GEAR_GUIDE_15_1218
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32 PAGES OF THIS YEAR’S ESSENTIAL GAME TACKLE<br />
WHAT <strong>GEAR</strong><br />
<strong>GUIDE</strong> 20<strong>15</strong><br />
TOP NAMES INCLUDING...
GET IN TOUCH<br />
WITH YOUR<br />
SENSITIVE SIDE<br />
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• Loading zone on all lines for optimum<br />
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Welcome<br />
MANY of us covet our old tackle, but modern<br />
innovations can lead us to even greater enjoyment<br />
of our sport. Improvements are subtle. We now<br />
expect fly-lines with neat welded loops for smoother<br />
connections as well as identification marks that reveal at a glance<br />
casting weight, taper and density. Rods continue to develop<br />
around "secret" combinations of high-tech resin and carbon-fibres,<br />
becoming ever stronger and, as a consequence, lighter, while<br />
reflecting trends in technique, such as long-leader nymphing and<br />
the use of short (switch) double-handers for salmon and sea-trout.<br />
Leak-proof waders have yet to be invented but sonic welding and<br />
moving seams from high-wear areas appear to be leaps forward.<br />
Affordable reels have never been better made. Many of us would<br />
struggle to tell a cast reel from one that has been machined.<br />
There remains much desirable country clothing, but the use of<br />
advanced materials, borrowed from mountain and marine sports,<br />
has introduced puffa-style tops, waterproof zips and tougher<br />
luggage. Scandinavia exerts an influence over the look of our gear,<br />
from bent-handle rods to brightly coloured boots and jackets.<br />
The following pages introduce even more of this tempting<br />
new tackle. Why not treat yourself ?<br />
Andrew Flitcroft<br />
Editor, Trout & Salmon<br />
Russell Hill<br />
Editor, Trout Fisherman<br />
Fighting a salmon<br />
on the River Beauly,<br />
Highlands.<br />
Contents<br />
4 Airflo<br />
New switch and stillwater rods<br />
plus a superb range of luggage<br />
Glasgow Angling Centre<br />
6 With thousands of tackle<br />
items under one roof, you're sure<br />
to find what you're looking for<br />
Sharpe's of Aberdeen<br />
10 A choice of classic rods and<br />
nets for discerning fishermen<br />
12 Guideline<br />
Introducing desirable rods,<br />
fly-lines and Korkers wading boots<br />
14 Sage<br />
Sought-after rods made<br />
with Konnetic Technology<br />
16 Rio<br />
Proven technical fly-lines<br />
to match every fishing situation<br />
18 Vision<br />
This considered modern<br />
tackle offers comfort, technical<br />
precision and eye-catching design<br />
21 Troutcatchers<br />
Discover Snowbee clothing<br />
on the Troutcatchers' website<br />
Salmo Logic<br />
22 A new name in tackle<br />
offering an easily understood<br />
approach to salmon fishing<br />
24 Perilla<br />
Luxury alpaca socks<br />
25 Opticaid<br />
Polarised wraparound<br />
sunglasses with bi-focal<br />
magnifying lenses<br />
Fordham & Wakefield<br />
27 Providers of premium<br />
fly-lines and fluorocarbon<br />
29 LTS<br />
Are 3-S shooting heads the<br />
ultimate salmon line?<br />
Rod, flies and cork!<br />
30The latest hooks, flies<br />
and fly-fishing accessories plus a<br />
lightweight rod and reel outfit<br />
31 Optilabs<br />
Stylish prescription and<br />
polarised sunglasses<br />
What Gear Guide 20<strong>15</strong> 3
New rods, luggage<br />
& accessories<br />
Airflo are always at the forefront of development<br />
AIRFLO'S revolutionary<br />
Fly Dri luggage selection<br />
has been thoroughly<br />
tested. So the Breconbased<br />
company can confidently<br />
claim that it will keep gear dry, all<br />
the time.<br />
New materials – including a<br />
super-tough nylon-coated PVC<br />
tarpaulin – and welding techniques<br />
create a seamless construction<br />
that guarantees water repulsion<br />
along with a two-way roll top<br />
closure system. The sophisticated<br />
construction also helps to reduce<br />
material fatigue. So you’ve got a<br />
waterproof, durable product in<br />
which to house all your equipment.<br />
Roll Top Back<br />
Pack Tube<br />
54.99<br />
A 60-litre seamless<br />
dry tube which doubles<br />
up as a back pack with<br />
removable padded<br />
shoulder harness and<br />
welded side carry<br />
handle.<br />
Dimensions 95.5 x<br />
33.5cm.<br />
Cargo Wheely £119.99<br />
Essential for the globe-trotter<br />
because this lightweight luggage<br />
item houses <strong>15</strong>0 litres and is<br />
easily pulled on wheels. Has<br />
lockable D zip closure with<br />
waterproof flap, D pocket, mesh<br />
zip pockets inside and out,<br />
internal zippered wet/dry pocket,<br />
six compression straps, side haul<br />
handles, smooth ride ball bearing<br />
wheels, protective bumpers and<br />
skid rails, anti-tip foot/handle<br />
keeps bag upright. Dimensions 80<br />
x 41.5 x 41cm.<br />
Duffle £69.99<br />
With a capacity of 90 litres,<br />
this is dubbed the ideal travel<br />
companion, whether it’s long<br />
haul flights or car journeys.<br />
Detachable shoulder straps<br />
convert it back to a backpack<br />
should you require. Lockable<br />
D-Zip closure with waterproof<br />
flap, ID pocket, internal/external<br />
mesh zip pockets, internal wet/<br />
dry pocket, compression straps,<br />
side haul handles.<br />
Dimensions 69 x 33 x 42cm.<br />
Medium & large<br />
carryalls from £59.99<br />
The medium bag suits the roving<br />
angler wanting to travel light and<br />
the large makes an ideal reservoir<br />
boat or bank bag. Both have padded<br />
shoulder straps and possess a<br />
wealth of pockets inside and out to<br />
house all your gear and keep it dry.<br />
Medium is 20-litre capacity.<br />
Dimensions 36 x 20 x 29cm.<br />
Large is 60-litre capacity, price<br />
£69.99. Dimensions 52 x 28 x 41cm.<br />
Roll Top<br />
Packaway<br />
Dry Tube £14.99<br />
This 20-litre tube makes a<br />
suitable companion to the other<br />
bags in the Fly Dri range and<br />
allows you to keep dry items<br />
away from the wet. There’s<br />
a grab handle on the base.<br />
Dimensions 95.5 x 33.5cm.<br />
Roll Top Back<br />
Pack £59.99<br />
For the roving angler whatever<br />
the location. Airflo call it the<br />
‘go anywhere back pack’ and<br />
they’re right. Has 30-litre<br />
capacity, padded shoulder<br />
straps and lumber support,<br />
mesh pockets at front, sides and<br />
within. Other features include<br />
two mesh side pockets, one<br />
internal mesh pocket, reflective<br />
strips and an adjustable waist<br />
and sternum strap.<br />
Dimensions 71 x 14 x 33cm.<br />
4 What Gear Guide 20<strong>15</strong>
AIRFLO<br />
Tel: 0871 911 7045<br />
Email: customerservice@airflofishing.com<br />
Web: www.airflofishing.com<br />
NEW Blitz fly rods £450<br />
Creating a UK stillwater rod that is delicate enough for dry fly work<br />
while also being able to set hooks 20 feet down on a fast sinking line is<br />
impossible. That's why Airflo has produced two rods in their Blitz range of<br />
premium fly rods – one for each purpose.<br />
The 10ft 7wt is a superb top of the water rod. It loads quickly,<br />
essential when covering a rising fish, and its tip is delicate enough<br />
to protect light leaders.<br />
When it comes to punching out a 40+ Fast Glass line as far<br />
as possible, the 10ft 8wt does the job. It has a smoother<br />
action than other comparable rods and makes the ideal<br />
pulling tool – setting hooks easily at depth on a Di-8 line.<br />
Both rods are four-piece, although the tight over lock<br />
ferrules actually make them feel like a one-piece. They’re<br />
made from high modulus carbon and are extremely lightweight.<br />
Lifetime warranty but returns surcharge may apply.<br />
Gear/reel bag £49.99<br />
The ideal bag to organise all<br />
those bits and pieces. Holds up to<br />
12 reels and spools as well as fly<br />
boxes and other vital accessories.<br />
Four zipped mesh pockets and<br />
a padded lid pocket for phones,<br />
tablets or a slim camera. Has<br />
lockable D zip closure, ID pocket<br />
and a padded carry handle.<br />
Dimensions 40.5 x 31 x <strong>15</strong>cm.<br />
Baseball caps £12.99<br />
Shielding eyes from the sun’s rays<br />
is crucial when fishing because it<br />
helps the angler to see through<br />
the water – so a cap with a rigid<br />
peak certainly helps. But in<br />
truth, these quality caps suit any<br />
outdoor situation.<br />
“Wet waders, boots and<br />
clothing can be quickly<br />
stowed away in this<br />
tube bag."<br />
Air-lock indicators<br />
£6.99<br />
Buoyancy at its best. Secure<br />
and adjustable sight indicators<br />
alter the depth fast by their<br />
unique screw lock system, which<br />
doesn’t damage your leader. In<br />
packs of three mixed colours.<br />
Roll Top Dry Tube<br />
£29.99<br />
Wet waders, boots and clothing<br />
can be quickly stowed away in this<br />
tube bag with 40-litre capacity.<br />
Has a removable carry strap and a<br />
clear panel helps locate items fast.<br />
Dimensions 86.5 x 30cm.<br />
Rocket fly rod<br />
£169.99 to £199.99<br />
The new Rocket rod has bags of zip<br />
and speed and it needed to if it was to<br />
replace the Airlite series.<br />
These really are beautiful rods with<br />
quality fittings. Created with Airflo’s<br />
unique torsion control system, this rod<br />
is a well-balanced four-piece offering<br />
greater versatility.<br />
Each rod comes with a high quality<br />
Cordura protective tube and a free<br />
Superdri fly-line worth £54.99.<br />
Available in 9ft, 9ft 6in and 10ft<br />
models ranging from 6/7wts, 7/8wts<br />
and 8wt all with middle to tip actions.<br />
Well balanced and<br />
versatile. That's the<br />
Rocket fly rod!<br />
NEW Rocket Switch<br />
fly rod £249.99<br />
Switch rods – enabling the angler<br />
to easily switch from one handed<br />
to two handed casts – offer huge<br />
benefits whether you’re lake or<br />
river fishing. So Airflo launched<br />
a couple into the new range of<br />
Rocket rods.<br />
Light, with a crisp action, the<br />
Rocket Switch not only compares,<br />
but exceeds the performance of<br />
many of its rivals due to its unique<br />
Torsion control. Manufactured<br />
using high quality components,<br />
just adds to the overall feel of what<br />
is set to be the hottest Switch rod<br />
on the market in 20<strong>15</strong>. Available<br />
in 11ft 4-piece models, 6/7wt and<br />
7/8wt, middle to tip actions.<br />
What Gear Guide 20<strong>15</strong> 5
Glasgow<br />
Angling Centre<br />
Stillwater Tay waistcoat<br />
£34.99<br />
A very popular lightweight vest made from<br />
quality materials and with many features for<br />
increased storage. This is by far GAC's most<br />
popular vest; made from top quality materials<br />
and with more features than some vests at<br />
twice its price. Code: NG0025<br />
Spoilt for<br />
choice<br />
With thousands of fishing tackle<br />
items under one roof, you’re sure<br />
to find just what you’re looking for<br />
at Glasgow Angling Centre<br />
Stillwater<br />
Classic<br />
PVC thigh<br />
waders £19.99<br />
The boot-foot thigh<br />
waders will suit any<br />
light, shallow wading<br />
scenario from small<br />
stream and river<br />
work to maximising<br />
casting distance from<br />
the bank. The nylon<br />
covered PVC waders<br />
offer fantastic quality<br />
and value. Available in<br />
a range of boot sizes<br />
from 6 to 12.<br />
Code: BL0002<br />
Stillwater<br />
fly-lines £19.99<br />
Using an advanced computer<br />
controlled production<br />
system, the Stillwater series<br />
of fly-lines are produced<br />
with precise tapered<br />
profiles. By applying<br />
different coating<br />
formulations to<br />
the core, the line<br />
characteristics have<br />
been altered to make either high floating,<br />
intermediate, sinking or sink-tip lines to cater<br />
to the diverse needs for today’s angler.<br />
Code: FD0058<br />
Stillwater Armour<br />
3/4 jacket £79.99<br />
Everything the modern angler needs in an outerwear<br />
range at an unbeatable price. The new Armour 3/4 jacket<br />
is made of a two layer durable Taslon shell fabric with fully<br />
taped seams, and is an extremely wind and waterproof<br />
fishing jacket. The jacket boasts a fantastic range of<br />
features that set it apart form its contemporaries.<br />
Code: RE0389<br />
The four-piece<br />
Performance rods come in<br />
three sizes: 9ft 5/6wt, 9ft<br />
6in 6/7wt and 10ft 7/8wt.<br />
Stillwater Rok Neo<br />
wellington boots<br />
£34.99<br />
Supreme comfort and performance at<br />
a great price. These high quality boots<br />
sport 5mm thick, top grade neoprene.<br />
The lining is made from 3D Trival<br />
Vent, a special hi-tech breathable<br />
fabric. Constructed with a complex<br />
network of channels which create a<br />
siphon effect, drawing moisture away<br />
from the feet, leaving you dry and<br />
comfortable. The outer foot, sole and<br />
lower leg have a coating of natural<br />
rubber for extra protection. Available<br />
in a range of sizes.<br />
Code: RE0310<br />
6 What Gear Guide 20<strong>15</strong>
GLASGOW ANGLING CENTRE<br />
Tel: 0141 212 8880<br />
Email: sales@fishingmegastore.com<br />
Web: www.fishingmegastore.com<br />
Stillwater Addis stripping<br />
basket £29.99<br />
Keep your line tangle-free with this versatile<br />
stripping basket. Includes eight moulded<br />
cones and has a large volume so your line lies<br />
in big loops which reduces tangles. Made from<br />
strong plastic, the tray curves to fit against<br />
your body. Includes dependable 50mm wide<br />
wading belt. Code: TA1876<br />
Stillwater SKR reel<br />
£54.99<br />
A reel for all occasions. The SKR<br />
delivers outstanding performance<br />
and unbeatable value, punching<br />
well above its weight against even<br />
its more expensive peers. Features a<br />
lightweight but durable all-aluminium<br />
construction, a reliable drag system<br />
that'll stop anything the fish throw at<br />
you, and converts quickly between left<br />
and right hand retrieve. Available in a<br />
range of sizes. Code: RE0318<br />
Stillwater Adjusta<br />
drogue £19.99<br />
Drogues give boat anglers extra<br />
time over fish because they slow<br />
the drift down. The Adjusta drogue<br />
has quality rot-proof construction.<br />
An eight-metre nylon rope is<br />
included (with swivels) and can<br />
be easily adjusted to the desired<br />
speed of drift.<br />
Code: NG0028<br />
SGT2 large arbor fly reel<br />
£21.99<br />
Offers performance and looks of a reel twice<br />
the price, so it’s great value. Constructed from<br />
lightweight hi-impact graphite. Saltwater<br />
resistant cage and drag system, fully sealed<br />
drag, large drag adjustment dial and quick<br />
release spools. Model is a 7/8wt and it comes<br />
with a FREE spare spool. Code: RE0127<br />
Stillwater Performance<br />
rods £39.99<br />
Stylish and distinctive, the range has been<br />
designed with the angler in mind. Available in<br />
three sizes, the selection offers something to<br />
handle most UK flyfishing situations. The rods<br />
all come with a tough cordura rod tube and<br />
quality rod sock. Lined stripper guides, oversized<br />
American snake guides, matt black finish, full<br />
wells handle on 9ft 6in and 10ft models, half<br />
wells on 9ft model. Code: NG0055<br />
Stillwater<br />
Armour bib & brace<br />
£59.99<br />
Extremely wind and waterproof<br />
fishing garment. The new Armour<br />
overtrouser has a two layer<br />
durable Taslon shell fabric with<br />
fully taped seams. It provides<br />
everything the modern angler<br />
needs in an outerwear range at an<br />
unbeatable price! Available in a<br />
range of sizes. Code: RE0401<br />
Stillwater Zinger with LED<br />
£7.99<br />
Perfect for those dark nights on the water. Has<br />
a reliable retracting zinger with a robust metal<br />
clip for attachment to clothing, D-loops and the<br />
like. The bright LED in the handle gives you an<br />
indispensable source of illumination for when<br />
you really need it. Code: QL0014<br />
Stillwater Scissors<br />
Pliers £14.99<br />
Suits a host of waterside tasks.<br />
These great quality combination<br />
scissor pliers feature grippy<br />
serrated jaws, sharp blades for<br />
cutting line and braid and an<br />
oversized handle, ideal for using<br />
with gloves or mittens. Available in<br />
charming brown trout and rainbow<br />
trout finishes. Code: QL0074<br />
What Gear Guide 20<strong>15</strong> 7
Glasgow<br />
Angling Centre<br />
Stillwater<br />
forceps £8.99<br />
Handy locking forceps<br />
finished in charming brown<br />
trout and rainbow trout<br />
colours. Ideal for unhooking<br />
troublesome, deep-hooked<br />
specimens. Code: QL0053<br />
Stillwater<br />
Telescopic rod<br />
tubes £19.99<br />
New telescopic, protective<br />
travel tubes in two different<br />
diameters and various<br />
telescopic lengths. They’re<br />
ideal for all rods in mostly any<br />
size, keeping all your valuable<br />
rods together and protected.<br />
Comes complete with an<br />
adjustable carry strap and<br />
all at a superb price.<br />
Code: TA1448<br />
Stillwater Armour fleece<br />
jacket £29.99<br />
A great all-round fleece for fishing or other<br />
outdoor activities. Made from an improved, high<br />
quality, anti-pilling material and is ideal as a<br />
second or third layer as it's breathable, and both<br />
wind and water resistant. The Armour fleece is<br />
soft and flexible so freedom of movement and<br />
durability are enhanced. Draw-cord waist, mesh<br />
drop liner, zippered pockets, shall fabric on<br />
shoulders to aid water resistance. Code: RE0383<br />
Stillwater micro leader<br />
rings £1.99<br />
Leader construction and adding droppers<br />
is quick and easy with these mini rings and<br />
threader. They’re extremely light weight so<br />
won't interfere with the leader's action, while<br />
their high breaking strain makes them superbly<br />
reliable. Ideal for connecting different diameters<br />
and types of leader material. Code: QL0047<br />
Stillwater SFX2<br />
rods £24.99<br />
Perfect for UK stillwater<br />
trout fishing. User-friendly<br />
with stylish looks, sweet<br />
middle-to-tip action and<br />
a great recovery. Despite<br />
its entry-level price, the<br />
SFX2 is so good that even<br />
experienced anglers like<br />
it. The rods are designed<br />
to team up with the award<br />
winning SFX reels and set<br />
a new benchmark in value<br />
for money and quality.<br />
Full carbon 3pc blanks,<br />
full wells cork handle<br />
with extension, twin lined<br />
stripper guides, oversize<br />
snake rings. Available in<br />
9ft 5/6wt, 9ft 6in 6/7wt and<br />
10ft 7/8wt. Code: NG0031<br />
Stillwater FPX vest rucksack<br />
£49.99<br />
Expandable rucksack section, with three main<br />
compartments. Sixteen front pockets, exterior and<br />
interior. Twin, zip-down fly pockets with ripple foam.<br />
Mesh backing for comfort. Vertical chest pockets hold<br />
large and medium boxes. Code: TA1289<br />
The FPX vest<br />
rucksack is a<br />
one-size-fits-all<br />
adjustable design.<br />
Neoprene chest<br />
waders £59.99<br />
The high cut body design of<br />
these 4.5mm neoprene waders<br />
makes them great for various<br />
fishing styles. Featuring a<br />
cleated sole and heel, these<br />
waders are ideal for use on<br />
sand, mud, grass and gravel.<br />
Fitted with a neoprene lined<br />
boot they also feature a pouch<br />
pocket and adjustable Velcro<br />
shoulder straps. Code: RE0149<br />
Stillwater<br />
Storafly slim box<br />
£9.99<br />
Lightweight, slim and<br />
stackable the Storafly box is<br />
available in two sizes, large 31 x<br />
23 x 2cm and medium 21 x <strong>15</strong>.5 x<br />
2cm (£7.99). There’s maximum<br />
capacity for 720 flies in the<br />
large, and 360 in the medium.<br />
Code: TA<strong>15</strong>67/TA1745<br />
8 What Gear Guide 20<strong>15</strong>
GLASGOW ANGLING CENTRE<br />
Tel: 0141 212 8880<br />
Email: sales@fishingmegastore.com<br />
Web: www.fishingmegastore.com<br />
Stillwater Clearview Jumbo<br />
Storafly fly box £24.99<br />
With over 1000 separate foam slits this box is<br />
ideal for storing lures, saltwater and salmon flies<br />
and even delicate dries and nymphs. Made from<br />
high impact plastic, with rust-proof hinges, a<br />
convenient fitted carry handle, and is completely<br />
waterproof. Size: 27 x 20 x 7cm. Code: QL0033<br />
Stillwater FPX rucksack<br />
chest bag £39.99<br />
This rucksack/chest pack is made from a<br />
lightweight, hardwearing fabric. Front and rear<br />
sections can be used independently. Five front<br />
pockets, exterior and interior. Mesh backing for<br />
comfort. Expandable rucksack section, with<br />
three main compartments. Zip-down fly pocket<br />
with ripple foam. One-size-fits-all adjustable<br />
design. Code: TA1290<br />
Stillwater<br />
Rubbamesh<br />
telescopic<br />
landing net<br />
£19.99<br />
This great value,<br />
dependable landing net<br />
from Stillwater features<br />
a fish-friendly rubberised<br />
mesh, heavy-duty plastic<br />
spreader block, and<br />
extends out to 1.5 metres<br />
for superb reach and<br />
easy one-person use,<br />
regardless of the length<br />
of your rod. Also features<br />
a strong clip for attaching<br />
to belts, D-loops etc and<br />
grippy plastic handle,<br />
ensuring positive grip in<br />
any conditions.<br />
Code: RE0372<br />
Stillwater Carron<br />
standard boat bag £24.99<br />
A water-resistant rubberised base with nonslip<br />
feet and a zip-up top flap help keep the<br />
elements out. Large central compartment<br />
is ideal for larger items while smaller<br />
accessories can be housed in various mesh<br />
pockets. Rubberised zip pulls on main<br />
zips and extra wide, adjustable, strap for<br />
comfort and security Dimensions: 48 x 18 x<br />
30cm. Code: LT0004<br />
“The front and rear<br />
sections of this<br />
rucksack/chest bag<br />
can be used<br />
independently."<br />
Stillwater Carron boat seat<br />
cushion £14.99<br />
Fully padded and water resistant seat<br />
complete with heavy duty Velcro straps<br />
for firmly fixing to thwart board seats and<br />
rubberised based stops you sliding around on<br />
fibreglass seating. Specifically designed to<br />
prevent sore backsides and extend your fishing<br />
time! Size: 42 x 25 x 10cm. Code: LT0014<br />
Stillwater Slimline Ezi Grip fly box £4.99<br />
For the angler who likes to travel light. The Stillwater slimline foam fly box range carries<br />
all the flies you need without the bulk of a conventional fly box. Measuring 185mm x<br />
105mm, but just <strong>15</strong>mm thick, the Slimline boxes slip into wader jacket and vest pockets,<br />
while allowing space in those pockets for other<br />
gear. Choose from three styles, the Ezi<br />
Grip foam suits the smallest flies, the Ezi<br />
Slot foam for a wide range of patterns, and<br />
the Streamer Box for streamers and other<br />
big lures. Code:<br />
TA1877<br />
Stillwater Thermal ankle<br />
boots £24.99<br />
Thermolite lined inner for warmth and<br />
comfort, these boots are designed for all year<br />
wear with lightweight uppers and rugged<br />
performance. Padded<br />
collar and tongue<br />
and a toe and heel<br />
bumper ensure<br />
extra protection<br />
and comfort.<br />
Code: TA1359<br />
Left to right: Ezi Slot<br />
foam box, Streamer<br />
box and Ezi Grip<br />
design.<br />
High-grip rubber<br />
soles ensure good<br />
traction on slippery<br />
ground.<br />
What Gear Guide 20<strong>15</strong> 9
SHARPE'S OF ABERDEEN<br />
Tel: 01466 794 4<strong>15</strong><br />
Email: info@sharpes.net<br />
Web: www.sharpes.net<br />
Modern classics<br />
Generations of anglers have fished with the fine rods<br />
and nets made by Sharpe's of Aberdeen<br />
Gordon2 rod from £182<br />
The Gordon2 is a "proper"<br />
fishing tool with an accurate<br />
and responsive blank. Available<br />
in single-handed and doublehanded<br />
sizes, the rods' actions are<br />
generally middle-to-tip, the blank<br />
providing a deeper flex – ideal for<br />
loch-style fishing, smaller rivers<br />
and spey casting.<br />
However, size suggests purpose<br />
and each Gordon2 is fine-tuned:<br />
for example, the 10ft 7wt, popular<br />
on stillwaters, has a stiffer tip for<br />
longer casts and use with heavier<br />
lines and lures.<br />
Trout anglers are spoilt by<br />
a choice of 10 three-piece singlehanders,<br />
from 7ft 6in, 3wt up to<br />
10ft, 7wt. There are also two sizes<br />
for Irish loch-style and sea-trout/<br />
grilse fishing: 10ft 6in, 7wt and 11ft<br />
3in, 7wt (with an optional extension<br />
handle).<br />
Salmon-fishers have a choice of<br />
three double-handers: 13ft, 9wt;<br />
14ft, 9/10wt and <strong>15</strong>ft 10wt. These<br />
award-winning lightweight blanks<br />
will cast sunk and floating<br />
speylines and<br />
heads with ease.<br />
Gordon2 rods have a golden<br />
brown finish with hard-chrome<br />
snake rings and aluminium-oxide<br />
stripper rings, a precisionmachined<br />
reel seat and high-grade<br />
cork handle. They are supplied in a<br />
cloth rod bag and Cordura-covered<br />
carrying tube.<br />
Priest £9.99<br />
An attractive heavy<br />
priest made from<br />
steel with a brass<br />
head and wrist<br />
strap. Engraved<br />
with "Sharpe's".<br />
Spey wading<br />
staff £49.99<br />
This excellent heavy<br />
staff is made for fast<br />
water. It has a robust<br />
PVC sleeving, a rubber<br />
foot and releasable<br />
lanyard. It also has<br />
a "length to weight"<br />
conversion chart to<br />
help you estimate the<br />
weight of your fish.<br />
Peel slings<br />
A choice of leather or<br />
webbing slings. Leather,<br />
£<strong>15</strong>.99. Webbing, £11.99.<br />
Gordon4 rod from £214 Gye nets £58-£78<br />
These four-piece trout rods<br />
are extremely light with fastrecovering<br />
tips for tight loops and<br />
accurate long-distance casting<br />
– particularly good for the dry-fly.<br />
They are finished in an attractive<br />
translucent green with<br />
burgundy whippings.<br />
Telescopic trout<br />
nets £49.50<br />
Sharpe's makes three styles of<br />
telescopic net: bow (above), flat<br />
or round-framed. They have a<br />
compact foldover design and can<br />
be hung comfortably from the<br />
D-ring of a jacket or a belt clip. The<br />
net is easily deployed: a flick of the<br />
hand will lock it in position. They<br />
are ideal for stillwater fishing.<br />
Choose from: 10ft, 7wt; 8ft 6in,<br />
5wt; 9ft, 6wt; and 9ft 6in, 7wt.<br />
The Gordon4 14ft 9/10wt<br />
double-handed rod is made to cast<br />
shooting heads (38-39 grams) for<br />
modern salmon fishing. It has a tip<br />
action, weighs just 7.40oz, and offers<br />
power and effortless distance.<br />
Sharpe's has been making gye<br />
nets since 1928, but this year it has<br />
added a new style to its classic<br />
range: the teardrop-shaped trout,<br />
sea-trout or salmon gye (right).<br />
These attractive nets are fitted<br />
with a deep knotless mesh. They<br />
are made in Aberdeenshire and<br />
built to last with high-tensile<br />
aluminium and cast-alloy blocks.<br />
There are five nets in the range in<br />
increasing size, from £58 (frame:<br />
20 x <strong>15</strong>in) to £78 (frame: 34 x 24in).<br />
Salmon nets are supplied with<br />
leather slings; trout nets have<br />
a webbing sling.<br />
Girderstrong<br />
alloy block.<br />
“Sharpe's has<br />
been making<br />
gye nets<br />
since 1928.”<br />
10 What Gear Guide 20<strong>15</strong>
DON´T JUDGE A ROD<br />
BY ITS PIECES<br />
Preconceptions... Nasty little things. But also wonderful if you are<br />
determined to change them. Tis was our goal when we began developing<br />
some of our existing LXi rods into fve & six-piece travel rods.<br />
Every fy-fsher in the world ”knows” that a fve or six piece rod just<br />
isn´t as good as a four-piece. When so many pieces are joined together,<br />
much of the action and the ”soul” is lost. Well, things are about to change.<br />
With the new LXi T-Pac series, we have managed to develop travel rods<br />
that maintain the qualities of their original four-piece cousins.<br />
How did we do it? We started from scratch. Again. We began by<br />
putting light recoil-rings on the blanks, ensuring minimum loss of action.<br />
We then shortened the grip so that the rods would deliver more ”feel”<br />
and power in the lower parts. We moved on to refne the blanks and the<br />
ferrules to deliver the power seamlessly from bottom to top. Job done.<br />
Te rods come in an extremely light rod tube and air-meshed rod bag<br />
and will all ft into a travel bag with the rest of your gear. So no more<br />
messing around at the check-in desk. Are you ready to change your mind<br />
about travel rods? Ten stop judging the book by its cover. Go on, take<br />
these new rods out for a test. Make up your own mind. Go beyond.<br />
Go with a T-Pac next time.<br />
Want to find out more about the LXi T-Pac series? Go to guidelineflyfish.com
Born on the water<br />
Guideline's reputation for innovation continues in 20<strong>15</strong> with the launch<br />
of two desirable rods, four precise fly-lines and a range<br />
of high-quality Korkers boots<br />
RODS<br />
Fario CRS from £519<br />
After two years of development,<br />
casting instructor Christopher<br />
Rownes and Guideline’s head<br />
of research, Leif Stävmo, have<br />
created the Fario CRS Series –<br />
seven incredibly light, crisp-action<br />
trout rods, from 8ft 9in to 9ft,<br />
available in four and six pieces.<br />
Their challenge was to find a way<br />
to build blanks that had the right<br />
quality, attitude, curve, recovery<br />
speed, low weight and diameters.<br />
Japanese high-grade graphite<br />
and carbon scrims were used to<br />
LXi T-Pac<br />
10ft five-piece.<br />
LXi T-Pac six-piece<br />
double-hander.<br />
create the finished rod. To ensure<br />
high-quality cork grips, Guideline<br />
spared no effort and made them<br />
in Portugal. Reel seats have<br />
been exquisitely crafted down to<br />
the tiniest knurls and the wood<br />
spacers are beautiful. Recoil<br />
guides help make the rods among<br />
the lightest on the planet.<br />
CRS are high-performance,<br />
super-light and fast-action rods<br />
with huge reserves of power. Ideal<br />
for those who love casting and<br />
enjoy delivering tight loops.<br />
LXi T-Pac from £449<br />
New to the LXi range are these<br />
five- and six-piece rods, designed<br />
to offer the highest performance<br />
and easy transportation. Three<br />
10ft single-handed rods (7wt,<br />
8wt and 9wt) offer a choice of<br />
heavy “guns” for handling big fish<br />
and larger flies. The popular 11ft<br />
6in LXi switch rods have joined<br />
the range, offering unchanged<br />
excellent performance.<br />
Three of the LXi's award-winning<br />
double-handed sizes have been<br />
converted – to six pieces. You will<br />
Fario CRS in four or six<br />
pieces with beautifully<br />
finished reel seat, cork<br />
and blank.<br />
find these rods' actions are very<br />
close to the original LXi's.<br />
All the rods fit inside a Guideline<br />
Roller travel bag. This eliminates<br />
the need for an extra rod tube and<br />
extra airline baggage fees.<br />
T-Pacs have grey/green metallic<br />
blanks and are fitted with hardanodized<br />
reel seats. Cork grips<br />
have nice rubber cork trims and<br />
are shorter to generate reserve<br />
power. Lightweight REC Recoil<br />
stripper and single-leg rings are<br />
fitted on all rods.<br />
WADERS FLY KITS<br />
Laxa £199.99<br />
Guideline's new waders are packed with<br />
features and offer excellent value for<br />
money. They are made from a strong,<br />
four-layer nylon fabric with a 20,000mm<br />
water-resistant and 5000g/m²/24hrs<br />
breathable membrane. Inseams have<br />
been eliminated by a new Sidewinder<br />
design, which provides better<br />
articulation and a comfortable fit.<br />
The Laxa fits high on the chest. It has<br />
two large, zipped, water-resistant chest<br />
pockets and two fleece-lined pockets.<br />
Lower legs have strong fabric gravel<br />
guards with stretch cuffs. High-density<br />
neoprene socks are a left/right shape for<br />
extra comfort. Nine sizes: XS-XXL.<br />
£49.99 & £69.99<br />
Guideline's Fario and Salmon Fly<br />
Kits make great gifts. Choose<br />
either a selection of 12 popular<br />
salmon doubles and tubes<br />
(fitted with single hooks) or 24<br />
trout flies, which are supplied in<br />
aluminium slit-foam boxes that<br />
are laser-engraved with either a<br />
Mayfly or salmon motif. The flyboxes<br />
can be bought separately<br />
(£14.99). Size: <strong>15</strong>.5 x 9 x 2.8cm.<br />
The Salmon Fly Kit<br />
includes box and 12<br />
popular modern tubes<br />
and doubles, £69.99.<br />
12 What Gear Guide 20<strong>15</strong>
<strong>GUIDE</strong>LINE<br />
Tel: Jim Curry – 07973 291 367<br />
Email: jim.curry@guidelineflyfish.com<br />
Web: www.guidelineflyfish.com<br />
FLY-LINES<br />
Fario WF Float £59.99<br />
A trout line with a medium-length belly<br />
that performs well with all waterborne<br />
casts and offers balance and accuracy for<br />
exact presentations in mid- to long-range<br />
situations. Fario WF incorporates a handling<br />
line, which enables you to vary the amount<br />
of line you carry outside the rod tip. It has a<br />
looped front end and laser line-ID markings.<br />
Colour: olive/yellow with sunrise<br />
handling- and running lines.<br />
RM Float £54.99<br />
This modern, easy-loading 16m floating<br />
shooting head for salmon fishing was<br />
developed by Rune Marthinsen, creator of<br />
the revolutionary Triple-D lines.<br />
The major part of the RM Float's weight<br />
has been shifted to the back half of the head,<br />
while its long front taper has enough mass<br />
to turn over long leaders and bulky flies. The<br />
taper controls turnover, delays it and makes<br />
the line stay in the loop for long distances. Its<br />
balanced weight distribution makes it suitable<br />
for casters who struggle with longer heads.<br />
The line has welded loops but can be cut<br />
back to 13m without sacrificing performance.<br />
This gives you a superb floating line for<br />
shorter double-hand rods. Use Guideline's<br />
online calculator (www.guideline.no) for data<br />
on the right weight/length for your rod.<br />
TECH SPEC<br />
Size Weight Head<br />
Total<br />
length<br />
WF4 12 grams 11m 27.5m<br />
WF5 13.5 grams 11m 27.5m<br />
WF6 <strong>15</strong> grams 12m 32m<br />
WF7 17 grams 12m 32m<br />
WF8 19 grams 12m 32m<br />
“Its unique and subtle<br />
colour-mix blends with the<br />
water and surroundings."<br />
TECH SPEC<br />
Size Weight Head Total<br />
length<br />
WF3 8 grams 9.5m 25m<br />
WF4 10 grams 9.5m 25m<br />
WF5 12 grams 10m 29m<br />
WF6 14 grams 10m 29m<br />
WF7 16 grams 10m 29m<br />
Ultra Compact Float £49.99<br />
Tailor-made for use in small rivers, targeting<br />
sea-trout and salmon with single-handed<br />
or switch rods. The Ultra Compact Floating<br />
head offers controlled and accurate turnover<br />
of long leaders and big, bulky flies. The taper<br />
construction distributes enough “loading<br />
weight” in the back of the line, making it easier<br />
to cast in tight spaces. Factory-made tiny<br />
loops are fitted at both ends. Line ID marked<br />
on the back end. Colour: light blue.<br />
TECH SPEC<br />
Size<br />
Weight<br />
Total<br />
length<br />
5wt 14 grams/ 216 grains 6.6m/21.5ft<br />
6wt 16 grams/ 247 grains 6.8m/22.3ft<br />
7wt 18 grams/ 279 grains 6.9m/ 22.5ft<br />
8wt 20 grams/ 309 grains 7.1m/23.3ft<br />
9wt 22 grams/ 339 grains 7.4m/24ft<br />
Camo Pro WF £59.99<br />
The Camo Pro trout line has a balanced, long<br />
head, which produces long casts with ease.<br />
Its unique and subtle colour-mix blends with<br />
the water and surroundings, while its slowintermediate<br />
sink rate (40 sec/m) makes it an<br />
effective tool for sub-surface fishing. The hot<br />
blue, floating running line is highly visible and<br />
makes line-control easy. It has a low-stretch<br />
core, a looped front end and laser ID marking.<br />
KORKERS WADING BOOTS<br />
K-5 Bomber £219.99<br />
The K-5 Bomber is designed to withstand<br />
the rigorous demands of professional<br />
guides and hardcore anglers. It raises the<br />
bar in terms of durability, fit and support.<br />
Its 5-Ply Fit System locks the foot in<br />
place and provides supreme support<br />
around the ankle. Friction-free, rolling<br />
lace guides and a lace-lock provide<br />
a customized fit. The Bomber has an<br />
enhanced EVA midsole, protected<br />
stitching, and a moulded<br />
toe and heel cap, which<br />
ensure durability<br />
and longevity.<br />
Hydrophobic materials<br />
and internal drainage<br />
channels reduce<br />
excess water<br />
weight and<br />
promote<br />
faster<br />
drying<br />
times.<br />
Devil's Canyon £209.99<br />
This light boot fits like a glove and gives<br />
athletic performance. It's fitted with a<br />
stretchable upper and the M2 Boa lacing<br />
system, which helps you to pull the boot<br />
on/off quickly and tighten for maximum<br />
comfort. The Canyon is made with<br />
hydrophobic materials that<br />
dry quickly and it has large<br />
drainage ports and channels.<br />
Other features include a<br />
durable midsole, minimal<br />
seams, triple-stitched uppers<br />
and a moulded toe cap. The<br />
OmniTrax Interchangeable<br />
Sole System provides<br />
a choice of felt<br />
or Kling-On<br />
rubber soles.<br />
Whitehorse<br />
£199.99<br />
This performance-packed wading boot<br />
combines innovative technologies<br />
and a traditional look. It's<br />
comfortable, light and<br />
shares many leading<br />
technologies with the<br />
Devil's Canyon, including<br />
the M2 Boa® lacing<br />
system and OmniTrax®<br />
Interchangeable<br />
Sole System.<br />
What Gear Guide 20<strong>15</strong> 13
A rod for your<br />
fly-fishing future<br />
when you buy a Sage fly-rod, you are investing in a lifelong fishing companion<br />
Founded in 1980 by<br />
legendary rod designer<br />
don Green, Sage was<br />
created with one idea<br />
in mind – to build the world's<br />
finest performance fly-rods.<br />
Years of fly-fishing experience<br />
had taught don that fly-rods<br />
should never run out of<br />
"power". While there might be<br />
fishing scenarios where the full<br />
power and flex of a fly-rod were<br />
not utilised by the angler, the<br />
best designs were those that<br />
always held power in reserve.<br />
Hence the name Reserve Power<br />
was given to the new style of<br />
fly-rod don developed for<br />
extra-long casts or for windy<br />
conditions. The name was<br />
abbreviated to RP. This was the<br />
first major series of rods that<br />
Sage released in 1982 and they<br />
quickly became the most talked<br />
about fly-rods in the world.<br />
From the initial success<br />
of the RP and the Graphite<br />
II generation, don quickly<br />
moved to the next generation<br />
with Graphite III RPL rods. By<br />
1985 the RPLs were the highperformance<br />
standard<br />
of fly-fishers everywhere –<br />
indeed, you may still own one.<br />
In 1986 Sage launched the<br />
first series of fly-rods built<br />
specifically for the challenges of<br />
saltwater – the legendary RPLX.<br />
Made for line weights 8-12,<br />
these rods became the standard<br />
of modern saltwater-angling.<br />
Finally, working with some<br />
of the finest two-handed<br />
You can trust the<br />
strength of a Sage.<br />
fly-casters in the world, Sage<br />
introduced a complete line<br />
of spey and european-style<br />
double-handed rods, a series<br />
that rounded out Sage's family<br />
of fly-rods. now, anglers<br />
around the world could find<br />
a performance fly-rod for<br />
whatever their needs might be.<br />
From a small workshop and<br />
just six staff in 1980, Sage has<br />
grown and grown to secure its<br />
position as perhaps the leading<br />
fly-rod company in the world.<br />
Today, under the careful<br />
control of chief rod designer<br />
Jerry Siem, it continues to<br />
look forward and improve rod<br />
performance by using new<br />
materials and designs.<br />
KONNETIC TECHNOLOGY MEANS ACCURATE CASTS<br />
Accurately putting a fly where<br />
you need it—every time—is the<br />
foundation of fly-fishing success.<br />
Improved accuracy is a result of<br />
smoother tracking, increased<br />
line speed and line control – all<br />
features of Sage's revolutionary<br />
Konnetic Technology.<br />
Creating an impossibly light<br />
blank with enhanced tip-tohand<br />
sensitivity, Konnetic<br />
Technology utilises Sage's<br />
Advanced Modulus Positioning<br />
System (AMPS). It places carbon<br />
fibres precisely for the greatest<br />
blank strength and efficient<br />
energy transfer throughout<br />
the shaft. The result is a highly<br />
responsive and robust blank<br />
that offers enhanced torsional<br />
(twisting) stability and minimal<br />
vibration for casts that track<br />
effortlessly and accurately.<br />
Konnetic Technology uses a<br />
new proprietary carbon/resin<br />
composite, High Compression<br />
Moulding (HCM) for increased<br />
fibre density and denser blank<br />
walls for a faster response<br />
and recovery.<br />
SAge rodS buIlT wITH<br />
KonneTIC TeCHnology:<br />
Single-handed<br />
METHOD ultra-fast action<br />
(12 rods: 9ft, 4wt to 10ft 7wt)<br />
METHOD ELITE ultra-fast<br />
action (9ft, 5wt and 8wt)<br />
ONE Fast action (26 rods: 7ft 6in,<br />
3wt to 9ft, 12wt)<br />
ONE ELITE Fast action<br />
(9ft, 5wt)<br />
SALT Fast loading, salt action<br />
(12 rods: 9ft, 5wt to 8ft 6in, 16wt)<br />
CIRCA Advanced slow action<br />
for dry-fly (six rods: 7ft 9in,<br />
2wt to 8ft 9in, 5wt)<br />
ESN (european-style nymphing)<br />
Medium action (five rods: 10ft<br />
to 11ft, 2wt to 5wt)<br />
Double-handed<br />
METHOD SPEY ultra-fast<br />
action (five rods: 12ft 6in, 6wt<br />
to <strong>15</strong>ft, 10wt)<br />
ONE SPEY Fast action (nine<br />
four-piece rods: 12ft 6in, 5wt to<br />
<strong>15</strong>ft, 10wt; and three six-piece<br />
rods: 12ft 6in, 7wt to 14ft, 9wt)<br />
METHOD SWITCH ultra-fast<br />
action (four rods: 11ft 9in,<br />
6wt-9wt)<br />
ONE SWITCH Fast action<br />
(five rods: 11ft 6in, 4wt-8wt)<br />
14 What Gear Guide 20<strong>15</strong>
Guide FlyFishinG<br />
Tel: 01977 681 300<br />
Email: info@guideflyfishing.co.uk<br />
Web: www.sageflyfish.com<br />
WHICH SAGE ROD IS RIGHT fOR YOU?<br />
here's our pick of sage rods for British and irish waters – and the type of fishing at which they excel<br />
SINGLE-HANDED<br />
METHOD 9ft 6in, 6wt £719<br />
A very fast tip-action rod that offers<br />
the advanced stillwater bank-angler<br />
the holy grail of performance,<br />
combining long and accurate casts<br />
with dry-flies alongside the steel<br />
ONE 10ft, 7wt £689<br />
This is Sage's all-rounder for reservoir<br />
and loch fishing. A slightly slower,<br />
more forgiving action than the Method,<br />
although still fast, the one is a rod for<br />
for sub-surface methods such as<br />
buzzer fishing and loch-style wet-fly.<br />
you probably need to be a proficient<br />
caster to get the best out of its<br />
sophisticated fast blank, but when<br />
accomplished anglers and improvers.<br />
The 10ft 7wt rod is an ideal boat tool,<br />
offering a little extra length from<br />
which to hang teams of flies. Its<br />
you do the results can be an all-day<br />
pleasure. If you are a committed<br />
sunk-line angler, the 9ft 6in 7wt<br />
is the rod for the job.<br />
Suggested reel: Sage 2260, £119<br />
slightly deeper action is good for lifting<br />
sinking lines and its fast tip makes it<br />
particularly accurate.<br />
Suggested reel: Sage 4280, £259<br />
ESN (European-style nymphing) 11ft, 3wt £629<br />
A part of Sage's specialist range and<br />
reflecting the growing popularity<br />
of long-leader nymphing (Czech,<br />
French) for trout and grayling.<br />
These techniques can be physically<br />
demanding and this extremely light<br />
rod helps you to maintain control. The<br />
responsive tip provides<br />
excellent feedback as teams of<br />
nymphs are led over the riverbed –<br />
every bump and bite is felt.<br />
Suggested reel: Sage 3250, £169<br />
ONE <strong>15</strong>ft, 10wt £899<br />
A joy to cast with long- and shortheaded<br />
lines, the versatile and slightly<br />
deeper-flexing one double-hander<br />
is all the salmon rod you will ever<br />
need. This <strong>15</strong>-footer is ideal for deep<br />
and fast water and bigger flies – a<br />
powerhouse – and yet will cast a long<br />
floating line with finesse and feel.<br />
Suggested reel: Sage evoke, £499<br />
DOUbLE-HANDED<br />
METHOD 14ft, 9wt £919<br />
A rod for an able caster, seeking<br />
maximum control from this<br />
beautifully built fast-action blank.<br />
The 14ft size is regarded as the<br />
best all-round length for modern<br />
shorter-headed fly-lines, able to<br />
cast shooting head, multi-tip, short<br />
spey and skagit lines. Maximising<br />
the advantages of Konnetic<br />
Technology, the super-light and<br />
sensitive Method's great torsional<br />
strength and blank recovery make<br />
delivering the full repertoire of speycasts<br />
a delight.<br />
Suggested reel: Sage 4210, £269<br />
ONE 11ft 6in, 7wt £769<br />
If you've not yet tried a switch rod,<br />
treat yourself to a one this season.<br />
It's such a pleasure to deliver deft<br />
roll- and spey-casts on small and<br />
shrunken rivers. Perfect for salmon<br />
and sea-trout. The responsive<br />
blank is felt in the fingertips.<br />
Suggested reel: Sage<br />
domain 8, £289<br />
What Gear Guide 20<strong>15</strong> <strong>15</strong>
Sharing the passion<br />
RIO's experts mix science with experience to make some of the best lines in fly-fishing<br />
FOR more than 20 years,<br />
RIO has demonstrated<br />
passion, innovation<br />
and a pure love for the<br />
sport through its development<br />
of the industry’s highestperformance<br />
fly-lines.<br />
Founded by Jim and Kitty<br />
Vincent in the Idaho mountains,<br />
USA, RIO is driven by the ethos<br />
that exceptional fly-fishing<br />
products should be built by<br />
anglers for anglers.<br />
Members of the RIO team<br />
are passionate fly-fishers,<br />
living their lives by the stream,<br />
spending thousands of hours on<br />
the water researching, designing<br />
and refining their lines.<br />
This commitment has led to<br />
many memorable technological<br />
breakthroughs, especially in<br />
taper design. Names such as<br />
Windcutter, Outbound, AFS and<br />
Gold have stuck in our minds<br />
and increased our expectations<br />
of what a fly-line could help<br />
us to do. But what really sets<br />
RIO apart is its pioneering work<br />
in fly-line chemistry. And no<br />
innovation is more important<br />
than MaxCast (below).<br />
“Names such as<br />
Windcutter,<br />
Outbound, AFS and<br />
Gold have stuck in<br />
our minds and<br />
increased our<br />
expectations of what<br />
a fly-line could help<br />
us to do.”<br />
MaXCast – the ultiMate floating Coating<br />
RIO’s new, ultra-sophisticated longer and stay cleaner. The<br />
line coating redefines floatingline<br />
performance. Made with hydrophobic chemistry, which<br />
secret? The coating’s advanced<br />
a groundbreaking proprietary actively pushes water away<br />
formula, MaxCast lines float from the line, resulting in<br />
higher, shoot farther, last<br />
radically improved flotation<br />
and reduced dirt adhesion.<br />
It also allows the line to slip<br />
more easily from the surface<br />
film so you can lift it quietly<br />
and slowly. At the same time,<br />
MaxCast’s coating formulation<br />
contains a sophisticated blend<br />
of permanent slickening agents<br />
that continuously migrate to<br />
the line’s exterior for enhanced<br />
shooting and durability.<br />
■ To watch a short film about MaxCast (and discover more about RIO products) visit guideflyfishing.co.uk<br />
Or visit YouTube (search "RIO Products MaxCast").<br />
16 What Gear Guide 20<strong>15</strong>
<strong>GUIDE</strong> FLYFISHING<br />
Tel: 01977 681 300<br />
Email: info@guideflyfishing.co.uk<br />
Web: www.guideflyfishingonline.co.uk<br />
CHOOSE YOUR RIO FLY-LINE<br />
RIO offers a range of fly-lines to match every angling need. Try these popular options for the new season<br />
RiVeR tRout<br />
RIO InTouch Perception<br />
£69.99<br />
RIO In Touch Trout LT<br />
£59.99<br />
RIO ENL<br />
£49.99<br />
If you choose only one trout line, this is the<br />
one. The ultimate all-rounder, its shorter<br />
head is highly manoeuvrable and will present<br />
flies of all sizes with finesse. It's made with<br />
MaxCast and low-stretch ConnectCore, which<br />
is more sensitive to takes and helps improve<br />
the timing of your casts. Colours: camo/tan/<br />
grey or green/camo/tan. sizes: WF3-WF8.<br />
LT means Light Touch and this floating line's<br />
slim, long front taper will help you to achieve<br />
the lightest-possible presentation of dryflies.<br />
It's easy to roll cast and its supple taper<br />
means you will get less surface drag. It's<br />
made with low-stretch ConnectCore, which<br />
will help you to mend line and set hooks.<br />
Colour: beige/grey/sage. sizes: WF3-WF6.<br />
ENL means Euro Nymph Line and this<br />
highly specialist line is made solely for<br />
Czech- and French-style nymphing. It has a<br />
very small diameter, a low-stretch core and<br />
high-visibility tip for maximum sensitivity<br />
to detect takes and set hooks, with<br />
competition fishing in mind.<br />
Colour: orange tip/moss. one size: 2wt-5wt.<br />
stillWateR<br />
RIO InTouch Gold<br />
£69.99<br />
RIO InTouch Midge Tip<br />
Long £59.99<br />
RIO InTouch CamoLux<br />
£59.99<br />
The ideal floating line for bigger stillwaters.<br />
The Gold's delicate front taper will enable<br />
you to cover trout close in and yet its longer<br />
head means you can extend more line beyond<br />
the rod tip for stable long-distance casts.<br />
Made with Maxcast and ConnectCore to help<br />
you lift line quickly and cover moving fish.<br />
Colour: moss/grey/gold. sizes: WF4-WF8.<br />
The ideal fly-line for nymph/buzzer-fishing<br />
and for exploring the top 2ft of the water<br />
column, perhaps with a traditional wet-fly<br />
cast. The 6ft intermediate clear-camo tip<br />
digs into the water and prevents surface<br />
drag in stronger winds. The highly sensitive<br />
ConnectCore will detect the subtlest takes.<br />
Colour: camo tip/melon. sizes: WF5-WF8.<br />
This intermediate line has a short 30ft head<br />
and casts like a rocket. It's a great option<br />
for fishing high in the water with reservoir<br />
methods such as the washing-line or hanging<br />
wet-flies on the Irish loughs (it has a hang<br />
marker 13ft from the tip). Sinks at 1.5-2 ips.<br />
Made with low-stretch ConnectCore.<br />
Colour: clear camo. sizes: WF6-WF8.<br />
salMon<br />
RIO Scandi VersiTip<br />
£99.99<br />
RIO AFS Outbound<br />
£74.99<br />
RIO ShortHead Spey<br />
£74.99<br />
All the line you need to fish for salmon all<br />
season. Made for rods 13ft and longer, the<br />
VersiTip has a floating easy-to-cast short<br />
head and four <strong>15</strong>ft tips (F, I, S3 and S6). Use<br />
the floating set-up with coated leaders in<br />
summer lows, then sink tips in deep water.<br />
With neat loops and printed ID. Weights:<br />
7wt/29g, 8wt/33g, 9wt/38g, 10wt/42g, 11wt/45g.<br />
The most user-friendly and versatile full<br />
floating line. It is made in one piece but<br />
performs like a shooting head. It's ideal for<br />
casting in tight spaces and its long front<br />
taper will present flies delicately. Just add a<br />
coated leader to control your fly's depth.<br />
Head weights: 8wt/460gr, 9wt/520gr,<br />
10wt/580gr, 11wt/640gr.<br />
A floating speyline with an easily cast belly<br />
(10wt belly is 48ft) and delicate front taper.<br />
Ideal for anglers who enjoy casting with a<br />
slightly longer stroke. Great for summer<br />
fishing and presenting smaller flies. Its<br />
longer belly will help you control fly speed in<br />
slower currents. Belly weights: 7wt/470gr,<br />
8wt/520gr, 9wt/580gr, 10wt/650gr, 11wt/730gr.<br />
What Gear Guide 20<strong>15</strong> 17
Vision of the future<br />
Start the season in style with this considered gear from Vision,<br />
offering comfort, technical precision and eye-catching design<br />
Ikon non-zip & zip<br />
waders £199.99-£259.99<br />
Vision doesn't change its waders<br />
for change's sake. That’s why the<br />
Ikon has remained a firm favourite<br />
with UK anglers for so many years.<br />
The Ikon is refined – there’s<br />
nothing to be added or taken<br />
away that isn’t functional or<br />
practical. It is made with six lower<br />
layers and three upper layers of<br />
F3.5 breathable fabric, which<br />
offers outstanding comfort and<br />
durability. Features include inner<br />
and outer pockets, NoSeam legs, a<br />
belt, braces and gravel guards.<br />
The non-zip Ikon provides<br />
you with assured go-anywhere<br />
protection and comfort, but those<br />
seeking easier access in and out,<br />
may prefer the popular zip version,<br />
which is fitted with a waterproof<br />
RiriStorm 10. Both waders have<br />
high backs and tailored left and<br />
right stocking feet. Sizes:<br />
short, regular, tall, king.<br />
Heavy Havu<br />
waders £229.99<br />
The Heavy Havu has five lower<br />
layers and four upper layers of<br />
F3.5 breathable and durable<br />
fabric. It features the curved<br />
NoSeam cut, which reduces<br />
seams in the crotch area for<br />
improved durability and wear.<br />
It has a large front pocket with<br />
an Aquaguard zip. The stocking<br />
feet are tailored for a perfect<br />
left and right fit. It looks<br />
great in olive.<br />
Sizes: small to XX-large.<br />
Hopper wading<br />
boots (felt soles)<br />
£99.99<br />
This super-light boot feels<br />
more like a comfortable<br />
walking shoe than a traditional<br />
heavy wading boot. It's<br />
hard to think of another<br />
boot like it at this<br />
price. The Hopper has<br />
a wide mouth so it's<br />
easily pulled on and<br />
off. It has rot-proof<br />
loops and laces and<br />
a rubber bumper<br />
that provides back<br />
and front protection.<br />
Sizes: UK 5-12.<br />
■ Look out for<br />
Ikon waders-and-<br />
Hopper-boots<br />
combination deals<br />
at Vision retailers.<br />
Loikka wading boots<br />
(Gummi-and-stud soles) £149.99<br />
Vision's most popular<br />
rubber-sole wading boot is<br />
extremely light for all-day<br />
comfort. The Gummi-andstud<br />
sole grips across a<br />
variety of surfaces. The<br />
extended-sole-and-fronttoe<br />
wrap adds additional<br />
protection as well as<br />
better traction when<br />
ascending steeper climbs.<br />
Loikka's wide mouth<br />
makes it easy for you to<br />
ease in and out of this<br />
stylish boot, which offers<br />
great comfort and support<br />
throughout the season.<br />
Sizes: UK 5-13.<br />
18 What Gear Guide 20<strong>15</strong>
Vision<br />
Tel: 01977 681 300<br />
Email: sales@guideflyfishing.co.uk<br />
Web: www.visionflyfishing.co.uk<br />
“A range of<br />
six densities<br />
that will<br />
enable you<br />
to fish at the<br />
right depth<br />
throughout<br />
the season.”<br />
Ace shooting heads £49.99<br />
New for 20<strong>15</strong>, the Ace range of<br />
shooting heads are available in<br />
six densities from floating to<br />
sink3/sink5, which will enable<br />
you to fish at the right depth<br />
throughout the season.<br />
Ace heads have an easy-to-cast<br />
taper to ensure great turnover of<br />
tips, leaders and flies. They have<br />
loops at both ends and line ratings<br />
are marked on the line.<br />
The intermediate and sinking<br />
heads benefit from Vision's new<br />
Sliding Density taper (pictured<br />
below), which graduates weight<br />
progressively to the tip and<br />
provides unmatched line control<br />
and contact throughout the swing.<br />
The heads are available in weight<br />
and length combinations that<br />
match the most popular rod sizes<br />
and actions.<br />
Densities: high floating carrot<br />
(orange), clear floating (clear),<br />
floating with intermediate tip (ice<br />
blue), slomo/intermediate (yellow),<br />
intermediate/sink3 (brown)<br />
and sink3/sink5 (black)<br />
Head lengths: 33ft to 41ft.<br />
Weights: 26g to 46g.<br />
Subzero Primaloft<br />
(60g) jacket £129.99<br />
New for 20<strong>15</strong>, this smart<br />
lightweight casual jacket is made<br />
with 60g of PrimaLoft Sport<br />
insulation in a quilt structure.<br />
It's ideal for cooler evenings or as<br />
a warm layer beneath a fishing<br />
jacket during colder months<br />
and it's less bulky than a<br />
puffa-type jacket.<br />
Primaloft is a warm high-tech<br />
fibre which can outperform<br />
natural materials that often fail<br />
when exposed to moisture or<br />
compression over a given period.<br />
Features include a rip-stop outer<br />
shell treated with durable water<br />
repellent and chest pockets, inside<br />
and out. The jacket is supplied<br />
with a mesh stuff bag.<br />
Colour: black.<br />
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL.<br />
Tool double-handed rods £479.99-£499.99<br />
This unique minimalist salmon<br />
rod is all about function. From its<br />
non-glare matt finish and non-slip<br />
EVA handle to its fast-action blank<br />
that will handle shooting heads,<br />
skagits or speylines – it means<br />
business. It will flex at the tip<br />
and a little deeper, to suit your<br />
casting stroke. The Tool has won<br />
the following of anglers who are,<br />
interested in substance over style.<br />
TecH SPec<br />
Length Spey line Line range Weight Price<br />
12ft 6in 7-8wt 29-35g 218g £479.99<br />
13ft 8-9wt 31-39g 235g £479.99<br />
14ft 9-10wt 34-45g 262g £499.99<br />
<strong>15</strong>ft 10-11wt 37-50g 275g £499.99<br />
Vipu double-handed rods £249.99<br />
The Vipu has a medium action<br />
with a crisp recovery, which is<br />
ideal for any angler that likes to<br />
feel the flex of a rod. They are<br />
effective with shooting heads,<br />
skagits or medium to long belly<br />
spey lines. They have lots of<br />
lower-section power to control<br />
and land hard-earned fish.<br />
TecH SPec<br />
Length Spey line Line range Weight Price<br />
13ft 4in 8wt 29-34g 261g £249.99<br />
14ft 9in 10wt 37-47g 308g £249.99<br />
What Gear Guide 20<strong>15</strong> 19
At Tay Salmon Fly we only sell proven patterns that have brought<br />
anglers all around the world much success. Our custom range of<br />
patterns includes original patterns designed by Mr Tony Black,<br />
Ghillie on the Murthly 2 Beat on the River Tay. Tony’s ˊies have<br />
caught him 1000’s of salmon and now they are available to the<br />
ˉshing world. Along with Tony’s pattern’s we also have Mr David<br />
Balligall’s original Half Irish Piglet which has proven to be a very<br />
popular and successful pattern for our customers. Along with our<br />
special ˊies we still like to carry some of the ˉrm favourite patterns.<br />
Can’t ˉnd the ˊy you’re looking for?<br />
Please get in touch regarding custom orders.<br />
We would be more than happy to meet your requirements<br />
Keep ahead of the competition and stock up your ˊy box with ˊies from<br />
Tay Salmon Fly.<br />
www.taysalmonˊy.co.uk 01350 727625<br />
www.facebook.com/TaySalmonFly
TROUTCATCHERS<br />
Tel: 0845 1990238<br />
Web: www.troutcatchers.co.uk<br />
Fine tackle on the web<br />
Troutcatchers.co.uk stocks the best new-season fly-fishing<br />
gear, including Snowbee's latest clothing range<br />
Snowbee SFT sonicwelded<br />
wading jacket £299<br />
Find this top-quality jacket on the<br />
Troutcatchers website. Snowbee's<br />
Seamless Fusion Technology (SFT)<br />
replaces conventional stitched/taped<br />
seams with sonic-welds, providing<br />
a completely flat profile. This<br />
reduces weight and avoids seam<br />
chafe for greater comfort and<br />
freedom of movement.<br />
The SFT has two large<br />
bellows pockets and two<br />
large, waterproof internal<br />
pockets, plus fleece-lined<br />
handwarmer pockets –<br />
all fitted with waterresistant<br />
zips.<br />
It has an adjustable hood<br />
and cuffs with<br />
low-profile velcro<br />
adjusters. A rear D-ring<br />
will secure a landing net.<br />
Snowbee Breeze-<br />
Bloc fleece £69.99<br />
New on troutcatchers.co.uk is<br />
this popular Breeze-Bloc fleece.<br />
It's an ideal mid-layer beneath<br />
a waterproof jacket or as outer<br />
wear on cool days. Made with<br />
dense fleece and a waterproof<br />
membrane. Three pockets.<br />
Snowbee Prestige<br />
long waistcoat £89.99<br />
Find out more about this original<br />
English-style long waistcoat at<br />
troutcatchers.co.uk An alternative<br />
to American mid-length vests, it is<br />
sure to be popular with stillwater<br />
anglers. It's made from tough<br />
polyester cotton and has some<br />
17 pockets, including back and<br />
priest pockets, and three D-rings.<br />
Truly Custom<br />
Get Your Dream Rod Built<br />
Exactly As You Want<br />
Bespoke<br />
Fishing Rods<br />
Hand-made<br />
To Order<br />
Create Your<br />
Own<br />
Customized<br />
Rod<br />
Professional, Premium<br />
Quality Products<br />
FAMILY RUN BUSINESS,<br />
ANY TYPE OF ROD AVAILABLE<br />
Website: www.trulycustomrods.co.uk<br />
Tel: 07985 747911
It's perfectly logical<br />
Introducing Salmologic, a new name in fly tackle that offers an easily understood,<br />
measured and proven approach to modern salmon and sea-trout fishing<br />
AS the name suggests Salmologic<br />
is not for everyone. Its area of<br />
expertise is the single-minded<br />
pursuit of Atlantic salmon<br />
and sea-trout.<br />
The man behind this exciting new<br />
fly-fishing tackle is Henrik Mortensen<br />
from Denmark, the well-known guide,<br />
casting instructor and tackle designer.<br />
After working for many fly-fishing brands<br />
and bringing numerous innovations<br />
to the industry Henrik decided<br />
it was time to start his own tackle<br />
company…Salmologic.<br />
All the team at Salmologic are dedicated<br />
and experienced salmon and sea-trout<br />
fishermen. Their aim is to provide their<br />
customers with a phenomenal product<br />
that they can enjoy for years to come.<br />
Salmologic has even added a price<br />
promise, which states that they<br />
Rods<br />
have got their tackle right first time – and<br />
therefore will not need to bring out new<br />
models every year like so many<br />
other tacklemakers.<br />
There are no AFTM numbers on<br />
Salmologic rods, reels and lines. This old<br />
and broken system, which left many of us<br />
confused and lighter in the pocket after<br />
buying the wrong lines, has been thrown<br />
away. Salmologic's G&G system states<br />
each rod's exact casting weight in grams<br />
and grains. This makes life so much<br />
easier for us – it tells us exactly what<br />
line is right for our rod. The system<br />
extends to Salmologic coated<br />
leaders, ensuring they will<br />
balance our outfits.<br />
From rod to reel to fly-line to leader –<br />
every step of the way – Salmologic makes<br />
choosing tackle easier with its balanced<br />
and logical approach.<br />
Salmologic is the<br />
brainchild of well-known casting<br />
instructor Henrik Mortensen.<br />
Skyborn switch rod, 10ft or 11ft – ideal<br />
for low-water salmon and sea-trout.<br />
Skyborn rods are supplied with bent<br />
handle to optimise bottom-hand casting<br />
technique. Straight handle is optional.<br />
Skyborn double-handers, from 11ft to<br />
14ft 3in, are matched to Salmologic<br />
heads using G&G system.<br />
Skyborn from £389.99<br />
The Skyborn series is based on Henrik's 32 years of<br />
casting, instruction and fishing experience. There is no<br />
short cut to the perfect action – this series was worked<br />
on painstakingly using the best materials available<br />
today. Every Skyborn rod has a designated purpose and<br />
is created to help you make the best of your precious<br />
time on the water. All the rods feature a line weight<br />
recommendation according to the G&G system and all<br />
the weights printed on the rods are precise. The rods<br />
feature a bent handle as standard. A straight handle<br />
is optional (£39.99-£44.99).<br />
TECH SPEC<br />
Style Length Pieces Grams Grains Price<br />
SH 10ft 4 16 247 £389.99<br />
SH 10ft 4 18 278 £389.99<br />
Switch 11ft 5 16 247 £489.99<br />
Switch 11ft 5 18 278 £499.99<br />
DH 11ft 5 20 308 £554.99<br />
DH 12ft 6in 5 24 370 £624.99<br />
DH 13ft 3in 6 28 432 £654.99<br />
DH 13ft 1in 6 31 478 £654.99<br />
DH 14ft 3in 5 35 540 £654.99<br />
22 What Gear Guide 20<strong>15</strong>
SALMOLOGIC AT AM ANGLING<br />
Tel: 07544 308 098<br />
Email: salarsupplies@gmail.com<br />
Web: www.amangling.com<br />
Clasico has<br />
traditional<br />
looks but is<br />
made with<br />
modern<br />
materials.<br />
It has a<br />
vanadiumsteel<br />
brake<br />
with PTFE<br />
discs and<br />
pads.<br />
Clasico<br />
has a large<br />
and narrow<br />
arbor. It's<br />
available in<br />
two sizes,<br />
which<br />
match head<br />
weights.<br />
Reels<br />
Gravity £324.99-£369.99<br />
Clasico £479.99-£514.99<br />
Salmologic offers two reels – the<br />
Gravity and Clasico. Aside from<br />
making the reels look good,<br />
Salmologic has focused on their<br />
weight and how they handle fly-line<br />
in a fight. They are not designed to<br />
be the lightest reels, instead they<br />
have a purpose on rods, to act as<br />
counterweights. The reels feature<br />
the G&G system with recommended<br />
line weights in grams and grains, so<br />
that you will know which lines will<br />
fit. They are made by the famous<br />
German reel engineers Vosseler.<br />
“Salmologic has<br />
focused on their<br />
weight and how they<br />
handle fly-line.”<br />
Gravity is<br />
made to<br />
perfectly<br />
balance<br />
Skyborn<br />
rod. It has a<br />
waterproof<br />
modern<br />
brake. Each<br />
reel has<br />
a serial<br />
number.<br />
Gravity is<br />
available<br />
in four<br />
sizes, which<br />
match<br />
the G&G<br />
system.<br />
Choice of<br />
two colours:<br />
black or<br />
titanium.<br />
Fly-lines<br />
The Salmologic line system<br />
allows the modern fisher to<br />
swim his fly in any spot and<br />
at any depth the fish might<br />
be lying. Most importantly,<br />
the Logic system is easy<br />
to understand – the G&G<br />
system removes guesswork.<br />
Setting up your rod with the<br />
correct line weight, the right<br />
leader mass and the<br />
correct resistance in the<br />
running line is much more<br />
important than the average<br />
angler thinks.<br />
All Salmologic lines<br />
feature the smallest loops<br />
at both ends and each line<br />
weight has its own unique<br />
colour, which helps you to<br />
distinguish lines in your<br />
tackle bag.<br />
They come in seven<br />
densities and feature a<br />
gradual density change<br />
throughout the heads<br />
for the best performance.<br />
LOGIC HEADS: from<br />
16g/247 grains to 35 g/540<br />
grains. Price £64.99-74.99<br />
SHORT-CUT HEADS (6m):<br />
from 22g/340 grains to 24<br />
g/370 grains. Price £69.99<br />
Head type is printed on line.<br />
Leaders<br />
Logic coated leaders £14.99<br />
Logic nylon tapered leaders £7<br />
The leader is the most important item of your set-up<br />
and yet often the most overlooked. Henrik has spent<br />
countless hours explaining this to fly-fishermen<br />
across the world.<br />
Salmologic offers two different leaders. The Logic<br />
coated leader uses the G&G system – each fly-line<br />
weight has its own set of coated leaders of different<br />
lengths and densities. They are a great way to quickly<br />
change the depth of your fly.<br />
Logic nylon tapered leaders also match your<br />
fly-line weight using the G&G system. The cores of<br />
these leaders are soft, which allows you to make a<br />
tidy loop in the butt section for easy rigging.<br />
Short-Cut<br />
heads, left,<br />
are designed<br />
for narrow<br />
rivers.<br />
Logic Heads,<br />
right, allow<br />
the angler to<br />
adapt to all<br />
conditions.<br />
What Gear Guide 20<strong>15</strong> 23
Perilla<br />
Tel: 01886 8536<strong>15</strong><br />
Email: via website<br />
Web: www.perilla.co.uk<br />
Keep your feet warm<br />
Luxury alpaca socks provide the warmth you need to fish all day<br />
Alpaca socks<br />
From £12.50<br />
Comfort is so important while you’re<br />
fishing because keeping your feet<br />
snug and warm means that you stay<br />
outside for longer.<br />
Perilla’s range of alpaca socks<br />
is British made and to the highest<br />
quality with cushioned soles and<br />
hand-linked toes.<br />
Alpaca wins on the insulation front<br />
when compared to other wools and,<br />
although it’s as soft as cashmere, it’s<br />
incredibly durable.<br />
The fibres wick away moisture<br />
while also repelling odour<br />
and bacteria, keeping<br />
your feet fresh even if the<br />
socks haven’t been washed!<br />
There’s no itching either.<br />
Online alpaca specialist<br />
Perilla has a range of<br />
country socks in a fine<br />
array of rich colours, with<br />
Alpaca knee-length country socks for Wellington boots.<br />
fishermen preferring sedge green<br />
or heather and mulberry. These<br />
are joined by the brighter purple,<br />
raspberry and burnt orange.<br />
There are superb gift box<br />
options for one to four pairs and<br />
one box can be sent to a family to<br />
include four different sizes.<br />
It’s not just your feet either, Perilla<br />
cater for your neck too with beautifully<br />
snug alpaca scarves, priced £89.<br />
Right: Perilla’s alpaca scarf for<br />
men is wonderfully luxurious.<br />
Perilla's alpaca<br />
walking socks in<br />
sage green.<br />
Angling<br />
Gift boxed<br />
BUY ONE<br />
GET ONE<br />
FREE!<br />
Gift boxed<br />
BUY ONE<br />
GET ONE<br />
FREE!<br />
Eyes<br />
2 Cushioned Sports Cases for only £4.99 extra - Worth £<strong>15</strong>.98<br />
Offer only valid at time of ordering<br />
ONLY<br />
£19.99<br />
+ £3.00 postage<br />
Great for close up tasks.<br />
Avoid the hassle of swapping<br />
between glasses!<br />
UV400 Polarised wrap around glasses with<br />
bifocal magnifying lenses. Popular<br />
+ 2.50 strength.<br />
To mix and match the offers call 0800 169 3760<br />
Pola Eyes<br />
UV 400 polarised wrap around glasses<br />
Blocks reflected glare from horizontal<br />
ONLY<br />
£19.99<br />
+ £3.00 postage<br />
Magnifying Bifocal Lenses<br />
Ideal for tying fishing flies<br />
surfaces - water, roads, sand and<br />
snow<br />
Enhances visual clarity & definition<br />
Ideal for fishing, water activities, most<br />
outdoor sports and driving<br />
Opticaid UK Ltd FREEPHONE 0800 169 3760 www.anglingeyes.com
OPTICAID UK LTD, LEEDS LS19 7DP<br />
Freefone: 0800 169 3760<br />
Web: www.anglingeyes.com<br />
Angling Eyes<br />
These best-selling polarised wrap-around fishing glasses have<br />
bifocal magnifying lenses<br />
ANGLING Eyes help you to<br />
avoid the hassle of swapping<br />
between your polarised<br />
fishing glasses and your<br />
reading glasses to complete fiddly<br />
close-up tasks, such as tying flies,<br />
using your mobile phone or sat-nav.<br />
The tinted magnifying lenses have a<br />
dioptre of +2.50.<br />
Angling Eyes have a matt-black<br />
wrap-around sporty frame, which<br />
effectively blocks light from all angles.<br />
There is a choice of lenses: either<br />
Category 3 grey polarised, which is<br />
ideal for bright sunny conditions, or<br />
Category 2 amber polarised for low,<br />
dull light or dawn and dusk. Both<br />
lenses offer full UV400 protection.<br />
They retail at £19.99 – excellent value<br />
for money.<br />
KEY FEATURES<br />
›› UV400 protection<br />
›› Glare-blocking polarised<br />
lenses<br />
›› Wrap-around design<br />
›› Neck cord<br />
›› Microfibre cleaning bag<br />
SPECIAL<br />
OFFER!<br />
Buy one, get<br />
one free – for<br />
only £19.99<br />
See details<br />
below<br />
SPECIAL OFFER<br />
ON BOTH STYLES<br />
Buy one pair,<br />
get one pair free!<br />
Buy two pairs of Angling Eyes<br />
or Pola Eyes for only £19.99,<br />
plus £3.00 postage. You can<br />
choose any combination –<br />
two grey or two amber lenses<br />
or one of each.<br />
See www.anglingeyes.com<br />
for full details. Freefone:<br />
0800 169 3760. To buy one<br />
pair of Angling Eyes and<br />
one pair of Pola Eyes, call<br />
freefone: 0800 169 3760.<br />
Free lanyard and<br />
cleaning bag<br />
Both Angling Eyes and Pola<br />
Eyes are supplied with a free<br />
neck lanyard and microfibre<br />
cleaning bag.<br />
Case offer<br />
Save £10.99! Take advantage<br />
of the "Buy one, get one free"<br />
offer with Angling Eyes or<br />
Pola Eyes and you can buy<br />
two cushioned cases with<br />
bag/belt clips for only £4.99,<br />
instead of £<strong>15</strong>.98.<br />
Pola Eyes<br />
Try these stylish polarised sunglasses for fishing and driving<br />
These stylish wrap-around lenses<br />
are polarised and block reflected<br />
horizontal glare from water,<br />
roads, sand and snow. They are<br />
ideal for fishing and most outdoor<br />
sports and also great for driving.<br />
They enhance visual clarity and<br />
definition and help reduce eye<br />
fatigue. They also offer UV400<br />
protection. Pola Eyes come in two<br />
lens colours: Grey (Category 3)<br />
for bright sunny conditions; and<br />
Amber (Category 2) for lower light.<br />
FREE!<br />
Neck<br />
lanyard and<br />
cleaning<br />
bag<br />
“They enhance visual clarity<br />
and help to reduce eye fatigue."<br />
What Gear Guide 20<strong>15</strong> 25
NEW<br />
for<br />
20<strong>15</strong><br />
HIGH PERFORMANCE POLARIZED SUNGLASSES<br />
Our sports styles feature genuine polarized lenses<br />
which reduce glare, sharpen vision,<br />
and enhance visibility.<br />
Polarized with bifocal inset lenses<br />
• Polarized overglasses<br />
• Polarized clip-ons<br />
• Ladies polarized<br />
•All UV400 rated<br />
Visit our website to view our wide<br />
competitive range<br />
www.lookersunglasses.co.uk<br />
sales@lookersunglasses.co.uk<br />
TEL: 01778 570884 MOB: 07901 935736<br />
TF/1/20<strong>15</strong><br />
TF/2/20<strong>15</strong><br />
Capture the<br />
moment...<br />
Capture the<br />
moment...<br />
BEST LEADER MATERIAL<br />
...the world's finest<br />
flourocarbon !<br />
Fordham & Wakefield<br />
Tel: 01892 770344. Fax: 01892 770355 email: 6980fordham@gmail.com<br />
...the world's finest<br />
fly lines !<br />
Fordham & Wakefield<br />
Tel: 01892 770344. Fax: 01892 770355 email: 6980fordham@gmail.com
FORDHAM & WAKEFIELD<br />
Tel: 01892 770344<br />
Email: 6980fordham@gmail.com<br />
Web: www.fordhamandwakefield.co.uk<br />
Leading the way<br />
Fordham & Wakefield – providers of premium fly-lines and the finest fluorocarbon<br />
NEW Salmon Super Spey<br />
& TT Plus trout lines<br />
£69.99 & £59.99<br />
A season dawns so it’s time for a new<br />
fly-line. Lee Wulff’s latest Super Salmon<br />
Spey and TT Plus trout lines have triangle<br />
tapers with a continuous forward taper in<br />
their heads. This provides efficient energy<br />
transfer during casts because the heavy<br />
line constantly turns over the lighter<br />
line – giving ideal presentation because<br />
the weight is away from the fly.<br />
There's a twin colour finish between<br />
the head and running line: Spey –<br />
blue/white; trout – white/yellow green.<br />
The trout line is a half-size heavier,<br />
which loads the rod fast and shoots line.<br />
They have slender welded loops and laserprinted<br />
identification (head weight and<br />
grains) at the leader end. A slick J3 coating,<br />
helps the line to float higher, repel water<br />
and shoot further.<br />
Grand Max Soft-Plus<br />
fluorocarbon<br />
From £12.99 (50m spool)<br />
This popular fluorocarbon has<br />
strength, a fine diameter and a very<br />
supple feel – all the ingredients for<br />
reliability and good presentation.<br />
Salmon anglers prefer the larger<br />
sizes and trout, smaller.<br />
Available in eight sizes: 0.165mm<br />
to 0.37mm (6.6lb to 24.2lb). Available<br />
in 50m, 100m and 250m spools.<br />
Grand Max fluorocarbon<br />
From £8.99 (30 yards)<br />
The competition anglers’ favourite. It has<br />
excellent reliability, knot strength, low<br />
diameter for its breaking strain and it’s<br />
invisible in water.<br />
Sinking three times faster than nylon<br />
it’s the perfect choice for subsurface flies.<br />
Grand Max is 10 per cent stronger than<br />
standard Riverge fluorocarbon.<br />
Available in 30-yard spools and 12 sizes:<br />
0.10mm to 0.39mm (2.4lb to 24lb).<br />
“Sinking three times faster<br />
than nylon it's the perfect<br />
choice for subsurface flies."<br />
Riverge black leader rings £2.29 pack of 10<br />
Ideal for attaching droppers or connecting different sized leaders,<br />
these small, black or silver rings are light with rounded edges to<br />
avoid cutting leader. Packs of 10 with a suggested knot card. X small<br />
(0.75mm internal diameter), small (1mm) and medium (2mm).<br />
What Gear Guide 20<strong>15</strong> 27
COCH-Y-BONDDU BOOKS<br />
Machynlleth, Mid-Wales SY20 8DG Tel: 01654 702837 www.anglebooks.com orders@anglebooks.com<br />
FLYTYER’S MASTERCLASS<br />
Spiral Hbk £30.00 £9.95<br />
ATLANTIC SALMON MAGIC<br />
Hbk £100.00 £50.00<br />
CASTING WITH LEFTY KREH<br />
Hbk £30.00 £9.95<br />
THE NORTH COUNTRY<br />
FLY. Signed Hbk £25.00<br />
TACTICAL FLY FISHING<br />
Hbk £25.00 £9.95<br />
A WORLD OF PIKE<br />
FLIES Hbk £25.00<br />
FLY-FISHING FOR PIKE<br />
Hbk £25.00 £12.95<br />
IRISH MAYFLIES<br />
Hbk £25.00<br />
FLY FISHING OUTSIDE THE<br />
BOX Signed Hbk £25.00<br />
SALMON FLIES<br />
Pbk £19.95<br />
RESERVOIR TROUT<br />
FLIES Hbk £19.95 £7.95<br />
NORTH COUNTRY FLIES<br />
Pbk £19.95<br />
CHAMPION ‘S PATTERNS<br />
Pbk £14.99 £7.95<br />
TYING FLIES IN THE<br />
IRISH STYLE Hbk £25.00<br />
WELSH BORDERLANDS<br />
Pbk £25.00<br />
IRISH RISE<br />
Hbk £25.00 £9.95<br />
WET-FLY TYING & FISHING<br />
Hbk £25.00 £9.95<br />
RIVER TROUT FLIES<br />
Pbk £14.95 £7.95<br />
FLIES OF DERBYS & STAFFS<br />
Hbk £35.00 £9.95<br />
10,000 different angling books, old & new, are in stock & on our website - www.anglebooks.com<br />
Mastercard / Visa / Maestro / Paypal POSTAGE EXTRA UP TO A MAXIMUM OF £5 Overseas postage at cost
ST GEORGE SPORTING<br />
Tel: 01604 811 801<br />
Email: info@stgeorgesporting.co.uk<br />
Web: www.lts-flyfishing.com<br />
The ultimate<br />
salmon line?<br />
LTS 3-S shooting heads are a pleasure to cast and<br />
give you unmatched control of your fly at any depth<br />
3-S shooting heads £55<br />
LTS is a Scandinavian tackle-maker that has<br />
won a loyal following among experienced<br />
salmon fishers. It was founded by the Norwegian<br />
champion speycaster Trond Syrstad.<br />
3-S triple-density heads are one of the most<br />
versatile and popular styles of salmon fly-line.<br />
As the name suggests, each head is made of<br />
three densities that are joined seamlessly – no<br />
loop-to-loop connections. The reel end is most<br />
buoyant and the tip sinks fastest (eg S1/S3/S5).<br />
This gradual change in sinking rate offers<br />
several benefits. The line casts sweetly, its<br />
efficient gradual taper turning over flies<br />
effortlessly. The more buoyant rear section<br />
makes it easy to lift the line to the surface,<br />
ready for your next speycast.<br />
The seamless connections between densities<br />
ensure you have immediate control of the whole<br />
line. Finally, the gradual sinking curve of the<br />
3-S can match the contours of the riverbed,<br />
particularly where the deepest water is found at<br />
the opposite bank.<br />
An S2/S4/S6 line will sink particularly quickly<br />
and is useful for fishing in deep and fast water.<br />
The long sinking<br />
front taper of 3s lines<br />
means you won't need to<br />
add a polyleader.<br />
3-S shooting heads are "ready to go": pre-cut,<br />
pre-weighed and fitted with welded loops. Sink<br />
rate, size and weight are laser-ink printed on to<br />
the loops so you can quickly identify the line<br />
Densities: Float/Hover/Int, Hover/Int/S3,<br />
S1/S3/S5, Inter/S2/S4, S2/S4/S6.<br />
Head weights: 11/12, 48g; 10/11, 44g;<br />
9/10, 39g; 8/9, 36g.<br />
UK distributors St George Sporting<br />
Tel: 01604 811801 www.stgeorgesporting.co.uk http://www.lts-flyfishing.com/<br />
at At last, LTS is available in the UK again!<br />
LTS breathable<br />
waders<br />
are constructed with<br />
a special outshell<br />
fabric designed to be<br />
lightweight, strong,<br />
comfortable and durable.<br />
The special waterproof/<br />
breathable technology<br />
used to construct these<br />
waders prevents water<br />
from entering yet allows<br />
vapor (perspiration) to<br />
exit.<br />
This means you’ll stay<br />
cool, dry and comfortable<br />
regardless of the weather<br />
conditions!<br />
Here’s a line of spey rods built for<br />
extremely high line speed with the<br />
unique LTS “catapult” action at the rod<br />
tip. As the name suggests, the new<br />
LTS Explosive rods are built to respond<br />
and explosively launch line into the<br />
distance with even the slightest rod<br />
movement. The rods feels light so<br />
you can enjoy fishing all day without<br />
getting tired.<br />
• LTS 3s shooting heads<br />
• 5 types/sink rates available in<br />
the range<br />
• Pre-cut and pre weighed<br />
• Factory welded loops both ends<br />
Available from: Angus Angling, Forfar, 01307 466366 l Borders GunRoom, St Boswells 01835 822844 l Fawcetts, Lancaster 0<strong>15</strong>24 32033<br />
l Fly Fishing Tackle, Crediton 01363 777783 l GameFish, Edinburgh 0131 220 6465 l Glasgow Angling 0871 716 1670 l Robjents, Stockbridge 01264 810829
Hanak<br />
Competition<br />
Superlight rod<br />
£340 and reel £110<br />
This rod is extremely light, only<br />
2.6oz, perfect for the French<br />
leader technique on rivers where<br />
the arm is often held aloft<br />
for long periods. Utilises the<br />
latest carbon fibre technology.<br />
Combined with the light Hanak<br />
12 reel, it makes the perfect<br />
balanced outfit.<br />
Hanak H390 BL<br />
Klinkhamer hooks<br />
£4.20<br />
The latest hook design from<br />
Czech specialists Hanak suits<br />
stillwater as well as river flies.<br />
The fine wire hooks have a black<br />
nickel finish and an extra long<br />
needle point – and they’re strong<br />
so ideal for dry flies. A simple<br />
design which is easy to dress.<br />
Available in sizes 12-14.<br />
Muskins £1<br />
Iain's top-selling nymph last<br />
year and it’s easy to see why.<br />
Cruncher-like in appearance<br />
the Muskins will represent<br />
all kinds of aquatic life but<br />
mainly buzzers so it’s bound<br />
to be popular.<br />
“The idea is to<br />
present a pattern<br />
that can be eaten<br />
all in one go."<br />
Biscuit Booby £1<br />
There seems to be a move<br />
towards sparseness and<br />
subtlety in competition fly<br />
patterns these days, even with<br />
Boobies – enter the Biscuit<br />
Booby with its tiny eyes.<br />
The idea is to present a<br />
pattern that can sit in the<br />
surface film and be eaten all in<br />
one go. These Boobies are so<br />
small that even wary fish are<br />
likely to engulf them. They’re<br />
named “biscuit” due to the Rich<br />
Tea-coloured collars.<br />
Contact: john7957@aol.com<br />
Tel: 07792 81<strong>15</strong>39 Web: www.uniqueflies.co.uk<br />
Contact: enquiries@iainbarrflyfishing.co.uk<br />
Tel: 07802 567205 Web: www.iainbarrflyfishing.co.uk<br />
Hothead Straggle<br />
Damsel 55p<br />
Selectafly offer quality and value<br />
for money in their extensive range<br />
of flies. And one thing’s for sure,<br />
their patterns catch fish, which<br />
means customers keep coming<br />
back for more.<br />
MD Martin Webster says: “We<br />
constantly review what's working,<br />
sometimes tweaking an old<br />
favourite to give it renewed fish<br />
appeal or by adding a new pattern<br />
that will help to keep you fishing<br />
with confidence.”<br />
New to their extensive Original<br />
Range is the Hothead Straggle<br />
Damsel, which has bags of<br />
movement, flash and vibration – just<br />
the thing to turn a rainbow’s head.<br />
Nemo 90p<br />
The Pro Range is geared<br />
towards those who want to<br />
fish with the best. Flies are<br />
tied to the highest quality but<br />
sold at a realistic price. There’s<br />
no compromise on materials<br />
with Tiemco and Gamakatsu<br />
hooks and capes from the likes<br />
of Whiting and Hoffman. New<br />
to the range is that deadly<br />
stillwater nymph so popular<br />
with match anglers – the Nemo.<br />
“Flies are tied to<br />
the highest<br />
quality but sold at<br />
a realistic price."<br />
Cork gift set £40<br />
House your accessories in these<br />
hard-wearing flexible cork gift<br />
sets from Veniard. Includes an<br />
amadou patch, floatant holder,<br />
CdC oil, fly wallet with wet and<br />
dry fly foam patch and leader<br />
straightener. Comes in natural<br />
cork (below) or dyed olive (left).<br />
Available from Veniard stockists.<br />
Contact: support@selectafly.com<br />
Tel: 01753 883366 Web: www.selectafly.com<br />
Contact: sales@veniard.com<br />
Tel: 020 8684 2288 Web: www.veniard.com<br />
30 What Gear Guide 20<strong>15</strong>
OPTILABS LTD.<br />
Tel: 020 8686 5708<br />
Email: sales@optilabs.com<br />
Web: www.optilabs.com<br />
Enjoy perfect vision<br />
Optilabs offers two types of sunglasses for fly-fishers. Choose from stylish frames<br />
fitted with fixed prescription lenses or sports frames fitted with coloured shields<br />
Storm.<br />
Made for you<br />
Optilabs Direct Glazed sunglasses<br />
are fitted with prescription and/<br />
or polarised lenses. These lenses<br />
can't be changed once fitted so<br />
it is essential to choose a frame<br />
that exactly matches your fishing<br />
needs. Optilabs has been making<br />
prescription sunglasses for more<br />
than 30 years and its software<br />
and machinery analyses individual<br />
prescriptions to match the<br />
curvatures of a lens to the style of<br />
a frame, eliminating distortion.<br />
CHOOSE YOUR FRAME<br />
Storm: This best-selling design<br />
has side safety shields and offers<br />
good all-round ventilation.<br />
Trafalgar: Optilabs' latest<br />
design, this modern-looking<br />
wraparound style also has side<br />
shields for protection. Its good<br />
looks make it attractive for<br />
wear in every situation.<br />
Panther: This ergonomic<br />
wraparound design is styled for<br />
comfort and has a rubberised<br />
frame. The versatile, lightweight<br />
and durable frame has removable<br />
safety shields.<br />
Blackbird: Great vision offered<br />
alongside removable side<br />
safety shields and all-round<br />
ventilation. It has adjustable<br />
arms for a comfortable fit.<br />
Blackbird.<br />
Solus: This contemporary<br />
wraparound style has superb<br />
ventilation. Its wide arms offer<br />
extra protection.<br />
SPOT THE FISH!<br />
Polarised lenses cut through<br />
surface glare, creating high<br />
contrast and high definition, so you<br />
are better able to see fish. Optilabs<br />
offers two types of polarised lens:<br />
an effective standard lens or its<br />
popular Ultra 2000 lens, which<br />
enhances light and improves<br />
horizontal polarisation in low light<br />
PRICES<br />
Panther.<br />
Solus.<br />
›› Standard Polarised lenses<br />
(non prescription), £89.95<br />
›› Standard Polarised lenses<br />
(single-vision prescription),<br />
£169.95<br />
›› Ultra 2000 (Drivewear®)<br />
Polarised lenses (non<br />
prescription), £199.95<br />
›› Ultra 2000 (Drivewear®)<br />
Polarised lenses (single-vison<br />
prescription), £244.95<br />
›› Bifocals and varifocal<br />
inserts are also available.<br />
Trafalgar.<br />
Modern and versatile<br />
Optilabs also offers "sports<br />
packs" featuring two lightweight<br />
frame styles: the Switch and<br />
Swift. Each pack has several<br />
interchangeable shields, one<br />
of which is polarised. The other<br />
coloured shields make the<br />
Switch and Swift perfect<br />
fashion sunglasses.<br />
An optical insert can<br />
be made for prescription<br />
wearers, which is fixed behind<br />
the coloured shield.<br />
Switch: This lightweight, flexible,<br />
yet durable frame is offered with<br />
six interchangeable shields.<br />
The innovative frame design<br />
means you can unclip the arms<br />
and replace them with an<br />
adjustable headstrap. The frame<br />
is made from shock-resistant<br />
thermoplastic and it has an<br />
anti-slip bridge and rubber arms.<br />
The Switch is supplied with a<br />
FREE clamshell-style case, which<br />
holds your frame, spare shields,<br />
headstrap, adjustable lanyard<br />
and cleaning cloth.<br />
Swift: This shock-resistant<br />
thermoplastic and advanced<br />
aluminium alloy frame is offered<br />
with four interchangeable<br />
shields. It is amazingly<br />
lightweight and flexible while<br />
Swift with FLEX<br />
technology.<br />
still being durable. The anti-slip<br />
rubber arms and bridge include<br />
FLEX technology, which allows<br />
you to customise the frames<br />
perfectly to your face shape.<br />
The Swift is also supplied with a<br />
FREE Optilabs clamshell-style<br />
case to hold frame, shields,<br />
lanyard and cleaning cloth.<br />
FREE<br />
clamshell<br />
case<br />
Switch's six lenses – one is polarised.<br />
PRICES<br />
›› Non-prescription sports<br />
pack, £89.95<br />
›› Single-vision prescription<br />
sports pack, £169.95<br />
›› Bifocals and varifocal<br />
inserts also available.<br />
Switch with<br />
black frame.<br />
What Gear Guide 20<strong>15</strong> 31
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