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Home Product Reviews
Product Reviews
Mako Fly Reels

by Jack Charlton

The Precision Instrument for Fly Fishing

We are very proud to announce that the legendary fly reel manufacturer, Jack Charlton, has invited the team here at Tie ‘n’ Fly Outfitters to be the representative for his new brand of fly reel, Mako, here in Australia.

MakoTo create arguably the finest fly fishing reels today, Charlton Outdoor Technologies uses the most advanced machining tools and computer systems to create this amazing fly reel. It’s machined so perfectly that the Mako’s meet, and in some places exceed, the standard required for those of aerospace work.

Now I know you’ll never go into space but the reality is that if the fly reel is not made to a very high standard the fly reel will not last a lifetime. This is especially true in a very harsh environment like the saltwater and chasing fish where you need to have at least 150yds of backing and even sometimes using a ‘slightly’ bigger tippet than IGFA allows (not me Jack… it was only a rumor that I was using 80lb tippet! I only had the three finger stalls on each hand because of line cuts the day before).

This is not a freshwater trout area and if you want your gear to last there’s only one way - buy the best.

I brought my first Jack Charlton fly reel when I worked at the infamous D’Anglers Paradise which I think was in 1994 - anyway a long time ago. It was a Jack Charlton 8500 .8 Elite.  This reel has been responsible for a lot of great Longtail Tuna battles since I first put backing on the reel. I’ve fished it on my 8wt which is perfect, but I’ve also used it on my G.Loomis CrossCurrent 10/11 GLX Mega on small Billfish.

All I ever do is wash it down after every trip and remove the backing every season and give it a good buff. It’s a very sexy looking reel and it still performs faultlessly after over 13 hard seasons. I love them so much I now own four Jack Charlton fly reels and two spare spools.

As you would expect being a fly shop owner and a guide I’ve used and owned a lot of different brands of fly reel over the years. Those of you that have fished with me will know I only ever use fly reels by Jack Charlton. They are my tools of the trade and cover every fishing situation from a 5wt to a 15wt.

Our first stock order has arrived and is in-store now.

The guys in here haven’t been able to keep their hands off them since they arrived… so come on in and check them out!

If you are into specifications - go to Jack's website:

http://www.makoreels.com/charlton-design.html


 
Sage Fly Rods & Reels

Sage Fly FishBy now most of you are aware that Tie ‘n’ Fly Outfitters fly the Sage flag with immense pride and now our stock levels reflect the quality of the rod and reel manufacturer.

Currently in stock we have a complete quiver of Xi3 Saltwater Rods, TCX rods and the new Bass rods.

The TCX range are available from 5wt to 10wt and even the most “died in the wool” brand loyal customer admits that they need to be cast to be appreciated.

Sage Xi3 Fly RodsFor those of us with Saltwater in our veins the Xi3 is the rod we have all been waiting for. The Xi3 is very light weight but extremely strong with massive fish fighting power in the butt whilst still maintaining a beautiful casting action that makes casting a pleasure for both the beginner and the experienced caster.

Sage’s new Bass Rod range contains 3 different models, the Bluegill that is rated at 230 grain weight, the Small Mouth Bass model rated at 290 grain and the “Big Daddy” the Large Mouth Bass at 330 grain.  All of the Bass rod range are 4 piece and come in a tube that also protects your reel when it is all packed away.  To aid anglers when they purchase a Bass rod Sage are supplying the perfect Bass Taper Sage line to match your new pride and joy, free of charge - you can’t beat that for value!

The Bass rod range are built specifically to cast large, air resistant flies with a bare minimum of false casting and are very well suited to the canoe and kayak fishermen amongst us.

6000 SeriesAlso in stock is large range of Sage Fly Reels that are well worth the obligatory “spin” when you are next in the shop.

 

 
Waterworks-Lamson Fly Reels

Waterworks-LamsonTie 'n' Fly Outfitter's are very proud to announce our appointment as an “Authorised Dealer” for the Waterworks-Lamson range of Fly Reels.

In store now is the Vanquish range of reels with further models arriving regularly.  The Vanquish range are ultra light weight reels with a drag system that needs to be seen (and felt) to be believed.  With reels for a broad range of rod and line weights there is sure to be one to suit you.

Vanquish range is just one of the many models that Waterworks-Lamson produce and they are one of only a very few manufacturers the covers all fly fishing target species as well as all budgets.  Some of the lower price point reels are capable of holding large amounts of backing while having an awesomely smooth drag system while maintaining extreme light weight and solid strength.

So if you are looking to upgrade your reel the Waterworks-Lamson range should definitely be on your list to inspect, feel free to drop in and have a look. 

Here is a link to the PDF catalogue for those that can’t wait to come in and see them.  http://www.waterworks-lamson.com/Waterworks-Lamson_2010_catalog.pdf

Waterworks-Lamson Vanquish Fly Reels


 
Tuffleye

What is this new UV activated product?

Tuffleye Kit

Tuffleye comes from the dentistry industry, some good things do come from dentists...

What Comes In The Pack?

It is a three item package that involves two thick liquid syringe type canisters and an UV torch, that when activated dries as hard as epoxy.  That is where the similarity to any other product ends.  Tuffleye requires no mixing, no mess,  no on-bench fly rotator and it will not turn brown over time, which can be depressing when you get to the first run of Tuna of the season, go to grab your favourite “catch ‘em all” fly and it looks like, dare I say it, a refugee from a Huggies. 

So now there is a product that will not turn brown, is as hard as epoxy and is as heavy as epoxy (but can be made hollow to float).  The other really cool thing about Tuffleye is that until you activate it, it will not go hard.  So you can mould it to whatever shape you want, all you need is wet fingers.

The first item you will notice is the UV Light Torch that is supplied in the pack, it is a very specific frequency of UV light designed for Tuffleye, and it is very bright, so be careful of your eyes when using it.

LED Curing Light

Then the second is the “Big Gun” - the CORE. It is probably the most versatile product I have tied with.  It is thicker than Finish and does not penetrate fibres like Finish does.

Core

Third is the “FINISH”, this will actually penetrate the fibres you are tying with and can be used a quick head cement or a “spot glue” as you tie.  Spot it on, give it a zap with the torch and away you go again.

Finish

The only thing you need on top of the pack is a USA to Australian adapter plug, available from Tandy or Dick Smith for about $15.00, as batteries are not the best for this torch, it work much better when plugged in 240 volts.

How To Use Tuffleye

To use Tuffleye, simply squirt some on, wet your fingers and mould it to whatever your imagination can come up with, it will not go off until you give it some UV with the torch. 

Also you do not have to build your head or shape in one hit as you can build it up in layers.  When the Core or Finish is activated with the UV torch it will leave a sticky residue, this is left to aid the next coat or layer to bind to the previous one.  To clean it off when you are happy with the final result, all you need is an alcohol wipe or a cotton bud dipped in some of mum’s nail polish remover. 

Once the residue is removed your fly will be left with a milky look to it, DON’T PANIC dip it in a glass of water and your fly will be crystal clear.  If however, you are like me and love to see your fly box full of nice, flash, fish attracting devices (even if the don’t act like that) all you need to do is give the Tuffleye a quick coat of Tough As Nails or similar and it will be crystal clear forever. 

Take particular note of how good your holographic eyes or any flash material in the head looks. Instead of slightly dulling them like some epoxies can, Tuffleye actually makes them stand out like the proverbial.

One last thought, the other benefit Tuffleye carries over epoxy is that should you damage a fly e.g. clip the side of the boat or a rock while trying to cast at that “fish of a lifetime” and this cracks or breaks the Tuffleye section of your fly.  Don’t despair, just fill it, zap it and fish it again.

Call me at the shop or drop me a line if you have any questions. Or better still drop in one day and show me what you have created using this amazing product.

Fishing for fun is a serious business, work hard at it.

Cheers
Rod Young

 
Shilton Reels
ShiltonI was recently sent a reel by South African manufacturer Shilton Reels to test on the local fish. The reel I was sent is the SL6. It is the reel in the range that is recommended for use on a nine or ten weight rod, which will suit most heavy fishing situations in the area.

It started to impress as soon as it was taken out of the box, with its high quality machining and workmanship. It is machined from solid bar stock aluminium and has stainless steel components and bearings. It also has a quality cork drag system with a large surface area that makes it a super smooth and faultless fish fighting tool. It has a good backing capacity, it is comfortable to use and has that reserved look of quality.

The SL range of reels start at the SL5 for 7/8 weight rods through to the SL8 which will suit rods from a 15 weight and heavier. Shilton also make wide variety of other reels for use in freshwater. The reels come with a reel bag and a bottle of the manufacturer’s recommended reel oil. All reels are available in either black or titanium.

Shilton ReelsThis is definitely a reel to look at if you are after a no-nonsense fishing tool that will provide years of hardworking service, that will do what it was designed to do, catch fish.

For more information log on to the Shilton Reels website: www.shiltonreels.com or give me a call at Tie ‘n’ Fly Outfitters at 07 5444 0611.

N.C. Prinsloo

 
The Stubby Holder

Stubby HoldersThe Stubby Holder

By: David Pearce.

David is a graphic artist/designer, married with 2 young kids, living in Melbourne, which means that fishing trips are now extremely rare.

The next best thing for David was to let his mind wonder and create images of the fish he'd like to catch.

His stubby holder's are a stylish little product that comes in six different images, it's strong and flexible even when bounced off a mate's head if he wants to borrow it, the added bonus of thick neoprene means when you knock a beer off the table, the only damage is a bit of spillage.

Over repeated trials with a number of different beers and despite killing off many a slab, all assorted beers were kept snug and ice cold. I also did a stress test on the stubby holder by jamming it into crap filled glove boxes; it even works well when you're out on a fishing trip, (or living in Tasmania) by keeping your hand warm.

The most important performance criteria is of course keeping your beer cold, and stopping your hand from freezing off.

Plenty of designs now in store...

A great stocking filler for Christmas at just $9.95 each.

Email us now to place your order  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 


 
Saltwater Fly Fishing by Jack Samson

Saltwater Fly Fishing by Jack SamsonSaltwater Fly Fishing:
The Challenge and Adventure of Offshore and Flats Fishing with a Fly
By: Jack Samson

 
Author Jack Samson covers the history of saltwater fly fishing from its beginnings in nineteenth-century England to the present day.

This book not only brings us up to date on the latest in rods, reels, fly lines, leaders, and flies, but it is the exciting narrative tales of fly fishing: - from bonefish in the Bahamas and Florida Keys to sailfish and marlin from Venezuela to Australia -- that sets this exceptional book apart from others. Jack Samson tells us how it feels to take the world-record roosterfish on a fly in Costa Rica, and battle a black marlin on a fly in heavy seas off Cape Bowling Green, Australia.

Jack discusses the tricks of the trade in saltwater fly-fishing, covering tackle, technique, and tactics for a wide variety of saltwater species. But this is more than just a tutorial; He liberally sprinkles his text with anecdotes from an exciting and exotic array of angling adventures. At times this book reads more like a collection of stories than a guide, especially true of the chapters on individual saltwater game fish.

This book is based on the first hand experience of a world-renowned veteran applying his trade in the sport of saltwater fly fishing.

A great read for just $59.95.

Email us now to place your order:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

 
Fish Fights - A Hall of Fame Quest

Fish FightsFish Fights. A Hall Of Fame Quest.
By: Bob Rich

 
When Bob Rich decided to embark upon his own quest to qualify for the Metropolitan South Florida Fishing Tournaments Hall of Fame, it's possible he didn't realize what he was getting into to accomplish this.

The goal was to take ten of the most sought after saltwater gamefish species: - The Sailfish, Barracuda, Bonefish, Permit, Black Bass, Wahoo, Tarpon, Dolphinfish, Marlin, and Snook, on very specific types of tackle, with difficult to achieve minimum weight requirements. Enjoy the incredible highs he feels with a qualifying fish and the unfathomable lows when things go wrong.

It recounts the history of conservation and the development of a catch-and-release ethic by saltwater anglers. Most important, though, it is a rich adventure with an intriguing cast of characters. Among them the intrepid Rich himself, Rusty his trusty fishing guide and of course, the slippery fish.

Fish Fights is an amazing story of an amazing quest about an impossible goal.

It is definitely one of the best fishing books I have ever read, and it deserves every acclaim I can give it. Give this book a try! I promise you'll like it!

A walloping great price at just $59.95.

To place your order - send us an email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it