OPST Pure Skagit 8116-4 Spey Rod Review

OPST Pure Skagit
Short speys have been gaining in popularity over the last couple of years and today most serious fly rod manufacturers have offerings. The new popularity is certainly due to all of the short Skagit and Scandi lines on the market today. I feel confident saying today’s short speys are the easiest two-handed rods to cast for both beginners and experts alike. Along with being easy to cast, short speys are easy to fish, opening up tight spots previously thought impossible to fish with a 13’ rod.

One of the best-known manufacturers of short Skagit lines is OPST; they also offer running lines, sink tips and even hooks. OPST now offers a full line of micro speys and short speys. I got to demo the OPST Skagit Pure 8116, it’s an 8 weight 11’6” in length. I spent a few hours casting this rod and honestly, I liked it a lot but it is not an eight weight unless you want to put it in a line up with single-handers. In an honest line up with like two-handers this is a 6 maybe even 6.5 weight. The OPST Skagit Pure is somewhere between the IMX Pro 6111 and the 7111 (two very popular short speys).

Casting the Skagit Pure was a blast. I fished Airflo Skagit Scout 420, 450, and 480 grains with both T11 & T14 in 10’ lengths. Believe it or not this rod has a huge grain window and had no issues with any of these heads or sink tips. The tip on this rod is stiff enough to lift a 480 grain head and T14 with no problems whatsoever. I found this rod pretty snappy and had no problem casting 60’ of running line.

The Skagit Pure is good looking; it’s matte black with some blue highlights. The grips are full well on this model and the reel seat is uplocking. I paired the rod with a Hatch 7 Plus and it felt perfect.

Line combos on this rod: 

420 gr Scout w/T11 or T14. This was my favorite line set up but I’m really splitting hairs here. The 420 generated higher line speed and tighter loops but you definitely lose some of the feel you get with the heavier heads. For me, I like casting pretty hard so I liked this a lot.

450 gr Scout w/T11 or T14. I started with this line as a lucky guess and I almost stopped here - it’s that good. No issues picking up or casting, and you can feel all the goodness coming out of this rod. This is the right line for most anglers.

480 gr Scout w/T11, money. If you like to load a rod way up and go a little slower this is a good set up. T14 will go but it’s a bit too much.

I had limited time with this rod so I only tried Airflo Skagit Scouts, OPST line recommendations for  Commando heads can be found here. I’m 100% positive the 8116 Skagit Pure will bomb with a short Scandi line (SA Scandi Lite), 390 grains is probably right in the sweet spot with this rod for most folks. Go 30 grains any direction to line it heavy or light. Like I said, I really like this rod and it was a blast to cast. I highly recommend it!
The Masked Angler

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

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Korkers Boot Review (2018)

Korkers Boots - River Check!

Are you in the midst of planning a trip and trying to get all of your gear organized. I bet you are bringing at least 4 rods, and reels, but by no means do you want to bring 4 pairs of boots. You are bringing this many rods and reels for either backup, or just because they each have a specific use. Well guess what, if you bring a pair of Korkers boots, you will only need one pair.

Why you ask, well that’s because you can change your sole and adapt your boot to your needs. You can throw in whatever soles you want and be prepared for any and every wading situation. Their new Triple Threat soles allow you to not only choose your sole but you can mix and match! This allows you to choose and create the sole to best suit your needs.

Our kids, Maddie almost 14 and Austin 11 years old were so excited to wear waders while fishing this year. I honestly think they love this part more than fishing. They walk up, down and across the stream in awe that they are walking in water and staying dry. Maybe it’s the new cool tech toy replacement. Our kids are new to fishing in waders and still figuring it out but their Korkers boots allowed them to be comfortable and supported without feeling like heavy moon boots. Which in turn makes wading easier and safer for them.

There are a lot of options of wading boots out on the market but none of them compare to the adaptability as much as Korkers boots do. Plus being comfortable and lightweight makes purchasing a Korkers boot not only economical but very versatile.


If you are looking for a pair of Korkers boots or have any questions please reach out to us and we will be happy to help!


- Lyndsey Duddles

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  Join our Team |  Contact Us

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

 

Scientific Anglers Spey Lite Micro Skagit Review

Swinging Micro Skagits 

Are you into mini micro skagits? Read on...

Not into the micro skagits? Could be time to reconsider. Do you swing flies or want to swing flies? Are you interested in spey but hold back due to the many facets of gear acquisition and/or line confusion? Read on!!!

Brief History - What is Micro Skagit

We can accredit OPST with the short (micro) skagit revolution and while it was born on the heels of the steelhead angler those guys had enough insight to realize an open door into the emerging trout spey world. They built their micro skagits heads all the way down to 150 grain and short enough to open up the whole scene of micro skagit single handed rod spey casting. It is a revolution in the fly world that whether you've experienced it or not has created a dramatic change in the way we will view spey casting and fly fishing forever.

When I first entered trout spey nearly five years ago, an area of difficulty that exposed itself very early on was the lack of ability to fish close. Pre-Commando, light grain skagit heads at that time were just downsized from steelhead gear and still way too long. Connecting loops constantly got in the way when trying to fish short. While attempting to boycott head loop systems I tried every integrated switch/streamer version of line on the market from then to now and they all just, in my opinion, failed on the trout stream.

Short micro skagit heads such as commando and trout max solved the situation for most anglers but still the ability to strip and fish very short was interrupted by a loop connection. Every time I attempted to strip in close the head loop snags the guides, every time I attempt to cast close the head loop snags the guides and now that I do so much single handed micro spey the loop to loop connection interferes with my ability to haul my single handed spey cast.

I've been asking for a micro skagit seamlessly attached to a thin diameter running line. You'd think this would be a simple request yet don't ask me to run down the list of past failures because some would not like what I have to say about their current offerings.

Scientific Anglers Listened and Responded!

S/A Spey Lite Skagit

Two versions of this skagit line, Spey Lite Skagit Head and Spey Lite Integrated Skagit. I'm going to kick off this review with the fully integrated running line version

Impressions from actual testing

Starting with a subtle color called horizon they extruded a slick, durable, short, micro skagit head while ending it into an easy to see, in any light, black marker section and finally seamlessly integrates into a thin diameter subtle horizon color running line.

S/A added one additional feature with texturing on the black head marker section to create an audible reference which indicates the head has reached the tip top. At first I didn't give this much thought but after using it I started to realize I was locating the head with my ears and no longer needed to watch for the head marker. The small subtle section of textured line created no interference and the added reference proved to be a cool benefit. The textured section starts immediately at the end of the head and runs about 3 feet of line. Note that this is the only textured part of this full integrated skagit line and the head only version does not have this feature.

Casting Performance

Very Impressive! This is a real deal micro skagit! I put the integrated version skagit through a variety of test subjects including actual two hand trout spey rods as well as four and five weight single hand rods. I easily adapted to all my test rods with many styles of cast including Snap T's, Reverse Snap T's, Snap C's, Reverse Double Speys, T&G's and Single Hand forward hauls. All cast where easy to execute with appropriate tips applied. The Spey rods of course handled T-8 with ease while the single hand rods are best to be equipped with polyleaders. I was able to cast 8' of T-8 with a 9' 5 weight rod with relative ease. I not going to elaborate more into this area because it is a grey area. Limitations of sink tip choice have more to do with the power in the rod being used and ones casting ability. With my equipment and ability I could easily push the limits beyond the printed S/A recommendations found in the product specs.

I'll save you the squalls of smooth, tight and precise analogies and tell you the way it is. It's a skagit! By design they are created to chuck spey cast with relative ease while utilizing sink tips and weighted flies. Spey Lite Skagit performs these duties precisely and effectively.

Test Subjects

Aside the qualities we already talked about this line also benefits from a very slick integrated shooting line. I measured the running/shooting line diameter on both a 210 and 240 grain lines and it micrometers at about .028".  I found the handling and shooting ability of the integrated running line to exceed my expectations on both trout spey two hand rods as well as single hand spey rod setups.

Specs -

Item #	Head Weight	Head Length	Color	Sink Rate	Length
128568	150gr	11ft	Horizon/Black/Horizon	Float	100ft
128575	180gr	11ft	Horizon/Black/Horizon	Float	100ft
128582	210gr	12ft	Horizon/Black/Horizon	Float	100ft
128599	240gr	13ft	Horizon/Black/Horizon	Float	100ft
128605	270gr	14ft	Horizon/Black/Horizon	Float	100ft
128612	300gr	15.5ft	Horizon/Black/Horizon	Float	100ft
128629	330gr	17ft	Horizon/Black/Horizon	Float	100ft
128636	360gr	18ft	Horizon/Black/Horizon	Float	100ft

I feel the integrated version of this line really benefits single handed spey rod setups. With the Spey Lite Integrated Skagit on a (for example), 9 foot 5 weight fly rod I can swing flies with mild sink tips or polyleaders and strip them in all the way to the leader. I can also add a "haul" to my forward cast for ease of distance without a loop connection interference. Whether fishing single hand rods, switch rods or trout spey rods the Spey Lite Integrated Skagit gives the angler more versatility "in tighter", on smaller water.

Brownie Likes the swing

Spey Lite Skagit Heads

For many anglers, separate heads and running/shooting/mono lines are better for their purpose. S/A Spey Lite Skagit also comes in a head only configuration. Same great subtle horizon color with black marker rear section. The head version does not have the textured audible section. The head lengths are identical to the integrated version and I found in testing, performance matched exactly.

Specs -

Item #	Head Weight	Head Length	Color	Sink Rate
128643	150gr	11ft	Black/Horizon	Float
128650	180gr	11ft	Black/Horizon	Float
128667	210gr	12ft	Black/Horizon	Float
128674	240gr	13ft	Black/Horizon	Float
128681	270gr	14ft	Black/Horizon	Float
128698	300gr	15.5ft	Black/Horizon	Float
128704	330gr	17ft	Black/Horizon	Float
128711	360gr	18ft	Black/Horizon	Float

Line Identification

One simple feature I really like about S/A lines is their vertical printed line identification. I find vertical is much easier to read then the horizontal printing others use. Also with the black rear section there is no guessing which end is what on the head only versions. 

Line identification easy to read

I think the integrated version is a slam dunk for those interested in single hand rod spey techniques and also a great choice for those wanting to get into trout spey and not be hassled with loops or too many running line and head choices. The head only version is perfect for those are already accustomed to these systems and/or want that versatility of head and running line choices. Either way they are both excellent performing and high quality that we've come to expect from Scientific Anglers.

Greg Darling 

Gorge Fly Shop 
Internet Sales Manager
Product Specialist

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

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.

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

G. Loomis Pro4x Review

Las Vegas I-Cast / IFTD Show with Steve Rajeff

Pro4x: The Sleeper! This is what comes to mind when I think of the G.Loomis Pro4x series rods. The Pro4x series appeared quietly on the market shortly after the launch of the revolutionary NRX. NO flashy colors or hardware on these rods, just clean, streamlined and ready to fish.

G. Loomis Pro4x

It wasn’t long after the Pro4x hit the market that anglers started to take note of it. Maybe it’s the attractive price point which is exceptional for an all American built Fly Rod. Maybe it has to do with the use of NRX tapers as the design layout for the backbone of this “sleeper”. Whatever it is the word is spreading around and anglers all across the world are adding Pro4x’s to their arsenals.

As a writer for the fishing industry I feel responsible for informing anglers of what is new, great and must have. We are passionate for our sport and with that comes a great deal of appreciation for the craftsmanship and quality of our gear. Just as a much as you count on anglers like myself to evaluate the latest greatest industry offering it is also my responsibility to listen to what anglers are saying. I confess that I didn’t pay much attention to what anglers were saying about the Pro4x. I saw the sales and was impressed. I heard the feedback and it was all good so why did it take so long to pick up a Pro4x. It’s easy in my position to only look at top shelf contenders and dismiss mid-price offerings as inferior products. Even budget minded rods get more evaluation for the purpose of finding the greatest value for our customers. When I fish an NRX or similar price point rod it’s hard to imagine that a rod near half the price might ruffle my interest at all. At this moment while feeling shame for ignoring the middle ground I must apologize to my fellow anglers.

So after spending some time swinging the Pro4x one word resonates over and over in my head...Intuitive! The Pro4x exhibits an intuitive feeling as soon as you throw it in a backcast. That feeling follows right through the forward cast and transmits to your fly. Automatically intuitive so much that there is no learning curve to find tune in this rod. I’m not saying it’s slow or soft! This is a powerful and capable rod. The intuitive feeling comes in the loading of the rod. I can feel this rod absorb the energy on a backcast. This is important because it’s the act of using the stored energy that is available to you in proper timing that can bring forth positive results on the forward cast. While distance is an important factor many rods that can cast great distances often leave out the intuitive feeling needed to successfully fish.

I have cast many rods over many years and in recent time I have really worked on becoming a better caster. I am working toward intuitive casting. I’m confident I can cast any rod presented to me but intuitive rods instantly become a natural fit. Many rods cast just as well when you finally learn the taper of that individual rod but they can leave you with a feeling of “I must conform to the needs of the rod” and intuitive fishing is out the window! Connect with your rod and you will connect with the fish.

I connected with the Pro4x in just one cast...Now that’s Intuitive!

Greg Darling
The Tormented Angler

Gorge Fly Shop

G. Loomis Pro4x

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Win a G. Loomis Pro4x - Casting for Recovery Photo Contest