I thought there should be a few more things mentioned in the product review, the products that stood out for me as being different enough to mention. First off Smith Optics introduced a new lens and called it polarchromic ignitors; a pinkish hued lens that is ideally suited for mixed sun/cloud days. The lens adjusts to the lighting conditions so you have optimum glare reduction without having to switch lenses. Joel and I jumped got on it quick and ordered a few sets and have been really impressed with it's versatility. My previous favourite all around lens was an amber lens but the polarchromic seems to perform better in the lower light. A nice addition to the techlite glass series and just so everybody knows; glass is far superior to the polyblended lens....no contest!!! Water visibility is key and glasses are a huge part of your game on the water, they are worth the extra cost not just for vision but for eye protection....they allow way less UV light in.
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| Smith Optics Polarchromic Ignitors |
Patagonia has always been one of my favourite companies for outdoor wear and there waders are legendary for those in the know. Joel bought a set this year and aside from the actual styling of the wader the comfort of these are second to none. They are well fitted, not sloppy and baggy, the material is sturdy yet light and the newest/latest/coolest feature is the merino wool lined boot. Feels great and allows some airflow down there not to mention the added warmth it provides. A bit expensive but worth the extra for sure.
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| Guidewater Wader by Patagonia |
Some quick but tasty thoughts on fly selection. My years of guiding have taught me a lot about fish behaviour and to believe that fish are not aware of the more subtle aspects of a flies composition is simply not true. I have seen the fish of the Elk become smarter as years go on, as they get pinned and released time and time again they become more aware of what does not appear to be natural. Often times it's a matter of nerves; some fish are just not as willing to breach the surface and show their head to the hungry eagles and ospereys above. They become finicky eaters and develop selective habits and one of the key discoveries for me fishing to trout that have been experienced is to give them something they feel safer with....the low profile flies.
As hatches began and we as anglers arrive on the scene it often seems as if you could chuck anything at them and it will get crushed. That often is the case and often lasts but I have noticed over the last several years that I am switching to different patterns as the hatch progresses and as refusals appear on bushy hairwinged dries I move right over to the subtle and unassuming flat wing/spent dun/spinner type patterns. Trout feel safe sipping these as they are not worried about the bug flying away as it is spent or on it's way out and trout often act surprised when they've sucked down a spinner only to have there jaw pulled sharply in the other direction. I always steer curious anglers into the flat wing styled patterns in the local fly bins and most of the new patterns I develop have that characteristic in them. A flat wing of varied shade with a mix of crystal flash for visibility. Without flat winged patterns in your box you'll struggle to survive the duration of a hatch and the process becomes that of frustration, however; in the right place and at the right time, these patterns make the angling seem easy. Wicked trout food.....YUM
'Til next time
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