FlyFish Mag at IFTD--Part 1

Sure, I'm as distracted as the next gal about all the jazz, beads and feather boas glimmering at us from the future. In a year from now we'll be recovering from IFTD 2011 in New Orleans; telling our trade show tales with spent voices, squinting at blurry phone pictures to figure out who flashed us, and saying over and over, "One fish, two fish, redfish, redfish."

But today I'm still happy to be stripping in the good times and great gear found at IFTD 2010 in Denver September 9-11.

First off--here are some immediate things that caught my attention:

• An AAFTA board member asked my honest opinion on how to make fly fishing less exclusive
• Logo changes for Redington and Sage
• People introduced by their Twitter handles ie: @troutscout @kyleindenver @roughfisher @midcurrent @deneki @fbrglssmnfsto @fishykid @fethastyx @tundralove @flyfishpro @outsidehilary @iftd
  
• Ross F1 Reel Series
• Free Moose Drool (Made in Montana)
• Not even close to free internet access (Made in NEVERland--as in, I ain't never payin'! )
• Watch out fishy men--the polite, capable and informative fishy kid Tyler Befus could do your job if he was legally old enough
• Tough-guys-turned-art-aficionados standing in line to have their copy of The Drake autographed by Derek DeYoung

Here are some pics from the points above:






Tomorrow I'll be breaking down the features of some of the show's top products, including those from Ross, Sage, Redington, Buff, R.L. Winston, Big Sky Inflatables, fishpond, Smith Optics and more.
And I'll explain why the Ross F1 Series is my "Best of Show" choice.
Hilary

Industry News: Far Bank Hires Hard Goods Planner

Far Bank Enterprises, Inc. Welcomes Ryan Cade as Hard Goods Planner

Far Bank Enterprises adds to its team to expand expertise in hard goods categories.

04.14.2010 – (Bainbridge Island, WA) – Fly-fishing industry leader, Far Bank Enterprises, is pleased to announce the addition of Ryan Cade as the new Hard Goods Planner. Bringing years of prior product planning experience, Ryan will be working with Sage, Redington and RIO to further develop the planning process and help attain marketing goals.

“The addition of Ryan to our team will bring a new focus to product planning and marketing and will help us expand our expertise to all hard goods categories,” says David Visnack, Director of Marketing & Merchandising. “Ryan brings valuable experience to the Far Bank team, and his skill set will allow us to take our established and successful categories to the next level.”

Press Release: Sage's New Xi3 Saltwater Series

Sage Brings Innovation and Technology to the New Xi3 Series:

The Ultimate Saltwater Fly Rod

March 1, 2010 (Bainbridge Island, WA) – After six more months of rigorous field-testing since the launch and with warmer weather around the corner, Sage is proud to name the Xi3 the best saltwater rod series Sage has ever created. Utilizing SaltH2O Technology, a proprietary taper construction providing torque and torsion for superior tracking and maximum energy efficiency, the Xi3 performs with true precision. Sage’s Generation 5 (G5) construction employs 100% graphite hoop fibers to provide more power in the butt section and increased sensitivity in the tip. The Modulus Positioning System (MPS) maximizes performance and reduces rod weight by varying the modulus or flex according to the need of each inch of the rod. This provides a startlingly acute level of line feel throughout the casting stroke and allows more efficient application of power.

“With all the design modifications and technological advances applied to the Xi3, we have created a rod that tracks seamlessly and has the backbone to pick up 60 to 70 feet of line all while significantly reducing the weight,” explains Jerry Siem, Sage Rod Designer. “We are very proud of this new design. Everyone who casts an Xi3 feels the difference immediately.”

Other features of the Xi3 include an EVA/cork fighting butt, saltwater-safe, black anodized reel seat, and a full wells cork grip. Fuji hard chrome-plated stripping guides with Alconite inserts are used for durability and line wear resistance. The use of over-sized Tip-tops and snake guides allow smooth line movement. The Xi3 has a Pacific blue colored shaft with Electra blue trim wraps and Cobalt blue primary wraps. It comes in four pieces and in line weights from #6 to #16. The Xi3 includes a black fabric rod sock and powder-coated aluminum tube.

About Sage:Founded in 1980, Sage was created with one idea in mind - to build the world's finest performance fly rods. Passionate about creating fly fishing products that continually exceed expectations, Sage strives to seek performance advantages through new materials and designs based on a foundation of research and innovation. Sage also offers fly reels, fly lines, apparel, accessories and luggage for avid anglers.

The NJ Transition Continues

Thanks to the Trophy Wife and her excellent nose for the 50% off the already reduced clearance price rack, I scored an early Birthday present and added an eight weight Sage Xi2 and Tibor Back Country CL reel spooled with Sci Anglers intermediate line to the fledgling Saltwater arsenal. When does spring come around here anyway?

Sage Fly Fishing School

Fly fishing gear manufacturer Sage announces that it has partnered with our friend Steve Parrott at The Blue Quill Angler in Evergreen, CO to offer The Sage Fly Fishing School - Rocky Mountain Region. From their press release:

Through multiple class options, Sage hopes to share with the public its passion for fly fishing while helping to increase participation in the sport. This partnership will offer new and seasoned anglers the opportunity to learn from experts.

“We want to share our committed passion for fly fishing with the public and part of that passion includes creating excitement about the sport,” comments Chris Andersen, Sales Manager for Sage. “Offering world class fishing schools is a great way to share our excitement for fly fishing with new and experienced anglers. Sage has selected The Blue Quill Angler as the site of our flagship fly fishing school because of the experience and talent they offer.”

The classes will have something for new and experienced fly anglers alike:

Sage Fly Fishing School courses include:

Fly Fishing 101: Students will spend two weekday evenings in the classroom and one full day on the water. Class size will be limited to six students with one instructor. Classes will be held weekly starting mid-April through September.

Fly Fishing 201: Students will spend one full day in the classroom and one full day on the water. Class size will be limited to eight students with two instructors. Classes begin May 14th and run through September 18th.

Advanced Casting School: Experienced anglers will spend one day with a Federation of Fly Fishers (FFF)-certified fly casting instructor to focus on their technique. This is a full day class with 8 students.

Classes begin April 17th and are held through September 4th.For more information on any of these classes or to schedule a date, call 800-435-5353 or send an email to sageschools@bluequillangler.com You can also visit their website at www.bluequillangler.com

Steve is a fellow North Carolina Expat and an excellent fly fisher so if you find yourself heading to Colorado and need to know what flies are working be sure to stop by The Blue Quill and say hello.