Pole, Pack and Paddle  13th Edition

          Fly Fishing, Backpacking, Canoes & Kayaks

 

Carolina Mountain Sports…since 1998       Feb4,  2006 Newsletter

123 W. Broad St. Statesville, NC  28677      704 871-1444       www.carolinamountainsports.com

 

DATE CORRECTION on New Classes:  Veteran Trout and Smallmouth guide Marty Shaffner is offering 2 classes in Feb… a bunch of tested and proven guidelines for our region.  The first is Trout Flies …what,where,when and how.   February 7th (Tues)  from 7pm-8:30ish.   $10.   Please call if you’re attending so we’ll have enough chairs.  The second is Smallmouth Tips & Tactics…Fly and Spin…Feb. 28th  (Tues) …same times…same price…  These should be excellent sources of information and the price is a real bargain.  Check Marty and Jeff’s  web site at tristateangler.com.  But that’s not all,  other classes and demos in March…stay tuned….

 

Trout Unlimited Banquets…  (yes…another date correction…must be my glasses) Wilkesboro, Feb. 4 (Sat)…$35 per person and $50 per couple.  Great Meal…auction, raffle etc.  Open to anyone!  I have some tickets here.   TU in Statesville is having a “Boston Butt” sale and BBQ  Social at the Depot  on Feb 10.   $10 per person.  Door prizes, raffles etc.   Reservations required this week for “butts” and/or head count for meal.  Call/email us... 

 

February is Scout Month…and in recognition of Scouting…we are offering a 15% discount to registered scouts and leaders (please have your scout ID card) on Sleeping Bags, Tents, Thermarest Pads, Water Filters, and Boots.   We’ll even do this on special orders (but we’ll add a small freight charge).   (10% Scout discount on other items)

 

Charlotte Fly Fishing Show Feb 25 & 26… excellent … products, demos and instruction. Convention Center …   We’ll order advance tickets @ $10.50…$3.50 less than admission price…. order in advance and pay….NLT Feb 8.   Flyfishingshow.com for more info.   

 

New Fly Tying Book by Bob Clouser… new, just released with great photos showing step by step instructions for many of Bob’s flies, in addition to the Clouser.    Into fly tying?, you’ll be impressed.   Also includes info on tactics and techniques…and it’s autographed by Bob.

 

New Hiking Trails of NC by De Hart…just got more in.   This is the latest, updated version of this great book.  If you’re interested in hiking and backpacking this is one you’ve got to have in your library…complete descriptions or “all” the trails in NC. 

 

New Fly Fishing Outfits…just in from Redington.  Rod, Reel, line, backing and knots booklet for $99.   This is a great buy for someone just getting started or wanting to ad a second outfit at a very reasonable price.  The rods cast quite well…you’ll be impressed.   If you want some more info, just check out the very positive review of Redington’s Crosswater  in  Fly Fish America’s article  on bargain rods.

 

 

After Inventory Sales in Feb

        Big & Tall Columbia Fleece-lined jackets…..save 30%    Necky Sky I & II  Kayaks….save 20%           North Face Flash Flood Dry Bag/pack…save 40%

Columbia Icefield W/B shell parka….save 40%       Columbia Thunderscout W/B shell jacket…save 30%         North Face & Columbia insulated Gloves….save 30% 

Tents and Tarp shelters 30-50% off  by MSR, North Face and Kelty…. AND MORE!

 

’06 Fishing Classes…. Please make advance reservations… Intro to Fly Fishing Feb 8 and March 8 (casting on the following Sat. a.m….$20 per person for 4 or more students  (happy to do individual sessions…).      Saltwater Fly Fishing   Jan. 25…$10    Improving Casting…scheduled as requested.    On-Stream Lessons…scheduled on Sun and  Mondays…   More details on classes on our web site. 

             

Food Tips for the Trail… The relatively new Mountain House freeze dried vacuum pack meals are becoming more popular…a little bit more food for one person and a smaller overall package.  Make your own GORP/Trail Mix.   Don’t like  or are allegic to something (e.g. nuts)…then mix up your own (just like the old days)…raisins, dried fruit, M&Ms,  whatever. 

Lunch?  Slice Gouda cheese with rye crackers or party rye bread or pita bread.   In the winter, it’s important to have plenty of food that doesn’t have to be cooked or prepared with hot water.  Stove doesn’t work?  Out of fuel?...calories from cheese and granola bars are easier to eat than freeze dried/dehydrated food without hot water….

 

Used Boats…It’s rare to get them…but we have an Old Town Discovery 169 canoe in excellent condition.  This boat retails for $825 and  it’s now $499.   (and no sales tax!)

 

Boats…Consdering a kayak?   Kayak’s have become very popular for several reasons: they’re easy to use; very stable; and shorter ones are relatively inexpensive.   Most popular for the beginning paddler, or tight budgets, are the roto-molded polyethelene.  Recreational  models are suited for playing in coves or paddling streams and rivers where maneuverability is plus.  These are 9-12 feet long and range in price from about $300-600.  Longer boats are better for paddling more distance more efficiently and for carrying bigger people and more gear… $600-1,000.   If you’re really serious about paddling for speed and distance on extended day paddles or overnight etc. then you’re needing 14-17feet and probably a rudder.  $1000-1,400    Kayak Myths:  They’re light…not really…12 feet and over weigh about 60 lbs.   (a Bell 16’ Royalex canoe weighs 60 lb)   You have to learn an “Eskimo Roll”..No, not for flatwater paddling.   They are easy to roll over…No, not at all…a good design can be extremely stable due to hull design and the fact you’re sitting so low to the water. 

 

Thanks for shopping with us…

Richard