The Fiberglass Manifesto

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

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.

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.

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.

TOM'S TIPS - How To Organize Your Fly Boxes

2026-08-26T05:00:00.000-04:00

Do you carry this many flies for your trout fly fishing? In this episode, Tom Rosenbauer of Orvis explains how he keeps his flies organized to be ready just about anything.

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

LIFE OF BRIAN - Episode 5: The Western Hatches Tour

2026-08-25T06:00:00.000-04:00

The "Life of Brian" adventures continue at the Skwala Lounge with Brian O'Keefe breaking down the bug hatches of the west. Who'd drop everything to road trip with Brian? I would.

Check out the latest gear on the Skwala website and follow Brian on Instagram.

FLY COUNTRY - Episode 2: Alaska

2026-08-25T06:00:00.000-04:00

The R.L. Winston Rod Company Fly Country film series continues with an adventure on the Cooper River with The Ridge Alaska. Press PLAY...

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

FIRST LOOK - Thomas & Thomas Fly Fishing Lotic II Series

2026-08-19T06:00:00.000-04:00

There is going to be more to share on this new series soon but in the meantime, here's a heads up and a first look at the next generation of fiberglass fly rods from Thomas & Thomas with the Lotic II.

I've said it out loud before that the Lotic fly rods aren't talked about enough. I've found these fly rods to be wonderful and I have a couple Lotic II demos that I'll get on the water with soon. The 7106-3 will likely go with me to Florida next week to tangle with juvie tarpon with Captain Noah Miller.

In the meantime, here's a studio photograph of the Lotic II with information on the series below.

From the Thomas & Thomas website...

Thomas & Thomas is pleased to introduce the new Lotic II for 2026. Building on the success of the original Lotic series, the Lotic II retains the feel and performance anglers have come to expect while expanding the lineup with two new models: a 6’3” 2-weight and a 7’10” 6-weight. These additions complete the family of medium-action fiberglass fly rods, offering exceptional recovery, crisp performance, and lightweight responsiveness.

The Lotic II bridges the gap between traditional slow-action E-glass rods and full-flex graphite rods. Its steeply tapered S-glass blanks provide a lively, lightweight feel with a responsive tip, delivering tight loops, excellent line speed, and surprising power without sacrificing touch or presentation.

The progressive action of the Lotic II makes it exceptionally versatile across a wide range of fishing situations. Whether casting delicate dry flies and dry-droppers or larger poppers and streamers, the Lotic II offers the accuracy, feel, and control needed for both coldwater and warmwater applications.

The new 6’3” 2-weight is purpose-built for small-stream fishing, making it an ideal New England brook trout rod. Its compact length excels at short, precise casts in tight cover while providing ample hook-setting authority and fish-fighting capability.

At the other end of the spectrum, the new 7’10” 6-weight is equally at home targeting larger trout, smallmouth bass, and carp. With the power to throw streamers and poppers while maintaining the smooth feel that defines the Lotic II series, it is an outstanding choice for anglers seeking a versatile warmwater or larger-trout fiberglass rod.

Features:

Three-piece construction with progressive-action, bamboo-colored S-glass blanks.
Models 2-weight through 5-weight feature a half-wells cork grip with a cork spacer and silver hardware reel seat.
The 6-weight features a full-metal silver reel seat, a 7-inch full-wells grip, and a 1-inch fighting butt.
Snake Brand ECOating® snake guides wrapped with cinnamon-colored thread.
Silver hook keeper on all models.

Visit the Thomas & Thomas Fly Fishing website for more information and cast one of these (or all of them) at your local dealer soon.

What is Orvis Adventures? Introducing The Season That Never Ends

2026-08-19T05:00:00.000-04:00

A new video series is rolling out from Orvis Adventures, which will highlight their network of guides, lodges, schools, and trips the world over. Press PLAY...|

Look for upcoming episodes here or on the Orvis YouTube channel.

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

2026-08-17T06:00:00.000-04:00

You might remember the announcement from Flat Creek Rods last month on the 15th Anniversary series of fly rods that began with a yellow glass 7' 3-weight that is now being followed by these five 7'9" 4-weight builds.

This series of fly rods have a notable pedigree as they are being rolled by Mike McFarland of McFarland Rod Company and then thoughtfully built out by rod maker Ben Casarez to his exact specifications.

Next after this will be a 5-weight from the 15th Anniversary series that will be announced soon.

Ben wrote... "The 15th Anniversary series continues with the 7'9" 4-weight in three pieces and this taper that was developed in 2017 with longtime friend Dave Pyle and Mike McFarland. This custom taper delivers a full‑flexing, moderate action with a firm butt section that will cast dries but also nymphs and streamers.

After two successful limited runs, it returns as part of the anniversary series. These builds feature a translucent brown blank, Snake Brand guides, Struble agate stripper, red and black silk wraps, 6” Fenwick reverse half‑wells flor grip, shop‑turned alligator juniper or padauk wood insert, and Lemke LC7 down‑locking (NOS) hardware. One rod will feature a Lemke LC14 slide‑band (NOS) seat with a cork insert. Each build includes a custom rod sock and tube. This series of 4-weight fly rods is limited to five builds."

And, if you're looking for something just a little different, Ben is offering a slide band version of his 3-weight and 4-weight 15th Anniversary series fly rods. See more in this Instagram post.

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

A STROLL WITH SLED: JULY

2026-08-17T05:00:00.000-04:00

In just a couple months from now, we're all going to be thinking back to our own summer evenings like this of big bugs, fish, and friends, wishing we could do it again. We can. Next summer...

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

C. BARCLAY FLY ROD CO. - Notes from a Colorado Road Trip

2026-08-13T06:00:00.000-04:00

When I stopped in to visit Chris Barclay of C. Barclay Fly Rod Company at his shop in Winston-Salem earlier this year (T.F.M. post), we talked about the summer road trip that he and his wife were planning to Colorado to look for a few new small streams and dry fly sipping trout. It sounded like fun.

Plans made, miles traveled, trout caught, truck camping, friends found, and more in Chris's latest Smallwater blog post detailing he and Kristen's adventure west in his wonderful storytelling style.

Visit the C. Barclay Fly Rod Co. website, don't sleep on his Smallwater blog updates, and follow along with the latest shop news on Facebook and Instagram.

Need more? Consider joining the C. Barclay Fly Rod Co. Enthusiasts Group on Facebook, too.

WAYPOINTS PODCAST - Tom McGuane on Writing Water

2026-08-13T05:00:00.000-04:00

I spend a lot of time listening to podcasts and this two-part series from Waypoints with Jim Klug with legendary author Tom McGuane are so worth your time.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts or on the website in the links below.

Give each of these podcast episodes a listen by clicking on the link below...

PART ONE: WRITING WATER

PART TWO: WRITING WATER

Extra credit? McGuane followed these two podcasts with another on the Wet Fly Swing podcast.

CROOKED CREEK HOLLER X TOPO DESIGNS X PINE PRINTSHOP

2026-08-10T06:00:00.000-04:00

I'm a few days late from sharing the latest Crooked Creek Holler collaboration with Topo Designs and Pine Printshop but there's still a few pieces to snag online.

It's fun to see your friends do cool things and when Danny Reed of Crooked Creek Holler tipped me off that this collaboration was coming, I knew that the collection would go quickly. And, several of the piece are gone. Hopefully, this won't be a one time collaboration...

Danny Reed of Crooked Creek Holler wrote...

"In 2012 I bought my first Topo Designs bag. It was a brown old school camouflage duffle. I quickly went back and bought a dopp kit to match it. I still use both of those bags today. It’s a testament to quality and style. I’ve traveled all over the world and they have stood the test of time, with no sign of decay.

When my business partner, Garrett, presented the idea of a possible collaboration, I was surprised and excited. I quickly started thinking of ideas that might represent us both as American outdoor brands. I was pulled to create images that made me think of Colorado, my time fishing there, and the duality of wild fish in beautiful places and urban angling in the most common. That helped me land on the Cutthroat Trout and Common Carp. Two very different fish that share very little outside of having fins. But that’s what’s fun about fishing, the diversity of the catch, and where the bite takes you.

For good measure, I brought in the brook trout and bass to round out the capsule, and make sure there was a little something for everyone. I hope you enjoy these goods as much as we enjoyed creating them, for it was truly a labor of love."

This collaboration is available on both the Crooked Creek Holler and Topo Designs websites. Where it might be out of stock on one, it could be in stock on the other. Get yours before it's all gone.