“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
While you were out…!
- Howdy,
Lots of exciting things happening recently in the fly fishing circuit, yet somehow I still feel like I’m on the outside looking in. While I prepare to re-enter the scene this weekend, swinging streamers on my home stretches, feast on this random assortment of thoughts, stories, and otherwise useful/enjoyable/better than work links.
First up, big shout-out to Up’North’s newest friend and colleague Rhon Bell of Caribou, Maine. Rhon runs the extremely enjoyable and appropriately titled blog Backwoods Plaid, and reading through his adventures recently consumed a good portion of my afternoon. A self-proclaimed L.L.Bean addict, he also dabbles in cooking, hiking, consuming various choice adult beverages, and casting a fly to unsuspecting brook trout. In short-Backwoods Plaid is a nice addition to your daily reads if you enjoy Up’North even a little (and you better). Head on over to www.backwoodsplaid.blogspot.com to get yourself caught up at once!
Click to Visit!
Moving on, I’ve been receiving a healthy amount of emails lately asking me what I recommend for streamers during early Spring salmon outings. Without being overly complicated, I have a few rules of thumb that might bode well on your next adventure. First, if the streamer has the word Ghost in it’s name, chances are it will catch fish in the fast Spring waters of Maine. Green, Grey, Black, Marabou, etc. etc., they all work. For whatever reason, my go-to streamers usually have a small red or yellow tail, and EVERY one of them utilizes jungle cock eyes. My streamer box doesn’t bulge with a large variety of meat, just Ghosts in various large sizes, a few Magogs in various colors, and the occasional Allagash Al.
Finally, sinking or sink-tip lines are NOT always necessary. In my neck of the woods I’ve hooked up to salmon in early May swinging a floating line and between 12-16 feet of leader. The cold water typically has these fish on the move at nearly every depth, so don’t be afraid to fish those large streamers right below the surface. Few things are more exciting than watching a 20+ inch landlocked salmon absolutely freight-train a streamer on the upper-deck.
Last, but certainly not least, head on over to the Fontinalis Rising blog to check out the lastest post: Floating Away. Jason Tucker has a way with words that can be captivating, and his love for fly fishing and everything that relates makes for a stellar blog to waste some time when you should be working. Check it out at www.fontinalisrising.blogspot.com, and try to hide your anger when you peep his “Jealousy Counter.” Jealous indeed Mr. Tucker, Jealous indeed.
Click to Visit!
Tight lines and best of luck in your early Spring adventures. Remember to always wear a lifejacket and use caution when fishing the frigid early season waters of Maine or anywhere else. A few simple precautions can make all the difference, and not taking them could have dire consequences!
Happy Castings,
-Ben
Inspired.
Let us write.
I’ll be the first to admit that lately I haven’t been in the writing mood. While I would hardly call myself a professional, I know how it feels to be at a loss for words. Writing typically draws on some level of inspiration, and lately I’ve been a little uninspired. School and work severely limit my opportunities to fish, and the grim reality that the real world is quickly winding up to sock me in the face has quickly become more evident.
I enjoyed a conversation recently with a valued friend and local guide in the Downeast region of Maine. While catching up on our favorite microbrews, my prospective career choices, and Spring fishing, he brought up an interesting point about the current state of fly fishing in Maine. Last year at a Fly Fishing Film Tour event in southern Maine, he told me that he spoke with a big name in the industry regarding the turnout at the show. The topic? A generation gap that desperately needs to be filled.
Mid-April Muskie Fishing on the St. John
I would hate to turn this into an East VS. West ordeal, but what has the West Coast discovered about attracting younger generations to fly fishing that the East Coast simply can’t seem to grasp? Shouldn’t I have 20 friends as excited as I am about the latest offerings from Sage, or the most recent film from Felt Soul Media? Shouldn’t the Fly Fishing Film Tour be filled with Maine’s next generation of fly fishermen, shouting to the rafters when the lights go dim and Frank Smethhurst appears on screen in a Big Foot costume? Am I missing something here?
I want to sit down on any given Saturday night in the local pub and talk to no less than ten people my age who are just getting off the river. I long for the day when Maine fly fisherman step out of 1950 and start driving the sport forward. The day when fly fishing ceases to be the pastime of their grandfathers, or the secret shame they enjoy somewhere between football and computer games. When Simms and Scientific Anglers are household names, and Patagonia isn’t automatically associated with the skiing. I need to see the change, we need to be the change.
I would never take away from the generations before me and the history they represent in the sport I love, but when does history begin to evolve into the future? Fly Fishing is cool in Montana and Idaho, why not Maine? We have some of the greatest fly fishing waters in the country, rivers and ponds filled with brook trout the size of footballs, and salmon that gorge on dry flies in mid-July. What part of the equation did we get wrong? If we don’t figure it out soon, fly fishing in Maine will fade away before we can even acknowledge its in trouble.
So take a friend fly fishing, even if you need to drag him/her to the water. Super glue a fly rod in their hand, and hold them at gunpoint on the river bank until they feel that mighty tug that so few of us know well enough to actually appreciate. And when they finally ask you to put down the gun in favor of a net, teach them how to smile at the sight of a cleanly released fish, and the possibility of catching it another day. Tweet about it, blog about it, post the pictures on Facebook and “Like” the SHIT out of them. Generate more excitement, and get more youth involved in the sport that you’ve grown to love. Make the men and women on the West Coast wish they could have what we have here; leave your mark on something special. Teach your kids, teach their kids, and encourage them to teach their friends. Who knows, maybe next Christmas instead of a Playstation they might ask for a fly tying kit.
God Willing.
-Ben
This.Is.Fly
Click to Read!
2011 L.L.Bean Spring Fishing Expo
This just in!
For Immediate Release
March 8, 2011
A fly fishing film festival, Lefty Kreh, Dave Whitlock and Tim Rajeff highlight
L.L.Bean’s Spring Fishing Weekend, March 18-20, 2011
Fishing legends, unique fly-fishing short films, demos, clinics, hands-on activities and seminars headline L.L.Bean’s 21st annual celebration of all things fishing
FREEPORT, Maine—Some of the biggest names in fishing will be at L.L.Bean on March 18-20 for L.L.Bean’s annual Spring Fishing Weekend. Lefty Kreh, Dave Whitlock, Emily Whitlock, Tim Rajeff, Dave Klausmeyer and others will be available at the store from 10am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday to visit with customers, share stories, sign autographs, books and more. And new this year, L.L.Bean will be showing the best short fly-fishing films from The Drake Magazine’s renowned Fly-Fishing Film Awards, which are shown to audiences exclusively at the International Fly Tackle Dealer Show each year in Denver.
“We have put together an incredible menu of activities,” said Mac McKeever, senior public relations representative. “Regardless of your level of skill or interest, whether you’re young, old, a beginner or an expert, we have a whole host of activities, with plenty of great things to do for families and kids, and best of all, it’s free. There’s definitely something for everyone.”
Featured celebrity fly tyers include David Klausmeyer, Don Bastian and Sam Kenney, who at only 12 years old has already become a renowned tyer. Other weekend highlights include free fly-casting lessons, kids’ activities, and a variety of demonstrations, clinics and seminars including presentations by the Maine Professional Guide Association, as well as several L.L.Bean experts.
Biologists from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife will also be conducting a special presentation on a very unique brook trout project they have been working on.
From March 18 through 20, special promotions include 20 percent off all Bean Brand fishing gear and apparel and 20% off all flies. And as a way to mitigate the transmission of invasive aquatic species, from March 18 through 20, customers who trade in their felt-soled wading boots will get an additional 10% off Bean Brand rubber-soled wading boots at the store. All event activities are free. For more information, visit www.llbean.com/freeport, or call 800-559-0747, ext. 37222.
Complete schedule will go live right here tonight, once I get on a computer that actually works.
-Ben
Two 4 Yer’ Enjoyment!
Fresh off the e-press, the lastest issues of Catch and Blood Knot magazines. Now wasting time at work is easier than ever before!
Click to Read!
Click to Read!
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
L.L.Bean Event
This just in from the people at L.L.Bean!
I wish I had the time and money to make the trip from Orono to Freeport, because I would probably be the first one in line for this event. I can say from experience that spending some time watching and learning from a professional fly tier makes all the difference in the world. I would encourage anyone in the Freeport area to check this event out, it looks like it would be extremely educational as well as a ton of fun.
Renowned fly tiers offer free fly tying classes at L.L.Bean, January 17th and 18th
Bill Black, founder of Umpqua Feather Merchants and Ibrahim Mesinovic, innovative tier and developer of
groundbreaking tying materials make special appearance in Freeport
FREEPORT, ME. January 11, 2011—For many fly anglers in Maine, wintertime means
fly tying time and what better way to kickoff the wintertime tying season than with a free
lesson from some of the more well-known and innovative tiers in the market. Bill Black,
founder of the famous Umpqua Feather Merchants and owner of Spirit River Flies and
Ibrahim Mesinovic, owner of Bug-Partz will be at L.L.Bean on January 17th and 18th at
7 p.m. to offer free tying lessons. Mesinovic is best known for the development of some
groundbreaking tying materials, including a series of aquatic insect body parts that are
remarkably realistic, and produce flies that look strikingly like the real thing. These free
lessons will be conducted in the fishing department and folks are encouraged to bring
their own materials, although L.L.Bean will have supplies available for those who do not.
Who: Anyone with an interest in fly-fishing and fly tying
What: Bill Black, founder of Umpqua Feather Merchants and owner of Spirit
River flies and Ibrahim Mesinovic, owner of Bug-Partz, a new lifelike series of
aquatic inset body parts
Where: L.L.Bean Hunting and Fishing Store, Main Street, Freeport, Maine
When: Monday, January 17th at 7 p.m. and Tuesday, January 18th at 7 p.m.
For more information, please call 877-755-2326
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!
Coastal Conservation Association Banquet
This just in from Mac…
Click to Visit!
Coastal Conservation Association of Maine Annual Fundraiser & Banquet
October 25, 2010
A fun-filled evening with thousands of dollars in auction and raffle items, the Harraseeket Inn’s award-winning food, good drink and camaraderie and the chance to support CCA-Maine and its marine conservation endeavors
FREEPORT, Maine—The Coastal Conservation Association of Maine (CCA-Maine) will hold its Annual Banquet and Fundraiser on Monday, October 25th at 5:30pm at the Harraseeket Inn in Freeport, Maine. The pre-event ticket price is only $55 and includes a CCA annual membership, a subscription to TIDE Magazine, and the great food provided by the Harraseeket Inn’s award-winning chefs. The at-the-door banquet ticket will be $65. For those who are currently CCA-Maine members, the new membership will automatically renew when the current one expires.
“Coming to this banquet and supporting CCA-Maine will enable us to continue to work on critically important issues such as the ongoing decline of striped bass and the bait fish they depend on, pollution, poor or non-existent fish passage around dams, dwindling public access and much more,” said Duncan Barnes, Chairman of CCA-Maine’s Communications Committee. “With these issues impacting our coastline, now more than ever it’s important for folks to support organizations like CCA that are working diligently to keep our marine environment and access to it as clean, healthy and robust as possible.”
WGME Channel 13’s Doug Rafferty, host of Doug’s Discovery and Maine Outdoors, will emcee the banquet. Representatives from the Maine Department of Marine Resources, including Commissioner George LaPointe are scheduled to give a brief presentation. Other features include thousands of dollars in auction and raffle items that include a wide variety of outdoor gear and apparel, as well as trips, artwork and much more.
For more information on membership and to register for the banquet, please visit www.cca-maine.org.
Where’d He Go?
- If any of you happen to be at all like me, September is the official start of camo season. Realtree has been a staple in the camo industry for years now, developing innovative and effective patterns for the variety of hunting conditions hunters find across the globe. Recently Realtree has done some reinventing of sorts, swapping out logos, introducing new Realtree AP color combinations, and greatly expanding their casual-wear line.
Realtree Outfitters is a collection of street wear with the new logo, including all-over print tees, camo hoodies, mesh hats, and even a wide variety of options for the ladies. A clear attempt to reach out to a younger generation, I believe Realtree made their point in a big way.
Check out a few of my favorites below, and view the entire Realtree Outfitters lineup by clicking HERE. (Or on any of the pictures below!)
@nbsp;
Realtree Outfitters Black Lab T-Shirt
Realtree Outfitters Burnt Orange Pullover
Keeping in the hunting spirit (don’t worry, I still have a whole slew of fly fishing product reviews as the season comes to a close) stay tuned for a recap of my recent Moose calling outing with my fathers, as well as a hefty addition to the Up’North Photography page.
&nsbp;
Happy Trigger Happy Tuesday Ladies and Gents!
-Ben
Loop Opti 3L
Tired of the boring earth tones that most wading jackets seem to come in? Stand out on the water with the new Loop Opti 3L wading jacket. Combing functionality and elegance, Loop has created one of the lightest, most functional jackets available today. The pinstripe pattern is an extremely limited edition, so get yours quick before it disappears forever. To learn more about the Loop Opti 3L jacket, and other Loop products, click HERE.
Loop Opti 3L
This is just another great example of how much fly fishing continues to grow in popularity among the youth of today. I’m stoked to see companies breaking away from the traditional mold of what fly fishing gear has been for years and stepping into the production of more modern products and styles. As much as corporate fly fishing STILL SUCKS, the future generation of the “sport” is much different than the fly angler of yesteryear. It’s great to see companies like Loop who recognize how fly fishing is evolving. My only hope is that other companies will follow suit with more modern styles and competitive pricing. We all know it has NEVER been about the gear, but if gear such as the Opti 3L can increase interest in fly fishing and expand the market in a possitive way, I am personally all for it.
Knowingly risking a debate on “the current state of fly fishing,” any thoughts?
Tight Lines,
-Ben
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