Gear Review - Fishpond Stormshadow Large Rolling Duffel

Let's talk about luggage.  It's something that most people have in their closet, but have you ever given much thought to what makes one piece of luggage better than another?  Well, if you have done much traveling, it's pretty obvious which bag you will come back and grab first.  The others will go out in your next yard sale.  Luggage is not cheap, but well worth the investment.  I just traveled with the new Fishpond's Stormshadow large duffel to Christmas Island.  Here is my personal review.  You have to have luggage to fit all of the Gear for Christmas Island

When you own a fly shop, having access to the newest gear can be a problem or a solution.  Depends on which way you look at it.  The latest, greatest of gear is always coming through the front door, showcased by the reps.  

I am going to be honest, when I travel, it's not light, and most of the time I am trying to keep my luggage under weight so we do not have to pay the "Heavy" overweight fee.  I like to have my things with me, and a girl needs options.

Huxley wanted to go, but had to stay home.

Last year, I had another large roller that I took to Christmas Island.  It was big, but it was heavy, and my main disappointment with it is that it lacked handles in the key spots.  Without the extra handles, it made it so hard to lift and carry, or for Travis to lift and carry.  Since he always takes my luggage for me, such a gentleman.

When Fishpond launched their new luggage collection,  I knew that I had to get one.  It's shockingly lighweight.

Here are my reasons that I believe for purchasing the new Fishpond Stormshadow Large Rolling Duffel.

• Lightweight
• Durable
• Water-resistant outer fabric so your packed gear stays dry, even if left out in the elements
• Separate side and compartment for wet gear, keeping all the gear on the dry side, dry
• Stands upright. Some duffels fall forward and will not stand on their own
• Lots of carry handles
• Outer straps are attached in a way that they will not fall off or come loose
• Smooth wheels
• Perfect spot for rods with internal straps to keep them secure

After my first trip with this luggage, I don't have anything negative to say. Fishpond's design and durability have been proven for a long time, and they have again knocked this one out of the park.  They also have the Stormshadow Carry-on.   We never carry on our luggage;  we always check it.  I don't have a review for that one, but I'm sure it's just as good since it's the mini version.

Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions.

Thank you for reading

Lyndsey (Beginner Angler, Expert Fish Spooker)

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Winston Air Salt Fly Rod Review

Historically, Winston has not been well known for their saltwater specific rods like they are world famous for in their other line of rods.  They have completely hit a home run with their Air Salt rods.  Available in 7 through 12 weight options, they have you covered for most saltwater applications.  The Air Salt is an easy casting rod, with plenty of backbone that loads nicely and casts exceptionally well, with a quick recovery, increasing your line speed and distance.

I spent a fair amount of time casting these with our Winston rep, Eric Neufeld, and I was seriously impressed.  I will be honest with you.  I tried to push the rod (on purpose) a bit when casting for long distances and Eric said, John back off a bit and let the rod do the work.  As I backed off and the rod took over, Eric said to me…John, look down at the reel, and when I looked down at the reel, the entire fly line was out of the reel and near the tip of the rod.  I say this to reinforce that the rod is an easy casting rod, I cast nearly 100’ of line with very little effort.  I was impressed.

I told him at the time that if I were in the market for a new saltwater specific rod, this would be the rod I would purchase.  Cosmetically beautiful, with the Winston green blank and the attractive components they are famous for and  the stunningly beautiful handwritten information on the rods, which screams attention to detail at least in my eyes, these rods are worth a look.

Features

• Advanced carbon fiber combined with our SuperSilica lightweight resin system to improve toughness and durability

• A new light and fast big game rod series with extra power cast after cast, without fatigue

• Quick recovery with Winston Progressive Action

• New stealth matte Winston Green finish for flats stalking

• Smaller guides hold the line closer to the rod shaft to give better control through the cast and presentation.

• Boron III technology for increased fighting/lifting power and added energy

• Handcrafted in Twin Bridges, MT

• WEIGHTS: 7 thru 12wt.

• ACTION: Fast

• SECTIONS: 4

• GUIDES: Hard chrome titanium colored snake guides with nanolite stripping guides

• REEL SEAT: Charcoal Gray uplocking, anodized aluminum with double locking rings and 1.5" fighting butt.

• Engraved with the company signature logo.

• STORAGE: Premium graphite rod tube with embroidered logo rod sock

If you are in the market for a saltwater rod and you  like a rod with a bit more feel, but need it to perform like a saltwater specific rod should, take a look at the Winston Air Salt series of rods. 

GFS Team

JG 

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Outcast Clearwater Tested by Travis on the Deschutes

I have been patiently waiting for the last year and a half, but I finally got my new Outcast Clearwater boat. The Clearwater is a hot item right now and is very hard to get. The Clearwater is just under 10 feet in length and is only 35 lbs, but has 450 lb capacity. This is all achieved without giving up durability or performance. It has the same urethane bladder system that made the rest of the Outcast boats famous for lasting a long time. Best of all this boat was designed to use real 7' pontoon boat oars, not the light duty oars that normally come with frameless boats. 

We just got enough boats to fill all of our customers' orders and have some extras in inventory. So I grabbed one for me and planned a couple day float on the Deschutes River to test out the boat. 

I decided it would be best to put the boat together at home in my shop to install some of the extras I bought for it. I unboxed the boat and inflated it. Then added a cargo pocket to one side, rod holder to the other and an anchor lock to the rear. At first glance it looks like it has lots of cargo space. 

I then started to load the boat to see where I would put everything once I hit the river. I easily fit a mid sized cooler in front of the foot rest bar. My Fishpond boat bag mounted in front of that. In the back I easily fit two dry bags, chair and a backpack. You could load a lot more gear in the back, but you have to keep the anchor lock accessible. The other nice thing with the Clearwater is it has lots of D-rings and loops to tie gear down. This makes packing for overnight trips much easier. 

After it was loaded I wanted to figure out how to stow some extra rods rigged and ready to go. I had some strips of stick on velcro that looked like it would do the trick. I stuck a strip about ten inches long in the front and back of the boat on the left side. 

I then loaded the boat in the back of my truck and to the river I went. The river was running high and off color, but did not care. I needed a break. Besides I know that the off color water makes for great streamer fishing. There would also be very few anglers fishing in these conditions. 

Once I got to the river I quickly loaded my boat and pushed off. I was pleased with how nimble the Clearwater felt with such a load on it. Having a small boat like this balanced with the weight evenly distributed front to rear is very important. Keeping the boat balanced helps with stability and control. 

The float that I picked had several small rapids testing the Clearwaters control and stability. I hit the first small rapid and the Clearwater handled it with ease. Having real 7’ oars really makes this boat easier to row. I was hesitant on how the oar stands/lock would work without a frame like my PAC1000 pontoon boat. They worked great and stayed very stable. 

Stopping at several spots to fish the Clearwater would slide through very shallow water with little effort. The anchor lock held the boat well and operated a lot easier than I expected. I quickly realized that with the open floor raft design of the Clearwater it is much easier to get in and out in shoal water. I was wearing studs in my boots so I did not want to step on the seat or side of the raft which would make getting in and out easier. 

I spent the rest of the trip floating and stopping to fish at every good spot I could find. I spent a lot of time looking at the advantages and disadvantages of the Clearwater compared to a framed pontoon. The biggest advantage of the Clearwater is that it only weighs 35 lbs and packs up much smaller than my pontoon. This makes the Clearwater much better for packing in my RV with limited space. A pontoon boat would be a little easier to get in and out of. The Clearwater seat is low enough that you could use flippers in a lake for more control while fishing, this is tough to do in a pontoon. 

My final thoughts are that the Clearwater is an excellent choice for such a light and compact package. Especially if you travel a lot with your boat, the Clearwater would be much easier to check on an airline. I would not say it will replace my PAC1000, but since it is more packable I will probably use it more. 

Oh yeah, this was not a fishing story, but I thought I would mention fishing was really good!

Trav
 

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Pay less for Redington Palix

Reliable gear, Reliable service.

Step One: Gear up!

Walk into any fly shop and speak to a dozen guys and you could get half a dozen opinions about Redington Palix Wading Boots. So what makes my opinion any different, perspective and budget really. I enjoy finding gear that doesn't break the bank and does what it states. When shopping for boots, waders or any item of importance ask yourself WHEN, WHERE, and HOW OFTEN you will need to use that item.

I was recently in a fly shop not that long ago where a floor staff tried to steer me away from Redington Palix boots. He attempted to explain I would get more for my money by purchasing another brand. A little shocked I proceeded to listen, but what the floor staff didn't  already know was that I had already purchased two pairs (rubber / felt) and have been using them this past year. My decision to purchase Redington gear wasn't made lightly. I not only did my own research but took the advice from guys who have tested Redington gear personally, George Cook and Greg Darling just to name a few key players. More for my money? That’s an interesting term and one effected by perspective and experience.  If you spend more money on a car do you really drive it more often? If you pay more for seats or materials do you sit more or less? I had no doubt these boots would hold up to its $89.95 price tag, but the true question is how comfortable they are and would they last just as long as a higher priced boot.

Where price and quality meet

Simple. Clean. Dependable.

I consider myself rough on footwear and putting these boots through the ringer was no exception. After spending time on the Deschutes, Sandy, San Juan and the Hood this year these boots still exceeded my expectations. $1 for $1, you get what you pay for and I know plenty of other anglers who have got their money’s worth tenfold on these boots.

4x4 2x2

As Greg Darling once told me: "Palix boots - The converse All-Star's of the fly fishing world!" I would have to agree. Ask yourself this. Do your boots need to look like they can walk on the moon? Do they need to be a fashion statement? Sometimes simple is better! Similar to the converse shoes while not high tech by any means they in fact succeed where it counts.. Basic in form, but true to it's roots and purpose.

Speaking of shoe's, these boots aren't the Nike’s of wading boots. Greg mentioned Converse and it's a solid comparison, but I would put them in a more rugged comparison. I classify these boots as an old Jeep, remember those? Before they where bought out by Chrysler. Looks decent, works when you need them to, dependable, reliable but not the same price of a Land Rover.

George Cook leads by example:
I always hear stories of George fishing, this dude likes to hunt but I bet he's got a gun safe full of rods or one hell of a man cave. When asked what he thought of his current pair of Palix Boots he responded quickly by saying: "No break in period, ready to go straight out of the box. The Redington Sticky Rubber Sole is shocking good, maybe the best rubber sole on the market today. I’m now on season #3 with my Palix Sticky Rubber Boots."

A word from Redington on sticky rubber: "Palix River Sticky Rubber Walnut Wading Boots are durable, lightweight, quick drying, and provide great traction, all at an unbelievable value. Boots are stud compatible for the more rugged fishing adventures."

Are cool extras and fancy materials always needed? For example: carbon fiber. Sounds cool to say right, but if a company uses carbon fiber to save you two ounces in weight you have to ask your self is it worth it? Maybe you just want to get your hands on some carbon fiber, so you pay for that up charge. I call that the X factor (Want vs. Need).

X Factor in all purchases: That want Vs. need feeling. We've all done this, walk into a store and want something only because it's cool or new. The coolest thing about these boots besides the ease of use and sticky rubber is the price. So why pay more when you can spend your hard earned money and save for another killer product at the Gorge Fly Shop... or take your wife out to dinner, theirs always that.

Boot Features -

• Available in Sticky Walnut Rubber or Felt soles
• Supportive, lightweight, and quick drying!
• Rubber toe cap for added abrasion resistance
• Deep draw lacing with moulded, non-corrosive metal hardware (enough lace to wrap ankle)
• Webbing pull loops for easy entry/exit
• Stud compatible (Tested with Redington Goat Head Sole Spikes)

Step Two: Get Wet!

The Palix Wader in use, Kenai River , Alaska (Rainbow). Season 1 Palix wader (2013)

Palix River Wader

What's a good pair of wading boots without waders? Wet wading during the Summer on the Deschutes... For all those other times you need a good pair of waders to get the job done. Are you the type of guy that buys the latest and greatest? The gear with all the bells and whistles? Or are you more like me and just need a quality product to get the job done. I once owned a pocket knife that had a flash light, used it all the time until one day the light quit. Unable to fix the light the knife became pointless to carry. I thought, what a waste.

Maybe your not looking to spend all that much but still in need of a quality wader... Or if your like a friend of mine: You travel so often you could benefit by having an extra pair of waders kept at a friends house so you don't need to pack a pair every time you travel.

Redington Palix River Waders fit that bill.

Wader Features -

• 100% nylon 3-layer DWR coated wader fabric reinforced 6-layer lower leg
• Opposing buckles for easy conversion to waist high
• High density neoprene bootie
• Chest pocket with drain holes
• Flip-out pocket with YKK zipper
• Belt loops with wading belt included
• Integrated gravel-guards
• Double layer-knee
• Custom Redington Exterior woven label
• Fleece lined handwarmer pocket

Instead of fishing in $3-400 waders George keeps things simple, to the point and gets busy fishing. When asked about Palix River waders he responded with: "I’m 2nd season into mine now and Dollar for Dollar, Feature to Feature, “Value and performance” meet on the curve here. Simply the nicest wader out there sub $250. And these happen to be $159.00.

George Cook nabs another Kenai Rainbow sporting a pair of Redington Palix River Waders - early June, 2014.

I'll end by saying this: No matter what you spend and how you spend it, life is too short to be wasting it away on gear that leaves you with regret. The last thing any angler needs or wants is to be waste deep and full of regret. 

So in the edited words of "Red" - Get busy Livin', or get busy Fishin'.

 

Article by: Mike Prine - The Newbie
Gorge Fly Shop - Webmaster

VIDEO: Important information - Wader Sizing Demostration

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Miracle Braid Review

I recently picked up some AirfloMiracle Braid Running Line for my winter spey outfit. I had been using Rio Gripshooter 50# flat mono with no complaints, but wanted to try something different for a while, and am now considering a permanent change.

This line shoots very well through the guides, which is the most important quality of a running line. The braided material is easy to handle, it doesn't slip through the fingers easily, and the .032” diameter is a good size for cold days when numb fingers can have trouble holding onto small line. Also, it tangles less than flat mono, which has been known to knot-up occasionally. Overall, this is a great alternative for guys that have been using a more traditional coated running line like RioPowerflex Shooting Line or Airflo Ridge Running lines and are looking for something a little different.

In my experience with this line so far, I have noticed two drawbacks to a braided running line. The first is that they (both Airflo Miracle Braid and Scientific Angler’s Braided PE) have no welded loops on either end. You have to make your own loops to connect to the backing and/or spey head. While this is inconvenient, some of us geeky fishermen love the opportunity to practice our knot skills. Another drawback with this line is that it is loud when it goes through the guides, similar to S/A Sharkskin Running Line. These are minor inconveniences that are easy to deal with, especially because the functionality is so good. I am going to keep this running line on my reel for a while and hopefully get to battle some chrome winter Steelhead with it soon. 

Andrew Perrault

Gorge Fly Shop

Building the Loop - 

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Simms ExStream Jacket Gear Review

Hunting Chrome

For many, fly fishing is a warm weather hobby, one associated with sunshine, buffs , hoppers and cold beer. For others, fly fishing is a disease, on which causes its subjects to be on the water year around, no matter what the weatherman projects. For those of us who have been infected, winter time does not mean it’s time to hang up the rods and bust out the skis. It’s the time of year when we get to see some of our favorite rivers free of crowds, full of fish, and surrounded by snow and ice...

Many watch and wonder what could make a person want to stand in a 34 degree river with 20 degree air temps, taking a beating from the snow and wind. Speaking as a person who has this disease, I must say, it can be very enjoyable to fish in these conditions… if you have the right gear. The right equipment can be the difference between hypothermia, and enjoying a day on the water fishing for winter steelhead. As winter angler, the greatest addition to my arsenal of fishing gear has been the new Simms ExStream Jacket.

"Extreme Conditions requires ExStream gear!"

 

Full Metal Jacket: Gunmetal

The Simms ExStream Jacket is a product that they introduced in 2013. It features Primaloft insulation, one of the leading materials in cold weather gear. This stuff is the real deal. Even when this material is completely soaked it retains 85% of its warmth. When its dry it is an extremely lightweight and effective insulator that will keep you toasty on the coldest of days. This jacket also features a 100% polyester diamond weave fabric which sheds water and is very breathable. Two front hand warmer pockets, chest pocket and 3 point adjustable and insulated storm hood ensure that every part of the upper body will stay warm when the weather is cold. The hood is also easily removable.

Primaloft Technology

I have spent the last four winters fishing for trout and steelhead.
Before owning this jacket, My typical clothing system consisted of a wicking base layer, a wool shirt(or two), sweatshirt and rain jacket. This system worked but is uncomfortable and very heavy. With the ExStream jacket I can wear nothing but a wicking base layer and the jacket and will stay warm and comfortable until the air temps get down around 25.On days when I am hiking, this is all I will wear with some additional layers in the pack if I get too hot and need to shed the coat. The couple of days I have spent when temps are colder than this I have combined the jacket with a heavy wool shirt or sweatshirt underneath. The combination of the two kept me warm and comfy all day, I even caught myself sweating when the sun snuck through the clouds on a frosty day on the hood. For the long cold days I've had in the drift boat this has been the winning combo as well, I usually shed the sweatshirt if I end up rowing. Then there are the days where its 25 in the morning and 40 in the afternoon. This is where the weight of the jacket comes into play.

A couple weeks ago a friend and I spent a full day fishing the lower Deschutes River. When we showed up to the parking lot, temps were well below freezing. I began my day as usual with a wicking base layer and my ex-stream jacket. By about 11 am the sun was out the air temps had made their way into the high 30’s. I found myself getting sweaty and decided to shed the jacket and put on my wool shirt I had in my back pack. This jacket weighs around 26 ounces and can be compacted almost as small as a soft ball. Unlike heavier layers I had worn in the past this jacket was so easy to carry that I preferred having it in my pack as opposed to my heavy wool shirt. It takes up hardly any room and adds little weigh t to your load. Later in the evening when the sun began to recede, I swapped the wool shirt for the Exstream jacket once again, At this point I really noticed how much lighter and pack-able this jacket is in comparison to other products. The fact that a jacket that can keep me comfortable and warm in temps down to 25 degrees weighs less and is less bulky than a heavy wool shirt was a real eye opener for me. You may notice that there are not a lot of features to be talked about with this jacket, It does not have all the bells and whistles like you may find on other jackets, which is something I like.

This is a strictly business ExStream Weather Jacket, It doesn't have any retractors or fly patches. It does not have anywhere to put your bugger barn or a spot to hang 20 spools of tippet, but what this jacket does offer is protection from the elements. It’s a portable shelter for the angler who does not want to let the weather keep them from getting there fix. In my mind it is one of the most useful pieces of equipment I own, for one simple reason. It allows me to enjoy myself on the river, no matter what kind of curve ball Mother Nature throws at me. I would highly recommend this jacket to anyone who plans to spend time on the water in the winter time.


Jeff Heiskell
Gorge Fly Shop

Simms ExStream Jacket

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Simms Headwaters Guide Hip Pack - Product Review

Product: Simms Headwaters Guide Hip Pack – Retail Cost $119.95

According to: Simms, in their words: No two fishing trips are ever alike. And whether from backyard to backcountry or cityscape to salty expanse your gear needs are never static. Now, thanks to Simms’s innovative new Headwaters Pack series, you can customize your pack for every new angling adventure. We provide the architecture-you adapt it to house your gear. Compression molded panels fold down to provide a customizable Work Bench at your fingertips. Interior and exterior loop Velcro Fabric allows you to patch on Simms accessories and to keep loose flies from getting lost. Magnetized exterior tool ports provide secure storage and ultrafast access. Like the best in architectural design, Simms Headwaters packs offer the form that allows you to create the function. Reinvent the interior workspace for specific expeditions. Whether you’re out on a quick mission or a multi-day adventure, Ripple Foam waistbands and back panels, bring the ultimate in fit and comfort.
"Pack Picky"

To say that I am Pack Picky would seriously be an understatement and In the ever changing world of fishing packs, I am truly excited to tell you about new Simms Headwaters Guide Hip Pack or the "Lunch Box", as I dubbed it the first time I saw it. There's no shortage of choices out there from companies vying to carry your necessary gear around on the water. You have hip packs, chest packs, back packs, sling packs in various sizes to meet various needs...one only needs to do a Google search or visit a local fly shop, like The Gorge Fly Shop to find out that there's too many choices...

In the steelhead fishing world I have watched the pack phenomenon "evolve" over the years, from pack to pack. Today's steelhead fisherman can carry more than enough paraphernalia in his Simms waders to satisfy a day’s outing. Not having a chest pack on is especially nice when your Spey fishing, last thing I want is a chest pack in the way when I'm dancing with my Spey rod. So, we started using hip packs and sling packs, which carried all of the essential gear, but most came with a drawback.

This is the very reason I'm excited about this review! I've always loved the idea of a hip pack/sling pack or the right sized backpack, but I wasn't so impressed with them once I used them. Anybody who has ever used a "sling pack" knows that during the course of the day you’re gonna elbow that sling countless times to keep it where you want it, which ultimately becomes annoying. With the hip pack you’re regularly pulling it back up where it's supposed to be because you've got enough stuff in there that the sheer weight makes it sag down.

Well, Simms has taken these issues and addressed them very smartly! The first time Eric Nuefeld showed me the new Simms Headwaters Guide Hip Pack, I immediately thought "lunch box", and Eric confirmed I wasn't the first to call it that. As Eric began to give us at the Gorge Fly Shop the lowdown on this pack, I found myself focusing on the “Lunch Box” and not the other stuff he went on to show us. I was very intrigued! So I got my hands on the "Lunch Box" pack and started using it...you could say it was love at first sight, but after using it on the first outing I knew this wouldn't be a one night stand! I now have a pack that I can't and don't want to live without. All of the negatives of the past packs washed away downstream as I use the "Lunch Box" more and more.

For interior storage there is a ton of spaces in the Simms Headwaters Guide Hip Pack to store more than you could ever use in a day trip. Your reels, heads, tips, tippet, hooks, fly boxes, will fit nicely in the lunch box. There are enough compartments to allow you to keep organized and efficient without the burden of an oversized pack. You can even insert a Simms Boat Fly Patch on the front inside panel to store your used flies while they dry out.

Another sweet idea was the Magnetized Tool Ports on each side of the pack. No longer do your forceps just dangle and get in the way. Simply attach your forceps to a Simms Retractor and then slide the jaws of the forceps up into the port and they are secure until you need them by the magnet embedded behind the material. Very cool! Another thing I love about the Simms Headwaters Guide Hip Pack is the “Workbench”. When you open the front compartment, it’s rigged and creates a stable working area. So much so that you can literally lay your rod across it and safely work with two hands while you rig up or tie on a new fly. The main attraction for me was the ability, after using it, to simply slide the pack back around my body out of the way and it would stay put. I have never had to pull it up because it was sagging and I have never had to elbow it to push it back because it was sliding around. When I needed to get something out of it, it was very easy to just reach around and slide it to my side or in front of me and easily access what I needed. Another cool idea is the compartment on the bottom to hold your water bottle, easy to access and much needed when fishing a full day on the water.

All in all, this is by far my favorite pack that I have ever used. I would hands down grab this pack to show a customer. If you’re pack picky like I am, I’m telling you, the Simms Headwaters Guide Hip Pack could change your mind. It did mine! Oh, and yes, there’s room for a little lunch/snacks in there...

Techie Stuff:

Simms Headwaters Guide Hip Pack Key Features:

• Ergonomic molded front panel keeps gear secure * creates a large workspace when opened 
• Main zippered storage compartment has internal divider with 2 pockets in 1 with stretch mesh organizational pockets in each 
• Fully contoured, cushioned waistband with zippered pockets 
• Stretch mesh water bottle pocket at the bottom of the pack for balance weight and easy access

Fabric Tech: 420 Denier Abrasion resistant fabric with DWR
Approx. Weight: 32 ounces
Capacity: 8 Liters, 488.19 cubic in.
Dimensions: 9” X 11” X 5.5”
Colors: Lead, Fury Orange
Stock Size: One Size (00)

John Garrett

Gorge Fly Shop


Greg Darling and Mike Prine at the 2013 I-Cast / IFTD Show in Las Vegas at the Simms booth.

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Kast Steelhead Glove - Gear Review

"HARDCORE PROTECTION FOR EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS!"

Kast Steelhead Gloves (Photo credit: Kast Gear)

Product: Kast Gear “Steelhead Glove” – Retail $79.99 (Ships Free in U.S.)

According to Kast Gear - in their words:

"The Kast Steelhead Glove is hardcore protection for extreme environments. Designed for cold environments, OutDry Technology creates a 100% submersible waterproof, windproof, and breathable glove. It doesn’t matter if you’re in a snow squall chasing chrome, or tailing a trophy King, your hands will be warm and dry.

OutDry Waterproof Technology: Totally waterproof, windproof, and breathable. The OutDry membrane is directly bonded to the glove’s outer shell, eliminating the ability for wind and water to penetrate through the sewn seams of the shell, keeping hands 100% dry and warm."

Gloves? I don’t need no stinkin gloves!

100% Submersible, Waterproof,
Windproof, and Breathable!

So, I answer the phone at the Gorge Fly Shop recently and on the other end I hear a voice, the voice of Colby Hackbarth, the president of Kast Gear. He begins to chat about a glove that he thought we might like to carry. The conversation takes a turn to include a 100% waterproof glove. I’ll admit, I’ve tried them in the past and was disappointed every time, so I started to drift off and think about that 20 pound mint condition winter steelhead I’m gonna swing up this winter. He started telling me about the “Steelhead Glove” and how it works, its characteristics, its technology, and how your hands stay completely dry even while tailing steelhead. I snap back into the conversation and embarrassingly reply… “Wait, what?” (I have teens and they often come into the middle of a conversation and say this). I dislike the phrase, but due to the nature of the conversation and being totally caught off guard, it’s the first thing that popped out of my mouth. So, Colby kindly repeats the information again. We’re on the same page now.

Because of my previous history with gloves, pretty much just gloves in general, I decided a long time ago that I just wouldn’t bother with them. They were uncomfortable, awkward, leaked when they were supposed to be waterproof, too bulky, they were a hassle to take off every time I needed to do something, and if they got wet, became useless to me. I never once in all the years of guiding for steelhead, even in the middle of winter, ever wore gloves. Even cutting and splitting firewood I wouldn’t wear gloves. I despised them! Maybe I’m hard headed, but that’s just me. Working at the Gorge Fly Shop that feeling is mutual with a number of customers when the discussion is about gloves.

OutDry Glove Technology

That said, Colby was taking a huge chance, to send me a pair of the Steelhead Gloves to field test. So, I agreed to give the “Steelhead Glove” a solid shot. I figured that it had been so long since I even bothered that it was worth the effort. I thought technology has had to advance over the years since I last tried such a glove. Next thing I know, a package arrives, and I immediately open them, and give them a serious look over. Inspecting every last seam, I even go online to their website to watch the little video clip (below) which shows the construction of the glove. I took them home and purposefully (not that I need an excuse to go to the river) went to the river the next morning to “field test” them.

OutDry Technology

Listen, I was born in St. Louis, MO. In case you didn’t know, that’s the show me state. And it’s true, I have that kind of attitude…oh yeah? show me! I put the gloves on and immediately notice a snug fit as my hand slips through the wrist section of the glove, then as my hand inserted into the fingers they seated nicely. They fit like a glove (no pun intended). Not bulky as I remembered gloves to be in the past. They were more of a mechanics type glove feel. I immediately notice the comfortable, warm fleece lining inside. So far, so good, I thought to myself. I closed the Velcro strap and drowned those puppies for nearly 3 minutes to prove they weren’t waterproof. After I took my hands out of the water, I didn’t even have to take the gloves off to realize that my hands were bone dry! I thought back to the last pair of waterproof gloves I tried and that they were made of neoprene and even though they were waterproof they weren’t sweat proof. They didn’t breath, which is a huge deal with a so called waterproof glove. If my hands sweat inside the glove and it can’t breathe and evaporate, well my hands don’t stay dry…they will even become cold from the sweat. So, not only are they absolutely 100% waterproof…they are breathable! Big deal to me!

Full Synthetic Grip

One of the major issues with me and gloves is the loss of “feel” when wearing them. I can honestly say that after about 10 minutes of wearing them I became used to them. I could even feel my Rio Slickshooter running line during my casting stroke. Anyone who has used Slickshooter knows that one of the drawbacks of a mono running line is that it can slip from your grip as you perform the casting stroke. Well, the palm material of the glove virtually eliminated any slippage. I even purposely held my SlickShooter loosely to see if I could get it to slip. I am pleased to tell you that it actually helped eliminate an occasional slip. This is an added bonus, I don’t think Colby thought about. Something they did think about, which seems totally random, but usable, is the soft nose wipe section on the thumbs, guaranteed somebody will be using that little feature right there in the middle of this winter. And yet another sweet thing about the Steelhead Glove is that the grip is full synthetic, which allows for easy grip in wet conditions, even while handling fish, minimalizing slime removal, unlike many other gloves which harm fish due to slime removal while handling. Major bonus!

Kast Gloves: Testing!

Bottom line from an ex-glove hater:

Worth every penny of the $79.99 price tag! I will definitely be wearing the “Steelhead Glove” this winter, I crap you negative! If you were like me, skeptical and just a down right glove hater, I encourage you to take a strong look at Kast Gears Steelhead Glove. Give them a serious shot. I’m glad I did. Don’t forget, if you use the snot spot, make sure you wash the gloves once in awhile…

Steelhead Glove Features:

• Patented OutDry membrane for true submersion waterproofness 
• Wind resistant yet extremely breathable 
• 4-way stretch construction for a snug comfortable fit 
• Thin anatomical cut for maximum feel and dexterity 
• Fleece lined for warmth
• Grippy rubberized fingers and palm for equipment control 
• Palm material minimizes slime loss and damage to fish including anadromous species 
• Soft nose wipe on thumbs
• Rubberized logo wrist closure for easy grab 
• Rubberized wrist cuffs

Sizing Chart:

(Measure the circumference of the palm)

Glove sizing chart: Call 541.386.6977 for  questions.

John Garrett

Gorge Fly Shop

"THE KAST STEELHEAD GLOVE IS HARDCORE PROTECTION

FOR EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS."

Kast Steelhead Gloves
"Fly Fish the World with Us"