The Fiberglass Manifesto

EMERGER FLY FISHING - On Craft, Design, Build, and On the Water

2026-05-29T06:00:00.000-04:00

One of the highlights from being at the Fly Fishing Show in Denver earlier this year was spending quite a bit of time with Chris and Randi Freeman of Emerger Fly Fishing. After years of trading emails, text messages, and the occasional phone call, it was good to get to know them both better and to hear their plans for the future. Good gear, and this is some of the best, means so much more when there are good people behind it. If you follow on Instagram, we hinted at an upcoming collaboration recently that I hope we can share more on soon. The Retro Fly stamp came out SO good.

In the meantime, I thought it would be good to share some past T.F.M. posts that tell the story of Emerger Fly Fishing with background to share the process on how their side bags are made, design updates, and then of course, a couple of favorite fly fishing stories from the Driftless where the updated Cameron Side Bag (and Hybrid Wallet) came along for the trip.

THE STORY BEHIND THE CRAFT

CAMERON SIDE BAG MATERIAL PREP & SEW

LEATHER STRAP WORK & THE BIG FINISH

NOTES ON DESIGNING & REFINING PRODUCTS

A DAY IN THE DRIFTLESS WITH A COUPLE OF FAVORITE 3-WEIGHTS

SNAPSHOTS FROM THE DRIFTLESS BUILT TO DISCOVER TRIP

Take some time to visit the Emerger Fly Fishing website and follow on Facebook and Instagram for the latest shop news and updates.

Hardy - Our 150 Years Documentary

2026-05-29T05:00:00.000-04:00

When you've been building fly fishing gear since the late 1800's, you know a thing or two. This short film from Hardy is wonderful. Press PLAY and enjoy.

Visit the Hardy website for their latest offerings. I sure wish they'd bring back a glass fly rod...

OAK & OSCAR - While Fish Dials Are Having a Moment...

2026-05-28T06:00:00.000-04:00

While fish on watch dials are having a moment, let's remember that Oak & Oscar did it first and their collaboration with artist Tim Johnson continues to create one of a kind watches for owners to cherish that are not screen printed but instead hand-painted one brush stroke at a time under a microscope.

Thier latest is a Westslope cutthroat painted on a black dial Olmsted for an owner to capture memories of fly fishing trips many miles into the backcountry for these wonderful dry fly sipping trout.

Interested in learning more? Visit these past T.F.M. posts on Oak & Oscar hand-painted dials...

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE PROCESS OF HAND-PAINTED DIALS

WATCHING ARTIST TIM JOHNSON PAINT A WATCH DIAL

What fish would you have painted on a Oak & Oscar watch dial? If you ever have questions about an Oak & Oscar watch, consider reaching out with an email. I would be happy to discuss my experience.

PATAGONIA - Tying the Pheasant Tail Sparkle Dun

2026-05-28T05:00:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite books from last year was Pheasant Tail Simplicity and the trio of Yvon Chouinard, Craig Mathews, and Mauro Mazzo teamed up again for this Patagonia paperback which is full of stories, techniques, and fly tying recipes with step-by-step instructions.

In this short video, Craig Mathews ties the Pheasant Tail Sparkle Dun. Press PLAY. Take notes.

Order your copy of Pheasant Tail Simplicity on the Patagonia website or pick one up at your local book store or fly shop.

Want to jump ahead and watch other Pheasant Tail Simplicity videos? You can find them on the Patagonia YouTube channel.

6 Good Reads

2026-05-27T06:00:00.000-04:00

Here is a six-pack of articles to start your day. If nothing else read the first one from John Agricola. Then read it a second and third time. He captured something tragically beautiful, with a level of honesty I don't think I could share in my own writing, in his remembrance of our friend, Dave.

CARPICOLA'S COMMON CURRENT - ONE OF THE MOST HONEST THINGS I'VE EVER READ

THE CONTENDER - COGGINS ON THE MYSTERIES OF MEMORIES

FLY FISHERMAN - DAVE WHITLOCK ON TOPWATER SMALLIES

TROUT UNLIMITED - BOB WHITE ON SECRET POND

CHRIS CLEMES - A RIVER YOU HAVE TO EARN

VINTAGE TROUTS JOURNAL - WADERS & WAX: A CURATED VINYL LIST

I hope you enjoyed those articles. I sure did.

BUFFET SERIES - The Best Hatch in Fly Fishing?

2026-05-27T05:00:00.000-04:00

Gilbert Rowley's Buffet Series continues with five stunning minutes of Brown Drakes. Press PLAY...

Follow Gilbert Rowley on Instagram and subscribe to his YouTube channel.

Before Superfine Glass, There Was Golden Eagle Glass

2026-05-26T06:00:00.000-04:00

The story goes that when Shawn Combs was in the hiring process at Orvis, sometime around 2010, he was asked during an interview what project or idea that he'd like to work on in new product design. He mentioned that he'd like to bring a fiberglass fly rod series back to the Orvis lineup and that suggestion was met with less than positive reaction. Nonetheless, Shawn was hired and while poking around the Orvis Rod Factory, came across several vintage light line weight Golden Eagle fiberglass fly rod blanks that he had built up. Over the next few months he spent quite a bit of time with these fly rods and put them in the hands of a few others who, in time, came around to green lighting the idea of a new generation of Orvis Superfine Glass.

Without Shawn Combs ending up at Orvis, and finding these Golden Eagle blanks, we might not ever have had several new lineups of Superfine Glass. The old went a long way to usher in the new.

An early indication that Shawn might be leaving Orvis came early last summer when a package arrived on my doorstop unannounced with several prototypes, including one of these Golden Eagle builds. He brushed it off as just cleaning out his office, but I wondered differently. Fast forward a few months and it was announced that he was headed to Scott Fly Rod Company. He gets a lot of credit for what he accomplished at Orvis, and for good reason. I'm glad that Superfine Glass is part of his legacy there.

You can find some fun and interesting T.F.M. posts in the archives by searching "Superfine Glass" and "Shawn Combs" which highlight these Golden Eagle builds and the prototyping process of the first and second generations of Superfine Glass. It was a lot of fun to be part of the process and stoked to have this little 5-weight Golden Eagle build in my own collection as a piece of history.

SOUTHERN CULTURE ON THE FLY - Issue 59

2026-05-26T05:00:00.000-04:00

Your Tuesday is likely your Monday after a long holiday weekend. Let's take it easy with a slow flip and read of the latest issue of Southern Culture on the Fly, which is heavy on carp. Can you dig it?

Don't sleep on the latest gear drops in the SCOF Store.

CHECK IT.

ROSS REELS - LIBERTY SERIES FLY REELS ARE HERE

2026-05-25T06:00:00.000-04:00

America's 250th anniversary, which will be celebrated on July 4th, means that we're all in for a heavy dose of red, white, and blue over the next several months (and beyond) on gear of all sorts.

Ross Reels is feeling patriotic in launching their Liberty lineup with seven of their fly reels getting a new colorway choice of a red frame, platinum spool, and anodized blue accents. These limited edition fly reels will only be available at your local Ross Reel dealer.

Visit the Ross Reels website to learn more about the Liberty series and put your hands on one at your local dealer. I can think of several fiberglass fly rods that these fly reels would look sharp on.

If you'd like to support a fly shop that supports T.F.M., reach out to Fish On! Custom Rods.

DRAG FREE OSAKA - Your Fenwick Yellow Glass Connection

2026-05-25T05:00:00.000-04:00

A post on T.F.M. from a few weeks ago on the latest generation of Fenwick Yellow Glass for the Japanese market sparked quite a few conversations through emails and DM's on social media on how someone stateside could order one. I did some digging around and Drag Free, a fly shop in Osaka, Japan has these fly rods in stock and is willing to ship to customers in the United States.

I traded emails with Yukaku Tsutsui and he provided the ordering information below in our exchange.

Yusaku Tsutsui of Drag Free Osaka wrote...

"Regarding your inquiry, yes, we are able to ship the Fenwick Yellow Glass collection to customers in the United States.

Shipping costs and customs duties vary depending on the destination and the specific model.

As a reference, here is a breakdown of a recent shipment to Kentucky:

Item Price: JPY 48,400
Shipping (EMS): JPY 7,290
Estimated Customs Duties/Fees: JPY 5,500
PayPal Transaction Fee (approx. 5%): JPY 3,060
Total: JPY 64,250

Ordering & Payment:

We currently accept international orders directly via email to ensure personalized service and accurate shipping quotes.

We accept payments via PayPal and bank transfer.

If you or your readers have any further questions, please feel free to ask.

Best regards."

By my math using an online currency converter, the total price shipped for one of the Fenwick fly rods should fall within a range of $375 and $400, which is more than fair.

Reach out to Drag Free Osaka at info@dragfree.jp with questions or to place an order.

P.S. If you have been searching for the new Tiemco Glass Master fly rods, Drag Free can be helpful with those, too.

KINNI FORGE X SANBORN CANOE CO. - K2 Collab Landing Nets

2026-05-23T06:00:00.000-04:00

I have an ongoing infatuation in landing nets of all sorts and the creations of Kinni Forge are some of my favorites. You can circle back to a couple of T.F.M. posts HERE and HERE on the K2 that I have but also check out the wild new collaboration nets with Sanborn Canoe Company. These were launched a couple of weeks ago and there are still quite a few available. They are all styled and painted differently and I'm not sure which one that I would choose from. How about you?

I asked John Cain of Kinni Forge if he'd provide some background on this interesting collaboration project and he gave much more than I ever asked for. Thank you and I hope that you enjoy the read.

John Cain wrote... "I had some time to reflect on why collaborations like this matter so much. We live in a world filled with mass-produced products and while those products certainly have their place, they often lack something deeper. They lack soul. There are still people dedicated to hand-building products, refining their skills over years of practice, and creating heirloom-quality pieces the right way. Every detail matters.

Each net is unique. Every paddle and canoe carries its own character. These products are built with an appreciation for traditional craftsmanship while still embracing modern refinement and innovation. Collaborations like this bring together shared values and combine them into something meaningful.

As I write this, I’m looking at these nets and I’m incredibly proud of the amount of work that went into making them. But what matters even more are the connections formed throughout the process and seeing someone’s reaction during the unboxing experience. That feeling never gets old.

Every net includes a Kinni Forge sticker along with a small wood plaque made from the same veneer strips sourced from Sanborn Canoe Company stock. Each net is serialized and that same serial number is placed on the plaque to create a lasting connection between the materials, the maker, and the finished product.

Kinni Forge was founded around the idea of forging high-quality, non-mass-produced products, but also forging relationships with people and the outdoors. We have a lot planned for the future and many more ideas we want to bring to life, but continuing this journey depends on building momentum and connecting with others who value craftsmanship.

I’ve walked through many fishing shops and handled countless mass-produced nets, even some made by local makers, and many feel bulky or unfinished in the hand. We spend extra time refining our handles and incorporating subtle details like chamfers and softened edges so the nets not only look refined but feel right to use. Even since sending out some of our earlier nets, yours included, we’ve continued refining the shape and improving the design.

That continual progression is possible because of the relationships and collaborations we build with teams like Sanborn. That shared passion for craftsmanship pushes all of us to create something better."

Visit the Kinni Forge website to check out the Sanborn Canoe Co. collab nets available and now through June 5, 2026, use code "7HKP8UE" for free shipping.

Fishing With A Conscience | The Story Behind Loon Outdoors

2026-05-23T05:00:00.000-04:00

I am a huge fan of Loon Outdoors and a big part of that is the folks behind the brand. This is a new brand video and worth watching. Press PLAY...

Visit the Loon Outdoors website to get geared up from fly tying to fishing tools to floatants and more.

KOKKAFFE DIARIES - Fish Watching Vlog - Spring Mix Deluxe

2026-05-16T06:00:00.000-04:00

I've been sharing Rolf Nylinder's films on T.F.M. since at least 2012 and they are always a wonderful and playful escape. This spring mix of fish watching, birds, and "nonsense in nature" is no different.

Enjoy the deep and wonderful rabbit hole of Rolf's YouTube channel and click subscribe.

XTRATUF - The Snacklebox - Episode 3 | Dough Dogs

2026-05-16T05:00:00.000-04:00

This might be the last episode of "The Snacklebox" film series (for now...) with Chef Spencer White and XTRATUF.

I love a good on the water game and it reminded me of a day in Montana with the boys from a few years back.

Everyone needs a pair (or several) of XTRATUF boots. Our family kicks around in them to stay dry when it's wet outside. Check out the latest styles on their website and follow their YouTube channel.

FULLING MILL - What's in Tom Rosenbauer's Fly Box?

2026-05-12T06:00:00.001-04:00

I'm certainly not alone in thinking that Tom Rosenbauer of Orvis is one of the most interesting people in fly fishing and he's an absolute hoot to spend time with on the water, especially carp missions.

In this Fulling Mill film, Tom dives into his fly boxes and you might be surprised with what all and how all he carries them around.

Check out the latest from Fulling Mill and subscribe to their YouTube channel, too.

KABUTO RODS - June Delivery for Blank Orders

2026-05-12T05:00:00.001-04:00

This is just a quick heads up that Yasuyuki Kabuto has opened the books at Kabuto Rods for fiberglass fly rod blank orders with June delivery. There are eleven blanks to choose from, in seven color finish choices, and it looks like the two handed models will be available on the list soon.

Visit the Kabuto Rods website to get your order placed and reach out to Kab if you'd like to add guides or components, too. Follow along with the latest shop news on Facebook and Instagram.

STEFFEN BROTHERS - Usually a "This or That" Conversation

2026-05-11T06:00:00.001-04:00

I get a handful of emails each week where glass aficionados (or soon to be ones) are working out the details of their next fly rod to have built and the conversation is usually "Do I want this or do I want that?" More times than not, if they are looking at a premium option, one of the two blanks being discussed is from Steffen Brothers. And, for good reason. Steffen Brothers tapers took Mark Steffen years to refine, with field testing on weeks long camping trips, and he took his time to make sure each taper felt right and fished exceptionally.

While other fly rod companies roll out new generations of glass, Steffen Brothers tapers stand the test of time. They were great and they continue to be great. There is something very cool about that.

I've long said that everyone should have a Steffen Brothers 8' 3/4 weight but really any of the blank offerings should be considered. The dual line weights give them the ability to be "sped up" in feel with the lighter line weight or "slowed down" with the upper line weight. There are nine blank choices in the rusty brown glass and four blank choices in black glass. I still need to pull the trigger on an 8' 6/7 weight for my warmwater fly rod needs. Maybe this summer...

I checked with Shane Gray of Graywolf Rods and Steffen Brothers to make sure the 15% off promo code still works, and it does. Use code "TFM15" on your online orders on Steffen Brothers blanks and more.

Lastly, considering a new fiberglass fly rod? I am always happy to field emails with suggestions to point you in the right direction. Begin the conversation at thefiberglassmanifesto@gmail.com.

YETI - FOUR LETTERS

2026-05-11T05:00:00.001-04:00

This is a very cool new anthem film from YETI. Press PLAY...

It looks like they are using this "Four Letters" theme to tell some social stories, which is genius.

See the latest YETI gear on their website. The Summer Anthem Collection might be the vibe for America's 250th anniversary over the coming July 4th holiday.

VEDAVOO - Big News for Existing Customers

2026-05-09T06:00:00.001-04:00

Scott Hunter of Vedavoo and I have a few neat things to talk about on T.F.M. in the coming weeks but in the meantime, his announcement on Instagram this week should interest existing customers.

Maybe it's time for you to carefully snip the Vedavoo patch off a favorite piece of gear to see what the upgrade MARK-2 version would be like...

I've known Scott for over 15 years and he's always thinking about new ways to make his gear better through new fabrics and materials, buckles, handles, straps, reinforcements, sewing techniques, and fit with an ongoing mission of building "Better American Gear".

Visit the Vedavoo website to see the latest gear offerings and reach out to Scott via the contact page to start the discussion on your next favorite piece of kit.

P.S. Don't forget that Vedavoo has a stock of Comrade and Retro Fly patches to jazz up your order.

THE MISSION - Issue 57

2026-05-09T05:00:00.000-04:00

The latest issue of The Mission in live and ready for a weekend flip through. Enjoy...

CHECK IT.

In a Ford Escort Down By the River...

2026-05-03T06:00:00.004-04:00

I came across this photograph the other day and a flood of memories came back of being a twenty-something rambling around northern Michigan on solo fly fishing and camping trips in a less than reliable Ford Escort. I was a poor college kid with a couple of part-time jobs, not doing too great in classes, and when I read my journal from back then, I couldn't have been happier.

On this trip, I had spent a few late summer days camping outside of Grayling, and this photo was taken on the South Branch of the Au Sable River from a sandy pull-off on the Mason Tract. This was long before digital cameras or mobile phones with a camera. I had a pager, which should put into perspective of where in the digital age we were back then. We barely had the internet. To get this image, I had to set up a tripod that I traveled with to my film camera, and used the timer to capture this still life of sorts. One film capture and I hoped that I got it right.

The two page journal entry that I penciled from this trip was dated September 7, 1996, and it had been an overcast day and though I had seen fish rising, I caught one smallish brook trout. That didn't stop me from casting a small hopper or caddis flies into likely places on the river throughout the afternoon.

A few gear items that I wish that I still had from this photograph are my first "expensive" fly rod with the two-piece Orvis Rocky Mountain 8'6" 5-weight fly rod, which was paired with a Battenkill Disc 5/6 fly reel. The entire outfit might have cost me $400, but that was months of me saving for it back then. It's tough to see but on the hood of the car is a Wood River Sidekick gear bag that was just big enough for everything that needed on the river. I believe I ordered it from one of print fly shop catalogs, maybe Kaufman's Streamborn? And, as I noted at the end of my journal entry from this day, I had purchased the Filson Tin Cloth Packer Hat from Ray's Fly Shop in downtown Grayling on this trip and felt like it "completed" my look as a fly fisherman. That is a smart looking fly fishing guy in that photograph...

I kept a hardbound handwritten journal from 1995 until 2000. I started to be active on a handful of online fly fishing forums which replaced journaling with online posts (now mostly long gone) and since 2008, I have used The Fiberglass Manifesto as an online dispatch of sorts. There's a list of advantages in keeping a fly fishing history on T.F.M. with photographs and hyperlinks but it still doesn't replace the notes made by pencil or pen. I should get back to carrying a trip journal again. They are a lot of fun to look back on and I'd like to get back to the places that I used to frequent in the 1990's. I'd find these places with paper maps, notes on napkins or scratch paper, or directions from a guy at the fly shop. I got lost more times than not, but always found my way back to the campsite.

PATAGONIA - Tying the Pheasant Tail Trico Spinner

2026-05-03T05:00:00.001-04:00

TIEMCO - Fenwick is Just Teasing Us Now...

2026-04-30T06:00:00.001-04:00

Yesterday this image popped up on the Tiemco Instagram page and while I try to run down some additional information to share on the latest generation of Fenwick Yellow Glass, you can visit the Tiemco website to sort out some of the basic information.

This 5th generation of the Fenwick Yellow Glass, available in Japan, has five fly rods in the collection from a 6'6" 3-weight to a 7'3" 5-weight. All of the line weights and lengths look very interesting to me and when doing a YEN to USD conversion, they are priced at $300 or less. Getting one stateside might take some doing but would be worth the trouble if they cast anything like previous generations.

If you get into the "wayback machine" you'd find an early T.F.M. dispatch where I took a Japanese Fenwick Yellow Glass pack rod to Wyoming and caught a banger Bonneville Cutthroat on a dry fly. I guess sepia tone filters were the rage in 2008 and I should try to hunt down the originals from that trip on a long lost external drive. That fish really started it all here almost 18 years ago. Crazy.

Visit the Tiemco website for more info on this yellow glass collection. Which one(s) would you order?

UMPQUA - The SWIFTLINK Pack Collection

2026-04-30T05:00:00.000-04:00

As a follow-up (with one more in the works) to the news release from Umpqua Feather Merchants on their new SWIFTLINK Packs and LINK Magnetic Accessories, Russ Miller breaks down the entire pack lineup in this video. If you're considering a new pack this spring, these are worth a look.

Visit the Umpqua website to check out the SWIFTLINK Packs and LINK Magnetic Accessories lineup.

ORVIS FLY-FISHING PODCAST - Simon Perkins on a Return to Roots

2026-04-28T06:00:00.001-04:00

I listen to a lot of podcasts and the recent Orvis Fly-Fishing Podcast with Tom Rosenbauer where he spent studio time with Orvis President Simon Perkins reflecting on the changes to the company over the last several years with restructuring and store closures but also highlighting their commitment to long-term family ownership, continued focus on conservation, and enhancing in-person experiences through their stores, partner fly shops, and events. There is also a push for Orvis to "return to their roots' with gear and apparel centered on the pursuits of fly fishing and wingshooting.

It'll be interesting what the next several years hold for Orvis. There has been a lot of transition with longstanding Orvis employees, quite a few who I consider friends, leaving the company. What does a leaner, smaller footprint with less stores, and more singularly focused Orvis look like? Time will tell.

Listen to the Orvis Fly-Fishing Podcast for this interview and visit the Orvis website for their latest offerings. I still think that for an off the rack fiberglass fly rod that the Superfine Glass is tough to beat.