The Fiberglass Manifesto

EMERALD WATER ANGLERS: New T&T Lotic II - Glass Magnificence

2026-10-06T06:00:00.000-04:00

The other day Dave McCoy of Emerald Water Anglers posted something on his Instagram about the new Thomas & Thomas Lotic II fly rods and I reached out to see if he'd share his a few of his thoughts on this fly rods series and his background with glass.

What he emailed a few days later (with a stack of images) was perfect and shared below. Enjoy...

Fiberglass.

A material in the proper form almost designed perfectly for a fly rod. Durable, sensitive and capable of manipulation as desired by application.

I didn’t come to glass as part of a fad in the past 5, 10, 20 years. I was born using it because graphite rods weren’t existence when I began fly fishing so my affection for glass is rooted deep in my angling life.

I began guiding in Colorado 30 years ago. When the namesake rivers we were counting on would blow out during July storms, we often had to pivot to smaller, lesser-known watersheds that remained clear and fishable. Turned out those became some of my favorite trips as they were more adventure based with a degree of search and discover woven into the experience.

After my ski race coaching career ended, we moved to Seattle in 1999. I started my business it was exclusively a guiding operation, and I was delighted to find the Cascade Mountains outside Seattle were absolutely littered with small streams. Most of them, few to no anglers were aware of and it began to feel like I was back in trout country of the Rockies…to some degree!

When I opened Emerald Water Anglers fly shop, glass was absolutely an integral part of our line up fly rods. Here in Seattle, while we have and are known for steelhead and salmon, we also have some terrific trout fishing, particularly in these small mountain streams.

The wild trout in our small water consist of Rainbow of course but also 2 species of cutthroat, West Slope and Coastal. Both are stunning trout who are more than willing to participate but typically are not of significant size which is where glass rods were going to excel.

Glass in my opinion is a tool bearing multiple applications.

Due to being mostly, a full flexing material when used in a fly rod, it is exceptional at protecting tippet on larger fish or when fishing ultra-light tippet such as 7x-10x when fly size or conditions demand it. All that flex in the rod means you aren’t going to rely as heavily on the elasticity of your leader and tippet to help land a fish. Glass and distance will likely never intentionally be used in the same sentence though as anglers become more proficient casters, trying your hand at distance is always a fun challenge.

Please keep in mind I have several glass rods from 10-12wt in size so there are times.

For those wanting to improve their casting by learning to feel how a rod and line work congruently to provide an effortless experience. This in my opinion is the greatest reason every fly angler should possess a glass rod. It will make you an exceptional caster if you allow it to.

Enter the Thomas and Thomas Lotic II fiberglass fly rod series.

I have an issue.

Every rod I pick up, if I even remotely like the feel, I can envision exactly where, when, with what and what for I am going to use it and therefore I end up with it. When I pick up a glass rod to cast, I want to feel even the easiest cast into the butt of the rod and ideally be as balanced as possible while simply holding it. When I can it is easier to know how it will act as an extension of arm and hand and therefore better control my cast.

The Lotic II is one of the smoothest, most sensitive rods I have ever lifted, my favorite being the 744-3. Closing my eyes, I can feel every cast perfectly,

At 10-15 feet your stroke won’t feel like your graphite rod but you quickly realize even this little amount of line loads the rod wonderfully, needing only a gentle stop of your stroke to unload and present a nice loop with accuracy. Perfect for small streams with a tight canopy.

I do want to remind everyone how important the line you pair with any rod is possibly the most important decision you can make in fly fishing. Uncurling a bit more line and reaching out to 25+ the Lotik II comes alive.

For the Lotic II I chose the Scientific Anglers Expert Trout. This line is a long head with a gently elongated taper to the front and back. Ideal for presentations requiring tight, accurate loops in close quarter situations and all the gentle control needed for spooky trout as well.

At this distance the butt is flexing, transferring the energy to the tip with the fluidity of the very water you are casting over and feeling this makes controlling the rod so much easier.

With a shorter length of most glass rods, mending proficiency is of utmost importance. The slower action of the Lotic II means using the line/water tension to your advantage to move more line when necessary. Slower and more deliberate movements will help use the load in the rod to manage the line.

Finally, fish on!

The slightest move of the fish, even while holding is a pulse straight to your hand. You are connected in a way no graphite ever could and the delight you will feel is just as palpable.

For most of the small trout out here in the Cascade and Olympic Mountains, the Lotic 744-3 will load to mid rod pretty easily. However, find yourself in the land of bigger, faster water and trout from 12+ and you will have your hands full.

Even had the cork open up enough to have the separate rings pinch your hand? Well this is how you do it…big fish, light tippet and fast water on this rod requires one thing most trout rods don’t…backing!

Do yourself a favor right now or as soon as possible. Find a T&T dealer and go cast one of these lovely sticks. Envision yourself, fish on, somewhere extraordinary.

As a fly shop owner, akin to a doctor, this is my prescription to all of you.

Make it happen.

If you're nearby Seattle, stop by Emerald Water Anglers and give the new Thomas & Thomas Lotic II a cast. Follow Dave on Instagram as he always has interesting takes and stunning images to share.

PATAGONIA - Tying the Pheasant Tail Mayfly Emerger

2026-10-06T05:00:00.000-04:00

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 film, Craig walks us through the steps in tying the Pheasant Tail Mayfly Emerger.

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.

LINVILLE CASTING ACADEMY - Nathaniel on Line Slip in Fly Casting

2026-10-02T06:00:00.000-04:00

I've listened to three podcasts lately with Nathaniel Linville of The Angling Company (HERE, HERE, and HERE) and there were a ton of notes to take from each one. Mentioned in these podcasts were the soon be launched Linville Casting Academy, which went live a week or so ago.

Nathaniel offering a free tutorial on line slip and if you like what you see, subscribe for a growing library of instructional films to improve your casting when it's your turn on the bow.

Learn more on the Linville Casting Academy website.

TOM'S TIPS - Dropper Length - How Long Do I Go?

2026-10-02T05:00:00.000-04:00

Tom Rosenbauer of Orvis talks us through scenarios on dropper length from the point fly.

See more on the Orvis YouTube channel and check out the latest gear on the Orvis website.

A STROLL WITH SLED: AUGUST

2026-09-29T06:00:00.000-04:00

Have you heard the news that Schultz Outfitters is moving? Sleddy gives some perspective on the move while on a carp walk on the home waters in this latest (maybe last?) episode.

Visit the Schultz Outfitters website, maybe book a trip, and click subscribe to the YouTube channel.

6 GOOD READS

2026-09-29T05:00:00.000-04:00

Here's a six-pack of good reads that cover the bases of good folks, good guidance on guides and fly lines, and a couple of stories with some fiberglass mentions and connections. Click each and enjoy...

COWBOYS & INDIANS ON ARTIST BOB WHITE

EPIC FLY RODS - JOE MAHLER ON GETTING GUIDED

LOST COAST OUTFITTERS - GEORGE REVEL ON FLY LINES

SKWALA LOUNGE - STREAMER JESUS ON STREAMER SIZE

FLYLAB - SUMMER ON THE STILLWATER

GUIDESPLAINED - THIS IS 30

What have you been reading lately online? Email and let me know.

MB CUSTOM RODS - Ijuin-Rod Sakura Cherry Blossom Build

2026-09-27T06:00:00.000-04:00

Marc Beissler of MB Custom Rods and Soulmate Rods continues to impress, not only with his excellent studio images but the care that he gives each custom fly rod build that leaves his shop.

This Ijuin-Rod Sakura blank build is certainly stunning and worthy of a share here.

Marc wrote... "One last from the past before the new building season starts. Here we have a Kazutomo Ijuin Sakura cherry blossom in 7' 3-weight configuration. Shopmade brass hardware, mortised and dyed maple burl insert, brass ferulle rings and a matching Struble Mfg stripping guide.

Everything is as clean and low-key as possible to focus on the blanks abilities. One of a kind build..."

Visit the MB Custom Rods and Soulmate Rods website to see more of Marc's offerings and builds. Follow along with the latest shop news on Facebook and Instagram.

THE MISSION - Issue 59

2026-09-27T05:00:00.000-04:00

Take a few minutes to recharge for the coming week with the latest issue of The Mission and keen eyes will notice an article on St. Helena Island featuring an ECHO Bad Ass Glass getting a workout.

CHECK IT.

Several Interesting Opportunities for Consideration

2026-09-18T06:00:00.000-04:00

Several weeks ago I gave Shane Gray a call on my way into work. We had a good talk and during it, he expressed that he was thinking about stepping away from one or several of his brands due to a refocus on Graywolf Rods. He's been purposely building fewer fly rods than in years past and I completely understand that keeping multiple brands that each involve building fly rods moving forward is an undertaking that could easily become overwhelming. As he mentions in the quote below, he's a one man show after all.

So, yesterdays email that Shane was offering Brook & Brown, Steffen Brothers, and Rodmaker 24/7 to new ownership was not a surprise but has left me wondering who out there might have interest in taking each of these businesses on. Each deserves the right fit and offer something much different than the others.

Shane wrote... "For more than 26 years, I’ve operated several niche fishing and outdoor brands. As the sole owner of all of them, I personally pack every order, ship every product, manage every website, and handle every part of the business myself. These brands are not being discontinued. They will continue to operate and remain active.

As my focus shifts toward knives, packs, jewelry, hats, and select rod builds under the Graywolf name, the workload has simply grown beyond what one man can reasonably manage—especially one who wants to spend more time fishing. For that reason, I’m opening the door for new ownership and new energy. This is an opportunity for someone to take these brands further while they remain fully operational. None of these brands carry any debt."

HERE'S MY TAKE
Each of these brands offer very different opportunities and I'd be surprised if one person or one group could take them all on effectively. Shane has juggled them all for years but I'm not sure someone else could replicate what he's done and to be truly successful, I'm not sure you'd want to. The fact that none of these brands are carrying any debt is huge and could make the investment purchase a lot easier.

Steffen Brothers is the brand that I worry about most as it comes with a real heritage and history. It deserves the most with someone who not only has the vision and energy to continue the legacy of building premium fiberglass and graphite fly rods on Mark Steffen's legendary tapers but to also continue the story. And, this story can be told with a relatively clean slate in building social media, blog, video, and more. This might not be a one person undertaking and more likely a small team. What was started with Mark and continued with Shane, can continue in new ways going forward. Not only is there a brand to purchase here but also equipment, mandrels, materials, and more.

Rodmaker 24/7 would be a great fit for someone interested in creating a one stop shop for everything someone needs to build a fly rod and creating a marketplace for a builder to sell custom built fly rods, built on Rodmaker 24/7 blanks, at several different price points. There is also lot of room to grow the brand and following with education and teaching of rod building techniques through social media, video, blog, and maybe even in person classes. This purchase would likely include quite a bit of inventory and the connections to have blanks rolled both in the U.S.A. and beyond. Lots of future potential here.

Brook & Brown is the "youngest" of the brands and in my mind has the most flexibility of what it could be in the future. To date, Shane has offered just a few different fly reels and fiberglass fly rods under this brand and B&B could turn into much more with the right person at the helm. I'm sure that Shane has a workbook full of ideas that he'd pass along for consideration to further cement the foundation of this brand.

Interested? Reach out to Shane Gray by email or through the contact page on Graywolf Rods.

BUFFET SERIES - Finding a Bonefish Paradise

2026-09-18T05:00:00.000-04:00

Gilbert Rowley's Buffet Series continues with a trip to the flats pursuing bonefish. Press PLAY...

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

FREDERICK STIVERS - Drawing On Trash

2026-09-16T06:00:00.000-04:00

I always seem to have quite a few posts in draft around here and several years ago Frederick Stivers gave me a stellar quote, which you'll find below, but it wasn't until the other day that he sent a stack of images of his sketches on "trash" to go along with it. He's a favorite follow on Instagram and his drawings and paintings are done in a style all his own.

Take a slow scroll and enjoy each of these pieces of art. I know I sure have.

Frederick wrote... "The line between worthless and priceless is razor-thin, relative, and always moving. This intrigues me. The practice of drawing on what would otherwise be trash only grew out of drawing with and on whatever was at hand. I travel(ed) a lot for business and often found myself not scratching the itch to draw because I didn't have my materials with me and frankly didn't want to tote the studio with me twice a week to MSP and IAH.

So I started on boarding passes, annual reports, cocktail napkins, anything. Eventually, I realized the medium was telling a story as well and drawing on French hot press seemed dull and predictable.

Now it seems like penance for a wasteful culture. Some of the drawings aren't meant to last. They are calisthenics preparing for what is next. If they get a smile or a laugh or a nod that is enough. I can draw better than most folks I suppose because I do all the time."

Check out Frederick's website for more and follow along on Instagram.

Sportsman's Journal with Andy Mill - Marquesas Permit & Tarpon

2026-09-16T05:00:00.000-04:00

If you aren't getting enough Andy Mill on the Mill House podcast, you can deep dive into the the Sportsman's Journal episodes on their YouTube page.

Add the Mill House to your podcast essentials and subscribe to their YouTube channel.

Fishing with Henry Winkler

2026-09-13T06:00:00.000-04:00

This is a wonderful way to ease into your Sunday morning. Press PLAY...

Need a new favorite decal? South Fork Lodge has you covered.

LOON OUTDOORS - Packing for a Backcountry Fly Fishing Trip

2026-09-13T05:00:00.000-04:00

Loon Outdoors is back with another "Tailgate Talk" with Matt Callies breaking down how he packs for backcountry fly fishing trips. Press PLAY and take notes.

Check out the Loon Outdoors website for the latest gear and follow their YouTube channel.

THE MISSION - Flashback to "The Glass Guy"

2026-09-12T06:00:00.000-04:00

Have you done something, maybe forgot about it, and then someone reminds you that you did it? It was a surprise yesterday when The Mission shared a post on their Instagram with images with excerpts from a 2020 feature on T.F.M. in their online magazine and linked the shortened blog post, too.

Issue 20 is still out there for the full read and it all rings true years later. The article starts on page 96.

If you're wondering what made that BIG bend on the Epic Bandit, check out El Tiburon for the full story.

PATAGONIA - Tying the Pheasant Tail Mayfly Spinner

2026-09-12T05:00:00.000-04:00

EMERGER FLY FISHING - The Making of the Retro Fly Hybrid Wallets

2026-09-05T06:00:00.000-04:00

I've mentioned it before that one of the highlights of being at the Fly Fishing Show in Denver this past winter was spending time with Chris Freeman (and his wife Randi) of Emerger Fly Fishing. During one of our chats, Chris mentioned the ability to have a stamp made that could be pressed into the English bridle leather strap of his wallets, and possibly other gear items as well. After a bit more discussion, we decided that the Retro Fly logo would be the best fit as a stamp and we made some tentative plans to get a few built for the T.F.M. Shop.

Fast forward a few months and I have a limited edition shipment of twelve Retro Fly Hybrid Wallets in stock and ready to ship. Chris took a few photographs while building this set of wallets which gives a glimpse of his process. The Retro Fly stamped into the leather couldn't look any cleaner.

The Emerger Fly Fishing Hybrid Wallet is made of waxed canvas and army shelter cloth with sheep shearling, English bridle leather, and brass.

Open dimensions are 11" x 7.5" and closed dimensions are 3.5" x 7.5".

The Emerger Fly Fishing Retro Fly Hybrid Wallets are $85 each shipped with a few T.F.M. and Emerger decals. International orders with actual shipping costs added depending on the destination.

To order, send an email to thefiberglassmanifesto@gmail.com. I can take PayPal, Venmo, and credit card for payment.

ORVIS FLY FISHING - What's the Best Value in Fly Reels?

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

I agree with Tom's take on the Orvis Clearwater Fly Reels and if you're looking for a budget fly reel with the option of additional spools, this series is worth a look.

The Clearwater Fly Reel series is available in three sizes and three colorways. I like the matte finish on these fly reels and the two that I've been fishing a couple of these since last summer and they still look new after banging around jon boats, rafts, and kayaks on warmwater trips.

See more on the Orvis YouTube channel and check out the latest gear on the Orvis website.

VEDAVOO - Lefty Kreh Legacy Relic Raffle

2026-09-02T06:00:00.000-04:00

File Vedavoo's latest idea to fund new fishing gear for children in need under "Super Cool", and get your raffle ticket(s) to hopefully win either the grand prize of a Mark-2 Rod Quiver, built with a piece of upcycled nylon fabric with Lefty Kreh's signature along with an engraved leather patch No-Kink Reel Case. Or, one of six numbered No-Kink Reel Cases with Lefty's signature engraved on the leather patch.

So, seven winners in total and it only costs $10 for a ticket or six for $50 to play. Good luck.

Scott of Vedavoo wrote... "I had the unique pleasure of knowing Lefty. I confess that he even helped me fix some ugly action in my cast. He was true to the stories you hear - kind, genuine, and willing to do what he could to help new anglers succeed.

I reached out to his daughter, and was able to purchase a piece he used regularly - a classic rod carrier made from gray and red Cordura. With her blessing, I broke down this piece and upcycled the materials to produce this very special collection of gear."

Visit the Vedavoo website for more information and to get your raffle tickets. I'll be getting mine...

FULLING MILL - Joe Goodspeed on Tying and Fishing the Stunt Mouse

2026-09-02T05:00:00.000-04:00

If you aren't tracking already, along with their excellent flies, Fulling Mill is putting some incredible effort into their blog and highly produced videos that they are uploading to their YouTube channel.

Of note, Signature Tier Joe Goodspeed dives deep into Stunt Mouse with step-by-step on how to tie this pattern and then a full tutorial on how to fish it. Press PLAY twice and take notes...

Check out Fulling Mill, look for their patterns at your local fly shop, and don't sleep on their blog or YouTube channel.

FLAT CREEK RODS - The 15th Anniversary Fly Rod Series Completed

2026-09-01T06:00:00.000-04:00

Over the last few weeks, Ben Casarez has celebrated the 15th anniversary of Flat Creek Rods with the rollout of three limited edition 3-weights, 4-weights, and now with this post, the 5-weight series.

If you have been keeping count, this makes for a total of 15 fly rods, five built in each line weight, that Ben has created for the 15th Anniversary Fly Rod Series. Though I haven't cast any of these fly rods, there is enough of a story with each one, along with Mike McFarland being involved rolling the blanks, to know that Ben has created something special with each one of this limited edition set of fly rods.

As a side note, 15 years is quite a milestone and Scott at Vedavoo and me sent along a memento to surprise Ben with that he shared on his Instagram page. Making things with cool patches for your friends is fun. Find out how in this recent T.F.M. post.

Ben wrote... "Next up is the final offering in the 15th Anniversary Series! These 8’6” 5-weight, 4-piece glass fly rods were inspired by a personal rod I completed in 2021, in memory of my father.

This 5-weight has become a favorite for larger water—especially my home river, the Rio Grande. With the power to turn over big dries, droppers, double nymph rigs, and streamers, it still carries the backbone needed for larger fish.

For the anniversary series, this model uses Mike McFarland’s legendary GTX taper on translucent “Autumn Glow” blanks in a 4-piece tip over configuration. These builds feature Snake Brand guides, Struble agate stripper, teriyaki and black silk wraps, 6.5” Ritz flor grade cork grip, shop turned olive wood insert, and Struble 241 down locking hardware. Each build includes a custom rod sock and tube. This series is limited to five fly rods."

Learn more on the Flat Creek Rods website and follow along with the latest shop news and announcements on Facebook and Instagram.

SOUTHERN CULTURE ON THE FLY - Issue 60

2026-09-01T05:00:00.000-04:00

Ease into your Tuesday morning with Issue 60 of Southern Culture on the Fly. Your boss won't mind...

CHECK IT.

HOWLER BROTHERS - Privateers Dispatch - Weeks 7 & 8

2026-08-30T06:00:00.000-04:00

I'm thinking that there should be one more dispatch to wrap up the Howler Brothers Privateers summer of travel and exploits the states over but if not, here's the latest from the boys. What a summer they had.

Check out the Privateers Dispatch of their last several weeks on the road and make sure you're following along with their latest exploits on Instagram and TikTok.

COURSE MAPS - Searching for Real Golf

2026-08-30T05:00:00.000-04:00

You might remember Seve Saiz of Course Maps from a post last year and if you're into golf at all, you should be following him on Instagram. He has begun a new series of films dubbed "Searching for Real Golf", which really resonate after just two episodes. I like his filmography style and his fresh takes.

Check out Course Maps, follow on Instagram, and subscribe to the YouTube channel, too.

THE CAPTAIN'S COLLECTIVE - Back to School Podcast Series

2026-08-26T06:00:00.000-04:00

While at the Fly Fishing Show in Denver earlier this year, Hunter Leavine of The Captain's Collective podcast found a quiet corner for us to have a conversation on fiberglass fly rods that has been released this week as a podcast as part of their "Back to School" series.

LISTEN HERE. This podcast can also be found on Apple Podcast or Spotify.