Pole, Pack and Paddle  66th  Edition

          Fly Fishing, Backpacking, Canoes & Kayaks

 

Carolina Mountain Sports…since 1998                Aug. 20, 2008

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

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

 

Tying the Hipps Popper…Want to learn to tie this nationally recognized popper?  or maybe you been trying and struggling?...then this is the class for you.  Aug. 27 from 7-9ish  pm.   It’ll be taught by Kim Scronce (known to some as “Discomidge) and he’ll show and explain all the “secrets.” …plus some  tips for increasing your success.   Cost is $10.  Space is limited so register now to lock in a seat.       Hipp’s poppers are tough and durable; they hone and broaden your tying skills; and, best of all, fish really luv ‘em!

 

Intro to Fly Fishing Class…Our next Intro classes are Aug 26  7-9:30 pm, in the store, with casting on Aug 29  AND  Sept. 10 with casting on Sept. 13 at 7:45am.  It covers the basics of equipment, knots and accessories; flies and selection; fishing and casting techniques.  If interested, email or call to register.  Trout fishing should really take off on Oct 1 with the restocking of Delayed Harvest streams…now’s the time to get ready!

 

Smallmouth Fishing in the New River…Excellent Now! Don’t let the low water keep you from experiencing what may be the best action of the season, particularly if you like topwater fishing.   It may be difficult and annoying to float…but when you get thru the shallows to deeper water the fishing can be really good.  If you are wading, it’s even easier and that’s a great way to really learn and cover the water.   We’re happy to steer you toward sections to wade and can keep you posted on guided float trips as fluctuating water levels make those feasible, and help advise you on flies etc. 

 

Saltwater Fly Fishing ClassFall fishing at the coast can be really hot.  If you’re interested in this growing aspect of fly fishing, it’s a good time to learn the basics.  We’ll cover the fundamentals of saltwater gear, flies, knots; leaders,  accessories; places to go and how to improve your casting for saltwater conditions and guide trips.  The classroom portion is Sept. 3 from 7-9pm.  Casting will be Fri. evening Sept. 5 from 7-8:30pm.  You should already know and be comfortable with the fundamentals of roll casting and false casting.  In this portion of the class, we will work on speed casts, casting sinking lines and increasing your distance, and line management in the surf and on boats. Cost is $35.    If there is interest, we will schedule an in the boat/on the water casting session.  Cost would be $15 and would be limited to 2-3 people.  If planning to do a guided saltwater trip for the first time, this in-the-boat-session should be very beneficial

 

Hammocks for Hikers and “Loungers” …Hammocks are popular for “just hanging around” and for backpackers.  We still carry the net hammocks which some enjoy, but we also carry the ENO (Eagles Nest Outfitters)  Single Nest for $49;  the Byer Traveller for $24.50 and the Hennessey Expedition Hammock with netting and overhead rain canopy for $139.  The Hennessey has an easy access feature that’s pretty slick.  If you want to “hang out” or save some weight and sleep off the ground…check out these hammocks. 

 

Sock “Savy”…Do you really know your socks?  I mean really?   Are your feet as happy as they could be?  If you aren’t really reading  the label when you buy socks you may be mis-informed.  Feet love good wool socks…good ones don’t itch and they don’t shrink and they don’t smell bad after a day of wear.  Good wool socks are about 75% wool…usually Merino wool…and there are several good brands.   Don’t take our word for it.  Listen to customers who have learned;  and read the tests and reviews (not the advertising and PR)  of socks in outdoor publications like Backpacker.   Even if you wear liner socks (which we still recommend) an awful lot of our customers prefer the wool liners over the synthetic liners.  Let’s face it, chemical companies have produced some pretty good stuff…but they haven’t beat out Mother Nature. Just ask the sheep….and shift to Smartwool socks.  Your feet will be happier.  

 

New Books…Just in are 3 new books that are excellent: Casting with Lefty Kreh” is amazing.  Over 400 pages and 40 different casts…all shown in great detail with excellent photos… autographed by Lefty.  $60;   “LaFontaine’s Legacy” by Al and Gretchen Beatty.  His final undocumented designs were left with the Beattys…and they have tied and photographed them in this book… beautifully done…new patterns and a piece of fly fishing history….$30;   Kayak Fishing” by Cory Routh. ..full of great color photos and information on  rigging, accessories, paddling technique, rescues, transporting, anchoring, places to go, fishing gear and more.…$25. 

 

Kayak SALE…The Current Designs Kestrel is a nice all-purpose kayak…roto-molded for toughness… with water tight rear compartment, padded seat and thigh area; deck mounted bungee cord storage; grab lines….  12 feet long… it has the capacity for extended paddling…It’s a Recreational/Touring kayak  This one is a light granite color, attractive and cooler...    Weight is about 50 pounds and the price is $749.  These are impressive … excellent quality and finish.  Seeking a boat to last and perform?…  get the Kestrel.   Purchase one and get a Carlise Day-Tripper paddle for Free and a your choice of life jacket at half price!

 

Fly Fish America magazine’s Backcountry issue has just arrived.   It’s full of info on small stream fishing and equipment info.  Top 10 streams of the Smokies is one of the features.  Pick up your complimentary issue when you stop in for a visit.    Also featured are Top 10 waist-high waders; removing fish hooks from flesh; wet wading shoes, and more. 

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