FFE 2012 Magazine

FFe Flyfisheurope.com

Flyfisheurope.com

FFe

FLYFISH EUROPE MAGAZINE #1

SPRING 2012

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www.flyfisheurope.com

Editoral FFE Repair Center DIY Fishing

01 02 04

Scott Fly Rods

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Euro Skagit Meeting with the Greatest NASF

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Waterworks/Lamson

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Rio Grande

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Simms

Waders Outerwear Footwear Vests & Packs Layering Sportswear Tee´s & Caps Women´s wear

46 48 56 62 66 68 69 70 71

Stairway to heaven Scientific Anglers Flats for bass The Purist & the Mayfly Scott A4

74 80 88 93 96

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As well as stocking some of the best known brands in fly fishing - we also promise unparalleled levels of service and product availability to all our customers. Because of the large scale of the Flyfish Europe operation we are able to take a much wider product range to Europe than before we came on board. We are simply making more products available to everyone! Ladies waders from Simms is a great example. We have customers coming to us saying ‘we never realized that Simms did those’. The truth is that maybe someone in the past did not see a market for them. We know there is.

FlyFish Europe’s head office and showrooms are based at Kløfta, Norway where we have also established a service- and repair center for all brands we carry. The warehouse is in Rotterdam, Holland - allowing for quick and efficient delivery across the whole of Europe.

Flyfisheurope.com

Not all tackle producers and designers are familiar with the special needs for European fishing techniques.

We always keep a finger on the pulse and collaborate with our American manufacturers to custom design specialized items of tackle where we see there is a great need, the Mastery VPT line and the well-known Atlantic Shooting Heads are shining examples. We put our final touch on the new Scott A4 rods where you really get value for money considering the high quality and great warranty... The upcoming new Waterworks - Lamson Salmon reels are specially designed for Europe. And there is more to come –stay updated on our brand new web page www.flyfisheurope.com Who is behind the scene?

All employees and agents working for Flyfish Europe are dedicated fly-fishermen sharing the same affection for fly-fishing which you have. All handpicked from the fishing tackle industry and have different background from retail, distribution, marketing, economy and purchasing, knowing what is needed to make sure you get the best products available in your local store. We count 19 workers in total, 3 of these guys are servicing and repairing your products on a daily basis. Our 11 agents are spread out all over Europe where you will meet them holding demos and shows at your retailer.

Tight lines //FFE-Team

Copyright © Flyfish Europe AS 2012.

This Catalogue is produced on state of the art with Apple/Mac equipment by Morgan Evans Flyfish Europe.

We reserve the right for any incorrect information or fault in printing and take no responsibility for either.

Cover Photo: Kristian Topp, kristian@danicafilm.com Photo: Morgan Evans, Henrik Larsson, Dag Erik Blakkisrud Text & Text editing: Jon Anders Walle, Roy Thue, Tom Roger Bekkeli Artwork & Design: Morgan Evans Print: Panzerprint AS

Please recycle

This cataloge is printed on a environmentally friendly paper.

Thank you for picking up the new FFE Magazine!

You will find presented some of the finest fishing equipment made in the world.

We are proud to distribute products from Simms Fishing Products, Scott Fly Rod Company, Scientific Anglers and Waterworks-Lamson. All market leaders in their category.

With that comes a commitment to provide you as a passionate angler with a level of service that matches the products.

In 2007 Flyfish Europe built a Simms repair centre in Norway to service European customers.

It has been a great success. It is with great excitement we now open a Scott repair centre in the same locations where we have serviced your Simms products for years. Jim Bartschi, president of Scott Fly Rod Company sent his best craftsmen to help us set up our workshop. We wanted to ensure we would be able to offer the same quality of craftsmanship as if the rods where sent back to Montrose, Colorado. Their knowledge and passion blew us away! While I am writing this our people are working at Scott Fly Rod Company in Montrose to learn even more and practice with the best rods builders there is (and probably fishing with them every evening).

My promise to you is that we will continue to bring you high quality products and unmatched service in the years to come. Our passion is fly-fishing. This is something we share with all of you. Some of you we have met, others we have still to meet.

Our wish for all of you in 2012 is that you take some time to live. Listen to your favorite music while tying up the flies you need for your next fishing trip. Smell your coffee in the morning overlooking the river. Listen to the mosquitoes while you wait for the big brown to start rising again. Feel the adrenalin rush watching your fly drifting towards the fish you just spotted. After fishing a whole day nothing beats enjoying a beer with good friends gathered around an open fire.

Life is faster than ever before. Maybe it has gone too far? Only you can be the judge of that.

This magazine is meant to inspire you to take a few minutes and think about what makes life worth living. It is filled with articles written by people who has inspired us and who use our products. We hope they will have the same effect on you.

After all, life is what you make it!

Jarle L. Kristiansen Flyfish Europe

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DIY FISHING

The FFE Repair Centre- This is where the magic happens- the place where we bring your products back to life.

FFe Flyfisheurope.com

Repair Centre

The European Repair Centre for Simms Fishing Products, Scott Fly Rods and The Waterworks Lamson Reels is located at the Norwegian based headquarters of Flyfish Europe. If you tear your waders, break your rod or have a reel that’s not running smooth…don’t worry we’re here to help you!

When you purchase the best products on the market, you should also rely on the best after sales service on the market. We at FFE will give you that service. Our network of well trusted dealers and our Repair Centre works like a well greased machinery when it comes to handling repair cases. None of our competing distributors can match what Flyfish Europe and our dealers do at this level. When chasing that fish along rivers, on the banks of lakes or along a rocky coast a lot of things can happen to your gear if a bit of bad luck strikes.

What are we able to repair here in Norway? Well, just about any part of your flyfishing gear that you are unlucky enough to break.

We fix most Simms gear in house, we take care of your waders, jackets, boots, packs & backpacks. On a daily base we deal with the results of encounters with thistles, thorns, barbed wire and other dangerous stuff. One time we even received a blood stained pair of waders with a huge hole in the knee cut by an axe… I know the guy, even after a severe blood loss he survived the incident and he is still proudly wearing his old Classic Guide waders with the huge patch on the knee. Dealing with the repairs the way our Repair Technicians do gives them an unparalleled experience and knowledge about

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FFE REPAIR CENTER

what works, and what does not work. Their ability to evaluate products from the wear patterns and find out how things really failed are remarkable. How many people do you know that can look at your waders and be able to tell you if you fish for trout or salmon? It is all in the wear pattern; trout and salmon fishermen leave different patterns on their gear, and it is the wear pattern which reveals the owner! We usually say: “show us your waders and we’ll tell you who you are”. We use that knowledge to give feedback to the Research & Development teams at Simms assisting them continue developing the best gear on the market.

What do we not fix in house? When a garment has a huge tear or a broken zipper we have a professional seamstress help us to mend issues like that.

We also work closely together with a professional cobbler to mend problems like broken eyelets or other wear & tear issues on footwear.

Simms offers the largest selections of wader sizes on the market. Even with 25 different size options we can’t fit all body shapes and sizes. That’s why we also offer Custom waders through FFE. We build all the Simms Custom waders for Europe in our repair centre. With 24 sizes to choose from and the possibility to change to all foot sizes we normally find the perfect fit for everybody. Need one? Visit your local dealer and get the help you need to order your Custom Waders.

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show us your waders and we’ll tell you who you are The European Scott Repair Centre was recently opened up in the same premises as our Simms Repair Centre. When taking over the Scott distribution in Europe we asked ourselves; what can we do better with Scott here in Europe than any other distributors of American brands can?

Besides already having the best dealer network and the best distribution model out there, we wanted to offer better turnaround time on repairs. Most people are familiar with the Scott Lifetime Warranty, and that all Scott rods earlier had to be sent to Scott in the US for repair. This means that the repair turnaround time would be delayed with some weeks due to shipping back and forth to the States. Not exactly a fun thing to experience in the peak of the season... So; we decided that we would build our own Repair Centre for Scott rods; like we did for Simms. After a couple of months of setting up and preparing the new repair centre Theresa Van Nooten and Jim Bartschi, the President, of Scott Flyrods came over to Norway to train us doing the rod repairs. After an intense training period with Theresa and Jim, followed up with our staff visiting the Scott facilities at Montrose for even more training, we are now doing all Scott repairs for Europe. We are both humble and honored to be left with this huge responsibility; after all we are doing repairs on the finest fly rods that money can buy these days. We are very eager to deliver flawless repairs with the same perfect finish as the Scott rods have when they leave the factory in Montrose, Colorado. Our repair centre staff has also already made themselves several “custom” Scott rods. These rods have been designed and built during some quiet hours between customer’s repairs. This rod building has been disguised as “additional training” to our Managing Director (don’t tell him…). What can I say about repairing and building the finest rods on the market; Endless fun!

The Waterworks Lamson designs and builds the best and most reliable reels available! How can I say that? Well, I can look at the return rate for reels that needs service. We service reels from all over Europe, and knowing what a reel usually is exposed to, all the different environments they have been fished in, and what salt & dirt can do to a piece made of metal, and still have low repair numbers beaten by none tells it all. The durability together with the innovative design makes these reels the roughest and best looking you can put on a fly rod today. Did I mention that the drag system on the WWL reels is the smoothest and also the most powerful on the market?

As for all other existing things in this world a time will also come for your fishing gear, the time when it should be put to the final rest. Eventually everything wears out in the end, but until then; if your wading gear, rod, reel or any other part of your equipment fails due to some mystical force (often unknown we are told..:)), our goal is to help you get it fixed and get you back on the water as soon as possible.

From the FFE Repair Crew; a special thanks to our excellent dealers out there, without your support we could not offer our customers the best after sales service on the market!

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TEXT HENRIK LARSSON

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PHOTO HENRIK LARSSON

DIY fishing is now a well-known phenomenon in the fly fishing world, meaning simply Do It Yourself. It caters for the adventures fly angler who are well aware of travelling, fishing, camping etc, and gives fishermen the opportunity to fish long days in distant places on a low daily budget. Fishing with a guide of course has tons of advantages, but in some ways it takes the adventure and exploration out of the equation.

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DIY FISHING

Henrik Larsson.

I sell fishing- flyfishing- and outdoor pictures to magazines, travel agents and fishing tackle companies, and I am based in Gothenburg on

the Swedish west coast. Please visit my web

page for more info & image galleries. In the

archives You will find pictures from Sweden, Norway, Cuba, Mexico, New Zealand, Costa Rica and different European destinations. www.fiskebild.se

FLYFISH EUROPE - SPRING 2012

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DIY FISHING

I must admit that I really like DIY fishing, and I think it’s been in me from day one. As a Swede growing up on the countryside with unlimited access to forests and lakes, being in the nature is just something quite natural and a thing we take for granted from early age. Nature, hunting and fishing is something that is just there for us, at no or very little cost. We have a close relationship with the nature from early age, and with the abundance of clean air and very little private land, we take nature for granted. Therefor it´s no big deal for us Scandinavians to spend a week in the bush; camping, hiking and fly-fishing. This also makes us a little to proud and stubborn when it comes things like to hiring a fishing guide, because we think we will manage better on our own....

In short, fishing with a guide ensures you to experience the best fishing possible on a given day and eliminate days of trial and error finding the right place, fly and approach. It gives you the best possible chance to get into fish when shortage of time is the limiting factor. Some places and type of fishing can be quite difficult to manage without a guide, especially in saltwater for species like G.T and big tarpon.

DIY fishing is here to stay, and it is a way of fishing distant places where you pay the dues in time and not in money. It also gives you some extra satisfaction when you stalk and pursue that big bonefish or brownie without any help or assistance. But this also calls for some problems, as I as a DIY angler do not contribute to the local business in the same way as anglers who hire local guides.

If you have the time but not the money, go on a DIY trip and have a blast. It is marvellous way to scout and explore new grounds where there is no structure around fishing tourism. But if there is, keep in mind not to interrupt with local guides working with clients. If possible take the advantage of hiring a guide for some days, because they will take you places few DIY setups can reach or find. If you fish with a guide, respect the places he takes you and do not use the guide as a Personal Planner for your upcoming DIY fishing.

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Probably the best restaurant in the Caribbian

But the trip you choose also reflect where in life you are for the moment. As a father of three little girls it is difficult to spend eight weeks in New Zealand as I did before my first daughter was born. Now I instead fish more back home in my local water and when I go abroad it is on shorter trips, and most often with guide.

There are now also some destinations that offer more basic, self-guided trips at a lower rate. Here you get to share some of the knowledge from the local guides and maybe transportation by boat or kayak, but the rest is up to you. As the economy in the world is shaky at the moment, and probably will be for some seasons to come, this may be a way for guides and lodges to attract a new groups of anglers.

The pictures on these pages show a recent trip to Mexico with some friends from Sweden and Norway. We stayed in the little village of Xcalak in southern Yucatan and fished six days with guide and four on our own. Without any doubt we experienced the best fishing during our days with the local and very knowledgeable guides and managed two permits including one Grand Slam. But the most memorable afternoon was when I waded a beautiful sand beach on my own and stalked small groups of bonefish in eight inch of water.

Love to you all and keep those dreams alive.

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True handcrafted rods from start to finish in Montrose, Colorado by the skilled artisans at Scott Fly Rod Company

COMPLETE LINE OF L2H MODEL, INCLUDING ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT FLYFISHEUROPE.COM

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Scott L2H series two handed rods are designed and optimized for today’s new line tapers and casting styles. Scott is the industry leader in developing blank technologies that help reduce torque. We’ve incorporated many of these innovations into our new L2H series of two handed rods so you can get the most of your two handed fishing. These rods transfer power smoothly and are incredibly stable when changing directions or applying forward stroke power. They cast flatter, tighter loops that deliver greater distance and accuracy.

Components are top of the line, with new grips shaped from Super grade cork, TiCh coated reel seats with self aligning slide hoods, and TiCh stripping guides that feature SiC inserts.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------L2H 1105/4 A light switch rod that can be fished either overhead or two handed for half pounders and for applying two handed techniques for trout.

L2H 1256/4 The L2H 1256/4 handles floating lines and lightly weighted flies with ease. A great choice for fishing lighter flies and tips on today’s Skagit and Scandinavian heads.

L2H 1106/4 This light line switch rod is perfect for targeting summer runs or for taking your two handed game to the trout stream.

L2H 1257/4 Light, smooth and responsive, this is an ideal rod for most steelhead and salmon conditions. This rod casts beautiful long flat loops and has a progressive bending curve to supply power when it’s needed.

L2H 1157/4 A great all-purpose switch rod for small to medium sized rivers, sea trout, grilse and medium sized salmon. This rod has the grunt to lift heavy rigs and turn powerful fish.

L2H 1158/4 For heavy lifting in the switch rod category. Perfect for rivers where space is confined but you still expect to hook up with bigger fish, equally at home in Scotland as in Norway or Russia. Sinking lines and the new compact heads pair perfectly with this rod.

L2H 1308/4 A fast powerful rod that pairs well with Scandi heads or Skagit style lines. Great for sink tips, and short quick casting strokes.

L2H 1409/4 The all around work horse of the L2H series will cover most conditions with smooth power and crisp clean loops. A very adaptable rod that handles a variety of lines & tapers equally well. If you fish bigger water for heavier fish, this is it.

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L2H 1510/4 The big gun. Take this rod on early season high water trips or when bigger rivers are swollen with rains or snow melt and long casts with heavy tips and big flies are called for. Sinking shooting heads, longer spey lines or Skagit. You’ll be well prepared.

Ferrules

Recovery speed

Flex profile

FLYFISH EUROPE - SPRING 2012

COMPLETE LINE OF T2H MODEL, INCLUDING ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT FLYFISHEUROPE.COM

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---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------T2H 1085/4 An ultralight rod that can be fished either single handed or two handed for half pounders and for applying two handed techniques on the trout stream.

T2H 1256/4 The perfect summer run or grilse rod. It handles floating lines and lightly dressed flies easily and is surprisingly efficient with today’s Skagit and Scandinavian heads.

T2H 1357/4 Our favorite rod for swinging flies on floating lines.

Light in the hand and lively, this rod casts lovely loops on longer bellied floating lines and has the perfect blend of power and finesse.

T2H 1088/4 A workhorse for anglers seeking a switch rod that casts both floating and sinking lines well.

FLYFISH EUROPE - SPRING 2012

T2H 1258/4 A top choice for modern river techniques with shooting heads or Skagit lines. This rod handles floating and sinking tips easily and casts tight precise loops. It has progressive power allowing for compact casts off the tip to fully loaded casts that use the whole rod to propel line great distances.

T2H 1458/4 This rod balances light in the hands and casts tight clean loops effortlessly. Spot on for fishing floating or sink tip lines in the summer with feel and accuracy. When long distance casts are called for but you don’t want to jump up to a 9 or 10 weight rod, this is the choice.

T2H 1409/4 The backbone of the T2H line up, the 1409/4 should be in any serious two handed angler’s arsenal. This rod typifies the versatility and smooth power transfer of T2H rods. If you need to cover lots of water and fish different water depths, this model is a great choice.

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T2H 12510/4 This short rod was developed specifically for salmon fanatics who plan their year around the migration of big brutal fish. Yes, it will handle 750 grains of line, and yes, it will beach a 50 pounder, be it a Pacific King Salmon or an Atlantic Salmon.

Ferrules

Recovery speed

Flex profile

SCOTT FLY RODS

For the two handed enthusiasts in the know, T2H rods have become standards by which all other rods are compared. Loved for their versatility in handling any line type and the casting styles that match them, T2H rods have a smooth power delivery and great stability when changing directions to make long pretty casts. Our blank technology helps eliminate torque that can cause poor loop shape and loss of distance. It also allows you to access power when you need it without over or under powering your casts.

”Developed from our Custom Shop program, Scott M Series rods feature components and craftsmanship most often found on the finest split bamboo rods. These are heirloom quality rods that will make you proud to own them and to fish them”.

-----------------------------COMPLETE LINE OF M MODEL, INCLUDING ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT FLYFISHEUROPE.COM

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The freshwater rods are appointed with blued nickel silver components like custom reel seats with amboyna wood spacers, hand made Snakebrand guides, real agate stripping guides in hand soldered nickel silver frames, strap and ring hook keepers, and unique grips turned from the very best Flor grade cork.

Flex profile

The saltwater rods feature custom type 3 hard coat anodized aluminum reel seats with self aligning hoods and oversized double knurled lock rings, titanium stripping guides, Recoil snakes and the finest Flor grade grips.

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A perfect light line rod for delicate presentations, close quarters fishing and smaller fish.

It has a progressive smooth flex to help form beautiful loops with less line out and long leaders M 884/4 One of our favorite dry fly rods. It is exceptionally light in the hand, balances beautifully, and casts accurately with very little effort.

This rod is great for any dry fly application, but really excels at fishing spring creeks.

M 904/4 When conditions call for long leaders and precise delicate presentations this is the rod of choice. It handles large fish and protects light tippets making it one of the finest spring creek rods we’ve ever made.

M 885/4

A perfect all around rod. It balances lighter in the hand with its slightly shorter length, yet still has the casting and line control capabilities of its longer counterparts. This rod handles all dry flies, nymphs and small streamers with ease.

M 905/4

Our top all around rod is equally at home on fast moving rivers, spring creeks or stillwaters. It handles a wide variety of fly sizes and weights and delivers great performance across a wide range of distances.

M 906/4

When conditions call for larger fly sizes and heavier flies choose this rod.It has plenty of power andistuned for distance.It’s great from the driftboat, or for casting sinking lines.

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M 957/4

This rod is perfect for all round streamer fishing, river or stillwater. Do you want to cast a dry fly for sea trout or salmon? Look no further. It excels at roll casts, single hand spey casts and line control.

M 908/4

A truly high class rod. Take this jewel on your bonefish trip, or use it for fishing big streamers for sea bass, huge trout or why not, pike? It feels so balanced in the hand, a tool to be proud of.

M 9010/4

A great choice for permit, small tarpon, big stripers, and the largest Pacific salmon. This rod handles sinking lines and big flies easily.

FLYFISH EUROPE - SPRING 2012

COMPLETE LINE OF G2 MODEL, INCLUDING ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT FLYFISHEUROPE.COM

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Ferrules

The G2 combines compound progressive taper designs, multi-modulus lay ups, and thin-walled, natural finish blanks, fit with the finest componentry and craftsmanship.

Recovery speed

What does that mean? It means that the last few minutes spent on your hands and knees crawling into position below a big riser won’t leave you wondering if 7X tippet is a cruel joke.

Flex profile

The G2, Scott’s ultimate presentation tool.

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G2 843/4

G2 844/4

G2 773/4 One of the finest small stream graphite rods ever built. If you prefer the speed of graphite rods but still want a rod with tons of touch and feel that is light and responsive, this is the rod. Perfect for casting dries with precision and accuracy.

G2 883/4

G2 885/4

G2 842/4

G2 774/4 A great rod where short length is needed along with more power to handle bigger fly sizes and bigger fish.

Light and sensitive with great feel, the smallest member of the G2 series is the rod to reach for if you’re fishing for native trout with dry flies in small streams. This rod loads with a short line and flexes deeply during fights with smaller fish.

This ultra light rod will float in small dries on very long leaders and protect the lightest tippets. This is a specialized rod for anglers looking for the lightest touch.

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A great light line rod for small to mid sized waters where dry flies are the norm but the occasional light nymph may be used.

This rod has become legendary for its control, feel and precision in presenting dry flies on very long light leaders. If you need a technical dry fly rod to catch big wary trout, look no further.

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One of all time favorite 4 weights for fishing small to mid sized waters. This rod has magic. It casts beautiful tight loops, turns over long leaders and places dries with great accuracy. When you need to go to nymphs or light streamers, this rod handles the job easily.

Progessive loading and sensitive, the 885/4 offers the perfect balance of sensitivity and power for delicate presentations at a wide range of distances.

This rod is incredibly versatile, handling both technical dry fly fishing and medium-heavy nymph rigs.

G2 905/4

An all-purpose medium action 5 weight for those who cast with a more relaxed stroke. The 905/4 has a sensitive tip for superior tippet protection, with a butt to turn over heavier flies and turn larger fish.

SCOTT FLY RODS

G2 rods inspire confidence and fierce loyalty. It comes from knowing exactly where your fly is going to land and from knowing that when you hook that big selective fish on fine tippet your rod is going to perform to land it.

COMPLETE LINE OF S4 MODEL, INCLUDING ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT FLYFISHEUROPE.COM

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S4 rods are the choice for high performance freshwater fishing. Need to nymph in the morning, fish a hatch midday with dries, then finish off with streamers in the deep pools at last light? This is the rod for the job. The S4 handles a wide range of fly sizes with plenty of power and line speed, balanced with enough sensitivity to fish the small bugs on light tippet.

S4 rods feature components like titanium guides and buckeye burl wood, paired with Scott touches like alignment dots and measuring wraps that add up to the world’s best freshwater fly rods.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------S4 904/4 Designed and tested on the Henry’s Fork with the help of our pro staffer Rene Harrop, the S4 904 delivers flies accurately at a variety of distances. The fast recovery of the tip allows for precise reach and curve casts in the most challenging situations.

S4 905/4 Truly an all-purpose fast-action 5 weight. The S4 905/4 can turn over big flies or 16 foot dry fly leaders over a wide range of fishing distances. A powerful butt section paired with a sensitive tip can handle anything you’d consider casting with a 5 weight, and even some things you shouldn’t.

S4 906/4 The S4 906/4 excels at delivering large and windresistant flies at longer distances, while offering a tip sensitive enough to protect tippet on explosive hopper takes. Also available with a wells grip and saltwater-safe anodized aluminum reelseat and a 1 inch cork and rubber fighting butt.

S4 907/4 Quick and accurate with power to spare, the 907/4 is a great streamer rod that handles heavy nymphing with ease. Its sensitive tip protects tippet and keeps you in contact with the fly to detect subtle takes.

S4 908/4 The S4 9 foot 8 weight has the tippet protection and mending abilities you won’t find in our S4s 8 weight. The S4 generates the line speed needed to turn over larger flies and loads at closer range.

Unlike our saltwater 8 weights, the S4 has smaller diameter stripping guides and a hook keep.

S4 1004/4 The rod for nymphing specialists. If you fish high stick nymph techniques like Czech or French styles, this is the tool. Light enough to hold out all day with a sensitive tip for quick positive hook sets.

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S4 1005/4 A great rod for nymphing, fishing from a pram or float tube, and high sticking. The longer length helps control line drag and makes roll casting very easy.

S4 1006/4 A favorite rod for stillwater fishing, and for half pounders or grilse. This rod handles sinking and floating lines, long leaders and multi fly rigs with ease.

S4 1007/4 A top choice for salmon and steelhead fishing with floating and intermediate lines. Very smooth with single hand spey casts and long roll casts, this rod also helps manage line and fly speed for perfect swings.

S4 1008/4 Our favorite single hander for swinging flies. This rod roll casts and single hand speys very well, and has the power for longer casts and big bright fish.

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COMPLETE LINE OF S4S MODEL, INCLUDING ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT FLYFISHEUROPE.COM

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These industry leading saltwater rods have upped the bar on performance. From the titanium and type 3 anodized corrosion free components to blanks that have proven themselves as exceptional fish fighting tools, S4S rods give you a decisive edge in the salt.

Ferrules

Recovery speed

Flex profile

Each component on S4S rods was selected for ultimate performance in harsh saltwater environments. They feature stealthy low glare finishes and the best corrosion resistance available from nickel titanium Recoil snake guides, to SiC strippers housed in full titanium frames to our fully machined reel seats featuring type 3 hard coat anodize finishes.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------S4S 905/4 An ultralight high performance saltwater rod for smaller species and fly sizes or for times that require a very soft presentation. This rod is also an excellent choice for big aggressive trout fishing with streamers when power and distance are called for.

S4S 906/4 If you need very high line speed, distance and accuracy from a 6 weight rod, this is the choice. A great rod for sea trout off the coast or any light saltwater application. It also excels in freshwater when conditions call for heavy streamers or sinking lines.

S4S907/4 This rod casts very tight loops that cut through the wind with ease. It is perfect for general saltwater sea trout fishing, as well as a host of other species in our coastal waters. For the travelling fisher, this will cover most bonefish applications too. Very light in the hand, and very easy on the casting arm.

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S4S 908/4 This high performance all around saltwater rod is perfectly matched to most fly targeted saltwater species. Very easy to cast accurately and optimized for fly sizes 2 through 8. A great choice for sea bass, sea trout on windy days, bonefish in the tropics, you name it.

S4S 909/4 The high performance choice for most types of saltwater fishing from Islamorada bonefish to Delta stripers, to Australian permit, to Campeche tarpon, this is a great all around saltwater rod. It should be part of any equipment list for a trip to the flats or inshore waters of the world’s oceans.

S4S 910/4 The perfect rod for Keys permit, smaller tarpon and bruiser stripers. It handles large heavy flies with ease and accuracy. There’s plenty of power to turn powerful fish and boat them with confidence.

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S4S 911/4 The perfect Keys tarpon rod. It excels at the soft, long leader presentations needed to convince ocean side fish, and at putting a quick beat down on them when they eat the fly.

S4S 912/4 This is the rod for big tarpon and light bluewater duties. It has proven itself around the world for its durability, accuracy and power. Whether targeting giant tarpon in Florida or Costa Rica, or chasing trevally in the Pacific or Africa, this rod inspires confidence.

SCOTT FLY RODS

Their fast actions balance light in the hand and generate high line speed for quick spoton presentations. With our industry leading reinforcement technology, S4S rods reduce tracking error and deliver outstanding durability so you can turn powerful fish quickly.

COMPLETE LINE OF F2 MODEL, INCLUDING ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT FLYFISHEUROPE.COM

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Ferrules

Recovery speed

Flex profile

If you want top performance and maximum fun from your small stream fishing, F2 high performance glass rods are the choice.

These aren’t about nostalgia or being retro. F2 rods are about getting the most from your small stream fishing by using the right tools for the job.

These rods form precise accurate casts with just a few feet of line and the leader, are great for underhand and bow and arrow casts, and load deeply under the pull of small fish, transmitting tons of feel.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------F2 602/3

F2 703/3

F2 653/3

F2 774/3 The choice for an all around high performance small stream rod. If you need to switch between dries and nymphs and even cast small streamers, this rod handles variety with ease. With the added length, it’s also a great choice for anglers who fish creeks up to their source and then fish the lakes, or who enjoy fishing glass on larger streams.

Our shortest lightest small stream rod. This rod will load and form loops with just a foot of line and the leader and place flies accurately in the tightest spots. And when that monster 4 incher takes the fly, you’ll feel this rod bend into the butt section.

This rod is a great choice for high performance small stream fishing that requires every trick in the bag. From bow and arrow casts, to roll casts, to laser tight loops, this little rod executes them all with ease and precision. This rod might be the most fun you’ll ever have fishing for the little ones.

The ultimate high performance creek fishing tool?

We think so. More of us at Scott have this model in common in our personal rod collections than any other. That tells you something about how special this rod is. A perfect blend of balance, casting precision, and feel, this rod makes small stream fishing successful and fun.

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F2 825/4

If you just love glass rods and can’t imagine fishing without one on that upcoming trip to also some of the wider rivers, this is your rod. It will handle longer casting distances and accurately place larger foam dries, nymph rigs and light streamers.

FLYFISH EUROPE - SPRING 2012

Like all Scott rods, design and craftsmanship are more than just blank design. Components and construction were carefully chosen to deliver top performance with the anglers needs in mind. New grip shapes were turned from Super grade cork to provide greater feel, TiCh coated reel seats with self aligning slide hoods make rigging easy and protect the hardware from harsh elements, and TiCh stripping guides feature SiC inserts. The component group is truly best in class.

Flex profile

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If you love rock hopping small freestone rivers or stalking trout in the high country, this is your rod.

The A4 753/4 balances light in the hand and loads with a short line for fishing small dries and nymphs in close quarters.

A4 854/4 A great choice for all around light trout fishing with dries and nymphs when delicate presentations are needed.

A4 855/4 The top choice for general trout fishing covering all water types and the most common fly sizes.

Choose this instead of a 9ft rod for a lighter balance and feel.

FLYFISH EUROPE - SPRING 2012

A4 905/4

Light in the hand with a balanced action that fishes comfortably with a wide range of fly sizes. The doeverything trout rod of the A4 series.

A4 906/4

An all-purpose 6 weight that handles large dries, nymphs, and streamers with ease.

A4 907/4

All-purpose 7 weight with feel for short range casting and power to turn over larger streamers and heavy nymph rigs. Equally at home on freshwater or saltwater.

A4 1007/4

The 1007/4 is a great rod for long distance roll casting and single hand spey casting. The 10 foot length allows for great mending and line control at distance. And what better rod for reservoir trout?

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A4 908/4

An 8 weight that handles both freshwater and most European saltwater applications. Great feel and tippet protection matched with the power to turn hard-fighting fish, including big pike.

A4 1008/4

For those looking to swing flies for large ocean run fish with a single-handed rod, this is a great choice.

The extra length allows for great line control and the powerful butt section can turn hard-fighting fish.

A4 909/4

A medium-fast, light, and responsive 9 weight that can handle freshwater, saltwater, and warmwater fishing with floating and sinking lines. Loads with a short line and has the recovery speed to deliver flies at distance. Pike? This is it..

SCOTT FLY RODS

A4 rods feature many of the technological and process innovations that have been features in top end Scott rods. A4 rods are smooth casting high line speed rods with very low physical weights. They recover very quickly and cast super flat, very precise loops, yet load progressively and transmit feel extremely well.

Ferrules

Recovery speed

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COMPLETE LINE OF A4 MODEL, INCLUDING ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT FLYFISHEUROPE.COM

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Warranty

ld also ket, you shou ts on the mar E will give you that uc od pr st be rchase the market. FF ne of our When you pu after sales service on the machinery no banks st e a well oiled e lik th s on rk rely on the be s, wo er re riv pair Cent fish along ur gear if service. Our Re match. When chasing the happen to yo d that n ca s n ca ing th rs ur fly ro competito ast a lot of ir any part of yo ng a rocky co of lakes or alo strikes. We are able to repa k luc d a bit of ba break. ky enough to you are unluc

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FLYFISH EUROPE - SPRING 2012

Theresa Van Nooten is the sign artist for Scott Fly Rod Company in Montrose, Colorado. The sign artists applies the signature logo and rod specifications to the fly rod, typically just above the cork grip.

FLYFISH EUROPE - SPRING 2012

19

With Jim

cott Fly Rods

ident of S Bartschi Pres

Q. What makes Scott flyrods the best on the market?

A. It’s the combination of materials choices, design, craftsmanship and the people that make the difference.

Q. We know that a lot of people who start flyfishing use a variety of fly rod brands, but as the experience and skills improve they finally end up with a Scott rod. Why do you think the really hardcore, experienced fly fish addicts switch from other brands to Scott?

A. Less experienced anglers don’t yet understand some of the subtle techniques needed to successfully catch more difficult fish, from line control, to hook setting, to fish control. Anglers with more experience know that a great fly rod needs to do a lot more than just cast the fly. Even fly choice, rigging, water conditions and fish species influence the kind of cast experienced anglers choose to use in a given situation, and that’s just the first step to catching the fish.

It’s an evolution all experienced anglers go through. When an angler reaches this point, they know exactly what they need their rod to do for any given condition or species. That’s when they choose a Scott rod over other choices.

Q. Do you feel that the European market has had any impact on how you design rods in the US? A. Absolutely. There is a great collaboration between European anglers and Scott. Over the years we’ve learned many things about specific rod performance characteristics that have come from our friends in Europe.

Some examples include Scandinavian and Spey styles of casting and fishing, Czech and French nymphing techniques, and sea trout fishing.

Considering these demands in our rod designs have definitely improved the overall performance of our rods.

Q. When designing new rod series; where do you search for inspiration for new actions and materials to use?

A. The inspiration always comes from a fishing need. Without a solution to a specific need, there’s no reason to make another rod. Our inspiration for materials comes from decades of close relationships with the chemists and engineers at the worlds leading composites manufacturers and component makers. We also closely study materials applications in other industries from aerospace to cycling to snowsports.

Q. Recently you started working with Flyfish Europe as your European Distributor. What does it mean for Scott Fly Rods to have a partner like this in Europe?

A. It’s just tremendous. I think customers now have a real advantage. Flyfish Europe is the world’s leading fly fishing distribution company and are a perfect match for us. Customers can expect the best delivery and service, and highest level of trust.

Q. What materials do you see in the future, let’s say in ten years? Are there any “space age” materials that will be used instead of graphite to design rods?

A. You’ll find out when we release another industry leading fly rod ;0) There are no suitable replacement fibers on the horizon that will displace graphite in the near future. Many of the advancements in materials technology have come, and will continue to come, on the resin side. The glues that bond the fibers together are continuously improving.

Q. FFE has recently opened up the European Scott Repair Centre in Norway to serve all European Scott customers. Now all European Scott repairs will be dealt with in Norway instead of being sent to the US. How did you feel about letting such a huge responsibility over to someone outside your factory?

A. While the physical location of the repair center is in Norway and not in our shop in Montrose, Colorado, I truly feel that the repair

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FLYFISH EUROPE - SPRING 2012

Q. Where and when is the next big fishing trip planned?

A. I just got back from New Zealand. It’s a pilgrimage all trout fishermen should try and make. There’s no trout fishing more pure, classic and essential than sight fishing dries to big fish in crystal clear waters. And it’s a beautiful country with very fine people.

team in Norway are as much a part of the Scott family as any of the rod builders who come to work in our shop each day. They are highly trained, passionate anglers and rod builders who share our dedication. We’ve spent a lot of time with them on site in Norway and they have spent a lot of time with us in our shop in Montrose.

All repairs are done only with original Scott parts supplied by us, and with the same equipment and rod building techniques we use

I’m going to Key West in early March to fish permit, and if the conditions are right, maybe find some laid up tarpon in the backcountry. When wind speed, water temperatures and tides line up just right in late winter, some of the best tarpon fishing of the year can happen. I’ll just have to pole my skiff down the flats to see what’s going on.

here. They have earned the respect and trust of all us at Scott.

Q. You are known as a keen trout fisherman, but also a hardcore Tarpon angler. What is your favorite fish to catch on the fly, and why?

A. That’s the hardest question you could ask. I love fishing for all fish and have had the good fortune to catch over 50 species on the fly. I don’t think I can pick one. If I had to narrow it down to just a few it would be trout, steelhead, bonefish, tarpon and permit.

You could spend a lifetime learning about and enjoying fishing to anyone of those five fish.

FLYFISH EUROPE - SPRING 2012

Well Jim, I will be more than happy to pole your skiff, I´ll make your tuna sandwich, tie our flies on, polish your shoes as long as you fix me up with a decent Key West Permit... Thank you Jim and as we say in Scandinavia “Skit fiske” i.e -have a really shitty fishing. // FFE Team

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Which Mastery Extreme Skagit Heads to use for Scandi style casting?

Single hand rod

9’ -10’ #8-9 9’ -10’ #9

Double hand &

Scott rod models Belly weight switch rod grains 11’ - 11’,6 #7-8 11’ - 11’6’ ‘#8 12’ - 12’6 #6 12’6 -13’6 #7 12’6 - 13’ #8 13’- 14’6 # 8,12,6 ‘#8-9 14’- 15’4 #9 15’- 16’4 #10 16’ - 17’ #10

S4/ A4 958, S4/A4 1008, L2H 1157 T2H 1088, L2H 1158 T2H 1256, L2H 1256 T2H 1357, L2H 1257 T2H 1258, L2H 1308 T2H 1458, L2H 1308 T2H 1409/ 1509, L2H 1409 T2H 1510, L2H 1510 T2H 1610

280 grains 320 grains 360 grains 400 grains 440 grains 480 grains 520 grains 560 grains 600 grains

Belly weight grams 18,2 gram 20,8 gram 23,4 gram 26,0 gram 28,6 gram 31,2 gram 33,8 gram 36,4 gram 39,0 gram

Belly length 5,4 m 5,7 m 6,0 m 6,3 m 6,6 m 6,6 m 6,9 m 6,9 m 7,5 m

TEXT MIKEAL LINDSTRÖM

Casting and fishing with Skagit lines have gained in popularity many places in Europe during the last few years, first of all when fishing for salmon in the UK, Russia and Scandinavia. Skagit lines load the rod easily, can be used for situations when space is tight, they carry heavy flies and heavy sink tips well. Because of the short bellies most fishers also find they get more options for changing the position of the anchor point when casting in a bad wind, casting straight across or even upstream.

However, the majority of European salmon rivers are not quite like the steelhead rivers of North America where the Skagit style originated, and the fish themselves, Atlantic Salmon and Steelhead, are also rather different in behavior. As a natural progression a new approach to European Skagit casting has evolved, where casting techniques honed by using today’s modern shooting heads merge with the ideas and styles developed on the other side of the Atlantic.

So why use Skagit lines for Scandinavian style casting, instead of the way the Americans do? What makes this “hybrid” a better choice for our salmon fishing? Here are a few pointers which explain why I am sold on the new Mastery Skagit Extreme Heads from Scientific AnglersTM.

The rig and how to fish it I use the Skagit Extreme Heads as regular multi tip lines which can be cast long distances with hardly any effort. Used in connection with the 15’ Spey Individual Tips from Scientific AnglersTM in Sink 3 and Sink 6 (you can choose between 120, 160 or 200 grains) your fishing set-up becomes incredibly flexible. Or you take the 9,1 m (30’) Custom Cut Express Tip which has loops in both ends and cut to length as you prefer, for example one 6m (20’) tip and one 3,1m (10’) tip. Both these cut tips will then have a loop in the back end which you connect loop to loop with the Skagit Extreme Head, and on to the other end which will be the front of the sinking tip you tie your leader or tippet with a nail knot. This system is incredibly flexible, smooth and reliable. The length of the leader can be adjusted depending on the fishing situation, but 6’ of fluorocarbon is a good starting point. The back end of the head will be connected loop to loop with a running line of your choice, coated or mono.

Obviously these heads are short as most modern Skagit lines and therefore so easy to use when fishing when there is very little space around you for a back cast or D-loop.

They are also extremely well balanced with a taper that makes all the difference compared with other Skagit lines.

The short and powerful belly section is specially designed to carry heavy sink tips.

The soft coating and the well thought out front taper allow for tighter loops than with conventional Skagit lines, and in fact the taper makes the lines less wind sensitive in difficult conditions.

Most of the weight is concentrated towards the back end of the belly which makes the Skagit Extreme Heads very easy to mend upstream or downstream when fishing.

Streamlined loops at both ends of the lines make smooth and quick connections to the running line and in the business end; sink tips in different densities.

The Skagit Extreme Heads do not replace the Mastery Atlantic Silver or Atlantic Salmon shooting heads, but are great supplements when you do a lot of upstream or downstream mending and still want your fly to fish deep. The method lets you “hang” the fly over lies and small clear windows but still deeper than with a conventional line set up. You can fish all the way close in to your own bank without the belly getting snagged on rocks which is often the case when fishing full sinking lines. Personally I am convinced that if fishers only tried how easily these Skagit Extreme Heads are to cast with an appropriate weight for underhand casting, more than a few jaws would drop.

Scandinavian style underhand casting A controlled smooth casting style with a longer stroke will better load the rod and allow more time to shape the D-loop even with a sink 3 or sink 6 tip. Too aggressive a casting style will invariably lead to tailing loop. I cast the Skagit Extreme Heads more or less the same way as I would cast a modern shooting head, which means less line in the water when anchoring the leader/ tip so there will be more energy created in the D-loop.

Consequently I go for lighter line weights for this Scandi style of casting than what is traditionally advised for Skagit.

Generally for double hand rods classic Skagit casting requires lines around 100-120 grains heavier than the weights I recommend for Scandinavian underhand. The most common cast will be single spey, either left or right, but also other waterborne anchor casts can be employed.

I

Observe that the recommended weights in the chart above are for Scandinavian underhand casting and not for classic Skagit techniques. The recommendations are based on a lot of casting with most rod brands on the market and first of all Scott fly rods, but take into consideration that different casters may prefer a different loading so moving 10% up or down in line weight can be better for some.

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TM

Rod

Atlantic Shooting Heads

Scandi Extreme Heads

Atlantic Silver SH#6 16 gr

Scott S4 9’6’’ #6 Scott S4 10’0’’ #6

Atlantic Silver SH#6 16 gr Atlantic Silver SH#7 19 gr

Scandi Extreme 280 grain

Scott S4 10’0’’ #7

Atlantic Silver SH#7 19 gr

Scandi Extreme 280 grain

Atlantic Silver SH#8 22 gr

Scandi Extreme 320 grain

Scott S4 10’0’’ #8

Atlantic Silver SH#8 22 gr

Scandi Extreme 320 grain

Scott A4 9’6’’ #6

Atlantic Silver SH#6 16 gr

Scott A4 9’6’’ #7 Scott A4 9’6’’ #8

Scott S4 9’6’’ #7 Scott S4 9’6’’ #8

Scott A4 10’0’’ #6

Atlantic Silver SH#6 16 gr Atlantic Silver SH#7 19 gr

Scandi Extreme 280 grain

Scott A4 10’0’’ #7

Atlantic Silver SH#7 19 gr

Scandi Extreme 280 grain

Atlantic Silver SH#8 22 gr

Scandi Extreme 320 grain

Scott A4 10’0’’ #8

Atlantic Silver SH#8 22 gr

Scandi Extreme 320 grain

Scott L2H 11’0’’ #5

Atlantic Silver SH#6 16 gr Atlantic Silver SH#7 19 gr

Scandi Extreme 280 grain

Scott L2H 11’6’’ #7

Atlantic Silver SH#8 22 gr

Scandi Extreme 320 grain

Scott L2H 11’6’’ #8

Scandi Extreme 360 grain

Atlantic Salmon SH DH#7/8 30 gr

Scandi Extreme 440 grain

Scott L2H 11’0’’ #6

Scott L2H 12’6’’ #6 Scott L2H 12’6’’ #7 Scott L2H 13’0’’ #8

Atlantic Salmon SH DH#8/9 34 gr

Scott L2H 15’0’’ #10

Atlantic Salmon SH DH#10/11 42 gr

Scott T2H 10’8’’ #5

Atlantic Silver SH#6 16 gr

Scandi Extreme 400 grain

Atlantic Salmon SH DH#9/10 38 gr

Scott L2H 14’0’’ #9

FLYFISH EUROPE - SPRING 2012

Scott T2H 10’8’’ #8

Atlantic Silver SH#8 22 gr

Scandi Extreme 360 grain

Scott T2H 12’6’’ #6

Scandi Extreme 400 grain

Scott T2H 12’6’’ #8

Atlantic Salmon SH DH#8/9 34 gr

Scott T2H 13’6’’ #7

Atlantic Salmon SH DH#7/8 30 gr

Scott T2H 14’6’’ #8

Atlantic Salmon SH DH#8/9 34 gr

Scott T2H 15’0’’ #10

Atlantic Salmon SH DH#10/11 42 gr

Scott T2H 12’6’’ #10

Atlantic Salmon SH DH#9/10 38 gr

Scott T2H 14’0’’ #9

Atlantic Salmon SH DH#9/10 38 gr

Scott T2H 15’0’’ #9

Atlantic Salmon SH DH#9/10 38 gr

Scott T2H 16’0’’ #10

Atlantic Salmon SH DH#10/11 42 gr

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[

[

Scott Fly Rods & Scientific Anglers shooting heads combinations

MEETING WITH THE GREATEST

TEXT DAVID BITTNER

I

PHOTO DAVID BITTNER, VLADIMIR BITTNER & CECILE BITTNER

MEETING WITH

THE GREATEST

Most above all it is a feeling of being accepted in their world and sometimes even more, that is to have the feeling of having achieved their trust, but this takes time, a long time. Bears are wild animals and if you encounter one he will behave very similar as when encountering one of his own kind that he has not met before. The bear will try to get a scent of the unknown to watch your movements and to listen to any noises.

I will never ever forget the summer of 2002. I was stunned by this spectacular landscape and the experiences I had on this very first trip to Alaska - to get into a world that most likely only few have had the chance to witness in such an intense way. Most above all to experience things with wild bears that I previously thought would simply not be possible. It is an inexplicable experience to be so close to these magnificent animals.

At first, the bear is very careful and keeps his distance. Therefore, when I see a bear for the very first time when on my own, the two of us behave very similar. We are both cautious and watch each other. However, sometimes the bear approaches instantly. Who knows, maybe he’s had bad experiences with human beings, he will check me out and most often leave a little nervous. You need a lot of patience and stay in a certain location for an extended period of time in order for the bears to get used to your presence. Some always keep

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MEETING WITH THE GREATEST

their distance, others are curious and with every encounter they approach a little closer until they do not feel threatened by my presence any more at all.

They feed and sleep at my side. But to get to this point it takes time. Now the time has come when I can watch a single bear for hours and even days. I have my camera at hand and Im able to document their life at parts. The days pass quickly and since I am not allowed to stay more than 2 consecutive weeks in the very same location to minimalize impact on vegetation and the bears according to the Park Service I have to move camp and paddle to the next bay.

After many a return trip to the very same location year after year I got to know many bears individually and to my favourites I have given names like Balu, Bruno, Luunie or Luna. It is very important to know that it is always the bears that approach me and never vice versa. If you do approach a bear you provoke a reaction by the bear, but if you are passive sitting for hours in the very same spot you are predictable for the bears and they know I will not make a sudden movement when they approach to within close distance. Park rules are that you are not allowed to approach any wild animal closer than 50 yards. I consider it much safer to hold your ground once an animal approaches to within close distance and when you see a picture of myself close to a bear, it is without exception always an animal that I do know very well and that has approached on his own will.

Sometimes bears relax close by. In one case a mother with her cubs built her daybed close to my camp and used it for days. Her cubs inspected my camp while the electric fence was turned off until she called them back to her. There are so many great encounters and experiences and I really get the feeling to be part of the whole system out there. This ‘relationship’ with the bears is only possible because of the high concentrated food resources in these parts of Alaska. Here a bear can use a tiny home range for an extended period of time, totally different to the European brown bear, which usually has very large home ranges (hundreds of square kilometres, compared to only a few for Coastal Brown Bears of Alaska). When you spend much time with the very same individual bears you get to know them by their behaviour but also by distinguishable markings in their face or on their body. You can tell females apart from males and get to know their hierarchy. For me nature cannot demonstrate

“

It is very important to know that it is always the bears that approach me and never vice versa.

FLYFISH EUROPE - SPRING 2012

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MEETING WITH THE GREATEST

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MEETING WITH THE GREATEST

individuality in a more impressive way. Every bear is an individual and to be able to tell apart, easy at times with individuals I know since many years and more difficult at other times when I have had no chance to spend much time with other individuals. It is a great feeling and very impressive, because they really have their own personality and character. Their behaviour can be similar or very different. Even in case of cubs if you only spend enough time with them it is not a difficult task to be able to tell them apart, even if they are the same sex.

able to do the same. Next to the odour I also believe that the noises (I often talk to the bears) are as important for an individual bear for recognition. The voice is anyway a very important tool when being around bears. Depending on your tone (serious to childish) you can either get a bear to respect you and keep his distance or calm him down and to demonstrate that you are no threat to him.

If the very rare case when being challenged by a young male, shouting at the bear is as important as having your pepper spray and flare ready and at hand.

The very same way a bear can recognize its conspecifics and also other individual bears I have the feeling that some bears also can recognize this two legged animal that they get to see for some time year after year. The nose is the window in a bear’s world and the very same way a dog is able to recognize a human being even after years of having had no contact I believe that bears are

Even after all those years and countless encounters there are dangerous situations that remind me of never loosing respect towards these potentially dangerous animals. When being in bear country you have to make sure never to surprise a bear and worse, surprise a mother with cubs at close distance.

Always make your presence known to the bears, especially when being in obstructed terrain or when walking on bear trails, which in places is the only way of getting around in the otherwise impenetrable thick alder brush. One time when I got into trouble with a young male I did throw a rock at him, because the bear challenged and followed me for hundreds of yards and just did not want to leave. It worked and I did not have to use the flare or pepper spray. I really try not to take any chances out there; I am always using an electric fence, being very careful with food in camp (storage etc.) and always staying alert.

“

If in serious trouble, after the bear has made contact, protect your head and play dead. But if the bear does not let go, fight for your life with everything at hand if it is not too late already.

FLYFISH EUROPE - SPRING 2012

I am convinced that in human -bear interactions where something bad happens that in most of the cases it was the mistake of the humans themselves that got them into trouble. Bears normally do not look at humans as a potential food resource. If so there would simply be many more fatal attacks, because thousands of people encounter bears every year and many of them do not show a lot of respect towards them when taking pictures and approaching the bear. Also never ever feed a wild animal and also never run away from a bear. If in serious trouble, after the bear has made contact, protect your head and play dead. But if the bear does not let go, fight for your life with everything at hand if it is not too late already.

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MEETING WITH THE GREATEST

It is a very different situation when sometimes, especially when you are by yourself and not in a group of people, a young male challenges and mock attacks. In such a situation I have learned that surrender is the wrong tactic, but facing this bear in a very aggressive way, even running towards him while yelling, not in a hysteric but serious voice in order to displace the animal.

For me it really makes a huge difference if I do know the animal individually or not, to the way I behave around bears. In both cases (whether I know the bear or not) you should never loose your respect.

These magnificent animals really mean a lot to me and I cannot imagine a life without them anymore. However, my work as a biologist back home in Switzerland has unfortunately nothing to do with bears at all. I do have many a question to ask and lots of possible research ideas with the bears in the Alaskan wilderness, but as a Swiss biologist it is not easy to overcome the bureaucracy of the government and to win their support for a research project with ‘their’ bears in their country. But it is certainly my dream and in the near future I will try to set the basic steps that hopefully one day depending on the funds raised I will be able to have my own research project with the bears I got to know so well.

I

I would also never reach out and touch a wild animal. That is something like an invisible borderline, that one should simply not dear to cross, as it would mean not respecting wild animals anymore. I do not doubt at all that with certain individuals this would be possible, but when they come too close I tell them with a little straight forward tone in my voice that this is close enough now. For me the relationship with a few bears is the reason to come back year after year. I simply wonder how they are doing and what has changed since I last saw them.

To meet the very same individual wild animals year after year in many cases is just great. And I hope that I will be able to continue visiting these places for many years to come.

“

I tell them with a little straight forward tone in my voice that this is close enough now

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“There is nothing comparable or better than waders

by Simms.” I´m depending on self-caught fish and fly fishing has been one of my passions since his childhood. “It’s simply great to be able to catch your own dinner - in such a wild and untouched place like the Alaskan wilderness.”

Born 1977 in Bern and having grown up in the middle of the Swiss mountains, David Bittner studied biology at the University of Bern and accomplished his PhD in ecology and evolution in 2009. In the year 2002 25 years old biology master student David Bittner headed for the Alaskan wilderness for the first time. It has always been a dream of his to see the salmon spawn in large numbers. Where there are fish, there are bears in Alaska. A surprise encounter with a mother and her three cubs was definitely one of his key experiences. Another bear that approached to within touching distance changed his life forever.

In Switzerland biologist David Bittner is well known to the public and different media regularly report about him. With his dedicated work and his authentic way in giving presentations, David Bittner is a speaker in great demand as well as an ambassador for many a company – among others also for Simms.

Simms support fisheries biologist and bear enthusiast David Bittner. His most important piece of clothing out there in the Alaskan wilderness is a pair of heavy duty Simms waders, since they are the only pants he wears outside the tent. The biologist often bushwhacks through heavy alder brush without damaging the waders, even when walking up mountains. Next to the waders the adventurer carries only one pair of fleece pants for underneath or within the tent. That’s all, and it is enough for David Bittner who lives in the Alaska wilderness far away from any civilization and this for months at a time. He is thrilled by the unique and top quality of these Simms products.

Ever since, the biologist returns to Alaska whenever possible to observe and study the mighty grizzly bears. He carries a camera and documents their life.

With a sea kayak he paddles along the remote coast and often catches fish to eat. His only connection with the world is an emergency beacon. David Bittner lives among the bears for months at a time, mostly alone. They feed and sleep at his side. He takes along cameras to document his experiences. Many of the bears he knows individually and with a lot of patience, empathy and behaving accordingly he has over the years succeeded in winning the trust of a few individual bears. To his favourite bears he has given names like Luunie, Luna, Balu and Bruno. With research, information, books and films the biologist tries to contribute his share to protect and conserve these unique animals.

Currently David Bittner is working as a scientific researcher at EAWAG and the University of Bern. He lives in Bern and dreams about his own research project with ‘his’ bears in Alaska. However, he has not found the necessary financial support yet.

For more information visit his website: www.davidbittner.ch

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FLYFISH EUROPE - SPRING 2012

Orri Vigfusson is based in Reykjavik, Iceland.

He has received a wide range of awards and honours for his work.

These include the Goldman Environmental

Prize and knighthoods from the Queen of Denmark and the President of Iceland.

NASF has active branches in the USA, Norway, Denmark, France, Spain and the UK.

Each autumn NASF hosts a range of fundraising activities.

More information can be found on: www.nasfworldwide.com

Be a supporter of the fund! A part of the sales of the Simms NASF t-shirts will go directly to the fund. The drawing of the beautiful salmon is made by Thomas Weiergang.

The North Atlantic Salmon Fund

– conservation is about acting, not talking!

The world is full of well-meaning individuals and angling and conservation NGOs with the right policies. Despite this, the state of Atlantic salmon is one of dwindling stocks, with more and more rivers red-listed as threatened or endangered. NASF, however, behaves differently. It is not prepared to play delaying games with bureaucrats or hesitant politicians.

That’s why NASF’s main efforts have been directed at ending the devastating slaughter of mixed stocks of salmon in the coastal waters of the North Atlantic. The aim is simple but achieving the desired outcome always involves long negotiations and extensive fund-raising. It is done by persuading commercial fishermen to give up salmon fishing in return for compensation that replaces the income they will lose. Their rewards come in money, assistance to convert their boats and switch to sustainable forms of fishing for other species or finding them new jobs. Often the income these alternatives produce soon outgrows their initial lost earnings.

NASF cares deeply about the wild salmon and the communities that depend on this fabled fish. NASF’s vision is to restore Atlantic salmon numbers to their former abundance. Nothing less. And it has set about achieving this in the fastest way possible by stopping the commercial exploitation of salmon. This protects the bulk of the stocks that survive from falling victim to the serried ranks of nets and long lines that formerly blocked the salmon’s migration routes.

By acknowledging the rights of commercial fishermen and compensating them for not exercising those rights NASF and its allies have been able to close down more than 85 % of these unsustainable fisheries. Key achievements are agreements (together with Atlantic Salmon Federation) with KNAPK, the fishermen and hunters organization in Greenland and with the salmon fishermen of the Faroe Islands.

NASF was founded in 1989 by the Icelandic businessman and ardent fly-fishing angler, Orri Vigfusson. Since then, Orri and NASF have played a very significant role in salmon conservation. This progress has come despite some opposition from organisations and individuals whose futures and jobs depend on a continuing pattern of long-term research and high-volume circulation of reports and memos.

They feel threatened when Orri insists that salmon conservation is not necessarily rocket science.

FLYFISH EUROPE - SPRING 2012

NASF

North Atlantic Salmon Fund

NASF is currently campaigning strongly against the last remaining large-scale mixedstock fishery off Finnmark, Northern Norway. The damage, disease and genetic threats that are the disastrous by-products of the salmon farming industry are also high on the agenda for NASF.

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MN 55144-1000

It was a passion for product design combined with a love for sport that formed our company. The Waterworks-Lamson is unique among fly fishing companies. We are not a machine shop selling reels, we are not a marketing company importing products from overseas. Our focus is exclusively on fly fishing products, our expertise and experience is in product design, and we are committed to the highest standards of domestic manufacturing.

Our products uniquely reflect our drive for superior design. For us this means they must embody true innovation and meaningful improvement. You won’t see The Waterworks marketing “just another fly reel” or a “me-too” accessory. If we can’t do it better, we won’t do it at all.

Making great products also requires a commitment to flawless manufacturing quality. From the Grade 5 titanium, the heat-treated 6020 aluminum alloy and the 544 bearing bronze we use in our reels, to the carbon thermo- composite we mold into the Ketchum Release, each material selection is made without a hint of compromise. The state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques and processes we employ result in the highest possible standards of precision, finish and function. And, of course, we extend our commitment to quality by offering personal assistance to our dealers and our customers throughout the lifetime of the product.

We thank you for your interest in our products, and we look forward to being a part of your passion for the sport.

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FLYFISH EUROPE - SPRING 2012

THE WATERWORKS LAMSON FLY REELS

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FLYFISH EUROPE - SPRING 2012

“

The drag system in all of our reels consists of a pair of precisely matched conical elements which are drawn together with spring tension to produce variable rates of smooth rotational braking. By re-configuring the surface area of traditional disks into a pair of matching conical elements we were able to seal the drag completely from moisture, salt and grit. And since the mass of the drag elements is centralized, the spool’s rotating mass is much lower which makes the reel more responsive to light drag settings.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------As the name implies, we created the Vanquish reel with just one thing in mind – total victory. And as the “form follows function” zealots we are, it all starts with the world’s smoothest, and now much larger and more powerful drag system. Delivering twice the torque of our previous salt water design, the Waterworks conical drag generates no stick-slip even at the line-snapping rates required by blue water anglers. To support this kind of torque, a new, much stiffer frame was created — one that transmits extreme loads with a simple, efficient and graceful structure.

Vanquish 12 and 10 reels are available in a “closed face” version for those anglers who prefer only small porting on a rotating spool.

VANQUISH specifications MODEL

DIA

WIDTH

WEIGHT

ROD WT

LINE

CAPACITY

VANQUISH 4.5 LT* VANQUISH 5.6 LT* VANQUISH 7.8 LT* VANQUISH 8 LT* VANQUISH 10 LT* VANQUISH 10 VANQUISH 12 LT* VANQUISH 12

84 mm 89 mm 96 mm 105 mm 115 mm 115 mm 120 mm 120 mm

32 mm 32 mm 35 mm 38 mm 38 mm 38 mm 38 mm 38 mm

99 g 107 g 146 g 207 g 286 g 303 g 303 g 315 g

4,5 5,6 7,8 8 10 10 12 12

WF 4 WF 6 WF 7 WF 8 WF10 WF10 WF12 WF12

100 yds 20# 100 yds 20# 150 yds 20# 220 yds 20# 220 yds 30# 220 yds 30# 175 yds 30# 325 yds 30#

Format: Large Arbour Material: Machined 6061 Aluminum Finish: Hard AloxTM Weight: 107 g / 5-6 wt

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* “LT” suffix on Vanquish denotes lighter, open-spoke spool

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FLYFISH EUROPE - SPRING 2012

“

When we set out to design our own reels, we started by evaluating not just the reel, but the rod/reel system. As we discussed, observed and evaluated rod design at the world’s leading rod manufacturers, we quickly came to the conclusion that reels were too heavy. We needed to lighten reels in order to keep pace with the ever-lighter rods and to eliminate the negative impact that a reel has on a rod’s casting performance. Call this our first objective: reduce physical weight.

Waterworks Force SL (Super Light) reels utilize a combination of subtle space-frame and complex CNC carved cross sections that make the SL rigid, rugged and yet as the name implies, featherweight. The vanquish-style integrated foot/frame raises the reels’s center of mass making casting smoother and contributing to both a reduction in weight and greater rigidity. The high-grip drag knob makes fine-tuning the world’s smoothes drag system even easier. SL reels are finished in a unique clear Hard Alox.

ULA FORCE SL specifications MODEL

DIA

WIDTH

WEIGHT

ROD WT

LINE

CAPACITY

ULA FORCE 2 SL ULA FORCE 2X SL ULA FORCE 3 SL ULA FORCE 3X SL

83 mm 83 mm 89 mm 89 mm

29 mm 29 mm 32 mm 32 mm

84 g 82 g 95 g 96 g

4,5 5,6 5,6.7 7,8

WF 4 WF 6 WF 7 WF 8

75 yds 20# 100 yds 20# 100 yds 20# 150 yds 20#

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Format: Ultra Large Arbour Material: Aluminum & 17-4 stainless steel Finish: Hard AloxTM Weight: 84 g / 4-5 wt

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THE WATERWORKS LAMSON FLY REELS

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“

Our large arbor reels maximize the benefits of large arbor design by maximizing the arbor diameter-to-width ratio. The spool is large in circumference and wide, so that line is stored in a shallow layer. The increased circumference provides high retrieve rate and eliminates line coil memory. The wide, shallow line layer means there is little radius change as line is pulled form the reel. This results in constant drag torque during long runs and eliminates the risk of tippets breaking due to drag force gain.

[NEW DESIGN!]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------This season Lamson Litespeed reels will adopt the ergonomic and structural improvements introduced on the 2011 Anniversary Series Litespeed. The spool profile has been flattened slightly and the handle moved outboard to keep knuckles away from moving parts; the drag knob has been redesigned for better grip. As with our other premium reels, pocket milling the spool face and integrating the counterbalance increases strength and stiffness without adding weight. Litespeed reels come in a close second to a corresponding Force reel in terms of retrieve rate and weight, and share our patented maintenance-free super smooth conical drag.

LITESPEED specifications MODEL

DIA

WIDTH

WEIGHT

ROD WT

LINE

CAPACITY

LITESPEED 1 LITESPEED 1.5 LITESPEED 2 LITESPEED 3 LITESPEED 3X LITESPEED 3.5 LITESPEED 3.5X LITESPEED 4

83 mm 83 mm 89 mm 95 mm 95 mm 100 mm 100 mm 115 mm

28 mm 28 mm 28 mm 32 mm 32 mm 35 mm 35 mm 38 mm

98 g 98 g 105 g 133 g 133 g 153 g 150 g 228 g

1,2,3 3,4,5 4,5,6 6,7,8 8 8,9 9 10,11

WF3 WF 4 WF6 WF7 WF8 WF9 WF9 WF10

50 yds 20# 100 yds 20# 100 yds 20# 150 yds 20# 225 yds 20# 200 yds 20# 250 yds 30# 250 yds 30#

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Format: True Large Arbour Material: Aluminum, 17-4 & 303 stainless steel Finish: Hard AloxTM Weight: 105 g / 5-6 wt

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FLYFISH EUROPE - SPRING 2012

All of our premium reels (Vanquish, Waterworks ULA, Litespeed and Velocity) are offered in one fantastic finish only - a proprietary combination of alloy selection and conversion coating that we call “Hard Alox�. The term Hard Alox is taken from the anodizing process itself, wherein the aluminum surface is converted to aluminum oxide.

By increasing the coating thickness and reducing porosity, our Hard Alox coating is much more durable than any other reel.

The Waterworks ULA P-Series reels are, to our knowledge, the lightest machined reels in the world today. To achieve this weight savings, the ULA uses an arm-style body and open spool design. In order to maintain structural rigidity, each surface of the ULA is curved. This subtly complex shape is extremely demanding to machine, but results in a strong, light and beautiful high-performance reel.The ULA P-Series represents the lightest end of the ULA range of reels. The P-Series utilizes a click-pawl brake to achieve maximum simplicity and weight savings. This reel is for the fisherman who wants to minimize weight and maximize contact with the fish. The P-Series reels are CNC machined from solid aerospace-grade.

ULA PURIST specifications MODEL

DIA

WIDTH

WEIGHT

ROD WT

LINE

CAPACITY

ULA PURIST 1 ULA PURIST 2

76 mm 83 mm

28 mm 29 mm

76 g 82 g

2,3,4 4,5

WF 3 WF 4

75 yds 12# 75 yds 20#

FLYFISH EUROPE - SPRING 2012

Format: Ultra Large Arbour Material: Aluminum & 17-4 stainless steel Finish: Hard AloxTM Weight: 82 g / 4-5 wt

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THE WATERWORKS LAMSON FLY REELS

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“

Most premium reels rely on a pawl type clutch mechanism. These are often vulnerable to stress related failure, contamination and wear. All of our reels employ a Torrington zero-lash roller clutch. This mechanism relies on the locking effect of a number of ramps and rollers to achieve torque transmission. There are no “teeth” or “steps” to break off or wear out. And the zero-lash feature means instant engagement. This improves feel and eliminates “spike” that the reel, line and leader experience when a typical pawl clutch hooks up.

Also available in Hard Alox II finish

[NEW COLOR!]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Velocity has always represented value for money: a large arbor, lightweight but durable reel with excellent drag performance; all at an affordable price.

Three years ago were able to offer our Hard Alox finish, previously reserved for our highest-priced reels, as an added-value feature to Velocity. Now with the introduction of Velocity Nickel we give you the choice of yet another first in our range at this price: ported arbor to quicken line drying and produce the lightest Velocity ever. The Velocity Nickel is finished in the same beautiful type 2 anodize that we use on Guru, and is further accented with our trademark burnt-orange anodized drag cassette. You now have a choice: Velocity Hard Alox for an incredibly tough finish, or the lighter and brighter Velocity Nickel.

VELOCITY specifications MODEL

DIA

WIDTH

WEIGHT

ROD WT

LINE

CAPACITY

VELOCITY 1 VELOCITY 1.5 VELOCITY 2 VELOCITY 3 VELOCITY 3X VELOCITY 3.5 VELOCITY 3.5X VELOCITY 4 4.25”

80 mm 80 mm 84 mm 92 mm 92 mm 98 mm 98 mm 110 mm

28 mm 28 mm 28 mm 32 mm 32 mm 35 mm 35 mm 38 mm

110 g 110 g 116 g 138 g 138 g 155 g 155 g 196 g

1,2,3 3,4,5 5,6 7,8 8 8,9 9 10,11

WF3 WF4 WF6 WF7 WF8 WF9 WF9 WF10

75 yds 12# 100 yds 20# 100 yds 20# 150 yds 20# 225 yds 20# 200 yds 20# 250 yds 30# 250 yds 30#

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Format: Large Arbour Material: Machined 6061 Aluminum Weight: 116 g / 5-6 wt

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FLYFISH EUROPE - SPRING 2012

“

We set out to design the world’s best drag system. This meant zero startup inertia. It meant silk-smooth through the entire torque range. It meant top-end torque sufficient to stop what you catch. It meant that the drag would perform exactly the same under all conditions that one met in real life: water, sand, dirt.

It meant that you shouldn’t have to think about your drag, ever. No cleaning or lubrication required.

Also available in a light bright color

[NEW COLOR!]

Guru entered the Lamson family as our lowest-priced fully machined reel. The signature arm-style element on the frame combines with open spokes to maximize structural strength and minimize weight. As with our other reels, Guru features true large arbor ratios. Guru is available in 4 weight through 10 weight, and shares identical drag design and components with our most expensive reels. Guru is finished with a clear type 2 anodize. Choose between Guru black for a stealth look, or the brighter Guru for a nice fansy finish.

GURU specifications MODEL

DIA

WIDTH

WEIGHT

ROD WT

LINE

CAPACITY

GURU 1.5 GURU 2 GURU 3 GURU 3.5 GURU 4

80 mm 83 mm 92 mm 95 mm 110 mm

28 g 28 g 32 g 35 g 38 g

133 g 139 g 159 g 147 g 207 g

3,4,5 5,6 7,8 8,9 10,11

WF4 WF6 WF7 WF9 WF10

100 yds 20# 100 yds 20# 150 yds 20# 200 yds 20# 250 yds 30#

FLYFISH EUROPE - SPRING 2012

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Format: Large Arbour Material: Machined 6061 Aluminum Finish: Clear Type 2 Weight: 139 g / 5-6 wt

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THE WATERWORKS LAMSON FLY REELS

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“

With any mechanical device, simplicity is a virtue. We saw reels with 80+ parts. It is easy to make something with too many parts; it’s hard to make something work with fewer parts. Simplicity means that there is less that can go wrong, can result in the virtue of less physical weight, and moreover, often becomes the catalyst for an elegant design solution.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Konic delivers smart design and high performance in Lamson’s most affordable reel. The same, super-smooth, fully sealed conical drag system and stainless roller clutch used in our more expensive reels are matched with machined components and pressure cast ALDC12 aluminum alloy spool and frame.

Konic is anodized then finished with a 100% solid polyurethane coating to resist gouging and abrasion. Affordable reels just got a whole lot better.

KONIC specifications MODEL

DIA

WIDTH

WEIGHT

ROD WT

LINE

CAPACITY

KONIC 1.5 KONIC 2 KONIC 3.5 KONIC 4

78 mm 86 mm 94 mm 99 mm

25 mm 28 mm 30 mm 32 mm

125 g 133 g 173 g 193 g

3,4 5,6 7,8 9,10

WF4 WF 6 WF8 WF10

100 yds 12# 100 yds 20# 200 yds 20# 240 yds 30#

40

Format: Large Arbour Material: Aluminum, 17-4 super alloy & 304 stainless steel Finish: Anodize / Polyurethane Weight: 4,70 oz / 5-6 wt

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FLYFISH EUROPE - SPRING 2012

FLYFISH EUROPE - SPRING 2012

41

RIO GRANDE

TEXT ORAZIO GATTI

I

PHOTO ORAZIO GATTI

During the flight, the topic is always same: what kind of trout are exactly these “Sea Run Brown Trout” as the Americans call them? How big? How many can you catch in a week? What are the best flies? Does the dry fly work?

The plane jolts and bumps heavily in the turbulence and looking down we can see the white capped ocean waves. So the last and most important of all questions addressed to one of the anglers who has been here before is: what about the wind? It is ALWAYS blowing! Together with your fellow anglers and the guide it’ll be one of the few certainties of the week!

Three hours of flight pass quickly talking about fishing and then the sound of the descending aircraft warns us that at last we are about to land in Rio Grande.

Two groups are shortly going to meet: the keen and alert newcomers, full of hope since the take off in Buenos Aires and those who have just completed a week of fishing, now waiting to get onboard and begin the long journey back home.

After a night filled with the latin rhythms in the streets of the Recoleta district we are ready, on time although tired, to board the plane that will take us to our destination. The caps, the rod tubes and the topics of conversation among 90% of the passengers on the plane confirm, if ever a proof was needed, that the Rio Grande, like Alaska, British Columbia and Iceland, is something special for us anglers, sometimes dreamed of for a long time as the ultimate goal: the International Capital of Sea Trout!

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The atmosphere in this small airport on Saturdays between January and March is special. Guides and lodge managers are busy wishing farewell to leaving anglers, then welcoming the newcomers and help them finding their luggage. Immediately upon landing the newly arrived try to gain as much valuable information as possible from those who fished the past week. Have the fish been running? How many did you catch? How much did the biggest weigh? And so on.

As we leave the airport heading for our lodge, we talk about how the various lodges along the rivers operate and how fishing is organized in Argentina. The waters are public but the land and the banks along the rivers are strictly private so access is indeed restricted. “DIY” (do it yourself) fishing is not feasible either on this or on other rivers in the area.

The fishing week normally starts on Sunday and ends on Friday. Like in other rivers around the world where you try to hit running fish, the river is divided into beats which are fished in rotation by pairs of anglers sharing a guide.

All this is interesting information, but ... what about the trout? Oh yes, you are right, we came here for them and we haven’t properly mentioned them yet!

The Americans call them Sea Run Brown Trout, but we Europeans usually say just Sea Trout. In simple terms it is a brown trout that about once in every three years (there are no detailed studies on this) goes upstream the Rio Grande River and other small rivers in the area. Sea trout also run the Rio Gallego, another river of good size located about 350 km north of Rio Grande, but the nature of this river makes the fishing less fruitful than on the Rio Grande.

Several companies manage the fishing on the Rio Grande and each of them owns the rights to access river stretches of various lengths. Anglers can stay in lodges built close to the river or in a farm (estancia) a little further away, or alternatively in local hotels. The lodges closer to the river like Kau Tapen (the oldest, most famous and most expensive!) and Maria Behety are no more than 20-25 minutes jeep drive from the furthers beats, while more distant lodges like Villa Maria and Toon Ken require longer transfers to reach the river. The anglers staying in hotels in the town of Rio Grande must endure rather long drives by jeep, well over an hour to reach the river.

Like the Atlantic salmon and the steelhead once the reproductive season is over the brown trout goes back to the sea. It is very difficult to determine the timing and duration of the fish runs because the migration is closely tied to factors that vary from year to year such as weather conditions, temperature and water levels. The first fish begin to move up the rivers towards the end of November or beginning of December, but the bulk of the run usually occurs between January and March.

Soon after coming back from the sea trout have a silvery color which makes them very similar to salmon, but with each passing day the familiar black spots seem to resurface and then brownish shades make the fish look almost like the stationary, or resident, brown trout which are also present in the river. Sea trout that have been in the river for some time are however still clearly distinguishable because of the total absence of red dots. The males take on amazing liveries sporting all shades of rust and brown, sometimes even the outline of the black spots turns to bright tones of brown.

When you finally get on the river of course you spend the whole day there.

Since the activity of the fish is not constant and climatic conditions often put a strain on even the most hardened and fanatical anglers, in recent years small buildings or huts have been built. These are equipped with the essentials to provide fishermen with some shelter, comfort and well-deserved refreshments.

Believe me, when the wind blows at 90-100 km per hour for most of the day, you need that break in a shelter!

The size of the sea trout ranges between 4 and 30lb but bigger specimens up to 36-38lb have been caught. This remarkable size distinguishes the Sea Run Brown Trout from other sea trout that can be captured in other parts of the world. In a week (6 days of fishing!) it’s not unusual to catch 20 to 30 fish ranging between 10 and 20lb, with the possibility of a bigger fish up to 25-26lb.

“Monsters” of over 30lb are caught every year, but there are not many of them and so catching them depends both on good conditions and, why not, a lot of luck!

The fishing season runs from December to April, but the period between January and March is certainly the most productive. In peak season some fifty fishermen are distributed each week along 90 km of river banks. With very few exceptions, it is only fly fishing and catch and release is strictly practiced. The relatively small number of anglers, the very high probability of catching and the absolutely pristine beauty of the landscape have made the Rio Grande River in Argentina (actually the river rises in Chile but very few fish swim upstream so far) a coveted destination and certainly the most important business set up in the “world at the end of the world.”

“

Now that you know the size of the fish, let’s look at the ideal “combat” tools.

Rods from 9 ‘ to 9’6 “for 8wt or 9wt lines are among the most suitable for single hand fishing, while for those preferring two-handed rods the 12’ or 13’ for 9wt lines are fine.

Considering the nature of the river, the speed of the current, the wind and the amount of casts you make during the day, two-handed rods allow you to keep the fly on the water for a longer period of time and with less effort, thus increasing the chances of a capture. Reels should be equipped with a robust and progressive break system, must be big enough to hold a minimum of 100 meters 30lbs breaking strength or stronger backing, plus the line. The reels must be easy to clean because the river banks have large amounts of fine gravel or sand which can be detrimental to functionality and durability.

but ... what about the trout? Oh yes, you are right, we came here for them and we haven’t properly mentioned them yet!

Sink tip lines like 200gr and 300gr are among the frequently recommended ones by the guides and they are certainly among the highest scoring lines throughout the season. But the experience of the “old” fishermen, who have fished this river for more than 20 years, has shown that when water levels are normal, floating lines can work even better. The leader should always be of reliable quality, typically measuring 0.32 or 0.35 mm at the tip and from 1 to 3 m in length depending on the fishing situations. Leaders and tippets like Maxima are good: brown or amber colors fit the river conditions.

Water color is slightly amber, so the leader color is of relative importance. Also a fluorocarbon leader can be used since the river banks are free of sharp rocks.

Fly selection can be slightly more complicated, sizes and colors are closely related to water levels, temperature and color of the water, and of course the weather conditions.

Ninety per cent of the sea trout running the river do not eat anything during their stay in fresh water, so to catch them we have to stimulate their natural aggressiveness

FLYFISH EUROPE - SPRING 2012

43

RIO GRANDE

After much anticipation, a long journey and an almost sleepless night at last we are now close to the Rio Grande. After crossing the last hill we see from a distance the characteristic curves of the river: the beauty of the landscape is blinding, it is all quite thrilling. But it takes only a few minutes before our attention is focused on fishing again. Seriously, after months of anticipation and talking about the trip how many of us do have the time and inclination to look at the landscape? Time to fish at last!

which, when closer to spawning time, is even more pronounced. Black, olive, yellow, peacock green, purple and chartreuse colors are good choices, tied on sturdy streamer type hooks like Tiemco 3761 size 4 - 8 or salmon hooks size 6 and 8. Fly patterns like Prince Gold Bead, Bitch Creek, Yuk Bug, Wooly Bugger, Wooly Worm, Egg Sucking Leech, Sunray Shadow and Collie Dog are some of the patterns you can safely rely on. Of course you can use your fantasy and mix and match the colors mentioned above, and do try adding some flash fibers like Krystal Flash or Flashabou!

Those who are here for the first time wonder if the river is up to the reputation that precedes it. Those who were here before are anxious to see how this week will compare to last time. Many exciting moments of fishing and noteworthy catches fill the scrapbook I have put together from various occasions in which

A creation which in recent years has given much satisfaction to anglers is the black spider with rubber bands. It has silver dumbbell eyes, cactus chenille or

I was lucky to fish the Rio Grande; each one is interesting enough to be told.

Certainly, even if I had time and space to do it, it would still not make you understand what to expect on your first fishing day on the Rio Grande.

regular chenille body, black or olive, and legs of white/yellow rubber mounted like Yuk Bug. When the river is very high and the water is not clear, the size of the fly can be up to 10 cm in length, tied on 2/0 or 3/0 hooks with a silver or gold tinsel body and a bucktail wing of green, chartreuse and yellow mixed together.

Complete the fly with some long strands from the beautiful peacock eye, or sword. Again, spice up the pattern with a few flash fibers.

Every year is different from the previous and sometimes also every week is completely different from those preceding or following. What happened this year, for example, shows exactly this. During the week before our arrival, a snow fall up in the Andes and heavy rain for a couple of days further down had made the river to come up and become colored. The river, which had been previously reported to be good, was now almost unfishable, to the extent that some anglers with still one more day to go had already left. So you can imagine how low our mood sank when at last we arrived here for our long-anticipated week.

Even dry fly lovers can find their moment of glory! These sea trout, given mild temperatures, overcast skies and no wind (or almost no wind at least), can quite often attack a Green Machine bomber, Madam X, and hitching tubes skillfully skated across the surface. Favorite colors are black, natural and chartreuse tied on size 4, 6 and 8 hooks.

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RIO GRANDE

nine o’clock p.m. an angry sea trout of 23lb kept Giuseppe running up and down the pool for over 20 minutes until it felt a little sorry for wasting so much of Giuseppe’s energy and gave up the struggle allowing the guide to net it.

Thirty or forty of the usual photos were taken in a blink and the magnificent fish returned to the river as if nothing had happened, or almost nothing!

But, as often happens in these latitudes, in one night both temperature and atmospheric pressure underwent an abrupt reversal, and the next day dawns under clear skies and virtually no wind, two conditions that seldom occur together!

Carlo, a good caster and a great fisherman, is the first to go into action. He follows the advice of the guide to put on a streamer so big that it might work well if trolled for tuna in the Adriatic… Maybe because he’s too thrilled to be here or maybe his focus is off balance when faced with the strong current, his first cast is really a crap! After two perfect blind casts the 300gr lands in a heap just a few yards ahead, but as the current starts straightening out his line, Carlo’s rod is bent to the handle! The first trout caught on the Rio Grande is about 19 lb, not bad given the start!

Next year we were not so lucky because we had three days of wind blowing

It turns out that the fishing is not so easy so we have to work hard, but at the end of the week our score sheet is fantastic and it turns out to be the best of the season for the lodge where we were staying.

Abrupt weather changes can sometimes radically alter the course of a single day: the sun and the wind in these parts of the world usually come together.

This combination does not always slow down the fishing; in fact waves and ripples created by the wind can increase the oxygen level in the water and can actually bring trout into action. With my friend Gianluca, who occasionally takes a break from his beloved grayling fishing and goes “big-game hunting”, we had these weather conditions one morning and in just over three hours we

caught more than 15 sea trout, including a wonderful fish of 30lb which, to date, remains the biggest fish I ever caught on the Rio Grande.

at 110 km together with freezing temperatures. But we showed our stamina and even that week we caught as many fish as the previous year.

There are far more stories from my many trips to the Rio Grande that I could never tell them all. Certainly the sea trout have a unique charm in this environment that is often fully appreciated only after returning home. With this short story I hope I gave you several reasons to go to Rio Grande: you’ll find by yourselves those reasons to go back!

After the midday break, when we picked up our rods for the afternoon session, the clouds had covered the sun, the wind had dropped but the temperature was still mild, so with boosted confidence after such a morning we thought that all was possible. So why not tie on a Green Machine and make it skate on the surface. Indeed, the fly worked and that afternoon, for the first time, Gianluca and I caught fish between 10 and 20lb on dry flies!

I

HOW TO GET THERE

The surprises of the day were not finished yet. Due to the rotation of the beats that allows everyone to fish on every section of the river, we had to give way to another angler of my group: Giuseppe. Despite his strong faith in the dry fly even he was baffled over using a Green Machine (bomber) of such a big size, but we assured him it would work, so he was eventually convinced. At about FLYFISH EUROPE - SPRING 2012

Flights from Europe to Buenos Aires are serviced by various airlines, but since domestic flights are operated only by Aerolineas Argentinas, it’s better to buy a ticket that includes also the domestic part of Buenos Aires/Rio Grande/Buenos Aires with Aerolineas Argentinas or with associated companies.

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Wherever you fish, you’re going to find fishing guides. And wherever you find fishing guides, you’re going to find Simms. Guides need gear that is functional, innovative and can withstand whatever abuse they put it through. What does that mean for someone who’s not a professional guide? Anything that’s designed to meet the performance needs of guides is gear you can count on. Simms. The choice of professional guides. And anyone else who lives to fish.

Simms is a fishing company. We have enjoyed success by staying true to the original vision of our company by building the highest quality products to keep our customers dry, comfortable and protected from the elements in any fishing conditions. We work with the very best materials suppliers in the world in our commitment to make high performance, technical clothing and outerwear.

We’re the only wader manufacturer in the US, and one of three worldwide that is licensed by W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. to make GORE-TEX® waders. We compete through innovation and quality. Our staff is largely comprised of committed anglers who understand the importance of quality, dependable fishing gear. They use our products all the time, and contribute significantly to our continuous improvement efforts.

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EACH WADER IS DESIGNED TO ALLOW FOR COMFORT IN ALL FISHING SITUATIONS - SITTING, KNEELING, HIKING AND GETTING TO YOUR SECRET FISHING HOLE. THE OPTIMUM SOLUTION FOR ANGLERS IN EXTENDED AND EXTREME CONDITIONS IS GORE-TEX® PRO-SHELL FABRIC TECHNOLOGY. ALL OF THE WADERS MANUFACTURED IN SIMMS´BOZEMAN, MONTANA FACTORY UTILIZE GORETEX® 3- AND 5-LAYER FABRIC TO ENSURE AN EXTREMELY HARD-WEARING PRODUCT - DURABLE ENOUGH TO STAND UP TO THE DAY-TO-DAY USE OF PROFESSIONAL GUIDES.

Kamchatka rainbows. Andros bones. Alta´s salmons. Germans sea run browns. These are only a sliver of the crossroads that define your fishing life. But no matter where your intrepid legs wander, hop off any plane (or pack mule) and look around; one wader brand remains a constant. At Simms, the road to fishing mecca leads back to Bozeman, Montana, where despite what you may have heard, the best waders on the planet are homegrown and stitched—one seam at a time—in the U.S.A. Simms’ bombproof wader line-up is a product of thousands of river hours, extensive in-house R&D, and the most aggressive seam strength, abrasion resistance, and leak testing practices ever engineered. Simms uses the most durable, hydrophobic materials available, including 5-layer GORE-TEX® Pro Shell fabrics, YKK® zippers and buckles, and high-density neoprene rubber. From your first cast to your 2,000th day on the water, from exotic to city limit locales, at Simms it’s the little things that count— they don’t split hairs when it comes to quality. Building the ultimate wader is more than a matter of pride, it’s a guarantee that with Simms you’re stepping into the best. Period.

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SIMMS® WADERS

COMPLETE LINE OF WADERS, INCLUDING ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION, SIZING AND PRODUCT CARE PLEASE VISIT FLYFISHEUROPE.COM

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------G4ZTM STOCKINGFOOT Simms designed its G4ZTM Waders with guides in mind: those intrepid marathoners running foot, sled, drift-boat, and raft trips all day, every day. The G4Z Wader features patented front- and back-leg seam construction to stymie abrasion leaks, a mix of 3- and 5-layer GORETEX® Pro-Shell fabric for breathability and bombproof durability, and the in and out convenience of a waterproof vertical zipper. G4ZTM. Preferred attire for river professionals.

KEY FEATURES: • More GORE-TEX® 5-layer fabric than any other waders for max durability • Simms’ adjustable stretch spacer mesh suspender system only found on G4ZTM • YKK® AquaSeal® waterproof center-front zipper allows for easy on/off, ventilation and quick relief • Improved abrasion-resistant material for more durable built-in gravel guards FABRIC TECH: 3-layer & 5-layer GORE-TEX® Pro Shell Technology MADE IN USA

COLOR: STERLING SIZE: Offered in 17 stock sizes.

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-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------G4 PROTM STOCKINGFOOT Since Simms introduced the G4 Pro, wader abuse-from the snot slippery boulders of the North Umpqua to hairy North Platte outposts such as Alcova, Wyoming-has hit a major snag. Three time consecutive winner of Fly Fisherman Magazine’s “Best Wader” category, G4s are an investment in intuitive fit, rugged durability, and comfort along the lines of your favorite jeans: the ones that weeks on end never seem to find the washer. G4 Pro. An army of one in the fight against wader abuse.

KEY FEATURES: • G4 styles feature more GORE-TEX® 5-layer fabric than any other waders – throughout legs, waist & seat; offers maximum durability of any wader • YKK® water-resistant zippered hand warmer pockets and YKK® zippered chest pocket • Flip-out Tippet TenderTM pocket includes patented built-in retractor • Adjustable elastic 1.5” suspender with YKK® non-locking buckles • Built-in low profile belt loops with nylon wading belt • Improved abrasion-resistant material for more durable built-in gravel guards MADE IN USA

FABRIC TECH: 3-layer & 5-layer GORE-TEX® Pro Shell Technology COLOR: STERLING SIZE: Offered in 20 stock sizes.

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SIMMS® WADERS

GORE-TEX® REPAIR KIT Made specifically for GORE-TEX® products - a great kit to keep on-hand for easy repairs to your GORE-TEX® waders or outerwear.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------G3 GUIDETM STOCKINGFOOT -ALSO AVAILABLE AS A PANT MODELWader malfunction should be your last concern when meeting the demands of ultra-persnickety fish. That’s why Simms built its G3 Guides to rise to the highest standards of pure fishing performance, without the frills. G3 Guides feature GORE-TEX® 5-layer fabric, reach-through hand warmer and zippered chest pockets, and a Flip-out Tippet TenderTM for distraction-free fishing at its best.

KEY FEATURES: • Patented front and back leg seam construction for enhanced articulation, comfort and durability • DEET & saltwater resistant • Improved abrasion-resistant material for more durable built-in gravel guards • Fleece-lined hand warmer pocket with DWR treatment FABRIC TECH: 3-layer & 5-layer GORE-TEX® Pro Shell Technology COLOR: STERLING

MADE IN USA

SIZE: Offered in 25 stock sizes.

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-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------G3 GUIDETM CONVERTIBLE The Rocky Mountain shoulder seasons can be a tumultuous mix of up-and-down weather. Thankfully, the G3 GuideTM Convertible conveniently switches gears from pant to chest-high with an innovative zip extension system at the waist. When temperate meets tempest (and everything in between) the G3 GuideTM Convertible is your solution for Mother Nature at her most indecisive.

KEY FEATURES: • Lightweight 115 g GORE-TEX® upper for minimal bulk • GORE-TEX® 5-layer fabric featured throughout legs for increased durability • Built-in adjustable belt • Improved abrasion-resistant material for more durable built-in gravel guards • Easy waist high conversion • 4mm high-density neoprene hourglass stockingfoot FABRIC TECH: 3-layer & 5-layer GORE-TEX® Pro Shell Technology COLOR: STERLING

MADE IN USA

SIZE: Offered in 15 stock sizes.

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NEOPRENE WADING BELT

SIMMS® WADERS

For more comfortable wading...

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------GUIDETM STOCKINGFOOT With more river days clocked than a merganser and her chicks, the cadre of guides running multi-day floats, humping over hills, and replenishing nonstop flies lost to the back of your head remain fly-fishing’s top ambassadors. That’s why Simms built its new Guide Wader to perform to the level of those whom, from first cast to last call, represent the guts of the wear-and-tear faction. Guide Waders feature front leg seams to combat inside-leg abrasion leaks. They also utilize GORE-TEX® 3-layer fabric throughout the legs, reinforced fabric in the front leg panel for unparalleled durability, and articulated knees for superior leg movement when kneeling before the fishing gods for big tips.

KEY FEATURES: • Zippered flip-out pocket • Adjustable elastic 1.5” suspender with YKK® non-locking buckles • Built-in low profile belt loop with nylon wading belt • Improved abrasion-resistant material for more durable built-in gravel guards • Easy waist high conversion • 4mm high-density neoprene hourglass stockingfoot MADE IN USA

FABRIC TECH: 3-layer & 5-layer GORE-TEX® Pro Shell Technology COLOR: STERLING SIZE: Offered in 16 stock sizes.

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-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------HEADWATERSTM STOCKINGFOOT & PANT Simms’ HeadwatersTM Waders continue to raise the bar in the bang-for-your-buck category. Whether you’re outfitting clients for a week on the Smith River or looking for a GORE-TEX® product that guarantees durability and longevity, HeadwatersTM excel across the board—without sacrificing an ounce of quality.

KEY FEATURES: • GORE-TEX® reinforced fabric in front leg panel for added durability • External hand pocket with quick-drying microfleece liner • Side-seam construction with articulated knees for less bulk • External stacked pocket includes large storage pocket with hook & loop closure and hand pocket • Easily convert to waist highs FABRIC TECH: 3-layer GORE-TEX® Pro Shell fabric technology with reinforced front leg panel for additional durability

MADE IN USA

COLOR: SAGE SIZE: Offered in 13 stock sizes

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BACKMAGIC WADING BELT

SIMMS® WADERS

Unsurpassed comfort and support in a highly adjustable belt...

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------FREESTONE® STOCKINGFOOT Great waders do not have to break the bank. Simms’ Freestone® Waders are engineered for strength, with center-seam construction to combat abrasion leaks and articulated knees for uninhibited mobility. And as for that South Island backing-packing mission that’s been gnawing at your imagination for years? Well... now you have an excuse to splurge KEY FEATURES: • QuadraLam™ Technology with Toray® waterproof fabric • Easily converts to waist highs • External chest pocket with hook & loop closure, reach-through hand pocket & flip-out pocket • Nylon wading belt included FABRIC TECH: QuadraLam™ Technology with Toray® waterproof fabric COLOR: BROWN SIZE: Offered in 7 stock sizes.

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THE RIGHT OUTERWEAR WILL DETERMINE WHETHER SOMEONE IS OUT FISHING OR HUNKERED DOWN IN THE LODGE. BY UTILIZING THE HIGHEST TECH MATERIALS IN THE WORLD LIKE GORETEX® & WINDSTOPPER® FABRICS AND YKK® ZIPPER TECHNOLOGY, SIMMS OUTERWEAR OFFERS LIGHTWEIGHT, BREATHABLE, DURABLE PRODUCTS THAT ARE WATERPROOF, WINDPROOF AND PERFECT FOR EVER.CHANGING FISHING CONDITIONS.

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Weather forecasts around these parts are mostly a load of B.S.-which translates to Big Surprises. If there’s anything the polyester suit behind the big screen ever nails, it’s perfect mousse-to-coif ratios and consistently inconsistent babble. Because fishing is a four-season pursuit full of mixed variables, Simms pours thousands of hours into outerwear R&D, so that whatever the forecast dishes - sunsets, torrential deluges, plummeting barometers, sleet, snow, La Niñas and El Niños, wind, mud, hell or high - water -you’re covered with waterproof, windproof, and soft shell fleece fabrics from the most innovative names in the business, including GORE-TEX® and WINDSTOPPER®. Simms. Fish longer. Avert the B.S.

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----------------------------Artist Series features stainless steel flask with DeYoung Brown Trout & Rainbow Trout art The Simms Flask is a perfect gift for the angler in your life, the members of your wedding party...or you! MADE IN USA MATERIAL: Stainless steel SIZE: 8 oz. flask

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G4 PROTM JACKET The G4 ProTM is Simms’ most technically advanced fishing jacket yet, featuring steadfast 3-layer GORE-TEX® Pro Shell fabric and an intuitive 7 storage-pocket design to keep your essentials dry, protected, and always at the ready. This bomber H2O shelter also includes water-resistant pit-zips for core temperature control, fully adjustable storm hood and cuffs, and rugged, packable engineering with heavier nylon fabric in the shoulders and lighter nylon in body.

G4 ProTM. No matter where on terra firma life takes you.

G3 GUIDETM JACKET Thanks to two hemispheres that speak similar fishing languages—from Glacier National Park to Patagonia’s sea-run Rio Grande system—there’s little seasonal reprieve for the world-wandering guide these days. That’s why Simms built its G3 GuideTM Jacket to withstand the most inhospitable elements. G3s use 3-layer GORE-TEX® Performance Shell fabric to repel raging weather, heavier nylon fabric in shoulders for durability, and lighter nylon fabric in the body for precise packability when it’s time to get up and go.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES: • 7 storage pockets including 2 bellowed chest pockets, 2 zippered chest pockets, 2 zippered Tippet pockets and 1 large capacity back pocket • Adjustable storm hood, adjustable cuffs and adjustable shock cord hem • 2 Patented built-in retractors

ADDITIONAL FEATURES: • Watertight stretch cuffs keep water out when you’re casting or landing a fish • Adjustable storm hood for protection and visibility • 2 large bellowed & 2 zippered chest pockets, bellowed back pocket

FABRIC TECH: 3-layer GORE-TEX® Performance Shell fabric; 100% Polyester face

FABRIC TECH: 3-layer GORE-TEX® Pro Shell fabric; 100% Polyester face

COLOR: BLACK OLIVE/ELKHORN, LODEN SIZE: S-XXL

COLOR: GUNMETAL SIZE: S-XXL FLYFISH EUROPE - SPRING 2012

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-----------------------------Secure storage for your fishing license with accessories to easily display for authorities.

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ADDITIONAL FEATURES: • Industry standard jacket with 3-layer GORE-TEX® Performance Shell protects in all conditions • New storm hood design • Storm cuff; gathered waist; 2 Patented built-in retractors • 2 streamlined front pockets

ADDITIONAL FEATURES: • JACKET: Non-corrosive YKK® AquaGuard® zippers. Adjustable, stow-away storm hood. Streamlined cut improves overall fit while longer torso provides better coverage; Audio cable routing system for on-the-go music • PANT: Articulated leg design for enhanced movement; YKK® waterproof front zipper with snap closure; Zippered rear and hand pockets; Adjustable elastic waistband & adjustable ankle cuffs; Non-corrosive YKK® AquaGuard® zippers.

PACLITETM GORE-TEX JACKET & PANT The typical bet revolves around cast-killing winds, blinding overcast skies, variable tides, changing moon phases, raging weather fronts, and whether or not you draw any or all of the above during your brief stop in paradise. The featherweight GORETEX® Paclite Jacket and Pants lessens the risk, allowing you to focus efforts on more fruitful pursuits, such as hitting that once in a lifetime permit windfall.

CLASSIC GUIDETM JACKET Simms’s staple Guide Jacket is a no-frills 3-layer GORE-TEX® fortress engineered for high-energy pursuits that require warmth, breathability, and hydrophobic excellence. The new storm-hood design houses billed fishing hats without unzipping the jacket, while hand pockets with built-in heater-pack holders provide oven-like warmth when the weather turns subzero.

FABRIC TECH: 3-layer GORE-TEX® Performance Shell fabric; 100% Polyester face

FABRIC TECH: GORE-TEX® Paclite® Shell fabric; 100% Polyester face COLOR: GUNMETAL SIZE: S-XXL

COLOR: BLACK OLIVE SIZE: S-4XL

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COMPLETE LINE OF OUTERWEAR, INCLUDING ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION, SIZING AND PRODUCT CARE PLEASE VISIT FLYFISHEUROPE.COM

A unique foam fly box with a velcro hook back to quickly attach the box to your vest, your waders or your rain jacket fly patch.

Quick, easy & so convenient. Features hook on box back to adhere to your vest, jacket or wader.

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FREESTONE JACKET This rain jacket offers waterproof protection and outstanding Simms quality - all for a great price.

HEADWATERSTM GORE-TEX JACKET The new HeadwatersTM Jacket is built along this same multi-pronged path to brilliance, sheathing a fleece & taffeta liner in GORE-TEX® Performance 2-layer shell fabric for superior protection from a freak deluge, and afterhours warmth when the sun dips and fishing turns frigid.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES: • Two large bellowed chest pockets for fly boxes • Storm flap over YKK® center-front nylon zipper • Adjustable stretch cuffs keep water out when casting • Patented built-in retractor • Roomy hand pockets • D-ring at center back neck seam • Adjustable shock cord hem • 100% Nylon ripstop face fabric

ADDITIONAL FEATURES: • Plastic YKK® zippers & zipper sliders minimize corrosion from saltwater use • 2 tool attachment points under pocket flaps • Generous chest pockets accept large fly boxes and other gear • Fleece-lined hand warmer pockets • Comfortable, water-resistant, easy cinch cuffs and gathered waist FABRIC TECH: 2-layer GORE-TEX® Performance Shell fabric; 100% Polyester Face

FABRIC TECH: 100% waterproof 3-layer Toray® fabric

COLOR: LODEN SIZE: S-XXL

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COLOR: BROWN SIZE: S-XXL

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COMPLETE LINE OF OUTERWEAR, INCLUDING ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT FLYFISHEUROPE.COM

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WINDSTOPPER® SOFTSHELL HOODY & JACKET The beauty of the Windstopper® Softshell Hoody & Jacket is that it’s equally astute on land, running workweek errands to keep the fishing dream alive, as it is pitching microbrews to your buddies in the boat. A perfect fit for all seasons either as a primary jacket or under a shell.

FLYTETM JACKET Wind chill is based on how temperature is felt on exposed skin. Basically, the heavier it blows, the quicker you want to cower under a down blanket or move closer to the fire. With the help of WINDSTOPPER® technology, the FlyliteTM Jacket effectively annihilates wind chill—and it does it in an incredibly lightweight, highly-breathable package. Less bulk. More warmth. Fish Longer.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES: • Raglan sleeve improves fit and range of motion • 2 titched-in pockets for more relaxed styling • Adjustable deep hood provides room for hat • Large chest pocket features audio cable system for on-the-go music

ADDITIONAL FEATURES: • Articulated sleeves improve fit and ease of layering • Comfortable, fleece collar adds warmth • Fleece lined, hand warmer pockets • Easy cinch cuffs are comfortable and weather resistant

FABRIC TECH: WINDSTOPPER® Soft Shell fabric with 100% nylon face; 100% polyester micro check fleece lining

FABRIC TECH: WINDSTOPPER® Soft Shell fabric; 100% Polyester face

COLORS: HOODY: BLACK OLIVE. JACKET: DK. ELKHORN, GUNMETAL

COLORS: GUNMETAL

SIZE: S-XXL

SIZE: S-XXL

When you’re not drinking from this BPA-free aluminum bottle, you’ll have Derek DeYoung artwork to always keep fishing top of mind…as if it isn’t already! Fits Simms bags and packs - includes carabiner for easy attachment.

COLORS: 1 liter Bottle: DeYoung Tarpon, Simms Camo 0,6 liter Bottle: DeYoung Brookie DeYoung Cuttrout, Simms Camo

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COMPLETE LINE OF OUTERWEAR, INCLUDING ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION, SIZING AND PRODUCT CARE PLEASE VISIT FLYFISHEUROPE.COM

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SIMMS® OUTERWEAR

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------PRO DRYTM GORE-TEX PARKA, PANT & BIB Simms’ state of the art ProDryTM GORE-TEX® series recently raked in “Best in Show” and “Best Outerwear” honors at the International Fly Tackle Dealer show in New Orleans, LA. The game-changing ProDryTM Jacket was built to exceed the most punishing standards of top fishing professionals, those who day in and day out demand minor miracles from their gear. It’s built tough with GORE-TEX® Pro Shell fabric technology for 100 percent waterproof and windproof comfort in the burliest weather. Large waterproof chest pockets hold boxes, tools, and other fishing essentials, while the stowable storm hood fits over a hat securely, and a clear watch window inside the sealed cuff sleeve lets you conveniently keep time, as well as tabs on everything from tides, moon phases, and barometric readings. Combined with either ProDryTM Pant or Bib, Simms’ Extreme Wet Weather rated outerwear guarantees to Keep You Dry®.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES: • PARKA: Stretch fabric in shoulders & elbows for flexibility & comfort; low-profile large capacity chest pockets & zippered microfleece-lined hand warmer pockets with built- in heat pack pockets; 3-point cinch, stowable storm hood, adjustable waist and full length waterproof center-front zipper • PANT: Active cut design offers non-binding fit, freedom of movement & room for layering; Articulated knee with stretch fabric for exceptional flexibility & comfort; Waterproof zippered fly, adjustable ankle cuffs & 3/4 length waterproof leg zips for easy-on, easy-off • BIB: Active cut design for non-binding fit & room for layering; Articulated knee with stretch fabric for exceptional flexibility & comfort; Adjustable mesh non-slip suspenders offer comfortable wear for a full day of fishing; Microfleece-lined hand warmer pockets with built-in heat pack pockets; Waterproof center-front zipper, adjustable ankle cuffs & 3/4 length waterproof leg zips for easy-on, easy-off FABRIC TECH: 3-layer GORE-TEX® Pro Shell fabric; 100% Nylon face COLOR: JACKET: STEEL GREY, DELTA GREEN. BIB: STEEL GREY, DELTA GREEN. PANT: DK. GUNMETAL. SIZE: S-XXL

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SIMMS UTILIZES A NUMBER OF TECHNOLOGIES TO THE HIGHEST QUALITY, BEST PERFORMING, MOST COMFORTABLE FOOTWEAR FOR FISHING APPLICATIONS. PERFORMANCE PARTNERS INCLUDE GORE-TEX® TECHNOLOGY, VIBRAM®, BOA® AND SCHOELLER®. ALL OF THESE PARTNERS INVEST HEAVILY IN RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT TO PROVIDE SIMMS WITH THE BEST MATERIAL TO MEET THE CHALLENGES OF DIFFERENT FISHING ENVIRONMENTS.

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PHOTO: HENRIK LARSSON

Whether your fishing agenda calls for foreign flats, sea bass off the shore, sea trout in the bay, or precarious river wading in heavy water, Simms offers the most prolific line of technology-infused fishing footwear available today. Pick up any Simms boot, with intuitive features such as dual-density, compression-molded midsoles, or the super-slick BOA® lacing system, and your feet will thank you. And with Simms’ CleanStreamTM engineering built to help squash the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS), so too will the threatened resources that all fishers rely upon.

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Includes replacement knob and wire lace for easy lace system replacement in the field.

COMPLETE LINE OF FOOT WEAR, AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT FLYFISHEUROPE.COM

[ FFE TIPS!

SIMMS® FOOTWEAR

-----------------------------------------------------------------RIVERTEK® BOA® WADING BOOT Winner of Fly Fisherman Magazine’s 2012 Best Boot category, Simms’ RiverTek® is redefining what anglers have come to expect from a high-performance wading boot. Its revolutionary BOA® system lets you lace up ultrafast—with the one-handed twist of a dial— while its unobtrusive, clean design gives you a step up in the fight against Aquatic Invasive Species. And as for the ice-encrusted laces of steelhead seasons past? Winter on the OP’s Hoh, Bogachiel, and Sol Duc systems never looked so good.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES: • CleanStreamTM design elements incorporating features that include a synthetic upper that won’t absorb water, minimal exposed stitching and BOA® lacing system to eliminate water & debris absorbing laces • BOA® M3 reel tightens laces 3-4 times faster than previous models • Fully neoprene lined with closed-cell foam • Rubber toe cap for durable protection against rocks & debris • TPU heel clip for added stability MATERIAL TECH: Synthetic construction SIZE: Streamtread 7-14 FLYFISH EUROPE - SPRING 2012

EXTREMETM SOCKS

WADING SOCKS

These very warm and comfortable socks pulls moisture away from your skin - keeping your feet warm & dry. Great for wearing with waders with a durable, comfortable fit.

MATERIAL TECH: 85% Merino Wool, 14% Nylon, 1% Spandex

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According to statisticians, one out of every five mountain-town locals (read: Boulder, Bozeman, Telluride, Whistler, et cetera) no matter what the forecast throws, fails to function in anything other than flip-flops. Since no 12-step program is currently available for the afflicted, Simms adds another pair of wicked “four-season” Flips to the mix. Enablers? Perhaps. Aficionados? More like it.

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G4 GUIDETM WADING BOOT The G4 GuideTM Boot is Simms’ answer to everything from Green Drakes and greasy Penns Creek shale to bone-mulching scrambles into Colorado’s Black Canyon— the types of homicidal wading that will make your equipment, not to mention your body, bleed. G4 GuidesTM feature Simms’ most advanced CleanStreamTM engineering, with Schoeller®-dynatec mesh panels, waterproof nubuck leather upper, and a contoured speed lacing system with friction-free adjustment and non-corrosive hardware. So when fishing conditions get hairy, rest assured, this rugged boot is engineered to bite back.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES: • Fully neoprene lined with closed-cell foam for minimal water absorption • Internal 3D ankle stabilizer—wraps ankle providing support & cushion • Molded toe box & heel counter; extra durable PU one-piece midsole

GUIDETM WADING BOOT Guides have a knack for bringing new boots to submission—quickly. That’s why Simms designed its Guide Boot to meet the durability and comfort requirements of these high-mileage river keepers. Thanks to superior ankle support and Simms’ exclusive StremTreadTM Vibram® soles, Guide Boots are as at home sleuthing the river for aggressive trout as they are hammering up and over gnarly terrain to reach the primest lies on the planet.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES: • CleanStreamTM design utilizes Schoeller®-dynatec mesh panels and

waterproof nubuck leather upper for easy cleaning

• TecTuffTM coated leather surrounds ankle for greater support • Full perforated neoprene lining with closed-cell foam and full-coverage molded rubber toe cap • Contoured NATO speed lacing system with high quality nylon laces

MATERIAL TECH: Synthetic construction with Schoeller® NanoSphere® water-resistant finish

MATERIAL TECH: Waterproof Nubuck construction with Schoeller® NanoSphere® water-resistant finish

SIZE: Streamtread 7-14

SIZE: Streamtread & Felt 7-14

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HARDBITE™ BOOT STUDS - FELT SOLES Our HardBite Boot Studs for felt soles easily convert felt wading boots to studded.

HARDBITE™ STAR CLEAT

HARDBITE™ BOOT STUDS - VIBRAM SOLES Our HardBite Boot Studs easily convert our StreamTread™ soles to studded.

Developed specifically for use with our StreamTread™ wading boot soles, the HardBite™ Star Cleats offer the best stud solution for added stability in difficult wading conditions. Use separately or in combination with our HardBite Studs.

All StreamTread™ soles can accept Simms HardBite™ Studs & Star Cleats made specifically for rubber soles. There is no right or wrong placement of the Studs & Star Cleats and they may be used in any combination to best meet the needs for the user. The combination of the removable studs/cleats and the StreamTread™ sole offers superior traction.

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Redesigned to offer more support, cushion, durability and comfort. Designed to fold over our Flats Sneaker or wading boots to filter out sand and mud MATERIAL TECH: 68% Polyester, 31% Nylon, 1% Lycra® Spandex

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Many of the most rewarding flats missions involve little more than an ankle-deep stroll on an incoming tide. There you’ll find numerous underwater microenvironments: from white sand to coral, volcanic rock, and lemon shark infested turtle grass. But no matter where your feet land the Flats Sneaker keeps you within casting range, with over-the-ankle coverage and Schoeller®-dynatec panels for unmatched support and puncture resistance.

MATERIAL TECH: Synthetic upper with Schoeller® dynatec fabric SIZE: 7-14

SIMMS® FOOTWEAR

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RIVERSHEDTM WADING BOOT Hell hath no fury like a river scorned. And with the easy-cleaning capabilities of this CleanStreamTM inspired boot it takes little more than a quick rinse and scrub to keep the AIS demons at bay. Housed in a full perimeter of burly rubber, RivershedsTM fuse the exceptional support and durability of a true hiker, with the lightweight capabilities of your favorite runner. Fishing nirvana awaits.

FREESTONE® WADING BOOT The Freestone® is a classic Simms design revamped with CleanStreamTM and StreamTreadTM technologies to address all your contemporary fishing needs.

Features include abrasion-resistant panels with water repellent treatment for minimal water absorption and easy cleaning, as well as Simms’ signature Nylon speed lacing-system for a lightweight, bomber boot at a fantastic price.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES: • CleanStreamTM design utilizes high abrasion-resistant panels with water repellent treatment for minimal water absorption & easy cleaning • Fully neoprene lined with closed-cell foam and sturdy asymmetrical molded toe box with rubber cap • Full perimeter rubber offers superior durability and ease of cleaning • Non-corrosive hardware with high quality nylon laces

ADDITIONAL FEATURES: • CleanStreamTM design utilizes high abrasion-resistant panels with water repellent treatment for minimal water absorption & easy cleaning • Fully neoprene lined with closed-cell foam for minimal water absorption

• Internal 3D ankle stabilizer—wraps ankle providing support & cushion • Molded toe box & heel counter; extra durable PU one-piece midsole MATERIAL TECH: Synthetic construction

MATERIAL TECH: Waterproof synthetic leather & rubber coated ballistic panels

SIZE: Streamtread & Felt 5-15

SIZE: Streamtread & Felt 7-14

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COMPLETE LINE OF VEST&PACKS, INCLUDING ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT FLYFISHEUROPE.COM

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Fishing has hefty gear requirements: enough fluoros, monos, goops, and gadgets to run you out of closet, Subaru backseat, garage, and small to XL storage unit space— quickly. Whether you’re a minimalist or a load hauler of lama-like skills, Simms’ intuitive lineup of river-ready vests, packs, and bags makes organization a breeze, so you can focus on priority No. 1: fishing. Simms 2012. Comfort packed and intelligence loaded—to fit all your H2O-oriented operations.

This multitasking superhero outperforms them all, with more than 20 intuitively placed pockets that maintain everything from flies and fly boxes to split-shot, licenses, cell phones, spools, leaders, and more always at the ready. Its breathable, padded collar and stretch fabric shoulders help disperse the load, while keeping you cool and comfortable during high-exertion days on the water. COLORS: Gunmetal, Khaki SIZE: S-XXL

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DRY CREEKTM DUFFEL BAG

Made with the highest quality materials, use this bag because it’s easy to pack & unpack and durable enough for all of your fishing expeditions. Available in sizes: S,M,L

DRY CREEKTM DAY PACK

DRY CREEKTM FLATS PACK

The minimalist Dry CreekTM Flats pack is your perfect solo companion, with a waterresistant, non-corrosive zipper top closure ready to swallow a box of flies, sunscreen, and tippets, and a convertible Cuban-strap system for easy conversion from waist to sling pack.

More than just a great fitting day pack, it easily converts into a multi-functional fishing system by attaching one of our Dry Creek™ or Headwaters™ packs.

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DRY CREEKTM GUIDE BACKPACK The Dry CreekTM Guide Backpack features include a water-tight roll top with buckle closures, secure internal pocket perfect for cameras and smart phones, and a removable suspension system for a haul-all that goes anywhere.

FLYFISH EUROPE - SPRING 2012

HEADWATERSTM MESH VEST The HeadwatersTM Mesh Vest is a summertime staple prime for high-exertion fishing missions. Smart storage includes 6 chest, 4 vertical-waist, 8 internal, and a horizontal back-pocket perfect for housing blueline maps to all your topsecret backcountry hideouts. Additional features include two patented built-in retractors, a convenient buckle closure, and non-corrosive zippers and sliders.

COLOR: Taupo SIZE: S-XXL

GUIDE VEST The Guide Vest -strategically built with 24 pockets to house an arsenal of lockcracking fishing supplies -keeps you covered. Guide Vests feature two patented built-in retractors for tools, non-corrosive zippers and sliders, and a breathable, padded collar to keep you cool and comfortable when the fishing gets heated.

COLOR: Khaki SIZE: XS-3XL

HEADWATERSTM ROD TUBE 4-PC

Save time and protect your investments. This Highdensity plastic tube offers superior durability with closed-cell foam interior lining for padding and shock absorption. Available as double or single storage.

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HEADWATERSTM CHEST PACK

HEADWATERSTM CHEST/HIP PACK

HEADWATERSTM 1/2 DAY PACK

HeadwatersTM ChestPack features a featherweight 385,5g design combined with fishing-functional comfort and ergonomics for all day wear on the river.

The HeadwatersTM Chest/Hip Pack is the multitool solution to all your fishing needs. In addition to chest or hip wearable options, it magnetically melds with HeadwatersTM Day Packs and 1/2 Day Packs thanks to Simms’ exclusive Catch & Release modular system.

Simms’ HeadwatersTM 1/2 Day Pack is built hammer strong with new 315 HT 100% Nylon Auto Airbag fabric and includes Simms’ exclusive Catch & Release modular magnetic system for seamless integration with Simms Chest/Hip Pack and Chest Packs.

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SIMMS® VESTS & PACKS

FREESTONE® VEST Freestone rivers such as Montana’s Madison are prime examples of unimpeded elegance. The Freestone® Vest takes that same free-flowing ideal and translates it into a streamlined,15-pocketed organizational breathe of fresh air for successful days on the water. COLOR: Gunmetal SIZE: S-XXL

VERTICAL GUIDE VEST Shorter than the other Simms vests, the Vertical Vest offers a technical vest designed for two-handed casting with ample pockets for large fly box storage.

COLOR: Taupo SIZE: S-XXL

COMPLETE LINE OF LAYERING, INCLUDING ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION

PLEASE VISIT FLYFISHEUROPE.COM

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DOWNUNDERTM MERINO TOP & BOTTOM

Merino wool is a natural miracle worker on myriad of levels. It provides unparalleled moisture management, delivers knockout warmth-to-weight ratio performance, fights body stench, stays warm when wet, and helps regulate core body temperature for optimum comfort under varying conditions. Simms’ DownUnderTM Merino Zip Top & Bottom. All-season execution, so you can focus on fishing.

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RIVERTEKTM TOP & BOTTOM

POWER DRY ®

This mid-weight baselayer insulates and wicks just like the lightweight layer, but provides a little more insulate on cooler days. The top is built for casting, the 4-way shoulders stretch fabrik and 2-way stretch in the bodymove with you and the zip allows you to ventilate when the temperature warms up. These thin, wader lining pants and top go with you through the fall and early spring… And they never seem to show signs of wear.

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RIVERSHEDTM CARDIGAN

GUIDETM FLEECE BIB

The Cardigan is a classy high-tech layering solution that performs well whether you are out fishing or sharing fish stories in the lodge.

Think of the Guide Fleece Bib as polar insulation against all things bleak. Bibs feature stretch stirrups to easily slide into waders and are built with 4-way stretch fleece for superior warmth, breathability, mobility, and moisture wicking performance.

-Also awailable in sweaterKEY FEATURES:

• Polartec® ThermalPro® fabric offers superior durability and comfort • YKK® center-front zipper • 2” self-fabric crew collar for added protection and comfort FABRIC TECH: COLOR:

KEY FEATURES:

• Lofty fleece interior provides insulation and comfort • 2 Zippered chest pockets • Stretch stirrups FABRIC TECH:

92% Polyester/8% Spandex

COLOR:

Moss SIZE: S-XXL

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92% Polyester/8% Spandex

Coal SIZE: S-XXL

FLYFISH EUROPE - SPRING 2012

Guides are notorious for their pack-mule capacities. Whether you need tippet, flies, split-shot, ibuprofen, or a triple-decker club sandwich, they’re constantly digging something useful (or delicious) out of a pocket. This guide inspired shirt is built to tackle all the formalities of fishing, with ample storage for everything from fly boxes, to fishing licenses, and the myriad accessories that go into making good days on the river great. COLORS: Wasabi, River, Stone SIZE: S-XXL

GLENBROOK SHIRT

Fishers have a love/hate relationship with bugs. When trout are munching them, it’s nothing short of devotion.

But when they’re mauling us, let the fear and loathing begin. BugBlockerTM Shirts infused with No Fly ZoneTM technology help you clampdown on calamine lotion usage, while bolstering your welt-free relationship with the great outdoors. COLORS: Birch, Dill, Blue Fog SIZE: S-XXL

FLYTETM PANT & SHORT

MORADA SHIRT

The first item on the agenda after fishing deep into the heart of Yellowstone is the public shower at Mammoth Hot Springs. Next it’s a crisp, clean shirt which, thanks to the Morada’s Teflon® stain-resistant finish, no one will suspect is the same one you’ve scrubbed camp dishes in for the past four nights.

COLORS: Ash Grey, River SIZE: S-XXL

PULLOVER HOODY

This ultra-comfortable world-traveler packs breathable, durable, quick-drying fabric technology into a pant that’s engineered to go anywhere.

The ubiquitous hoody has seen its share of track meets, weekend soccer games, resort cafeterias, and cool mornings along the river with a coffee clutched in hand. With a fleecelined hood and rugged split-stitch double needle sewing on all seams, the Simms® Pullover Hoody takes this comfort classic to new performance heights.

KEY FEATURES: • Gusseted crotch area & knee articulation for ease of movement • Double layer backside with open pockets, right hip zippered pocket & left leg zippered cargo pocket • Snap adjustable hem & accessory loop and partial elastic waist with fly & button closure

KEY FEATURES: • Split stitch double needle sewing on all seams • Standard kangaroo pocket on lower body • Fleece-lined hood • Heavy gauge hood drawcords • 1x1 ribbing at cuffs and waistband

FABRIC TECH: 100% Nylon with COR3 Technology COLOR: DK. KHAKI SIZE: S-XXL

FABRIC TECH: 80% Cotton/20% Polyester Fleece COLOR: COCOA, COAL SIZE: S-XXL

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SIMMS® SPORTSWEAR

The next time someone offers you the “shirt off his back,” best double check that it’s a Glenbrook. This versatile long-sleeve has Dryline® venting and roll-up sleeve tabs for all-temperature performance, as well as enough stash space for two fly boxes and tools in the one zippered and two chest pockets. COLORS: Moss, Pewter, River SIZE: S-XXL

BUGSTOPPERTM NFZ SHIRT

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GUIDE SHIRT

COMPLETE LINE OF SPORTSWEAR, INCLUDING ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT FLYFISHEUROPE.COM

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Simms quality technical t’s featuring fish illustrations by Jeff Currier, Derek DeYoung, Bill Bishop & Mike Stidham. Four featured artists in the Simms T-shirt collection, offers a contemporary style to fish illustrations. The vibrant colors and unique style of art pop. The perfect addition to any angler’s closet.

Show your Simms spirit!

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1. FIELD CAP 2. CASCADIA CAP 3. GORE-TEX EXSTREAM HAT 4. TROUT TRUCKER CAP 5. SWITCH TROUT BEANIE 6. FLEXFIT TRUCKER CAP 7. MICROFIBER SB CAP 8. NFZ HAT 9. PRO DRY GORE-TEX CAP 10. TROUT WATCH CAP 11. NFZ BANDANA 12. NFZ GAITER

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PHOTO: MORGAN EVANS

SIMMS® WOMENS WEAR

On your river there are no ladies tee-boxes, well-manicured shortcuts, or flush-toilets with perfumed soaps. Courses around these parts-quad crunching ascents for trout, crosswind target-practice tailing bonefish, and heavy-lifting battles with 40-pound Atlantic salmon-are as equally taxing on your XY chromosome counterparts as they are on you and your fishing gear. That’s why Simms engineers its women line to exceed the highest industry standards. Whether it’s 3- and 5-layer Gore-Tex® Pro Shell wader technologies, Aquatic Invasives-shedding CleanStreamTM boots, or UPF-rated No Fly ZoneTM shirts, in your world performance is paramount. Simms 2012 collection. Designed exclusively for women who fish.

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KEY FEATURES: • GORE-TEX® Soft Shell technology provides excellent protection in a soft, comfortable fabric • 2 large flapped chest pockets accommodate gear and house hidden built-in retractors • Lightweight adjustable hood stows away easily in zippered collar • Storm cuff featuring watertight stretch fabric inner cuff with self-fabric over cuff

KEY FEATURES: • GORE-TEX® 5-layer fabric featured throughout legs for increased durability • Women’s specific cut features higher chest and patented front/back leg seam construction to minimize wear & offers improved fit • Quick-drying microfleece-lined hand warmer pocket & zippered chest pocket • Adjustable elastic suspenders with YKK® non-locking buckles • Built-in belt loop at center-back; nylon wading belt included

FABRIC TECH: 3-layer GORE-TEX® Soft Shell fabric with flannel backer

FABRIC TECH: 3-layer & 5-layer GORE-TEX® Pro Shell Technology

COLOR: GUNMETAL SIZE: XS-XL

COLOR: SAGE SIZE: Offered in 7 sizes.

WOMEN`S GUIDE JACKET Odds are, when you’re guiding more than 200 days on the river. Odds are, when you’re guiding more than 200 days on the river or in the salt you’re bound to hit an inclement streak… or several. The Women’s Guide Jacket is built to beat the odds, with GORE-TEX® Soft Shell technology for superior protection against the elements, and an active fit and clean lines that look as great on the water as off.

WOMEN`S G3 GUIDE STOCKINGFOOT Made-in-Montana! G3 Guide StokingfootsTM are built from the neoprene feet up to coordinate succinctly with your pressing river agendas. Patented front/back leg seam construction liquidates leak potential, while 3- and 5- layer GORE-TEX® Pro Shell Technology provides an ultra long-lasting fit so you can spend more time focused on fishing, and leave the sitting on the rocks reading books to significant others who can’t fish.

Navigating Colorado’s greased Frying Pan River bottom can seem as treacherous as high heels at midnight after a few shots of tequila. Because fishing demands a boot that keeps you upright, Simms’ HeadWatersTM feature a narrower foot for prime fit, are lightweight, long-distance hiking champs, and are built with the foresight of river-friendly CleanStreamTM technology.

MATERIAL TECH: Synthetic construction with NanoSphere® finish SIZE: 5-12 COLOR: LIGHT BROWN

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WOMEN’S SUPERLIGHT PANT & SHORT

DEYOUNG EMERALD LILY SS T-SHIRT

Backpacking is an exercise in minimalistic magic. All you need is a lightweight rod and clothing that leaves you unencumbered to unwind in the moment. When you’re ready to bid “bon voyage” and attack the trail running Simms’ all-star Superlights, with a comfortable partial elastic-waistband and zippered back-hip and left-leg pockets, are perfectly geared for high-mileage adventures..

Derek DeYoung’s Emerald Series artwork takes the fish you love to a new level of brilliance. This vibrant, ultrasoft (100% combed cotton) T-shirt features a baby rib knit collar, and a long torso and slightly tailored cut that looks great both on and off the water.

SIMMS® WOMEN´S WEAR

WOMEN’S FLYAWAY SHIRT

WOMEN’S RIVERSHEDTM CARDIGAN

The FlyAway shirt is built with biodegradable No Fly ZoneTM insect-repellent technology and is tailored fit you perfectly, with two flybox compatible pockets, a convenient snap-front, and comfort-enhancing off-shoulder seam construction.

This is not your grandmother’s cardigan. The Women’s RiverShedTM takes traditional cardigan comfort and bolsters it in a technology-rich package, featuring lightweight and ultra-toasty Polartec® ThermalPro® sweater knit fleece, a high collar to block bristly wind, and a full-zip front and cozy hand-warmer pockets.

WOMEN’S MICROFIBER SB CAP

WOMEN’S SOLAR SOMBRERO

Fishing hats are a dime a dozen. Not this one. The Microfiber SB Cap has a women-specific fit, with quick-dry microfiber fabric, inner wicking, and UPF-50+ sun protection.

Save your skin with Simms’ Solar Sombrero, featuring an asymmetrical wide brim and UPF-50+ sun protection for all-day, burn-free fishing.

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STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN

TEXT MATT HARRIS

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PHOTO TARQUIN MILLINGTON-DRAKE

FLYFISH EUROPE - SPRING 2012

STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN

The Kola Peninsula in Russian Lapland is host to a myriad of fabulous salmon rivers. I cut my teeth catching summer grilse on the wide, bounteous waters of the Varzuga almost ten years ago, before graduating to the roughhouse rivers of the northern coast.

One river has continued to intrigue me, however - anglers lucky enough to have visited it seem to always to talk in hushed reverential tones about the huge river on the far eastern tip of the peninsula. The Ponoi is the largest river on the Kola, flowing over 250 miles across the arctic tundra, before disgorging into the Barents Sea. It cannot boast the titanic leviathans of the northern rivers, but it can provide almost indecent numbers of good-sized fish in the spring and summer, and it does have one very special ace up its sleeve. Every autumn, as the leaves start to yellow and the dark frosty arctic nights return, the legendary “osaynkas” start to run the river. As the Northern lights start to splash their eerie magic across the tundra, these remarkable salmon hunker down to brave the entire savage polar winter under the ice. They stay in the river for the following year, spawning in the autumn, before spending another winter under the ice.

Finally, the next spring, a remarkable twenty months after they first entered the river, the spent fish descend the river as kelts, sometimes returning to spawn a second and occasionally even a third time. Any salmon angler will tell you that salmon don’t feed in fresh water, which means that these astonishing creatures go for the best part of two years without eating anything - instead, they pack on the pounds out at sea, romping into the river through August and September as fabulous deep silver bullets ready for their epic stay.

“

As I sat drinking a beer with a good mate of mine, former Ponoi guide and spey-casting guru, Bill Drury, one evening, watching his twinkling blue eyes light up as he reminisced about how these big silver freight trains can all but rip the rod from your hand, I resolved to experience the Ponoi “fall run” for myself.

We got back to camp, feeling just a little deflated, and decided to repair for an icy beer in the bar.

Joining Bill’s group in the last week in August, I found myself experiencing once again that sudden rush that Kola regulars will know: stuffing the earplugs in and grinning back at the other excited anglers like kids on Christmas morning as the big mi-8 helicopter whisked us away from the grizzly, grey concrete of Murmansk and out across the endless tundra to the river.

Bill had put together a very special group, and I felt an instant sense of warmth and camaraderie amongst the anglers, all hardly daring to pinch themselves as we suddenly saw the sinuous curves of the Ponoi snaking across the tundra for the first time. This “brothers of the angle” thing never left us: from the moment we skipped down the legendary “Stairway to Heaven”, the wooden walkway that descends from the helicopter pad into the camp, until, with heavy hearts, we bade each and every member of Ryabaga camp a big “das vidanya”, every member of the party seemed filled with an exuberance and generosity of spirit that made every moment of the trip a real pleasure.

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STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN

Ryabaga camp is famous for engendering this special atmosphere, and the astonishing attention to detail goes a long way to ensuring that all the anglers seem to be perpetually grinning like Cheshire cats. Not for nothing has the camp earned the soubriquet “The Ponoi Hilton”, yet all the fabulous food, excellent guides, roaring wood fires and chocolates on your pillow count for diddly squat if the fishing doesn’t deliver.

So how was it?

Well, I won’t bore you with numbers - because you simply couldn’t describe the numbers as boring! In six days fishing, twenty rods managed an incredible 661 fish, almost all of them multiple sea-winter fish between 8 and 21 pounds. Admittedly, a good few of the fish were overwintered from the previous year or summer-run residents - tartan-coloured crocodiles that were strong, dogged fighters - but the majority, a remarkable 356 of them, were what we came for: mint-silver, sea-liced savages straight from the sea.

Did Bill over-egg the pudding when describing the fighting prowess of these autumn runners?

Not a bit of it - in fact I think Billy – a Scotsman of course - was a little stingy with those eggs. I’ve been lucky enough to catch my share of salmon, not to mention the much feted steelhead of the Dean River in British Columbia and the knuckle-busting sea-run brown trout of Tierra Del Fuego: while I’d admit they can’t compete with the giant brutes of the Kharlovka and Yokanga for raw, unstoppable power, pound for pound, a hot sea-liced Ponoi osankha in the mid-teens rampaging off down the river is as wild as it gets in fresh water.

My introduction to these magical fish was initially slow. I was teamed up with Mike Gawtrey, a talented American angler from Maine, whose quick wit and easy-going nature made him a delight to fish with. On the first day, we were unfortunate to draw one of the up-river beats, where the fresh fish had yet to arrive in numbers. We fished hard from bank and boat, and managed a few decent-sized stale fish that gave a good honest account of themselves, but the main act – the autumn runners - were conspicuous by their absence.

“

We got back to camp, feeling just a little deflated, and decided to repair for an icy beer in the bar. We were met by a maelstrom of wide-eyed, babbling anglers, and it quickly became clear that the lower river was awash with fresh fish and had fished its socks off.

I wolfed my delicious supper and was quickly throwing my waders on and rushing back to the home pool, desperate for a piece of the action as the light started to dwindle and I felt the first icy chill of the arctic twilight.

In six days fishing, twenty rods managed an incredible 661 fish!

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“

Surface flies, hitched flies, purple flies, earplugs on a hook (!!!)…I kid you not, even in the icy waters of the Russian autumn, these Ponoi fish will attack them all with gusto

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STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN

Perhaps twenty steps down the pool, a classic junction where the Ryabaga stream joins the main river, I had a solid pull. After a spirited but unspectacular fight, a coloured ten-pound hen was nursed into the shallows. I gently eased out the barbless fly - one of Duncan Egan’s killing Flamethrowers, tied by the man himself - and watched the fish kick strongly back into the folds of the river. Eyeing the last of the light now fading into the west, I took a quick nip of Glenlivet from the flask, and waded in for the first of my customary dozen or so “last casts”.

The days rushed by in a blur: after one particularly hectic session, filling my boots with nine fish – eight of them fresh, chrome-silver and absolutely red-hot - employing our by now established “default” set-up comprising a type 3 sink-tip with a small pot-bellied pig in cascade livery, I decided it was time to rev things up. I took off the sink-tip, fished out a big sunray shadow and, riffling it through the surface with a big downstream mend, had the water foaming and boiling as the osankhas tried to catch up with it. Our guide had to council Mike to pay attention to his own rod as the irresistible bombardment reached fever-pitch and suddenly I was off to the races as an almost obese slab of leaping silver mayhem in the low teens clambered high into the northern sky.

The next moment will live long in the memory: perhaps two seconds after the fly had touched down on the glassy surface, a flying silver rocketship of a fish did its level best to wrench my right arm clean out of its socket. The line fizzed off of my fly reel in a blur and suddenly the fish was seventy yards away and leaping dementedly against the gunmetal canvas of the eastern sky. I was genuinely overwhelmed, and it took an almost embarrassingly long time to bring the salmon, just ten pounds of raw silver energy, to hand.

Other anglers were enjoying similar success with unorthodox techniques not normally associated with cold water and fresh fish – Joris de Schepper, a charming Frenchman and a Ponoi regular for many years, resolved to fish only dry flies and, despite the water being only around 11 degrees, was having a ball.

“

Ponoi is like that: a place that defies all the old conventions, and encourages you to employ all those tactics you’ve secretly harboured a desire to try back home but haven’t, on account of not wanting to send your Scottish Ghillie into apoplectic purple paroxysms. Surface flies, hitched flies, purple flies, earplugs on a hook (!!!)…I kid you not, even in the icy waters of the Russian autumn, these Ponoi fish will attack them all with gusto. Wait until the fish are coming thick and fast and then, if you fancy it, tie it on - whatever it is! Believe me, if the fish are on the take and it doesn’t work here, throw it in the river.

The line fizzed off of my fly reel in a blur and suddenly the fish was seventy yards away

Gazing down at this rock-hard bullet of a fish, its ice-blue flanks gleaming in the halflight, I knew that, in that one brief instant, I had fallen hard for the Ponoi and its fabulous autumn fish.

At night, the bar was full of stories of increasingly adventurous angling exploits, and absolutely everybody – young and not so young - was having plenty of action and plenty of fun. Predictably, Bill Drury was catching the most fish, his elegant and consistent presentation at almost any range, along with his intimate knowledge of the river undoubtedly the lynchpin of his success. His boat-partner, Andy Britton, a really affable rod from north of the border pulled out all the stops and fished out of his skin to keep up with the maestro, which, commendably, he did. Between them, the boys had nearly ninety fish for the week, with Billy ahead by only a couple of fish.

Elsewhere, I have to mention Jane Adley in dispatches, a lovely lady who is at a time in life when many of her peers might baulk at tackling such a wild environment and such boisterous fish. Jane was doing her level best to empty the river, ably assisted by her hugely congenial boat partner, Rod Murray, who managed a twenty pound resident in amongst all the silver magic.

The next day couldn’t come soon enough: Mike and I had drawn Lower Tomba, a magnificent beat that had been a regular feature of Bill’s not-so-tall tales from his time on Ponoi.

After an unsettlingly slow morning, I waded down the right bank opposite a spectacular bluff that defines the beat. The barometer started to climb and suddenly, for over an hour, found myself hooking the Ponoi’s big silver prize-fighters almost at will. Mike was doing even more spectacular damage from the boat. Using a pot-bellied pig I’d pressed into his hand, he could barely get the thing into the water before it was wrenched off downstream by yet another Russian hellraiser.

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“

I also have to cite a quintessential father and son team: Richard Mildmay-White and his son Nick, who unluckily lost one of the biggest fish that the Ponoi has ever seen, after an epic tussle. Richard is a proud father and a loveable rogue, with more than a sparkle of mischief in his eyes, while Nick is great company and a real gent. I have to commend Nick especially after he helped one stumbling and disorientated angling photographer, whose name I forget, back to his tent. Apparently, the relentless early morning photo-sessions – and who knows, perhaps just a spot too much vodka – had caught up with him…

Every autumn, as the leaves start to yellow and the dark frosty arctic nights return, the legendary “osaynkas” start to run the river.

In truth, it’s unfair to single anyone out: everyone fished and behaved magnificently, and the legendary Ryabaga spirit was truly palpable. The policy of having everybody – guides, staff & anglers – all eat, drink & commune in the one large tent goes a long way to creating this special feeling of togetherness. The guides are hand-picked from Russia and around the world and all are superlative: utterly professional and great fun to be with on the river.

Take Heather Seitz – a sassy nineteen-year old from Pennsylvania on her very first week’s guide training on Ponoi. Heather is a sweetheart: great company, sharp as a tack, and – notwithstanding the chiselled features of one Mr William Drury Esq. – the best looking guide I’m ever likely to fish with. She’s also an excellent and intuitive angler, who has fished for the USA youth team and has fishing in her blood.

To fish Ponoi, contact: Tarquin Millington-Drake Frontiers Travel Kennet Cottage Kempsford Gloucestershire GL7 4EQ TEL: (0) 1285 741340 FAX: (0) 1285 741341 E-MAIL: info@frontierstrvl.co.uk http://www.frontierstrvl.com

Mike and I were into our last afternoon, fishing together from the boat and, as my mate Enda would have it, enjoying good ‘craic’. After the craziness we’d been experiencing for much of the week, we were experiencing a rare lull. We weren’t too fussed – we’d been spoilt rotten and it would have been churlish to sulk after such a week, but I did just want that one last fish before we reeled up and headed for home. All out of ideas, I nudged Heather and asked for some suggestions: she was onto it in a shot. The easy-going banter went out of the window: picking out a smaller, darker fly, she had me cast a little less square, to slow the fly down a little, and suggested that I ‘jig’ the fly rather than figure-of-eighting it back to the boat as is my normal custom for these aggressive Russian fish. You can guess the rest – two casts later, I was playing my last fish of the week. Heather grinned at me, and I felt that painful stab of ego-crushing humility that the gals like to visit upon us men-folk all too often when we’re out fishing for salmon.

The Ponoi offers fishing beyond my wildest dreams. No-one can pretend that the fishing is cheap, but do what you can: beg, borrow or steal the money, because Ryabaga Camp is one of the most special fly-fishing experiences on the planet and you simply have to go there. Work hard, save hard, and who knows, perhaps I’ll see you next year on the Stairway to Heaven.

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THE SCIENCE BEHIND YOUR ART

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MINneAPOLIS

Minnesota

NTI FI C ANGLE R CI E

LIN E

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N I DENTI FI CATI O

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Throughout our 60 year history, Scientific Anglers has consistently set the standard in premier flyfishing. From inventing the contemporary floating fly line more than 50 years ago to our specialty core construction and patented AST and Sharkskin technologies we continue to transform and modernize the sport.

Our angling scientists and design team work in partnership with fly-fishing legends to develop cuttingedge technologies and ultimate fly line designs to boost your fly-fishing experience to the extreme.

Whether you are just beginning or an experienced angler our equipment is designed to give you optimum performance with every cast.

As you look through our incomparable list of innovations, you realize that Scientific Anglers™ doesn’t represent only the history of fly fishing, but also its future. No other company has been responsible for so many great products that simplify the sport and help boost productivity.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1945 Friends and anglers Leon Martuch, Clare Harris, and Paul Rottiers found Scientific Anglers™ in Midland, Michigan.

1952 Under the banner Scientific Anglers™, Martuch and company develop the first modern plastic-coated tapered fly line, which replaces the day’s silk lines which offered limited flotation and required extensive drying after only a few hours use.

1954 Scientific Anglers™ introduces Air Cel™ widely considered the first modern floating fly lines.

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COMPLETE LINE OF ATLANTIC SERIES, INCLUDING ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT FLYFISHEUROPE.COM

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Atlantic series is design and developed by FFE

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-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------SHOOTING HEADS Mastery Atlantic Series is a range of shooting heads developed for our European salmon fishing and especially for “Scandinavian style of casting”. The perfectly balanced tapers are based on years of adapting thousands of shooting heads on Scandinavian salmon rivers. Superior quality controlled production designed & developed by Flyfish Europe and manufactured by Scientific AnglersTM, the worlds no.1 manufacturer of fly lines.

The Scandi Extreme Shooting Heads are the newest kids on the block, similar taper design as Atlantic Salmon Heads and awesome performance but slightly shorter than the Atlantic Salmon Heads. Top choice for switch rods and shorter double handers.

ATLANTIC SALMON: For Double Hand rods – 8 densities, #7/8 to #10/11 (30 - 42 gram)

KEY FEATURES: • Ready to use shooting heads with loops in both ends, require no cutting • Braided Multilament Core - Direct contact – improved bite indication, improved hook up • Xtra-Strength Streamlined Loops both ends - Fast and easy connection • SA ID - Immediate identication of line weight • AST coating - Unsurpassed slickness and durability

ATLANTIC SILVER: For Single Hand and light switch rods – 3 densities, #6 to #8 (16 -22 gram) SCANDI EXTREME: For Switch rods and light double handers – floating heads, 280 to 440 Gr. (18 - 28 gram)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1959 3M Microballoons™ are introduced in the new Air Cel™ Supreme lines and go on to revolutionize the way fly lines float.

1960 Scientific Anglers™ introduces Wet Cel™, the first modern sinking fly lines.

1963

Scientific Anglers™ introduces revolutionary Bass Bug and Saltwater tapers with unique profiles that improve castability and performance characteristics with larger flies.

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[ FFE TIPS!

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See the article on page 22 by Mikael Lindström

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SKAGIT EXTREME New versatile Skagit head design which outperforms anything else out there. Extremely short and powerful taper for casting heavy sink tips, perfectly matched with Custom Cut Express Tips. Can be used for all styles of Skagit casting. The fast loading front taper is developed for maximum flight, tighter loops and balanced turnover at any distance.

Lower grain weights designed for switch rods and shorter two hand rods, upper grain weights for longer or heavier two hand rods.

KEY FEATURES: • Ready to use Skagit heads with loops in both ends • Braided Multilament Core - Direct contact – improved bite indication, improved hook up • Xtra-Strength Streamlined Loops both ends - Fast and easy connection • SAID - Immediate identication of line weight • AST coating - Unsurpassed slickness and durability Floating 280-800 (18 – 52 gram) or Intermediate heads, 400-680 Gr. (18 – 44 gram)

CUSTOM CUT EXPRESS TIPS • 30’ T sinking line with a loop on both ends • Cut to length and get two complete tips of various sizes • Monofilament Core for strong delivery • SA ID - Immediate identication of line weight

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1966 The first shooting lines hit the market under the Air Cel™ label.

1969 Scientific Anglers™ introduces the first balanced rod, reel, and line system, which also marks the introduction of System™ reels that go on to become among the most popular reels in fly fishing history.

1980 Scientific Anglers™ pioneers the use of powdered tungsten in its sinking fly lines, which produces lines that sink faster than leadbased lines and are safer for the environment.

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SCIENTIFIC ANGLERSTM FLY LINES

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The market leading fly lines, setting the standard worldwide Tried and true, this series provides advanced taper designs for any and every fishing situation imaginable.

From delicate dry fly fishing in mountain streams to long distance double hauling on windswept lakes to arm wrenching blue water bill fish. The superior PVC coatings allow for casting and temperature specific line designs. Specialty cores create both supple and stiff lines making them the ideal choice for fly fishing wherever you want to fish. Industry leading and patented AST technology means unsurpassed slickness, shootability and durability.

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• Braided Multilament Core - Direct contact – improved bite indication, improved hook up • Streamlined Loops both ends - Fast and easy connection • SA ID - Immediate identication of line weight • AST coating - Unsurpassed slickness and durability

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N I DENTI FI CATI O

MODEL

Mastery Mastery Mastery Mastery Mastery Mastery Mastery Mastery Mastery Mastery Mastery Mastery Mastery Mastery Mastery Mastery Mastery Mastery Mastery

COLOR

TYPE

Trout

Dark Willow

Trout

Dark Willow

GPX

Optic Green

GPX

Chartruese/Willow Expert Distance Mist Green Expert Distance 120f Orange

VPT

Willow/Orange/Willow Wet TipTM Mist Green/Clear Headstart Yellow Pike/Muskie Sunset Stillwater Clear Billfish Orange Saltwater Pale Yellow/Horizon Streamer Express

Streamer Express Clear Tip Bonefish Horizon Striped Bass Surf/Clear

Tarpon Clear Tarpon Horizon

WF DT WF WF WF WF WF WF WF WF WF WF WF WF WF WF WF WF WF

DENSITY WEIGHT F F F F F F F F/I F F I S F S S F I I F

3-7 2-6 2-12 2-9 4-9 5-7 3-6 4-9 4-10 8-10 4-9 13-15 6-14 5-13 5-12 5-9 7-10 10-14 10-13

The best of both worlds.

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Our Mastery Textured lines are a fusion between our exclusive Sharkskin series and our smooth Mastery lines.

We’ve created a softer surface texture for less casting effort, very little memory, and increased durability while still maintaining the feel of a smooth line. Mastery Textured offers the best of both worlds.

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MODEL

COLOR

Mastery Textured Mastery Textured Mastery Textured

GPX Nymph Saltwater

Willow

Willow/Orange Horizon

TYPE WF WF WF

DENSITY F F F

WEIGHT 3-9 4-8 6-12

• Texturing technology delivers low memory, improved casting and increased durability • Front tip section has improved floatation (Dry Tip Technology) • Taper designed to throw a variety of fly sizes • Looped on both ends for quick rigging • Braided multifilament core, low stiffness, moderate delivery • SAID - Immediate identication of line weight

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1986 The Mastery Learning System is introduced, leading four years later to Mastery Series fly lines and dealerships, where the very best fly line products and expertise are available.

1988 Scientific Anglers™ introduces silicone as a slickness agent in fly lines, a technology that is still used today.

More than a decade later, we establishes a new level of slickness with the introduction of AST. Monocore™ – the first durable clear sinking fly lines – are introduced.

1998 AST – Advanced Shooting Technology – is introduced and begins a new ‘slickness craze’ in fly line manufacturing. Patented AST continues to set the standard for fly line slickness and durability.

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You like to fish for wary trout or grayling? You need long leaders, stealth and gentle presentations to do your favorite game...

You’re in the middle of a Baetis hatch size 18’s and the fish rise gently to the surface, or maybe you experience the Grandis caddis hatch of your life and need to hammer those size 8’s out there? You like to sneak up on the fish in tiny creeks and deliver the fly right on its nose, or maybe you enjoy the larger rivers and the challenge with long accurate casts? Some days you wish you had a fly line which could do nice roll casts and all those funky switch casts, other days you would love to have the perfect line for up close and long overhead casts…

Haven’t found the line that could do all this yet?

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SCIENTIFIC ANGLERSTM FLY LINES

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Some fly lines on the market are great for roll casts and underhand cast, and others are great on overhead casts.. Not many lines are good at both. We at Flyfish Europe felt that we had a hole to fill; we decided to design a fly line that is truly great in all situations.

We wanted to build a fly line with the greatest slick coating technology on the market so it had to be in the Scientific Anglers Mastery series. We started doing taper sketches, casted proto types, adjusted the taper design for each proto type until we got it just right. Then; when we had built the perfect versatile presentation taper it was back to the drawing board. Colors… What about the colors..? We wanted to pick the best colors to match the performance of our line. We wanted stealth for the spooky fish, yet we wanted the line to be highly visible in poor light conditions. Visibility is the key for doing good casts, especially the switch casts. We ordered numerous prototypes with different colors to find the right combinations. At the end we found it; we built in a long Willow front for stealth, and we made the rest of the head Fire Orange for good visibility. A color transition from the Fire Orange head to a Willow running line gives you total control of where the head starts and makes it is easy to find the loading zone for those long casts.

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Expanding the ultimate fly line technology: Sharkskin see – feel – hear the difference

With cutting-edge angling technology that is revolutionizing the sport, the Scientific Anglers Sharkskin Series provides the ultimate casting experience. Sharkskin allows you to cast further with less effort and with less line tangling—elevating your fly-fishing experience to a whole new level.

Featuring 3M’s proprietary microreplication technology, Sharkskin is a radical modification of typically smoothsurfaced fly lines. Its micro textured surface traps air to provide superior shootability and floatation while eliminating line flash and vastly reducing friction. All of this comes with the added benefit of increased durability allowing the line to last up to twice as long. Because of the increased surface area, this line sits higher in the water offering less drag, easier mending, roll casting and pick-ups and less water spray.

MODEL

COLOR

Ultimate Trout Ultimate Trout GPX

Blue Heron Chartruese Optic Green

TYPE

DENSITY

WEIGHT

WF WF WF

F F F

3-8 3-8 3-9

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• Sharkskin Technology provides increased durability, lower memory, and higher floation • Line stays high on the water surface for ultimate line control • Front tip section has improved floatation (Dry Tip Technology) • Taper designed to throw a variety of fly sizes • Looped on both ends for quick rigging

• Optimized for cold to temperate water Sharkskin • SA ID - Immediate identication of line weight Sharkskin Sharkskin

N I DENTI FI CATI O

All-Purpose Floating Taper These lines provide a versatile experience and are optimized for the bargain-conscious generalist. Featuring Streamlined Loops and our patented AST technology, these are great ‘go to’ lines.

Supra Supra

• Top quality all-purpose lines • Versatile tapers excel with most flies and conditions • The ultimate in floatation, castability and durability • Excels in all weather conditions

COLOR Buckskin Buckskin

TYPE

DENSITY

WEIGHT

DT WF

F F

3-6 3-6

WF Taper Characteristics: Mid-length head Individual tapers with weight-specific front tapers DT Taper Characteristics: Delicate front taper for shorter casts Core: Supple braided multifilament nylon Coating: Specially formulated 3M PVC integrated with patented AST

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2001 XTS gel-spun backing is introduced and provides up to 75 percent more reel capacity than standard material and is stronger than steel in equal diameters.

2004 System™ X fly boxes hit the market and wow anglers with their innovative waterproof, seethrough design.

2012 We still pruduce the largest range of high quality fly lines on the market.

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All-Purpose Taper for All Weather The Professional Series is well recognized and offers proven performance, making this series an exceptional value and popular choice among anglers. The comprehensive range includes lines of all densities, from full floaters via sink tip to full intermediate and full sinking lines. Truly the greatest line range in its category.

MODEL

Professional Professional Professional Professional Professional Professional Professional Professional Professional Professional

Floating Floating Sink Tip Type III Sink Tip Type V Full Sinking Full Sinking Type I Full Sinking Type II Full Sinking Type III Full Sinking Type IV Full Sinking Type VI

COLOR

TYPE

Mist Green Mist Green

Optic Yellow/Green Optic Yellow/Black Clear

Lt. Green Green Dk.Green Gray Dk. Gray

WF DT WF WF WF WF WF WF WF WF

DENSITY WEIGHT F F F/S F/S I S S S S S

3-8 3-6 5-9 5-10 4-8 4-9 4-9 5-10 5-10 5-9

FLOATING: With optimal line density for improved floatation, the Professional Series provides great taper designs for multiple purposes and most weather conditions, cold to temperate.

3M PVC formulated coating with special internal lubricants to increase slickness and enhance shootability. Integrated UV inhibitors for increased durability. Braided multifilament core.

SINK TIP: Ideal for streamers and wet flies for all fish in lakes, rivers or saltwater. Shorter tip for short to medium distance fishing with a mid-length head which enhances control.

3M PVC formulated running line with special internal lubricants to increase slickness, integrated UV inhibitors for enhanced durability. Braided multifilament core.

FULL SINKING: All-Purpose Sinking Taper, the original full sinking line (formerly Wet Cel™ Series). More uniform sink rate, tip to belly. Especially effective for fishing streamers, thin diameter cast well in wind. Remember the Kelly Green Wet Cel™? It is here; Professional Full Sinking Type I! 3M PVC coating, integrated with powdered tungsten or glass beads. Single-strand monofilament nylon (Type I – multifilament nylon) core.

More than 50 years ago, SA invented the modern floating fly line with the Air Cel™ Series and since then anglers continue to rely on its consistent performance. Still here today, and without doubt the best value for money fly line available. These lines feature all the properties needed in a fly line: good floatation, durability, and tapers that work well for both freshwater trout and saltwater species.

Air Cel Air Cel Air Cel

MODEL

Core: Braided multifilament nylon Coating: 3M PVC formulated with special internal lubricants to increase slickness and enhance shootability. Integrated UV inhibitors for increased durability

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COLOR

Floating Floating

G. Purpose Sink.

Light Green Light Green Olive Green

TYPE

DENSITY

WEIGHT

WF DT WF

F F S

4-9 4-8 5-8

Applications: The original modern floating fly line Dependable floatation and durability Low memory for all weather conditions WF Taper Characteristics: Mid–length head for general fishing situations DT Taper Characteristics: Extra long belly ideal for short and medium casts Excellent long–range line control

SCIENTIFIC ANGLERSTM FLY LINES

The Classic Floating Fly Line

FLY FISHING THE EUROPEAN FLATS FOR BASS

Shallow water fly fishing for powerful saltwater species usually requires a journey to tropical climates in search of Bonefish, Tarpon or Permit.

Once, possibly twice a year, we get to wade the flats high on adrenalin.

But let’s be honest, it’s not enough; is it?

TEXT NICK HART

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FLY FISHING THE EUROPEAN FLATS FOR BASS

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Closer to home we may be forgiven for assuming that our European topography, climate and indeed species themselves are not in the same league as the fish previously mentioned.

Unfortunately I am not about to reveal a wandering herd of Tarpon exploring the coastline of Spain or a bunch of Permit who have taken up residence in the North Sea. However, I can exclaim that saltwater fly fishing in Europe is about to get a whole lot more interesting.

of Bass then you will have a head start. They are quite likely to have assembled a thorough understanding of tides and their effect on your chosen mark. For many years I incorrectly assumed that I needed to arrive at all of my Bass spots during low tide and then fish the push. That was until this philosophy was turned on its head during an unforgettable trip to South East Ireland.

Attracted to the light tackle tactics that I had heard so much about I was lucky enough to find myself in the company of a bunch of mutual lure fishing friends who hopped from location to location, fishing a variety of tide conditions including the ebb. This was an exciting way to approach our sport. Fix the rods to the car, zoom off through a myriad of country lanes and then suddenly arrive on a mouth watering expanse of water. Decamp, grab the rod, rush down to the shore and try to be the first to make a cast. Fish were caught (and lost) of course but there was much more to this than just catching fish. It was all about the experience.

Lead by the new wave of light tackle lure anglers emerging on the coastlines of France, the Channel Islands and Ireland, fly fishers are rapidly moving forward into an exciting new world. For many years flies have been thrown at Bass, but mainly within the confines of an estuary or from a boat. Great sport, but it has its limits. Estuary fish are often small, while boats take away the buzz of traversing a rugged coastline with just a minimal gear. This nomadic approach is exciting in itself; let alone actually hooking a fish.

This is exhilarating fishing, right up there with any sizzling run from a Bonefish and for good reason. So often the marks that we were fishing amounted to nothing more than a few feet of crystal clear water covering a mosaic of barnacle encrusted gullies. An ambush predator’s paradise that becomes a smorgasbord of marine snacks as the water recedes towards a low state of tide. Crabs, Sand Eels and Shrimp have no choice but to try and find refuge at the mercy of the ebbing tide, leaving them exposed to the silver killers lying in wait. This is our chance as now the hunters become the hunted.

Breathable waders are a must, a line pallet is very useful and everything else should pack comfortably into a water resistant back pack. All we need now is a mark to cast at! If you have a friend who is already utilising hard and soft plastic lures in search

“

Lightweight fly patterns constructed on super sharp chemically etched hooks are the way to go, tied using sparse layers of materials to reduce water absorption. This approach creates a lifelike silhouette which pulsates in the current; although I favour an erratic strip retrieve when targeting shallow saltwater marks for Bass. Try to imagine the subsurface scene and the chaos that unfolds as petrified prey seeks refuge from attack, requiring speed and a haphazard route designed to disorientate their enemy before it can make use of that famous cavernous mouth. Our fly must simulate this.

Breathable waders are a must, a line pallet

is very useful and everything else should pack comfortably into a water resistant back pack.

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This Irish Bass fell to a Sandeel pattern fished in just a few feet of water

Nick Hart is a full time AAPGAI qualified fly fishing guide and instructor based in the South West of the UK. Follow Nick’s adventures on www.nickhartflyfishing.com

Henry Gilbey is a freelance photoghrapher & writer. You have seen his fantastic images in fly fishing magazines world wide. www.henrygilbey.com

Help to preserve future stocks by practicing catch & release.

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Dawn on a Bass flat. Its no use trying to sleep; fly fishing for Bass is too exciting!

Bass can often feed hard for brief spells so I knew that somewhere out there my quarry was hunting down its next meal. A few minutes later just as I skipped my fly across the lip of a gully the water erupted once again but this time I had found a hook hold and the fight was on. I was astounded at the ability of my hooked fish to test both my eight weight rod and the reels drag as it headed towards open-ocean followed by a considerable length of backing. This was like no other Bass fight that I had ever experienced!

In my opinion fluorocarbon is obligatory in these conditions while all connections should be double checked. A Bass attack in shallow water can be explosive; a fact that I can personally testify to when for the first time in the summer of 2011 I hooked up a fish in no more than three feet of water that quite literally smashed the fly. Teeth grinding, heart pounding I could not believe the power of this fish prevalent on so many European shores, as it thrashed the surface into foam. The line was tight for possibly 10 seconds before my Sand Eel pattern was spat out in disgust. I knew it was a big fish, possibly five or six pounds. My newly acquired lure fishing companion reckoned that I should add at least a pound or two!

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Thrashing on the surface and diving into gullies, interspersed with violent head shakes kept me on my toes (and the edge of my nerves) for several minutes before finally we could tame the fish enough to get a shot at it with the Boga grip. Bouncing around 5 ½ lbs (2.5kgs) I was not about to break any records, but all the same it was a very special fish, a Bass that I had hooked in shallow water using fly fishing tactics. After a few pictures the fish was released back into its pristine world, a moment every bit as good as the capture itself and a practice which must be widely accepted if we are to preserve these magnificent fish.

Teeth grinding, heart pounding I could not believe the power of this fish prevalent on so many European shores, as it thrashed the surface into foam.

The following day I returned to the same location in similar conditions and although I did not land any further fish I was hooked up briefly to a Bass that I had spotted cruising just below the surface. Imagine that; sight fishing for Bass on a European flat.

Who needs Bonefish?

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But it was not the size of the fish that turned me into an emotional wreck for the next few minutes, but the power. With legs like jelly my next casts were super concentrated, because if this was the effect that a momentary hook up could have on my physical state, imagine how great a run was going to feel! At that moment in time I had hooked several thousand Bass using fly fishing tactics; so why did this seem like a whole new experience? The size had something to do with it of course, most of my several thousand Bass were school fish, but overall it was due to the terrain. Never before had I waded such shallow water during an ebbing tide with specimen sized Bass in residence, a testament to Irish fisheries policy which has offered protection to this species and helped to preserve possibly some of the finest sport fishing on the planet.

But was I up to landing one of these “flats” Bass? The presentation offered by fly tackle in these conditions certainly inspired my confidence boosted by the recent, all be it brief, approval of the hidden resident who had recently escaped my clutches.

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THE PURIST & THE MAYFLY

TEXT JOHN TERJE REFSAHL

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I´m a dedicated dry fly purist and for me there is nothing that beats the beautiful sight of a rising brown trout feeding on mayflies. The dream of mayflies and rising brown trout is what helps me through the Norwegian winter, and believe me it´s worth waiting for.

I´m lucky in the sense that I have only about 45 minutes drive to one of the best dry fly rivers in Norway. From mid June to mid July we usually have an amazing mayfly hatch with many different species hatching. From around mid July and the next two or three weeks the mayfly hatching is more or less over, but in this period we can have a fantastic spinner fall during the night and early morning.

Around mid August the mayfly hatching starts again with a few new species including the Ephemerella Ignita or the ”blue winged olive” as it´s called in English. This mayfly hatches more or less until the river closes in mid September.

The first mayfly to hatch in my river is always the Baetis Rhodani (Large Dark Olive). To see the first Baetis Rhodani sailing down the river in late May and beginning of June is just fantastic and makes me feel like a little boy on Christmas Eve. It usually takes a little while until the trout starts to understand what is happening on the surface, but as soon as the hatch is big enough and the water temperature is right the first head & tail rises are not far away, to my great joy and happiness. I can´t even explain how it feels to see the first rise of

the season, it is pure magic every time. The Baetis Rhodani can hatch in really large numbers and has the ability to wake up the big trout as well. It is not as interesting as a spent spinner, because the Rhodani tends to dive when it is laying eggs and will not always get back to the surface.

To imitate the Baetis Rhodani I usually use a #14/16 barbless hook. I vary between a parachute and a no hackle cdc imitation for this fly, and of course I have some emergers too when the trout refuse to take duns. The body material I use for my Rhodani imitations is usually Kapok, Goose Biots and Body Quill.

The second mayfly that appears in my river is the number one mayfly for the dry fly fisherman in Norway. It is of course the Ephemerella Aurivilli and this is the fly that really is the wake up call for the big trout of the river. The Aurivilli usually hatches around late June to mid July, and this is by far my favourite two or three weeks through the season. These weeks generate the best dry fly fishing, and often you can get in contact with trout from 1,5kg up to 2,5 kg ++. It is the greatest time of year without any doubt.

KAPOK AURIVILLI

RHODANI EMERGER

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To imitate the Aurivilli I usually use a # 12 hook (somtimes #14). I prefer to use parachute hackles on the Aurivilli but I vary between cdc and rooster when it comes to the hackle. For body material Ii have lots of solutions but my favorite is Kapok dubbing and polychenille for body and cdc dubbing or polyamid dubbing for thorax. When it comes to wing material there are so many different materials to choose between, but I often end up with cdc or Aero dry wing. Coq de leon is almost always the choice for tail on my mayfly duns.

I often use a technique with a split wing and make the body with polychenille or some kind of tube body material. These flies have proven very efficient when there is a hatch on. I tie this fly with a #12 hook and of course it is good to have some emergers in hand too.

Aurivilli emergers are absolutely something I got to have plenty of in my boxes. I mainly use a woven body made of Stretch Tubing with a cdc loop wing or a parachute hackle around a foam base.

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SULPHUREA TUBE BODY SPLIT WING DUN

These flies have proven very efficient when there is a hatch on.

Sulphurea spent spinners are also something to look out for, but as a spent spinner they tend not to be as yellow any more so use a light brown color for the spent spinners with a touch of yellow if you want to.

AURIVILLI EMERGER

For a short period of time the forth mayfly and by far the largest one appears.

This is the Ephemera Danica (the Green Drake), the largest mayfly we have in Norway along with the Ephemera Vulgata (Drake Mackerel), however the latter The Aurivilli is also interesting as a spent spinner. I make my spent spinners is found only in lakes and slow moving rivers. The Danica can hatch in quite with wings of tied up hackle and with kapok body. These spent spinners are large numbers in my river but it´s only in the last few years just amazing, and I catch lots of nice trout on this spent spinner. I use the same this mayfly has appeared more and more frequently. spent spinner for all the mayflies in this size.

I mainly make these with wings of coq de leon To imitate the Danica I use extended bodies in some way.

The third mayfly to appear on the river is the Heptagenia and an extended body with polychenille.

I prefer to make them on a #10 hook with an extended Sulphurea (the yellow mayfly). This fly can also hatch in body of polychenille or tube body. I can makes these with enormous numbers in my river, with lots of rising trout as parachute hackle or sometimes also with cdc hackle or a a result. It usually appears in the beginning of July and the traditional hackle. main hatch lasts for about 14 days, but some Sulphurea can be seen almost all season.

It is also interesting to make Danica emergers, and I often make a woven body by using stretch tubing with cdc loop wing and some cdc fibers for legs to make the emerger look really alive. Spent spinners are also interesting when it comes to Danica.

POLYCHENILLE DANICA

SPENT AURIVILLI SPINNER

WOVEN DANICA EMERGER CDC LOOP WING

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The fifth and last mayfly I will mention in this article is the Ephemerella Ignita or the ”Blue Winged Olive” as it´s often called in english.

This mayfly hatches quite late in my river, and it often starts late July or in the beginning of August. It is the fly that makes the autumn worth while as a dry fly angler.

I usually tie this fly in # 16/18 hook and mainly as a no hackle cdc fly. I have a few emergers in my box but usually I end up fishing the Ignita as a no hackle cdc dun. A few spent spinners are also smart to have in the fly box.

BODY QUILL CDC WING IGNITA

SPENT DANICA SPINNER

This was a short story about ”The Purist and the Mayfly”. I have not forgotten the fantastic dry fly fishing with caddis flies that happens in the same river, but I will hopefully come back to that later on.

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John Terje Refsahl jorefsah@online.no

John Terje Refsahl Norway

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www.fly fish eu rope.com

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COMPLETE LINE OF FLY RODS, INCLUDING ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT FLYFISHEUROPE.COM

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Can a fly rod have a soul? That might be pushing it, but a fly rod can have a difference, and that difference can change the way we feel about our fishing and even the way we fish.

Most of all, the Scott Difference is about the people. The people who handcraft exceptional fly rods, the people who fish them, and the people who believe there’s a better way to do things.

Some anglers tell us they started with another brand, or maybe even fished with four or five other brands before fishing a Scott. These stories have similar endings. People tell us they can’t believe it took so long to finally ‘get it’. They tell us they finally found a rod with soul.

We say, soul? ... perhaps. You’ve certainly discovered the Scott Difference.

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A4 rods feature many of the technological and process innovations that have been features in top end Scott rods. A4 rods are smooth casting high line speed rods with very low physical weights. They recover very quickly and cast super flat, very precise loops, yet load progressively and transmit feel extremely well. Like all Scott rods, design and craftsmanship are more than just blank design. Components and construction were carefully chosen to deliver top performance with the anglers needs in mind. New grip shapes were turned from Super grade cork to provide greater feel, TiCh coated reel seats with self aligning slide hoods make rigging easy and protect the hardware from harsh elements, and TiCh stripping guides feature SiC inserts. The component group is truly best in class.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Flyfish Europe is the European distributor of Scott Fly Rods. For more info www.flyfisheurope.com

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FLYFISH EUROPE - SPRING 2012

High tech for your body.

FLYFISH EUROPE MAGAZINE #1

SPRING 2012

The GORE-TEX® membrane is integrated into GORE-TEX® garments between the outer material and the lining. It is a perfect barrier to rain and wind, while allowing perspiration to escape. Even in cases of extreme physical exertion, humidity will be transported to the outside of the clothing system, and you always stay comfortable in GORE-TEX® garments.

Three good reasons why your body always stays dry and comfortable in GORE-TEX® garments.

Flyfisheurope.com

The GORE-TEX® membrane allows perspiration to escape while being a perfect barrier to water and wind. GORE-TEX® garments are durably waterproof even in the wettest conditions and after extreme use. Cold winds cannot pass through and destroy the microclimate next to your skin, which ensures that you don’t get cold. Perspiration can evaporate easily (the human body loses 1/2 litre of vapor per hour even when walking) so that even in cases of extreme physical exertion, humidity is not trapped inside the clothing system.

FFe

The main benefits of the GORE-TEX® membrane: • Integrated into GORE-TEX® garments between the outer material and the lining • Impenetrable to water, but permeable to moisture vapor • Perfect barrier to rain and wind • Perspiration can easily evaporate; humidity is not trapped inside the clothing system