By Kirk Deeter

Yesterday, Sage announced the launch of a new rod series called "ONE." I have yet to see it or cast it, but based on what I've read, the "hook" for the ONE series is accuracy. And they're basing that claim on something they call "Konnetic" technology, which has to do with resin-to-carbon ratios, and the way they align the carbon fibers in the rod during manufacturing.

From Sage: "The ONE offers exceptional tracking with virtually no lateral or torsional movement, resulting in astonishing casting accuracy that is unparalleled in the marketplace. The inherent strength of Konnetic technology allows ONE rods to have a smaller diameter and are 25% lighter than comparable Sage rods. These attributes combine to provide augmented aerodynamic efficiency. Further innovations are the 70% lighter, low profile ferrules that help direct and carry energy through the rod without sacrificing strength, critical action and feel.

“The ONE rod becomes a true extension of the angler’s arm,” notes Sage Chief Rod Designer, Jerry Siem. “It offers a more fluid transmission of energy from the arm to the fly. The eye sees the cast it wants to make and is translated to the hand through the rod instantaneously.”

By Kirk Deeter

Today I will be taking part in a Capitol Hill summit coordinated by the Bull Moose Sportsmen's Alliance (www.bullmoosesportsmen.org) called the "Taking Aim at Conservation: American Sportsmen at a Crossroads Forum." The event involves a number of hunters and anglers from throughout the country, as well as some political heavyweights: Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar will be speaking, as will U.S. Senators John Tester (D-Montana), Mark Udall (D-Colorado), and James Risch (R-Idaho).

I will be on a panel with New Mexico State Representative Nate Gentry (R), Montana State Senator Kendall Van Dyk (D), Gary Taylor of the Association of Fish and WIldlife Agencies, Steve Moyer from Trout Unlimited, and Tom Sadler from the American Fly Fishing Trade Association.

I'm sure the discussion will include a number of topics, perhaps most prominently HR 1 and its crippling effects on conservation  (the details of which F&S conservation editor Bob Marshall eloquently outlined last March).

By Kirk Deeter

by Kirk Deeter

The other day, I was asked if I was a member of the Federation of Fly Fishers . To be honest with you, I'm not. I should join. The FFF does a lot of really great things by way of teaching people how to cast and tie flies. They have a standardized format for teaching people how to teach casting and, by and large, that's a good thing. The conservation work FFF does is very admirable and I give FFF credit for publishing a code of angling ethics in five languages.

Yet, I hear FFF people wonder aloud why the organization can't crack into the younger angling demographic. For one, I think a rigid, standardized, "certified" casting/teaching approach doesn't appeal to a young angler who wants to free-form it and innovate on the water. Standards for instruction aren't bad, but the perception that there's a rule book for casting doesn't appeal to some people.

For me, the rub with FFF comes down to one word: "Conclave". FFF's big annual event (this year, August 31-September 3 in West Yellowstone, Montana) is its "conclave." What's in a name?

By Tim Romano

Thought I'd keep rolling with the great video tips from our friend Kevin Morlock at Indigo Guide Service. Just this past weekend I stuck my first local carp of the year on the South Platte river with Kevin's "Carp Baseball" tip. Thanks Kevin!

Kevin uses this approach for big Lake Michigan carp near Beaver Island, but honestly I think it's a tip that's applicable to many fish species. Especially trout.

Enjoy.