reviews

Sweetgrass Bamboo Fly Rods

Dave Delisi from Sweetgrass rods in Twin Bridges, MT just sent us a beautiful 7′ 9″ 4/5 Quadrate bamboo fly rod. The rod is a little darker than the hex rods we’ve received thus far. It is a 2 piece, two tip rod with a cigar grip and it is fitted with a down lock curly maple reel seat. This Sweetgrass rod is accurate, powerful and just begging to be cast over some pocket water. And yes, it’s spoken for…The new owner, Geoff Adams, tells me that it will be christened in the Little J over the weekend. May the Grannoms begin… Some time ago …

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Sharkskin Fly Line Review

Thanks to Josh for the following review: Hey Theaux, Thanks for letting me use the Sharkskin fly line, it is awesome! I have used it for nearly every kind of fishing in the area, small creeks, the Gunpowder, and on ponds. It has performed great for each one. It loads the rod quicker than the I ever thought was possible. Its light weight, and the dull gray color helps me on those cloudy days. I just wanted to thank you for letting me use this magnificent fly line. Thanks again! Sincerely, Josh R.

Fishpond Packs and Piopods in Maryland

  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 …

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Thingamabobbers and Dr. Slick Clamps

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. …

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Simms Waders and Winter Fishing Report

Thanks to Steve for the following report. Theaux, I had a chance to get in a couple hours of fishing the day after Christmas. Fished upstream from Big Falls Road, experimenting along the way, and after figuring out how to get a bead head pheasant tail close to the bottom, landed a small brown, about 7 inches. The fish was pale, the par marks were very visible, the spots were brilliant red, and the adipose fin was bright orange/red. A beautiful fish indeed. And thanks for helping with selecting my gear. The Simms Rivershed waders and Cloudveil wading boots are perfect. As someone who has …

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Locally Tied Fly Patterns In Maryland

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 …

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