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Hook: Ahrex NS122, #02
Thread: UTC 140D, Brown and GSP 100D, White
Tail: Strung Marabou, Lemon Yellow and Sculpin Tan
Wing: Strung Marabou, Sculpin Tan
Flash/Dubbing: Ripple Ice Fiber, Orange
Body: EP Foxy Brush, Yellow, 1.5″
Head: Spinning Deer Hair, Brown
Written by Paul Beel: J. Stockard Pro Tyer Team Leader and owner of FrankenFly
Through the years I have owned and casted many fly rods and for a good portion of those years I used what I could afford to use at the time. At one point I purchased an Eagle Claw Fiberglass Fly Rod for $45.00. It was a 4/5 weight and I used it exclusively. It performed very well and at such a cheap cost, it was most definitely a bargain.
As time passed by I purchased other rods which were mostly graphite. However, that first fiberglass rod had an impact on me and I began reading online websites like The Fiberglass Manifesto and joining the forum The Fiberglass Flyrodders. These places love fiberglass fly rods and discuss them still to this day.
I then bought my first custom built fiberglass fly rod from Midwest Custom Fly Rods. The advantage of a custom built fly rod is that you get to select what you want on the rod. You can select the cork, reel seat, guides, hook keeper and color of wraps around the rod. Sometimes you have the option of picking the color of the rod, but that’s not always the case. Some rod blanks only come in a specific color and some of them have limited colors.
Of course receiving and fishing this custom build just added to the fiberglass rod enjoyment that I had already experienced in the past and just made me want another one.
What’s so great about fiberglass you might ask? Well it isn’t for everyone, but here is what I like about them. First and foremost is that fiberglass rods are fun! When you catch a fish on a fiberglass rod, you can feel that fish clear down to the cork. Many fiberglass enthusiasts will obtain a small weight rod to just use on smaller fish, because it makes catching small fish so much fun. Pickup a 0 to 4 weight and go out and catch some small brook trout or panfish. It makes fighting these fish so much fun!
If you allow yourself to slow down on your casts, these rods cast smoothly. You can just feel the rod load so much better. Be aware, if you are accustomed to casting fast action graphite rods, you will have to slow down your casting stroke. Let that backcast sit back there awhile, have a cup of coffee or have a snack, and give that line some time to load that rod and then begin to bring it forward. Relax and slow down.
If you venture into the world of fiberglass fly rods you will find a wealth of information online. Besides the two sources I have already mentioned, you can find many custom builders online. Take a look on Instagram and search on the hashtag #glassisnotdead to see a myriad of wonderful fly rods for your viewing pleasure. Many of the custom rod builders post on Instagram as well, showing off their latest and greatest builds.
There are also several manufacturers making various types of fiberglass rod blanks. Many small rodsmiths make some of the best rods out there and there are also the big name rod makers making their own fiberglass fly rods these days. Scott, TFO, Orvis, and Thomas & Thomas to name a few. If you want to build your own, you can do that too. There are many options available. Keep in mind, these are not the fiberglass rods of old which were sometimes too big and heavy. These rods are made more modern, lighter and not so thick.
I’m extremely happy with my latest fiberglass fly rod. I had Shane Gray of Graywolf Rods build it for me. It’s an 8 foot 4 weight and part of his Trout Smith line of rods. I wanted something I could use on small streams, panfish, and the occasional big bass. So far I’ve caught smallmouth, largemouth, crappie, and bluegill with it. It’s so much fun and casts really smooth. When you hook a fish, it sure puts a bend in the rod, which is what makes it so fun.
If you are wanting to try something new or add to your fun factor while fly fishing, I highly recommend you check out fiberglass flyrods and determine if you enjoy them as much as I do.
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** SEPTEMBER FLY FISHING REPORT
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It has been a great summer for fly fishing. The temperatures are about to drop as the fall season approaches. The changing seasons will increase different bug hatches. The fish bite will also increase as we get closer to the brown trout spawn. The annual rainbow trout stocking has already occurred on the Gunnison river. Some cooler temps and cloud cover should make for some great streamer fishing. September is a great time to book a Colorado trip to experience some epic dry fly fishing. Check out https://actionangler.us2.list-
RIVER CONDITIONS
The water temperatures on the Guadalupe are too warm to target trout. The flows on the Guadalupe below Canyon Lake are 68 CFS. This is the time to enjoy all the warm water species the Texas Hill Country has to offer. Many great fishing stories of bass biting on poppers and streamers. The Canyon Lake level is a few feet low and flows could reduce more if rainfall doesn’t increase. It’s very important to keep a watch on the river flows. Wading can become dangerous if you are on the river when the dam suddenly increases its flow. We recommend visiting https://actionangler.us2.list-
Flows on the lower Gunnison river in Colorado are above 450 CFS, and should remain that way through October. This means plenty of cold water with great hatches. Hoppers, BWO, and Stone Fly nymphs are a few of the long list of flies currently working. There are some great trout opportunities on the Roaring Fork and Colorado rivers as well.
Please contact us if you want to experience some great Colorado or Hill Country fly fishing. Guided trips and gift certificates can be purchased online at https://actionangler.us2.list-
FLY SHOP and RIVER ACCESS
The Action Angler fly shop and river access will be closed to the public until mid October as we turn our focus to guiding in Colorado. Appointments to purchase items from the fly shop during this time can be made by email, or purchases can be made through or website at any time of the year. Guided fly fishing trips and lessons with our numerous qualified guides are also available by email.
I’d like to fill you in on the most recent news in the Texas Hill Country and west/central Colorado.
NEWS AND UPDATES
1. Action Angler is a booking agent and guide for 1, 2, and 3 day float trips on the Gunnison River through the Gunnison Gorge and lower Gunnison River. This allows us to hold preferred dates for our clients. The Gunnison Gorge is thought of by many as a Top 20 Destination To See Before You Die, and also referred to as a mini-Grand Canyon. The lower Gunnison River is an easier-paced section, with day trips starting at $600. Please contact us for details.
2. If you are planning to be in the Aspen or Glenwood Springs areas in the summertime or early fall, call Aspen Fly Fishing and/or Crystal Fly Shop to book trips. Be sure to request Chris Jackson as your guide. https://actionangler.us2.list-
3. Please let us know if you are interested in a premier Bull Trout fly fishing destination in the Northern Rockies of British Columbia.
4. The Guadalupe River Holdover Tournament hosted by the new Braunfels Fly Fishers is scheduled for November 7, 2020. More details provided soon!
5. Guadalupe River Trout Unlimited will be opening registration for the Lease Access Program on October 1. Troutfest is officially cancelled for 2021 due to Covid. Go to grtu,org (https://actionangler.us2.list
Thank you for supporting our small business. We hope everyone is safe and healthy during these difficult times. Sincerely,
Chris Jackson Owner/Lead Guide
Go Where the Action Is!
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Action Angler Fly Shop
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TEXAS RIVERS
Guadalupe | San Marcos | Colorado | Llano | Devils River
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* 19 years of guiding service
* Day trips for trout, Guadalupe, largemouth, & smallmouth bass and more..
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COLORADO RIVERS
Gunnison Gorge | Colorado River | Roaring Fork | Frying Pan River
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* May – October Guiding
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Make this a summer to remember.
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