Up'North Maine Fly Castings

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“When I Grow Up”

….I want to be part of the research and development team for Loon Outdoors.

No seriously, whoever originally pitched this idea at the Loon product meeting should get an instant induction into the fly fishing hall of fame. Something so simple, so useful, so brilliantly perfect in every way. It’s like they followed the Up’North crew on a fishing trip, reviewed the footage, and designed a product based on what they felt would make our time on the water more enjoyable. The R&D for these nippers must have been priceless, how could it not be? They probably didn’t need to test them on the water, but who would pass up that opportunity? I’ve always been a fan of Loon products, but this addition tops them all. Extra wide thumb pads, hook-eye clearing needle, and…….a bottle opener. This nifty little tool is a long time coming in my neck of the woods.

: Click to purchase the Loon Outdoors “Nip N Sip” tool!

The people at Loon Outdoors undoubtedly realize that R&D doesn’t stop once your product reaches fly shop shelves. Constant testing in the harshest of environments is a necessary part of product development, and I for one would be more than willing to lend a hand in the process. What better place than northern Maine to put your gear through the necessary paces? No such place exists. Please note, I accept free samples for testing purposes. Just sayin’.

In all seriousness, this product is one of those little innovations that just seems to make sense. I commend the people at Loon Outdoors for bringing some refreshing (no pun intended) originality into the nipper department. This is sure to be a huge product for them in 2012, and is already creating a worthy buzz among industry insiders and average Joes alike. Just another “must have” tool to have handy when the Spring salmon run pops off (again, no pun intended) after ice-out.

Pray for hasty thaw!

-Ben

January 23, 2012 | Categories: Award, Fly Fishing, Gear, Industry hoopla, Inspiration, Maine, Official, Store, Truth | Tags: Fly Fishing, Genius, Loon Outdoors, Maine Fly Castings, Must Have Gear, Nip N Sip, Nippers, Spring 2012 | Leave A Comment »

“Hardly Hunting”

Sitting silent listen closely whisper windswept wilderness.

Frozen fingers each breath lingers cotton cammo woolen dress.

Warmth a mystery ancient history snow falls steady forest floor.

Miles from nowhere movement somewhere listen closely breathe no more.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Densely darkened daylight dimming vast horizon fading fast

Sunshine struggles falling farther treeline silhouette is cast.

Honest hours watching waiting notice nothing clear dismay

Deadline drawing nearer precious time ticks hopelessly away.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hardly hunting seldom shooting simply sitting solitude

Finding joy in failure crisp clear mind inspired pleasant mood

Empty handed hasty headed home down back roads steady roll

Surely passing time descending purifying country soul.

January 18, 2012 | Categories: Inspiration, Life, Maine, Memories, Poems, Truth, Winter | Tags: Hunting, Inspired, Poetry, Silence, Writing | Leave A Comment »

“Go West Young Man”

Maine is a long way from the western steelhead rivers that haunt my dreams. One day I’ll live my dream and hoist chrome for the first time, mark my words. When I do head out west to knock fly fishing for steelhead off my bucket list, I want Ian Majszak of Detonation Studios there with his camera rolling. What excited me more than the fishing in this video is the sheer camaraderie surrounding this epic fishing trip. Nothing I have ever experienced on the east coast seems to hold a candle to what you will witness in Ian’s video below. To be completely honest, I’m not sure I even know enough dedicated fly fishermen in Maine willing to organize a fishing trip of this size. Almost makes me wanna pack up and head west! Almost.

Tribute..steelhead camp from Detonation Studios on Vimeo.

Seriously though, big props to Ian for this latest video. Detonation Studios is set to have a huge year in 2012, and I for one cant wait to see what the next twelve months bring. Heres to hoping we can toss a line together someday, somewhere west of my snowy Maine home. Thanks for keeping Up’North “in the know” as you continue to drop new, inspiring material for us to enjoy.

Tight Lines,

-Ben

January 12, 2012 | Categories: Art, Detonation Studios, Fly Fishing, Goals, Inspiration, Steelhead | Tags: Detonation Studios, Fly Fishing, Head West, Montana, Steelhead | 2 Comments »

New From L.L.Bean

L.L.Bean has been pouring loads of R&D into their fly fishing lineup in recent years, and the Pocket Water Fly Rod and Reel are proof that their efforts are paying off. With four different options between a 6’6″ 3wt and a 7’10″ 5wt, the Pocket Water series is a beautifully affordable addition to an already attractive lineup of quality rods. Designed for small stream or pond casts of under 40 feet, this portable four piece rod is the perfect companion on your next fishing trip in the rugged north Maine woods. Combined with the simple, functional Pocket Water reel, this outfit is a lightweight answer to your backwoods prayers. Crafted out of machined 6000-series aluminum and armed with a dependable click-and-pawl drag, this reel will be right at home in the bed of a pickup or the bottom of a boat. Available separately (rod available now, reel January 16) or together as an outfit (February 24), the Pocket Water series is at the top of my list for Spring 2012. Head over to L.L.Bean now to get your first glimpse today!