Time-Tested Reviews | Free Fly Shade Hoodie
The Free Fly Shade Hoodie very became an essential part of my go-to angling wear through the summer months. I put in a lot of hours on the river and I found the Shade Hoodie comfortable in all situations, whether a dawn-to-dusk float or a more demanding walk-and-wade. The Shade Hoodie provides UPF 50+ so even during scorching days I never felt overheated. The hottest day I fished this summer was 38 degrees Celsius; I did an eight-hour float that day. Between staying well hydrated and wearing the Free Fly Shade Hoodie, not once did I feel any negative effects from the extreme heat.
The hoodie is also lightweight and comfortable. I’m a very standard men’s large in all the clothing I wear, and I found the Shade Hoodie true to size, even after being washed. It fit comfortably in the chest area and fit well length-wise in the arms and on the torso. And not that style is a top priority on the water, but the first time I wore it my kids said it looked great and made me look younger—apparently Free Fly apparel has the ability to not only keep the sun out but also take a few years off! The Free Fly Shade Hoodie a great buy and one I plan to wear well beyond the testing period.
Reviewed by: Derek Bird
Time-Tested Reviews | Orvis Jackson Quick-Dry Pants
I ended up putting these pants through some tough conditions and was impressed overall. I fished them in hot weather, and bushwhacked through devil’s club and salmon berries. I butt-slid down slabby rocks and mud slopes. Through all this, the pants didn’t show any visible signs of wear. They’re durable. My pair fit true to size, if not an inch roomy. I like the high rise and wide back belt loop. A thicker diameter belt fit through the loops and they felt secure. The slight knee gussets were functional and allowed for good mobility while wet. Although, I wish the pockets were cut a little deeper on the outside seam. It’s possible some loose articles could fall out while seated.
The cut, and fabric, make for a sharp look when paired with a nice shirt, and the functional internal cargo pocket (right side only) and orange accents give a sporty nod to the fact that these are pants to fish in. The material feels smooth and lightweight. With added light stretch, these pants are comfortable when wading. The rubber zipper pull bulb is a nice touch, without looking cheap. Quick dry? Yes. In ambient air temperature at 25 degrees Celsius and in direct midday sunlight, they dried completely in under 20 minutes. These are a great buy for any angler in the market for quick-dry pants.
Reviewed by: Derek Bird
Time-Tested Reviews | Semperfli Fly Tying Materials
I will admit this was not my first time using Semperfli fly tying products, but it didn’t stop me from trying to use them on all of the flies I tied this past summer. I believe the material most people are aware of is their Nano Silk threads—and for good reason. These threads’ strength, especially at as small as 20D, is fairly amazing.
I had not heard of Dirty Bug Yarn but soon fell in love with it. It is basically a dubbing replacement using mottled yarn. Conversely, Semprefli also makes Dry Fly Poly Yarn. If you want to save time, or you can’t bring yourself to enjoy dubbing, they are a great alternative. Semperfli’s catalog of materials is seemingly endless; I would not hesitate to recommend any of them to anyone.
Reviewed by: Dana Harrison
Time-Tested Reviews | fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Backpack
My first impression of the Thunderhead Submersible backpack was that it was going to live up to its name. The impressive construction features a fully waterproof, self-healing TRU Zip zipper which seals off the main bag opening. I found the foam padded shoulder straps, lumbar support panel and hip belt made it an extremely comfortable pack for a day of hiking the local rivers as well as late summer deer-scouting trips. It has also been a perfect pack for my boat-based trips as it comfortably stores my raingear, extra fleece, camera, binoculars, spare socks and other small accessories. The bag comes with a set of side straps for securing a rod tube as well as several other Hypalon gear attachment points. Even in the worst of weather I know I will not have to worry about anything getting remotely damp or wet!
Reviewed by: Brian Chan
Time-Tested Reviews | Rep Your Water Sun Hoody
Recently, my daughter asked me why, almost every day, do I wear the same blue hoodie I bought at the visitors’ centre in Grande Cache?
I wasn’t sure how to answer her. Am I getting old as dirt? Perhaps. But also: when I find something I like, I stick with it. Which is why it’s been such a treat—and a bit of a relief, I suppose—to have found a new favourite hoodie.
The RYW Sun Hoody is a Merino wool blend that fits and feels right. It’s soft and light and breathe-able while being protective of the summer-season elements (UPF 30+), but also great as a base-layer when temperatures start to drop—which they have, at least up here.
Recently, on a wind-whipped stream at 1,600 metres I found myself thankful for the shirt’s oversized hood, and then later, tucked into my camper, I was glad for its supple, slightly-stretchy material as I slid into my sleeping bag. I don’t usually sleep with a shirt until I get to know it a little better, but what can I say? I was genuinely seduced: Rep Your Waters donates three per cent from every purchase to conservation groups.
Supporting our local conservation orgs isn’t something we all tend to make time for. I’m not saying buying a shirt is the same as volunteering for your local TU, but if a company is showing that they’re willing to walk the walk when it comes to giving back to our rivers, I’m certainly willing to give their line-up due consideration if I’m in the market for new gear.
RYW’s Grass Merino Sun Hoody suits my needs. It has the utilitarian mark of simple, quality design and because its materials are naturally odour-reducing (thanks, Merino sheep!), whether I’m picking off small rainbows in a shallow riffle of picking up kids after school, I can wear it as my daily-driver.
Now, if my daughter asks why I always wear the same hoody, at the very least, I have an answer.
Reviewed by: Bob Covey
Time-Tested Reviews | Ahrex Hooks
As I hope they have been for many tyers, for years Ahrex has been my go-to brand for streamer hooks. I was familiar with the black nickel-finish, the chemically-sharpened hook points and the obvious passion for fly tying and fly fishing that the company is rooted in. I knew what to expect from the Danish brand in that sense. What I did not expect, however, was to be sent for product testing a selection of large, wide hooks designed specifically for salt water. Confession time: I’ve never fished the salt, and I’m not ocean-bound anytime soon. Thankfully, many of Ahrex’s extensive salt-aimed hooks are “crossover” hooks. My testing grounds wouldn’t be totally out of the hook’s target waters. However, to truly put the product through the ringer, I knew I had to find heavy, toothy fish. Thinking creatively, I tied up a series of Paul Monoghan’s reverse bulkheads—a non-traditional pike fly which, because of its reverse-tied fibres, are light and easy to cast. But just like there are no saltwater species in my homewaters, neither are there any pike. Instead, with this baitfish profile I’d be going for big, aggressive bull trout.
I’m happy to report there were minimal issues with locating the target species, and there were absolutely zero issues with the hooks. The points stayed sharp, the fish stayed on (even with the barbs filed off) and not once was I worried about a hook bending or twisting. For the indefinite future, Ahrex will remain my go-to.
Reviewed by: Dana Harrison
Time-Tested Reviews | Simms G3 Guide Wading Jacket
Having a good wading jacket is the difference between staying on the water and running for shelter. I’m a believer in the notion that there is no such thing as poor weather, just bad gear. Simms has made a name for itself creating innovative products that work, day after day. I like that the G3 jacket is made with three layers of Gore-tex to keep you dry, likewise, it’s nice to see companies designing double-cuff systems. Waterproof, windproof and, considering those attributes, extremely breathable, the G3 Guide Wading Jacket is iconic for a reason: it’s the perfect combination of protection from the elements and mobility to engage with them.
Reviewed by: Derek Olthuis
2023 Stimmies Awards
We are excited to officially welcome submissions to the 2023 Stimmies Awards!
Building off the current momentum of the International Fly Fishing Film Festival, the Stimmies Awards recognize top emerging and professional filmmakers and encourages creative fly-fishing films that celebrate our community.
Submit your project in one of two categories – short and feature-length film – via the our easy-to-use award submission platform –> HERE! Entries will be accepted until May 31.
The top 10 films will be selected by an internal committee and then the top films will participate in a month long public vote, supported by a massive social and web campaign, reaching thousands of voting anglers around the world. The winning film will take home bragging rights, $1,000, and will be considered for inclusion as an Official Selection of the 2024 International Fly Fishing Film Festival.
May the Fourth be with You Subscription Sale!
We are celebrating May the 4th (be with you) by offering a FREE Thursday Night Live fly tying pack with every subscription (while supplies last). These top patterns were selected by the TNL team and include one tied fly and materials for 5 more – complete with video instructions for tying!
Don’t miss out! Subscribe, renew or gift now to get yours today —> Click here to order
The Fly Fishing Show, Fly Fusion, Angling Trade and Fly Fishing Journeys announce “Consumer Choice Awards” Winners
Anglers who attended the Fly Fishing Shows across America have voted on their favorite products, and the results are in…
Fly-fishing aficionados of all ages and skill levels—from trout enthusiasts to purveyors of the saltwater flats—were given the unique opportunity to vote for their favorite products among those exhibited at the popular Fly Fishing Shows held across America this winter and spring.
Voters from 15 countries around the word cast over 17,000 votes for 183 different products in 41 categories ranging from rods and reels to waders, boots and polarized sunglasses.
The big winners included Ross Reels, which swept both the freshwater and saltwater reel categories with its “Evolution” model. Similarly, Scientific Anglers took top honors for freshwater and saltwater fly lines with the Amplitude Smooth MPX and Amplitude Smooth Grand Slam, respectively. Umpqua’s Thunder Grass hopper was the winning freshwater fly pattern, and its Danger Muffin Crab claimed top spot for saltwater fly. Fly-fishing upstart Skwala won the outerwear and wader categories, and Simms Fishing Products took top honors in nine other categories.
Here are all the winners for 2023:
Most Innovative: Simms G4 Pro Powerlock Boots
Sunglasses: Bajio Piedra.
Fly Rod (freshwater): Hardy Aydon
Fly Rod (saltwater): Thomas & Thomas Sextant
Fly Reel (freshwater): Ross Evolution FS
Fly Reel (saltwater): Ross Evolution FS
Men’s Waders: Skwala Carbon
Women’s Waders: Simms G3 Guide Stockingfoot Wader
Women’s Wading Boots: Miss Mayfly Moxie
Men’s Wading Boots: Simms G4 Pro Powerlock
Youth Product: Simms Kids Tributary Stockingfoot Wader
Accessories under $50: Simms Taco Wader Bag
Accessories $50-100: Norvise Automatic Fly Tying Bobbin
Accessories over $100: Fishpond Nomad Mid-Length Net
Artwork: Cody’s Fish Brown Trout License Plate Art
Boat (personal watercraft): Watermaster Kodiak Raft Package
Books and Maps: Joe Humphrey’s Trout Tactics (revised edition)
Chestpack/Vest: Simms Dry Creek Z Sling Pack
Eco-Friendly Product: Simms Fall Run Insulated Hoody
Entertainment/Education: “Trout and Feather” (YouTube)
Fly Box: Tacky Original River Mag Box
Fly Hooks: Tie! Jig Force Sizes #20 and #22 by Fulling Mill and Umpqua
Fly Line (freshwater): Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth MPX
Fly Line (saltwater): Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth Grand Slam
Fly Pattern (freshwater): Umpqua Thunder Grass Hopper
Fly Pattern (saltwater): Umpqua Danger Muffin Crab
Fly Rod (Two-Handed/Spey): Temple Fork Outfitters Pro III
Fly Rod (Freshwater): Hardy Aydon
Fly Rod (Saltwater): Thomas & Thomas Sextant
Fly-Tying Materials: Umpqua Jig Bombs
Fly-Tying Tools: Norvise Automatic Fly-Tying Bobbin
Fly Tying Vise: Renzetti Limited Edition Traveler
Freshwater Combo Kit: CD Fishing All Fly Ultimate Plus
Gift Items (under $100): Atollas Fly Caddy
Insurance (guide and outfitter): Cross Current Guide Liability Insurance
Leader/Tippet: Scientific Anglers
Luggage/Backpack: Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Backpack
Men’s General Apparel: Rep Your Water Merino Wool Blend Retro Camo Sun Hoody
Men’s Outerwear: Skwala Fusion 3/2 Puffy
Women’s Outerware: TWO WAY TIE: Simms G3 Guide Jacket / FISHE Steel My Heart Riffle Snap Fleece
Tenkara Rod: Tenkara Tanuki Pocket Ninja
Women’s General Apparel: Simms Solarflex Cooling Hoody
Spring Subscriber Giveaway
Skwala and Bushy Camo Announce Limited Collab
Skwala has challenged the boundaries of what’s possible in fly fishing apparel since their inception a year ago. Today’s announcement of a limited collab product with innovative camouflage lab Bushy Camo® signals their willingness to disrupt the fly fishing industry further than anyone imagined.
“People thought we were crazy to re-think traditional wader design,” said Kevin Sloan, Skwala’s CEO and Founder. “Wait till they see this [stuff]!”
Bushy Camo, a plucky upstart in visual deception wearables, sees this joint venture as an opportunity to expand into a demographic and market share that their competitors have not yet tapped. According to Randy Holstein, Bushy Camo’s Chief Designer, “We don’t know much about fly fishing, but we make camouflage patterns that fool the world’s pre-eminent non-lethal snipers. I think we can trick a few fish.”
The two brands have been in development for 2 years on the first products in the collaboration with more promised later this year. The new Skwala Invisibility Suit™ is built for anglers who rely on stealthy pursuits of their favorite fish. Designed with the latest Barely-See® fabric technology from Bushy Camo, this new proprietary pattern renders trout and other species helpless, while also protecting anglers from the eyes of overzealous landowners.
“This brand new collab project combines the very best of two worlds—amazing fabrics and design from Skwala and camo technology the world has never seen,” says Sloan. “In fact, no one has seen it, it’s so good at its job.”
The new wading suit debuts at $1,299 MSRP and is available online at SkwalaFishing.com and select Skwala retailers in North America.
