MOLDY CHUM

Bellevue Fly Show

Heading down to FedEx to laminate this sign - then to the Fly Show to help man the Sportsman's Alliance for Alaska booth.  The plan is to oppose all things Pebble.

     

Oregon Proposing New Guide Permit and Regional Endorsement System

A proposed bill being drafted for the Oregon Legislature would cap and eventually reduce the number of professional salmon and steelhead guides in Oregon, and regulate them as an industry.

Born from within the guiding industry, the effort seeks to ban new guides from joining the guiding world for five years and allow the guide pool to drop from roughly 800 to 550 through attrition.

The bill would also seek to reduce pressure on certain salmon runs at by requiring additional fees and permits for guides who stray from their home waters and guide in other regions of the state.

LINK (Via: The Mail Tribune)

New Owners Ensure a Future for the Flyfishing Film Tour

Tom Bie, Doug Powell and Chris Keig have officially acquired the Fly Fishing Film Tour from AEG. Bie and his partners Doug Powell and Chris Keig have substantial experience with film makers and film tours through their work at The Drake and with Warren Miller Entertainment.

The tour will hit the road in 2009 as The Drake Fly Fishing Film Tour.

Read all about the ins and outs of the whole deal - LINK (Via: The Drake)

Is that O'Keefe on the cover?

Because Cabela's got the drop on everyone else in the 2009 fly catalog wars we'll have to wait until the others arrive before  offering up our second annual fly catalog smackdown.

"Jane, you ignorant slut"

The news of the recent AEG resignations has already generated six pages of forum discussion on The Drake board.

LINK

Breaking News - AEG Resignations

With just over thirty days to the launch of the 2009 edition of the film tour, Thad Robison, Chris Owens, and Justin Crump have resigned from AEG.

Insert easy “reeling them in” joke here

Greg Newton calls out the sons of indicted financier Bernard Madoff who also happen to be the principle investors at Abel.

While Madoff brats Mark and Andrew loudly protest innocence, not to mention ignorance, of their father’s long-running record-breaking Ponzi scheme, it seems they’ve got a little business to fall back on in case their current employment at Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC goes boom. According to a Nov. 15 2007 press release:

CAMARILLO, Calif. – A small group of private investors has acquired Abel Automatics, Inc. manufacturers of precision machined fly-fishing reels and fishing accessories...New York-based Abel Holdings LLC assumed control of the company Nov. 9... 

LINK (Via:Seeking Alpha)

The Wall St. tabloid Dealbreaker has run a couple of blistering posts on the brothers.

They ran this picture of Mark and Andrew for a caption contest that generated 90 responses.

This second post with accompanying You Tube video generated this priceless comment.

Oh, they're into saltwater fishing as well. There's no telling how much they have in gear. The entire $50 Billion may be wrapped up in their hobby.

A lot of people are dubious as to whether or not the Madoff brothers, Mark and Andy, really had no idea the firm they were working for was--what's the word?--a Ponzi scheme. How could they not, right? Perhaps because while daddy was busy defrauding everyone in the Western world, they were giving fishing tutorials.

You're Acquired!

UFA, a Canadian based petroleum and farm supply co-op, just acquired a big piece of the U.S. hook and bullet market.

Calgary, AB, Nov. 26—UFA Co-operative Limited is poised to acquire a majority interest in Sportsman’s Warehouse, increasing the co-operative’s annual revenue by $800 million.

Sportsman’s Warehouse is a privately-owned outdoor outfitter with annual revenue topping $800 million and 67 stores in 38 American states. The acquisition aligns with UFA’s strategy to diversify beyond its traditional businesses.

“UFA is a co-operative serving the people who live, work and play in rural communities,” says Dallas Thorsteinson, president and chief executive officer. “Acquiring Sportsman’s Warehouse fits perfectly with our strategy to create sustained valued for our owners by expanding to become a well-rounded rural marketer.”

UFA will acquire a majority interest in US-based Sportsman’s Warehouse. The acquisition is subject to successful completion of negotiations and a comprehensive due diligence process. UFA has already made a significant cash injection into the US retailer to ensure it’s well stocked for the holiday retail season.

LINK

Fish and Fly buys Fish and Fly

West Sussex, UK - In a match made in fly-fishing heaven, Fish & Fly Ltd, owners of the popular UK-based online magazine www.fishandfly.com , have acquired the rights and title of its print namesake in the USA, the award-winning Fish & Fly Magazine, from Turnstile Publishing Company of Orlando, Florida.

Start your own reel company

Eleven models to choose from. LINK

Leichi Industrial and Trade also offer a full line of apparel, and accessories.

Buyer Wanted

Teton Fly Reels is currently going through a temporary transition. Production has temporarily been suspended as a new buyer is being sought. We will, however, continue to honor the warranty as always as long as parts are available. We will also continue to fill orders with the current inventory until production resumes. 

LINK

Reel Good

Abel is rolling out 75 limited edition fly reels to benefit Western Rivers Conservancy’s work to protect outstanding streams in the western United States.

The total value of Abel’s contributions is expected to exceed $25,000.

The Limited Edition Abel - Western Rivers Conservancy Reel is available in the Large Arbor Super 7 and Super 10 models, each with a solid frame in the slate color.  LINK

Cue the new age music

The effervescent mind of John Land Le Coq spills out into the world like water surging from a cool mountain spring.

Alive with fluid invention, it is reflective of its dynamic Summit County surroundings, forever moving forward while pooling just deep enough to create a concept known as fishpond.

Via: The Denver Post LINK

Sage E-bay Pimps

Our mission at SageFlyRods.net is to help you find great deals on Sage Fly Rods, and present the top deals on Sage Fly Rods that we uncover.

Whiting Farms is looking for a Customer Service Manager

The position requires someone with excellent  communication skills to take customer orders and sell product, enter data, manage the companies eBay business and to attend the trade show in Denver once a year. LINK

Help Wanted - Orvis Endorsed Employment Opportunities

LINK

Git'cher sale on, Fisha

The second annual G-Smolt swap meet. LINK

AFFTA Hires New President

AFFTA Hires Gary Berlin as New Association President
Former Colorado Division of Wildlife Employee Brings Three Decades of Experience

Denver, CO: The American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA) announced today that
it has hired Gary Berlin as the trade association's president. A former human resources
manager and Area/District Wildlife Manager for the Colorado Division of Wildlife
and the recent head of the International Hunter Education Association, Berlin brings
nearly thirty years of experience in the outdoor arena as well as proven non-profit
association leadership skills. He received a Bachelor's degree in Natural Resource
Management from Mesa College in Grand Junction, CO and a Master's degree in Public
Administration from the University of Colorado in Denver. Berlin, a lifelong Colorado
resident, will begin his tenure on July 1 and will be establishing a new permanent
home for AFFTA in the greater Denver area.

Fly Fishing Manufacturers Meets 2.0 Journalism

Via: The Trout Underground  LINK

Bauer Fly Reel Factory Tour

The Platte River Fly Shop Goes Green

The Platte River Fly Shop in Casper is taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint. LINK

Go Green with your Old Waders

With the Recycled Waders PR carpet-bomb set to launch in a week or two, we were beat to the punch by our brothers in blog.  Further proof that you can't stop a good idea.  You can only hope to contain it.  Since the cat is now out of the bag, let the repurposed wader movement begin.

A few years back, Pat Jenkins (long time Chum friend and Reel Purist) had a vision.  And now, with the help of the Gooch, other potential manufactures, and bug-throwers across the globe, we all have a tangible opportunity to make a difference.  And this difference delivers a pretty nice reward:

After nearly a dozen years of chasing king salmon in Alaska with a vest full of whatever I could pack in it I finally had an epiphany…I only used a few patterns in a few colors, 20lb. mono, bug spray, and nippers, so why the hell am I carrying all this #%*! gear on my back for 12 hours a day! About the same time I had this glorious realization I had just gouged an enormous hole in my first pair of breathable waders while retrieving a fly from a tree behind me. There wasn’t enough patch material and aqua seal in King Camp to fix this blemish, so I finished the week with soggy socks and plenty of fish to hand.

I couldn't bear the thought of throwing away my very first pair of breathable waders - especially since they were pretty pricey to begin with! After a long drive back to Fairbanks, I sat down and sketched out a pack I could wear that would simplify my king salmon fishing. Then I enlisted my mom's sewing skills. A few weeks later, I had the prototype - and it was perfect! It held 2 large fly boxes, nippers, leader, fishing license, bug spray, hook file, and pliers. To this day I use the prototype on every salmon and steelhead adventure I make.

Since the creation of the original prototype pack, I have blown through several pairs of waders. But I've repurposed them to design other prototype bags and packs along the way. Recycled Waders brings my vision to life. We're giving back to the fishing community, but also to the environment by creating practical re-usable solutions for old, leaky and damaged waders.

Messenger Creel Big Fanny 'Nook Sack Greenback Wallet

Mixing Executive Strategy with Fly Fishing Has Never Been More Engaging.....

.....or disturbing. LINK

Scientific Anglers' lines reel in fly-fishers

A recent profile of Scientific Anglers.

The company was founded in 1945 by Midland fly-fishing enthusiasts Leon Martuch, Clare Harris and Paul Rottiers. They are credited with developing the first modern fly lines in the 1950s.

In 1973, the company was purchased by corporate giant 3M Co.

Via: mlive LINK

Patagonia in the News

In the second half of this N.Y. Times article adapted from the book, The Big Squeeze: Tough Times for the American Worker, Patagonia is recognized as a model for corporate America.

Patagonia is not like anywhere else. With 1,300 workers and $275 million a year in sales, it donates 1 percent of its annual sales to environmental groups. Four days a week at lunchtime, the company offers yoga and Pilates sessions; there are also occasional classes on fly fishing.

Via The NY Times  LINK

A Rough Day at the Office

Spent yesterday morning working the beat at The Fly Shop in Redding.

Arguably one of the most successful fly fishing retailers in the nation, the shop boasts 350 miles of fishable water within an hours drive, a season that never quits and one million flies in stock.

Copper Johns anyone?

In addition to the local opportunities, the shop also offers up a soup to nuts menu of exotic fly fishing destination travel.

In the afternoon Miller, Bennett and J. Lo. took advantage of some of the local water.

Go ahead, bite the big apple

I vividly remember being inspired by an Urban Angler ad of a guy holding a Giant Trevally when I was a newbie fly fisherman. Who would have thought that 10 years later I would have a chance to call on the shop that inspired me with that exotic ad, a copy of which is displayed in their Manhattan store.

Located on Fifth Avenue in the shadow of the Empire State Bulding, Urban is one of the most influential and unique fly fishing retailers on the planet.   

When you step off the elevator you enter a fly fishing oasis in the heart of midtown.

Urban is poised to infect another metropolitan area in the near future. LINK

Sure beats the old Magaret Thatcher ad

Moldy Chum meets MidCurrent - Hanging Chad Edition

We took a break yesterday from our Florida road trip to spend a couple of hours with Marshall from MidCurrent.
Always great to spend time with Marshall, he has his fingers firmly planted on the pulse of the on-line world of fly fishing.

More Chum Fly Fishing Catalog Goodness

You have not lived until you've shopped in Freeport at 2:00 am in the morning on Christmas Eve. Open 24/7, 365 days a year, Eddie Bean delivers the finest in monogrammed tote bags, gummy guide boots and fly fishing catalog goodness. 

And as good as an Echo rod!

Catalog 101 - Use the high end to sell the low end.

House brand on the left $29 - $79. Tibor and Ross on the right $285 - $822.

You too can pretend you're with Maine Fish and Wildlife.

No fly fish catalog is complete without creel.

The latest fly fishing oxymoron with bonus ridiculous model shot.

   

African-American Boycott of L.L. Bean Enters 80th Year

Death of a Fly Shop

The Creel in Knoxville is closing after 24 years, usual suspects blamed for their demise.

Via: Knox News LINK

YC Interview in February UK Tackle and Trade

Click on the open publication tab to view full size, you can then zoom in to read. Straq, Bennett and Klyn get some ink in the story as well. This mag is distributed globally to 8,000  fly and general tackle industry companies, outfitters, media, reps, etc.

Next Time We'll Bring the Beer

Our final fly shop stop last week in Livingston was the Sweetwater Fly Shop which is a part of the Sweetwater Travel empire.

Located at the mouth of the Yellowstone River's Paradise Valley, the Sweetwater Fishing Company, was founded by a group of anglers who have made their home in Montana while exploring world's great fishing destinations. While the AEG boys are on tour promoting their latest adventures in Mongoloa the crew at Sweetwater has been plying those waters for over 10 years and pioneered fly fishing for Taimen.

Below is Dave sporting his Reel Pure, "Name that Flow" schwag and Charlie, doing his best Chas Tenenbaum impersonation.

View from Paradise Valley

Our second stop in Livingston was George's Anderson's Yellowstone Angler. George and his son Jamie hosted us at their shop for a couple of hours over lunch last Thursday. One of the sports pioneers, George has won the Jackson Hole One Fly on two occasions and when not plying the waters of Montana he is most likely fishing for Tarpon in exotic locales.

The walls of the shop are adorned with some spectacular images, fish mounts and vintage Patagonia art/product.

In addition to all the premier fly brands, Yellowstone Angler has a vintage humidor and stocks a world class cigar selection.

This 8 weight shootout shows the team at the Yellowstone Angler is not afraid to put some product to the test.

Next stop Sweetwater Fly Company.

Buffalo Bill Slept Here

As part of our Montana road show we spent two days last week in Livingston, home of the FFF's  Fly Fishing Discovery center. Livingston is a great town that is flush with fly fishing history, art and quality fly retailers. We stayed at the historic Murray Hotel where the walls are adorned with images of Montana's past as well as the art work of Parks Reece.

Our first fly shop stop was Dan Bailey's.

Patagonia sales rep Blake Nicolazzo with Jeff Welke in front of some of the fly fishing memorabilia at Dan Bailey's.

One example of the rich history surrounding the Bailey family.

Before the days of catch and release anglers would bring their slabs to Bailey's and a silhouette of the fish would be traced and posted on the wall.

That's John in his Patagonia down jacket. He threatened to go back in and put on a Simms coat but I'm holding his elbow. Note the shop pooch Hannah.

Nest stop was George Anderson's Yellowstone Angler and then Sweetwater Fly Shop.

Gonna be a mennil-toss flykune

We have been working our way from Missoula to Livingston over the last couple of days. It's a slow time of the year for specialty fly fishing retailers in Montana so please take a minute to check out their websites and stop in next time your in Montana and support a local retailer. The good news is that the snowpack is currently above average, there is more snow in the forecast and it's shaping up to be a good water year.

What no San Juan Worm? I snapped this shot of a Jackson Hole One Fly commemorative plate at The Grizzly Hackle.

Fish artist Jim Clark made their store sign. The web pics don't do his work justice.

Here I am with Matt Potter and Jim Cox the proprietors at The Kingfisher. Here I learned that every fly shop in Montana has at least one Lab on staff. They also have a Jackson Hole One Fly commemorative plate.

The Kingfisher boys also have some serious sign bling.

We swung by Rock Creek, a blue ribbon trout stream and home of the world famous Testicle Festival.

This is the mural on the side of the Mecantile, they tell me that bridge is still there.

The Mercantile was closed but we did find some signs of life.

An Oregon developer claiming to be an environmentalist dug a 5-acre pond at the confluence of Rock Creek and the Clark Fork River without a permit as part of his plans for a 36 plot subdivision  LINK

The Rock Creek Protective Association is fighting the subdivision.

We'll have another dispatch from Bozeman and Livingston tomorrow.

The Latest in Wading Wear from Cloudveil

The worst kept secret in the outdoor industry is now official.

Via: MidCurrent  LINK

Fly Wars: FFS vs AFFTA - Which One Did You Choose?

On his Denver Post blog Charlie Myers asks:

-Which show did you attend and why?
–Which would you choose if you had it to do over again?
–Does the notion of two separate shows appeal to you and, if so, would you like to see them on different weekends?

LINK

2008 Fly Fishing Catalog Smackdown

Can we have a show of hands of who did not get their 2008 Cabela's and Orvis catalogs on the same day last week?
Both of mine are now sitting in the smallest room of my house where intense research has been conducted. 

Best use of a fly fishing celebrity -

Cabela's Brian O'Keefe

Orvis? Some Italian guy.

Most heart rendering fly fishing moment-

Cabela's gives us a young father teaching his son how to tie on a fly, cue the violins.

Orvis? A man and his dog, a dog that has its own sofa. Hey Thurston! Barney wants a tenderloin.

Best use of Neoprene -

Cabela's -Because everyone loves a chick in neoprene!

Sorry, but no neo in the Orvis book.

Best use of jumping fish-

Do whales count?

Sorry but no jumping fish or whales in the Cabela's book.

Best travel page-

Cabela's hand's down for the faux leather journal look and huge dead things.

A demerit to Orvis for reinforcing the elitist fly fishing stereotype with trips only CEO's and hedge fund mangers can possibly afford.

Best use of a douche bag modeling over hyped product-

Only tweed bags in the Orvis book. Thurston those twill safari chaps look fabulous!

We leave you with the greatest example of knocking off product ever, the Cabela's Pocket Water Series by Fishpond. No better way to keep someone from knocking off your product than knocking it off yourself?  BRILLIANT!

The Eddie Bean catalog arrived today! We'll review next week.

Fly Fishing Retailer of the Year

At last month's FFR show Steve Schmidt's shop, Western Rivers Flyfisher, was honored by the industry as the fly fishing retailer of the year.

If you're headed through Salt Lake be sure to stop in to Western Rivers. In the meantime read Steve's latest "Two Fingered Salute" post at Schmidt's Walkabouts. LINK

Patagonia Fly Fishing Retailer Reception

A star studded crowd turned out for the annual Patagonia Fly Fishing Retailer reception at the Denver Patagonia store.
The crowd was treated to great food, adult beverages, a World Trout Update, a 1% for the Planet pitch from Yvon Chouinard and film clips from Conway Bowman, AEG, Felt Sole Media, Rollcast Productions and Mikey Weir. 
Even, Bill Ritter the Governor of Colorado made an appearance.

It was a fantastic evening.

Patagonia fish marketing manager Bill Klyn reports that Patagonia's World Trout Initiative has raised 250K over the last two years to support groups fighting to preserve endangered trout.

Standing room only!

Despite no slaw dogs Chandler and Murdoch made an appearance.

The Latest Cover of Fly Fishing Trade

Plus a cover piece on the New Media!!
 

Willie and J raising money for AFFTA

For Immediate Release:

In an effort to help promote excitement, unity and sustained growth for fly fishing, William Joseph Company has put together a raffle to help raise funds for AFFTA (American Fly Fishing Trade Association) who’s sole purpose is to promote and grow our beloved sport.

And what is it that we be raffling off for this cause? Funny you should ask.. When the folks at Willy J. decide to get behind something they always “go big” with that in mind they have had a custom World War II BMW replica motorcycle built for the Ultimate Angler transport machine. This circa 1944 motorcycle features a 750 cc motor, dual seating on the bike it’s self and an authentic WWII style side car, not to mention custom rod holders, saddle bags and probably best of all a slew of matching William Joseph equipment.

The fund raiser will be held at the Fly fishing outdoor retailer show in Denver Colorado September 16th through the 18th tickets are $10.00 each and you may purchase as many as you would like with all proceeds going to AFFTA. You need not be present to win and can send your donations directly to AFFTA and they will forward you a ticket

Cast and Blast Career Opportunity

Bass Pro is looking for a, "Group Sales Manager" to oversee both their fishing and fly fishing departments in their Foxborough, Mass. store.  LINK

Whistling Past the Graveyard

Boulder, Colo., July 30, 2007 – Angling Trade magazine and Fly Fishing Trade (FFT) magazine today announced an agreement under which Angling Trade will acquire Fly Fishing Trade. FFT has been the independent voice of the United States fly fishing industry since its inception in 2004. Via: Field Notes LINK

Ditch the print and do it like these guys. LINK

FFR's site is looking pretty good these days. LINK

Live the Dream

Cost of living is a bit steep but Orvis is looking for a Retail Fishing Manager for their Jackson Hole store. LINK

Help Wanted: AEG Fly Shop

The Angling Exploration Group of Trout Bum Diaries Fame has moved their world headquarters to the banks of the beautiful Rogue River. As part of the master plan they are also opening a fly shop and are searching for someone to take on a leadership role at the new shop.  LINK Via: Washington Fly Fishing

What's A Matta U?

What kind of degree do you need to to work as a sales representative for a fly fishing company, such as Orvis?

Via Yahoo Answers  LINK