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Stream X - Hard to find, but worth the effort.
021 551 4248 sales@streamx.co.za

Dear [fname]

Last night I was watching one of those magnificent videos where you see a perfect cast being laid out in slow motion. It reminded me that one of the challenges that face us at places like Sterkfontein dam and on the Cape coast, is that we often have to face stiff winds.
Not only do we have to face them, but we actually have to cast straight into them. This is where a good fast rod and the correct line play a huge role, but you, the ‘star of the show’ have to drive this contraption to get it to work properly. The value of good casting is immeasurable.

You can get away with good casting and a lesser rod, but not the other way round. It’s like choosing between a “full frontal lobotomy or a full bottle in front of me” (Dorothy Parker). But don’t get me wrong here, while I encourage you to learn to cast well, I need to encourage you to buy good equipment as well. The math is simple, good casting + good rod = distance + quantity of fish2.

Throwing a tight loop is the most important aspect of casting into the wind. The tighter the loop, the less line exposed to the wind. What is often forgotten is that the wind is slower close to the water and speeds up proportionately higher away from the surface.
Just compare it to current in a stream bed, slow at the bottom, fastest on top.
If you are throwing a tighter loop, you also benefit from the fact that your line is closer to the water.

If you want to take this advantage further, then you need to cast with your rod to the side, effectively getting your rod tip (and line) closer to the water. You can even cast parallel to the water, the way Tim Rolston teaches you cast when starting off. For most people casting a weighted or bulky fly parallel to the water is a serious challenge, so a good compromise if a forty five degree angle, which most can manage.

Time spent practicing, will not be wasted, but don’t try and practice when you are fishing as you are distracted with thoughts of catching. Rather take some time out on a local lawn and really concentrate.
If this does not help, it is time to either call a friendly pro, or invest in a good DVD or book. In my experience DVD’s are more useful, especially if you follow the program.
For example George Roberts has a brilliant salt water casting movie, which is broken down into 10 lessons. The intention is to watch each lesson one at a time and then go and practice, before doing the next one. If you do it that way, you will become a good caster.

If you prefer the personal touch, there are some great teachers out there. Invest the time (and cash if necessary) to improve your casting, you will be glad you did.


Best regards
Craig

PS. Sorry, no pics of the Monster Elf (Shad) that I intended to catch, beacuse I haven't. The season is not over yet!

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sales@streamx.co.za

Just landed..

whiting genunine fly tying feathers
Coq de Leon Capes from R130.00
Coq de Leon Tailing packs R235.00
Dry Fly Capes from R375.00
Dry Fly Saddles from R350.00
American Salt Water Saddles R219.00
All the above are "Bronze" quality or better


New Orvis Helios™ Ion
 763-4 Mid Flex 7.5 Fly Rod
The perfect small stream fly rod. Super lightweight, sensitive, precise.
1 1/4 oz  (35,4 grams)  7'6"  4-piece  mid flex 7.5  fly rod for 3 wt. line. R8750.00
Orvis Helios Ion Rod

 







hook
Cast Iron Hook - Trout
R149.00
This trout shaped cast iron hook will organise your tackle room.
Hang your creels & waders! Screws & anchors included; 4x6 inches.  Buy Online



Specials

Xplorer Guide II reels 4/5wt or 5/6wt with spare spool R1599.00 each. Limited supply

The Bargain Bin has been filled up to make space for 2011 ranges
Quality saddles & capes, dubbing brushes in a varirty of colours & sizes, Deadly dazzle, Fine hair and more.

TFO Rods
Professional Series - 3wt 7'6 and 3 wt 8'6 R1795.00 less 10%
Professional Series - 5 wt 9' and 6 wt 9' R1899 less 10%
Teeny Series - 5wt 9' R2452.00 less 10%
TiCr Saltwater Series 9wt 9' R2779.00 less 10%   Only one of each available

Fly of the Month

T.U.F.F. (The Ultimate F... Fly)

Every Fly Tyer from Dame Juliana's time has aspired towards the ultimate fly. The one that no fish will refuse.
I am pleased to announce that I have produced this fly, and in the process have gone one better.
This fly does not even have to be cast, you can put on the grass next the the water and it will catch fish.
The only problem with this method is that it takes time.
This fly is so good that fish are willing to evolve legs or wings to go and get one off your fly tying bench!


van der Beetle fly

 

Step by step tying instructions are here

DVD of the Month

dvd, the source Iceland
DVD, The Source - Iceland
Produced/Directed by Nick Reygaert, Gin-Clear Media
50 minutes plus 15 minutes bonus material, R225.00

Volcanoes, glaciers and cascading water, Iceland's magnetic allure is irresistible for the traveling fly fisher.
In this land of myths and legends, nature tells it's own epic saga. From the river of their birth, the mighty salmon make the journey out to sea to grow strong, returning each year bringing nourishment to the land and it's people.
The pristine rivers and lakes are home to four indigenous salmonid species - Salmon, Brown Trout, Arctic Char and Sea Trout - a bounty of opportunity.
Sight fish to salmon in crystal clear rivers, search a remote fiord for arctic char, tempt massive trout from volcanic spring creeks and battle sea trout in the southern rivers. This epic cinematic experience captures the passion and excitement of fly fishers exploring this unique land.     Buy Online

Visit www.netbooks.co.za for a large range of Fly Fishing Titles. For the latest book & DVD releases go here



Fly Tying Tip of the Month

Splitting Heirs

In order to tie the T.U.F.F. fly, you will need to be able to do a split thread dubbing loop.
In general, dubbing loops are a great way to apply loose dubbing materials, especially when you need a scraggly effect.
They are important with small flies, as a normal dubbing loop can cause an unwanted build up of thread.

Easier said than done though, as not all threads split easily.
You can buy purpose made split thread like the Petijean or Hends product, but the material I use as standard on all my dry flies is Griffiths Sheer Thread. It is a 14/0 thread which is on the thin side (perfect for dries) but quite strong (it seems stronger than my 8/0 thread).
splitting thread
To split the thread, first place the thread on the hook where you need it and let the bobbin hang so that it will unwind the thread naturally while you prepare your dubbing or other material. When ready, unwind it back half a turn or more then pull quite firmly away from you.
You should find that it has flattened itself against the hook.

splitting thread

Now simply insert a dubbing needle to split it. Rest your left hand on the vice, and use it to support your needle hand.
Blunt needles work better than sharp ones and don't damage the thread.
The needle must be clean and blunt, (not like mine in the picture) a gunged up needle will damage the thread. Move the needle down and keep the thread apart with a spinning tool, then proceed to insert the dubbing.

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