Pole, Pack and Paddle  53rd  Edition

          Fly Fishing, Backpacking, Canoes & Kayaks

 

Carolina Mountain Sports…since 1998                 Feb 15, 2008  Newsletter

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

Tues-Fri  11-7pm,       Thurs until 9pm ,        Sat 9-3

 

Closures…closing early (5:30pm)  Feb. 19th to do a False Albacore presentation at a nearby Trout Unlimited meeting.   And we’ll be closed March 7-10…but we’re not fishing,…darnit…

 

A Successful Show…Thanks to everyone that came by our booth at the show and helped make it so successful.  We appreciate your business.  If you were there on Sat. you know it was extremely busy and we didn’t get a chance to visit with everyone.  It’s too early to know what, if any, changes may be considered for next year but I know show organizers are evaluating  possibilities already.

 

Sales for Late Feb…all of our North Face and Columbia Gloves 50% off;  Life is Good T-shirts 50% off;  select winter coats are 60% off;  Tilley’s winter wool hat 50% off;

Zero Degree Sleeping Bags…North Face Snowshoe (normally $199)  and the Kelty Taku (normally $150) now at 40 % off.   Sci Anglers complete fly fishing outfit…$79.  Redington mesh fishing vest…only $29….  All Columbia  Henrys Fork vests…30% off now $52…  Costa Del Mar sunglasses 25% off;     and more stuff on the 1/2 price rack…

 

More New Rods-with our logo and name…That’s right, Carolina Mountain Sports now has our “own” private label rod.  CMS Appalachian Guide Series.   Who’s making it?...we can’t say,  but it’s ordered thru Targus and ships from Washington state…home of several veteran rod companies.   But, it doesn’t really matter.  It looks great; casts great;  comes with a great warranty, sock and hard case and all for the very reasonable price of $139.  The blank is turquoise green, wood and silver reel seat, and single foot guides….a very attractive rod.   We have these in 8’ 4 wt, 8.5’ 5 wt.,  9’ 4wt and 9’ 5wt.   Buy a CMS rod and we’ll sell you an Okuma Sierra Reel for half price…only $24

 

Hikers Prep for Snow!...don’t get a false sense of security with the mild weather we’ve had.  Winter is still with us for at least another 2 months…particularly if you’re a hiker or backpacker.  The deepest snows of the year are typically those that fall in the mountains March thru April (and even into May sometimes)  If you’re headed into the backcountry, especially above 4,000 feet, watch the forecast for the mountains and be prepared.

 

Boot Banter…I’ve been fitting boots on customers for over 12 years… and on myself for considerably longer (no comments please) …and there’s much to consider.  One factor is which length?  Overall length or arch length.  Typically folks are concerned with overall length…but arch length (the distance from heel to ball of the foot) may be more important.   When you apply arch length to boots size,  you are getting a boot designed to bend where your foot bends.  That makes good sense doesn’t it?   But in many cases the proper arch length means getting a shoe longer than you usually get.  And, actually, that’s probably a really good idea for a hiking boot…it’ll also be a little wider too and that can be a plus…especially with thick socks.  Think is over.

 

New Kelty Internal Frame Pack…The new “Slider” has just arrived.  It’s a new… pretty technical internal frame from Kelty…with some new features you haven’t seen on a pack before…mesh back for coolness; waistbelt pockets, 2nd low volume hood; external pockets and more…$230.


Diamondback Flawless Rods…These rods have gotten great reviews.  After casting several at the recent Fly Fishing Show, we can see why.  They’re sharp looking rods and can really fling the line out there …Diamondbacks have routinely been considered to be on par with rods costing much more.  The new Flawless is carrying on the tradition.  They are 4 piece rods, attractive, and great performers …all for only $250-299. 

 

Popular items at the show: It’s always interesting to see what folks key in on at the fly show.  Here are this year’s popular items:  Winston Vapor rods $295;  Sharkskin fly line $99 ;  Cortland Pro Cast large arbor reel $70;  Diamondback Flawless rods;  Temple Fork Rods;  books…especially W. NC Fly Guide. 

             

Pro Guide Clinic…NEXT WEEK… Only a couple of spaces left…Marty Shaffner,  top guide and teacher, is offering a clinic for almost anyone and the price is right!   On-Stream Nymphing covers tactics and techniques: reading the water, casting, mending, rigging, indicators and learning what most people do wrong;  approaching and positioning on the run or hole to be fished;  indicator height; amount of weight; mending; setting the hook… an on-stream clinic, not a guided trip.  Emphasis on learning techniques to improve success …on Helton Creek  9am-1pm approx., Feb 23.. limited to 6$40 per person.  Not for the  1st timer …Contact Marty at www.tristateangler.com to register; or let us know

 

 

Fishing Classes        

Intro to Fly Fishing  Feb 27 (7-9:30 pm)In-store “classroom”……Mar. 1 Outside casting Sat. morning   (7:45am-8:45 am).  …$35   (Topics: gear, lines, knots, flies, techniques, locations etc.)  Please register in advance

Individual Casting Classeswhen requested and scheduled…improve techniques; correct problems; double-hauls; correct practices drills, increase distance etc.   $15/hour

Knots...knot problems…we’ll help with one or two knots…just about any time…and it’s free.  Want an evening Knot Clinic?…just call to schedule…clinch, blood, surgeons, Bimini twist; lock knots; Uni & Duncan; non-slip loop; Albright etc. 

On-Stream Clinic Sundays or Mondays only; with reservations rigging, reading water, deep nymphing, dry flies, wading, casting,  droppers, streamers,  landing and releasing fish and more…4 hrs.   $85 per person.   1:45 from Statesville  10am-2pm approx.   Personal, intensive instruction for 1 or 2 people.     

 

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