By John Merwin

Very often when I write about various fishing tackle items, some readers comment that they wish the item in question were made in the U.S. They’d be much happier buying a domestic-made product. They’d like to support American jobs in the tackle industry. So this morning I’ll give you a chance to put your money where your mouth is.

American-made fishing tackle is far from dead. To be sure, giant, global-tackle brands such as Daiwa, Shimano, Rapala, and more depend, for the most part, on overseas (usually Asian) factories. But look around a bit, and you’ll find plenty of quality gear that’s made here at home--hook, line and sinker. Here are a few examples.

Fishing lures are the toughest, but there are still notable examples. One is Dardevle spoons (pictured here). Michigan’s Eppinger Manufacturing is in its third generation of family ownership and still stamping out spoons by the millions every year. Want to support American-made? Buy more Dardevles.

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By Kirk Deeter

I'm en route to Reno, for the International Fly Tackle Dealer trade show which kicks off tomorrow and runs through Saturday. This is the place where the fly fishing industry--manufacturers and dealers--get together to discuss the latest trends, pressing issues, and, of course, show off the new products that will be launched in 2013.

The interesting thing is that many companies have already spilled the beans on their new products. Orvis is launching a "Helios 2" fly rod that is really, really good. (I know, because I've been fishing a prototype for the past month; an in-depth review is coming soon). Far Bank (Sage) is launching some new rods (actually the company already launched them at the European trade show in June) named Circa (a slow action), Response and Approach. But the real news concerning Sage might be that they're introducing the ONE Elite, which is tricked out with fine titanium guides and a reel seat for a record-breaking retail price of $1,295. (That's not a typo).

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By John Merwin

So here we are in August, which means much freshwater fishing is in the summer doldrums. But not in trout country. This month brings the peak of Tricorythodes mayfly hatches to many trout rivers. The flyfishing can be exceptional.

Tricos are pretty small bugs. I typically use flies ranging from 20s down to size 26 to imitate them. And they’re active early. The spinner fall, which is most important, happens in most places not long after dawn--well before the heat of the day sets in. But if you’re out and about, you’ll see the spinner swarms looking like clouds of mist or smoke in the distance--as in the photo.

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By Tim Romano

A SUP, for those yet uninitiated, is a Stand Up Paddle board.

I can see Mr. Joe Cermele rolling his eyes now...

It's been almost a year to the day that I last posted on this subject and started fishing off my very own board. That post had quite a bit of spirited conversation and comments. Granted it did have a healthy dose of ladies in bikinis fishing off said boards...

Since then I've heard that SUP fishing is a fad and a "silly way to fish." Ahem, Mr. Cermele. I'm here to tell you it's not a fad and it's not going away.

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By Tim Romano

Surely I must be talking about "A River Runs Through It," right? Wrong.

While I have a huge place in my heart for "the" movie -- it's one of my favorites -- the new documentary Low and Clear is without a doubt one of the best movies I have seen in regards to fly fishing, period. It ranks right up there with the best documentaries and is simply one of the most elegant movies on fishing.

Filmmakers Tyler Hughen, Kahlil Hudson, and Alex Jabonski have finally released the full length version which is available on Kickstarter.com. [ Read Full Post ]

By Tim Romano

Thought I'd share my latest images from the book project I'm working on with Geoff Mueller, an editor over at the Drake. We're in the process of wrapping up the project and wanted to show you folks some greenback cutthroat in their natural environment; high in the headwaters of the Big Thompson River in Rocky Mountain National park, plus what you can accomplish with a five dollar aquarium, some flies, two flashes and a little ingenuity.

Enjoy.
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