Boat Plans Aluminum | OPST Olympic Peninsula Skagit Tactics In Stock!

Boat Plans Aluminum

Most of the Fly Fishing industry moves along day to day, year after year following a standardize path of success. Somewhat boring and true! There comes a time when every product starts to look the same and your vision gets blurred. Just when youre about to schedule an eye exam something new comes into focus and you reach a conclusion that a different way of thinking is all you needed to correct your vision. 

To find a Different Way of Thinking all you have to do is look to the anglers who live their lives everyday doing what drives their passion. This is where you will find the latest franken flies, basement lines and a collaboration of out of the box thinking that happens with a drink in hand after long days on the river with like minded anglers forever reaching for the pursuit of perfection!

Ed Ward and Jerry French are exactly the kind of anglers to who are not afraid of a Different Way of Thinking and with that collaboration came OPST (Olympic Peninsula Skagit Tactics)

Two new OPST products got my attention real quick. Pure Skagit Commando Heads and Pure Skagit Lazer Line.

OPST Commando Heads - 

OPSTs Commando Heads represent the culmination of decades of innovation in Skagit casting by Ed Ward and Jerry French. Ed and Jerry were at the forefront of the "Skagit Revolution", and they have been refining skagit fishing techniques ever since. These are remarkably efficient, easily casts and enjoyable for the simple reason that they are specifically designed for SAS (Sustained Anchor Systemology). The philosophy behind SAS is simple: The Skagit cast is a water base cast with the rod load coming from the tension between the water surface and the line. As Such a sustained anchor cast where the fly remains stationary until the final power stroke is the most efficient form of casting. Our lines are shorter than traditional skagit lines and perform exceedingly well with a continuous "out and around" casting stroke. There is no pause before the final stroke and the cast is one continuous motion. Pure Skagit lines take beginning casters and make them effective. They take experienced casters to a whole new universe of casting pleasure. Our Commando heads excel on conventional two hand "Spey" rods but are optimized for shorter switch rods from 10 -12 foot.

But where these lines really get interesting is in single hand casting. We have taken two handed casting theory, traditionally associated with steelhead and salmon and applied it to the micro end of the spectrum. Now you can skagit cast and swing flies for everything from sea run cutthroat trout to smallmouth bass to panfish with rods as light as a 3 weight, and as short as 6 foot. The same principals of sustained anchor and water load apply. You can haul or not, back cast or not, roll cast, skagit cast, just about whatever you want to do, these lines will do it and they will fly off your rod tip.

Commando Head Specs -

SKU	Head Weight	Length	Color	Sink Rate
PS-150	150gr	12ft	Sauk Blue	Float
PS-175	175gr	12ft	Sauk Blue	Float
PS-200	200gr	13.5ft	Sauk Blue	Float
PS-225	225gr	13.5ft	Sauk Blue	Float
PS-250	250gr	13.5ft	Sauk Blue	Float
PS-275	275gr	13.5ft	Sauk Blue	Float
PS-300	300gr	15ft	Sauk Blue	Float
PS-325	325gr	15ft	Sauk Blue	Float
PS-350	350gr	15ft	Sauk Blue	Float
PS-375	375gr	15ft	Sauk Blue	Float
PS-400	400gr	16.5ft	Sauk Blue	Float
PS-425	425gr	16.5ft	Sauk Blue	Float
PS-450	450gr	18ft	Sauk Blue	Float
PS-475	475gr	18ft	Sauk Blue	Float

Lazer Line - 

Olympic Peninsula Skagit Tactics Pure Skagit Lazer Line is the slickest running line out there. This is a line for those of us who love to launch a cast, sit back, maybe eat a sandwich while the line rushes out of the guides and pulls line off the reel as is comes tight. Lazer Line is hydrophobic, extremely durable, consistent over a broad range of temperatures and virtually impervious to memory. It features a slight, calculated stretch that allows for extremely sleek and strong knots. This stuff will rock with your Scandi head as well. We searched far and wide for the perfect running line and knew we could do better than what was on the current market. Pure Skagit Lazer Line is quickly becoming the favorite running line of fisherman all over the world...Find out why!

Features -

• 50 meters
• Hydrophobic
• Exceptional durability
• Consistent performance in varying temperate conditions
• No permanent Memory
• High Visibility
• Beautiful Knots
• Calculated stretch

Specs -

SKU	Diameter	Line Size	Color	Total Length
RL-01	0.405mm	25lb	HiVis	50 meters
RL-02	0.435mm	30lb	HiVis	50 meters
RL-03	0.470mm	35lb	HiVis	50 meters
RL-04	0.520mm	40lb	HiVis	50 meters
RL-05	0.570mm	50lb	HiVis	50 meters

Check out this video for a great explanation of SAS



In conclusion if your skagit cast is getting a bit vision blurred before you call your optometrist set your sites on a Different Way of Thinking! It might just be what the doctored ordered...

Greg Darling 

Gorge Fly Shop Internet Sales Manager | Product Specialist

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Wooden Boat Plans And Kits | Columbia Gorge Fishing Reports June 8th

Wooden Boat Plans And Kits

June 6, 2015

Fish Boy Gabe has Mastered Carp Angling

Most of the streams in both Oregonand Washingtonare open now for general season trout fishing, so exploring the high mountain streams is an option.  The opportunities for fishing are vast in the gorge right now.  From Shad to Carp to Bass, the Columbiais fishing great.  Local tributaries have kicked out a few early steelhead, and there is still a chance for catching a Chinook Salmon or two, but make sure to check the regulations before you head out the door.

WASHINGTON:

http://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/01590/wdfw01590.pdf

OREGON: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/docs/2015/2015%20Oregon%20Sport%20Fishing%20Regs_r12-11-14.pdf

John and I did an opening day float on the Klickitat on Monday.  I managed to get one fish to eat early in the day and I lost him at my feet after a quick battle.  It was the first opening day fish I have hooked in the Klick in three or four years now. 

There are thousands of hungry steelhead smolt in the river right now and keeping them off the line is difficult.  There are certain flies and colors that they like and dislike more than others, but its pretty tough to deal with them if you are in the thick of a smolt school.  There was a run where I just had to sit down and wait for John to stop because the smolt were hitting my fly on every cast from the second it hit the water to the second I recast it. 

American Shad are running thick on the Columbia River right now.  The majority of the action happens below Bonneville Dam, near Beacon Rock, near Cascade Locks and upstream near Rufus.  If you can find them you can catch them.  They are hard fighting fish that readily take flies and are tons of fun on a 5 or 6wt fly rod.

Fishboy Gabe has been catching carp on the fly with some consistency lately.  They are in shallow on the Columbiaand the impoundments near the highway 84 and feeding late into the evening.  Carp often stop tailing in the shallows in the mid afternoon, making evening fishing hard, but they have been feeding heavily lately all day from sunrise to sunset.

Rainbow Trout on the Deschutes Riverare still a great option for anglers.  The fishing has not been red hot, but there have been some great days and some bad days out there.  Small dark caddis have been hatching later in the day, while nymphing with a #20 flashback pheasant tail has been the most consistent during the day.  If you get out super early, a spent caddis will work before the sun comes up.  Swinging a soft hackle on a micro spey has been good and streamer fishing has been good in the mornings. 

Remember that there is NO FISHING FROM A BOAT ON THE DESCHUTES and also, fishing on the Warm Springs Reservation is highly regulated, so check the regulations before you start fishing on the wrong side… Some sections require a permit and others are prohibited all together. 

Spring Chinook have really shut down in a lot of places.  The Klickitat River has been a bright spot in the area for Chinook.  Anglers have been able to catch a fish or two a day with plugs or drifting bait through the deep holes.  The river below Bonneville Dam has been opened the past few days and rumors of the big “June Hogs” have been circulating though the area. 

The Cowlitz Riverhas been kicking out some summer steelhead already, and is probably the most consistent producer of fish in the Northwest for steelhead through the summer. 

The Klickitat River opened for summer steelhead and Chinook salmon on Monday, June 1.  The action has been good for June.  Typically, the water is high and dirty this time of year and it makes steelhead fishing tough.  With low water conditions, it feels more like fall out there.  There are steelhead in the river, but we are a few months away from consistent fishing. 

Smallmouth Bass have been hitting topwater late in the day on the Columbia River and John Day River. Look for structure near deeper water, but the fish may be in shallow late and early in the day.  There are big fish around, it just takes some searching.

Rainbow, Cutthroat, Brown and Brook Trout have been eating flying ants in the high elevation lakes.  They tend to gorge on them later in the day when the bugs start flying heavily.  Damselfly nymphs and callibaetis are also working well, along with smaller chironomids.  Timothy, Clear, Trillium, Laurence and Lost Lakes are all great OregonLakes, while Merrill and Goose Lakes are great choices for Washington anglers.

As always, we are happy to talk fishing any time.  Give us a call if you have any specific questions on local rivers, gear, and tactics, or if you just want some encouragement to get out of the office.  

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

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Plywood Boat Plans | Monster Redfish In Louisiana

Plywood Boat Plans

Travis putting the brakes on a Bull Red

My dad sets the hook on a monster redfish, over thirty pounds. His Winston Boron III Plus tied in a knot as his Nautilus CCFX2 fly reel screams!

It all started three months prior while fishing tarpon in Florida. My guide Greg Dini talked about guiding big reds in Louisiana. "I really want to do that sometime" I told him. 

"When is the best time" I asked Greg. 

He said "from October to January, but the first of October to mid November is prime".
"when do you have any openings" I asked.
"January sometime" he responded.
"I will have to look at my calendar" I said.

A few nights later over dinner with the guys, Greg got a text from his wife. "My wife just text me that a guy canceled a redfish trip October 11th to 14th". A few of the guys said they might want those days but would have to wait until they got home to make sure. Knowing the dates would be gone by if any of us hesitated I grabbed them. I would make room on the calendar later, you just can not pass up prime dates like that with a guide like Greg.

It was a long three months waiting for these dates to finally come. Here we are in Louisiana home of the monster redfish. Just landed in New Orleans, heading to pickup the rental. After a hour delay at the rental car company we were on the road to Venice Louisiana. Venice is on the southern tip of Louisiana. Know for its world class sport fishing. It is also the first spot that the giant bull redfish stop on their migration into the Louisiana marsh for winter.

After a 75 mile drive we were at our destination, Venice Louisiana. It was now dark so we could see much. We made our way to our hotel, put our gear together for the next day and hit the sack. We were supposed to meet Greg at the marina at 8:15 AM.

Venice, Louisiana

We got up early and headed to the marina. Now that it was light we could see the town, it was small and spread out. Not much there so plan ahead. We arrived at the marina, found the restaurant that Greg suggested. We ordered our breakfast and a couple of sandwiches for lunch.

At 8:15 we met Greg at the dock after breakfast we walked down to the dock and met up with Greg. Greg grabbed our rods and quickly rigged them, then we were off. His flats boat was full throttle, we were flying through the canals and marsh near the mouth of the Mississippi River. After 15 minutes of running Greg throttled down the skiff, killed the motor and hopped on the poling platform. He told me “Grab your Winston with the big streamer I tied on”.


I jumped to the bow and got ready. I no longer got my line stripped off and Greg shouted “One o’clock, 50 feet, coming at you”. “Wait, let him get closer, Ok cast now”.

Inhaled the Fly

I made my cast right on the red fishs head, as soon as I started stripping the fly he inhaled the fly. Greg said “ Set the hook, set it hard”. I set the hook and the red turned away and started pulling hard. I could see that this was not one of the monster reds I had came here for, but it still surprised me how hard it was pulling. It felt like a chinook salmon, a chinook on a flat. After a few minutes I pulled the fish over to where Greg could grab the leader. My dad and Greg snapped a few quick pictures and the red went back in the water. “How big was that one” I asked. “Small about 12 lbs” he replied.

Greg said “Nice job, now lets go find a bigger one”. He did not pole the boat more than 100 feet and there was another red, bigger, much bigger. Greg asked “ Do you see him coming at you 10 o’clock?”

“Yes I do” I replied. “Ok cast now” Greg said. My first cast was a few feet right, I picked up and set the fly a few feet in front of the red. Just like the first he quickly inhaled the fly, I set the hook. The red took off, stripping my line off the reel quickly. My Winston BIII Plus 9’ 9 weight fly rod was absolutely tied in a knot. Once the fish stopped I applied about as much pressure as I thought the rod could handle. These reds are strong! Once I had the fish wore out, Greg tailed the fish. He handed the red to me, it was much heavier. “How big is it” I asked. “About 20 lbs.” Greg responded.

This was the size fish I came here for, huge shoulders, giant head and big enough mouth to swallow any 18 inch trout whole!

I got back up to the front as two big jacks shot in front of the boat. I asked Greg “were those jacks”. “Yes, about 20 to 25 lbs” he replied. We then explained to dad about how hard jacks fight, I don’t think he really realized how serious we were.

Greg got a call from a fellow guide friend, he reported that he was in one of the big flats covered with big reds crushing pogies (a favorite bait fish of reds). Greg said “ we have to get over there, the surface fishing should be excellent!” He fired up the 115 horse motor and off we went. After about five minutes we came to the flat. As far as you could see there were pogies jumping on the surface. Every once in awhile the surface would explode as a red would crush the pogies on the surface.

Greg pulled out a spin rod with a giant surface plug about 8 inches long. The plug did not have a hook on it. Greg explained he would use the plug to locate a redfish since the water was much murkier on this flat. It was now dad’s turn at the bowe. Greg had him grab the 9’ 10 weight G. Loomis GLX Crosscurrent that we had brought. He had previously rigged it with a huge popper, about 6 inches total length. Greg started casting the huge plug, jerking it violently across the surface. A big redfish exploded on the surface inhaling the plug. Greg jerked the plug away from the red, then told dad “cast to the red, right in the boil it left”

Dad made a cast, started popping the the popper across the surface. A massive wake appeared behind the popper as a redfish speed up behind the popper, then springing forward eating the popper. Dad jerked, the fly pulled right out of the reds mouth. Greg said “don’t trout set, you want to keep the rod tip in the water and strip to set the hook.” This is something every trout angler will struggle with. Nothing a trout angler does set the hook on trout, steelhead or salmon is right for setting the hooking in saltwater on a flats fish. It is easier to say than do, but you want to keep the tip in the water and just make a long hard strip with a fish eats a fly in salt. I can explain all the reasons why it works better, but it does.

A few minutes later dad got a chance to redeem himself as a red once again crushed Greg’s hookless plug. Dad cast to the boil, a big red inhales his popper. Dad tightens his line on the fish. The red instantly started burning off line taking about 50 yards of backing. Greg shouts “ this is a big one!” Dad battled this red for probably close to 10 minutes before Greg could get his hands on it. Once landed I could see this fish was considerably bigger. “Greg how big is this one” I asked. he replies “about 31 to 32 lbs.”

Albert wrestling a big red on the fly

Dad had a few more shots, then it was my turn back at the bow. Dad picked up a G. Loomis Escape 3 piece travel spin rod that I had brought. He cast that rigged with a big plug from the back of the boat while I cast the fly rod with popper from the front. For a few hours we hooked, landed and lost numerous big reds in the 20 lb to 30 lb. range. We had many doubles and even a few triples after I convinced Greg to cast a couple of times once dad and I were doubled up. It was a epic day, dad kept saying this was the best fishing trip he had been on. I had to remind him it was only the first day and we had 3 left.

That day came to an end as we returned to the dock at Venice Marina. Greg said “same time and place tomorrow morning”. Dad and I went up to the restaurant overlooking the marina. We had some great food and a few beers as we recalled our great day of fishing. While we were there multiple offshore boats came to the dock, unloading their days catch of mahi mahi, swordfish, yellowfin and blackfin tuna. It was time to go back to the hotel and get ready for the next day.

Landed!

The next morning we piled in Greg’s skiff and away we went. This time we headed Southeast to the other side of the Mississippi. After about a 30 minute run Greg powered down the boat as we slid into a shallow flat. The wind from the day before had turned the bottom, causing this flat to be a little more colored than the flats yesterday. Greg had me get on the bow with the Winston rigged with the streamer. Right away Greg spotted a red floating near the surface. “Travis do you see it about 70 feet, 12 o’clock coming at you”. Once the red was at about 40 feet I made my cast, it was perfect, the red ate the fly and I trout set. I blew it and missed the fish.

“What did you do! You trout set, don’t trout set”. Greg said in disappointment. That was the biggest fish we had seen and the trout angler in me blew it. That morning was a lot of that for me, I had many shots landing a few and missing most due to trout setting. It is easy to tell myself not to trout set, but sometimes it is just natural reaction.

Later that morning I huge read was cruising my way. Greg told me “ it is at 30 feet cast”. I made the cast and trout set once again. The fly pulled out of the reds mouth, the red circled looking for the fly, I cast again. She ate it once again, I trout set once again. I made another cast, trout set again missing the fish. “Travis what are you doing” Greg asked. The red was at 50 feet going away. I bombed a quick last chance cast, she ate it, I kept the rod tip in the water and strip set. She was on!

“That is a big red” Greg yelled!

I fought the fish then slid her in towards the boat so Greg could tail her. Greg lifted the pig out of the water. “look at her” he said as he handed the monster to me. It was all I could do to hold here for all the photos. These big reds are so heavy in the shoulders and head. Greg released the big red as she pushed away from the boat. I asked Greg “how big was she?”
“37 lbs or 38 lbs” he replied. That was a big red!

The rest of this second day was excellent. The 3rd day started off a little slow. The wind was coming from a different direction than the weather report said it should. This made fishing a little more difficult than normal. After a few hours Greg found some fish.

These Reds were happy and cruising the surface. Greg said “Grab the popper rod”.

So I quickly grabbed the popper rod, jumped to the bow. Greg stepped in behind me with his camera ready to shoot the popper eat. Here comes a nice big red, I lead the fish a few feet, start chuggint the big popper across the surface. The big red turns, follows the fly then explodes on it! The fight was on.

“Greg did you get that eat on film” I asked. It was amazing. “Yes I did” he replied.

Nautilus CCF-x2

This great popper fishing continued for about another hour, big red after big red. Then the monster came cruising at us! It was a huge red, high thirties or possibly forty plus. I made my cast, she turned like the rest followed and inhaled the popper. I set the hook, the monster raced towards deep water. As the line cleared the deck it flew up wrapping around my hand. As I was able to clear the line from my hand the loop tangled around my reel handle. It was to late, the red pulled the line tight about ripping the handle off. The 40 lb. shock leader snapped like it was 6x tippet. The power of that fish was pure amazing!

The fourth and last day came fast, fishing was once again amazing. Greg put us on a few huge schools of migrating reds, one school was near a thousand fish. We doubled up several times.

Many Doubles

As that day came to an end it was hard to believe this trip was all ready over. Dad and I had a blast, boated piles of reds, got to see some new country, marked another trip off the bucket list. But it won’t stop there I re-booked for next year, same dates, same place. Sorry Dad, Lyndsey (my wife) said that I have to take here next time. I also booked a Tarpon trip in Florida with Greg for the upcoming spring!

Greg is one of those guides that there is not enough of.  He not only is a great angler, but a great teacher.  His knowledge of the fishery and how to approach it is as good as it gets. He is also a great photographer as you can see in the many great photos. You can contact Greg Dini at his website http://www.louisianaflyfishing.com or call 504-909-0941

Travis Duddles
Owner and CEO | Gorge Fly Shop
541.386.6977

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Boat Designs And Plans | Gorge Fly Shop Fishing Reports January 19th

Boat Designs And Plans

Gorge Fly Shop Weekly Fishing Report

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

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Boden Boat Plans Australia | Skagit ology 3 0 The Trilogy Comes to Light

Boden Boat Plans Australia

“The Trilogy Comes to Light”

John Garrett

Every once in a while in the course of fly fishing evolution, something happens or is created, that changes the game. Techniques are tweaked and fine-tuned, rod technology introduces lighter and stronger materials which in turn make it possible to cast, especially with a two handed rod, all day long with little or no fatigue, reel materials and drag systems just keep getting better and better as well. In this post I want to focus on the Skagit style spey lines. This “Skagit” style of spey casting has opened up a whole new world for many fly anglers and generated what I would call a revolution.

I can remember some years ago when I first started seeing two handed spey rods on the rivers I was guiding. Curious, I asked the first fellow I saw with one…”what kind of rod are you fishing with?” and he quickly replied…”Spey rod”. This thing was huge, I mean (I’m not certain but vaguely remember) it had to have been fifteen feet and he said it was a 9/10wt. I asked him if I could hold it and check it out and he was gracious enough and let me interrupt his routine. When he put that rod in my hand, I kid you negative, it seriously felt like I was holding on to a telephone pole. At that moment, right then and there, I convinced myself that I would NEVER be a spey fisherman. I refused to fish with a telephone pole and such heavy equipment for the six to fifteen pound steelhead that I would typically catch. It seemed like a lot of work and major overkill to me.

So, I put that technique in the back of my mind and filed it under: “I’ll never do that again” and I moved on. Years past by and right under my nose the spey industry was evolving and I was missing out on it. Next thing I see…another guy with a smaller, lighter rod…so on and so on…to the point now that I am becoming very interested in this spey thing. This was before the spey explosion, we are experiencing today. Now, I know that Skagit style casting has been around for a while now, but even in the realm of just Skagit style casting, there has been considerable changes since it first came about. The beautiful thing about Skagit style casting is its versatility but with that versatility comes what some would consider mass confusion.

Here in a reprinted copy of George Cook and Erik Johnson’s Skagit/ology 3.0, George and Erik help simplify and bring to light the very Heads (lines) that are part of the confusion. Let me say that in giving credit where credit is due, I would personally like to state that George “Georgie” Cook deserves to be on the name dropping list that he himself includes in this piece. A master caster/angler, and a rep worth his weight in gold, who’s been in the game for a long time, he knows his stuff and is passionate about it. Thank you Georgie and Erik for sharing these golden nuggets…

Skagit/ology 3.0 (2014 | 2015)

By George Cook | Erik Johnson

Over a decade has passed since the introduction of the vaunted, original Yellow Skagit Line. However, despite its effectiveness and popularity, misconception, confusion, and lack of overall clarity of the use of Skagit Lines remains. The following is a short but specific conversation regarding the history and usage of the various Skagit lines in the worldwide spey fishing theater.

History – Beginning in the 1990’s many of today’s most recognizable spey authorities independently where developing Skagit type lines. Noted casters and anglers such as Ed Ward, Mike Kinney, Scott O’Donnell, Scott Howell, Mike McCune, Jerry French and the legendary Harry Lemire among others were at the forefront of the Skagit revolution. Along the banks of Northwest rivers coupled with late nights in the depths of fly tying rooms of the Pacific Northwest the chop-shop artist and line theologists were hard at work developing what would become today’s Skagit Lines. Some would cut and splice their way, others would utilize bumped up WindCutter bodies to perfect the craft. The shorter belly approach was underway. The day had come to maximize the spey rod for winter Steelhead conditions as well as Alaskan and B.C. Kings with large outsized flies. The use of Northwest hybrid and Skagit Casts such as the Snap Tee, Perry Poke, Snap Z and Wombat lent themselves to a shorter more powerful approach. Today the Skagit line is THE approach to sinking line endeavors worldwide. Be it Kings in Alaska to Sea Run Browns of the Rio Grande from the Umpqua to the Babine and all points in between. The Skagit Line has become the omnipresent tool. Originally developed purely as a sink tip asset, the Skagit line also can be an effective full floating line particularly on 12’ to 13’9” rods. To be sure, the spey caster will endure a greater level of stripping of line to recast (applies to all Skagit lines versus mid to long belly lines) but the reward is a undeniable highly energized, long and straight cast.

Types – The original RIO Skagit Line worked from a 27’ body that today in the era of the new Skagit Max is found in a 23’ to 25’ length. In 2009, the Skagit Short came onboard providing and ideal line for switch rods as well as shorter spey rods in the 12-12’9” range. These lines are specialized shorter 17’ to 20’ Skagit lines now know today as the Skagit Max Short. Often times the Max Short serves the ardent spey caster well in strategic tight corridor situations often found in such Steelhead haunts as the Oregon Coast, Olympic Peninsula and Vancouver Island.

Usage – Specific Skagit Line size (grain weight) math-ups come with a degree of variability coupled with angler opinion. Line speed versus load, moderate versus fast action all add up to a witch’s brew of variables that must be fleshed out on any given rod regardless of manufacturer. The great casters often find themselves 25 to 100 grains apart on any given rod. In the end the angler must boil it down and get the details. All in all, most spey rods 12’ to 15’ in length will have as many as three different Skagit Lines that will work. For example, the TCX 7126-4 aka “The Deathstar” can work with a Skagit Max Long in 525, Skagit Max 550 and even 575. The 525 offers the line speed choice while the 575 offers the mas load choice. Generally, one will be ideal. To discover this, the angler must seek out opinion within the spey community, be it a guide, angling buddies, factory rep or retail representative, as we as GET OUT AND CAST!

Skagit Max Short – Ideal for switch rods in the 10’6” to 11’9” range along with application for shorter spey rods in the 12’ to 12’9” range, 8 weight and under. These are specialized shorter 17’ to 20’ Skagit lines. These lines are also perfectly at home on 9 to 10 foot single handed rods in a single hand spey approach. The new Max Short is available in 25 grain increments from 200 grains to 650 grains.

Skagit Max – The Max is a true game changer featuring RIO’s exclusive connect-core technology, along with a new taper that produces outrageous line speed with wind slicing tight loops. Available from 425 grains up to 750 grains, these revolutionary 23’ to 25’ heads are destined to become a Northwest favorite.

New Skagit Max LONG – While the last decade has witnessed an ever increasing angler preference for shorter spey rods with 12’6” – 13’6” becoming the “GO TO” Length in 6,7, even 9 & 10 weights, the reality in the worlds waterways is that there are still plenty of spey enthusiasts upon the water plying their trade with 13’4” to 15’ rods. In this, there is now an identifiable trilogy of applications to the Skagit Max family. Skagit Max Short is dead on for today’s switch rods. Rio’s Skagit Max hits the mark in fine fashion for the 12’ to 13’3” Spey rod entries. Time has repeatedly shown that once an angler’s spey rod reaches 13’4” – 13’6”+ in length the reality of Skagit use dictates a Skagit Head North of 27’!! New Fall of 2014 please welcome the New Skagit Max Long Series! Featuring 500 through 750 grain offerings in the critical 27’ -30’ length that sets the stage for Skagit use success with rods 13’4” to 15’. These new Skagit Max Long lines feature the vaunted Skagit Max taper along with RIO’s Connect Core Technology in a slightly elongated taper. To be sure, in today’s use of the various MOW family tips as well as conventional 15’ tips, along with the brand NEW introduction of the In Touch T-Series (T-8 through T-20) that is typically custom cut in 9’ through 15’ lengths. The Max Long Taper ensures consistent, repeatable, “D” loop formation in its purest form transcending to forward stroke success with optimal line speed, directional acuity, and MAX potential DISTANCE.

Also found in the Skagit family of lines are the Skagit IFlight and IShort lines. These strategic use heads feature a largely intermediate body that serves to sustain an acquired swing depth. Coupled with various sink tips, and iM.O.W. systems, these lines can serve the angler well for deep lies for winter Steelhead, spring and summer Chinook, and South American Sea-Run Browns.

Building a la carte Skagit Floating Lines – The Skagit line as a floating line is both an effective and practical match up particularly on 12’ to 13’9” spey rods. The a la carte construction for a full floating line works as follows; Skagit Max 550 as an example (23’) with a #9, 15’ floating tip or a 10’ Floating Medium M.O.W. tip. This format gives you a complete Versi-Tip approach with your Skagit line in the a la carte floating line approach.

No doubt spey casting has more opinion out there than any other sport other than maybe Archery. In this, one thing remains true to form. Sink tip lines, in conjunction with intruder type flies get free flight lessons, long and straight with the Skagit Max Family of tapers. Floating line enthusiasts upon acceptance of extra line strip will enjoy the benefit of highly energized long straight cast with dries and summer patterns as well.

George Cook/Erik Johnson: July 2014


Closing Thoughts – since working at the Gorge Fly Shop nearly 4 years ago I take calls on a daily basis where customers are confused or need clarification on how to set up their system. I hope that this post will help in some way clarify any questions you may have. Glean what you need to and enjoy the sport of spey casting/fishing. Remember you can always, always call us at the Gorge Fly Shop with any questions you may still have, we love spey casting/fishing and when we can’t actually be on the water we like to do the next best thing and that’s “talking about it”.

Over my fishing career I can honestly say that I’ve never seen a single technique overtake a fishery as dominantly as Skagit style casting, and fishing for steelhead with a spey/switch rod. I’ve seen tons of techniques come and go over the years (both fly and gear), and I’ve been a part of a couple, but again never have I seen such a dominating takeover. I seriously rarely even see a single handed rod on any steelhead river I fish nowadays. Don’t let confusion keep you out of the game. We are here to help you. Have fun out there, and if you recognize me on the water say hello and remember…”If you can’t find it at the Gorge Fly Shop, you don’t need it”…


John Garrett
Gorge Fly Shop

Fly Fish the World with the Gorge Fly Shop

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Boat Designs And Plans | The Genius of RIO’s Skagit MOW and iMOW Tips

Boat Designs And Plans

Originally brought forth by the “3 Speyketeers” as I call them, Mike McCune/Scott O’Donnell and Ed Ward (Hence the name MOW…McCune-O’Donnell-Ward). The MOW System is nothing short of brilliant!

Available in Light (T-8 format 7.0 ips), Medium (T-11, 8.0 ips), Heavy (T-14 format @9.0 ips) and Extra Heavy (T-17, 10.0 ips) .

Each MOW Family (Series) has 6 “Family Members” consisting of the following:

                10’ Floating Tip

10’ Sinking Tip

12.5” Sinking Tip

THEN….the 3 MOW’s…..7.5 x 2.5 (7.5 Floating integrated into 2.5 of given make up say medium as an example in T-11). 2^nd MOW is a 5 x 5 (5’ of Floating integrated into 5’ on sinking).MOW #3 is a 2.5 x 7.5 (2.5 of Floating Integrated into 7.5 of sinking).

MOW Tip Kits

There are two ways to get these 6 family members, either individually or in a MOW Kit (Say, a MOW Medium Kit as an example).

Practical Usages as prescribed below….

10’ Floating Tip : The MOW system is built for use with Skagit Style Spey Lines . Regardless of Skagit “Type” (RIO formula’s include Skagit Max Short, Skagit Max & Skagit Max Long) the MOW’s are formulated to play in the Skagit line theater. The 10’ Floating Tip is a quick way to “Ala Carte” your Skagit Line into a Full Floating use line.

10’ and 12.5’ Sink Tips: Available throughout the MOW Range (Light/Medium/Heavy/EX Heavy), these practical length sink tips play incredibly well with a wide range of Spey and switch rods making them a wonderful addition to the standard “Traditional” 15’ sink tips (Intermediate/Type 3, 6 and Type 8). These 2 sink tips will provide the Angler with sink rates from 7.0 ips (Light T-8) all the way to 10.0 ips (EX Heavy T-17)that will cover a wide range of use from Alaskan Kings to Tierra Del Fuego Sea Run Browns as well as the full gamut of Steelhead application.

The 3 True MOW’s

Here is where the absolute Genius of the MOW boys shines brightest !  Given that any “Cut” sink tip under 9’ is likely going to basically become a boomerang/tumbler within the cast that will prove to be ugly at best and ultra frustrating at worst. The “Integration Format” that McCune/Scotty O and Ed brought to the table from their “Chop Shop” artistry days providing the stability/cast-ability of a 10’ common denominator in overall length coupled with the desirable “Baby Tips” making for one of the all time great innovations.

7.5 x 2.5 (2.5 being the Sinking Portion): True “Rock Garden/Tail Out Probe Tool”. One could think of a 15’ Type 3 in this instance but the beauty of the MOW idea/format is that the mere 2.5 sinking portion is simply unrivaled when it comes to sliding around and thru such haunts. The traditional 15’ sink tip or even the 10’ and 12.5” MOW Sink Tip family members are all prone to “Swing Drag Thru” often catching/hanging up and killing any real chance at a follow and/or GRAB.

5 x5 (5’ Floating with 5’ Sinking):  Again, another Rock Garden probe but long enough to provide quick drop for given slots particularly in ledge rock environments found in many Steelhead streams. The 5 x 5  MOW Heavy (T-14 Format) is a great one for such a task where the angler needs a quick drop into a slot where he’ll need to engage quickly in order to be in that zone/slot target area. Lots of Pacific Northwest watersheds feature just such places making the 5 x 5 MOW a handy tool.

2.5 x 7.5 (7.5 being the sinking portion): My personal favorite in both the standard MOW as well as IMOW (See Below). This “Baby Tip” if you will has tons of application for a host of fisheries most certainly including the trout game. Given water depth and speed considerations often play perfectly into the hands of the 2.5 x 7.5 MOW quite often in the MOW Medium (T-11) format. Incredibly versatile sliding thru the boulders and swinging “All The way In” giving both “The Long Followers and The Down Below You” Critters time and opportunity to run down or run into your swung offering.

iMOW Family

The innovation of the Intermediate style Skagit Heads necessitated the invention of the iMOW in order to accommodate MOW usage with such an Intermediate format head (Substituting Integrated Intermediate VS Floating as found in the original MOW format), this is the obvious use of an iMOW but certainly not limited to an iFlight/IMAX format line. I personally love the iMOW’s, as a general MOW use tool as they can, and do have their place covering a host of angling waters particularly where you know going in, that the bottom format is relatively clean but needing “Less” of a given sink tip. iMOW’s come in LIGHT/Medium and Heavy. Kits have 6 family members with the previously mentioned 10’ floating Tip subbed out for a 10’ Intermediate tip.

iMOW Family:

                10’ Intermediate Tip

10’ Sink Tip

12.5” Sinking Tip

       The 3 iMOW’s

7.5 x 2.5 (7.5 is intermediate integrated to 2.5 of given sink tip say iMOW Heavy T-14 as an example)

5 x 5 IMOW

2.5 x 7.5 IMOW

Al in all, the MOW Families have a lot to offer the Spey and Switch Rod enthusiast. I can tell you with absolute confidence that every angler out there has/knows places that are “Made To Order” for MOW use, in particular the 3 True MOW tips. The Spey community owes a lot to the genius of the “3 Speyketeers “ Mike Mc Cune, Scott O’Donnell and Ed Ward.

Find RIO MOW Tips at Gorge Fly Shop

More about Sink Tips in Sink Tips, Polyleaders, VersiLeaders - A Buyers Guide

George Cook
Anglers Rendezvous
Northwest Representative
Sage, Rio, Redington

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

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Dinghy Boat Plans | Tarpon Anticipation

Dinghy Boat Plans

So you hear that anticipation is half the fun of going on a trip. Well I have to agree. 

 Two months ago I was invited on a very exclusive hard to book tarpon trip in florida. Where? Cant tell you, if I do I dont get to go back, EVER! Have you ever seen the movie Location X? Well if you havent, find it watch it and tell me about it, it is all sold out and I have been looking for it. That is where I am going!

I have heard a ton about this amazing tarpon fishery and now I have a chance to go! So now I am at Buffalo Wild Wings in Portland Oregon having a cold beer thinking about the trip. I have an early flight out in the morning to Orlando Florida where I will meet up with my buddy Tom Larimer who is attending ICAST, the world fishing and fly fishing trade show. From there we will head out to our destination.

I have been trying to picture this trip in my mind. For a while now, I keep playing out how the day will go; We spot tarpon, keep calm, hit your target, set the hook, the fight begins! I want that picture of me chest deep in the water holding a 100 plus pound tarpon!

Knowing my shoulders are both shot can I really battle the silver king? Well we will see.

The point is half the fun of the trip is the anticipation, the processing. Remember that all last longer than the trip. Adventure that is what it is all about, if everything was the same it would be boring.

Update coming soon.

Travis Duddles
Owner and CEO | Gorge Fly Shop
541.386.6977

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

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Pontoon Boat Plans | Airflo Compact Skagit Generation G2

Pontoon Boat Plans

Skagit Compact Generation 2

I recently had the chance to talk with Tom Larimer about the New Airflo Skagit Compact G2 Spey Head. He designed this brand-spanking new line, as well as the original Skagit Compact and is the premier steelhead spey line designer in the Northwest.

The original Skagit Compact was just about perfect, so any changes would have to be very meticulously planned and tested, and there is no better man for a meticulous job than Tom. The changes he made are all definite improvements. The major difference between the new G2 and the old Skagit Compact is that the G2 is shortened up to better match today’s rods. Spey rods have shortened up over the past couple of years. Ten years ago, it was rare to see rods under 13’0”, with 14’ rods being about average in length, whereas today’s rods average between 12’6” and 13’6”. The new G2 heads better match the average rods for each grain window.

Another change that Tom made is lengthening the back taper. This helps create longer loops by increasing the length of time/distance it takes to turn over the whole line once it is in the air. It should be easier to keep a cast looking pretty in the air, but it really means longer casts with less energy expended.

Speaking of the back taper… the new two-tone color scheme is pleasing to fish with. It changes at the back taper so you never have to think about which end connects to the running line again, it’s blue.

The important change in the back taper is that it slightly increased in diameter without increasing the relative grains per foot. This is called specific gravity. How much does it float vs. how much does it weigh? By increasing the floatation in the very back end of the line, it will be easier to get the initial break in water tension. This means less initial energy to start the cast, easier mending and better line control.

Tom also had Airflo add their new Super-Dri coating, upgrading from the Polyfuse coating of the past models. Super-Dri is longer lasting with less color fading, better water repulsion, and better floatation, although the specific gravity in the entirety of the line did not change, as in the middle and front part of the line does not float any better than the original Skagit Compact. This is important because if a Skagit Head were to float too high, it would more easily glide through the water and anglers would blow their anchors more often. We need our spey lines to stick to the water just a little bit and this did not change form the previous model.

Besides all of the changes, you probably are wondering how it casts. The 540 grain is the best line that I have cast on my 13’4” 7wt Burkheimer and the Echo Glass 7129-4. I haven’t tried any other sizes yet, but I don’t see it being a problem with any modern spey rod as long as the grain weights are right. It turns over T-14 and big, heavy flies with ease, casts as far and as pretty as I could hope, and it looks good too. Rio, Scientific Anglers and Airflo all make very good Skagit heads that are all wonderful to cast, but I truly think that the Airflo G2 is as good as a Skagit line can be.

We have a few of the Airflo Compact Skagit Generation 1s on SALE!...Theyre going quick!

The Gorge Fly Shop Team

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

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