Pole, Pack and Paddle  16th Edition

          Fly Fishing, Backpacking, Canoes & Kayaks

 

Carolina Mountain Sports…since 1998       April 1,  2006 Newsletter

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

Tues-Fri  11-7,  Thurs until 9pm , Sat 9-4

 

Classes well received…The classes by Guides Marty Shaffner and Dave Duffey were extremely well-received.  Everybody picked up some valuable new tips on trout and smallmouth flies and techniques, as well as great pointers on tying deer hair bass bugs from Dave.   Dave also pitched the Federation of Fly Fishers (FFF) and we encourage you to join.  Applications are here.  If you missed Marty’s… but want a reschedule…email me. 

 

’06 Fishing Classes…. Please make advance reservations for all classes…Our next Intro to Fly Fishing is Wed. Apr 12th… in the store from 7-9:30pm …$20 per person for 4 or more students …casting included on Sat. am   We’re happy to do individual casting classes and the longer days make it easy.   Just email or call to schedule.

            Beginners Fly Tying…Thurs. evenings for 6 weeks by veteran professional tier Mickey Reavis…$65.  If you’re interested email me asap!

 

New Flies:  We’ve managed to squeeze even more flies into our boxes… new patterns like WD40s, Zebra Midges, Thorax bead Zug Bugs, Llamas, soft hackle Pheasant Tails…and we’ve added them in smaller sizes…like 20s and 22s  (yes, you really can tie them on…even I can!)   We’ve also restocked on some great local NC patterns like Yellow Sallys, Corey’s Calf Tail and others.   Some of these make great strike indicators that float well and are easy to see when using a nymph (or two) as a dropper.  Spring Special:  Buy 12 and save $2 OR get a free fly box.   And, if you’re looking for some real deals…ask to see our “Buck Box”…I know, it’s too good to be true (but it is) …Buck Box dry flies for $1

 

New Leaders and Tippet…Our leader selection has been expanded for both fresh and saltwater and mono, copolymer and Flourocarbon.  We’ve added more selections from Frog Hair and we’re carrying the excellent RIO 15’ leaders for you S. Holston anglers.   And, if you haven’t tried the excellent leaders by Climax you might be pleasantly surprised. 

 

Delayed Harvest Stocking again Apr 3 & 4… Delayed Harvest  anglers get a big boost with this 2nd spring stocking.   Need more info or directions…just ask or check ncwildlife.org for maps and designations.   This is a great opportunity to catch a bunch of fish, hone skills and build confidence, especially during the first few days after they’re dumped in.

 

Rental Cabins…There are excellent rental opportunities on Delayed Harvest and private waters in the Helton Creek and Ashe County area.   These are nice cabins with great access to superb fishing; the Virginia Creeper Bike Trail; canoeing on the New River, and 10 minutes from Mt. Rogers and Grayson Highlands State Park.   If you’re interested in more info let us know.  Brochures are in the store. 

 

50% off SaleMany winter items are half price.  It’s a great time to get some new gloves or backup clothing for next season…or if you’re planning a vacation to Alaska this summer. 

We have a 50% off rack as well with a variety of closeouts on jacket, shirts etc.

            We’ll also have some other spring specials throughout the store…

 

Aleutian Sleeping Bag…This mummy bag by North Face at $79 has been popular with customers shopping for a good bag at a good price.  The 20 degree rating is legitimate from all reports and the bag weighs about 3 lbs.    If you need a bag for a camper that’s 5’ or shorter, check out the North Face Blue Ridge…only $59 but very good quality.

 

More Western Mountaineering bags…. Yep, you’ve heard me beat this drum before…but, if you’re serious about lightweight, max warmth, min. bulk, and longevity…get a quality down bag…and you can’t beat those by W. Mtneering.  We have two models in stock and more coming this month.   Stop in and check them out, get a catalog, go to their web site…

 

Sierra Designs Tents…Always a leader in tents (many say the “best”),  Sierra Designs has got some great new models like the Electron and Lightning….especially if you’re trying to shave pounds and ounces from your pack.  We snuck these in a month or so ago and they have sold great.  If you’re tent shopping, check out Sierra Designs. 

 

Kayak Salewe have a great deal on our last Sky II by Necky. .. not produced for 2006. .. a neat boat for 2 people (or one due to sliding seat)… very stable, comfortable model for lakes or river touring… retailed for $725 … reduced to$575…  

        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!)

 

Shortcut to Mt. Rogers; Creeper Bike Trail and Whitetop Laurel…Since I’m within casting distance of Mt. Rogers almost every weekend, here’s my recommendations.   You may not see this on a normal road atlas or map, but you will on a DeLorme Atlas.   Take 421 to 115N to 18N in Wilkesboro.  When you get to Laurel Springs, take 113 N. to Mouth of Wilson…then 16N to 58…OR what I think may be even better…421 to 16N thru Glendale Springs and on N past Shatley Springs.  If you’re bold and adventuresome, turn RT on Big Helton Road… to 194 …bear left and stay on 194 to Sturgills.  Then turn N (RT) to 58.  When you get to 58 turn rt….you’re 5 min. from Grayson Highlands.   (But it your headed toward Damascus, go left and you miss the road up and down from Grayson Highlands).   If you want to stay on pavement…continue on 16 to the VA line…then turn left on #725.  In about 4.5 miles you come to 58.  Turn left…you’re 5 min. from Grayson Highlands.

 

 

Thanks for shopping with us…

Richard