by The Troutist, December 18, 2012
Well it’s crunch time, only a few shopping days left. Here are a few suggestions for some stocking stuffers and maybe a few other items you just might want to put under the tree. This is a must have for those of you that want to learn new waters. River maps from Wilderness Adventure Press. These maps have all the information you will need from launch points, the roads that lead into them, hatch charts, best time of the year to fish for different species. Another one of my favorite picks is a DVD from Amato Publications called Float Fishing for Steelhead. This DVD covers it all and is a must have for those of you wanting to learn this method. It is also a very successful and becoming quite popular amongst the steelhead community. Learn about the equipment, tactics, and why it is a great way to introduce yourself and your friends to these hard fighting chromers.
Hooks are always a good choice for that angler that never seems to have enough of them. Eagle Claw has come out with a new product, the Trolkar Hook. These are the sharpest hooks on the face of the planet. They took five years to perfect these hooks working with a hypodermic needle company out of Portland. Not only are these hooks sharp but very strong and will stand up to the toughest of salmon or steelhead. Ask your local tackle shop about these hooks. One other thing to keep in mind is that these are made in the USA. Another product that is gaining in popularity and is revolutionizing the way you think about in-line spinners, bottom bouncing set-ups, even in-line jigs without the nightmare of tying, painting and curing. What am I talking about? Hevi-Beads, their motto is “if you think it you can make it.” This band system is quite clever and holds you beads in place. Slide your beads into place on your line then pull your rubber bands through the center, you can also add your marabou, crystal flash, hackle, and any other addition that will dress up your creation. The special tool that pulls the band through the beads and the vise come with the original set-up. I think you will be quite pleased with this product.
Swivels are a must have for any type of angling and is any of you have been reading my columns on a regular basis know that I don’t leave home without my invisaSwivels. These swivels are made out of fluorocarbon and the water acts as the lubricant so they work all of the time and they are virtually invisible in the water. Trolling flies like I do the invisaSwivel has saved me many a leader. If you pick even the smallest piece of grass or a weed the fly tends to rotate causing your leader to twist up ruining your leader and causing you lost time in the water. I take about 3-4 feet of 6lb test leader and my swivel then add another 3-4 feet of leader to the other end of the swivel tie my fly on and I’m rolling. Great product!
Another product that I have become quite fond of is my Little Bear pack from Alps Outdoors. This day pack has it going on with shoulder straps, padded waist belt, two main compartments, with another little pocket on the inside, and two side pockets. This little pack has more than enough room to carry all of my gear for a day on the water. These folks are the makers of outdoor gear such as tents, packs, bags, sleeping bags, pads, furniture, beds, and all of the accessories. What I really appreciate is the quality of their products and the value for the dollar, yes they are reasonably priced which is hard to find now days.
For those of you that are interested in other outdoor recreation my good friend and fellow outdoorsman, angler, and radio show host John Kruse has a great book out called “Great Places Washington.” This book is well written and covers things like, wildlife viewing, fishing, hunting, hiking, climbing, horseback riding, bicycling, paddle sports, snow sports, camping, and more. You can find his book at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Wilderness Adventure Press, outdoor stores, and book stores everywhere. Excellent book & another great value for your dollar.
Now this wouldn’t be one of my articles if I didn’t throw in a shameless plug for my own book “Flyfishers Guide to Western Washington Lakes.” This book covers trolling for trout in 38 different lakes with my tactics, techniques, trolling patterns, equipment, and more. You can find my book at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Wilderness Adventure Press, Verle’s, and fly shops throughout Western Washington. I consider this to be a great value for your dollar. So until next time may your next trout be your trophy mount. The Troutist-“Uncle Wes” Malmberg.
Join me on my facebook page Uncle Wes. So until next time may your next trout be your trophy mount. The Troutist-“Uncle Wes” Malmberg.
