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EWA Fly Fishing Events – May

April 26, 2018 by adminewa Leave a Comment


EWA Fly Fishing events coming up in May and beyond…here are some things to put on your calendar for sure!  As we head into summer, now is the time to freshen up your casting with some private casting, finally pick up fly tying or join us on one of our many fishing excursions we offer throughout the summer.  Creeks, Yakima, Puget Sound, bass and summer steelhead are all on the table, we know them all and are excited to get on the water with you. 

Yakima May Day’s – May is maybe the month to be on the Yakima as caddis are out, fish are focused and the sun is usually shining.  Here are some dates in May we still have open to get you out throwing dry flies on the Yak:

May 9th
May 27th

May 8, 2018 — Christmas Island Revisited! — 7pm @ EWA Store — FREE
Come listen and watch as Karlie and Caldwell revisit their trips to Christmas Island this past spring.  Beverages will be provided and good times will be had for sure!

June 2, 2018 – EWA Fly Fest @ Me Kwa Mooks Park in West Seattle – FREE
What has become quite an event continues to grow.  Cast every rod available from Winston, Sage, Scott, Loomis, Epic, Echo, Fenwick and Thomas and Thomas.  See the latest in reels from Nautilus, Bauer, Lamson, Sage, Tibor, 3 Tand and more as well as put new lines on your favorite rod.  Instruction, classes, seminars and our 11th Annual Guide Staff Cook Off.

July 20-21, 2018 — 2nd Annual EWA Carp Tournament @ Banks Lake — $75 per angler/50 Max
If you haven’t pursued carp on the fly before you haven’t lived!  Sight casting to these selective and strong fish either by foot, from an SUP or $60K boat, either way, they live up to what fly fishing is supposed to be…fun!  Sponsored by Sage, winners will walk with some extraordinary prizes and all with leave humbled for sure!  Please call the store to book you space, few slots left.

December 1 -2, 2018 — Dec Hogan Spey Clinic — $295 per person/6 maximum
The man, myth and legend, Dec himself will be back in the PNW to enlighten and answer questions on all things spey and steelhead.  Whether just learning or well seasoned, Dec is always a pleasure to spend the day with.  Please call the store to reserve your space.

Bug’s ‘N Brew’s – $20 – EWA Store @ 7-9pm – Women Only!
May 3rd – 7-9pm
May 17th – 7-9pm

1 Day Intro to Fly Fishing Schools – $225 – Forks of the Snoqualmie – 3 people max
June 23rd – 1 spot open
July 11th – 2 spots open

2 Day Fly Fishing Immersion Schools – $425 – Forks of the Snoqualmie -3 people max
May 5-6 – 2 spots open
June 20-21 – 2 spots open
June 23-24 – 1 spot open
July 14 – 15 – 1 spot open

Drift Boat Rowing – $250 – Snoqualmie River, 3 people max
June 23rd
July 7th

Filed Under: Emerald Water Anglers, Events Tagged With: bass, boat rowing, carp tournament, Dec Hogan, Emerald Water Anglers, fly fishing event, fly fishing schools, fly tying, guiding trips, Seattle, spey casting, steelhead, trout, Washington, women's fly fishing, Yakima River

G.Loomis IMX PRO Short-Spey Rod Review

January 3, 2018 by Caldwell Rohrbach 1 Comment

From the moment you pick up the IMX Pro 7 11’11” you know this rod is different. It redefines lightweight while also maintaining a strong enough rod to turn big fish in heavy water. Where I used to think a 13′ 7wt and a 9′ 8wt with a single hand skagit line were the perfect quiver on a number of Washington rivers, I now think the compact modern “Short Spey” will take the place of both.

This is the first short spey of it’s kind and I do differentiate this from other switch rods. THIS IS NOT A SWITCH ROD! This is the next generation of Spey rods that marry’s the feel of a 13′ rod with the fast action necessary of modern short skagit heads.

The first time I cast this rod was with a 480 grain Skagit Scout line (18.5′) and 44lb Impact mono running line and there wasn’t a situation this rod struggled with. We fished the Deschutes for two day’s in high water and cast a number of tips effortlessly including: 10′ Flo Tips in the t-10 and t-14 ranges as well as straight sections up to 12’ in t-10 and t-14. We battled high winds as well as cold temperatures and were able to feel a few nice tugs on the end of our line. (Since that trip, I have enjoyed fishing the 480 grain Skagit Switch line, just a foot longer than the Scout at 19.5’.

When you cast this rod, you seem to forget how compact it is until you find yourself tucked under overhanging trees and wading deep, tight against the bank.

The other thing you can’t seem to believe is the price of this rod. Compared to other rods in excess of $1000, this rod excels. For $575, this rod is a home run and one that I can’t wait to get out and fish. A component I typically overlook on other spey rods is the reel seat. However, on this one you are drawn in by its modern looks, sleek design, and smoothness.

For those gearing up for our winter run fish, the 7wt is the perfect addition to your existing lineup or a single rod quiver for the new spey angler.

As for trout spey, I think you can stop searching once you land on the IMX Pro 4wt 11’11”. This rod has all the power you could want but still has some major play when fighting a fish. For those searching for the lightest rod, that can still throw big streamers and heavy sink tips, the 3wt can be another great option. Karlie Roland prefers the 3wt.

As for the con’s associated with this rod, it is hard to come by. We literally cant keep these on the shelf. If there was one thing that I had to change, it would be the bottom grip, I prefer a slightly larger knob but that is one that you quickly forget once fishing! GLoomis knocked this one out of the park.

Other lines we enjoy on the IMX Pro 7 11’11”: Skagit Switch G2 510, Rage Compact 450, Scandi Compact 450

Karlie: 3wt 270 Scout, 225 OPST Commando

Give us a call with any more questions or feel free to stop by the shop to see for yourself 206.708.7250.

Photo’s and text: Caldwell Rohrbach

Filed Under: Emerald Water Anglers Tagged With: Emerald Water Anglers, fly shop, Gloomis, IMX Pro, Olympic Peninsula, PNW, Puget Sound, rod review, Sauk River, Seattle, Short Spey, Skagit River, steelhead, swinging flies, Washington, wild fish

Upcoming Events – October

October 5, 2017 by adminewa Leave a Comment


Upcoming events in November and beyond…

November 16, 2017 — Writer’s on the Fly – Cascadia Tour – $10 @ EWA Store
What has become one of our most popular events, come see some of the industry’s most heralded authors and poets infuse their words with personality before your eyes.  Greg Fitz, Jon Toby, Amanda Monthei and Ann Bodle-Nash will be reading that evening here at the store, please join us.

January TBD, 2018 – EWA Spey Day – FREE
Come cast as many different spey rods, lines and heads as you possibly can in a day under the watchful eye of industry reps, EWA Staff and regional casting pros.  Date to be finalized soon.

January 18th, 2018 – 3rd Annual EWA Fly Film Fest – 7pm – $10
Come see 5 minute or shorter videos from industry professionals and amateurs alike.  Winner by audience vote will play at the West Seattle F3T event in early February.

February 7th & 8th, 2018 – Fly Fishing Film Tour – 7pm – $15
The annual industry infusion of hype to get you through the winter.  Great films, huge raffle with trips, rods, coolers, sunglasses and other swag for those willing to show up, enjoy a beer and hang out! Final dates for Seattle still being determined.

February 17th-18th, 2018 – The Fly Fishing Show in Lynwood – $15
Great opportunity to come cast some of the latest models of rods, see presentations on fisheries around WA, PNW and the world. Dave McCoy will be presenting on Fly Fishing Around Washington.  Visit our booth for some swag on the days of the show.

June 2nd, 2018 – EWA Fly Fest @ Me Kwa Mooks Park in West Seattle – FREE
What has become quite an event continues to grow.  Cast every rod available from Winston, Sage, Scott, Loomis, Epic, Echo, Fenwick and Thomas and Thomas.  See the latest in reels from Nautilus, Bauer, Lamson, Sage, Tibor, 3 Tand and more as well as put new lines on your favorite rod.  Instruction, classes, seminars and our 11th Annual Guide Staff Cook Off.

Classes and Schools:

Intro to Spey – $95 — Limited to 3 anglers
Oct. 7th
Oct. 21st
Nov. 4th

Intro to Fly Casting — $20 — Limited to 6 anglers — 9am @ Lincoln Park
Oct. 7th
Oct. 28th

Tying Tuesdays — $20 — @ EWA Store — 7-9pm
Oct. 10th
Oct. 24th
Nov 14th 
Nov 28th
Dec 12th

Women’s Intro to Fly Casting — $20 — Limited to 6 anglers

Filed Under: Emerald Water Anglers Tagged With: casting classes, classes, Emerald Water Anglers, Film Festival, fly fishing classes, fly fishing schools, fly tying classes, Seattle, Washington, Writer's on the Fly

Travel Journal: Greenland Fly Fishing

August 18, 2017 by adminewa 2 Comments


Fly fishing whether I really want to admit it or not is embedded in my DNA.  My doctor actually found it on my DNA ladder when doing a blood test on me a couple years ago, so I may as well embrace it, it isn’t going anywhere.  Just so happens while I know the previous statement isn’t necessarily scientifically true, I can feel it within me and I know adventure adjoins fly fishing to make up a significant part of my soul.   Watching Marlin Perkins growing up created a yearning to see far off locales and somewhere, somehow in the past 20 years I have been fortunate enough to construct a life style allowing me to combine both.


This last escapade put a check mark on a place I have wanted to see for decades if for no other reason than to see the look on peoples face when you say “Greenland.”  Yes, we went to Greenland fly fishing on the southern tip for native Arctic Char and I would GLADLY share the name of the rivers with you if they only had names, they don’t.  In fact when you are fishing them, it feels a bit like this is only a stream this year, next year maybe it isn’t here due to lake levels, shifting ice and general change in topography.  More than likely they will be there again but when it takes what it takes to get to this place, the utter lack of human presence or evidence of such make you wonder.  I believe wondering is healthy for the mind…


About 2 hours into the flight from Reykjavik the first glimpse of the big island comes into view…icebergs litter the coastal water and surrounding smaller islands.  Around the entire perimeter Greenland, which I didn’t realize until taking a closer loo, are hundreds, maybe thousands of tiny islands carved by glaciers.  They create a wonderful introduction to the “ice cap” we are about to fly over.  Until you see this in person, nothing on television, in a movie or described in words will do it justice.  Multi thousand foot tall peaks emerge from the sea of ice to show just their tip tops and this view goes on as far as you can see from 25,000 feet.  How about that, at least I can say I tried…


Landing in Narsarsuaq the intimidation and wonder factor sets in.  First is I can’t believe I am standing on Greenland within sight of some of the worlds largest and oldest glaciers.  An unreal sensation, almost giddy for me set my mood for the rest of the week and beyond.  Second is now how do we get to the lodge from here as the road ends on a dock in one direction and at the airport runway in the other, almost being able to see both ends standing in one place.  Every single person at the airport is either a photographer/videographer, explorer or Inuit.  Not coming here to watch television and gain weight…though more on this in a bit!

Sharing a ride to the dock with a few other anglers going to another location in the region we hop on a boat for our 3 hour plus boat ride through the fjords, dodging icebergs and leaving all signs of civilization behind.  That itch I have found only one remedy for is being satiated, may the adventure begin! 


I look at my watch, the sun feels as though its intensity is not quite what it was and sure enough, it is almost 11pm, sun is still up, hungry, tired, nearly two 32 gig cards filled with icebergs and one small village we turn a corner and voila, there is the lodge.  Hunger helps me off the boat hoping like nothing they have something for us and OMG do they!  Locally sourced carrots, potatoes and mushrooms foraged from the area, some Char sashimi and reindeer flank steak.  Throw in for good measure a closely guarded recipe of sweet mustard sauce, home made full grain breads and jam with a Tuborg (Greenland beer) and it is all I can do not to pass out before my head hits the pillow, punch my card, I am out!


Cabins at the lodge are unreal considering where we are and just “wondering” what it might have taken to bring the materials necessary to this location.  Water view from the porch, comfortable down comforters on each bed with down pillows, table with just enough light to make a quick journal entry and most importantly, just upwind of where the AM coffee is freshly brewed.  I have to believe the 4 of us, the only 4 in camp beside the staff were put right here in these two cabins for what has to be a coincidental reason… 


The sun dipped for about 3 hours or so at best, not quite ever dark but dim.  Enough for the local residents to figure out new blood was in camp, on goes the mosquito repellent and off for a visit to the lieu, morning snapshot of the view and in for coffee.  In my twisted mind I fall to that old joke about how the Native American kid got his name…first thing his parents saw when they stepped out of the tent after he was born…born here there would be a considerable number of people named OMG, WOW or maybe even HOLY S–T!  It is just amazing and this comes from having seen a fair share of views around the world!


Freshly rested my mind slants ever so slightly towards fishing, it is what actually brought me to this incredible location.  That long slender and what strong also fragile piece of graphite has once again put me in a place I am humbled to be.  As hard as I try, staring at the fjord in front of the lodge, I am hoping what I see is being seen by my wife and daughter simultaneously.  Nothing resembling WiFi here so it would have to be through a deeper connection, a stronger one founded on relationships as solid and soulful as possible.  Before I begin to get homesick I grab rod and reel, pull out the waders and boots and assemble slowly, with deliberation what will be my secondary tool for the next week while here in Greenland fly fishing.


Bobo, our camp host and a person with more colorful stories from the region and the world says over coffee, “Let’s take it easy today, get your feet wet but not push it too hard today.”  This guy is speaking my language, I just want to take it all in, not rush past anything if possible.  We enjoy a very hearty breakfast of eggs, reindeer sausage and more scrumptious home made bread, look over a map of this part of Greenland and retrace our path to get here, we are really out here!  As I look over a map of the region and greater Greenland, I wonder how in the world Arni made the decision to put the lodge HERE…


When I began talking about this trip, my good friend Johann who worked for Angling Club Lax-a at the time told me the fishing here would be ridiculous, almost boring if that is possible.  With these comments still resting in the back of my mind, we pack our gear, get on the boat and head out to the first location to present our first flies to fish in Greenland. 


After being dropped off, we hiked a scenic route to the stream and as it turns out, the sales pitch was pure, as truthful as any I have ever paid attention to.  This small unnamed stream connecting a lake to the sea was so full of native Arctic Char, the bottom was black in places.   This was literally like shooting fish in a barrel and we all took our shots!  Quickly realizing catching wasn’t going to be an issue, I relocated to higher ground and began trying to spot larger fish to help the others target them among the masses. 


The following few days we spend chasing cod in the fjords around the lodge, driving the small boat right up to the base of where the main glacier touches the sea and visiting the a small village about 45 minutes by boat from the lodge.  On our way to the village, we are enjoying our ride when Bobo slows the boat a bit and THUD, we hit an iceberg! 


We all freak out for a moment, wondering if the boat is going to make like the Titanic when Bobo grabs an ice pick, a glove and begins striking away at the smaller pieces of the berg surrounding the boat.  We realize he is grabbing ice for the cooler and to enhance our evening libations back at the lodge after our day of fishing.  OK then, iceberg “cubes” in the Gin and Tonic…it is about all I and the rest of our team can think about all day. 


As Marilyn is landing a fish, she yells over to John, “Looking forward to those chunks of ice in my glass here soon!”  John hooks up mid sentence with a smile and nod.  We are having a fine last day in Greenland!


Back at the lodge, as we enjoy maybe the finest tenderloin of freshly grilled reindeer I have ever tasted period, Andreas and Bear start a big bonfire in the pit over looking the small bay.  It is a placid evening, mosquitoes seems to be allowing us a small respite from their frequent facial visits.  Sipping a little Icelandic brown water with Greenland ice, watching the sun slowing crest the horizon I still can’t believe I am sitting in Greenland…literally can’t wait to return!


Small stream joining one of the lakes to the sea allowing the Char access to their spawning grounds.


Chrome bright and native, this Arctic Char was quite willing to take a fly.


Wild flower in full bloom for a short period of time colorfully speckled around the hillsides surrounding the small streams.


From a high vantage point, spotting the larger Char in the gin clear water.


Greenland fly fishing and coming tight in the cold saltwater near the face of the main ice cap glacier.

Would we return to Greenland — Possibly

Lodging – fantastic
Remoteness – fantastic
Food – OFF THE CHART
Fishing – too easy and this is the issue, know this sounds impossible but it was so easy (50+ fish a day per person) it would be boring for a full week…otherwise, LOVE this place!


Filed Under: Emerald Water Anglers Tagged With: Angling Club Lax-a, arctic char, Dave McCoy Photography, Emerald Water Anglers, fly fishing outfitter, fly fishing travel, fly fishing travel experts, glacier, Greenland fly fishing, hosted fly fishing, icebergs, Iceland, Seattle, travel blog, Washington

1st Annual Washington Carp Jamboree

June 19, 2017 by adminewa Leave a Comment


Yep, you read it correct, we are excited to announce the newest Carp on the Fly tournament to come to Washington.  Carp are a phenomenal species to target on with the fly rod and Washington has a ton of great habitat in which to pursue them.  There are 2 primary species of carp in Washington, the Common Carp and the Mirror Carp.  Neither of which require a WA fishing license to pursue for traveling anglers this is low hanging fruit! 

Here are some specs on the tournament:

August 12th, 2017 at Banks Lake in eastern WA

Maximum number of anglers will be 40

Fly fish only, single barbless hooks

Tournament fishing begins at day break

All catch records need to be into Bill Marts by 4pm Saturday to qualify for tournament

Awards ceremony will be at 5pm followed by dinner

$60 registration fee per angler which includes:

     Map of lake to help new anglers with locations around the lake to fish
     Free clinic with Bill Marts and others on Friday evening @ 7:30PM
     Dinner and beverages on Saturday evening after fishing
     Awards for top 5 anglers

Tournament winner is by sheer number of fish on the honor system.  Tie will be broken by largest carp landed, photo proof with tape measure in photo

Register here:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/carp-jamboree-tickets-35767811487

Questions please contact:

Dave McCoy – 206-601-0132 – dave@emeraldwateranglers.com
Store – 206-708-7250 – shop@emeraldwateranglers.com

Filed Under: Emerald Water Anglers Tagged With: Banks Lake, carp, common carp, Emerald Water Anglers, grass carp, mirror carp, PNW, Seattle, tournament, Washington, Washington Carp Jamboree

EWA Spey Clave – Saturday February 11th

February 10, 2017 by Caldwell Rohrbach Leave a Comment

spey-rods-and-line-op

EWA Spey Clave

Saturday February 11th, 2017

10am – 3pm

Ben Howard Boat Launch on the Skykomish River (see map below)*

Come try out all of the latest and greatest spey gear, attend seminars from PNW spey experts, and score some free two-handed casting instruction!

Demo the latest and greatest in Spey rods and lines:
 
Sage
Winston
Scott
G. Loomis
Echo
Redington
Rio
Airflo
OPST
 
Listen in on great presentations with PNW Spey experts:
 
“Getting the Most Out of Your Spey Game”  w/George Cook
@ 12pm
 
“Less Effort, More Efficiency From Your Spey Cast – an advanced look at why some casts are a thing of beauty and others flat out suck” w/Tom Larimer
@ 1:30pm
 
FREE Spey casting instruction all day with EWA guides and industry reps!
 
ben-howard-boat-launch
 
*Please Note!! The Skykomish River is closed to fishing during this event per WDFW regulations. As such, this event is for the purpose of demo-casting rods only and no flies/hooks will be used.

Filed Under: Emerald Water Anglers, Events Tagged With: Bellevue, Echo, Emerald Water Anglers, EWA, G Loomis, George Cook, Sage, Scott, Seattle, spey casting classes, spey clave, spey rods, test casting, Tom Larmier, Washington, Winston

Upcoming Events – November

November 2, 2016 by adminewa Leave a Comment

mccoy_d_arg1v7a9352a

We are crazy excited to announce we have finally hired our Women’s Program Coordinator which means our women’s events will be coming back beginning in December so stay tuned.

November 3rd – Writers on the Fly, “The Cascadia Tour” – 7pm to REAL Late @EWA – FREE  75 attendees maximum
Maybe our favorite event is back but in full throttle mode!  We will be hosting 1 of 5 stops on the week long PNW tour with different readers in each location.  Because of the popularity of this event over the past couple years and so we can get the writers some $$ for their appearance, we are charging for this event.  Tickets will go on sale here shortly and will be expected to sell out.  If you want on the list for this, please RSVP via email to Jason@emeraldwateranglers.com. Sponsored in part by Patagonia and Patagonia Books.

November 17th – Cuba, Now Open to the U.S. – 7pm @EWA – FREE
Come listen to long time fly fishing industry personality and photographer Jon Covich discuss the various regions Cuba has to offer and what to expect at each one.  This will hands down be the best opportunity to Q&A one of the most knowledgeable people on this topic if you were considering a trip here.

December 7th – WDFW Salmon Management, North of Falcon – Ryan Lothrop – 7pm @EWA – FREE
Come join us for the inside perspective on how WDFW obtains their science and how they use it to make management decisions. Ryan Lothrop, Puget Sound Recreational Salmon Fishery Manager will talk about this and the issue surrounding our favorite fishery as well as answer questions.  Please RSVP to this event via email or phone.

January 14-15, 2017 – Spey Casting w/ Dec Hogan $250 per angler/per day
Spend a day with the legendary spey caster, rod designer, conservationist and world renowned steelhead whisperer.  Dec will talk all things spey from dropping that loop to which head and tip for what type of water and finally how to successfully play and land these majestic fish when solo with a two hander.  He might even go spend some time doing casting instruction with us too.  Space is limited so sign up now!

January 20, 2017 – 2nd Annual EWA 5 Minute or Less Film Fest – 7pm @EWA – FREE
Here we go again, our crazy evening of fly fishing shorts is on again.  Pretty sure we can get the winner this year again shown at the F3T here at our West Seattle showing in early Feb.  RSVP via email:  shop@emeraldwateranglers.com or phone: 206-708-7250

February 1 & 2, 2017 (yet to be confirmed) – F3T in West Seattle at the Admiral and downtown at SIFF
The crew will be here sporting the latest in fly fishing film eye candy from around the world.  More details to come soon but keep an eye on these dates.

Filed Under: Emerald Water Anglers, Events Tagged With: cuba, Emerald Water Anglers, Puget Sound, Sea Run Cutthroat, Seattle, steelhead, Washington, women's fly fishing, Writer's on the Fly

Upcoming Events – September

September 6, 2016 by adminewa Leave a Comment

McCoy_D_MC1V7A5676a
September 8th
– Getting into Spey Casting – 7pm @EWA – FREE
Reid Curry will address the myriad of lines, head, knots, rods, spey vs switch and so on making this facet of the sport so confusing for the entry level two handed angler.  It isn’t that complicated and Reid will pave the way for those looking to step in the door of the spey world.

September 22nd – Fall Fishing in Washington and Beyond – 7pm @EWA – FREE
Reid Curry, Dave McCoy and other EWA staff will discuss the road map of fall and early winter fishing in our great state as well as the region and even internationally if we want to go that far!  Should be a very informative event, look forward to seeing everyone there.

September 27th – Fall Sea Run Fishing – 7pm @EWA – FREE
Long time guide and EWA staffer Alex Collier will breeze through the saltwater game around here by talking flies, lines, rods/reels, leaders and poly leaders and how they can all play a part in your success on the Sound this fall and moving into winter.

October 13th – SAGE Happy Hour – 7pm to ??? @EWA – FREE
Sage Fly Rods will be here with Russell Miller and others to talk about their new sticks and otherwise pump everyone up for fishing this fall and winter.  Come in and chat about everything from light creek rods to spey to tropical saltwater and everything in between.  Beverages on hand as well.

November 3rd – Writers on the Fly, “The Tour” – 7pm to REAL Late @EWA – FREE  75 attendees maximum
Maybe our favorite event is back but in full throttle mode!  We will be hosting 1 of 5 stops on the week long PNW tour with different readers in each location.  Because of the popularity of this event over the past couple years and so we can get the writers some $$ for their appearance, we are charging for this event.  Tickets will go on sale here shortly and will be expected to sell out.  If you want on the list for this, please RSVP via email to Jason@emeraldwateranglers.com. Sponsored in part by Patagonia and Patagonia Books.

November 17th – Cuba, Now Open to the U.S. – 7pm @EWA – FREE
Come listen to long time fly fishing industry personality and photographer Jon Covich discuss the various regions Cuba has to offer and what to expect at each one.  This will hands down be the best opportunity to Q&A one of the most knowledgeable people on this topic if you were considering a trip here.

December 7th – WDFW Salmon Management, North of Falcon – Ryan Lothrop – 7pm @EWA – FREE
Come join us for the inside perspective on how WDFW obtains their science and how they use it to make management decisions. Ryan Lothrop, Puget Sound Recreational Salmon Fishery Manager will talk about this and the issue surrounding our favorite fishery as well as answer questions.  Please RSVP to this event via email or phone.

January 14-15, 2017 – Spey Casting w/ Dec Hogan $250 per angler/per day
Spend a day with the legendary spey caster, rod designer, conservationist and world renowned steelhead whisperer.  Dec will talk all things spey from dropping that loop to which head and tip for what type of water and finally how to successfully play and land these majestic fish when solo with a two hander.  He might even go spend some time doing casting instruction with us too.  Space is limited so sign up now!

January 20, 2017 – 2nd Annual EWA 5 Minute or Less Film Fest – 7pm @EWA – FREE
Here we go again, our crazy evening of fly fishing shorts is on again.  Pretty sure we can get the winner this year again shown at the F3T here at our West Seattle showing in early Feb.  RSVP via email:  shop@emeraldwateranglers.com or phone: 206-708-7250

February 1 & 2, 2017 (yet to be confirmed) – F3T in West Seattle at the Admiral and downtown at SIFF
The crew will be here sporting the latest in fly fishing film eye candy from around the world.  More details to come soon but keep an eye on these dates.

Filed Under: Emerald Water Anglers, Events Tagged With: cuba, Dec Hogan, Emerald Water Anglers, F3T, Film Festival, Jon Covich, North of Falcon, Sea Run Cutthroat, Seattle, spey casting classes, steelhead, Washington, WDFW, Writer's on the Fly

2nd Annual West Seattle Gear Grab – Saturday August 27, 9am – 4pm!!!

August 23, 2016 by adminewa Leave a Comment

2nd Annual Gear Grab copy

Filed Under: Emerald Water Anglers, Events Tagged With: closeout, Emerald Water Anglers, fly shop, flyfishing, flyshop, sale, Seattle, West Seattle, westseattle

G-Loomis Pro 4X Spey Rod Review

July 28, 2016 by adminewa 1 Comment

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The G-Loomis Pro 4x spey rods are not only some of the nicest two handers on our rod wall, but also an incredible value at $525. All G-Loomis rods are hand built in Washington.

 

G-Loomis Pro 4X 7/8wt Spey Rod Review

This writing is intended to be be review/recap of my experience with Gloomis’ 13′ 7/8wt Pro 4X Spey rod. What I say in this writing is solely my opinion on the recommended line system(s) based on casting efficiency to winter Steelhead in the Pacific North West.

*All casts were performed with a 10′ Airflo flo-tip of t-10, appx 30” of 15lb Maxima Ultragreen and a slightly weighted marabou tubefly to stay in sync with sinktip sink rate.

I started to cast this rod going off of G Loomis’ line recommendation for a skagit head. Which in this case was 520g. The first shooting head casted was a 510g Airflo Skagit compact G2 and I liked it! I Loved it actually! I started with some simple switch casts and single speys (not shooting line) just to cop a feel. Everything felt pretty good for a total grain window of appx 585g including shooting head, sink tip and fly. I peeled off 10-12′ of shooting line and started with some single speys. At this distance, it shot dart-like loops with ease! (It should be noted that I was expecting, like most rods in this price range, to give me negative feed back on the recovery stroke, via “line wobble” and it never happened!) With the same amount of line pulled off, I went through a medley of all the sustained anchor casts to get a feel for the profile of the rod and how it loaded up. What I found is that contrary to what people have said the rod to be to soft, was the opposite. The rod is NOT soft! in fact, it,s quite crisp with a snappy, clean recovery. I would venture out to say anyone who says this rod to be soft may have overloaded the grain window and sacrificed performance for load control which is quite common for those who don’t quite understand grain windows related to rod performance. With the same Airflo G2 head I continued to extend my casts to around 90-95′ and not much changed in loop stability if any. I then switched shooting heads to my personal favorite. The Airflo Skagit Switch at 510g. BOOYAH, perfect match! This rod absolutely loves this head! (like most crisp recovering rods do!) I was able to do everything I did with the G2 shooting head, except with more ease and efficiency. The “Stiff-ish” tip section with smooth mid-rod load performs flawless with a shortened sweep and tight, compact forward stroke. Its important to remember that although most of the time anglers are not booming 100′ casts in the PNW to winter fish, to always find a distance thresh-hold of any given rod to understand what distance you can effectively swing flies.

The bottom line- This rod is in my starting line-up no problem. And especially at around $525.00 retail! The blank color is a natural mossy-green with yellowish-green wraps and appears very subtle. I own a plethora of rods in this length and weight that cost much more. I would not hesitate to grab this rod and fish it all day on med-med/large rivers say in the OP or Nor-Cal Coast line. This rod has a very smooth power delivery not found in any other rods at this price range. With the right line system you will be able to load this rod and cast it all day without a sore shoulder. This rods ability to recover with stability will have your buddys’ and on-lookers complimenting the lazer-like loops you throw without a doubt

Skagit head recommendation for novice casters- A 540g Airflo Skagit Switch. Although its heavier than the Loomis weight recommendation, I casted it with not much, if any negative feedback in recovery speed. It was slightly chunkier but not enough for a novice caster to feel and not so heavy that it would allow bad mechanical habits to form. I find it unnecessary for anyone to use T-17 for sink but if so, would not recommend the use even though this rod and a 540g Switch head could easily turn it over. On the flip side, feel free to throw on T-14 (always ask yourself, “do I really need T-14?”) or anything else that has a slower sink rate than that. Its important to remember to calculate grains with sink-tips and heavy flys into your total grain window to have an understanding of what your rod is capable of and where it will start to suffer performance loss.

Skagit head recommendation for intermediate casters- A 510g Airflo Skagit Switch. At this weight with this shooting head you will get ultimate performance and high line speed and the ability to turn over some meaty tips and half chicken size flys. Go let it rip. You wont be disappointed!

*I did cast the 480g Airflo Skagit Switch with 8′ of T-10. For an advanced caster , this weight is the ultimate in light weight, line speed and change of direction casts. Loading the rod would be difficult for any novice caster and could become frustrating, but for the seasoned vet, its a high speed lazer show*

It is important to keep in mind that each individual caster is unique to his/her own bio mechanics. Some folks have an opened up stroke and some are closed in and compact. Some folks have a powerful stroke and some are more finesse. There is no “one size fits all” casting style. There is a baseline of sustained anchor casting fundamentals that must be understood no matter the person. Once this is achieved your cast will take on its own personality.
Whether you’re experienced or a green-horn, the growth and evolution of your casting will largely be dependent on your possession of motor skills, kinesthetic awareness to perform the cast and also your guide/instructors competence to teach the cast. Regardless of where you fall, there is no substitute for experience so go out and cast cast cast. There aren’t many things cooler in life than casting a spey rod and all things good in life must be worked for.

Cheers and tight loops
Thomas Mahan
Senior Steelhead Guide Emerald Water Anglers
www.emeraldwateranglers.com

Filed Under: Emerald Water Anglers, Reports Tagged With: Emerald Water Anglers, fly rod, fly shop, G-Loomis fly rod review, Olympia, Pro 4x, rod review, Seattle, single hand rods, spey rods, Tacoma

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