As fishing guides and instructors we get to try lots of different gear on a day to day basis, some good and some not so. Below is some of this 'good stuff' we put our hands in our pockets for and use on a regular basis. If you have some 'good stuff' you'd like to share please let us know and we'll put it in future issues.
Pete likes Tiemco Dry Magic
If you fish CDC flies then this is really good. Just squeeze a little between your fingers, rub them together and apply to CDC feathers. It ain't cheap but lasts a long, long time.
Available from Funky Flytying and other Tiemco Stockists.
Pete & Jim like Barrio Fly Lines
Amongst others we like and teach with these. Available in double taper, weight forward and spey tapers there's something to suit pretty much any fly fishing situation.
Great value for money too, really supple, memory free and in colours from nature subtle to hi vis traffic light, they're as good if not better than some lines twice the price.
Available from Mike Barrio
Jim likes Snot
This I use for the tip of fly lines and leader butts for super trouble free pick ups on the glassiest of waters. It's 100% waterproof and totally odourless. 'it floats my boat'!
Available from Merlin Archery
Jim likes Feather Powder (Fletch)
I've tried every powder known to 'flyfisher-man' in an attempt to bring soaked dry and CDC flies back to life, for me this knocks spots off anything I've ever used.
It's rare that I use any floatant at all nowadays, applying this prior to casting a fly and if wet to rejuvenate it, it's served me well.
For the price you also get nigh on 3 to 4 times as much volume as anything you'll buy from a fly fishing retailer.
It's a no brainer for me and something I'm never without.
Available from Merlin Archery
Jim likes leader gauges (too much!)
I'm a total geek when it comes to leaders and in my opinion rightly so (Perhaps not to such a nerdy level). I build leaders at home and on the bank, to a degree they're more important to me than the perfect fly, atleast with a good leader but mediocre fly I can get it to where I want it and in such a manner that may just nail a fish.
Fishpond and Mike Rite versions.
(UK Outlets anyone?... please let us know)