Pole, Pack and Paddle  29th  Edition

          Fly Fishing, Backpacking, Canoes & Kayaks

 

Carolina Mountain Sports…since 1998     Dec.13,  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 Books…for fly fishermen:  Tactics for Trout by Dave Hughes…great info and specifics on techniques you don’t hear much about;   Nymph Fishing Rivers & Streams by Rich Hafele…brand new and beautifully illustrated on nymphs and techniques from a biologist…also with a DVD;  Fly Fishing for Bonefish by Chico Fernandez… awesome book with great photos by one of the big names in fly fishing…excellent info for anyone interested in saltwater;  Fly Fishing Small Streams…John Gierach… author needs no intro and this book is a classic and well worth the read;  Morris on Typing Flies by Skip Morris…this is also a brand new release and it’s a superb book for any tyer or fisherman.  Not on basics but different patterns and specifics.  Great pics of flies and the real thing…and techniques.      (new books for hikers/campers listed in a previous newsletter)

 

New Fly Line…Cortland Precision Dyna-Tip for TroutCortland’s relatively new Precision line casts and fishes very well and their high floating Dyna-Tip works great.  Now there’s another new version that should appeal to trout fishermen.  The line is the Precision taper in mint (Cortland) “hi-vis” green…the 6’ high floating tip and taper is in a dull sage green (low “spook” color).  This line should really appeal to folks who are concerned about line color, especially near the fly, but also want to see the line better in the air and on the water.

 

Charlotte Fly Fishing Show…Feb. 2-4…flyfishingshow.com

 

Lost and Found…a reel/line were left in the store… missing one???  No guessing please!!!!   

            Ever lost a fly box  (or other) on the stream???  Put you name and phone on your gear….Most fly fishermen seem honest enough…except maybe regarding numbers and size…

 

Holiday Specials:    Each week thru the holidays, we’ll be running unannounced and unadvertised specials in the store… look for the brightly colored snowflake special signs.

 

Other NEW PRODUCTS:

            Camo Packs…we have several styles of camouflage day packs and backpacks that are great for hunters…all top quality by Kelty. 

            BYOB” Bag.  Neoprene bags that are great for carrying 1 or 2 bottles of wine, or other…   Not only does the neoprene protect from breakage…but it insulates as well ….

            Knives…we have added 15 models of folding knives from Buck, Gerber, Boker, Primble, Case, Winchester and others.   Need something specia?… browse our 700+ page catalog.  Normal delivery is about 5 days.

            Albright Fly Rods… new company but fine  rods.  Started by Jim Murphy after his company (Redington) was sold.   We have two inexpensive models: Yellowstone and Topwater.  Prices are $42 and $89.  Yea, low price… pretty nice and good actions.   Could certainly be a primary rod but great backup or starter rods….

            Albright 3X Dry shirts… great fishing, hiking or casual shirt..big chest pockets; vented back, button down collar etc… highly water repellent and definitely “quick dry.”  But, the amazing thing is…they are cotton--high tech performance - cotton comfort… only $39

            Wyoming Wear Fleece Socks… luxurious warmth for your feet….great gifts.$18

            NOAA Weather Alert Radio small and compact…great for staying in touch with changing weather conditions and the Alert automatically warns you of severe weather..

            Stocking Stuffers…we’ve also added some new items that make great “stocking stuffers…bottle belts, “biner” lights, bear bells, solar radios, key ring thermometers etc.

 

Cold Weather Tips:  Warm feet are a result of insulating properly the entire body…starting with the head and neck.  However, sometimes modifications are in order for various reasons.   A major factor keeping feet warm is keeping legs warm and that means long underwear and insulated or fleece pants.  Sometimes, folks complain long underwear restricts movement.    Grab your scissors and cut off  underwear just above the knee.  Your waist to knees are insulated but nothing now restricts knee motion.  For the shin and calf, shift to over-the-calf socks especially the thick wool ones by Smartwool,  marketed as hunting socks.  If you find your boots (or waders) are too tight in the foot and restrict circulation, grab the scissors.   Cut off the foot of the sock  (maybe do this with a warn pair…)  and use the upper portion only to insulate from ankle to  knee.  Sometimes this lower leg insulation may be all that’s needed…it has actually worked quite well cross country skiing; hiking; downhill skiing; and for wear inside fishing waders….

 

Sleeping Warmer:  With  colder weather, campers may need to increase the amount of insulation underneath their bag.  Usually this is simply done by layering  a piece of a closed cell pad (Ridgerest, Ensolite etc.) on top of their Thermarest mattress, under hips, back and shoulders.   If weight is not critical, a blanket etc.  on top of your Thermarest will help. 

            Some folks still recommend sleeping “nekkid,”  but the popularity of that suggestion, as far as keeping warm, seems to have dwindled since the 60’s and 70’s.  Now the better recommendation may be to sleep in one or two layers of clean, dry polyester or wool long underwear, and wear a hat, even in a hooded bag.  

            Make sure you have taken in plenty of fluids and eaten a high calorie supper…and …have a high calorie late night snack….    More winter tips are on our website…

 

Map reading made easier…if you don’t want to carry around some cheap 2X reading glasses, or resort to the magnifier on your compass, visit a local copy shop.  Have them photocopy the section  of the map you’re interested in… but have it enlarged 110%-120%.  Copied in color and then laminated can make map reading a lot easier.

 

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

Richard