DS Fishing Blog

Well, last weekend the annual Fly Fishing Show rolled into town.  I was pretty excited.  Even though I hate crowds, I had been looking forward to it for weeks.  Since I had never been, I really wasn't sure what to expect.  To be honest, I was worried that current economic times was going to keep people away.  As usual, I was worried over nothing.

Just like from Field of Dreams,  "If you build it, they will come."   Chances are if you fly fish and live in the  Los Angeles area you found yourself in Pasadena at some point over the weekend.  I talked to folks that had driven over two hours to make it there.   I have to say, Chuck Furimsky, who owns the show, puts on a great event. 

As soon as I walked in I was like a kid in a candy store.  Did I want to see Norm Norlander demonstrate how to tie a fly faster than humanly possible with his Nor-vise or did I want to talk to the guys trying to get me to spend my money on a fishing trip to Argentina or did I want to stare in awe at the dozens of "celebrity" tyers along the perimeter?  I could go on for days, which is probably why I've put off writing about the show.  So, bear with me as I share some of the highlights of my day.

Now, I don't see myself heading anywhere exotic anytime soon, so I didn't spend anytime checking out travel destinations.  The one guide service I did check out was Performance Anglers.  Joe is the owner, and with Rick's help, they run a tackle shop and guide service in Mammoth Lakes, CA.  Since I fish the waters that they guide on and I've been somewhat disappointed with most of the fly shops I've stopped into along highway 395 and beyond (One in Mammoth Lakes that I had a particularly bad experience at will go unnamed), I thought I'd talk to these guys.  It took me a second to realize that Joe was "Matuka Joe"  who used to do an online video fishing report for the Eastern Sierra.  I'm happy to say that his spot on fishing reports are coming back this year.  Anyway, Rick and Matuka Joe gave me some pointers and helped me with some flies that I'm eager to try.  You can bet I'll be stopping by in the near future.

The Project Healing Waters Booth was there.  If you don't know about this organization, you need to check out their website.  "Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active duty military personnel and veterans through fly fishing and fly tying education and outings."  There is nothing more I can add to this very worthy cause.

There was more than one custom bamboo rod builder there, but since I don't see myself making that purchase this season I only allowed myself to wave a couple of the grass sticks for fun and giggles.  Some of the big boys were there.  Abel and Hardy both seemed to have a nice crowd of folks checking out their latest and greatest.  For me though, I was really impressed with the AJ Rod Company.  I wasn't familiar with their rods and reels, but something about them caught my eye.  I spent a nice chunk of time talking with Andrew Dickinson who wraps rods for this family owned and run company (AJ is Andrew and Jeff Dickinson).  First, I checked out the reels.  They were very light with an unbelievably smooth drag.   The clicker-less reels (a selling point for me, but you can add one if you ask real nice) are made to order.  Then Andrew showed me his rods.  I have to say they were very pretty.  Again, these things of beauty are made to order, and the craftsmanship is amazing.  "But, how do they cast and fish," you ask?   Well, Andrew has promised to take me out and put them to the test, so I'll have to get back to you on that.  I have a strong feeling that's not going to suck.