Qualifly Reels: Engineered to Fish

“I use the reels about every day. If I’m not happy with them? Well, I’m certainly not going to sell them to someone else.”

Joseph Banik, the angler/engineer behind Qualifly Reels, cites that level of functionality and accessibility as his highest priority when designing a reel for his 5-year old brand. His fly fishing sensibilities have meshed with his engineering background to create three eye catching reel models for Qualifly. While the colors and unique composition of each reel make them stand out, the caliber and affordability will really make you take a second look.

“It starts with an idea,” Banik says. “Like on the Razorback: there isn’t another reel where the entire frame functions as a drag knob. There are big drag knobs, because people want that.” So on to the design process. What if it was even bigger, but also totally unobtrusive?  Tapping into his years of experience in aerospace, 3D modeling, and CAD, Banik has been able to take ideas and make them into tangible fly reels.

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Podcast Ep. 171: CoronaCast, Week 100

Don’t worry, I’m not talking masks or vaccination or anything like that. It just so happens that 100 episodes ago, I recorded “CoronaCast, Week 1.”

I am talking about how the last two years have impacted my fishing. And, chances are, the last two years have impacted your fishing. Although there have been plenty of things to be discouraged by since March of 2020, there have been good things as well. And life is all about counting your blessings in contrast to difficulties.

After some quick autobiography, I go into some trends that you might want to think about as we move into this coming fishing season. Hopefully, we’ll also be moving past this virus.

Listen to the episode below, or on your favorite podcast app.

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No Shame: Tools to Hold & See Flies

If there is no shame in using strike indicators, mop flies, and GPS-enabled cell phones in the pursuit of fish, there is absolutely no shame in using a small device to help you tie your fly on. Furthermore, when has a fly fisher ever been in a place where they can look down on using a gadget without incurring the accusation of hypocrisy?

The most common reasons individuals use helps are eyesight impairments and dexterity issues. Beginners also gravitate towards products that can make their learning curve a little less steep. If you fall into one of those categories, you should confidently and joyfully use whatever you need to use to get fishing. However, those are certainly not the only reasons that a tool can or should be employed.

Cold weather and wind can make handling flies of any size a challenge. If those flies are tiny? A simple piece of gear may very well be preferable to the frustration of frozen fingers dropping bugs or watching the wind send a bunch of midges into  the void.

That is why you might want to consider adding magnification, knot tying, and threading tools to your pack or vest without any shame.

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Fish For Change: Connecting Students on the Flats

“Connection, education, conservation, and exploration.”

That is the quick explanation given by Fish For Change’s Operations Director, Heather Harkavy, when asked what the program is all about.  But there is a lot more to this fly fishing initiative created for high school and college students. “Basically, we’re all about introducing young anglers to others around the world; helping them experience other  environments and cultures. And, in my opinion, it is awesome.”

Harkavy has a pretty good perspective from which to form that opinion. She grew up in and around fly fishing. While she was in college she met Steve Brown, the founder of Fish For Change. After hearing about the program, she immediately fell in love with the vision. “Growing up fly fishing, going to camp, and travelling around the world for service, it just fit. I was hired to take it on and turn it into an international nonprofit.”

What she, Brown, and their team have built is a truly unique opportunity for young people with adventurous and inquisitive spirits.

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Podcast Ep. 170: Fly Fishing Accusations, XVII

This interaction episode of the podcast is extra interactive. No, it isn’t an interview. But one of the questions I engage with was a question I was asked in person at The Fly Fishing Show in New Jersey.

Don’t worry, I also answered him immediately in the moment.

Today I talk about fly fishing in Vermont, old product reviews, and the most essential piece of gear for trail running with the aim of fly fishing. As I’ve mentioned before, I truly enjoy receiving questions, comments, and observations. Keep the emails and website comments coming. Even if that means it is truly some sort of accusation.

Listen to the episode below, or on your favorite podcast app.

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Not Quite a Fishing Room

What you see is an authentic photo of the bulk of my fly fishing gear. There was no planning, no staging, and no product placement. The Doritos in the foreground, left by some children, prove the first two of those points. (I can’t say I’m opposed to being on Doritos’ pro staff.)

I don’t have a glamorous angling room. Like Harry Potter I have a room under the stairs. In a house with four boys and all of the necessary child-rearing accoutrements I covet my unfinished basement square-footage. Even if that means I have to use the main sewage stack to support my fly rods.

What I have works pretty well, actually. All the rods are on the right. The packs are hung up on hooks. A four-tiered drawer system on the  left holds tools, reels, and flies. Waders and boots live in the garage; fly tying stuff is up in my bedroom. Oh, and hats are proudly displayed in and on a diaper box turned on it’s side. It isn’t sightly, but it is functional.

Would I like to have a  room devoted to fishing gear?

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Rusty Flybox: Line

On it’s own, fly line doesn’t have a lot going for it. You can’t play with it like you can a rod or reel. It weighs in at only a few ounces. Of all the purchases you can make, it probably is one of the least glamorous.

But it might be the most important.

Good fly line will provide an instant upgrade to your distance, accuracy, and presentation. And you get all of that for less than $50. Good fly line is only slightly more expensive than great fly line. You only need to know what you need.

Today I’m sharing a video, an article, and a podcast on fly line. Each explores a different aspect of choosing what to do with the piece of gear that makes fly fishing what it is.

Check out links to all three posts below:

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Podcast Ep. 169: Winter Whatnot

What have you been up to?

In this episode, I talk about what I’ve been doing in and around fly fishing this winter. Perhaps you’ll get some brand new ideas; perhaps you’ll see how I do the same thing that you do, albeit slightly differently.

There is so much potential in the wintertime. Even though fly fishing isn’t the same when the thermometer is low and there’s ice on the banks, there are plenty of fly fishing things you can do. Sitting in front of the television is fine, but there is stuff you can do to redeem the different season.

Again, this is what I’ve been up to.

Listen to the episode below, or on your favorite podcast app.

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The Sunapee Trout: A Char You’ll Never Catch

Sometime around the Civil War, smelt were introduced into a number of lakes in southern New Hampshire. This small forage fish  proliferated in the cold, deep water. Native fish species, at least those higher up on the food chain, took advantage of the new food source. One small fish, a strain of Arctic char, truly appreciated the smelt. Once practically  indistinguishable from the brook trout that also swam in the lake, the Sunapee trout began to routinely reach weights in the 8-pound range. Along with the robust sizes,  Salvelinus alpinus oquassa possesses a spawning coloration that rivals any of their aquatic cousins. Their rich green back gives way to a brilliant orange flank and belly. Fins are tipped, of course, with milky white streaks.

But you will never catch a Sunapee trout.

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Fly Fishing Shows, in 2022?

“After taking a year off, and with COVID still out there, how are the fishing shows going to be this year?”

I’ve heard this question plenty of times over the past few months. I’ve asked it myself. But now I can answer with a little bit of authority after spending the day at the initial stop of The Fly Fishing Show in Edison, NJ.

On a cold, flurry-filled New Jersey morning, I walked the convention center floor. My time was spent catching up with friends and industry acquaintances, getting ideas for site and podcast content, and thinking about my own upcoming fly fishing. I was also interested in seeing how the show would be in the new normal.

Honestly, it wasn’t exactly the same as 2020. But I think that was to be expected. However, it wasn’t bad. The impending Nor’easter and the Omicron spike weren’t ideal conditions. Those who ventured out still got a lot of value. “People are just happy to get out,” said Beau Beasley, director of the Virginia Fly Fishing and Wine Festival. His show was earlier in the month, also facing weather and virus-related concerns. “Everyone still had a great time; folks walking around and exhibitors. It’s good to be getting back to normal.”

If you’re planning on getting back to normal by catching a fly fishing expo this winter or spring, here are four things you’ll inevitably enjoy:

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