Gear Review: Holiday gift guide for the avid angler

• Dragonfly’s Marsh Hen is a lightweight, low cost, high quality flats boat made for the working-man angler that wants to launch where only canoes and kayaks can, and fish where only birds can go

Marsh Hen 15 standards include fore & aft storage with Dri-Dek; exterior trim 3/4-inch J Rail; interior trim 3/8-inch; Bow eye; rounded chines for quiet entry; built-in spray rails; built-in non-skid floor; 9.9 HP engine. Composite fiberglass lamination in your choice of color: Aqua Mist, Seafoam Green, or Fighting Lady Yellow. [information] MARSH HEN Beam: 50-inches • Length: 15-feet • Fuel: 6 gallons • Weight: 135-pounds Boat, motor, trailer: $13,000 Website . . . Email: dragonflyboats@bellsouth.net Dragonfly Boatworks LLC 3435 Aviation Blvd. Vero Beach, FL 32960 P: 772.567.8835 • F: 772.567.8836 [/information]

• Now that your last child is off the payroll and you’ve just won the lottery, it’s time to go everywhere to fish. Try this non gas-guzzling, eco friendly RV. It’s made to go anywhere, park anywhere, fish two and sleep two – comfortably

Like all Roadtrek models the 170 is a little stand-up cramping if you’re in the NBA guard height of over 6-feet tall. But no one spends his or her day walking around in any Class B RV. The 170 makes up for the height issue with its go anywhere attitude. Other Roadtrek models are longer – offering more features and more storage. [information]

Website . . . Dealer price new 2014 around $100,000 / used 170 and other models are always available. [/information]

• Fishing books are dream makers or self-help guides. All Fishermen Are Liars  and The Ultimate Guide to Fishing South Florida on Foot, respectively make dreams and provide insider where-to and how-to information

Steve Kantner

Steve’s book is a trustworthy guide for the walk-in angler interested in catching fish in South Florida. Steve’s been a commercial fisherman, guide, casting instructor and has written for all the national fishing publications – too many to list. And his flies are failsafe fish catchers, but never seen in fly shops.

John Gierach

A tribute to the elusive art and ineffable pleasure of fly-fishing. This 17th book is rhapsodic prose. “Even on those rare days when you trudge off to a trout stream not so much because you want to, but because your livelihood depends on it,” writes Gierach, “you have a better day at the office than most.” [information] The Ultimate Guide to Fishing South Florida on Foot All Fishermen Are Liars [/information]

• 3-TAND is an A-list fly reel company with a working-man’s price tag that has what it takes to be a handed down to a son or daughter

3-TAND is one of our favorite new reel companies and that sentiment was shared by a committee representing the IFTD at the biggest fly and conventional tackle show in the northern hemisphere: ICAST / International Fly Tackle Dealer Show. It was held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida (July 14-17 2014). The Model TF70 was the winner with an MSRP of $210. All 3-TAND Reels have A-list bearings, but at working man’s prices. Features: A waterproof housing designed to protect the mechanics of the reel, exclusive sealed carbon fiber drag system which is one of  the smoothest and strongest drag systems available today. It’s a technology they developed called NanoCF Drag™. And last but not least, a million dollar design appeal. Constructed of high grade aluminum and superior machining, the reels pack both brawny stopping power and the finesse required for micro adjustments and lighter tippets. [information] Website . . . 

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• TrueFlies clothes are sturdy, stylish and possess, unquestionably, unmatched ergonomic considerations in every product

TrueFlies was born not in a boardroom, office, mailroom, or even a living room. TrueFlies was born on a boat. A charter skiff operated by Captain Cole Fairbanks to be exact. The marriage of Captain Fairbanks’ experience and graphic designer Mike Lintz’ style, has proved to be a perfect match. Check out their expanding line of sporting wear for the fly angler, traveler, or outdoorsman. [information] Website . . . 

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• ECHO Fly Rods

What the Rajeff’s, Tim and Steve, don’t know about making fly rods or fly casting, in all its forms, could be stored on the head of a pin. Tim Rajeff, owner of Rajeff Sports makes what we believe to be some of the best fly rods at the best prices. Granted, there are many high quality conventional, switch, Spey and pin fly rods makers out there. Recently, Tim came out with Solo Outfit which is probably the best starter outfit on the market for a serious beginner or casual part-time enthusiast. It would make the perfect holiday gift. Captain Andrew Derr has been fishing a 9-weight ECHO 3 on his boats for the last three years and says they’re heavily used and have taken all of the abuse he has sent their way. He adds that the forgiving Echo 3’s are at home in hands of experienced casters as well as those newer to the sport. The price points for all Tim’s rods are working man pocket-book doable. [information] Website . . .

 

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• SPY Optics Angler sunglasses with Happy Lens technology

I first noticed the killer shades when filming a short segment with Conway Bowman last year. SPY optics has a beautiful lineup of frames and the Angler style is perhaps my favorite. Think modernized and slightly larger Wayfarrer. Add their Happy Lens technology and you have got a super comfortable pair of high performance shades. I wore these glasses all fall and found them to have everything I needed in terms of form and function. I don’t look as good as Conway in them, but that’s a tall order. MSRP: $99 – $149 [information] Website . . .

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• Norvise Rotary Fly Tying Vise

Norvise screams quality craftsmanship and thoughtful design. This workhorse vise will be the last you buy. Durable construction and a responsible company that has been around for ages and isn’t going anywhere soon offer tyers the peace of mind they need to invest in this gorgeous tool. Amongst other noteworthy innovations, Norvise positions the hook on a perfect rotational centerline, allowing the hook be spun, replacing tiresome hand-over-hand wrapping. The Norvise system accommodates several configurations, or conversions — all quickly and easily mounted onto the vise arbor. These configurations will handle nearly any fly tying situation — from tiny, delicate trout flies to large saltwater patterns — each different “configuration” excels in certain applications. Check one out today at your local fly shop or simply check out some of their tying videos to see this bad lad in action. MSRP $295 [information] Website . . . 

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•  Eric Estrada art prints

We have always said that the mark of a great guitarist is you can listen to one lick and you’ll know who is playing it. Well Eric Estrada’s art is a lot like that, instantly recognizable with a beautiful and original style. Eric wastes no strokes with his paintings and now has made them affordable by offering fine art prints at a fraction of the cost of his street art influenced originals. Check out his site below for a look at some of his beautiful images. ($100.00) [information] Website . . . [/information]

• Montana Fly Company Boat Box – buy one and you’re hooked

I got my MFC (Montana Fly Company) Boat Box at the beginning of my fall season and I can’t say enough about it. I love it. In a nutshell, it is bombproof, holds and alarming number of flies, and is extremely well designed. It has four latches to completely seal out water and has a large exterior fly drying patch to hold flies until they are fully dry and ready to go back in the box. Hinges are tough. It comes in six colors for those who like to coordinate. It also accepts the addition of two large leafs that will greatly increase it’s already impressive capacity and uses slits to hold flies for the life of the product. Check one out at a dealer near you. MSRP: $69. Extra leaf inserts are $19 [information] Website . . . 

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• Flats fishing in Peconic Bay, Long Island, New York

Nope that’s not a mis-print. Flats fishing for stripers on Long Island starts up every May and lasts into July. So come visit Peconic Bay, a stunningly beautiful corner of Long Island during perhaps the most beautiful time of the year. You will be amazed that this exciting fishery exists just a a two hour drive from New York City. Striped bass come into the flats and shallows to feast on crabs, sand eels, shrimps, and cinder worms. This is not the easiest fishing for striped bass but by far the most fulfilling and exciting way to skin the proverbial cat. [information] Long Island On The Fly Feature: Spring striper season is flats season on Long Island, NY

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