By Jim Baird

Before we left the tree line, Ted and I experienced very deep-powder snow in the bush around Great Bear Lake. We were not used to riding snowmobiles in that type of powder and got stuck badly a few times—luckily we knew how to get ourselves free.

How It’s Done: Getting stuck in deep snow happens when you cannot keep the machine level while moving. It’s very important to center your weight and turn by shifting your weight from side to side. You also get stuck when you don’t go fast enough through the powder, which causes your skis to sink in deep and the front of the machine to bottom out. After that happens the snow doesn’t provide enough grip for your track to push your front end through the jam. Your track will just kick all the powder out from underneath it, and your machine just sinks deeper. Reversing is futile at this point as well.
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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.” [ Read Full Post ]

By Tim Romano

The image for this caption contest is a bit strange for sure. My buddy was using his drink lid as a vice in the passenger seat of my car a couple of years ago. Obviously knowing the only "fly" he was going to use once we got to our destination were worms.

The person who posts the best caption for this photo will receive a Columbia Tidewater  watch. Columbia says, "It's designed and developed specifically for saltwater sports enthusiasts, the Tidewater performs in numerous aquatic environments. The press of a button serves up the tide cycles of over 200 locations throughout the world. It also gives you expected sunrise/sunset information, as well as the moon phase, for your location. From tidal flats to open ocean, this is a wrist instrument designed to deliver everything you need for coastal adventures."

I'll pick a winner next Monday the 27th. Good luck! [ Read Full Post ]

By David Draper

Deeter and I have been traveling quite a bit the past couple weeks. Once to Oregon to check out the Gloomis factory and most recently to Beaver Island in northern Lake Michigan. Both trips required copious amounts rods, reels, waders and warm clothes. Not to mention pounds of camera gear that needed to get stuffed somewhere.

Both trips I took my old standby rolling duffel from fishpond pictured above. I've had this bag for at least six or seven years. It's been on numerous photo-shoots as well as fishing trips and at last count had been to nearly ten countries and dozens of domestic trips in between. Quite simply I've beat the crap out of it. It's been in planes, helicopters, on jet boats and even the side of a horse. It's been lost for days in foreign airports and left out in the snow and rain.
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By Kirk Deeter

How better to celebrate a spring Friday than by giving away three Cabela's 50th Anniversary custom glass fly rods? I know I'm chomping at the bit to get out there and get out fly fishing, and I suspect you are too. So we'll get right to the point.

I asked you to show me your appreciation of "flex appeal,"  and these three folks won the goods:

ckRich who said: "Fishing with glass, or even bamboo, gives modern anglers the opportunity to literally step back in time. Most of the time you have to read or hear about what was the “cutting edge” 50 years ago, but with gear you can literally feel the history. Nostalgia at its finest." I agree completely, and am a sucker for nostalgia.

mnobles23 who said: "Fiberglass rods are similar to traditional archery gear, which I have used for years. Sure, modern technology makes things easier to use, but is it really better? I think there's something to be said for gear that doesn't forgive a lack of skill. There comes a sense of pride and accomplishment in knowing that you succeeded because of your ability, not just because your gear is very "forgiving." Amen to the traditional archery analogy. [ Read Full Post ]

By John Merwin

A couple of weeks ago as we discussed the frequent mislabeling of nylon-mono fishing line, one of our readers had an excellent question. If the line is stretched to its breaking point, nuclear_fisher wanted to know if the overall line was weakened by that stress and should he replace it?

As with so much of fishing, the answer is both “maybe” and “that depends....” Nylon mono is elastic to some degree. When stretched on a hookset or when fighting a fish, it elongates slightly and then returns to its original length when stress is removed. But when stretched close to the breaking point, that same mono will deform, becoming permanently elongated and less strong.

So the usual answer is yes. When you stretch your line in breaking off a snag, for example, you should probably replace it just to be on the safe side. (Note this also applies to nylon flyfishing leaders and tippets.)
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