outgoing clicker sound. 
• Unique mechanical clutch system allows easy change from right to left hand retrieve. 
• Features Tibor’s QuickChange™ spool system which involves only a single moving part. 
• Innovative sealed drag system is waterproof, self-maintaining and still the strongest in the industry. 
• The drag system constantly applies seal pressure while in free spool so the reel will never overrun while stripping the line. 
• Comes equipped with our legendary silky smooth micro grain cork that is constantly lubricated. On the rare occasion that maintenance is necessary, the system can be easily disassembled, yet still remain under warranty – unlike many other sealed-drag reels on the market. 
• Made from solid bar stock aluminum. 
• Each reel is serialized for identification and protection. The serial # is located UNDER the nameplate on top of the frame next to the reel stand. 
• Features a personalized Nameplate engraved free. 
• Our Delrin Handle offers positive gripping and quick release. The Signature 11-12S & Signature 11-12 comes standard with our Gorilla Handle. 
• SpeedHandle™ Spool option available. 
• Comes with an extra thick Neoprene Case for convenient storage and transportation. 
• Finishes: Frost Silver, Frost Black, Satin Gold, Jet Black, Royal Blue, Crimson, Aqua & Graphite Gray 
• Available in 5 sizes. 
• Made and assembled in the U.S.A.

I could go on and on about Tibor and the reels they produce, but I think I will let the World Records do the talking. I just know, that this will not be the only Tibor I will own.

Remember, if you can’t find it at the Gorge Fly Shop, you don’t need it!

Gorge Fly Shop
John Garrett | Product Specialist
541.386.6977

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Oregon Free Fishing Days - November 23-24, 2018

While assembly this info from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife I came across and pretty cool page of info. It's called 50 Places to go Fishing within 60 Minutes of Portland. Tons of great info here to help one get out and have some weekend fun.

Introduce a friend, child, co-worker or family member to fishing during Oregon's free fishing days. ODFW offers Oregon residents and visitors the opportunity to explore and experience fishing, crabbing, clamming without the need for a license or tags on specific listed dates throughout the year.

Enjoy the fun of fishing for free anywhere in the State of Oregon! Fishing regulation and bag limits still apply.

Free Fishing Dates for 2018:

• Feb 17-18
• June 2-3
• Sept 1-2
• Nov 23-24

Time - legal fishing hours
Location - Statewide
Fee - Free
Registration deadline - No registration

For more information visit ODFW website, www.myodfw.com

The Gorge Fly Shop Team

541.386.6977

info@gorgeflyshop.com

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Deschutes Steelhead Camp

As a fly angler there is one destination sooner or later you have to check off your bucket list, the Deschutes River, Oregon. Come to think of it you may have to visit this desert river more than just once to experience not only the aggressive steelhead but also the hardest pulling redside rainbows you may ever encounter.

I joined some friends this year on their annual fall camp. With less than stellar fish counts this year I understood the challenge would be high but with big challenges comes great rewards. The promise of good company was also a great influence. Part of what makes steelhead camp special is in the fact that one is not alone in the quest for the unforgettable catch.

Spotting the big horns

This season on the "D" came with a different landscape. The fires early in the year claimed up countless acres, (or more appropriate square miles), of the desert landscape. While one could choose to dwell over destruction I instead chose to witness the rebirth. While sadly some of the famous man made landmarks have been lost forever, nature is quick at work to regenerate the rivers edge all while advancing into the hills.

I watched big horn rams from great distance grazing the hillsides while wondering what could they be eating with the only answer I could come up with is a sparse delicacy of new growth of which I could not see. I fear for their future but must remind myself the combination of their will to survive and natures will to replenish equals an equation much greater than of my own understanding.

A few years have passed since I last waded this fishery. The river itself hasn't changed much. Still big current and slippery bedrock as always. If you go here do yourself a favor, equip your boots with the best traction possible and a Wading Staff is a good idea. The old saying for this body of water is "It's not if you will dunk, but when will you dunk!" I foolishly relaxed on my boot traction and left the wade stick behind. That decision cost me.

Please keep your hands arms and legs inside the vessel and remain seated

Another part of the adventure to appreciate is the jet boat rides. Myself, having been a licensed boat captain, can fully appreciate the knowledge and skill it takes to navigate all the dangers from the big class rapids to the shallow broad runs. Fun fact for those who've never been here, regulation is; No fishing from boats. Boats are only used for transportation. All fishing must be done on foot. This regulation includes rafts and drift boats as well.

The great part of camp trips is you fish optimal times. Up before dawn to fish first light and through the morning hours, break for lunch and afternoon siesta, and back at it for the evening shade until darkness takes over. Camps are generally set on some of the best runs of the river to take full advantage of first light fishing. Wake up, slip into your waders, grab a snack and chug a cup of coffee, grab your rod and get at it. Simple and effective! You will have made many casts before the first day trippers head up river.

Swinging into the sunrise

If you follow our fishing reports then it's no secret that 2018 has been less than stellar. Fish counts back that up. While the counts keep many away, the ones who do visit are blessed with far less fishing pressure. Several opportunities presented themselves and some very nice fish came to hand. A couple even fell for a skater.

I welcomed the opportunity to sample a lot of great gear on this trip. I could write a whole article on my findings. But if one rod really stuck out to me it would have to be the Burkheimer's. It's as if they were born on this river. There's just a soul about them that plays a direct connection between you and  this mysterious underworld.

CF Burkheimer, Vintage build 7127-4

On the morning of my last day in camp I was rewarded with a solid hookup on a nice buck. He fought hard as I navigated the challenges of maneuvering to a landing spot. Jeff and Barrett had arrived to secure the landing. We caught glimpses of this beautiful solid steelhead. In the last moments with just feet to go he gave one last knuckle busting run when something just felt wrong. Line went slack and I let out a heavy sigh! As I reeled in the line Jeff says "Hey, whats that hanging from your fly?"

No one can say exactly how it happened but there hanging from my flies hook was a black and gold hot-n-tot lure. Maybe the lure was snagged on a rock and the fly line got tangled in it or maybe that lure was broke off in the bucks mouth. The only explanation that was for certain is it somehow interfered with the desired end result.

"Hey, whats that hanging from your fly? You've got to be kidding me!"

This event was certainly unexpected. I mean what are the odds. While I would never wish this happening to anyone it is just another example of how the Deschutes River can challenge your every ability.

I've faced many incredible experiences over many years on this demanding river. This river will teach you to appreciate being a little lucky. Success here should never be taken lightly. I believe it is for these reasons that captivate a lifelong pursuit of desire to be at one with Oregon's famous, desert river The Deschutes.

Click Fish the Swing for more information

Greg Darling 

Gorge Fly Shop
Read more Greg's Post...

"My Passion For Fishing Is A Lifelong Pursuit Of Discovery"

New from Burkheimer - 2018/2019

A couple interesting additions from C.F. Burkheimer for the new year. 

C.F Burkheimer Single Hand Spey shown in Classic

Single Hand Spey

A couple years ago Burkie, (CF Burkheimer) introduce a line of rods called Single Hand Spey. It started out with a 7104-4 and 8104-4. New for 2019, 6104-4. All Single Hand Spey Rod models are 10'4" long and crafted in 4 piece versions now offered in a 6wt as well as the previous 7wt and 8wt.

Single handed spey tactics have come along ways especially since the short skagit evolution started by OPST Commando Heads and now extending into RIO, Airflo, and Scientific Anglers offerings as well.

Single Hand Spey Rods are ideal for small-ish water. It gives the angler versatility when space is at a minimum. If you already spey cast then single hand spey will come natural and if you are just learning to spey cast some find that process much easier when they are only learning the one hand approach instead of two hand. Single handed spey is fun, practical and will advance your overall fly casting tactics quiver of tricks.

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Streamer

C.F Burkheimer Streamer shown in Titanium Finish

There are those who fish streamers then there are streamer anglers. No streamer angler is ever satisfied with any standard action fly rod. The demands of repetitive casting with large flies causes one to look for any advantage they can get from a specialized rod.

A couple years ago Burkie, introduce a line of rods simple called Streamer. The model started out with a 688-4 and 788-4. New for 2019, 888-4. All Streamer Rod models are 8'8" long and crafted in 4 piece versions.

There are a couple of advantages to keeping a streamer rod under 9 foot. Much of this angling is done from a drift boat therefore the shorter length help rod/boat management especially considering the fact that no streamer angler only shows up with one rod. Another advantage is a short lever. Basic physics tells us that the shorter the lever the easier it will be for one to control. This is an important function when fly size can push toward a whole small rabbit package and your muscle power must be maintained for the duration of the day.

In addition to length, the Streamer also employs an action that is all to its own. The taper is designed to move cargo efficiently. Aside from big streamers they are also quite capable with heavy nymphs, deer hair dries and large wind resistant poppers. The new 888-4 size pushes the extreme in fly size handling as well as trophy size handling.

Do you have streamers hanging from your rear view mirror? If yes, then you are the guy Burkheimer built these rods for.

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Two Handed Spey 6139-4

One doesn't have to search hard to find some of the most sought after spey rods on the planet. We know it so well that attempt to keep pre-ordered custom, In-Stock, on hand, ready to ship, two handers all the time.

So why a 6139-4? We have the source that will fill you in on what you might find interesting about this length/power of a two hander. Read Cody's report on Burkheimer 6139-4 and Airflo Delts Spey II 6/7

Please keep in mind when buying a Burkie; Unless we have it in-stock, it is 99.9% likely to be a special order. Rods can takes several months from order date to ship date. Even we wait for the rods we have in stock. This is why we special order and stock some rods. Check often cause they don't stay around very long. See In-Stock Inventory here...

Tight Lines,
Greg

Along with these unique additions you can find many more great rods from C.F. Burkheimer at "The Gorge"

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

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