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Fly Tying: Gambel’s Golden Stonefly
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Rambling Review – Cabela’s GORE-TEX Trailhead Jacket
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Rambling Review – Cabela’s GORE-TEX Trailhead Jacket
Why:
Every outdoorsman has found themselves in the elements when the wind picks up and the rain/snow starts to fall. Having a quality shell to stay dry and keep the wind at bay is absolutely essential. Most outdoor companies have some sort of product that they claim is windproof and waterproof, and sorting through the myriad of options can be quite a chore. I purchased the Cabela’s GORE-TEX Trailhead Jacket and believe that it is a great choice for the outdoorsman who is looking to stay warm and dry.
First impressions:
Waterproof/Waterproof/Breathable – Need I say more?
The Pocket Layout – Cabela’s did a really nice job in their choice of pockets on the Trailhead Jacket.
- Two functional chest pockets that I can fit tippet, fly dressing, leaders, license, and a camera in; or a fully fly box if needed.
- Two deep zippered hand pockets that are plenty big enough for large fly boxes, gloves, beanie and anything else you can think of.
- There is two meshy pockets on the inside of the Trailhead jacket that are perfect for a water bottle or stowing other gear
The Fit – The Cabela’s GORE-TEX Trailhead Jacket fits just right. I opted for the jacket in a size Large in order to layer while on the creek or in the woods when it turns cold. At the same time, the jacket is not too bulky which allows you to wear it in case of rain during the warmer months.
Armpit zippers – I believe every outdoor jacket should have armpit zippers for ventilation. It never fails to be hiking, hunting, or fishing and get overheated. With a quick zip, the armpit vents allow for a quick cool off without having to strip out of the jacket.
Field Use:
The main reason I purchased The Cabela’s GORE-TEX Trailhead Jacket was for days spent fly fishing in foul weather. I have been toting the Trailhead jacket around for almost a year now, and I have worn it on many different fishing trips and in many different conditions. The Cabela’s Trailhead Jacket has been used heavily on many trips, but just to name a few:
- a 4 day float on the Deschutes in Oregon
- a day chasing grayling on a small stream in Denali
- 3 days on Lees Ferry heading upriver
- a spring trip to Colorado to fish the Arkansas River
On all these trips, the Trailhead jacket performed flawlessly, stopping the wind and keeping me dry. I found that a merino wool base layer and a fleece or sweatshirt underneath the Trailhead Jacket, kept me warm in temperatures below freezing. Running up Lees Ferry on a March morning at high speeds was not a problem for this jacket.
Some other features that I have come to appreciate about the Trailhead Jacket:
- Fully functional hood that can be cinched down to fight the cold and elements
- Fleece-type lining on the chin when the jacket is zipped all the way up. Keeps from chaffing your face.
- Velcro on the wrist of the sleeves to adjust tightness of the cuffs
- Washability – This jacket has been through the laundry many times and it always comes out looking new.
- Multi-functional – The Cabela’s Trailhead Jacket is a great jacket in the outdoors, but my wife doesn’t roll her eyes when I wear it in public either. It is a great all around coat that can be worn on any social occasion.
- The Cabela’s name: I understand that Cabela’s is a big box store, but I appreciate their commitment to their product and the name. As with many other Cabela’s products, if you’re not happy, take it back.
Pros:
– Waterproof, windproof, breathable
– Thoughtful pocket layout that is user-friendly
– Armpit vents
– Multi-functional and versatile
– Price
– Washable
– Cabela’s name and warranty
Cons:
– No lining for warmth
– A bit bulky when loading a pack
Prognosis: I purchased the Cabela’s GORE-TEX Trailhead Jacket on sale and could not be happier with my purchase. If you are looking for a great all-around jacket to keep away wind, water, and snow, the Trailhead Jacket is definitely worth trying on.
* Disclaimer:
The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. Arizona Wanderings is not sponsored by or associated with any of the stated companies and is accepting no compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review. My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.
Fly Tying: The AZ Disco Midge
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How to tie the AZ Disco Midge:
I know that this is not the “true original” recipe for the disco midge, so this little variation has been titled the AZ Disco Midge. I found it to be dynamite fly pattern for the San Juan River, Lees Ferry, and several other tailwaters with prolific midge populations. It also works well as a dropper pattern when the creeks are looking pretty muddy.
I like to tie this fly in sizes 18-24 with a mercury glass bead that I picked up from a local craft store. For this tutorial, I am tying on a size 10 hook and therefore am stuck with a gold bead. (I need to invest in a new lens for the camera) Play with bead choice colors and enjoy.
Arizona Fly Fishing – Small Streams
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I spent Saturday on the Rim flinging flies to small stream trout. It never ceases to amaze me that we have such beautiful places to fly fish in Arizona. Knowing that it will be a while until I get back up to the high country, I opted to maximize my time and fish three of my favorite creeks, which meant that I put a lot of miles on my boots. I was rewarded with browns, rainbows, and brook trout in the six to twelve inch region, most all coming on the Mini-Hopper.
I have been meaning to put my Black Bear Fiberglass Travel Rod to the test, and I had fun learning a new casting stroke. This rod was super mellow and really bent to the weight of these small fish. Definitely a fun rod to fish with and one that I am glad to have in my quiver.
What to Pack on an Out-of-State Fishing Trip: A Filson Guest Post
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The good people over at Filson ran one of my guest posts on what to pack for an out-of-state fly fishing trip. I have had the opportunity to do a bit of traveling with my wife with the team at https://thewallmuseum.com/ and every time we are going to see someone, I see what type of fishing I can get to in the area. The article is more about the bare essentials and how to maximize my luggage space. If I missed anything, let me know. As always, I really would really appreciate it if you would give some love over on the actual guest post.
“Last summer, I had a great opportunity to head up out of the Arizona heat to the float the Deschutes River in Oregon, with my good friend, Eric. Since this was a do-it-yourself fly fishing trip, it was absolutely important that I show up with all the gear that I needed. Here is the list that I drew up that served me very well on our 4-day float down the river.
Fishing gear – I had a good idea of the type of fishing I was going to be doing, and with a little help from my contact there, I was able to pack accordingly.
- 2 Rods
- 2 Reels”
Read the Full Article over at Filson Life
Fly Tying: KF Emerger
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KF Emerger
The KF Emerger is one of the easiest and most productive midge patterns to tie. The material needed is very minimal but the results are dynamic fly that will catch fish. It can be tied in any color combo to meet the needs of any piece of water. The Krystal Flash Emerger is a must have pattern for water systems that have prolific midge activity.
Materials:
Hook: Curved caddis hook size #16-24
Thread: UTC 70
Rib: Small Wire
Wing: Krystal Flash
Head/Thorax: Dubbing (I love Hare Tron Dubbin. It’s buggy looking.)
What are you looking for at Arizona Wanderings?
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I am halfway through my third full year of posting here on Arizona Wanderings, and honestly I love it. Living in the desert puts me at a distinct disadvantage to some of my blogger friends who are blessed with what I consider destination fishing and hunting locations. Writing and posting on AZW gives me an outlet to write, and ultimately it keeps me sane until I can get back in the woods or on the water. I have always enjoyed writing and photography, and pretty much from the beginning, I write, and if someone shows up to read, that’s great. Numbers have never concerned me too much, but of course I enjoy hearing from people and knowing that they have found something that I have written to be useful or interesting.
I fully intend to continue writing trip reports, gear reviews, book reports, and tying tutorials. I have some plans to increase the selection of flies that I tie, AZWanderings clothing that I sell, and hopefully some more informative e-books on hunting and fishing here in the Southwest. I also will be periodically highlighting some of those great outdoor organizations here in Arizona that are dedicated to wildlife and the heritage of hunting and fishing.
I guess what I want to say is that as much as Arizona Wanderings is for me, I also want it to be a positive experience and resource for my few cherished readers. What I want to know is this:
- Who are you and where are you from (state or country)?
- How did you find Arizona Wanderings?
- Are you a hunter, fisherman, both, or other?
- What else can I do to make Arizona Wanderings better?
- What topics are you most interested in reading about?
- What type of flies/products/e-books would you like to see in the Arizona Wanderings Shop?
- Any other feedback?
Feel free to leave a comment or if you are more comfortable, please shoot me an email. (ben@azwanderings.com) Wether you are a regular commenter or a “behind the scenes lurker,” I want to hear from you. Thanks for all your help and I look forward to hunting, fishing and writing for many years to come.
Ben
Rambling Review: Fall River Bamboo Fly Rod “South Fork”
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Rambling Review: Fall River Bamboo Fly Rod “South Fork”
Why:
The opportunity to fish the Fall River South Fork Rod, along with the Montana Fly Company reel and Rio line, came through the Outdoor Blogger Network. I am the first of 18 “hosts” for this rod and reel and over the next several months, the South Fork rod will travel across the U.S. and be fished, analyzed, and loved by some great fly fishing bloggers. At the end of it’s journey, one of the lucky hosts will be randomly chosen to own this pretty blonde fly rod. My fingers will remain crossed for the next couple of months hoping that it’s me.
I am a teacher and an average guy. I like equipment that can stand up to abuse in the field but does not break the bank. These basic facts have kept me from purchasing a bamboo rod even though I have cast and drooled over several. This opportunity to fish and play around with a beautifully handcrafted fly rod is a true blessing.
First impressions:
The Specifics – The Fall River “South Fork” Bamboo Fly Rod is an 8′ 5wt rod with a described moderate/fast action.
The Case – When I first opened up the postal package and pulled the rod tube out, I was blown away. This is not your run of the mill rod tube, nor is it a standard metal tube that comes with most bamboo rods. This hexigonal oak case is a work of art and a beautiful way to transport this fly rod.
The Color – Blonde bamboo rods are beautiful. They show off the quality of the bamboo and the workmanship of the craftsman. I liked the dark green wraps against the blonde bamboo too. The color combo really made the rod pop.
Two tips – Having very little experience with bamboo, I knew that some rods came with two tips, but I did not fully understand why. I asked the rodmaker and he explained that it was more or less an American tradition to sell a rod with two tips as a “just in case.” Since many early fly fishermen relied on their rod to catch a meal and sustain life, any rod tip damage could mean serious trouble. Having the spare tip allowed for the owner to get the other repaired while still being able to fish.
Field Use:
Typically, when reviewing gear on Arizona Wanderings, I spend copious amounts of time in the field putting gear through the paces. For fly rods I generally like to spend multiple trips putting the rod through all kinds of different scenarios and seeing how it puts up with standard abuse that comes with its owner. With only three days with this beautiful fly rod, here is what I found.
I fished this rod on two different creeks. Both creeks present different challenges. One is very brushy requiring short acurate casts and a good amount of finesse. The other is a bit more open, requiring longer more delicate casts. I also spent some time on a local pond messing around finding a nice casting stroke and laying out some serious line. The Fall River South Fork Rod performed flawlessly.
Jason Zicha, the rod maker, had written to me and said that the casting stroke of the South Fork Rod was a bit on the faster side of bamboo. Still, I had to remind myself to slow down and let the rod load. Having fished mostly graphite, it is difficult to compare the two, but the benefits of that soft presentation are hard to miss. By the time I had the rod figured out, I realized that I was actually fishing slower and taking my time. There was no “hurry up and fish” moments. Instead, I was enjoying the actual casting and finesse of the rod as much as I was pulling fish out of the creek.
A bit more quality time on the water with this fly rod would have yielded more information and insight to the different dynamics of its character, but by my estimation, the South Fork fly rod made by Jason Zicha is truly a work of art. The couple of bamboo rod makers that had a look and cast it a bit were more than impressed and had nothing but compliments for this flawless piece of wood.
Pros:
Beautiful custom craftsmanship
Delicate presentation
High Quality material and components
Handcrafted rod tube
Price – for a bamboo rod with two tips, this is a reasonable price
Cons:
Price – on a teacher’s salary, my wife just looks at me and laughs.
Weight – bamboo rods are heavier than graphite, comes with the territory
Prognosis: I thoroughly enjoyed fishing the South Fork bamboo rod and would highly recommend anyone interested in looking for a bamboo rod to check out the beautiful craftsmanship of Jason Zicha at Fall River Fly Rods.
* Disclaimer:
The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. The Fall River South Fork Fly Rod was provided by Fall River in conjunction with the Outdoor Blogger Network for the purpose of this review. Arizona Wanderings is not sponsored by or associated with any of the stated companies and is accepting no compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review. My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.