gear - BACKWATER ANGLER

Fishpond Packs and Piopods in Maryland

February 12, 2009

Fishpond’s innovative designs in their packs, accesories and luggage allow anglers to be better organized and show these products are designed by fly fishermen FOR fly fishermen. Many anglers are trying to start 2009 off right, by carrying less and staying organized. Backwater Angler has a wide variety of packs, vests, bags and accessories from Fishpond in stock. My personal favorite is the San Juan Vertical Chest Pack, and I’m on my fifth year guiding with this pack. The best features are external tippet spool mounts, elastic floatant/dry shake holders, and an outside pocket to hold a myran box with split shot and indicators. Tools …

Thingamabobbers and Dr. Slick Clamps

February 13, 2009February 5, 2009

It is interesting how a sport steeped in so much tradition has progressed so far that even new designs of an old idea can be greatly improved upon. These new products can help you catch and release more fish. Consider the Thingamabobber. This round, plastic air filled indicator has an O-ring for easy on and off, holds up heavy nymph rigs and is super sensitive on strikes. These indicators are lighter than all others, cast easier and land softer on the water too. They also come in a variety of sizes and colors. Dr Slick’s new clamps make debarbing, removing shot, and releasing fish easier. …

Filson Accesories

January 20, 2009January 16, 2009

These items by Filson might help you tough it out at 9 degrees F. Brrr! This Filson Hip Flask is constructed of bridle leather wrapped over stainless steel, holds 6 OZ, has an anchored screw top and tucks neatly away. It is priced at $67.50 and is made in the USA. The 100% Merino virgin wool scarf is woven in a 3X3 twill, has a brushed surface, a rolled fringe and is featured in Navy/Camel. The scarf weighs approximately 7 oz and is roughly 12 3/4″ by 60″. It is priced at $40 and is made in the USA. Can’t live without them? Please give …

Locally Tied Fly Patterns In Maryland

January 10, 2009

Gunpowder browns are known to eat a variety of fly patterns, but when a hatch gets going they tend to look at flies a little longer, before inhaling one. Backwater Angler always has a variety of local patterns tied throughout the year, and the stoneflies have arrived! The patterns that is…. although I did see a few before it got so cold this week. New York Fly Tyer and Hunting Guide Mike Bachkowsky, has tied these quill wing and deer hair stoneflies the past six years for Backwater Angler. He lives on the banks of the Delaware River, so these flies are a spot on …

Chota Rock Loc Wading Boot

December 18, 2008December 17, 2008

Chota’s newest wading boot, the Rock Loc boot, is the latest rubber soled model to hit the market. Since the rubber soles have become popular, I’ve tested a pair from about every major manufacturer that has arrived at the shop. Before I hit the river in these I wanted to ask Mark at Chota how they settled on this design. Mark relayed to me a lengthly process of testing, over a year’s time, before they got the shoe just right. Guides and anglers from different parts of the country put in over 200 days each in these boots and the rubber compound/design changed numerous times based …

Sweetgrass Rods at Backwater Angler

November 26, 2008

I just spoke to Dave at Sweetgrass Rods in Twin Bridges, MT and he said that we, in the East, have much to be thankful for…at the time were talking about the Blue Point Oysters that Gunpowder Guide Bill Wolf dropped off before the thanksgiving holiday, (thanks Bill) and Dave mentioned that I was lucky to live so close to the ocean. I immediately started thinking about all of the wonderous trout water he was so lucky to live next to; the Beaverhead, the Bighole the Ruby, the Jefferson, well, you get the idea. This is a photo Dave sent along during our ramblings of …