We experienced what I believe to be the very end of our South Carolina winter last week with heavy rain and winds that lasted all day and we barely made it out of the 40’s. The rest of last week and into this week has brought warmer days into the 70’s. It feels like it’s time to sort out the warmwater fly boxes and push the kayak out on the pond.
A few years ago, there was a wave of “boutique” axe makers with elevated bushcraft offerings with prices that were a little tough to justify for something that was going to get beat up from use in the woods. Recently, I came across Adler of Waghäusel, Germany and have been impressed with not only their family of axes and hatchets but also their garden tools with price tags that are all quite reasonable for the quality.
The Rheinland Hatchet is the perfect all-around companion for camping trips and the backyard fire pit featuring a 1.35 pound hatchet head and a 14-inch hickory handle with the added touches of two (red or green) stripe choices and a anti-slip paint with a bit of grit for better grip. Also included is a leather two-button sheath and cotton draw string bag.
An added bonus is the Rheinland Hatchet fits perfectly in the mentioned below YETI LoadOut GoBox lid pocket for storage in your camp gear so you always know where it’s at.
The 12 South checks the box of a legitimate fishing sunglasses that also doubles as a stellar lifestyle frame.
Everyone should own a pair of Birkenstock sandals if for no other reasons than they are wonderfully comfortable and perfect to wear year around with socks on cold days and sans socks when it’s warm.
There is a reason why these sandals keep coming back in “style” and there is nothing wrong with riding out the “out of style” times with just continuing to wear them. I do.
FISHPOND NOMAD MID-LENGTH NET
The Fishpond Nomad nets are lightweight and extremely durable made of a mix of carbon fiber and fiberglass composite in the frame and handle with clear rubber nets. There are a dozen different models in a mix of colors and patterns to choose from.
I turned 50 last September and a good friend sent me this tumbler set as a gift which has been perfect to carry along on camping trips, overnight work trips, and tucked in the mobile bar or gear box.
These stainless steel double-walled vacuum insulated cups hold the cold or the heat depending on what’s being asked of them and I really like that they come in a set. Perfect for sharing a drink. The wool carrying case in a nice touch and keeps them from getting banged up when not in use.
They are available in four finishes with engraving options and at a price that is more than reasonable.
While we’re talking cocktails, it’s tough to beat Early Times Bottled in Bond for the flavor and pricepoint. I’m fond of mixing it with ginger beer and a squeeze of lime.
I’ve made a couple of visits to the Orvis Rod Factory over the years and seen the steps in design to prototype to production of the Superfine Glass fly rods. I am always impressed and feel like this is a lot of value in a Made in Vermont from start to finish fly rod. I field quite a few emails from folks looking for their next fly rod and if it fits their budget, the Superfine Glass series is typically suggested.
Just a heads up on a rumor I’ve heard that the bookends of this series, namely the 2-weight and 8-weight, might soon be nixed from the series. So, if you’ve yearned for either one of those, might be time to break the piggy bank and grab one. I’ve written about the 8-weight over and over again. It’s one of my absolute favorites in glass 8-weights for warmwater to saltwater casting a stack of different fly lines.
While we’re talking about Supergine Glass, let’s talk fly reels and fly lines that I like on these, too.
First, in my mind, you should put a Made in U.S.A. fly reel on a fly rod that is also made in the states and there are few better choices than the C.F.O. fly reels in the “trout weight” fly rods and the Mirage LT in the 6-weight and 8-weight.
As far as fly lines, the Superfine Glass series performs wonderfully with a long list of fly lines but I often grab one of the 406 Fly Lines for trout trips and the Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth Titan Long in 6-weight and 8-weight.
Looking for a pair of pants that might be the ultimate travel meets office meets fly fishing meets hiking meets whatever else you have in mind? Try a pair of Quandary Pants.
These lightweight nylon regular fit pants with a bit of stretch are made from recycled fishing nets.
The Whiskey Passport Wallet has been in my travel bag for several years now and mine was made of Natural Veg Tan leather that has aged wonderfully. I always know where my passport, travel documents, Global Entry and Priority Pass cards, luggage slips, and printed airline ticket are which is handy.
Word of warning, TSA and immigration aren’t always impressed with the fine design and workmanship of this wallet and will have you remove your passport to present to them.
I believe the first place that I saw Withernot was on the Red Clay Soul website and these rugby shirts immediately caught my eye since it was like looking into yesteryear to when I was in grade school. I’ve since been wearing a couple of these shirts through the fall and winter and they are absolute favorites to pair with shorts or pants.
Just a reminder that you can use code “FIBERGLASS” for 15-20% off your order of $100 or more.
I’m seeing more and more fly fishing guides use the GoBox 30 as a boat box since they perfectly hold and and organize fly boxes, small and large tippet spools, tools, accessories, camera gear, electronics, and anything else needed in one convenient and waterproof when snapped shut case.
I like the addition of the HeftyHauler Handle to the current GoBox 30 model and the included LoadOut Caddy and center divider, which in a pinch can double as a cutting or food board. Don’t forget the large zipper pocket and two smaller zip pockets of the Pack Attic. And, as I mentioned to start, you’re going to get more than one which makes the Pack-and-Stack design great for keeping your LoadOut GoBox stack organized when in storage.
Okay, that puts a wrap on winter. Let’s get on to spring…
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