The Fiberglass Manifesto

THE BOREALIST - Perhaps, Slow is Indeed the New Fast

2026-08-05T06:00:00.000-04:00

Blaine Peetso of The Borealist gets it right and his Instagram captures moments with perfection. No filters. Typically just a few word caption or prose. Sport. Dogs. Food. Wine. The images speak.

His post this week featured his Scott Fibertouch and everything else that makes for a good day. I asked if could share here, to which he obliged. Enjoy...

Peetso wrote... "Perhaps, slow is the new fast. Probably, always has been."

Bookmark The Borealist and follow Peetso on Instagram, too.

Casting Lessons with George Revel - The Double Haul

2026-08-05T05:00:00.000-04:00

Lost Coast Outfitters and Loon Outdoors are back with their casting lesson series with George Revel with this video focused on teaching you how to double-haul. Press PLAY and take notes...

A dozen years ago, George and I spent a morning together at the G.G.A.C.C. and this film is a wonderful memory to reflect on. Visit the T.F.M. post if you haven't seen it already.

I'll continue sharing these videos as they are released but find more goodness on the YouTube channels of both Loon Outdoors and Lost Coast Outfitters.

VEDAVOO - Your Favorite Patch on Your New Favorite Gear

2026-08-03T06:00:00.000-04:00

I can't be the only one who has a bag full of patches that I've collected over the years and instead of them just living in a drawer or gear box, I've started sending them to Scott Hunter at Vedavoo to be given new life on a piece of gear, typically on a No-Kink Reel Cover or Fly Wallet.

Recently I wanted to send along a thank you gift to Chase at Oak & Oscar and sent Scott a patch that I had in my stash. It fit perfectly on a No-Kink Reel Cover made of waxed twill fabric. Scott took some step-by-step photographs of this piece of gear coming together that I figured would be insightful to share here.

Interested in having a few of your favorite patches sewn on custom made Vedavoo gear? Reach out to Scott through the contact page to get the conversation started.

POSTSCRIPT... Now through Tuesday, August 11, 2026, use code "GLASSMASTER" for 50% off the patch mail in service.

FISH HOUSES - The Tarpon Palace with Brett Martina

2026-08-03T05:00:00.000-04:00

Tarpon Week might be over but still check out Captain Brett Martina's "Fish House". Press PLAY...

If you missed Andy Mill's episode, circle back to this T.F.M. post from last year.

SCHULTZ OUTFITTERS - Senyo Tying the Shadow Hex

2026-08-02T06:00:00.000-04:00

Senyo at Schultz Outfitters with another good one to have in your Midwest fly box this time of year.

Check out the Schultz Outfitters website and subscribe to their YouTube channel. And, stop by the Greg Senyo Fly Tying website for flies, grab a copy of his book, and more.

HOWLER BROTHERS - Privateers Dispatch - Weeks 5 & 6

2026-08-02T05:00:00.000-04:00

The Howler Brothers Privateers are back with their latest dispatch that takes them to the Grand Canyon, New Mexico to Arkansas, Nashville to New Jersey, and back home for a stop in the Lowcountry.

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.

SMITHEY - Everyone Travels with a Favorite Cast Iron Skillet, Right?

2026-08-01T06:00:00.000-04:00

I've been thinking about Alaska a lot this week since our daughter is up there visiting friends before she heads back to college later this month. During Hadley's week and a half visit, she's spending time at some of the same places that we visited together a couple of years ago as she winding up a year of living in Palmer. Before Hadley packed up to come home, my wife flew up to spend a week with her, camping and hiking all over, and then I flew up to spend a week where we spent time in Homer fishing with friends (Part 1 and Part 2), floated the Kenai River with Outgoing Angling, and then off to Seward for hiking and exploring. We came home with a 50 pound fish box and so many memories. Alaska is tough to beat even though I feel like we saw just a small fraction of it over the week that I was there.

Of my wife's handful of superpowers, finding top tier campsites and Airbnb spots is her forte. For Hadley and my trip, she arranged a wonderful dry cabin outside of Homer and a small yurt in Seward for our stays. Knowing that over the two weeks of travel with Hadley that we'd be cooking for ourselves quite a bit, my wife flew to Alaska with our Smithey No. 8 Chef Skillet and then I brought it back at the end of my trip. As Hadley was packing provisions for our week on the road, she grabbed a dozen local eggs, rhubarb jam from a roadside stand, and a loaf of sourdough bread that we made toast, breakfast sandwiches, and grilled cheese with.

As much as I enjoy Airbnb's, they typically have dreadful cookware, knives, and kitchen tools. Having our own cast iron skillet and slotted spatula made camp and kitchen meals so easy and I can't imagine a trip like this where we won't travel with at least one (if not several) of our favorite pans and kitchen tools. In fact, I'm working on a custom knife/tool roll that will have everything from knives, spatula, tongs, digital meat thermometer, wood cook spoon, and more, just to be fully prepared.

Here's a few snaps from the cabin, kitchen, yurt camp, and on our forest to ocean hike. Everything tasted as good as it looks and I can't wait to get back someday.

We cook almost exclusively with Smithey pans and the quality cannot be beat. The four pans that everyone should own include the No. 8 Chef Skillet, No. 10 Skillet, Carbon Steel Farmhouse Skillet, and one of the Dutch Ovens. That covers all the bases and though these fall squarely into the category of "Buy Once, Cry Once" each will be passed down to your children (and their children) with proper care.

What kitchen gear can't you live without on a trip? Let me know with an email.

BOB WHITE STUDIO - On Painting Bristol Bay

2026-08-01T05:00:00.000-04:00

Artist Bob White is a favorite online follow and when he posted this group of images of recent paintings that he completed during several weeks in Bristol Bay, Alaska earlier this year, I figured sharing them would be a nice way for the T.F.M. readership to ease into the weekend.

Slow scroll and enjoy. I know that I did...

Bob wrote... "After 42 seasons, Alaska has a very special place in my heart and soul. Every spring, I'm fortunate enough to travel there and spend a couple of weeks painting. This year I painted at both Bristol Bay and Tikchik Narrows Lodge, and over the course of my stay, completed five 24 x 20 inch panels and finished three others started the year before.

Additionally, I'll spend another week this fall at Royal Coachman Lodge, painting what I love most. So, more to come!

Enjoy the work, and if you're interested in the original artwork or fine art prints... give me a shout!"

Visit the Bob White Studio website for more and follow along with the latest travel and studio news on Facebook and Instagram.

J.P. ROSS FLY RODS & CO. - A "Love Letter" of Sorts

2026-07-29T06:00:00.000-04:00

It's hard for me to believe that T.F.M. has been around for almost eighteen years. When I think back to the beginnings of the Fiberglass Fly Rod Makers page, there was maybe a dozen or so builders, blank makers, and fly rod companies who worked with fiberglass. JP Ross Fly Rods & Company was on the list then, and remains so now as it features over 100 builders from all over the world.

Through all those years, Jordan, aka JP, has been a great supporter of what happens here, got a lot out of me on his podcast, continues to innovate with new glass tapers and fly rod series, a focus on conservation, and surrounds himself with artisans that both elevate his work while he exposes others to their talents.

A few weeks back, JP posted something on his social media pages that I felt deserved a share here. He wrote this right before a demo if his latest fiberglass fly rod, the 8' 8-weight Phat Glass, arrived on my doorstep to take with me to Beaver Island.

JP, thank you for the kind words and support through all the years. Thanks for everything.

"Dear The Fiberglass Manifesto,

From my research it looks like you made your first post on T.F.M. in 2008. I believe we started to chat around 2010, and by 2012 I was a regular advertiser and we have been pals ever since. We have come a long way. I remember one of the first rods we made was the Eagle Creek Special, a blank made by Mcfarland Rod Company. Shortly after that we released our first totally designed glass rod called the MUIR. It was a 7 foot 3-weight 5-piece and is still in production today.

I got news from you that you are going on a trip, and that trip sounds like a place that our new Phat Glass could be a great tool for you. I shipped you this rod on Thursday. Tracking looks like it should get to you Monday. Hopefully just in time. This is an early prototype Phat Glass made right before we went to full production. I made this rod for myself and put on a J.S. Kimball smallmouth bass reel seat. I was also playing with ideas to either rib or sand the blank and have chosen to leave the blanks sanded and gloss.

You may notice the rod is a little dirty, and that is because Panfish On The Fly just got done using this rod in Maine.

I hope you enjoy the rod, and perhaps decide to get one for yourself. Enjoy your trip and thank you Cameron for all the memories and support thru the years."

And, enjoy the trip to Beaver Island I did. There will be more on this trip soon with a full pictorial post but I took one morning to walk into a area off Garden Island with the Phat Glass to tangle with a few smallmouth bass who couldn't say no to a white Kraft's Baitfish. The dart and stop retrieve of the fly was met with a pounce and pull of a few strong willed smallmouth. A fun way to start a morning and perfect place to put the smallmouth themed Phat Glass through its paces.

I have a known soft spot for short 8-weights and this has quickly come to be a favorite. So much so, JP Ross is working on a carp themed Phat Glass build that I'll soon call my own. More on that later but in the meantime know that this progressive 8-weight taper is wonderful and its evident the time and design work that JP put into this taper. While it may be a departure from the "trout weight" blanks he's designed in the past, he's proud of his work and should be.

Visit the JP Ross Fly Rods & Company website, check out the new Phat Glass fly rod, and keep up with the latest shop news on Facebook and Instagram.

FLY COUNTRY - Episode 1: Montana

2026-07-29T05:00:00.000-04:00

The R.L. Winston Rod Company Fly Country series continues with a visit to Twin Bridges, Montana.

Look for future episodes of Fly County here and on the Winston YouTube channel.

A Float with Favorite Folks

2026-07-22T06:00:00.000-04:00

These early summer trips back home to Michigan for a week (or even two) have been a tradition now for twenty-something years. Ten years ago, Danny Reed of Crooked Creek Holler came over to Beaver Island with me and now time in Michigan has become an annual ritual for him as well. As our trips were nearing, we compared notes of where we'd be and when and realized that he had a float planned with Captain Steve Martinez of STM Outfitters on the Muskegon River on a day that I didn't have anything planned. I may have invited myself along to balance out the drift boat by taking the backseat but couldn't help it as Danny and Steve fall high on the list of "Favorite Folks" to spend time on the water with.

Steve has made a few changes to his life and guide program choosing to stick closer to home. He's taken over the family farm, opened a roadside stand, baking breads with his mom, plays in a band once or twice a week, and limiting his guiding to a handful of local rivers. After years of months away guiding for days on end on Beaver Island and in the Louisiana marsh, he's prioritizing himself and his family.

Twenty-something year old me would be scratching my head. Fifty-something year old me gets it.

I pulled into Newaygo to find that Danny and Steve were waiting on me. I ran through a quick checklist of fly rods and gear to move over to Steve's drift boat and we were off to the river. I wouldn't say that fishing was lights out but we caught a few smallmouth and a pike, talked shit and had some laughs, enjoyed a top shelf on the river lunch, and were off the water by mid-afternoon.

A highlight for the day was casting towards the bank, upstream of a downed tree, and watched as a hefty smallmouth emerged from the pile to rise up to the fly, inspecting it, and then soft slurped it in. It all worked out like it was supposed to.

Here's a few snaps from the day...

I don't think there is a more "fishy" guide than Captain Steve Martinez. I've caught my largest lake run rainbow trout, carp, smallmouth, black drum, and redfish with him and cherish all the years that we've fished together. He invited me over to fish with him on Beaver Island in 2011, and that sparked a friendship with us fishing together a few days to a couple of weeks each year. If you want to catch smallmouth, salmon, steelhead, or trout on the west side of the state, he's the one. His website is down right now but he's easy to reach through Facebook or Instagram.

Support Danny by checking out Crooked Creek Holler and scheduling a session at Hot Stuff Tattoo.

Thanks boys for the stellar time. I'm always happy to take the backseat.

BUFFET SERIES - Spring is for Fly Fishing

2026-07-22T05:00:00.000-04:00

Gilbert Rowley's Buffet Series continues with a flashback to what winter easing into spring looks like.

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

THE MISSION - Issue 58

2026-07-19T06:00:00.000-04:00

The latest issue of The Mission is live and ready for a Sunday morning flip through over coffee...

CHECK IT.

Tom on Daytime Mice Fishing

2026-07-19T05:00:00.000-04:00

I've done quite a bit of mouse fishing in the dead of night (T.F.M. post) where you have to listen intently for an indication of a take on your fly, so it's got to be quite a rush to see a large trout chase and rise to a mouse fly during the day. Tom Rosenbauer breaks down the essentials in this video.

Where have you mouse fished? Was it at night or during the day?

Dive down a rabbit hole of great films on The New Fly Fisher YouTube channel.

Scenes from Michi-Glass and Ken Frazee's Notes

2026-07-15T06:00:00.000-04:00

I have records of Michi-Glass going as far back as 2011 and this northern Michigan one-day long event bringing "Glass Geeks" together was first organized by rodmaker Mark McKellip, with Ken Frazee and Paul Frost taking over the reins this year. The other day I shared a T.F.M. post on floating with those two and left a stash of Japanese fly rods with Ken to be displayed at the event, which he reviews his notes below. Take a moment to slow scroll this post.

Ken wrote... "We had a beautiful day for casting and displaying fiberglass fly rods. Turnout was more than double of last year even given the late cancellation of four individuals who intended to display a decent number of their own rods or blanks. It was still a fantastic time given the collection of regulars, local anglers dropping in, several of the participants from Grayrock Rodmakers Gathering saying hello and a few fly fishermen who were new to trying fiberglass fly rods. Those attending came from Iowa, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Ohio.

The day went fast with a dizzying array of modern and vintage fly rods on hand. The following makers or brand names of fiberglass fly rods were on hand and I'm sure that others could add a few that I missed, yet this is my recollection: Campanella, Conolon, Cortland, Browning, Fenwick, Fisher, Fred Paddock, Garcia, Glastech, Hardy, Heddon, Ijuin-Rod, Kabuto Rods, Larry Kenny, Lamiglass, McFarland Fly Rod Copmany, Tom Morgan Rodsmiths, Orvis, Paul Young Rod Company (yes in glass), Phillipson, Ramaglass, Scott Fly Rod Company, Seele, Shakespeare, St. Croix, Steffen Brothers, Three Jays, Tiemco, Wanigas, Winston, Mario Wojonicki, Wright & McGill, Yamame Fly Rods, and likely others.

The fly rods on hand ranged from 3-weights to 10-weight fly rods with the 3-weights being especially well represented in higher end well crafted fly rods. One could have limited themselves to just say 6-weight fly rods alone and had a full day of casting."

Ken continued... "A special treat was to be able to handle some of the finest fiberglass fly rods being made currently in Japan and provided by The Fiberglass Manifesto for the enjoyment of those attending the 2026 Michi-Glass gathering. Paul and I overheard many positive comments about the Japanese rods on display. Those attending had never cast any of these rods previously other than a few who had tried the Ijuin-Rod Yomogi in the past and some had never even seen images of the rods before so it was fun to see the reactions. Here are a few of my own notes from casting each...

CAMPANELLA LUNAR FLEX 6'6" 3-WEIGHT - This fly rod had the hallmarks of being made by those who care. The blank diameter was thin even for a 3-weight. Good tube and tube cover were included with the test rod. It would travel well as would the three section rods noted given the four sections. While well conceived and with a unique attractive blank color this rod would be best for shorter casts in smaller waters. Generally I like longer fly rods than this length; however, this rod would be fun to try on our trico hatch later this summer.

IJUIN-ROD YOMOGI 7' 3-WEIGHT - A well made handcrafted creation. Overall a fine casting fly rod. The green color paired with the hardware shown is especially attractive to my eye and blends naturally on many river settings. Finishing touches are tastefully executed from the rod to the packaging. This level of quality is admired. A good all around 3-weight rod for this length. Casting this model was a pleasure and if I had time to fish it could imagine enjoying it even more.

IJUIN-ROD SAKURA 7' 3-WEIGHT - This fly rod was the most interesting of the collection received. A beautifully created fly rod in all respects that when cast places one in a very calm frame of mind. Exceptional reel seat insert and beautiful rod bag. Just a joy to cast with its slower pace and exceptional balance. Would be best enjoyed with small flies for short to medium distances on flowing water. Have cast this rod from a moving raft and while wading. A better wading rod and all smiles when casting with feet planted on the substrate. This rod had my favorite grip of the bunch. Most all who cast this rod at the event from those new to fiberglass to those with large collections came away with a positive impression for its unique feel.

KENNEY FLY RODS 793S 7’9” 3-WEIGHT - The new team at Kenny Fly Rods got this one right. Experimental taper which should come to market. Having owned his 8’1” 3-weight and having tried his 733 3-weight previously, it was clear Larry had a good handle on this line weight. The new 7’ 9” version shown was another hit. I found this to be slightly different from the well regarded earlier creations and in a good way. Would seriously contemplate acquiring this model for our local rivers as the casting feel, length and quality checks many boxes. Others testing casting this rod at the event enjoyed it providing positive feedback which mirrored my observations. Also, it had a nice tube and tube cover for extra protection.

TIEMCO GLASS MASTER 7’6” 4-WEIGHT - This rod had the most folks test casting it of any in the group provided. It has a feel easily identified and resonates even with those who aren’t experienced with fiberglass fly rods. It has a more traditional color scheme for fly fishing to most eyes; however, it has more of a factory built look to it compared to the other well crafted rods noted above. As a fishing tool you could do quite well with this rod. We enjoyed it on a float and a couple of the younger graphite anglers who stopped by inquired as to how to acquire this fly rod. This model is a good all around fly rod which makes fine casts. I believe Tiemco will do well with this series and it is a nice complement to their traditional fly fishing products.

A special thanks to the local fly shops in the Grayling area who each helped promote this event including Gates Au Sable Lodge, Old Au Sable Fly Shop, Drakes Fly Shop, North Branch Outing Club and Au Sable River Outfitters. If you are visiting this area fishing each of this shops is worth a visit and can connect you with the latest conditions and current hatches."

What a stellar report and I'm going to do my best to try to make it up for the 2027 Michi-Glass event.

R.L. WINSTON ROD CO. - FLY COUNTRY

2026-07-15T05:00:00.000-04:00

There is a lot going on in Twin Bridges, Montana with the recent announcement of new ownership of R.L. Winston Rod Company and the kickoff of a series of films dubbed "Fly Country". Press PLAY...

Look for future episodes of Fly County here and on the Winston YouTube channel.

P.S. If someone is listening, Winston making fiberglass fly rods has been on my wish list for years...

6 GOOD READS - The "Currier 500" Edition

2026-07-14T06:00:00.000-04:00

I happened on Jeff Currier's website this morning and was captivated by his most recent trip dispatches from France where he chronicled his attempt to catch his 500th fish species with the Wels catfish on the fly. Jim Klug of Yellow Dog Fly Fishing and filmmaker Chris Patterson were also along for the trip in hopes of making a film to submit for next year's Fly Fishing Film Tour.

There are actually nine different blog posts from this trip but I grabbed six of the best to share here...

ARRIVAL TO WELS CATFISH COUNTRY

FLY FISHING FOR WELS CATFISH

FLY ROD WELS MAY BE TOUGHER THAN EXPECTED

CHANGE IN TACTICS NOT ENOUGH TO CATCH THE WELS

WE HAVE A MOVIE - THE FISH GODS ARE REAL

A MOST MEMORABLE JAUNT COMES TO AN END

EXTRA CREDIT...
If you'd like a bit more, Jim Klug sat down with Jeff Currier at the end of their trip to France to record a WAYPOINTS Fly Fishing Podcast that is certainly worth a listen.

Congrats to Jeff on this angling feat of 500 species and getting it done with the Wels catfish. Keep up with Jeff's latest exploits on his blog, and of course, Instagram.

DUCK CAMP - The Guide's Guide: Nicky Mill

2026-07-14T05:00:00.000-04:00

In Duck Camp's latest The Guide's Guide feature, Nicky Mills of Mill House tells his story in his short but well done film. Press PLAY...

After you've enjoyed the film, give a look at the Duck Camp Summer Closeout Sale for up to 60% off their apparel and gear.

An Evening Float to the Oxbow Club

2026-07-12T06:00:00.000-04:00

As usual, last month's trip home to Michigan was a stacked dance card of time spent with family, rounds of golf with my dad, a last minute float on the Muskegon River, days on Beaver Island, and an invite to float the South Branch of the Au Sable River with Ken Frazee and Paul Frost, who worked together to organize this year's Michi-Glass event. I will always have a soft spot for the Au Sable River area since it is where I learned how to fly fish (way back in the mid-90's) and there is an unmistakable angling culture seeped in decades of tradition that I am drawn to. I may not care for fly fishing for trout as I once did, but will always want to spend time on these tannic streams in northern Michigan.

We met late afternoon at Smith Bridge, which is just off M-72. I had arrived a few minutes early, which gave me time to sort out of the back of the Outback (which was becoming a mess from a week on the road), loaded up a fly reel with a 5-weight fly line, picked a couple of fly rods to take in the boat, and grab a few beers for the cooler. Ken and Paul arrived together and put the driftboat went into the water. It took just a couple of minutes to sort everything out and we were on our way.

It was a shaping up to be a pleasant evening on the river but things were sort of stacked against us with a river that was still recovering from a massive flood event and a cooler than normal spring which was slowing the evening and nighttime hatches by several weeks. I think between the three of us we had five or six glass fly rods in the boat and all took turns casting a bit. We started with dry flies followed by a soft hackle and ended on small streamers, which did turn a few fish. Ken had a solid brown trout rush out from a wood pile and slash at his streamer, just like he was supposed to. There are few things better than dinner on the river and sandwiches, chips, and chocolate chip cookies on a slow flow corner of the river topped the evening off.

Just after dark we made it to the Oxbow Conservation & Fishing Club to find Paul's vehicle and trailer waiting for us. We could hear the laughter of a group of guys having a good time playing cards on the screened porch of the club house. We pulled the driftboat from the river and onto the trailer, sorted gear, and Ken, who's been a member at Oxbow for a number of years, invited us in for a drink. I didn't get to be as nosy I'd as I wanted to be as the room was wall to wall natural wood panels, taxidermy arranged over the large fireplace, newspaper clippings on cork boards, framed vintage photographs, and individual lockers behind the bar where members could keep a select few bottles of spirits to be at the ready.

Institutions like the Oxbow Club, and there are other historic clubs and lodges dotted around northern Michigan along these noteworthy rivers, are such special places and have done so much on the conservation front to protect the Au Sable River and the Manistee River, along with the surrounding branches and creeks. The fight and commitment to the health of these rivers is admirable.

After a drink and talking with a few members at the club house, we drove back to the parking lot at Smith Bridge so I could get my car and then made our way to Ken's home on the North Branch of the Au Sable River. One of the neat things about Michigan in the summer is that it doesn't get dark until well after 10:00 pm but it sure messes with your head as it doesn't feel as late as it really is. 1:00 am (or even later) kind of sneaks up on you.

Ken showed me to the guest room and gave me a quick tour of their home, where just a few weeks before, the river had jumped the bank during an incredible snow thaw and rain event which brought the river up to the doorstop of his porch. He was at the house that weekend and watched overnight as the river continued to rise, passing through the woods and around all sides of his home. Fortunately, it stayed inches deep but still gave them quite a scare and cleanup afterwards.

The next morning, while Ken made us breakfast, I went through a few fly rods, which you'll hear about in the report from Michi-Glass, that I brought to leave for the event. These were a collection of notable Japanese glass favorites in 3-weight and 4-weight and I lined up two Iwana fly reels with 406 Fly Lines so they could be test cast or even fished during the weekend of the event.

I greatly appreciate Ken's generosity on inviting me for the overnight and also to Paul for letting me take the backseat of the driftboat. These northern Michigan experiences are always a thrill, even if the bug hatches and trout aren't being cooperative. There is always next time...

HOWLER BROTHERS - END OF SEASON SALE

2026-07-12T05:00:00.000-04:00

Didn't summer just begin? Even so, Howler Brothers has kicked off their End of Season Sale and if you like 60% off their latest collections, it's worth a look.

HEED THE CALL

PANTHER BRANCH BUGS - How to Fish the Carp Kwan

2026-07-11T06:00:00.000-04:00

Okay, we've given you some time to get a few Carp Kwans whipped up on the vise and in this post, Brandon Bailes of Panther Branch Flies is going to give you a primer with the techniques and gear (fiberglass fly rods!!!) on how to effectively fish this pattern.

Brandon wrote... "How I fish the Carp Kwan varies greatly on the watershed I’m fishing and the water depth and clarity but there’s no wrong way really. Typically though, I use the tried and true “Drag N' Drop” technique but with a subtle tweak to the presentation. The difference in my approach is I try to drop the fly a little further out from the fish and have it on bottom, crawling slowly and because of the wide EP fiber body it creates a nice visible mud trail that carp simply can’t resist as it comes into their view! But if you stop the fly completely, then the Skworm tail will be standing upright with subtle movement from the hen saddle and that makes an ideal target for a tailing fish. The EP body also slows the flies descent as it's dropping through the water column which can be deadly on suspended fish that are cruising and not actively tailing. I have also had fish eat them in the surface film by Mulberry trees by simply sneaking close and high-sticking the fly or doing a contact drop so I can control how slow the fly falls. To me, that’s what makes the Carp Kwan so versatile. It can be taken as a mulberry, clam, tadpole, crawfish, worm cluster...you name it, they just eat it! And because of the signature trail the wide EP body leaves, its easy for both the fish and angler to follow, which leads to more fish in the net!

As far as terminal tackle, I may be the minority here but I use leaders built to be no longer than my rod (7.5-8 foot) so I can present the fly as accurate as possible and not struggle to turn over super long leaders but I know plenty of anglers that can stretch out the leader lengths and still maintain good accuracy. As far as fly lines go, I will say that I thought for a few years there was not a better fly line for carp than the Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth Infinity Warm but after trying their new Amplitude Smooth Carp line, I’ve been sold on it! It just does everything well from roll casts up close, to making quick “ pick up and shoot” casts, to the long range casts. It does it all without feeling clunky or aggressive.

And lastly, you really should fish the Carp Kwan with a glass stick to maximize its effectiveness. Joking, sorta... I do love glass for everything but especially carp, since you can put a lot of pressure on the fish and turn them without worrying about busting tippet. Oh yeah, and it's just plain fun!!!"

Follow Panther Branch Bugs to keep up with his latest flies, tutorials, and time on the water.

DOWN HOME BOATWORKS - Dave's Chuck Box Plans

2026-07-11T05:00:00.000-04:00

Do you need a weekend project to keep you busy? How about building a Dave's Chuck Box to keep your camp kitchen straight. Dave Zielinski of Down Home Boatworks has added a new set of plans for this chuck box to his list of wooden boat plans that he offers.

I'm not handy in a workshop but do see how one of these would be fun to build and certainly to use.

Interested in a set of plans for this or a boat project? Reach out to Dave through the contact page on his website. Follow along with his latest exploits on the river or in the shop on Instagram.

FLAT CREEK RODS - Announcing the 15th Anniversary Fly Rod Series

2026-07-10T06:00:00.000-04:00

The other day, Ben Casarez of Flat Creek Rods tagged me on Instagram in his announcement of his 15th Anniversary and the limited edition fly rod series that he'll roll out over the next several weeks. It's hard for me to believe that I have been writing T.F.M. for 18 years and it's neat that this website is part of the history of many of the fly rod builders that have been featured here over the years.

Would you believe when I started T.F.M. that the Fiberglass Fly Rod Makers page had maybe a dozen builders listed? Check it now if you haven't and it's nearly ten times that number now.

Ben is celebrating this milestone with the release of three handpicked fly rod tapers in 3-weight, 4-weight, and 5-weight with a limited run of each. He is starting this series with five 3-weight builds built on a 7' three-piece McFarland Rod Company Spruce Creek blank.

This series is going to be something special and this first look at the 3-weight confirms it.

Ben wrote... "After months of planning and work, I’m excited to introduce the first rods in the Flat Creek Rods 15th Anniversary Series. The 3-weight release begins the celebration, with the 4-weight and 5-weight models scheduled to roll out later this week and next.

7’ 3 Weight, 3 Piece Glass

In 2008, after building several Lamiglas glass rods, I discovered Mike McFarland’s Spruce Creek blanks and ordered two 7’ 3 weights—sparking my love for building and fishing glass. Cameron Mortenson even featured a blog post on one of those first builds on The Fiberglass Manifesto way back in 2009.

To honor that beginning, the first anniversary rods use Mike’s evolved Spruce Creek taper: smooth, balanced, and full flexing. An ideal small stream rod, it handles dries and dry/dropper rigs with ease.

Features include a lemon yellow blank, Snake Brand guides, Joe Arguello agate stripper, translucent and red silk wraps, 6” flor cigar grip, shop turned mesquite insert, and Lemke LC7 down locking hardware (NOS). One rod will have a Lemke LC14 slide band set (NOS) with a cork insert. Includes custom rod sock and tube. Limited to five rods and priced at $775 shipped."

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

FLYLAB - Carp Are Difficult to Pattern

2026-07-10T05:00:00.000-04:00

I've been on somewhat of a carp bender over the past month or so with a day trip up to North Carolina, a few days on Beaver Island in the middle of Lake Michigan, and then back to North Carolina last week for a morning with Dave Fason. In short, I am captivated by carp and all of the environs where they thrive on diets that range from bugs, berries, crayfish, clams, vegetation, and even chasing down other fish.

Kirk Deeter's recent Flylab article, Carp Are Difficult to Pattern, is a good read and also points to his book, The Orvis Guide to Fly Fishing for Carp, which I highly recommend for your library if you don't already have a copy.

Give Carp Are Difficult to Pattern a read and let me know where are you are fly fishing for carp this summer. What are they eating right now? Last week for us it was little dark purple berry flies and Carp Kwans of various sizes and colors. Figuring out the "code" is just part of the fun.

A STROLL WITH SLED: JUNE

2026-07-08T06:00:00.000-04:00

I guess this is at least the third episode of "A Stroll with Sled" from Schultz Outfitters that I'm aware of and these short films mix one part fly shop/good fishy dude with a sincere highlight of their local fishery month by month of what works and what didn't. I hope they keep these coming.

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