Roast

I’ve have 2 islander Large arbor IR reels. I have had problems with both of them. One had too much play when locked on the spool. Islander was great to deal with and when it came back it was much better. The other has drag issues, the drag locks up. Switched out pawls and posts, still doesn’t work correctly. Will have to send it back as well. Not impressed when compared to my Hardy’s that are 30-40 years old and have no issues. Wanted to support a Canadian company, but won’t buy islander again.

I have a scientific angler system 6 reel that was made by Hardy and I believe was a precursor to the marquis line. I also have a Marquis 6 and they are both great reels. Yours looks to have the ring tension system versus the click pawl, and I haven’t used one with that style drag. I found the drag know doesn’t make a huge difference, but It doesn’t matter as it has the palming rim. I love when you get a hot fish on these, they sing. I want my ringtone to be a screaming hardy click pawl reel, it’s one of my favorite sounds.

Those Patagonia Danners look killer, but will require some serious saving to afford. But if they last the rest of my wading days, could be good bang for the buck. I picked up the hodgman H5 http://www.hodgman.com/hodgman-wade-boots/ when wholesale sports was closing everything out. I have one season on them and so far so good. I like that I can swap out the soles for winter time/hiking. I only fish the bow, so I use the felt 99% of the time. The sole is pretty easy to change and I haven't had a sole come loose. Build quality has been good. I wish they had the Vion model in my size when I was buying as I think the nubuck leather would hold up better than the synthetic. The downside is they are way heavier than my old Patagonia river walkers, and more comparable to something from Simms. Not sure if anyone in Calgary is carrying the Hodgman stuff right now. http://www.hodgman.com/hodgman-wade-boots/

MEC carries it as well. Bought some last month for wader repairs:)

Wrapped out a (stone) 8'6" 5wt cascade blank a few years back. Really nice dry fly rod. Looked at his website and many pages are missing. Hope he's still making rods

Who is selling the Hodgman boots in Calgary? Any comments if they run narrow or wide? I find Simms are too wide for my feet. Currently use Patagonia river walkers that should have been retired 2 seasons ago.

Given that they have all the sizes left at the end of the season. I am guessing they are trying to reign in the price a bit to make it more appealing. Both look like nice jackets but I would buy the older one.

Patagonia has their top of the line wading jackets on clearance now. $317 with all the bells and whistles http://www.patagonia.ca/product/sst-jacket-for-fly-fishing/81863.html?dwvar_81863_color=TRLG&cgid=web-specials#tile-8=&prefn1=sport&prefv1=fly-fishing&start=1&sz=24

Great point! All walk and wade 20+ days a year.

I bought Simms guide waders almost 10 years ago and theyre still going. I can't speak to their lower models, but simms has a reputation for quality. I take care of my gear, and tend to get a lot of life out of it. Another thing to consider is fit. I am a string bean, and with all their size options you can get ones that fit your shape. I will cough up the money for Simms when they need to be replaced. I know they had to lower their prices recently because they were getting really out of hand with the exchange rate. I know fish tales had some models on sale last time I was in.

If buying at Michaels check their website for coupons.

Man, I would be pumped if my wife bought me a cfo. They are made by Abel and I have only heard great things. Sometimes steel is the real deal;)

Well that's some disappointing news... It was one of my favourite winter events:(

Ya we have bought those in the past and they are great. We have went the cutting route for something fun to do on the weekend with our daughter

If your on the fence, put it on your Christmas list. More info here: https://norvise.com/pdfs/Newsletter2017pricechanges.pdf