Also a few remaining Hatch Reels Finatic Generation 2 reels on Closeout!
Just added! Hatch Reel Pouches
"The Gorge"
Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977
Showing posts with label Hatch Outdoors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hatch Outdoors. Show all posts
Nov 11, 2020
Hatch Leader and Tippet Closeout Sale
Jul 12, 2019
Hatch Nipper 2 - Limited Edition Red/White/Blue
Just a few of these remain...Get em while they last!!!
"The Gorge"
Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977
"Fly Fish the World with Us"
Jun 28, 2019
Grand Opening Thank You
Thank You Everyone
Over 200 guests came out for our Grand Re-Opening Party of Gorge Fly Shops' New location. So nice to have room for parking, events, casting and just hanging out.
EVERYONE can't wait for next years event and though that has not been decided upon I believe it's unanimous among all that this has to happen annually.
I have to say I don't think anyone of us here at "The Gorge" anticipated the benefit of large events like this to come from moving away from downtown Hood River. The change has brought a new vibe to our fishing community.
The weather was perfect and Mt.Adams in the backdrop just emphasizes the mountain life going on here.
Call it a rebirth, revitalization, or a reunion! Along with this party came a sense of togetherness which I haven't seen for some time in this local fishing community.
We owe it all to you!
Thank you to all the guests who came out and supported us. Also Thank You to all who couldn't make it and yet you shared it, sent your family and your friends. How cool is that!
Thank You to all the Reps. We appreciate your time and your willingness to participate. Your interactions with our customers is invaluable.
Thank You to all the Reps and Manufacturers who donated products for our prize giveaways. Many happy customers won some really great gear.
Thank You to the Deschutes River Alliance and Fly Fishing Collaborative for being on hand to share the good things happening and the long road ahead.
Thank You to Freebridge Brewing and Jola's for the great eats and drinks.
Thank You to our local guides for participating and bringing your boats. Your continued support is much appreciated.
Same Place Next Year!!!
(we'll keep you posted on the date)
Thanks Again from all of us at
"The Gorge"
Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977
"Fly Fish the World with Us"
Apr 19, 2019
Hatch Professional Leaders and Tippet
Hatch Outdoors is on a forever quest to advance the sport of fly fishing. In doing so this group of hard core saltwater enthusiast recognized a week spot in this high stakes pursuit. Leaders and Tippet.
Reaching for the premium grade sources direct from Japan, Hatch has assembled a complete series to fill the needs of saltwater anglers worldwide who pursue all species from bonefish to billfish.
Professional Series Fluorocarbon Leaders
Professional Series Fluorocarbon Saltwater Tippet
Professional Series Fluorocarbon Leader Material
For those who prefer to build their own leaders, Hatch Professional Series Leader Material will give you confidence in your connections with it's consistent diameter and soft texture.
Professional Fluorocarbon Shock Tippet
The ultimate choice for your big game leaders
Professional Medium/Hard Monofilament Leader Material
Find them all Here at "The Gorge"
"The Gorge"
Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977
"Fly Fish the World with Us"
Mar 11, 2018
Hatch Nomad Pliers - Four years and counting
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| New Color Black along with Red, Blue and Clear |
I've had my Hatch Nomad Pliers for about 4 years. Together we've been through a lot and look forward to many more years of friendship. They still function like new and look great. They've become part of my fishing weaponry. I feel lost without them. They can cut a barb of a hook, and they have, and still cut 6x tippet.
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| 4 years and counting |
Fit and Finish
The I-beam arms are crafted from 6061T6 aluminum and protected with Type II Anodize. The cutters are made from Tungsten Carbide for abrasion resistance and reliable cuts through all fishing line material. The jaws are machined from 17-4 stainless steel made for ultimate corrosion resistance
Pliers come with a custom Hatch Bungee lanyard and black leather sheath which fits all wader belts.
Specifications -
- Length - 6.25"
- Width - 2.0" closed
- Weight - 3.9oz
"The Gorge"
541.386.6977
"Fly Fish the World with Us"
May 8, 2017
Hatch Custom Shop Fly Reels - Bead Blasted Finishes
They are on order and expected to arrive on or after May 15th. They are available for purchase now and will ship as soon as they arrive.
View the available sizes and specifications here...Hatch Custom Bead Blasted Fly Reels
Tight Lines,
Greg
Jun 9, 2015
Why I fish Hatch Fly Reels
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| Hatch Finatic 9+ |
There are few investments made by steelhead anglers more critical to their success than a good reel. A good reel can make or break your trip and will definitely increase your hook-up to landed ratio.
I read a review or “shoot out” the other day that had 19 criteria points for what a good reel is. Overall a good review, too good if you ask me. I don’t need a dissertation on the merits of a good fishing reel, I just need to know one thing, does it work? Can I stop a big fish with it? Will it hold up under every day use year over year? I’m willing to pay for quality but I expect a little bling to go with it, ie, it’s got to be pretty. I’ve fished a lot of reels over the years and my favorite are made in the USA by Hatch Outdoors. |
| My first Hatch Fly Reel |
Today I’m 44 years old and a full time fishing guide. I make it a policy to only provide the best equipment for my clients and you will find Hatch Reels available in my boat every day. Before the guys at Hatch were “Hatch”, they wanted to build a better reel based on drag, durability and design. They nailed it.
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| Finatic |
That leads us to durability. Hatch reels require no maintenance, that’s right, NO MAINTENANCE! I’m not going to lie to you, after fishing reels every single day over a number of years and tough conditions even all reels may need a little warranty work. My favorite thing about Hatch reels is that I have never had one fail. I have sent reels back because they were no longer working as well as I expect them to. The good news is I can send them in for repair at my leisure because they still function.
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| Oregon Steel |
Let’s talk about customer service. For the record, I’ve sent lots of reels back to their respective manufacturers over the years. The service I’ve received has been a deal breaker for several otherwise decent reels. Sending your high dollar stuff back to the manufacturer is never a good time. What I don’t want to hear is something along the lines of “never seen that happen before”, or “we’re pretty backed up right now but we’ll do the best we can”. Here’s what you get from Hatch, “send it in, we’ll fix it and overnight it back to you”. Yeah, that’s it…I’m good with that. No excuses just fix it and be quick about it.
Design. Like I said, I’m not a real technical guy but I have pretty high standards. The current version of the Hatch reel is the Finatic, prior to that it was the Monsoon, and before that the Pulse. It’s the same reel inside but it’s gotten lighter and prettier. The spools and reels are all interchangeable and there are two spool options, large and mid. As a Spey guy I will note one thing that’s pretty relevant regarding design and Hatch; Hatch reels are consistently heavier than most of their competition. While on the surface this may sound like a disadvantage, it’s not. Fishing a Spey Rod requires a heavy reel, it acts like a counterweight in both casting and holding the rod it the swing position. The other silent advantage is the precise machining of the Hatch reels. Thin diameter running lines are en vogue and for good reason and aside from a fully caged reel none of the competition can keep the running line inside the reel; that’s a problem.
For me it’s easy to be Hatch guy. Without lots of words, form, fit and function or as the Hatch guys say “drag, durability and design”. Nailed it!
Sam Sickles | Steelhead Outfitters
www.steelheadoutfitters.com
541.400.0855
"Fly Fish the World with Us"
Feb 11, 2015
Hatch Nomad Pliers - When they Grip you will Grin
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| Made in the USA |
Hatch Outdoors continues to impress me with the precision machine work, attention to detail and flawless anodized finishes. All critical features that make Hatch fly reels some of the most popular reels on the market today.
Those features can all be found in the new addition of the Hatch Nomad Pliers
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| 2014 IFTD Show |
The guys at Hatch showed me a prototype of the new pliers about a year before release. They looked awesome and I couldn't wait to get my hands on a pair. A year later after seeing and using the final product really indicated to me how much time and effort went into making these incredible pliers. You see it's that same kind of commitment to every detail that makes Hatch Fly Reels the benchmark standard today.
I've had some time on the water with these new pliers and while I failed to bring you a toothy critter hook removing picture (and I did try real hard) I still want to point out some of the key features that have me completely sold on these.
Fit
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| Precision Jaws and Cutters |
Jaws and Cutters
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| Rich leather sheath |
Sheath
Rich Black Leather with sewn in red thread seams and an embossed Hatch Logo accent this sheath and adds the classic look to properly finish the package. Looking back I remember talking to Andrew at Hatch about the problem I have with competitors sheaths and not being able to get them to fit my wading belt. Most of my angling involves waders so what do you do? Put your pliers in your pocket...Not Cool! So not only did Hatch make the loop big enough for your wading belt they also incorporated a stainless steel snap that allows for easy on/off and no more struggling to get a buckle though the loop.
Lanyard
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| Attach lanyard to your hip pack |
Even thought went into the lanyard. Hatch took a different approach than the old coil type of lanyard and decided to go a different direction and create a custom bungee lanyard detachable at both ends. The sweet feature of this is the ability to use the lanyard on its own without the need of the sheath. You can attach it to your boat or float tube without fear of loosing your investment. You can attach them to your hip pack, wader suspenders or a belt loop. This simple feature gives your Nomad Pliers extreme versatility so no matter what fishing adventure you are pursuing your pliers can go with you.
Bottle Opener
At the end of an awesome successful day of fishing let your Nomad Pliers do the honors of popping the top on a bottle of celebration and make a toast to all the fish that got hooked, landed, released and the one that got away!
Functional, Versatile, Bold...Are the words I use to describe the Nomad Pliers!
Jan 20, 2015
Hatch Limited Edition Finatic 7plus Turneffe Atoll Trust Reel
Hatch Outdoors Helping to Protect Turneffe Atoll
Hatch Outdoors' dedication to high quality fly reels is obvious in every reel they sell. The Finatic is tough as nails and they come in every size one could need from spring water trout streams to billfish in the bluewater. But besides building awesome reels Hatch is deeply committed to the sport that we all love.
Turneffe Atoll is a magical place were Bonefish, Tarpon and Permit swim freely through the emerald waters. Many of anglers have fallen victim to the allure of the flats in this special place.
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| Turneffe Atoll |
Turneffe Atoll Trust represents a major step forward in the protection of the Atoll and Hatch Outdoors has devoted their skills to contribute to this incredible cause. The mission at Hatch is to help support the efforts of TAT by creating a one of a kind 7 Plus Large Arbor Reel in Cool Aqua Blue with TAT engraving and a unique aqua blue neoprene pouch to match. The results are one of the coolest looking reels we've ever seen.
There's only 100 of these reels being made! $250 from the sale of each reel goes to providing protection of Turneffe Atoll. The project will generate $25,000 USD. That's $50,000 Belizean and represents a major step forward in protecting the Atoll.
Gorge Fly Shop is proud to recognize this worthy cause and in support of it we have purchased a limited quantity of the TAT reels for the purpose to reach out to you, our people and give everyone the opportunity to support this cause.
Thanks and Tight Lines
May 1, 2014
Backing: 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. Since you found my article, 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.
Backing, it’s just backing right?!
Have you ever had a fish deep into your backing? Were you concerned about your backing? Is the idea of worrying about your backing so far down the list of importance that you think "I’ll worry about that issue when I get there”. I would like to take a moment and explore the many varieties of backing and why you may want to find confidence in what’s on your reel.
I may be overthinking this subject but it is my opinion that backing should not be overlooked. If you find yourself with a fish deep into your backing chances are you have put a ton of effort into this moment and a backing failure is just not acceptable. Fate will ultimately decide if that fish comes to hand and I want to do everything possible within my control to ensure an advantage...Don’t you?
What backing is on your reels? Do you know?
Is it important to you?
Will the intended species ever reach it?
If you don’t know and you had the fly shop load your reels for you than you probably have Dacron backing. It’s the most common and accepted for many reasons. It’s been around for a long time. Dacron has good properties of manageability, economical and readily available. So why use anything else? Well if you’re like me you know you will make plenty of mistakes out of your control but let’s not let what we CAN control become our mistake.
Is Dacron Sufficient?
Most of the time Dacron is sufficient for our needs; after all how often does the species you fish for reach into your backing? So doesn’t it just take up space on your reel and makes a nice bedding for your fly line? If the answer is Yes, Yes and Yes then why would we consider anything else. Simple, because we can!
But first let’s take an in depth look at what Dacron is. Dacron (and also Micron, a trade name) is simply polyester spun fiber braided together to make a miniature "rope like” line. Its characteristics are soft to the touch, mostly limp and I as describe it I can’t help to think of it like a fleece jacket. Warm and cozy, soft and supple and very comfortable as long as it’s dry. Caution; it will absorb water. Typically found in 20lb and 30lb sizes but also might be obtainable in 12lb and 50lb strengths. It was the wonder line of its day.
So why Change?
Diameter per strength is one of the big differences that separates today’s super lines (gel spun types) from Dacron. Take a look at this chart for some comparisons. |
| Hatch Backing Chart: Courtesy of Hatch Outdoors |
I have also experienced the salt factor. When Dacron absorbs saltwater, and with saltwater species it is much more likely you’ll see that backing outside of the reel, the water will evaporate out of the line in the tropical sun but the salt will remain behind. I have stripped backing from reels months after salt use only to smell and taste the salt strong enough to give the sensation of being back on the flats. While our high end reels today are anodized with some space age materials developed by NASA, maybe…Salt is still a trump card, natures’ equalizer if you will, and it can still impose irreversible damage to your favorite reel.
Enough about Dacron!
Let’s explore the modern world of today’s super lines…What are these super lines you speak of? Being a multi species fisherman for nearly four decades, I can honestly say I have watched the birth of the gel spun, Spectra, Dyneema and so on. All are basically the same fiber (polyethylene or PE) with certain variables such as how many strands or what are they coated with. The only one that stands out as somewhat different is the Dyneema which many of you would recognize as Fireline. Instead of braiding the gel spun polyethylene fibers, they instead are laid parallel and fused together. Steelhead anglers may be familiar with this line as it used as the trailing hook connecting line on many Steelhead string leach pattern flies.
Polyethylene or PE materials are not new. They have been in the fishing industry for decades now and have earned their rightful place. Even the concept of using these materials for fly reel backing is also not new. Many big game anglers have been using the yellow gel spun or the lesser expensive and more color available gear lines such as Power Pro, Fireline and Tuf-line. While a big advantage is strength I think the more important advantage is diameter. Diameter determines how much you’re going to get on a reel. Dacron of 30lb diameter is thick and takes a lot of reel space and that’s fine if you have the room. But nothing bothers me more than an overcrowded reel when maximum backing is required. And to further the problem is reel manufactures specs are not necessarily accurate to what they claim when it comes to backing capacity. Not that they are intentionally giving you false numbers but the Dacron itself can come in different diameters with the same pound ratings from different manufacturers.
Polyethylene Gel Spun make up all the super lines available to the best of my knowledge and what makes them different among the brands is how many strands are braided together and what are they coated with. This is where things get fuzzy grey…not all manufacturers publish these characteristics of their lines. It does make a difference in the line qualities. Example, have you ever used the plain old yellow gel spun offered by many of the fly line companies. It has a waxy feel and even leaves waxy residue on line guides. This is simply a coating, good or bad I don’t know but I do know it acts like a lubricant and makes a very slick line. Then comes color…some are dyed and I am sure of this due to the wear of these lines will strip them of their color. Let’s switch to strands. Most are at least three or four strands and I know of one up to 16 strands. Three and four strands typically are referred to as flat laying line, more strands are generally referred to as round. Hatch Backing is using an eight strand braid.
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| Hatch 200M Premium Braided Backing | 100M Premium Backing | Backing |
Advantages for Polyethylene (PE)
Thinner diameter to strength ratio… despite the many differences in diameter and strength figures one thing is clear that today’s super lines are stronger in every way over yesterday’s Dacron by far. Thinner diameter means either more backing line available if needed for the same amount of space as Dacron or the use of smaller lighter reels due to less space needed for Dacron.PE is very long lasting since it doesn’t absorb water and these super lines tend not to rot or mold like polyester fibers will. Now be warned that doesn’t mean that the basalt rock of the northwest or the coral of the saltwater flats can’t inflict serious damage to your backing. It sure can and for this reason I would check all my lines before trusting them to that trophy Permit or Tarpon you’re chasing on the salt flats.
Another positive to make note of….thinner lines produce much less drag in the water and this can be a distinct advantage….example is have you ever had a fish turn direction on you? Fast swimming species such as Permit and Steelhead can turn on a dime and run much yardage very quickly leaving a bow in a thick backing. Many have made claims that this bow can cause such a resistance enough to cause leader breakage. I cannot back up these claims but am for sure that thinner lines pull less resistance on such fish turns and therefore are easier to catch up to. Benefit or not I don’t know but fact is a fact.
One more benefit I would like to point out that may be overlooked. If your 5 weight will most likely never see backing outside the rod tip for the species you are pursuing then why does a thinner backing matter at all. Here’s my take on this. Today’s rods are getting lighter and lighter and it only makes sense to lighten up your fly reel to match this trend. Some manufacturers are addressing this while others leave you wondering if they have cast a rod within the last decade. Put a heavy reel on a modern premium rod and you’ll wonder what is premium about that rod; but match a light reel to the rod and feel it come alive. One way to lighten up is go smaller but this also comes with a sacrifice…smaller reels usually mean smaller arbors…I am absolutely a fan of large arbor reels and that may be a discussion for another article but that fact remains my favorite rods are equipped with large arbor lighter reels. Stay on the smaller side and use a quality braid; it allows you to shave weight from your outfit and still get a sufficient amount of backing to balance out your needs.
The Negatives of PE
Cost…While more expensive than Dacron PE should outlast Dacron with ease provided it doesn’t fall victim to one of nature’s many line destroyers.
Cuts Easy…not to be confused with "easy to cut”! You will need scissors or a very good pair of nippers to cut PE. Cuts hands easy…I often hear complaints about hands getting cut up from PE. What are your hands doing on your backing when a bonefish is making his run? RELEASE THE BACKING! Why did you buy a reel with the best drag available if you are going to hold your backing…let your reel do the work! Funny thing is I usually hear these tales from people who have no proof they caught fish big enough to reach backing. I have never heard this complaint from those experienced anglers who I know have seen backing screaming off their reels many times.
Now for the endorsement! Of course there must be an endorsement. Why else would one write such an article!
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| Hatch Finatic Fly Reel |
Hatch backing…
Hatch Outdoors (Hatch reel manufacturers) build some of the finest top shelf fly reels on the market today. You only need to look at the list of innovations to see the commitment these guys have behind their products. I also don’t want to forget to mention their service is as quality-driven as their products. So why would a reel company get involved in backing? I think the better question to our fly line companies is why haven’t you given us a better backing? Hello. I'm waiting for an answer! |
| Hatch backing is sold in meters |
A vote of confidence…
So finally someone stood up and took backing seriously. This step forward has given me even greater confidence in Hatch reels. I see a reel company that looked outside their already outstanding product and said what can we improve and the answer was backing. By controlling the backing diameter Hatch has enabled themselves to accurately detail capacity of their reels with their backing. By reducing the diameter of backing Hatch has enabled us to use smaller reels with larger arbors and still get sufficient backing needed; or obtain more backing for the times it is needed.
For sure there are as many opinions as there are fly rods today and the right answer is up to each and every angler.This story just contains The Ramblings of a Tormented Angler!
Gorge Fly Shop Internet Sales Manager | Product Specialist
*Photos courteous of Hatch Outdoors
"Fly Fish the World with Us"
Oct 9, 2013
One Hat, Two Hat, FISH!
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| A hat for any occasion... |
It's only a hat... said no hat lover ever!
Whether it's cold and rainy or hot and sunny, sometimes you just need the right hat to fit the bill. As many already know, Greg and I where at the I-Cast / IFTD Show in Vegas this past July, what you may not know is that we are both hat lovers, we have a hat collection of sorts. During our stay in Vegas we saw hundreds of hats and where able to try on many - some of witch we got to take home. Although we saw hats of many different brims, colors and sizes only a few stuck out and a few others have just now become available and even fewer remain constant favorites.
Let us begin...
Hatch - Icon Trucker Caps
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| Red Icon |
If your a tuck driver or a hat lover, the ever growing trucker caps have taken the fishing industry by storm, but with such clean style I would rather call this hat old faithful. A go to trucker/hat ready for any occasion. Structured cotton twill front with mesh back and snap closure - One Size fits all. Simple by design but serves it's purpose, carries the large (H) Icon Hatch Logo in front and fits well with it's pre-formed bill. Personally I prefer the Grey or Olive for a more universal hat but if your in need of a bolder statement the Blue and Red make for a worthy addition to any hat collection.
Keep it Reel! - Hatch - Keep it Reel Trucker Hat
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| Keep it Reel |
The mack daddy of tucker hats meets bold statements of Hatch Reels. It will be hard to beat such a clean looking trucker hat, dark grey complements the black and white stitching with Hatch's "Keep it Reel" patch. The words "American Made Since 2003", "KEEP IT REEL" and "Original" round out this premium trucker hat. Any Hatch fan would be proud to wear such a cool hat.
Structured cotton twill front with mesh back and snap closure. One size fits all.
Hatch - Finatic Tour Cap
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| Finatic Tour |
Greg and I where both able to take this hat home, at $30 some may ask is this hat worth the price tag? I would reply, certainly. Upon first appearance this hat is logo'd front and rear, side to side. embroidered logos are a nice touch and give this hat a quality like few others. Upon further inspection the brim is thicker than standard hats giving this hat longer life expectancy if treated right. The back portion of this hat is constructed with a thicker mesh that provides breath-ability but doesn't allow short hair to poke through. Another feature to make note is the head band in this hat, it is a flex fit style band however it isn't binding like other flex-fit style hats, very comfortable to wear! Available in Black or White, we're partial to black while fishing in cooler months, but white would be a nice clean touch while dining out with the wife/girlfriend or even a nice round of golf, or whatever people do while not fishing...
- Cotton twill front with sport mesh back flexible fit cap.
- One size fits all.
- Total of 4 embroidered logos
Hatch - Hunter Trucker Hats
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| Bacon, Deer Jerky, Elk Steak |
Hunter, Outdoors-man or Meat enthusiast this hat is the epiphany of cool and one of the all around universal outdoor hats Hatch offers. Hatch's Limited Edition, Short Run Hats are a chocolate brown in front and a tan brown mesh back. Available in Pig (Bacon), Deer (Jerky) or Elk (Steak), this wider brimmed hat is a perfect gift for that someone special or to yourself (did we say someone special)?
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| Black Ops Camo |
Hunting for Steelhead on the Deschutes or Big Game in the Gorge, Nautilus stepped it up with their new Camo Trucker hat. I personally love the pixelated camo and sported this hat proudly while deer hunting. Owning a hat that serves more than one purpose, or season serves me well. This hat boldly sports it's "Tested on Animals" Black Ops patch and utilizes the velcro adjustable (One Size Fits All) strap on the back with the NautilusReels.com URL embroidered in dark orange. Black mesh completes this hat in the rear.
The G.Loomis® Bandit Trucker Hat features the signature skeleton fish logo embroidered on the front, so everyone will know your favorite fishing brand. This trucker hat has a TRINSIC interior sweatband that wicks away sweat, a dark underbill that reduces glare and a plastic snap for an adjustable fit. The mesh back adds extra ventilation to keep you cool on sunny days.  |
| Bandit Trucker |
“The sun did not shine. It was too wet to play. So we sat in the house. All that cold, cold, wet day.”
― Dr. Seuss, The Cat in the Hat
― Don't leave home without a hat... - Gorge Fly Shop
Mike Prine
Gorge Fly Shop - Webmaster
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