Did I Mention…?
The Up’North fleet is growing by one this season. My father recently placed the final piece on his 22ft cedar strip canoe, and if all goes well we expect it to be river ready by May.
Tick, Tock.
Stay tuned for a timeline of the build, as well as some exciting news regarding Up’North’s upcoming 3rd birthday!
Cast the dust off! Spring is closer than you think!
-Ben
“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
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!
- L.L.Bean Pocket Water Fly Rod & Reel
Tight Lines and Happy……Winter? Hold out for Spring by updating your arsenal!
-Ben
Big Brook Trout are Fly
The latest installment of This is Fly has a great feature on big brookies. Beautiful pictures, as usual. A section all about big brook trout. Species Galore. GIANT BROOK TROUT. Really swell gear features. Did I mention they have a great story and some stunning pictures of brook trout? Stunning.
Do yourself a favor and waste some time at work with the latest issue of This is Fly.
Click Me!
Giant Brook Trout,
-Ben
Get Cheeky
Pete and the rest of the fellas at Cheeky Fly Fishing found themselves in the middle of some MAJOR Striper action this weekend in Maine waters. In case you’ve been living under a rock/dock/overturned drift boat, their Mojo and newly released Ambush reels are by far the most impressive reels on the market for 2011….or ever! With that said, anyone willing to donate one of each to Up’North (me) please see the “Contact” tab. No seriously, do it.
Click Me!
Seriously, click HERE to donate.
Props fellas!
-Ben
Photo Contest!
- I’ve been whispering about a contest for nearly a week now, and the excitement my subtle hints have generated is astounding. Now that my ducks are all in a row, I can finally shed some light on Up’North’s latest contest!
Enter Today! All submissions to: maineflyboi@maineflycastings.com
To celebrate the second birthday of Up’North Maine Fly Castings, I have decided to hold a photography contest with a prize package to kick the 2011 fishing season off . The rules are simple: Submit a fly fishing photograph, win hundreds of dollars worth of fly fishing gear and accessories. Snap a shot of your gear, your sticker covered truck, your favorite river, pond, stream, lake, beach, fish, etc. etc etc. As long as the picture is fly fishing themed, it is eligible for the contest. Maybe it’s a picture of you fishing, tying, or even a picture of your child holding his/her first fly rod. The possibilities are endless! Read the official rules and regulations below, and best of luck to all those who submit.
Rules, Regs, and General Info
1. One (1) entry per person.
2. MUST be Fly Fishing themed.
3. Keep it clean – All submissions will eventually be featured on Up’North (giving credit to the photographer of course)
4. Contest for U.S. and Canadian participants ONLY. I can’t afford to ship all the prizes to Norway or Sweden, sorry!
5. Be CREATIVE! This doesn’t mean you need to alter the photo in any way, some of my favorite photos have been untouched by editing tools. With that said, the use of Photoshop is NOT forbidden. Simply put, do whatever it takes to win.
6. Contest Will run from March 1st to April 1st, and judging will take place during the first week of April. (Judges TBA)
Everyone knows that if your not first, your last. With that said, this is a winner-take-all contest. That’s right, no runner up this time around. Use it as extra motivation to submit your very best work!
Contest Prizes and the Sponsors who made this contest possible!
- Up’North Hat & Decals
- LLBean Streamlight Ultra 14ft 9wt Spey Rod (Two Handed)
- Roughfisher’s Trout Nymph Assortment (tied just for this contest!)
- Cliff Outdoors “Super Days Worth” Fly Box
- Leland Fly Fishing Outfitters: C&F Bonefish Waterproof Fly Box w/assortment of warm/salt flies
- Life on the Fly Outfitters-10% off any Saltwater Trip
All photo entries MUST be submitted by email to: maineflyboi@maineflycastings.com. A confirmation email will be sent after your entry is received. Let’s have some fun with this one ladies and gents, I look forward to your submissions. Check back frequently for contest updates, including the unveiling of a spankin’ new contest page. The new page will serve as a general headquarters for the contest, and will include daily submissions and other general updates.
Let the games begin! Remember, submit all questions and photos to maineflyboi@maineflycastings.com
&Tight Lines,
-Ben
“To Un-Concentrate is to Catch Fish”
- Snubbed up solid on a few fish with some Lincoln fellas this weekend at the Schoodic Lake ice fishing derby. Sammy was the big winner of the day, hauling up two solid Togue (Lake Trout) with tried and true methods that he was happy to share with anyone interested. The trick? Simple. You need to un-concentrate. Well, it seems the only way to un-concentrate is to concentrate first. Then, when the stories start flowing and concentration turns to unconcentration, the fish try to take advantage of your mind lapse. Bam! Gets them every time.
“….you see you have to concentrate in order to un-concentrate then and only then will you catch the fish”- Sammy Muncey
Snubbed up solid on a Togue-2 fattys near 20inches
Look out for some live action videos of Sammy’s two fish in the near future. For now, a picture will have to do!
Tight Lines,
-Ben
Toasty
- For you ladies and gents that appreciate fly fishing in even the most frigid of conditions, L.L.Bean once again has you covered.
The Pocket Water collection is designed to fit comfortably under your waders, yet looks great enough to wear at the pub after that long day on the water. The Pocket Water Fleece jacket features a quick dry fleece material, complete with waterproofing where you need it most – on the shoulders, and on the arms from the elbow to the wrist. Hand warmer pockets help to keep your hands toasty so tying on flies is an easy task. At only $99, this is a solid investment for the angler who wants a lightweight jacket that will fit under his waders and/or waterproof wading jacket. Perfect for those Winter, early Spring, and late Fall days on the water!
Click for Details!
Now that your torso is toasty and ready for action, most of you are probably wondering what to throw on under your waders? Look no further than the Pocket Water Underwader pants. These pants look like regular pants, and have stirups that tuck up and out of the way so they can be worn without waders. Headed for a bite to eat or a few drinks with the fellas after a long day on the water? The ladies will be falling all over you if you roll into town with these bad boys gracing your lower half. Soft shell fleece won’t cling to waders, zipper fly provides easy relief when you just have to go. At only $79, these pants will keep your boys warm during those chilly fishing days, when wind and colder temperatures send everyone else running home.
Click for Details!
For more information on the Pocket Water collection, and the rest of L.L.Bean’s fishing line, visit L.L.Bean.com today!
Tight Lines,
-Ben
Im on a Boat
And I need a boat bag, badly. Luckily L.L.Bean has me covered.
My father in the driver's seat of my canoe on Eagle Lake, minutes before storm clouds rained on our evening fishing trip.
As seen in Fly Rod and Reel magazine, the Kennebec River Boat Bag is a favorite among guides and casual fishermen alike. Coming in large ($119) and small ($99) versions to best suite every angler’s needs, this is the boat bag dreams are made of. Waterproof top compartment keeps charts and maps visible in less than desirable conditions, reinforced plier pocket ensures that plier jaws won’t poke through the fabric. With over 20 pockets (small version), you can store reels, tippet, and other tools, all organized neatly and protected by foam dividers. Made of strong and durable 1000 denier nylon canvas fabric with a rugged waterproof bottom, this bag belongs on the bottom of a canoe. Flip out external work surface/foam fly patch eliminates the need for fly boxes. Simply put this bag is a great way to keep everything you need at your fingertips without littering the bottom of your boat or canoe. Perfect for day trips.
Large (Left) and Small (Opened and Right) Click for more details...
If you are like me, the bottom of your canoe or drift boat is rarely dry. Hunting for tools and fly boxes that are floating around at your feet is always inconvenient, and can be dangerous when you should be driving instead. Pack in and pack out, this bag serves its purpose and then some. It even comes with a rain fly for those less than sunny days on the water. Need I continue?
Get yours today, and you’ll wonder why you ever went without. I sure do. Visit L.L.Bean.com for more details, and to purchase yours today.
Tight Lines,
-Ben
(Descriptions and Image courtesy of L.L.Bean.com)
L.L.Bean Streamlight Ultra
- It’s no secret that I’ve been L.L.Bean’s biggest fan for some time now; the title is, and will likely always be mine. Simply put, they never let me down. If it casts beautifully, they make it. If it breaks, they fix it. If it is black and red checkered, I wear it. Whats not to love?
L.L.Bean is about as “Mainer” as you can get, and supporting the company that has supported me for years is to be expected. With that said, 2011 looks to be another great year for the L.L. Fishing line, and I couldn’t be more excited. Today I would like to highlight the first of many products I am excited about for the 2011 season. After all, Spring is only a few snowy, downright miserable months away.
My first “serious” fly rod ever was a 6wt Streamlight that I recieved the Summer before I entered 9th grade. Since then I have had the pleasure of casting dozens of rods from various companies, and that Streamlight still finds it’s way into the back of my truck every season. Something about that fly rod just makes fly fishing more enjoyable for me, and I’ve always felt it has gotten way less attention than it deserves. Simply put, the Streamlight lit my fly fishing fire-a fire that still roars more than 8 years later.
Click Me!
For 2011 the Streamlight rod gets a facelift that for all intensive purposes it didn’t need, but will only serve to improve it. Make way for the Streamlight Ultra. The folks at L.L.Bean say that the new Ultra has an “amazingly crisp action and a remarkably light feel,” and that it is “simply the best casting fly rod you will find anywhere for its price ($99 to $160 respectively). I would have to agree, even before taking a single cast with it. Call me irresponsible, but making improvements on a masterpiece can only mean one thing right? (Note: This rod is available in 2 piece and 4 piece models)
I can’t wait to cast this rod and compare it to my original model. Purchase your Streamlight Ultra at L.L.Bean.com, or at your local L.L.Bean retail store today!
See you when the snow thaws,
-Ben
Abel 2011
- The classy fellows at Abel Reels have recently rolled out the red carpet for some new products in 2011, and I can’t help but be impressed, prices aside. The new nippers come in a variety of colors and patterns, and are guaranteed to last and cut forever (with replaceable jaws?). The reel lineup gets a new set of patterns for 2011 as well, including a beautiful Tribal reel done by Seattle-based artist Jon Osiris, and another stunning real from Montana-based artist Derek DeYoung. Finally, knowing that you pockets need to be lined with cash if you plan on starting a collection of Abel reels, they were kind enough to manufacture a collection of fine looking belt buckles!
All joking aside, Abel has some fine products available for 2011, even with the high price point that we are all familiar with. If they wanted to send me a sampling of products for research purposes, I probably wouldn’t complain. Hint Hint.
Click to View!
Keep Yo Pants Up!
Tight Lines,
-Ben
What To Do, What To Do?
- Christmas is right around the corner….but when does fishing start?
Here at Up’North, we look forward to time with family and friends, good food, and a few days of much needed rest and relaxation. It’s hard to believe that I haven’t picked up a fly rod in nearly three months, but I guess that comes with the territory when living in northern Maine. From closing day to Christmas is always the easiest stretch. Buying gifts and preparing for the holidays can be busy enough to occupy any water deprived angler, at least for a little while.
Merry Christmas!
What worries me is what happens after the holidays pass, when 2011 rears it’s ugly head and Christmas disappears in the rearview mirror. I know winter is a time to clean gear and brush up on the parts of life that don’t include fly fishing, but what happens when ALL parts of your life include fly fishing? I’m sure you can see my dilemma.
While I’ll eventually start tying flies again, filling my boxes with streamers, dries, and whatever else my mind dreams up, I still find myself daydreaming about the Spring thaw. I see myself dragging two or three large streamers on a sinking line up the roaring Fish River, chasing hungry landlocked Salmon with my father. I see myself casting large wets on a sink tip into Spring holes where hungry Brook Trout haunt the depths. But for now it’s not to be, todays winter storm reminds me of that harsh reality.
I created Maine Fly Castings to bring you my unique (I hope) view on fly fishing, but also to occupy my mind during the off-season. Writing about fly fishing is the best cure for this anglers aching heart, and Up’North gives me that little taste of fly fishing that I miss when the ice settles in for it’s lengthy stay.
It’s a beautiful thing to love something this much, and fly fishing will always hold a special place in my heart. But winter can be a blessing, even when it feels like open water is light-years away. Up’North leaves me with a fairly comprehensive journal of my past seasons, the successes and failures of a obsessed fly angler. Winter is a time to reflect on this years experiences, rethink past strategies, and place battle-torn flies on the brims of my fishing hats.
This winter I’ll rethink what has made me successful in the years past. I’ll sit down in front of maps and plan trips to new locations, changing plans only when the money runs out. I’ll take this time off to meet new people who share my passion, learning all I can from them before the season opens. This winter will make me a better fly fisherman, I can personally guarantee it. School is now in session, and I look forward to sharing a few lessons with all of you. So stoke the fire, put on your puffy slippers, and pour yourself a choice beverage.
Join me for the long haul, and make this winter the most educational one yet. Remember, just because you can’t go fishing, doesn’t mean you stop being a fly fisherman.
-Ben
New T.F.M Threads
- It’s long overdue, but today I thought it would be swell to give Cameron Mortenson at The Fiberglass Manifesto a big ol’ Up’North shout! Few fly fishing bloggers work harder than Cam, and his site certainly bears the fruits of his labor. His Holiday Gift Guide series is out of this world, check out parts 1 & 2 for some last minute shopping advice. While you’re there, shoot him an email and get your hands on a shirt or two and some decals. The new designs are definitely worth checking out! And when you’re finished giving Mr. Mortenson all of your money, head on over to his increasingly famous site FishyKid.org to download the coloring book for that little aspiring fly fisher in your life! Remember, it’s never too early to give your kids the gift of fly fishing!
Email Cameron to order yours today!
Enjoy ladies and gents, and don’t forget to bookmark these great sites!
Tight lines and Happy Holidays!
-Ben
Oh Spey Can You See?
- New stuff from the fellas over a Red Truck Fly Fishing on this 69th anniversary of Pearl Harbor.
Cyber Monday!
- It’s cyber monday, and Up’North has your back! Save some cash on most items over at Sierra Trading Post all day long by using the promotional code below. Simply click on the banner and let the savings begin. Flies, fly line, reels, and so much more! Save over $100 bones on a new fly rod from Sage, Redington, or Cortland. Offer only applies until 11:59 today!
Scott 2011
- Since I’ve been slacking this week in the holiday gift guide department, consider this your double dose of gifts on super Sunday. The fine people at Scott Fly Rod Company recently unveiled their new, super-impressive website, and it’s packed full of goodness for the 2011 season. The great edition to the lineup (at least in my humble opinion) has to be the all new F2 Fly Rod series. If fishing small streams and ponds is your thing, look no further than this stunning fiberglass rod. Packed with performance, this is quit possibly my next fly rod purchase.
If your budget simply doesn’t allow for a new rod at the moment, why not consider some fuzzy dice? The perfect addition to any truck’s rearview mirror! Posters, decals, snazzy trucker caps, and t-shirts that will attract the ladies are also available.
Happy shopping,
-Ben
G.Loomis NRX
-For almost a year now the folks at G.Loomis have been hinting at something big. The new NRX fly rods certainly live up to the hype, at least at first glance. While I haven’t had the chance to try one of these bad boys out yet, the technology and innovation packed into this fly rod alone make it a wise purchase that is unlikely to disappoint. Check out the video below and see for yourself!
Find the new G.Loomis NRX Fly Rods today at Leland Fly Shop!
All I Want For Christmas!
- The holidays are drawing closer every day, and the season of giving is nearly upon us. While you might not initially think so, fly fisherman can be a difficult lot to buy for. Each angler has their own preferences, and usually purchases gear that fits best into his/her style of fishing. Never buy a fly fisherman a fly rod or reel for christmas unless they:
1: Circled it in a catalog and continuously left it in places they knew you would see it.
2: Take your money as the gift and purchase it themselves.
3. Drag you to the fly shop on a daily basis just to beat you over the head with it.
Get the picture? Long story short, buying christmas gifts for a fly angler is like pulling teeth; painful and expensive. Luckily, Up’North has your back this holiday season. Every week until christmas, right here on Up’North, I’ll feature two fly fishing specific gifts that all fly fishermen will enjoy. From gear, to outerwear, to everything in between, there will simply be no reason to not throw a few of these gifts under the tree for your fly flinging significant other.
This week’s first gift idea comes from the swell folks at Costa Del Mar, and is actually a cool new product I recently read about in the Surfcasters Journal Holiday Gift Guide. (Check it out)
Costa’s huge selection of fishing specific sunglasses offer frame styles and lenses to match any budget or fishing conditions. Check out the new Jose’ Wejebe, or the industry praised Blackfin’s, both with the ever impressive 580p polarized lenses, or choose from a variety of other styles. Why purchase a pair of sunglasses that wasn’t designed for fishing? Check out the Costa Del Mar website today!
Gear To Get Excited About
- L.L.Bean has always had an excellent lineup of Hunting clothing and gear, and this year is no different. With exciting new editions in outerwear, innovative boots, and packs that carry everything from your tree-stand to your iPod; there is no reason anyone needs to be cold or unprepared out in the field.
The most exciting edition in my book is the new Technical Wool Jacket. With updated styling and modern twists on a traditional wool material, this jacket has frigid northern Maine winters written all over it. Matched with the new Technical Wool Pants, I just may go out of my way to hunt in the coldest, breeziest conditions this season has to offer.
Here is the new Technical Wool Jacket, and a few other favorites from L.L.Beans newest hunting specific Items. Click on the pictures to view each items complete details, and to order yours today!
Technical Wool Jacket
Technical Upland Boot
Hunter's Carryall Pack
Happy Hunting!
-Ben
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