Pole, Pack and Paddle  19th Edition

          Fly Fishing, Backpacking, Canoes & Kayaks

 

Carolina Mountain Sports…since 1998       May 25,  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

 

New Linville/Mt. Mitchell Map…just in…the new National Geographic map of Linville Gorge and Mt. Mitchell. (also includes Lake James, S. Toe River, Wilson Creek, Mt. to Sea Trail etc.) … a very useful map but, because it covers such a large area of NC, it doesn’t have the detail of  Nat. Forest maps of the gorge and Mt. Mitchell.   Nevertheless, it’s worth adding to your collection because of the details on secondary and gravel roads in these regions.

 

New Socks…happy feet enhance your enjoyment of the outdoors.  And to help you out (and us) we’ve added to our sock line.  We love Smartwool socks in various weights for year round wear.  Now we’ve added some great socks by Columbia.   Lows, quarter highs, and over the ankle padded, cushioned socks for sneakers, casual shoes or hiking.   These are excellent socks made in Tennessee.  Best of all, the price is right! ($7-$11). Even better, we have them on an introductory sale!...20% off.

 

Summer Clothing…We’ve got good inventory in a variety of summer clothing that is popular for outdoor activities and traveling.   Quick dry, wicking t-shirts; polyester long sleeve shirts for sun protection; cool, easy launder sports shirts that feel great; cotton and quick-dry shorts for swimming, rafting, wading and casual wear;  and the every popular sun hats by Columbia, Tilleys and others.

 

Guns & Ammo..we can easily order a wide variety of ammunition, air rifles, blackpowder accessories, tree stands, scopes, etc.   Delivery is only about 3 days.  Can’t find what you’re looking for...don’t want to pay a high shipping fee for a small item…maybe we can help…

 

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. Lightweight, compact, long life, luxurious, versatile…nothing beats mother nature’s insulation…just ask any goose.  If you think moisture is a problem…you’re quacking up the wrong tree…just ask any goose swimming by…

 

Personalized Fly Rods… We take orders and the price is right…many in the $200 category… made locally by Sam Stitcher in Clemmons, of Rocky River Fly Fishing.  We have a beautiful example of his work and a brochure….choice of components and blanks could change the price…see our demo and  what $200 gets.  Sam adds nice special touches… no two alike.

 

June 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.

            Knots & Rigging… Wed. June 7…7pm-9pm…$10

             Intro to Fly Fishing is Tues. June 13 in the store from 7-9:30pm …$30 per person …casting on Wed. evening June 14th 7pm.   Just email or call to schedule.

            Individual Casting Lessons  only $15 per hour  (remember… practicing poor technique doesn’t make you a better caster)

 

Sale

Kelty Windfoil 3 mountaineering tent…save $225…now only $150

                                                        Go-lite packs  ½ price!

Coleman youth external frame pack…save 20%!

                                                                        Cortland 9/10 wt rod…now only $110!

Birkenstock Milano sandals ½ price!.         We also have a 50% off rack (shorts and stuff)

 

Free “Fly Fish America”…  The May issue has just arrived and it has some very useful articles e.g.   “15 Must Have Trout Flies” and “Top 10 Dry Fly Lines. ” Not surprisingly, we stock several of each, and can order several of the others.  We can certainly vouch for the 444 Precision, Rio Grand, Wulff, and 555 Dyna Tip lines…they are excellent. 

 

Boots…Fit to be Tied?...Are your boots uncomfortable?  Maybe  your foot is changing it’s shape and size….yes, it happens.   You may be able to restore or recreate a good fit by altering your sock combinations and thickness.   We stock 3 different thicknesses of Smartwool socks just for this reason.  You may also find that changing your insole/footbed helps.  You could try one of the orthotic type footbeds by Footfix or Superfeet.  Or, perhaps you just need a thinner footbed...  You can also change your lacing pattern.  Skip a set of eyelets; don’t lace all the way to the top; or lace to the top and then back down, so your knot is at the flex point between your ankle and foot.   Or, maybe it’s just time for new boots.   Don’t buy according to numerical size (there is no industry standard) …buy by fit and feel…your arch length…and toe room…1-1 ½ sizes bigger than street shoes…

 

Rod Length…some considerations   Points to ponder:   the rod is a lever and the longer the lever the easier the work…casting, mending and line management etc. is easier with a longer rod;  the difference between a  9’ rod and a 7’6” rod is only 18”….      On small streams, is it the length of the rod OR is it the diameter of the casting loop that makes life easier???.  The difference between casting a tight, narrow ( 2’ )diameter loop and a large, open loop  (5’ +) can be several  feet.   Perhaps learning to cast tight loops creates the big advantage on small streams; as well as improving side arm roll casts and “bow and arrow” casts…

 

World’s Strongest Bungee Cord!   That’s right…the world’s strongest (well, it’s the strongest in Iredell County anyway…we’re pretty sure).   Seriously, it is a tough, rugged, powerful bungee.  I keep in my truck and trailer for ladders, lumber, tool containers whatever.   Definitely the best I’ve seen.  They’re 42” and 48” long and retail for $4.99.

 

 

Thanks for shopping locally.…we sincerely appreciate your business!

Richard