Pole,
Pack and Paddle 18th
Edition
Fly
Fishing, Backpacking, Canoes & Kayaks
Tues-Fri
11-7, Thurs until
Store closed on a couple
of dates…We’ll
be closed May 5 and only open from 10-3
on Sat. May 6… and possibly closed 1 or 2 other dates….If you’re traveling to
see us, … call first and check our answering machine updates…
Clean your fly line… good advice and should be
done regularly. There are several
recommended methods and products. Use
one. The line will float better, cast better, and last longer…and yes you will catch more fish (okay, no
guarantee). Cleaning is easy if you
have one or two line winders. If you
want us to do it, we’ll be happy to.
1 pound sleeping bag!...That’s easy…a Western
Mountaineering Highlite rated easily for 35 degrees. Need a 1
lb. 10 oz. 20 degree bag…get their
Ultralite Super. Save weight and bulk with
any of the WM goose down bags….everyone in stock is less than 2 lbs
Outdoor Events… Each month we receive free
copies of Blue Ridge Outdoors. It’s an
excellent reference to outdoor activities and organized events in the SE. Hikes, summer camps, paddling, mountain
biking, running, festivals and more.
Pick up a copy ….
Custom Fly Rods…Looking for something
special; not your standard factory rod…?
We can take orders and the price is right…many in the $200
category. These are made locally by Sam
Stitcher in Clemmons, of Rocky River Fly Fishing. We have a beautiful example of his work and a
brochure. Your choice of components
could change the price…but check our sample and see what $200 gets. Sam adds nice special touches and no two are
ever alike.
Knots, Leader Connections,
Backing and Rigging…
puzzled and confused by nail knots, loop-to-loop connections, whipped loops,
Bimini Twists, Surgeon’s Loops, blood knots …??? Does your line to leader connection look
like the string toy your cat plays with??? We’ll
help. These are done as a service
when you shop here. Get it someplace
else?..., we’ll still help….
Cartopping boats…
With any rack, aftermarket or
factory, using the right straps makes
all the difference. Don’t buy the straps
with ratchets and hooks, or similar, that you see in all the chain stores. Instead get
Ancra straps with a self-locking
buckle on only one end. These are easy,
extremely secure and very adjustable…and much better for strapping down boats
(and many other things as well…mowers, boxes etc.), and only about $7 each.
If you’re a little more “old
school” and like ropes and good, correct knots make sure you know the “trucker’s hitch” and/or the “stopper
knot.” We used the stopper knot on
mooring lines in the Coast Guard…and it works great on nylon cord and rope, tying down boats. ( also works great on tarps and tents…when a tautline hitch won’t on slick nylon)
’06 Fishing Classes…. Please make advance reservations
for all classes…If we don’t have signups 2 days prior to the scheduled class,
it is canceled.
Our next Intro to Fly Fishing is Tues. May 23… in the store from
Other Classes (at vacation special
prices):
Intermediate
Fly Fishing Tips and Techniques….2hrs…$10…Wed. May 10…
Saltwater
Fly Fishing…$10…Fri. May 17
Inventory additions…New items arrive
periodically. nippers w/nail knot tool;
new tippet spool and tool holders; carriers for convenient access to split shot;
Endurance
fly rod by Cortland; and line cleaning & polishing pads by
Scientific Anglers; two excellent step-by-step fly tying books; the
excellent Smoky Mt. Hatch Guide by
Roger Lowe and his Smoky Mt. Fly Pattern
Guide. And we’re stocking the Fisknat nets you’ve seen in Fly Fish
Tech Shirts…With the arrival or our
Spring Columbia order and the rest of our North Face order, we have a good
selection of “hi-tech/quick-dry” shirts, both t-shirt and long sleeve. Particularly
new are the
Canoe Tips…A good canoe is very
stable. But, in certain situations (boat wakes or
whitewater) you may want to increase stability. Simply slide your butt off the seat and assume a kneeling position with your
butt resting against the seat. Spread
your knees so they are positioned as far apart as possible. This lowers the center of gravity and provides stability for your body. The increase in boat stability is dramatic. For even more, stick your paddle in the
water and hold it rigidly... This provides even more stability.
If buying a canoe, avoid one with a keel. A keel may indicate inferior design (to compensate
for weakness)and it restricts your ability to turn. In river use, it can also grab and snag on
rocks. Well designed canoes, without
keels, ”track” just fine and handle better.
Thanks for shopping with
us…
Richard