Being brand loyal or (just a bit) faithless

Some fly fishing tackle manufactures offer a lifetime warranty on their products. But warranty is one thing – long time relationship to one brand is another. And to be faithful for life… well that sure is a long time. Any high profile brand has got their dedicated followers: People who are dying to get their […]

Heddon Pal Fly rods

I have been prowling eBay intensively this winter, searching for vintage rods and reels. Primarily USA produced tackle from Shakespeare, Fenwick, Pflueger, Martin and Heddon. Well a month ago a listing caught my eye. Two Heddon Pal Mark IV fiberglass fly rods in one strike. I set the hook, and a week later I reeled […]

Experimenting with Amnesia running line

Today I received a package with Sunset Amnesia running line. I’ve been interested in trying that classic flat monofilament out for years, but never really got around to actually ordering the stuff. Well now it’s here, and I have done some lawn casting with different fly rods and shooting heads. I am freaking excited about […]

Back when Fenwick fly rods were the hottest sticks in town

The fly tackle business is a battlefield where every tackle company (just like the mad lab mouse Brainy) is trying to gain world domination. World domination, I guess, should be gained by making the best products and delivering the best service and customer support. But more and more often I get a feeling that the […]

Falling leaves, cool streams and vintage fly tackle

I have a confession to make. I can look through this year’s new, shiny catalogues from just about any fly tackle manufacturer (most of the catalogues are online nowadays) – and I don’t feel hot under the collar… or anywhere else. The newest, lightest and fastest sticks don’t trigger my GAS (gear acquisition syndrome) anymore. […]

While I’m waiting for rain

September traditionally offers lots of fly fishing opportunities around here, but this year… well the start of the autumn kind of sucks. We’ve had a warm and dry summer, and the rivers are running low, clear and warm. That means a delay in the run of sea trout. I’ve spent several late evenings and some […]