Pole,
Pack and Paddle 61st
Edition
Fly
Fishing, Backpacking, Canoes & Kayaks
Tues-Fri
Intro to Fly Fishing Class…Our next class is July 9 …
Hellgramites!...The real ones are great bait for smallmouth and trout but the
artificials are more docile and don’t pinch…and we have some great looking artificials….2 different
styles tied locally by our resident tyer and instructor Mickey Reavis. Definitely add a couple of these to your fly
selection for summer fishing. They
should be good producers.
Also check
out the other new locally-tied bass flies…
And, we have just re-stocked Boogle
Bugs. If you haven’t tried these
they are great…excellent quality, durable poppers and sliders for small and
largemouth bass and other panfish. At
$5 they are more expensive but they are tought and last a lot longer….and fish
love them!
Canoes…most versatile
watercraft…You
can’t beat a canoe as a great all-around watercraft. A quality 16’ canoe will haul a half ton of weight; hold 2 or 3 people; is fast and efficient to paddle; will
slide thru narrow openings between rocks and trees, has room for a cooler, tackle box and camping
gear with easy access; is easily carried
by one person (learn the correct way to lift it solo); is seaworthy and
stable; is very maneuverable (more than
a touring kayak) when paddled solo with the paddler seated or kneeling in the center; is
easily paddled with a long double-bladed paddle or a standard canoe paddle
using the c-stroke and others…; can be
used with a small outboard or electric trolling motor; will last
for years with minimal maintenance;
does not deform on hot, sunny days; is easy to transport and cartop…and
is good for fishing, hunting, camping and just messin’ around.
Features
to look for: company reputation {Bell and Wenonah are top quality, Mad
River (some not all…), Old Town (some not all…) and maybe a couple of
others}; Royalex laminate construction for toughness but lightweight…Royalex is
best in canoes used in rivers and subject to abuse…otherwise a premium
fiberglass or Kevlar canoe is a dream to
paddle on flat water; NO keel…a good design tracks great and
handles best without a keel; best all-around performers are 15-17 feet; a center seat or add one for solo use; a premium canoe will cost about $1,200 for
Royalex… much more for Kevlar.
Fly Tying Classes: Our intermediate
class is well underway…but someone with tying experience could still join
for the last half of the class.
Our next “One Night Stand” class (one night only) will be onTuesday evening
July 22 and will feature patterns for
smallmouth bass. Call or email to
get on the list.
Current Designs Kayak in
stock…The
Current Designs Kestrel is a nice
all-purpose kayak…roto-molded for toughness…and tricked out with water tight
rear compartment, padded seat and thigh area; deck mounted bungee cord storage;
grab lines and more. At 12 feet in
length it has the capacity for extended
paddling and maybe overnight use…It’s a Recreational/Touring kayak….much nicer and better performance than the
cheaper and shorter plastic kayaks in chain stores. This one is a light granite color,
attractive and cooler than darker
boats. Weight is about 50 pounds and the price is
$749. These are impressive … excellent quality and finish. If you are seeking a boat to last and
perform in a variety of environments…the
Kestrel is certainly one to consider.
New Summer/water sandals…In addition to the Teva Hurricane for $40, we have two new
models great for outdoor wear, in
and near the water. The Simms felt-soled wading sandal by Keen, is
specially designed for fishermen… only $80.
This is an excellent option to wading boots. The other great sandal is the Teva Toachi. It offers toe protection, rigid polymer arch
and footbed support; drainage ports in the soles; and non-marking Spider rubber for traction; and quick-release buckle
for easy on and off…$90
Iredell Hiking Club…. With several hikes under
their belt, the club is attracting new members.
If interested, contact “Dee” Ham
at 704 873-2362 after
More Safe Paddling tips…wear good shoes.
During periods of low water or in the event of a capsize, you’ll have to
wade. Shoes that protect toes and heels are a benefit. Carry a small fist aid kit with antibiotic
ointment…it can ward off an annoying, long lasting infection from a cut or
scrape. Wear and apply appropriate sun
protection…and drink plenty of fluids and take a snack. A normal 4 hour float can become much longer
due to low water, capsizings, snack breaks and other delays…if you are fishing
it may take twice as long. Carry your car keys securely (I prefer
a cord around my neck) and have a set
hidden on the car. Lost keys can be a
major “pain…” on the river.
New Fishing Regs…The new regs are here…with
several changes of interest: two new delayed harvest streams; Power Bait, scents, and scented products are illegal when
regs specify artificials; on June
6, 2009 when delayed harvest changes….6am -12noon is for kids only…; and new boating and safety regs for fishermen and boats within 100 feet of dams on the Catawba River like James, Norman, Rhodhiss, Lookout etc.
New Fly Reels…Looking for a good but inexpensive reel? Check out the Temple Fork Prism. It’s a large
arbor reel; adjustable drag;
interchangeable spools and it’s ridiculously smooth. …and it’s only $41. These are available
in 3/4, 5/6, and 7/8 wt models. If
you’re looking for a backup, second or even first reel, these are good, solid
performers at a great price.
*************
Thanks for
shopping (and ordering) local…Your business is important to everybody.