gear

G. LOOMIS PRO-4X FLYRODS in Stock at Backwater Angler

We recently received a large shipment of this year’s Best in Show at ICAST winning G Loomis Pro-4X rods here at the shop. I have had a chance to play with these rods in weights from 3-10 and I am very impressed. Retailing between $335-$365 , these latest offerings from the wizards at G. Loomis easily cast as well as rods that cost twice as much. I have yet to find anything priced anywhere near the PRO-4X that can do so many things so well. These rods are not as fast as other Loomis products we have had in the shop, but that is not …

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Simms Vibram Rubber Soled Wading Boots In Stock

This Spring the shop received numerous shipments of Simms boots, and with the felt sole ban in effect in Maryland, boots moved quickly in the shop. Many anglers commented that they were both pleased, and a little surprised at how well the new rubber soles performed. The positive feedback on the traction of these boots, in all variety of terrain anglers encounter, has been a big selling point. Limiting the spread of aquatic invasive species has become the biggest driving force for anglers in PA, VA, DC, DE, who are converting from felt to rubber without bans in those states. Many of us in the …

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Maryland Felt Sole Ban Effective March 21st, 2011

The latest press release from MDDNR alerts anglers to the felt sole ban effective March 21st, 2011. Many manufacturers of wading boots are answering the call to help curb the spread of invasives by switching from felt soles and designing better rubber compounds for traction. Simms is leading the industry by switching from felt to only Vibram soles in all boot styles. Simms also produced three different stud designs for anglers who feel they need more traction (many of us used the vibram soles without studs this past year). The Star Cleat features carbide chips welded to a triangular cleat that fits into the rubber …

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Simms Windstopper Gloves, Hats and a Fishing Report

The Gunpowder river is flowing at 30 Cfs, is 37 F and clear. Until the wind knocks down, try swinging small stonefly nymphs toward the banks. Traditional streamers are also worth a shot. Try dead-drifting them in the log jams. The river has been low since early fall so one will find fish along edges in leaf litter and tucked in the deepest slots they can find. Now would be a good time to explore the lower river between Bluemount Rd. and Upper Glencoe Rd. It’s a big area, the fish are spread out, and hiking the NCR trail will allow you to warm up …

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Simms G3 Wader, Vibram Guide Boot Review for the Holidays

Thanks to Mike for the glowing Simms product review. Christmas comes early in Virginia-or so I’ve heard. …Thanks much, Theaux. I appreciate it. On another front, I christened the waders and boots today. Wow…great gear. Re the waders, air temp was 36F, and I imagine water temp was about the same. I had a pair of mid-weight Simms long johns (probably the predecessor to the current RiverTeks) and lightweight wading pants on under the waders…and I was quite comfortable, even a bit warm at times. As you may recall from my e-mail to you after I tried them on, I said that they were certainly …

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Blue Ribbon Nets and Simms Vibram Soled Wading Boots for the Holidays

The gift giving holidays are fast approaching and many angler’s spouses, families and friends are asking us for holiday gift ideas. A high demand item this year is Simms Vibram Soled Wading Boots, since a ban on felt soles in Maryland is a real possibility. The Simms boots have proven more effective at gripping rocks than most anglers expected from a rubber sole. In regards to traction the Vibram sole got solid reviews from anglers in all types of terrain. The shop worked a number of the new Simms Boots into the guide service in 2010, and even first time anglers (and first time waders) …

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