FLY FISHING BENEFACTORS NEW RELEASE!

The new Deschutes V3 is now available from FFB.  Click here  to see why we are proud Pro Staff and supporters of Carl Craig and FFB's products and generous spirit.

This beautifully ported Deschutes 1 will accomodate 3-4 weight line with backing.  We spooled up a 4 weight line with 50 or so yds. of backing.  It takes about a minute to activate the push-button spool release, remove the screw-on gear and flip the bearing over to convert from left to right handed retrieve.
The drag, similar to previous versions is easily adjusted with the knob shown above.  The new Version 3 drag is super sensitive and a slight turn of the knob increases or decreases pressure in small but noticeable increments.  We had the opportunity to put a few nice fish on the reel recently on light drag and were solidly impressed!

Fully loaded, as described above, the Deschutes, CNC crafted from aircraft quality aluminum, weighed in at 5.5 ounces, about and ounce lighter than the earlier V2.  Full specs are available on the link above.

All in all, at the bargain price point, this is a beautiful addition to your arsenal and perfect for a dollar conscious newcomer to fly fishing.  Everett, Matt and I will be taking it out west later this month to the spring creeks in Montana and the classic cutthroat streams in Yellowstone National Park.

You'll love the Deschutes; pick up a few fly boxes or leader packs at super low pricing while you're at it and call Carl with any questions.

DRAG FREE!
TEAM7x
Pro Staff for Fly Fishing Benefactors

Natchaug River redux!

Conditions remain good, hatches strong, and rising trout…for now.  Rain is needed as the flows lessen daily.  Good news is the nighttime temps are keeping the water relatively cool.

Our guest, Pete from nearby CT enjoyed an outing with us and had success with Hendrickson's and later in the evening, spinners.  We worked with him on getting the fly in the right place, drag control and light pressure when setting the hook following a take.  It worked and Pete brought a very nice rainbow to hand among others.

Hendricksons were about in mid afternoon and spinners followed at dusk.  Here is a beautiful 3-tailed Hendrickson semi-spent, we captured in the film.

Hopefully we'll get some rain, but for now the trout are looking up.  May be sulphurs soon!  We have some openings, but I wouldn't wait too long as flows are dropping daily.

DRAG FREE everyone!

Tom/Everett
TEAM7x

Natchaug River Lights UP for CINCO DE MAYO!

Our guests, Ralph and Dave from nearby MA, experienced a great late afternoon/evening on the Natchaug on May 5.  Not counting, but well over 20 fish between them.

Dave above, after several misses on a few fussy fish, tied on one of Everett's soft hackles, pasted it up and drifted it in the film and took 3 nice rainbows in succession. The softie on selective fish, with the wings pasted up always seems to work.
The guys fished Hendricksons for the most part to rising fish throughout the outing.

Ralph, above took this nice rainbow on a light Hendrickson size 14, a far cry from the size 32's he ties for the Swift River in MA!
Later at dusk, 2-tailed spinners filled the air, quill body, likely Quill Gordon spinners.  Rusty spinners size 14 and a male quill body Hendrickson with the wings flattened down took several more fish as darkness fell.  There were just enough spinners dropping to have the trout looking up, but plenty more going about their business, perhaps falling the following AM. A few caddis were around as well.

It was a great outing with 2 fine fishermen and a pleasure to introduce them to the Natchaug which is in great condition NOW.  Rain will be needed shortly to keep the flows up.  Just us on a most prolific part of the river, no one else in sight!

We're at Charlie Brown Campground on Saturday, May 8 for a free casting clinic.  Stop by if you're in the area.  Look for our banner and the signs.

DRAG FREE!
Tom/Everett
TEAM7x

PATAGONIA 2014

Matt from TEAM7x returned to the Patagonia Argentina region once again in early December with business associates, to fish the fabulous Rio Malleo.  Once again Omar "Banana" Martinez, the area's number one guide took care of every detail.

"Banana" proudly displaying his TEAM7x cap!

The Rancho San Humberto provided the first class lodging once again, under the Olson families 3rd generation management, with some 18 miles of private access to the Malleo.

Matt encountered an epic caddis hatch and knowing how difficult it can sometimes be to match the naturals, tied on a royal coachman (of all things) and sure enough was rewarded with a steady sipping 18" wild rainbow taking something he couldn't refuse!

The Rio Malleo is truly one of the world's great dry fly venues and Matt also took several big fish in  skinny water on a  gin clear spring feeder creek.  Weather (summer) was perfect and of course the Malleo was at perfect levels with wild trout throughout.

Matt with a fine wild brown

Matt's selfie with a beauty!

Another great trip to the Malleo.  If you get the opportunity, don't hesitate. We can give you some details, tips etc. on this world-class trout fishing venue!

DRAG FREE everybody and happy 2015!!

Tom/Everett/Matt
TEAM7x

Random thoughts...

Season's ended for all practical purposes…low water conditions made for locally tough conditions throughout the summer months, and even now.  The Catskill streams remained in great shape with just the right amount of rainfall.  Definitely worth a trip with 5 top-flight streams to choose from!

Bulletin Boards/forums:  Used to be some good, timely info on these offerings but due to paranoid administrators who treat any decent info as "spot burning," they're dying a slow death…unfortunate.

CTDEEP:  Continues to shine with weekly reports, stocking info, and continuation of the Atlantic Salmon stocking program for the Shetucket.  Some reports that fish have been caught on the Shetucket, levels are ok, but a recent trip resulted in the dam releasing water within an hour of arrival.  Be sure to call the dam hotline if you go...see our earlier post on the Shetucket info.

Youth:  Still seeing very few young folks on the water.  We continue our casting and fly fishing info programs, encouraging young people to join the ranks!  AND we have a few Ross youth fly fishing outfits available...perfect for Christmas...going for $229 on Amazon and elsewhere, take a look!  Click at left for our offer

Birthday or Special Occasion for the young angler?

During the “off season,” we set out to find the ideal outfit for young flyfishers since many of the folks at our casting lessons asked for suggestions.  We wanted to find a complete package, high quality, LIFETIME WARRANTY and at a very attractive price point. We have a few outfits remaining.

                                  

We are offering the Ross Journey Youth Fly Fishing Outfit through this SPECIAL OFFER to our fly fishing friends.  This is an ideal package for son, daughter, grandson or granddaughter by Ross, a Scientific Angler/3M company, now owned by Orvis, designed with younger folks in mind.  The 4 piece 7’6” rod with high quality reel, spooled with a 4 weight fly line and leader, padded carrying case and DVD geared to kids is an outstanding value.  Everett has examined the entire outfit in detail; it casts wonderfully and is balanced just right for the younger angler.  Women will also appreciate the smaller cork grip and the 7’6” length; and maybe the best part...break a tip, crush a ferrule or guide, NO PROBLEM...Ross offers a LIFETIME WARRANTY on all rod/reel components!
  AVAILABLE IN LIMITED QUANTITY NOW with a free casting lesson* and 3 special hand tied flies…Everett’s “go-to” patterns! 

$159

Click on left to purchase

*within eastern CT/RI

UCONN basketball:  The season's upon us and last year's national champions are ready!
GO HUSKIES!

A few links of interest:

TU Youth Offer

Salmon on the Shetucket…Fall Fly Fishing Fun!

                                  Two nice examples of Atlantic Salmon on the Shetucket River

Based on a recent email from CT State Senator Cathy Osten, whose district includes the Shetucket River, it would appear that the Atlantic Salmon brood stock stocking program will see NO changes for 2014!  This is great news, since this is a fun fly fishing locale in late fall as we try to outwit these strong fighters!  Jay's fish above, from 2 years ago was a sight to behold!!  I happened to be down river and hustled to snap this photo at battle's end.

A recent scouting trip to the Shetucket showed very low water conditions, since the dam is not releasing.  We need rain before end of October to be sure the stocking goes forward.

We're pre booking interests in day trips to fish for the Atlantics…let us know your interest and we'll work on some dates.

Here's the Senator's response to us..

Forwarded below is the response I received from DEEP about the Atlantic Salmon stock in the Shetucket.

Sincerely,

Cathy

From: Mcauliffe, Elizabeth
Sent: Friday, September 05, 2014 9:35 AM
To: Senator Osten
Cc: LaFrance, Robert
Subject: Atlantic Salmon Stocking in the Shetucket River

Senator Osten -

The fisheries staff tell me there may be rumors floating around, but there is no basis in fact in such rumors.

As in the past, we will equitably allocate the stocking of brood stock salmon  between the Shetucket and Naugatuck rivers, with a  lesser percentage going to eastern and western lakes (again equitably distributed).

Thank you for your inquiry,

Liz

DRAG FREE everyone!

Another Catskill Odyssey…A Million-to-One Chance!

Sometimes, there's more to this fly fishing thing than throwing size 20 BWO's to rising fish!

TEAM7xers, Bob, Everett and Tom arrived to rain in the Catskills 7/23, limiting our Wednesday opportunities.  Heading to the West Branch Delaware on Thursday, Bob left his vest behind at the Pasture Pool, Stilesville, for those who are familiar with the area.  We left for the Gamelands, down river when we discovered it missing.  Racing back (try that on the access road!) to the scene, the vest was gone.  Now a Simms vest with Abel pliers, loaded with Bob's (an expert fly tier) flies , boxes and other usual gear would set up a fly fisher for life!

After much lamenting, as we came into cell range next AM, Bob's phone chirped a message.  "I found your vest, call xxx"  Sure enough, Steve a WB local from nearby PA had it and arranged to meet us at "Barking Dog" another named WB pool.  Met with Tony from CT and Malcolm from NJ his fishing partners and learned that all 3 were at the Gamelands the prior evening; Bob's vest 10 feet away in their vehicle while we're racing back to locate it!

Steve and Bob

Now the tale reaches the "You can't make this up" category:  Friday evening, again at the Gamelands, Everett sits on the bank, looks down at the water's edge and sees a bobbing fly box full of nymphs with a phone number inside.  He calls it when in cell range and leaves a message, receiving a return call Saturday morning.  Chatting with the caller about the return, Everett learns his name is "Malcolm" and he's from NJ…YEP, same fly fisherman we met the day before with Steve and the found vest…in a completely different location miles from the Pasture Pool!  Go figure...

Now, acres and acres of water, woods, roads, trails, paths…what are the chances??

Malcolm's fly box

Moral:  If you begin to lose faith in the goodness of people and mankind in general, find a fly fisher.  Every fly fisher I know would have gone to all ends to find the rightful owner of lost gear…Steve you're a good man and we can't wait to join in your invitation to fish with you on our next trip up.

Malcolm, you'll have your fly box back shortly and Tony…we'll see you on the Farmington!

DRAG FREE!

PS:  Not all licenses, like Bob's RI license, contain a contact phone number.  Tuck away a laminated phone contact or other somewhere in your pack, vest, etc.