New Years Hours

The shop is open from 10 Am to 6 PM today. 

Open 9 AM to 2 PM on New Years Eve (Saturday), and closed Sunday (New Years day).

We'll be open from 10 AM to 6bPM on Monday (January 2nd)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

30th Anniversary Sale Update

Here's an update of what's left as well as some other items not previously listed......

* Sage X13 fly rods 25% Off

*Helios Freshwater rods 25% Off  *Down to 4 rods left!

*Simms Headwaters Waist and Backpacks 25% Off  **SOLD OUT**

* Simms Headwaters Reel Cases 25% Off

* Simms Runabout Shells 60% Off

* BUY A DOZEN FLIES-25% Off

* Simms Guide Jackets 40% Off **ONE LEFT**

* Simms Streamtread Sandals 20% Off

* Simms Foldover Mitts 50% Off

* ALL (Simms, Patagonia)Beanies & Caps 25% Off

* Simms Rogue Fleece Hoodies 50% Off

* Simms Invest Jackets 50% Off

* Simms Pursuit GTX Mid Shoes 40% Off

* Simms Travel Organizers 50% Off

* Orvis Anglers Backpack & Kit Bags 25% Off

* Flasks/Wallets/Bottles 20% Off  **Only a few flasks left**

* Simms Headwaters Tackle Bags 25% Off

The newest product for 2012..

Orvis' new patent pending, rod. Complete with built in sound effects..


Have a great new year, come stop in and say hello!

Boxing Week/Aniversary Sale

Country Pleasures Flyfishing 30th Anniversary Clearance

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! We hope you are having a good holiday season and Santa was good to you!
The countdown to 2012 has begun, to us, symbolizing thirty fantastic years of serving the fly fishing community.
To celebrate, starting December 27, Country Pleasures will be having its biggest sale ever! We couldn't think of a better way to thank-you for helping us reach this milestone.
Product discounts from 10 to 60% off!
Stop in and check out the sales, products at these discounts won't last long!
Some featured items:
 

* Sage X13 fly rods   25% Off

*Helios Freshwater rods  25% Off

* Simms Runabout Shells 60% Off

* BUY A DOZEN FLIES-25% Off
* Simms Guide Jackets 40% Off

There are lots of other items on sale*! Come in to see the full list of sale items and hurry in while quantities last! Come January, we have a few very special events:

Winter Saturday Seminars resume January 7th and continue through to April. These are FREE seminars on a variety of fly fishing topics open to everyone. No registration required, just come on in!

Seasons of the Skeena Presentation with Chad Black and Jeff Bright. Join Chad and Jeff on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 7 PM to hear about the nearly year round salmon and steelhead fishing opportunities on the Skeena system featuring the amazing photography by Jeff Bright. There is no charge, simply come on in and enjoy an evening of photos, stories and fun.

We also have a few openings remaining in our April Vokey Fly Tying Workshops. These are a can't miss opportunity! April will doing an Intruder workshop on Monday, January 30, 2012 and a Learn to Fly Tie workshop on Tuesday, January 31, 2012. Both begin at 6PM and include all materials. Workshops are $75 (including materials), give us a call to book before its too late!

The CP team wishes everyone a very Happy New Years and all the best into 2012
Mike, Maureen, Caitlin, Brent, Kevin and Zach

*Sale applies to in stock items only. No special orders. Not available with any other offers or discounts. All sales final. No exchange or refund on sale items.

Merry Christmas!!!!

Hope Santa was good to all of you!

Merry Christmas from all of us at C.P.

From The Chum.....

BULLS ON TOP from SHALLOW WATER EXPEDITIONS on Vimeo.

Andy Mill Video

Getting Guided Teaser 2: Andy Mill from Mountain Beach Productions on Vimeo.

Coolest Thing Ever!

So, it's likely the 500th time I've said "the coolest thing ever.

But there's been so many cool things.

This, however, is the coolest thing ever as of today.

Bug-Partz now has these claw sets that are

perfect for tying your crabs. Molded latex, you can tie them in as one

piece. No fiddling around, easy as pie. Spent my Friday night farting

around with them and they're SO easy!

Check 'em out at the shop or online http://www.countrypleasures.com/store/

Available in two sizes, small and large (these are large on #2 hooks).

They take color really well with marking pens.

Step Aside Finnish Racoon

We went on the hunt for some Finnish Racoon for the fly tying wall a little while ago.

What we found is WAY BETTER!

Tibetan Temple Dog has the same soft, flowing properties as F.R., only it looks way better. Several very cool colors are available. It's now here at the shop for your Toads and other bugs!

Another item we now have in the shop is UV Super Schlappen....VERY NICE!

Thompson River Fundraiser Up and Running!

The Flies For Fins site is now up with items to raise funds for the Thompson.

Go to http://www.flies4fins.com/ to check it out.....

NEW SALTWATER FLIES

JUST ARRIVED!

Several new saltwater patterns.

Including some juicy Permit stuff..

CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA

Someone going Tarpon fishing this winter? Looking for a gift idea?

Orvis Hydros 912-4 (9 foot, 12 weight, 4 piece)

Regular price $555

NOW $ 277.50

Comes with Orvis 25 Year Unconditional Warranty.

In stock rods only. No special orders.

Saturday Morning Seminars-Winter 2012

Saturday Seminars 2012

Country Pleasures Flyfishing 30th Anniversary

Country Pleasures is pleased to announce the line-up for Saturday Seminars for 2012. Each Saturday at 10:00 a.m. we host a free seminar on a fly fishing topic. Come and participate. For 2012, as it is our 30th Anniversary, we will be having other special presentations in addition to Saturdays.

Seminars are scheduled as follows:

January 7: Scenic Rick and Dry Fly Hackle. Rick Harding will tie some of his extremely nice patterns, show different hackle and techniques.

January 14: PATAGONIA Fishing 2012

Rob Owens from Patagonia will show new products from Patagonia for 2012. A great selection of packs and bags, wading equipment, and lots of other items.

January 21: SIMMS Fishing 2012

Todd Schaarf, product rep for Simms presents new items for 2012 from Simms. Great chance to sneak peak the new items and check them out prior to the crows at the expo.

January 25: Seasons of the Skeena **Special Presentation**

Chad Black and Jeff Bright on the near year round opportunities for Steelhead and Salmon on the Skeena system. You’ll see some brilliant photography by Jeff Bright! Presentation at Country Pleasures at 7 PM No Charge

January 28: Fly Fishing Expo- No seminar

Join us at the 10th annual western Canadian fly fishing expo at Spruce Meadows. Stop by the booth for new products, as well as hot buys.

January 30: Tying Intruders Workshop with April Vokey

Join April to tie these works of art and learn how she does it. Workshop is at Country Pleasures at 6 PM. Cost is $75, materials supplied. Preregistration and payment is required.

January 31 Introduction to Fly Tying Workshop with April Vokey

Get started in the world of fly tying with April Vokey. Workshop is at Country Pleasures at 6 PM. Cost is $75, materials supplied. Preregistration and payment is required.

February 4: Banks, Bobbers and Boats; Bow River nymphing.

Jeff Thomson ties a few of his favorite nymph patterns and outlines his most effective techniques for fishing them from shore and the boat.

February 11: Streamer Fishing 101.

Mike Gifford will present on some of his most effective techniques for fishing streamers, from foot and from the drift boat.

February 18: TBA

February 25: “A TALE OF TWO GUIDES”

Two Bow River guides, Kevin Peterson and Jeff Thomson, walk us through their boat bags and fly boxes. See what each carries for gear and ammo, as well as techniques they use when they’re “at work”.

March 3: Tying Bass Bugs and How To Fish Them.

Garry Raugh, a bass fanatic, shows us some of his favorite patterns, shows us how to fish them and shares some of his adventures while fishing.

March 10: Introducing the Intruder (& other Steelhead patterns)

Brent Piche ties some of his most prized possessions, steelhead

intruders and ties some other popular patterns, with a twist of course.

March 17: Fly fishing Photography Part 1 with Jim McLennan **Special Presentation**

Jim McLennan beings this first installment of a two part seminar on photography by discussing fly fishing and photography.

March 24: Fly fishing Photography Part 2 with Lynda McLennan **Special Presentation**

Lynda concludes this two part series by presenting on how to make your fishing photos better with the use of digital alteration.

March 31: Running Down Rooster Flies.

Adam Rich ties us some of his well tested rooster patterns and talks about his rooster fishing adventures in Baja. You won’t find these in any fly bin.

April 7: Easter Weekend- No seminar

April 14: Sage “Demo” Day and FREE casting tune-ups

Join Ruben Breitkreutz, Sage regional representative, and CP staff on the river to try out new rods, single, two handed and switch. To get your rod arm warmed up for the upcoming season CP staff will be giving casting tune-up lessons FREE of charge. Everyone is welcome but please RSVP if you’re interested in attending.

April 21: “Destinations of the World- Palometa Club”

Photos and video from one of the best lodges in the world for shallow water flats fishing for Permit. Not to mention Bonefish, Snook, and Tarpon.

For up to the date listings for topics and dates, go to http://www.countrypleasures.com/fly_fishing_seminars.php

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.

**SPECIAL PRESENTATION-SEASONS ON THE SKEENA**

Wednesday, January 25, 2012 - 7 PM

Country Pleasures Flyfishing - Willow Park Village

"Seasons On The Skeena"

with Chad Black & Jeff Bright
Presented by Country Pleasures Flyfishing

Join Chad Black, operations manager at Nicholas Dean Lodge, and Jeff Bright, world-class photographer, author, and darn good angler present "Seasons on the Skeena". The show starts at 7 PM at Country Pleasures and there is no charge.

Yellow Cedar Lodge

"Seasons on the Skeena" is an informational and very visual presentation on what fly angling opportunities await you on, and around the Skeena throughout the year. Be ready for some amazing photography, as Jeff is as good as you'll find. Chad brings his knowledge of the area as well as his talents as a host and outfitter.

We expect this to be an amazing show, hope to see you here!

The options are limitless!

Mark it on your calendar!!!

For more information on Jeff, and some amazing photos, go to http://www.jeffbright.com/index.html

For more information on Chad, and Nicholas Dean go to http://nicholasdean.com/

Jeff Bright, one of the most talented photographers we have seen.

A sample of Jeff's work, brilliant!

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR GEAR....

The spread of invasive species is a serious threat to our waters, and a major pathway is through "hitchhiking" on our equipment. New Zealand Mud Snail, Didymo and pathogens are spreading through watersheds worldwide. At home, many anglers are seeing didymo suddenly appear in rivers that it previously did not. Please take these simple step to properly clean your equipment between fishing different lakes or rivers.

Firstly, when leaving a waterbody, remove visible plants, animals, dirt or mud from your waders, boots, boat etc and remove or drain standing or pooled water.

At home, use one of the following disinfection methods:
-Submerge gear in hot water (>45◦C) for at least 10 minutes or until soaked through. Felt soles or absorbent materials need to soak for 40 minutes.
-Freeze gear until solid (>4 hours)
-Soak in 2% solution of household bleach for 1 minute
-Soak in 5% solution of household bleach for 15 minutes (effective for fish and amphibian pathogen disinfection)

All four of the above procedures are effective methods for disinfection of Didymo.

Information from  British Columbia Ministry of Environment document "Equipment Disinfection Procedures to Prevent the Accidental Spread to Aquatic Invasive Species-Version 1.1 June 2009". As supplied by Terry Antoniuk, Thanks!!!

CHRISTMAS HOURS AT THE SHOP

For Christmas shopping convenience, Country Pleasures will be

open Sundays, December 11 & 18 from 10 AM to 4 PM.

This is in addition to our regular Monday to Saturday hours.

Saturday Morning Seminars-PERMIT PATTERNS FOR THE YUCATAN AND ASCENSION BAY

December 10 – PERMIT PATTERNS FOR THE YUCATAN AND ASCENSION BAY
                          Mike Gifford will tie go-to patterns for Mexican Permit.


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.

JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT YOU HAD EVERYTHING FISHING!

SIMMS CHRISTMAS WRAPPING PAPER!

Available at CP!

**SPECIAL EVENT-APRIL VOKEY INTRUDER TYING SCHOOL**

STEELHEAD INTRUDERS

with April Vokey

Monday, January 30, 2012

Whiting Saddle Hackles

WE ACTUALLY GOT SOME!!

Now in the shop. Likely won't last long, destined to end up on someone's dry flies.....or in someone's hair.

**SPECIAL EVENT-APRIL VOKEY LEARN TO FLY TIE

BEGINNER LEARN TO FLY TIE

with April Vokey

January 31, 2012 - 6 PM

Country Pleasures Flyfishing - Willow Park Village

Cost: $75  Pre-registration required.

Join April Vokey of Fly Gal Ventures for a fun-filled evening of fly-tying as she helps to demystify general questions that intrigue many beginner fly-tyers.

Students are encouraged to bring their own tools, however, materials are provided and the use of necessary tools/equipment may be arranged with advance notice to the shop.

Gather around our comfortable tying table and observe, evaluate and conquer every tying step as April walks each student through the process. We’re aware that beginners learn at different rates and patient ‘one-on-one’ time ensures that no one gets “lost” at the table.

Each step is explained slowly and thoroughly, providing additional bits of information and alternative techniques along the way.

Enjoy learning the steps of basic fly-tying on your first fly of the evening and then venture into your own creations as you proceed to complete a second. Each wrap will put you one step closer to stocking your fly box!

This course is a participation based course and there are only 8 spots available. Book now to hold your space!

HELP OUT THE THOMPSON!

April Vokey's Flies For Fins is raising money for the Thompson River Steelhead.

Flies for Fins has partnered with the Steelhead Society of British Columbia to raise funds for the improvement of important steelhead spawning and rearing habitat on the world renowned Thompson River.

If you wanna help, go to http://www.flies4fins.com/

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.

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/

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.

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!!!!

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.

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

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

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.

More Kevin Sproule Video

Babine Fish Photos