“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
Photo Contest Update!
- Well, the dirty work is done.
Exactly one month after being announced, Up’North’s first ever photography contest wrapped up when the clock struck midnight on April Fools Day. As expected, the submissions were top notch and I really enjoyed checking my email throughout the last month. Sadly, only one photographer will take home all the goods!
Jared Boucher and Derick Plourde on the Little Black River. Photo by Benjamin Rioux
The photos have been distributed to the judges and I am awaiting their replies. Each judge is voting for three photos; a winner, second, and third place. While the winner will still take all, I thought it would be nice to reward second and third place with an Up’North Graphic Decal as well.
The following contest judges are a good mix of industry insiders and otherwise well known fly-fishy people. Each was chosen based on their involvement with the contest, their keen eye for photography, or both.
- Ms. Camille Egdorf of www.riplps.wordpress.com and Egdorf’s Nushagak Camps in Alaska.
- Mr. Aaron Otto of www.sleepinginthedirt.com and photographically genius SID eMag.
- Mr. Jean-Paul Lipton aka The Roughfisher aka Gun Toting Carp Slayer of www.roughfisher.com
- Mr. Ben Paul from Leland Fly Fishing Outfitters, www.flyfishingoutfitters.com
- Mr. Mac McKeever, PR and Striper extraordinaire from L.L.Bean.
- Mr. Michael Davis, “Man on the Fly” behind Life on the Fly Outfitters, LTD.
- Mr. Matt Cassel of Cliff Outdoors, www.cliffoutdoors.com
- Mr. Reno Rioux of the Support Ben Rioux’s Fly Fishing Fund, aka my father.
- and last but not least, me!
Again, I would like to thank all judges and participants for making this photography contest a memorable one. Results of the contest will be posted as soon as the final judging wraps up, so check back often to see if you’re the winner! Best of luck!
Vote For Me!
- I’m on the campaign trail this morning, and I need the help of my constituents if I look to bring this one home.
Mr. Cameron Mortenson of The Fiberglass Manifesto recently held a photo contest where contestants were asked to take a unique picture of the Fiberglass Manifesto website being displayed on their iPad. The winner of the contest gets a bombproof Otterbox for their iPad, and I want that case badly.
For my submission I decided to go ultra-Mainer, setting the iPad among some timeless Maine items that scream of culture and a good time. I added a grey ghost streamer in the picture because nothing says Maine fly fishing better than the gray ghost. Next came the LLBean red and black checkered plaid winter hat. I know you all wish you had such a sweet hat, so I would be daft to not include it. Finally comes the party starter, good Ol’ BL. When consumed responsibly, BL is the perfect way to take a load off after a long day on one of Maine’s backcountry ponds or rivers.
So take two seconds out of your busy day and do something nice for me, I’ll forever be grateful if you do. I’m losing miserably right now and it really is embarassing. Click here to head over to the Fiberglass Manifesto Blog and cast your vote. Look for the name Benjamin Rioux in the left sidebar and get to clicking. Tell you brother, sister, mother, father, uncle, aunt, and that smelly cousin of yours to vote too, I need all the help I can get. Who knows, maybe i’ll give something away to show my appreciation if I pull this one out!
Tight Lines,
-Ben
Last Call!
- Howdy folks,
Today, March 31st will be the final date where submissions to Up’North’s creative writing/photography contest will be accepted. If you’ve been putting it off, time is quickly running out! Entries submitted even a single tick past the start of April fools day and the joke is on you, no exceptions. I am extremely happy and impressed with the quality entries and sheer quantity of submissions I have received over that last month. This really won’t be an easy decision, lucky for me I’ve acquired the help of several fly fishing gurus to help sort things out in the coming weeks. Best of luck to all who participated!
Logo compliments of Fatguyflyfishing.com
For the Official Contest Rules, prize information, and the judging procedure, click HERE.
Tight Lines!
-Ben
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Contest Update!
- Long overdue, I know.
Up’North’s first contest is shaping up to be one of EPIC proportions, at least in the context of this humble northern Maine blog! Before we get into the judging, shall we take a look at the spoils?
1st Prize:
- A brand new L.L.Bean 5wt Travel Series Fly Rod (will arrive shortly after the contest directly from LLBean)
- An assortment of 20 flies from yours truly, all tied with premium materials, rugged and ready for some Spring fishing action. Assortment will include various patterns and sizes from my personal favorites collection, all field tested and proven to work in Northern Maine waters, and beyond!
- A large Up’North Vinyl Graphic Decal–To throw on the side of your boat, or on the back of your mom’s truck.
- A sticker back from big brother himself, Mr. Roughfisher! The Roughfisher has been an integral part of Up’North’s success, and a contest simply wouldn’t be complete without his presence. (ask nicely and he may include some snack sticks!) hehehe
- A MaineFlyCastings.com Dri-Duck waterproof fly fishing hat!
Now for the tricky part: The judging.
I’ve been back and forth trying to decide exactly how to judge the wonderful entries that I have been receiving for over a week now. I left the criteria very loose, and the results are exactly what I was looking for. Long essays, pictures, and a mixture of both have really shown me the creative and passionate side of my readers, and I’ve enjoyed reviewing the entries immensely. The contest will be judged on just that, creativity and passion.
Here are the details:
- The contest closes at midnight, April 2nd. Only two weeks left, so get crackin’!
- At the end of two weeks I will select 5 honorable mention entries and 5 finalists that will go on to the final round.
- The five finalists will be chosen by an expert panel of fly fishing bloggers, businessmen, and celebs (including myself) The judges include:
- Mac Mckeever: Senior Public Relations Specialist for L.L.Bean, and supporter of Up’North since day 1.
- Jean-Paul Lipton, AKA the Roughfisher, AKA northern Brother from another mother: Guide, blogger, and master of the Roughfish (Not to mention sausage extraordinaire)
- Jason Puris: Founder of TheFin.com, fly fishing fanatic, and also a long time supporter of Up’North.
- The Fellas at FethaStyx Fly Fishing: Makers of quality fly rods, and fishing experts. This was a no-brainer, they held a similar contest recently.
- My father: Because he’s my father, he’s unbiased, and his input is always important to me.
- Myself: Because once again, it’s my contest.
Disclaimer:
For any other questions regarding the contest, I would appreciate you post them in the comments section so all contestants can see the answer. Please note that while there are a few entries from northern Maine, the bulk of submissions thus far have been from all over the country. With that in mind, winners will be chosen based on the quality of their submission, and not due to personal relationships I may or may not have with the entering contestant. All judges involved are expected to judge in the same fashion, and no judges are allowed to enter the contest. Results will be posted promptly after the results are decided. All contest submissions, including photographs will remain property MaineFlyCastings.com, and may be posted for viewing with full credit given to the contestant.Rivers of a Lost Coast
I’m a little late on this, but better late than never!
Rivers of a Lost Coast-Click here to purchase!!!
Rivers of a Lost Coast is a different kind of movie, stretching far beyond typical “fish porn” into the realm of soul searching and pure fishing obsession. Just in time for Christmas, this film is sure to be a hit for any die-hard fishermen on your list. It has never been about simply catching fish, and no film out to date emphasizes this point better than River’s of a Lost Coast. Available for purchase now at RiversofaLostCoast.com!
In case you’ve been living under a rock for the past 6 months…..
Tight Lines,
-Ben
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The New Guy
- 2010 is shaping up to be a big year for fly fishing products, and we haven’t even made it through the winter yet.
For those of you who have been hesitant to spend a months pay on a brand new Helios, you now have an alternative that is MORE than attractive. New for 2010, the Orvis Hydros is the second lightest fly rod in the world (behind the helios, duh) and is loaded with helios-like technology. While the reviews haven’t started rolling in just yet, my guess is that the Hydros series is probably worth every penny of its competitive price tag. Did I mention it won the Midcurrent 2009 Best of Show award?
Orvis Hydros
For a closer look at the new line of Hydros fly rods, visit Orvis.com today!
Tight lines,
-Ben
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In Good Company
Just received this Press Release from the good people at L.L.Bean today and thought I’d pass the good word along…
Congratulations goes out to Mr. McGarry for his fine achievement as a Fly Casting istructor. His contributions to Fly Fishing are as far reaching as they are inspiring, and our “sport” could sure use a few more selfless people to follow in his footsteps.
Tight Lines,
-Ben
LLBean Fly Casting Instructor Rod McGarry wins Harger Memorial Life Award.
For Immediate Release
August 18, 2009
L.L.Bean Fly Fishing Instructor given prestigious Harger Memorial Life Award by the Federation of Fly Fishers
Past recipients include Robert Redford, Lefty Kreh, Dave Whitlock and others.
FREEPORT, Maine—Rod McGarry, L.L.Bean Fly Fishing Instructor was recently awarded the Harger Memorial Life Award for his lifelong contributions to fly-fishing and fly-fishing instruction. Presented by the Federation of Fly Fishers, the award celebrates individuals who enhance the world of fly-fishing through their instruction, education and infectious enthusiasm and passion for the sport.
“Rod has an instinctive ability to inspire and motivate people. As a trainer and presenter he has a grasp of learning theories and techniques that makes it easier for people to get better at fly casting,” said R.P. Van Gytenbeek, CEO and President of the Federation of Fly Fishers. “The continuing education programs he organizes and directs for casting professionals draw respect and admiration from around the country. We at the Federation of Fly Fishers are delighted to have this opportunity to recognize and salute Rod for his leadership in this educational effort.”
As the award recipient, Rod joins an esteemed list of past winners including Robert Redford, Lefty Kreh, Dave Whitlock and many other key influencers in the world of fly-fishing.
“Fly fishing, like almost everything in life, is more fun if you share it with others,” says Rod. “Little in life satisfies me more than helping people become exactly what they want to be. I hope to help them achieve success by their own standards, not mine, as I am convinced that progress is more important than perfection.”
L.L.Bean, Inc. is a leading retailer of quality outdoor gear and apparel, as well as recreational and instructional experiences through their Outdoor Discovery Schools. Founded in 1912 by Leon Leonwood Bean, the company began as a one-room operation selling a single product, the Maine Hunting Shoe. While its business has grown substantially, L.L.Bean still upholds the values of its founder and continues his dedication to quality, customer service and a love of the outdoors.
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