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Flylords Father’s Day Fly Fishing Gift Guide

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Disclosure: The article may contain affiliate links that may result in a commission at no additional cost to the reader. 

With Father’s Day right around the corner, the search for the perfect gift for dad has officially begun. Our team is proud to present some of the hottest fly fishing gifts on the market along with some other adventure-ready favorites in this year’s Flylords Father’s Day Fly Fishing Gift Guide. From any preference and price range, we have something that’s sure to make your father smile on or off the water.

Supporting Local Businesses This Father’s Day:

We try to do our part and encourage all of our readers to make the extra effort to shop local and that’s no different through this Father’s Day Fly Fishing Gift Guide. When you shop local, not only are you giving Dad the gifts he wants, but you’re also gifting your support for the backbone of the fly-fishing industry.

Caldwell Rohrbach of Emerald Water Anglers enjoying some quality time with his son, Walker. Photo by @bethanymaloney

1. Rep Your Water Big Bow Old Fashioned Glass – $12

Rep Your Water Big Bow Old Fashioned GlassAfter a good day of fishing, there’s nothing better than telling fishing stories over a cocktail with friends. For this Father’s Day, get dad a new glass to add to the collection with the Rep Your Water Big Bow Old Fashioned Glass. This glass is perfect, large enough for your typical single ball or square ice cube.

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2. Orvis Dropper Rig Fishing Fly Box – $29.95

Orvis Dropper Rig Fishing Fly Box

Don’t waste your time on the water: this fly box stores multiple pre-tied rigs, whether you’re fishing a nymph set up, dropper rig, or double dry flies. One thing we like about this box is it allows you to save old fishing leaders for reuse or disposal. Rig up five different rigs on the foam inserts before fishing, allowing you to save time on the water, just attach your leader to your lead fly. Flies not included.

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3. Sage R8 Core Fly Fishing Rod – $1,050.00

Sage R8 Core Fly Fishing Rod

Sage’s latest multi-application fast action rod is here, the R8 Core. Any angler, beginner to expert will instantly feel the responsiveness of Sage’s latest rod technology in hand. The Sage R8 core is available in 3wt to 9wt, with a variety of lengths from 8’6” to 10’0”, meeting the needs of just about any freshwater and light salt angler. Make it a memorable Father’s Day with Sage’s latest and most high-performing fly rod available, the R8 Core.

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4. Rumpl Everywhere Mat Ocean Fade – $80

Rumpl Everywhere Mat Ocean Fade

Meet the most versatile, packable, Everywhere Mat from Rumpl. This mat is a great addition to throw into the truck, for use of throwing waders on, a blanket for the kids on the river bank, or to enjoy a nice picnic with friends. The Rumpl Everywhere Mat repels sand, pet hair, odor, stains, and even has a waterproof underside. Get dad a Rumpl Everywhere Mat for Father’s Day, he won’t be disappointed.

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5. Airflo Premium Tippet – $19.99-29.99Airflo Premium Tippet

 

If you want the ultimate stealth, strength, and knotability, look no further than Airflo’s new Premium Tippet. Quality tippet is one of the easiest gifts to give for Father’s Day. Here at Flylords we have loved using the new Airflo tippet; not only does this tippet exhibit incredible strength and superior abrasion resistance, this material is a much heartier material that is useful in situations such as tight line nymphing or fishing heavy cover. If you’re interested in learning more about the difference between fluorocarbon and nylon tippet, check out our Nylon vs. Fluorocarbon article by clicking HERE. Available in full and half sizes from 1x-12.5lb to 7x-2.5lb. 

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6. Patagonia “Cracked: The Future of Dams in a Hot, Chaotic World” by Steven Hawley Book – $28

Patagonia "Cracked: The Future of Dams in a Hot, Chaotic World" by Steven Hawley Book

The ugly truth about dams is revealed. Give the gift of a great read this Father’s Day with Hawley’s “Cracked: The Future of Dams in a Hot, Chaotic World.” This book dives deeper into the history of dam building across the United States and globally, shedding light to many of the not so common knowledge sides of dams. Published by Patagonia, Cracked reads with a tone of keeping wild places wild and restoring previously wild places to give future generations the opportunity to experience all that this remarkable planet has to offer, but also an almost fear-inducing reflection of past mistakes. Be sure to check out the full book review by clicking HERE.

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7. Simms Flyweight Access Wet Wading Shoe – $199.95

Simms Flyweight Access Wet Wading Shoe

Kick your fishing adventures into all-terrain mode with the Simms Flyweight collection Wet Wading Shoe. Simms introduced the Flyweight Collection in 2021, with a goal of making lightweight and quality fishing products to enhance anglers time on the water. Whether your walking miles on miles, or like the lightweight features of this wet wading shoe, it is made with quick-drying materials featuring Vibram Idrogrip Flex soles for ultimate grip while fishing the slickest conditions. If your dad goes on fishing missions, walks miles to stalk anything that swims, look no further than the Simms Flyweight Access Wet Wading Shoe, a great gift to give for Father’s Day.

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8. Free Fly Apparel Men’s Latitude Pant – $118

Free Fly Apparel Men's Latitude Pant

Are you the one that buys clothing for your husband? The Free Fly Apparel Men’s Latitude Pant features a lightweight, stretch-woven, and sun-protective material for days spent on the water. Not only are these pants great for the skiff, they pass the test for a dinner night out with friends and family. Offered in three different color ways, cement, slate blue, and tobacco, give your husband or dad something to show off this Father’s Day.

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9. Ross Reels Colorado Reel – Greenback Cutthroat Special Edition – $495

Ross Reels Colorado Reel - Greenback Cutthroat Special Edition

New to the market in 2023, with only 495 of these special edition reels available, give dad a gift to remember this Father’s Day with the Ross Colorado Greenback Cutthroat reel. The Colorado reel from Ross offers a unidirectional click-pawl drag with a crisp, audible sound offered in a 2/3wt model. Not only is this a limited run piece, each purchase gives back to Colorado Trout Unlimited and the Poudre Headwaters Project.

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10. Grundéns Boundary Stockingfoot Wader – $599.99

Grundéns Boundary Stockingfoot Wader

From pro guides who spend 300+ days on the water to the ever-hopeful salmon and steelhead anglers, trout fanatics, and surf casters looking for the longest lasting, best performing, hardest working gear, the new Grundéns Boundary Stockingfoot Wader takes it to new levels. Made from the highest quality GORE-TEX fabrics and a modern suspension system, these waders give anglers unparalleled freedom of movement both in and out of the water. If dad is looking for a new set of waders, look no further than the Grundéns Boundary Stockingfoot Wader this Father’s Day.

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11. Western Aloha Kiholo Bay Aloha Shirt – $125

Western Aloha Kiholo Bay Aloha Shirt

After long days on the water call for comfy and casual clothes to sit around and enjoy cocktails with friends. Western Aloha’s Kiholo Bay Shirt was inspired by classic weekends paddling and fishing the blue waters of Kiholo Bay, Hawaii. Printed on a four-way stretch performance, moisture-wicking fabric, stay in style for nights out with friends and family with Western Aloha’s Kiholo Bay Aloha Shirt.

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12. Arcade x Marsh Wear Collaboration Belt – $34.95

Arcade x Marsh Wear Belt

New for 2022, Arcade Belts and Marsh Wear clothing collaborated together to make a collection of limited edition belts for angling enthusiasts. Whether you’re swinging for steelhead in the PNW, fishing on the east coast for striped bass, prefer skiff fishing, or stalking trout on grassy cut banks, this stylish collection meets performance with the freedom of motion and follows the curve of your form for maximum comfort. If you need a new wading belt, a belt for your pliers, or need a stylish belt for nights out, check out the Acrade x Marsh Wear limited run belts this Father’s Day.

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13. YETI 28L Panga Waterproof Backpack – $300

YETI 28L Panga Submersible Backpack

Tired of fly boxes and fishing gear getting wet? Look no further than the fully waterproof YETI Panga Backpacks. Built for those who live on the water, the Panga series are equipped with a tough, high-performing water and leakproof zipper ensuring a reliable seal to keep fishing gear dry. Here at Flylords we use the Panga backpacks from YETI for our camera gear, phones, wallets, and more. If dad is looking at getting a new pack for all of his fishing gear, check out the YETI 28 liter Panga backpack.

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14. Abel Nippers (Engraved) – $195

We all have those flies we die by. If your dad is the type to fish a Parachute Adams, during the gnarliest of the streamer bite, this nipper’s for them. The new generation of Abel nippers have been ergonomically overhauled and re-designed, making it the premier cutting tool on the market with the capability to cut 8x tippet up to the strongest braids. Not only has Abel gone above and beyond with the build of these nippers, but two sets of rare-earth magnets also keep the jaws open without a hinge. These nippers also have a magnetic “fly dock” allowing for easy rigging when tying flies onto your leader. Now, you can customize your nippers with custom colors on both the body and plate, as well as choose to have your favorite fly or flies engraved front and center on your new favorite tool.

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15. Columbia Men’s PFG Super Terminal Tackle Vent Hoodie – $65

Columbia Men's PFG Super Terminal Tackle Vent Hoodie

Dad can never have enough fishing shirts. Whether this shirt is used out on the water, worn during household activities, or spent with the family outside, look no further than the Columbia PFG Super Terminal Tackle Vent Hoodie. Built for sun protection, this sun hoodie is equipped with Omni-Shade UPF 50 fabric, as well as advanced sweat-wicking material, keeping you protected from the sun and the inconvenience of smelly, sweaty, fishing shirts.

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16. Sea Run Cases Expedition Classic Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Travel Case – 9′ 6″ Rod – $679

Sea Run Cases Expedition Classic Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Travel Case

Built for the traveling man. Whether hopping on a plane, or need a case to travel with your fishing gear, the Sea Run Expedition case is the answer. Sea Run Cases are built with double-wall composite materials for case protection. Forget the hassle of your fly fishing gear as a carry-on; the Expedition Case from Sea Run is secured with three TSA approved combination locks for maximum security. The interior design was constructed strategically for large arbor reels, fly lines, leaders, tippets, and more. The upper portion of the case has enough storage for four to six 9’6″ fly rods, with a divider wall to separate the top and bottom of the case. If dad or your husband are going on an awesome fishing adventure, be sure to check out the Expedition Case from Sea Run Cases.

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17. Redington Wrangler Kits – $249.99

Redington Wrangler Kits

New to fly fishing? Had a great time on the water during a guided trip? There’s no better choice than outfitting dad with a great fly rod, reel, line, and carrying case for this Father’s Day. Redington manufactured the Wrangler Kits for any beginner angler for any species. Offered in six different size options, The Pond (4wt), Trout (5wt), Trout XL (6wt), Bass (7wt), Salmon (8wt), or Saltwater (8wt), shoot your shot and allow the Wrangler Kit to be dad’s trusted fly fishing adventure partner.

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18. Flylords Original Merchandise “Favorite Sweatshirt” – $60

Flylords Original Merchandise

If your husband, dad, or grand dad is a Flylords enthusiast, be sure to check out our merch line! If you’re not sure what to get your fly fishing addicted father, we have a variety of different hats, T’s, and sweatshirts! Take a look at our “favorite sweatshirt” in turquoise!

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19. Gift Card to a Local Fly Shop 

Gift Card to a Local Fly Shop 

If you’re still stuck and don’t know what to get your fly fishing obsessed father, get him a gift card to a local fly shop. You’ll give him the freedom to get what he really wants while supporting a local shop at the same time.

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20. Guided Fly Fishing Trip

Is your dad new to the sport of fly fishing or interested in trying it for the first time? There’s no better way to learn the basics than spending a day with a knowledgeable guide. Best of all, guides will provide all the gear Dad would need for a day on the water from rods and reels to waders and flies. It’s as easy as calling a local fly shop and scheduling a trip! Take a look at the guided trips our friends at Silver Creek Outfitters in Idaho have available!

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21. A Day with Dad

Photo from @nelson_oxley

Whether it’s in the backyard having a barbecue, watching his favorite sports team, or taking him to his favorite stream, spending a day with your Dad is just about the ultimate Father’s Day present.

Be sure to consider some of these awesome fly fishing gifts for your dad this Father’s Day. From new gear like a rod or reel to a guided fishing trip, there’s something for every fly fishing dad in this year’s installment of the Father’s Day Fly Fishing Gift Guide.

11 Fly Fishing and Outdoorsy Gifts for Mother’s Day

5 Gear Picks for Dry Fly Fishing

Reel of the Week: Anchored Up Waiting For Tarpon

A note from Kieran Hoffman:

“We had anchored the boat on a spot where the fish should swim during a good incoming tide. We saw these two fish approaching very quickly and knew it would be a one shot deal. Thankfully the baitfish fly landed right in the kill zone and the lead fish rose up and sucked it down!”

Kieran’s Recommended Tarpon Gear:

Reel of the Week from Kieran Hoffman and Jake Haselgrove, be sure to check them out on Instagram at @kieranhoff and @dr.scalez.

Check out the articles below:

5 Tips for Landing Your First Tarpon

Tarpon Fly Fishing with My Son

Guide School Opportunity With Yampa Valley Anglers

Looking to become a fly fishing guide? We were able to catch up with Ryan Herbert from Yampa Valley Anglers to learn more about their guide school. Check out this opportunity with Yampa Valley Anglers!

Who is Yampa Valley Anglers?

Photo from @yampavalleyanglers
Ryan Herbert: We started Yampa Valley Anglers in 2011 in Steamboat Springs CO. We are a team of positive and dedicated fly fishing guides that loves teaching & making great memories with our clients.

Can you tell us a little bit about your Guide School?

Photo from @yampavalleyanglers
Ryan Herbert: In 2012 we noticed a need for guide school options in our area, especially for people wanting to get into the industry or just wanting to be safe on the river.
So we decided to develop a two weekend course that includes river safety, first aid CPR, entomology, building client relationships, rowing for the angler, river & still water rigging techniques & professional guiding aspects.

Why is guide school important for aspiring guides?

Photo from @yampavalleyanglers
Ryan Herbert: Our guide school provides a launching pad for anglers who want to take their passion to the next level and become professional guides. Upon completion of our course, participants will have gained the necessary river hours & knowledge required by the state of Colorado to becoming a commercial river guide.

How does somebody get in touch with you?

Photo from @yampavalleyanglers
Ryan Herbert: Give us a call anytime, our phone number is 970-819-4376.
For more information check out our guide school section at www.yampavalleyanglers.com
Message on Instagram Yampa Valley Anglers or our address is  P.O. Box 273 Yampa Co, 80483.

If you’re an aspiring guide that is interested in taking a guide school, be sure to check out the opportunities with Yampa Valley Anglers, be sure to message them on Instagram @yampavalleyanglers or call at 970-819-4376.

Tailwater Tales: Your Guide to Exploring the Yampa River

Get Schooled: Orvis Launches Bevy of Virtual Fly Fishing Educational Opportunities Online and on Cable Television

US Government Passes Pivotal Debt Ceiling Bill–Includes Controversial Mountain Valley Pipeline

Last week, both Houses of Congress passed a bipartisan bill to raise the debt ceiling, avoiding an economic catastrophe, and President Biden subsequently signed it into law. While the underlying intention of the legislation–i.e. avoiding the collapse of the United States’ economy–was necessary and the bipartisan agreement was welcomed, a provision to fast-track the controversial Mountain Valley Pipeline was included.

The Mountain Valley Pipeline would transport natural gas some 300 miles from West Virginia into Virginia, cutting through a National Park and stands to impact many waterways in the region. The pipeline has consistently attracted controversy, either from environmental organizations arguing it will negatively impact the region’s natural resources or energy advocates saying the pipeline has been adequately studied and the permitting process must speed up.

While not operational yet, past construction has already produced negative impacts to waterways, including the many headwater streams in WV and VA. A Trout Unlimited report found many instances of large sediment run-off events, resulting in state violations and citations.

Local environmental organizations are saying they plan to continue fighting the project, but the Debt-Ceiling Bill’s language will make that very difficult. Time will tell.

Taco Fly Co’s Quick Tips For Carrying A Fly Rod Through The Forest

Welcome to Quick Tips! A new series presented by Redington where we ask some friends their quick tips to teach anyone new they take out on the water. We were all beginners at some point and all of us are always learning new tips and tricks! Whether it is your first time out, or you have been fishing for 20 years, we hope you can take these tips and use them yourself or help a friend you might be introducing to fly fishing.

My name is Mario Guel from Taco Fly Fishing company. When I take beginners fly fishing, one of the first things I show them is how to wrap their leader on their rod and how to carry their rod for easier transportation through vegetation. Beginners need to know the basics for properly wrapping and carrying these long scepters through the trees so that they don’t lose flies, tangle up, or even worse, break a rod along the way to the fishing hole. Learning these simple techniques will open up more water for new fly anglers as they will have more confidence when trudging through vegetation as they pursue unfrequented areas.

Tip 1:

The first tip for bushwhacking is using a technique I call “The Game Changer”. No, not the streamer. The rod break-down/wrap-up makes it easy to transport these long swords through vegetation and in and out of our vehicles.

Demonstrating the game changer tip with my Redington Wrangler.

First, make sure you have about a rod’s length of leader out of the tip of the rod. Then, put your fly on the guide that is first below where the rod breaks in half. With your other hand, break the rod down in half. Things can get messy here so pay attention! Bring the bottom end of the top section towards to butt of your rod(the butt of the rod is the very bottom of the fly rod), making sure not to pinch any line during this movement.

You’ll notice you’ll have a bow of line that you’ve created. In one hand, grasp both sections of the rod. With the other hand grab the bow of the line and wrap it behind the back of the reel foot. Then reel up the slack. The two sections of the rod should naturally come together. Now grab the line that is free from the guides and wrap the rod 2-3 times. This makes the rod half the length and easier to store in smart cars, lay down on the front seat of your Lambo, or even for trudging through the thickest of trees!

Final Product of the “Game Changer” with the Redington Wrangler.

This move takes practice so try it a few times and you’ll get it. You’ll also need to practice taking it apart, simply follow the steps outlined by going backward. Patience and practice with “The Game Changer” will make your friends think you know what you’re doing. If you are having trouble, head over to the Flylords Instagram to watch a video of these two Tips!

Tip 2:

A basic understanding of fly rod anatomy will help an angler understand the leader wrapping instructions. From bottom to top, most all fly rods are made up of the reel seat (where the reel attaches to the rod), the reel, the handle, the rod, the guides (sometimes called eyelets) that lead the fly line, and the tip. Guides are the little metal parts that go up the rod. The circle-shaped ones are stripping guides and the ones that are twist shaped are snake guides.

Learn more about fly rod basics HERE. 

Step 1: 

To begin, leave about 6-12 inches of fly line out of the tip of the fly rod. This will avoid having the leader knots navigate their way into your guides, which can make it difficult to pull the knots through when you’re ready to fish. This might be unavoidable when you are using long leaders but try your best to keep fly line out of the tip of the rod, you’ll thank me later.

Step 2:

Next, pick a guide to secure your fly onto. For a longer leader, choose a guide higher up on the rod. For a shorter leader, choose a guide closer to the reel. I generally prefer the 2nd or the 3rd guide up from the handle. One important thing to note is to not hook onto the circle part of the stripping guides as they are usually ceramic and can be damaged. Only hook onto the metal part of the guides. While some rods have hook holders, I choose to use the guides to hook my flies onto as the hook holders are usually very low on the rod making this technique not as effective.

Step 3: 

Now take the bow of the line that has been created and wrap it around the back of the reel foot. The reel foot is the part that connects your reel to the reel seat. Then reel up the slack and tighten up the line. I reel it up just tight enough until the rod tip barely starts to bend.

Step 4:

This is a great way to transport your rod in open areas. Although to transport that wizard stick through the thickest of vegetation we need to do one last step to reduce snagging into branches, leaves, and trees. Take the line that is coming down from the tip of the rod and grab it in the middle, then wrap it around your rod two to three times. You can achieve this by twisting your rod with the opposite hand that is holding the rod. The line will secure itself onto the guides. You now have a streamlined trident you can easily manipulate through the forest.

Step 4.5: 

Finally, we need to carry the rod properly so that it’s easy to navigate through the vegetation. This might be the most important part of bushwhacking with a fly rod. Most beginners want to carry their rod pointed in front of them. Simply turn the rod around and point the rod tip behind you while holding onto the handle. This will make it so your rod is trailing behind you as you pass through the branches and trees. For some reason, it also just looks cooler this way.

Have fun out there, hug your friends, pick up trash, and remember to go eat tacos and go fly fishing every single day.

What are some of the quick tips you always use on the water? Let us know below!

If you are looking for a quick way to get out on the water and test out these tips yourself, check out Redington’s new Wrangler Kits! They all come “ready to fish” with a rod, reel, line, and leader. Check them out HERE!

Quick Tips – Building a Rod, Nymph Rigs, and Fish Handling

Kayla Lockhart’s Quick Fly Fishing Tips

Fishing Tips: Leech Fishing in Lakes

Leech fishing is something every good stillwater angler needs to be familiar with. Leeches are the number one food source for trout in lakes. Considering trout’s appetite for these little buggers, you might want to listen to what Red’s Fly Shop has to say on the matter.

How to Tie: The Fat Boy Mullet

In this week’s “How to Tie” video feature, Rupert Harvey ties a baitfish pattern that every angler should keep in their baitfish box no matter the destination, the Fat Boy Mullet.

Learn About This Fly:

Difficulty: Intermediate

Baitfish patterns can be some of the most simple flies to tie or some of the most difficult. Regardless of difficulty, the finished product on the vise is often as rewarding as tying a classic dry fly pattern. There is something special about tying a good looking fly that you know a fish is going to hit with everything it has. You won’t find many predator species sipping their baitfish, and the Fat Boy Mullet is certainly not where they will start.

For tying this pattern itself, Rupert recommends staying sparse, which is a common trend in most tying processes. When working with glue, always take your time because it does not taking much to ruin a good fly. I always support putting your own spin on flies, but when using glue for the first time it is wise to follow the instructions provided by professionals to ensure the Fat Boy Mullet comes out perfect.

Whether chasing fresh or saltwater species, this fly will get the job done. Profile is key to these patterns, so following the video will be important to translating that to your tying. Changing colors will allow you to imitate the baitfish in your area and increase your chances on the water. The Fat Boy Mullet is a pattern that should always be in your baitfish box no matter the species you are chasing.

Ingredients:

Now you know how to tie the Fat Boy Mullet!

Video and ingredients courtesy of Rupert Harvey Flies.

Gear review: Rumpl Blankets

Rumpl is the maker of what may be considered the “best outdoor blanket ever”. Since the Original Puffy blanket, they have added technical, durable puffy blankets to suit all sorts of adventures; from the weatherproof, all-season Original Puffy to the trail-tested, more packable versions, you’re sure to find a warm, dependable blanket with your name on it for any situation, including those cold spring nights streamside!

In this Gear Review, we set out to see if that standard really holds up. We will be highlighting our experiences with the Original Puffy Blanket, the Nanoloft blanket, and the Everywhere Mat.

Initial Impressions: 

Is it a sleeping bag or is it a blanket? When you first lay eyes on a Rumpl blanket, you will immediately be reminded of this question. After seeing Rumpl on an old Shark Tank episode, I finally pulled the trigger and ordered the Original Puffy, the smaller NanoLoft Puffy, and the Everywhere mat. The first issue before the product even arrived was the vast amount of colors, designs, and artworks, these items can be crafted in. It is easy to get completely overwhelmed by all the possibilities which added to the excitement before the product even showed up. They are all packaged in a stuff sack just like a sleeping bag and honestly, upon unsheathing them, you may still not be convinced it is just a blanket. But that is what makes them so wonderful.

Sleeping bag or blanket?
Sleeping bag or blanket? Rumpl stuff sacks are the perfect transportation method.

For one that finds themselves constantly in camping situations and curled up in a sleeping bag at night’s end, you come to appreciate the texture, the smell, and the feeling of the sleeping bag material. And that insight is exactly what drove Rumpl founders to make the first “sleeping bag blanket.” Fast forward a few years and now these blankets are constructed 100% from post-consumer recycled materials with the brand’s core values centered around a “Look to the future responsibility” mindset.

I will be honest; I, myself, was skeptical. Frankly, I’m not a blanket person at all. When I’m cold, I resort to sweatpants and a hoodie that quickly acquires the smell of a campfire. My wife, on the other hand, is a blanket addict. There are blankets for every situation; couch blankets, car blankets, outside blankets, etc.  However, after field testing these blankets, maybe I will also now have a blanket for every situation and my old ways may change. But the uses of these blankets go far beyond just staying warm as we found out in our field testing. And surprisingly they were the perfect complement to our recent springtime fishing trips.

Field Testing: 

Upon unboxing, all three items were nearly identical in the way they were packaged. In the stuff sack, the Original Puffy was around the size of a small sleeping bag, the NanoLoft slightly smaller, and the Everywhere mat even more so.

We immediately tore out the Original Puffy to get a sense of the founding product. As promised, it looked and felt just like a sleeping bag – making me feel nostalgic as I threw it over my shoulder. The material was top notch and it immediately took the chill out of the room. The most exciting feature was what Rumpl calls the “Cape Clip.” This neat little add-on allows the blanket to be worn hands-free allowing you to pick up that drink or walk around whilst wearing the blanket. My inner child also immediately came out as I jumped on the couch and let out a Dracula laugh.

Hands-free Cape Clip that comes on every blanket
Hands-free Cape Clip that comes on every blanket

In my household, all pieces of clothing attract some sort of animal fur the minute you enter. While I wore the original Puffy, my wife wore the NanoLoft, a smaller more packable version of the original Puffy, and what immediately stood out to me was the lack of fur that typically gathers on our traditional cloth blankets. Not only were the blankets warm but they seemed to stay cleaner than the traditional blanket.

The question still remained how it would hold up in the outdoors.

To field test the capabilities, I took my wife and my parents down to the river in one of my favorite fishing holes. To set the scene, it had rained the night before and geese have been grazing all over the lawn in preparation for nesting. Water and goose feces; what better way to test the durability of these blankets and mats?

We arrived at the river and immediately used the Everywhere mat as a ground cover. The first test was just sitting down. Would the mat keep everyone from getting wet pants? The mat passed that test with flying colors providing a comfortable, water-resistant sitting area.

Everywhere Mat
Everywhere Mat

After many laughs and seltzers of all sorts, I heard a scream come from the banks. A seltzer had toppled over and its contents were smack in the middle of the mat. The real test. With one hard shake of the mat, I watched all the seltzer easily repel from the mat. Not a stain or wet spot left. A welcome surprise from other ground covers I’ve used.

After a successful fishing outing, we checked out the underside for one final test. There was some dirt and debris on the underside, as expected, but one quick shake, and all was good. The mat was nearly dry and clean of everything.

Successful fishing trip on the Delaware
Successful fishing trip on the Delaware

The sun was setting and my wife was now wearing the original Puffy as a cape and my parents the NanoLoft. Both commented on how easily it kicked the chill that was now in the air. As mentioned earlier, the cape feature was a main talking point. Not too much difference was noticed between the Original and the NanoLoft in terms of warmth. The only real difference we noticed was the packability and size. As the day came to an end, we stuffed both back into the stuff sacks and we left for home quite impressed by our newfound Rumpl lineup.

Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket and Everywhere Mat
Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket and Everywhere Mat

If I was to comment on one negative about the Rumpl, it would have to be in price. These are certainly not your $20 Walmart blankets. The Original Puffy comes in at $125 and the more packable NanoLoft starts at $165. But they say “You get what you pay for” and I think this product exemplifies that to the finest level.

ORIGINAL PUFFY FINAL REVIEW: 

The Original Puffy does exactly what it intends to do. It provides a warm and comfortable blanket with superior durability and the feel and texture of a sleeping bag! It comes in roughly 80 different designs and colors to satisfy anyone’s taste.

Variety of colors and patterns for all Rumpl products
Variety of colors and patterns for all Rumpl products

Durability: 

5 star rating

Fabric Feel:

5 star rating

Water Proofness: 

4 star rating

Portability: 

4 star rating

Price: 

3 stars

Look: 

5 star rating

NANOLOFT FINAL REVIEW: 

The NanoLoft Puffy in terms of warmth was not all that different than the Original Puffy in our hands. The major difference comes in size and weight perfect for backpacking trips or camping when space is limited. It too comes in a variety of colors and designs. Of note, Rumpl offers two other options that are even superior when it comes to packability. Check out the Down Puffy or the Featherlite Down Blanket.

NanoLoft Blanket
NanoLoft Blanket

Durability: 

5 star rating

Fabric Feel:

5 star rating

Water Proofness: 

4 star rating

Portability: 

5 star rating

Price: 

Look: 

5 star rating

EVERYWHERE MAT FINAL REVIEW:

When I first received the Everywhere Mat, I immediately thought that this would be perfect in my car for getting in and out of waders. These mats have a completely waterproof underside and pack up even more so than the blankets. This mat is perfect for so many different uses: picnics, the beach, outside a camper, etc. It even includes a pouch that can be used to keep valuables from getting lost in the grass – a nice touch compared to the traditional ground cover. Paracord loops are included in all the corners to be staked down if needed.

I used to carry a bulky small piece of carpet to get into my waders, but this completely replaces the need for that whilst being easier to clean and providing a larger area to move around. I think this is a must for anyone who gets in and out of waders frequently.

These too come in a fun but nauseating amount of colors and designs for anyone’s preference. Like the blankets, it comes with a stuff sack for quick and easy transporting and storage. The price for these is a much more manageable $50-$80 and comes in two different sizes. It is well worth the investment!

Paracord loops and clips to stake down any mat
Paracord loops and clips to stake down any mat

Durability: 

5 star rating

Water Proofness: 

5 star rating

Portability: 

5 star rating

Price: 

4 star rating

Look: 

5 star rating

In Conclusion: 

In summation: I still may not be a blanket guy but if there was ever a blanket that I would reach for, this is the one! My wife (the blanket addict) is now regularly using these all around the house over traditional cloth blankets due to the durability and fur resistance built in. The Everywhere Mat is a must for the serious wade angler looking to keep his socks and waders clean and dry. All of these products have become a staple in our daily fishing adventures and longer outdoor camping sessions.

The perfect accompaniment to any camping adventure
The perfect accompaniment to any camping adventure

What Rumpl has designed truly might be the best outdoor blanket on the market and is well worth the investment in my mind. You will never need to buy another blanket ever again – an added bonus to someone whose house is littered with blankets. But besides human blankets, they also make blankets for beer! This is alongside a host of other gear (towels, indoor more traditional blankets, pillowcases, and more!). Be sure to check out the full lineup at Rumpl.com. Between June 5-7th, Rumpl is giving away a free gift with a purchase of $49 or more, just in time for Father’s Day!

 

Click HERE to learn more about all the Rumpl products!

 

The Ultimate Fly Fishing Gift Guide

 

Paddling With Porpoise Pt. 1

I didn’t touch my fly rod until day 12 of the trip. I wanted to figure out what I was doing. I wanted to find my flow. Learn the tides, currents, wind, and weather. But especially these first miles, these first days, I needed to get to the point of autopilot, of relaxation. This is a very long trip, and I want to do it right.

I decided to paddle the length of the Baja peninsula down the Sea of Cortez on my Pau Hana standup paddle board to raise awareness for the critically endangered Vaquita Porpoise. The world’s smallest and most endangered marine mammal on the planet that only lives in the upper Gulf of California. I am not a scientist or even an athlete. But what I do have is passion. Passion for our environment. Passion for standup paddling. Passion for Baja. And with the intent to use these passions, I hope I can write stories and share my experience to get others to care.

There are dangers. It is a dangerous place. I discovered this firsthand and have known about it for the last 17 years traveling to Baja as a surfer. But the dangers the media portrays about the place are not the dangers I experienced.

For instance, the people are where the confusion begins for me. I have yet to experience generosity like I have in Mexico. The people of Baja made this first part of the trip possible. The people helped me with a loaner car so I could drive into town to resupply with food and water. Offering me granola and oranges when I was starving on a remote stretch of coast. And most importantly, giving me a ride to San Felipe, the start of my trip, with my 12-foot paddleboard, two dry bags, 5 gallons of water, all my camping gear, and my ten-weight fly rod.

Selfishly, a huge driving factor for my trip is fishing. I wanted to get a roosterfish on the fly so bad that I dug hard on certain days to get southbound, where I know roosters gather in great numbers. In the meantime, I continued with the drum beat of getting my gear dialed, gathering strength, and learning about the sea and what elements she intended to throw at me.

Four days in, with three nights of camping on sandy beaches, I was finding my groove. The upper gulf of the Sea of Cortez is murky to almost a dark green, making the visibility relatively poor. But by day four, sixty miles in, the water began to clear, and the bottom of the sea floor begged my attention with each stroke of the paddle. Fish with many colors swam around the boulders, some even coming up to see what I was. A sea turtle darted away after it surfaced. And I couldn’t believe my eyes; a roosterfish.

It was October, and my impression and knowledge of roosterfish and the other species I wanted to target wouldn’t be seen until later in the trip. But as I paddled southbound on day four, with my rod still in its rod tube and reel and flies locked away in a dry bag strapped to the deck of my board, a surge of water and splashing came from my left and rushed directly at me. At first, I thought it was a seal thrashing a baitfish with its head. But as the chase was coming straight at me, the long spines of its dorsal fin were unmistakable as the ten to 15-pound rooster chased a baitfish directly under my board and ambushed it into a crevasse of the rocky shoreline before darting back out under my board and into the blue never to be seen again.

It felt like slow motion, but in reality, the whole scene lasted three seconds. With a paddle in hand and my jaw on the board’s deck, I was stunned. Without a care in the world, that rooster was a heat-seeking missile targeted at that baitfish with little consideration that a floating vessel like mine was even on the water that day. I remember the look on the rooster’s face as it was chasing the baitfish. Its laser point accuracy was guided by its hunger and wouldn’t deviate until it got its meal. Then I remember the look on its face when it swam back under my board after it achieved its goal, and the smugness of a bully that just beat up some kid at school in the locker room was what came to mind.

I made it to camp that night, just another random piece of sand without anyone around. Still, the coyotes kept me company, and I lay in my tent while the sun was setting and realized that should I have had my fly rod ready, that fish would have been gone before I could even react. In my sleep, I reminded myself that I wanted to target as many species as possible. But as a freshwater angler venturing into the salt for the first time, a lot is still to be learned about where I was. The Sea of Cortez has been dubbed infamously by the legendary ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau as the “Aquarium of the world.” And with that, I intend to explore as much of it as possible with hopes of casting.

On those days, I had a mixed feeling of taking forever to get around certain sections while blurring together into a fusion of colors that no artist could ever replicate. The Sea of Cortez and Baja’s beauty engulfed my senses, and I became a sensei of its religion. Like a disciple marching on Bethlehem, I, too, was on vacation to the holy land of fishing paradise and remote coastal bliss.

The coastline mixed with geography. It went from long stretches of wide-open beaches with sting rays darting out from hiding in the sand as I paddled over them to extremely rocky and deep coasts, making it impossible to land my board in case of an emergency. The landscape was painted brown with desert, but also of bloom where the hurricane season dropped moisture, bringing flowers and greenery.

Another aspect of the trip that became my nemesis was the wind. The wind is an understatement in Baja. And I have known this since I was a teenager coming down here to surf. But I only gave it much thought once it negatively influenced my well-being. El Norte occurs in the Sea of Cortez when winds rip down the sea at 40 knots, creating a nearly impossible white-capped sea to paddle in. But during these events, I can rest, catch up on journaling and eating, and rig up the fly rod.

I was forced onto a beach during an “El Norte” event and, frustratingly, had to call it a day on the water after only a few hours. But it granted me an opportunity amongst the rocky shoreline to tie on that blue and white comet and start casting to see what was home around the rocks.

With a sinking line and a weighted tip, I’d cast, count to ten, then slowly retrieve. Within the first three casts, I had a fish on. When casting in the ocean, you have no idea what struck your fly. I couldn’t wait to see what had smacked my fly so hard that I thought it would rip my arm out of its socket.

The fight was brutal but astonishingly quick. I’ve had trout fight for a more extended amount of time. The battle was an instant slugfest as if you just hooked a tarpon, and it made its run for the first time. Then after a short period, it was like pulling up a trout that you accidentally belly hooked. When surfaced and to hand, it was some kind of bass, with a Jurassic-like jaw and spines as a dorsal fin, but a gorgeous brown and tan body with spots of red. Later I would learn that these fish are called Cabrilla.

On nearly every cast, the Cabrilla would obliterate the fly, give your arm a rush of strength for a few seconds; then it was a limp weight you pulled to hand. After a while, I realized that these bass-like fish are ambush predators. Waiting in and amongst the rocks for when bait swims by, they dart out, grab their meal, and quickly dart back in. So when the fight was abrupt at first, then limp, I realized they weren’t going back to their hole, so the open ocean was a helpless state of despair.

Luckily for the Cabrilla and all other species of fish, I want and intend to target on the trip, none of which I will keep to eat. I decided that if I was raising awareness for a creature of the sea, I shouldn’t partake in taking from it as well. Cabrilla weren’t the only customer along this rocky shoreline, trigger fish showed their presence as well. These, so far, are the ultimate game fish for this northern part of Baja. With what the Cabrilla only had for a few seconds at the initial hook set, the triggers would fight the length of the battle with that energy and wouldn’t give up even in hand. My ten-weight fly rod has never bent with such voracity for a fish the size of a Frisbee. It became exhausting trying to land these fish. Pound for pound, they’re an incredible game fish.

I safely made it halfway down the peninsula when winter appeared early. Winter in the Sea of Cortez means El Norte all-day and every day. I hoped to complete the trip all in one go, but sadly got sidelined right before Thanksgiving and had to pull the plug on the trip until early spring. With a Baja legend that lives in Loreto offering to store my board and gear, I flew home to recharge and prepare for the second part of the trip. Where dorado, roosterfish, and other tropical species can all be caught on the fly and even from the beach.

So far: I have burned 110,399 calories, paddled 397.46 miles, taken 36 days to make it halfway, 31 nights of camping, caught 13 fish, offered eight beers, had to use my emergency saltwater pump eight times, fished for five days, stayed in four houses, showered four times, stayed in two hotels, and only got Montezuma once. Starting part 2 on March 1, 2023. Follow along @jansen_journals for updates on Instagram if interested.

Angler Story from Sean Jansen, be sure to follow him on Instagram @jansen_journals. Stay tuned for Part 2 of “Paddling With Porpoise!”

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Come Join Us For The Mountains of Color Film Fest June 5th Jackson, WY

Hey Everyone! Come join us for the @MountainsofColorFilmFest on June 5th at the Center for the Arts!

Doors open at 5:30 and the event is free with a ticket! The festival showcases outdoor films about or created by BIPOC+ (Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and LGTBQIA+). The festival is a place to share, learn and celebrate stories not typically featured in mainstream mountain town culture and outdoor media.

The joy showcased through the stories of BIPOC+ people connecting with the mountains and the outdoors through fly fishing, mountain biking, skiing, running, and rafting is meant to inspire our community of Jackson Hole, WY, to explore these connections for themselves and create a welcoming and inclusive culture for all. 

Come when doors open at 5:30 pm so you can enjoy beverages, food truck fare, water and fish educational activities with Trout Unlimited, and a raffle that benefits TU and Coombs Outdoors. Each film set will feature a Q & A with panelists from our film lineup. Thanks to our generous sponsors and a desire to make the event accessible for everyone in the community, the event is FREE but ticketed with a suggested donation of $15.

Click HERE to get your tickets.

Created by: @jrrdrgz @sofia_jaramillo5 

Presented by: @ford @fordbronco @jacksonholetroutunlimited @protectourwinters @bankofjacksonhole @coombsoutdoors @deuter_usa @mountainmodernjh @stio @flylords @orvis @townofjacksonwy @tetoncountylibrary @jdhighcountry 

Panelists: @tongkatt @galacticbrown @kenny.x.hamlett @chefranga.p @vanessa_chav

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