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Jesse's Hunting > Fishing Articles > Articles > Fly Tying and Gear at the Ontario Fly-Fishing Show
Fly Tying and Gear at the Ontario Fly-Fishing Show
Dave Blake - JHO ProStaff
- Southern CA
March 29, 2005
When I go to the fly-fishing show in Ontario California I go for several reasons. The primary reason is to buy lots of cool stuff for seriously reduced prices. I do this with the enthusiasm of a 10-year-old kid at F.A.O. Schwartz. It gets me into lots of trouble at home, but hey it's only once a year.
Rods, reels, waders, wading boots, guided trips, artwork and flies are all put on display by major companies such as Sage, Powell and Simms, but there are always a few new companies showing off some very innovative things.
Korkers Boots
The interchangeable sole system means you get six boots in one. |
The foot bed supports well and provides a good amount of cushion which is great for a plus sized guy like me. The most innovative feature of these boots is the interchangeable soles. They come with 2 soles including a standard felt sole and a hiking sole. Other soles available are studded felt, studded rubber, rubber boat soles and soft rubber “aquastealth.” All soles can be inserted and removed in a matter of about 30 seconds.
Six boots in one for $79 is hard to beat. I bought a pair and can't wait to use them.
Rod and reel companies like Sage, Powell, and Reddington are always present and always have some great new rods, but I like to see what some of the new rod and reel companies have to offer.
David Ahn has a great new design in his ADG Titanium “Titan” fly rods. They are made from a standard IM8 graphite blank with a literal twist. When examined closely a titanium wire can be seen spiraling from the butt to the tip of the rod.
I took a 5 and 9/10 weight to the casting pool for a trial and found them both very easy to cast. The rod loaded well on both the back cast and forward cast creating plenty of line speed. These rods are definitely worth a look.
Another company run by a guy named David is the Gilmore reel company. David Gilmore spent some time in some online fly-fishing forums trying to find out what fly fishermen wanted in a reel. Once he had an idea what we were looking for, he went to making his reel… and what a reel it is.
It is designed around a spool cartridge flanked by a double cork disc drag system that is silky smooth. The secret is two polymer discs on either side of the spool cushioned by cork and self lubricated with graphite. Switching from right to left hand is an easy, tool-free process, which takes just a few seconds.
The whole package is machined from aluminum bar stock and comes in 8/9, 10, 12 and 14 weight sizes priced from $399 to $549. Both direct drive and anti-reverse versions are available. For a reel of this quality one would expect to pay several hundred dollars more.
Since I live in Southern California, I am always looking for new water to fish that is less than a 5-hour drive away. Guy Jeans runs a guide service out of Kernville and offers trips to an extensive list of destinations in the Kern River area both below and above Lake Isabella.
Guy has extensive knowledge of the Kern River and its tributaries, as well as the fish that call this drainage their home. From float trips down the Lower Kern River for trout and smallmouth bass, to hike and wade trips for Kern River Rainbows and Golden Trout on Upper Kern River tributaries, Guy can put you on the fish. Check him out at www.kernriverflyfishing.com.
There are always some fly tying masters to watch including A.K. Best and George “Chappie” Chapman. These guys can spin some serious feathers and fur.
One fly tier I have admired over the years has been A.K. Best. I have a couple of his books and have wanted to watch him tie. I got my chance this year. He gave a clinic on tying his Western Green Drake pattern as well as a new beetle pattern he has come up with, which has the wing tips trailing out from under the wing case.
Over the years A.K. has come up with some great ways to streamline the tying process such as putting a barrel sinker inside your thread spool so the bobbin will stand upright and starting the thread in certain areas of the hook to limit wrapping time. If you ever have a chance to see A.K. tie, take it.
Chappie Chapman helps a future fisherman
Fly-tying legends know how to build for the future, as "Chappie" Chapman demonstrates here with a six-year-old protege. |
While I was standing there a six-year-old kid came up to the table and peeked over the edge. Without hesitation Chappie told him to come around the table and sit on the tying stool where he proceeded to tie his first fly with Chappie's guidance. Watching Chappie teach a youngster to tie a fly was truly a privilege.
Watch out for Ed Smith's liquid lace material. It is similar to larvae lace, but is injected with baby oil, which provides an amazing amount of translucence. The oil is injected with a syringe. You have to do it yourself. The nymph and midge larvae patterns Ed ties with this stuff are incredible.
There were several local fly tiers there including Dean Endress(insert shop). Dean is an expert on fly-fishing the local surf and harbors. One of his favorite patterns is the “Razzler” which imitates a sand crab or small shrimp in the surf. He says it is a very effective fly and I believe him.
There is a lot of everything at the Ontario Fly Fishing Show. The opportunities to spend money are almost endless. If fly-fishing is your thing, don't miss next years show. Be sure to padlock your wallet and throw away the key.
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