The past 10 days I’ve been on one whitewater float trip sneaking in fishing where I could, a high mountain lake, and a beat-down of a hike looking for salmon flies on the Colorado river. All of these trips were ones where I wanted to pack what I needed but couldn’t bring the kitchen sink. This means slimming down all fly boxes and gear. I am a professed streamer junkie and as such always have a small arsenal with me. Most of the time they reside in a large Umpqua Boat box which is just not that practical to stuff in a pack on trips like these.

Enter Finn Utility—a new company out of Vermont making a small number of products the old-fashioned way. In their own words they, “are dedicated to respecting the traditional aesthetic with a touch of new.” They are “creating classic handcrafted and useful products that will last a lifetime.

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A friend who works at a local fly shop handed me one of their Streamer Wallets thinking it would be right up my alley and wanted me to try it out.  I can say without a doubt I’ll be using it in specific instances where I have a limited amount of space but want to bring a healthy amount of streamers with me. It’s the perfect combination of utility and class and seems like it can be crammed anywhere. I even dropped it, chock full of bugs, in the water accidentally. I simply splayed it out on the dash on the drive home and nothing rusted.  It dried out perfectly, no worse for wear.

If you’re looking for high-quality handmade fly fishing accessories and like the traditional look, do yourself a favor and check out Finn Utlity.

Read more in the press release below. 

Sage’s New METHOD Fly Rod Series Combines Technology with Ultra-Fast Action

June 13, 2013 (Bainbridge Island, Wash.) – This summer, fly fishing industry leader, Sage Manufacturingannounces the release of its 2014 premier collection of high performance rods called the METHOD series. These ultra-fast fly rods use Sage’s proprietary Konnetic technology. The METHOD delivers high line speeds and tight loops for extreme distance and wind-cutting casts all while maintaining critical accuracy and feel.

“Being able to offer fly rods that perform to the expectations of the most demanding anglers in any casting situation is the main reason behind designing the METHOD. Sage’s DNA is synonymous with fast-action rods, and through Konnetic technology, we’ve taken seriously smooth, ultra-fast action performance to a new place entirely,” comments Sage Chief Rod Designer, Jerry Siem. “Our newest high performance rods will make any caster better but will help experienced casters notch exceptional casts with regularity.”

The magma red colored shaft of the METHOD is complemented by rust colored primary thread wraps and pewter trim wraps. Fuji ceramic stripping guides and robust guide sets round out the features of this high-end rod series. The rods come in a black rod sock with a red silk-screen and are protected in a fusion red powder-coated rod tube with a silver colored medallion and gloss black end caps.

“Overall, the fast action ONE rod is still and will continue to be our flagship series for a wider range of anglers,” notes Sage Marketing Manager, Eric Gewiss. “The METHOD series makes it possible to take casting abilities to whole new level. It performs quickly and accurately close-in, but if anglers are looking for an ultra-fast action rod that is lightweight, exceptionally smooth yet has the extra punch for farther casts and windy conditions, this rod is for you.”

Twelve single-hand models will be available in 4-6 weights for freshwater with a cocobolo wood insert and black reel seat components paired with a snub-nose, half-wells grip. The saltwater capable 6-11 weights feature a black aluminum reel seat and a full wells handle and fighting butt. Nine Spey and switch models feature a high-grade cork fore and rear grip. The METHOD rods will range in price from $800-$1,050 and will be available August 1, 2013. Blanks will also be available for each model.

About Konnetic™ Technology:

Konnetic technology, the most recent and significant evolution in fly rod innovation, uses new materials combined with pioneering manufacturing methods and processes. This technology incorporates an optimized ratio of Sage’s proprietary resin to exclusive high modulus aerospace-grade carbon fiber.

The latest construction methods include Sage’s Advanced Modulus Positioning System (AMPS); a process that precisely aligns and positions carbon fiber materials to exacting tolerances for the greatest blank strength delivering extremely efficient energy transfer throughout the shaft. Using Sage’s High Compression Molding process, carbon fibers are compacted for optimum density and precise alignment while simultaneously fusing the 50% lighter all-carbon fiber inner core. 

About Sage:

Founded in 1980, Sage was created with one idea in mind—to build the world’s finest performance fly rods.Passionate about creating fly fishing products that continually exceed expectations, Sage strives to seek performance advantages through new materials and designs based on a foundation of research and innovation. Sage also offers fly reels, fly lines, apparel, accessories and luggage for avid anglers. For more information, please visit www.sageflyfish.comConnect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+and Vimeo.

I’ve been fishing with my friend Kelly Ehret for many years now, but until recently had never seen this trick he uses. Apparently he’s been doing it for quite some time. It’s simply another way to tie on a fly. And it is fast.

Rob Kolanda, manager and buyer for Front Range Anglers, let’s us in on a small accessory that can make a big difference in your fishing: the thermometer.