Pole, Pack and Paddle  44th  Edition

          Fly Fishing, Backpacking, Canoes & Kayaks

 

Carolina Mountain Sports…since 1998                 Sept. 7,  2007  Newsletter

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

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

 

End of Summer Sale….    

            Our biggest sale ever…but it is winding down.  Most summer items are ½ price and there’s lots of other clothing and equipment reduced in price… Canoes, Tents,  Fly Rods,  Backpacks,  Sleeping Bags and more.  Sale ends in one week….

 

Fall is great for Hiking and Backpacking-get ready…We are rapidly moving in to one of the best seasons for enjoying all the hiking trails in W. NC.  Are you ready?  Here’s some things consider:  Do your boots still fit?...it’s a fact, feet change as we age.  How’s the condition of your pack?...do buckles need replacing and straps need re-stitching?  How about that stove?...does the pump still work?…is the liquid fuel too old?  Does that Gore-tex rain jacket need a good wash and retreating of the outer fabric?  Does that mummy bag still fit?...does it need a good cleaning and airing out?  How about minor tent repairs and seam sealing?...or replacement of lost tent stakes?  Does that headlamp need a fresh set of batteries (or bulb if not LED)?...need replacement no-drip candles for the candle lantern?  Has your water bottle or hydration system grown a “culture” of something over the summer?

            Check out your gear now.  That way you can avoid that last-minute crunch when you want to head outdoors that first nice fall weekend.

 

Dates we’ll be closed…we won’t be open two weekends this month.  We’ll be closed on Fri. & Sat. Sept. 14 &15; and the next weekend Thurs.,Fri.,and Sat.,Sept. 20, 21, & 22

 

 Fly Fish America…latest issue…just in is the annual Warmwater Issue.  If you’re looking for tips and techniques, and info on tackle, for smallmouth bass, pike and other lake and river species…pick up your copy soon.   Best of all, it’s free!

 

“One Night Stand…” Our one night stand fly tying class for Sept. is the fourth Thursday…Sept. 27th  ( this a change from the normal schedule)  It will focus on the Thunder Creek streamers; Mickey Finns and maybe a “sneaky pete”- tied slider…  These streamers are excellent patterns for trout and bass….email to reserve a seat. 

 

New Ross Rods!...That’s right Ross Reels company is branching out with the introduction of 3 series of rods.  These are the most popular lengths and weights and the prices start at only $99 for a 4-piece rod.  Demos should be here in a few days. 

 

Winter Clothing is arriving…hard to believe isn’t it….that first winter frost may be only a month away in the mountains and temps will start dipping into the low 50s and 40s in the Piedmont.  So, it’s not surprising that winter clothing is arriving and will be going up on the racks in next week or so.  We’ve already received our Columbia order, and North Face jackets, fleece etc is on the way. 

 

Buffs are Herebut what is it?... It’s multifunctional headwear,,,    For most, it’s best as a neck and face protector to shield the skin from excessive exposure to the sun and wind.  Very popular with fishermen…especially those on the water in boats, hour after hour, and in tropical climates.   Protect yourself from the sun…get a Buff!. 

 

Fishing Classes         

Intro to Fly Fishing… Sept. 18   (7-9:30pm)in-store “classroom”…… Outside casting Sept. 19   ( 6:45-8:00pm).  …$30(Topics: gear, lines, knots, flies, techniques, locations etc.)

On-Stream Fly Fishing Clinic Sun. or Mon. only; with reservations_ rigging, reading water, deep nymphing, dry flies, wading, casting,  droppers, streamers,  landing and releasing fish and more…4 hrs.   $75.   1:45 from Statesville  9am-1pm approx.   1-3 people is the max

Casting Clinics…$15/hr need a starter class or a refresher; need tighter loops; want to learn the double haul etc… 7pm (Tues, Wed, and Friday) Just let us know in advance.

           

Keep a Keen Edge….Got a knife that needs to be sharpened? We routinely sharpen pocket knives, sheath knives, kitchen knives (even most serrated blades)… Price is reasonable and we’ll try to do it while you wait…

 

Fall Fishing…Fresh and Salt…Fall is one of the best times of the year for fishing.  “Delayed Harvest” trout fishing resumes in 3 Weeks…Oct. 1 and will be good through the winter.  Lake, river,  and pond fishing will also pickup.  And, at the coast, the saltwater action will really takeoff.  From early Oct. to early Dec. (or even later) fly fishing at the coast can really be hot for Spanish mackerel, speckled trout, drum, false albacore etc.   Now’s the time to get gear ready…especially if going to the coast.   Need a “tackle tuneup”???…it’s time to get line cleaned or replaced, knots checked, new loops tied etc.  Maybe your casting needs a tuneup (or overhaul) as well. Perhaps the biggest challenge for saltwater fly fishing (and river smallies) is developing the ability to cast well.  That usually involves  lessons and practicing good technique….don’t wait…the better and longer you can cast, the easier it is and the more fish you’ll catch.

 

Two of the best campgrounds in NC-- says John Molloy in his book The Best in Tent Camping the Carolinas--are Sunburst and Hanging Dog.  Sunburst is tucked away between Shining Rock and Middle Prong Wilderness areas, south of Asheville.   Hanging Dog is on Hiwassee Lake, west of Murphy.  For more info see www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc, or pick up a copy of Molloy’s book. 

 

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