Monic Fly Lines

One of the products at the IFTD this year that really intrigued me was the transparent floating line produced by Monic Fly Lines.  The folks at Monic were kind enough to give me an all weather transparent floating 6wt line that quickly found its way on to an empty reel.  I am looking forward to trying out this line.  I had it out on the lawn today and it cast great.  This should be just the ticket for the still waters I fish.  I have been fishing a clear intermediate line and often yearned for a clear floating line.  I yearn no more!  I'll report more on this line when I actually get a chance to get it wet!

The minimalist approach of Tenkara

One of the things I like the most about Tenkara is the simplicity.  Rod, line and a handful of flies is all you need.

 Over the winter I picked up this simple set up with Tenkara in mind.  This handmade lanyard/fly holder is made by Goertzen Adventure Equipment.  They make two types; one with a fold out fly patch and one that will hold a standard Wheatley fly box (or similar sized box).   This simple accessory holds all the flies you need for a day on the water, extra tippet, tools, and what ever else you feel the need to attach to it.  I have two of these set ups.  The one pictured above is set up for pursuing bluegills, the second one holds my traditional Tenkara flies.

Open up the fly patch and grab what you need.  The design holds wet and dry flies without crushing hackles.  If you lined them up nice a pretty you could carry several dozen flies no problem.

Recycled Waders

During the winter I picked up a 'Nook Sack from Recycled Waders.  This company reclaims old blown out waders and gives them a second chance at life.   Your old waders are "deconstructed" then cleaned and sewn into useful fly fishing accessories.  Each piece is unique, bearing the original wader's color patterns, stains, patches etc.  Send them your old waders to have them make something just for you or you can donate your waders with the piece of mind that they will be recycled into something useful for another angler.
This simple shoulder bag will hold everything I need for a warm-water outing.  It has a large main compartment, a smaller internal pocket and zippered compartment on the front.  Throw a couple fly boxes in there, some forceps, bug dope, nippers and extra tippet and your good to go.  As a plus, it will probably hold the largest fly box you own, perfect for larger bass and pike flies.  I carry far less gear when fishing local lakes compared to trips to trout waters.  Warm-water fishing for me means simplicity and this bag is perfect.