“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
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
New Lids
Three Colors for now: Burgandy, Black, and Navy Blue!
Who is interested? $16 asking price, free shipping in the U.S. (Sorry Finland). I need ten people to commit to make it worth my money! Who wouldn’t want such a fantastic piece of head furniture?
New Lids! Soft Mesh back, non-fitted front. Adjustable!
So, who wants one?
-Ben
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Represent! Fresh Up'North Threads!
- Back again!
After a busy, family fun filled weekend I am finally ready to get back to business! Christmas was extremely exciting and more fly fishing and flannel oriented than I expected, much to my surprise! Among the thoughtful gifts that came my way were a hat and shirt that ushered in an Up’North first. My parents went through all the trouble of getting the Up’North logo digitized and sewn into each item, and I couldn’t be more excited about how perfect they came out. Tomorrow I plan on placing an order for a few items that I will make available to my readers for the first time ever! These items could include a few different hats as well as some different colored t-shirts!
For now, take a look at the two beauties that found their way under my tree this year..
Dri-Duck graphic hat and a Chamois shirt with the Up'North Logos!
Can you say OFFICIAL!?
-Ben
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Decals are in!!!
Big News!
The Up’North store is now live and extremely willing to make quick work of your hard earned money. Shop great products including vinyl decals and fly tying materials. Check back often for specials on hand tied flies! In addition, the decals I’ve been ranting and raving about are finally a reality, just in time for the holiday season! Does your loved one stay up all night reading Up’North? If so (god help you) get them an Up’North high quality vinyl so they can profess their undying love to the rest of the fly fishing world.
Shop the Up’North Store today!
-Ben
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