Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Saturday Morning Seminars-“AM I DOING THIS RIGHT?”




December 3 – “AM I DOING THIS RIGHT?”  JEFF THOMSON ANSWERS QUESTIONS AND DEMONSTRATES PROPER TECHNIQUES AND COMMON MISTAKES IN FLY TYING
Jeff will tie several of his cool patterns (subject to change): Beetle, CDC Ant, Slickwater Caddis, Squirrel Prince, Girdle Bug, Soft Hackle, Foxy Clouser, Slump Buster, Strip Leech, Double Bunny

You can also check out Seminar topics at our web site – www.countrypleasures.com – by following the links to Seminars.

All seminars start at 10:00 am and will end between 11:00 and noon.  There is no charge and no pre-registration required.  Simply drop by the shop and enjoy the seminar. Although we will make every attempt to present the seminars as outlined above, topics are subject to change without notice.  If you have a topic you would wish covered in a seminar, please advise the staff.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Product Field Review - Waterworks Lamson Vanquish V8LT & V10 LT



Waterworks-Lamson Vanquish V8LT & V10 LT

This is probably somewhat late in that I have fished the Vanquish for Bonefish, Tarpon, Permit, and Steelhead for a couple seasons now but I figured "better late than never".

When the Vanquish product release was announced we were excited for a few reasons:

- the customer satisfaction and reliability of other WL reels was outstanding and the Vanquish was to be a step up in design, performance, and durability.

- the fact that the Vanquish is manufactured in the United States is a big plus for us. So many reels, even high-end, have moved production overseas (Asia). This means that there isn't the hefty duty on these reels and without question quality control will be superior!

But anyways, I'll cut to the chase. I have fished the Vanquish in the salt for a couple of years now, primarily for Tarpon and Permit. I have fished it for Spring, Winter, and fall Steelhead. I think this makes for a pretty good test on a reel!

The big plusses we have found on the Vanquish are:

- LIGHT!, these things are state of the art when it comes to design and machining. But don't think for a second they're not tough. they handle the bangin' and crashin' just fine.

- DRAG, an upgraded, larger version of their time tested conical drag system is as smooth as I have ever seen. Drag adjustment is huge, all the way to stopping levels for species like Tarpon. And there is no inertia at any level of drag. This system performed flawlessly for me in the tropics also in the reel test...the cold conditions of November Steelheading. Only a few reels pass my test of fishing them all day, inundating them with rain and snow, and then hanging them on the side of the cabin for a night of freezing temps. The Vanquish performs flawlessly! The sealed drag system means I can trust it whether it's warm, cold, dry, or wet.

- CAPACITY, the Vanquish will carry a lot of backing. Like many manufacturers, WL is on some kind of drug when they print their backing capacities. On the V10, they say something like 250 yards with a WF10.
This is incorrect, we put 400 yards of 30# Gel on the V10 with the WF10. I would never even consider the V12, it's overkill. In fact, if you don't want the largere arbor, you can use the V8 for a 10 weight if you wish.
I use the V10 for my 550 to 650 grain Skagit setups with about 400 yards of Gel.

- LOOKS, I know this shouldn't be an issue, but to some of us it is! And these reels are stunning!

- MAINTENANCE, as close to zero maintenance as there is. I'm kind of anal about my reels and how they're cleaned and maintained but I can service a Vanquish (after salt use) in about 5 minutes. can't do that with cork drags!

The downsides we have found on the Vanquish are:

PRICE, I list this as they're not cheap but then I look at the price of an Abel, Tibor, Islander, etc. and the Vanquish is right in the group. But they're still not cheap, but for the angler doing a lot of big game fly angling, fresh or salt, they're worth it.

RETRIEVE, the only design flaw I have seen is for the anglers who reel right handed. If the seal cap on the drag system is not tightened down hard it will loosen on a right hand retrieve with lots of drag, leading to free spool. This is not a big deal for us as we torque the seal caps in pretty good here at the shop but if it's missed the "lefties" can have a problem.


DESIGN, this isn't necessarily a negative, but I 'm trying to be neutral. This reel is very "new-age" looking, which will not appeal to the angler who prefers the traditional look in a reel.

For more info on the Vanquish, go to http://www.countrypleasures.com/store/ or
http://waterworks-lamson.com/


Monday, November 28, 2011

Wish I Was There



Video from FlycastAmerica. Those of you who have been down to Southern Chile with us will
recognize Cinco Rios, Estancia del Zorro, a few guides, and the rivers and spring creeks.

Friday, November 25, 2011

Jackpine Lodge-For Something A Little Different


For those going, or thinking of going, to Terrace for some fishing in the future, there will be a new lodge for Spring 2012. The Jackpine Lodge will be a little different than others you might have run across. Owned and operated by Darren Wright and Missy MacDonald (I think I got Missy's last name right, I hope!), it will be run to focus of groups of 4-6 guests. The smaller number of guests lends towards a more home-like feel, accentuated by the fact that Jackpine gives one a more comfortable feel than most lodges.
This will be a full service lodge, with all meals included.

Back Driveway At The Lodge

The Jackpine is nice in that if you need accomodation but want to head out fishing on your own you are able to do so. Having said that, we would highly recommend you book a full fishing package, staying at the lodge and being guided by Darren Wright. Darren, for those of you who don't know, has guided on the Babine River for a number of years and started guiding in the Terrace area in 2011. Darren is as good of Steelhead guide as I have ever run across. He is, for lack of a better description "A Fishy SOB!"
I would not go to terrace without booking days with Darren...period!
Darren is working with an existing and experienced outfitter, West Coast Adventures, so choices for fishing opportunities are almost endless.


Front View Of Jackpine

Missy will be running the day to day operations "in-lodge", a good job of casting. Missy has extensive experience in the hospitality industry and is maybe the nicest person I have ever met.

Kitchen



Satirway to Loft and Upstairs Bedrooms

The Jackpine has an amazing main room with a Lava Rock Fireplace to keep you cozy after a day's fishing
and the log construction gives one a very comfortable feel. The main room even has entertainment components like the big screen for entertainment. You could take a non-angling companion along without any trouble.

Main Room Fireplace and the Boss

We think Jackpine will be an awesome choice for those looking for something different than the standard fishing lodge. Sounds like everything will be up and running for Sttelhead and Salmon in the Spring of 2012.
We;ll keep you posted on how Darren and Missy are doing (they haven't even unpacked when I took these photos). Look for them on our Vacation page on our website. We will be hosting a small group of anglers in April 2012, if you want more information on Jackpine Lodge give us a call at 403-271-1016 or e-mail at info@countrypleasures.com


The very first sign of a good Steelhead Lodge.....fully stocked liquor before
they've even finished moving in!!!1

GOOD LUCK DARREN AND MISSY!!!!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Saturday Morning Seminars-Winter Fishing On the Bow with Kevin Peterson.




Saturday, November 26 - Winter Fishing On the Bow with Kevin Peterson.
Kevin will show off his favorite winter ties and discuss techniques and tips for fishing in the “off-season” along with gear, equipment and safety.


You can also check out Seminar topics at our web site – www.countrypleasures.com – by following the links to Seminars.

All seminars start at 10:00 am and will end between 11:00 and noon.  There is no charge and no pre-registration required.  Simply drop by the shop and enjoy the seminar. Although we will make every attempt to present the seminars as outlined above, topics are subject to change without notice.  If you have a topic you would wish covered in a seminar, please advise the staff.


Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Product Field Review - Simms Alumabite Cleats

Simms Alumabite Cleats

For a few years now I have used the Simms Star Cleats on my Vibram soles for Steelheading. They have always been pretty sticky but the carbide cleats will slip on certain rock shapes.

This tear I decided to add 5 of the Alumabite cleats on each boot, in addition to the star cleats. This is the way to go! The aluminum is like glue, at no time did I feel any instability due to slipping while wading. A lot of you likely know that uncoated aluminum sticks like crazy to rocks. That's why we used to have spend hours coating the bottom of our Kofflers with Glove-It.  Now you can take advantage of that for safer wading.

The only downside I can figure out with the Alumabites is that they will wear quicker than other cleats/studs due to the softer properties of aluminum. This is what makes them so sticky so I think it's worth it. Based on the wear I have on the Alumabites, after 21 days straight fishing, I would expect 2-3 seasons of use before I have to replace....not bad.

Product Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Monday, November 21, 2011

The Character of Norlakes


There is no shortage of character on the Upper Babine, or to be more exacting, no shortage of characters.

A few photos from around camp this year..........

This years Halloween attendees at the fire.
They keep coming back even when we pour diesel in their heads and ignite.

.
Kevin and Darren...singing the blues.
It is my understanding that Kev bought a couple of guitars while on this trip
Pierce seems to always warrant multiple photos!
Terry Antoniuk Photo



Pierce Clegg on Halloween.
Terry Antoniuk Photo

Need we say more......

Anita Clegg at Satellite

Riley made it through his first year guiding on the Babine.
Only to be forever lost in the junkpile in his room!


Missy...I looked for a picture of her smiling. I had about 40!
A great addition to camp!
Darren, the other half of the Darren/Missy show, and still likely
one of the hardest core fishheads I've ever known.


Before the burning. Terry carved this pumpkin. First time ever for a guest
and quite frankly, a dangerous precedent. They'll want us all to do 'em!




Missy and Maureen. Lots of ladies kicking around camp this year....
Austrian Team

Friday, November 18, 2011

Product Field Review - Helios Spey Fly Rod 1368-4 Tip Flex



Helios Spey Fly Rod 1368-4 Tip Flex

I'll likely get into trouble for saying this but after a long period of Orvis being somewhat inept at designing and building a Spey rod, I was a little hesitant to get too excited about the new Helios Spey Rods. 

I got my hands on the 13' 6" 8 weight 4 piece late this summer and used it during a Spey Casting Clinic. I was quickly impressed with this rod and decided to use one for my fall steelhead trip. I fished it for 3 weeks straight this past October/November with the intent of finding anything I didn't like about the rod.....I couldn't find anything I didn't like!

The first thing you will likely notice about this rod is it incredibly light, like all of the other rods in the Helios line. I had been using a TCX 12' 6" 7 weight for most of my steelheading as it was so light and a pleasure to cast. The Helios is certainly as light, maybe lighter in the hand.

Like a lot of the Helios rods, the 1368-4 is very easy to cast, very forgiving, but has a quick, powerful feel. This rod will not only please the beginning spey caster, but also the advanced. It has very nice feel when casting short (only a Skagit head out the tip) as well as the jam to throw long casts.

Butt and blank strength checked out all good with lots of power for fighting fish. The blanks seem to be sound as a couple of very nasty sections of overhanging alders led to a few pretty good whacks on the blank when not paying attention. Other rods would have likely broken, either immediately, or on the next fish. The Helios held up just fine.

The 1368-4 will cast a dry line with finesse, as well as handle tips out to 18 feet of T17. I made sure I tried it and it handle even the heavy tips with no problem. Other light rods I have tired tend to power out when you start getting heavier than 12-15 feet of T14. Not this rod!

Fittings (reel seat, guides, etc.) are, like all Helios rods, absolutely stunning. Stripping guides are high quality, with all other guides being recoil style. The reel seat style is akin to all of the Helios saltwater rods and the reversed locking style is different but easy to use and works just fine. The one thing I would comment on is the secondary lock ring sometimes loosens a little, but the primary stays right where it's supposed to.

I fished a Rio Skagit Flight 525 grain on the rod, which seemed perfect but of course everyone has different preferences. For dry line/light tip use, I would recommend the Rio Scandi Short around 500 grain.

Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.


Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Saturday Morning Seminars-Fall Dates



Country Pleasures is pleased to announce the line-up for Saturday Seminars for Fall 2011. Each Saturday at 10:00 a.m. we host a free seminar on a fly fishing topic. Come and participate.


Saturday, November 26Winter Fishing On the Bow with Kevin Peterson. 
Kevin will show off his favorite winter ties and discuss techniques and tips for fishing in the “off-season” along with gear, equipment and safety. 


Saturday, December 3“Am I doing this right?  Jeff Thomson answers questions and demonstrates proper techniques for common mistakes in fly-tying”
Jeff will tie several of his cool patterns: Beetle, CDC Ant, Slickwater Caddis, Squirrel Prince, Girdle Bug, Soft Hackle, Foxy Clouser, Slump Buster, Strip Leech, Double Bunny



December 10Permit Patterns for the Yucatan and Ascension Bay
Mike Gifford will tie go-to patterns for Mexican Permit.




Winter seminars will start right after New Years, check the Blog or http://www.countrypleasures.com/fly_fishing_seminars.php to see topics and dates.


Important Note: All seminars start at 10:00 am and will end between 11:00 and noon. There is no charge and no pre-registration required. Simply drop by the shop and enjoy the seminar. Although we will make every attempt to present the seminars as outlined above, topics are subject to change without notice. If you have a topic you would wish covered in a seminar, please advise the staff.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Old Video

Christmas Wish List


Most of you know that we have, in the past, had a Christmas Gift Ideas
section on our website. We still have one! We just moved it to our online

Check it out for helping putting together your list.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Back From The Babine River

Back to the shop today after 3 weeks at Steelhead Camp. Kind of a cool trip this year,with great groups made up of returning anglers, a few new additions, and a final week of couples fishing.

Looking upriver from camp.
The first week gave us weather more indicative of September than late October, a nice bonus. The inaugural "Horseshoe Award" went to David Crampton, who took up Spey Casting just a few weeks before heading up to camp. This was also David's first time ever fishing for Steelhead. He pretty much lit 'em up, averaging 3 or 4 fish landed every day. We were glad to get him on trip, our October 19-25 week has had the same anglers for several years, with nobody missing a year. 

Les continues his reign as "The Dredger", with no tank deep enough to stave off his 9140 and T-17.

We get to see our friends from the U.S., Gene, Gary, and Steve for the first time in 51 weeks. A name is missing from this list, our thoughts go out to John and his wife. We hope you can make it next year, we missed you! 

A quick note of welcome, and thanks, to Missy, who took great care of us this year. Always in good spirits and a pleasure to be around! Maureen commented at one point " Missy is the only person I've ever met who's in a great mood even when she's mad".

A lot of good people on this week, I always feel a little sad when we send them off at the end of the week. This emotion is somewhat lessened by two things .... for the balance of the day Darren, Riley, Missy, and I are likely the only anglers on the entire Upper Babine and we get Larry's famous Cheeseburgers for supper. Like every changeover, we fished until we couldn't see and after supper the staff was in bed almost as early as me.

Colours of the October Babine.
A light dusting of snow.
Wednesday, October 26 sees the excited second group of anglers arrive in camp. There was obvious relief on a couple of their faces when they saw I was only joking about meeting them on the beach in my Simms thong. Our second group saw another Babine first-timer, Tom Hirst. Glad to finally get him up to camp and hope he enjoyed it as much as we do. 

Another great group of people make up this week. Kevin continues to impress us with musical talents I had no idea he had. Not only is he a great guitar player, but he can sing as well, even coming up with new Blues licks with Babine themes. "Got no eggs" is likely to be on radio in the near future.

Got to watch a couple of guys, Darren and Terry (both who started with the Spey rods in the last few years) casting and fishing. Both of these guys have developed into very nice casters with the two handed rods.....a pleasure to watch.

Doug, as always, tells a great story, keeping everybody laughing through the week. His ever present grin almost allows me to forgive his diabolical snoring.




A little snowy...Steelhead weather.
Third week sees a little bit of a change up. Maureen and Anita Clegg come into camp along with our Austrian friends (Eugen, Hans, Gerhard, and Luis) and Dwayne, a neighbour of Pierce and Anita at Trout Camp. The weather was a little cooler for this third week, but still a lot nicer than normal.

For the first four days Pierce and I played guide to our wives. This included an overnighter down to satellite camp, an absolute blast. In over 20 years this was the first time Anita got a chance to come and just fish for a few days. I hope she makes it an annual event.

It was kind of fun just playing guide for Maureen, I actually lasted a couple of days before finally breaking down and fishing. Without question Pierce enjoyed it, getting to spend some time with Anita after months of Trout and Steelhead camps. Anita hooked a ton of fish, particularly during the first two days, showing both a complete understanding of fly swing and long distance release. Unfortunately, Anita maintains a key role in the operation of Norlakes and she had to head back Smithers after only four days. By this time Maureen was getting used to things, having already landed a very big Buck of around 20 pounds so I got to do a little more fishing for the balance of the week.

The Austrian National Fishing/Schnapps Team was, as always, a lot of fun. Luis was a new addition and we hope he comes back. Hope Hans likes his Birthday Intruders!

Dwayne, it turns out, is an outstanding singer/guitarist. He can do Ian Tyson tunes and you swear you're listening to Tyson himself. He was good enough to do play for the campfire one night as well as the Norlakes "Closing Dinner" hosted by the Cleggs in Smithers.

So, after about 21 straight days of fishing, the terrible day arrived....time to go home. We all helped close down camp, a traditional part of close week involoving winterizing and storing boats, loading up everything to return to Smithers, and closing up camp (not a happy day for me). Back to Smithers with an evening dinner thanks to Anita and Pierce and the thought that it's only 49 weeks to go and counting!

The final campfire.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Mo got her fish.

Heres a quick shot of Maureen Giffords big Babine fish. As you can tell, they were both pretty excited. Cant get much better than that!

More shots to come...

Help us make room!

Christmas shopping has already begun and we need to clear out some inventory!
Here's the run-down on sale items:
-Sage Z-Axis 590-2 Demo Rod with Sage 2560 Reel and backing (very, very good condition) $450
-Simms Fly Away Shirts 30% OFF
-Simms Guide Top 25% OFF
-Simms Guide Fleece Bottom 25% OFF
-Simms Rivershed Cardigan and Sweater 25% OFF
-Sage, Orvis, Patagonia T-shirts 50% OFF
-Patagonia Island Hopper Short Sleeve 40% OFF
-Orvis Hydros 910-4 Rod 30% OFF
-Patagonia Wading Boots 30% OFF
-Orvis Wonderline Gen3 Fly Lines 50% OFF

Applies to in-stock items only, no special orders. Only select colors and sizes available. All sale items are final sales.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

The boys be having fun

Some shots from Kevin Sproule and Tom Hirst following their trips to Babine Norlakes.
Check out more of Kevin's photos at http://www.pbase.com/kevinsproule/102511