We’re back from a hectic weekend in Somerset, NJ. The short story is that we were happy and privileged to be a part of it, we have a great time and it was a pleasure to participate in this legendary and international event.
IFTS is an abbreviation for the International Fly Tying Symposium – an annual show that has been running for 31 years. The show is an institution on the international fly-show-scene and one that has attracted some of the biggest names in the fly tying world. We, Ahrex, are going this year for the first time and we’re excited and proud. Please come and say hello, we’re hanging out at the Regal & Keough stand.
It’s predator season already and it’s only getting better and better as it gets colder (until a certain point, of course). We have a new series of hooks to release to day as well as an expansion on another, both predator-hooks.
Mayflies, caddis, damsels, stone flies and other water insects appear in a variety of sizes, colours and shapes. What they all have in common is that their nymphal stage lasts a year (for some more), while the winged, adult stages are very short in comparison. Logic dictates that the nymphal stages of different water insects are far more important as a good source on a yearly basis than the winged, adult ones. Many of us prefer catching trout and grayling when they’re visibly rising, but nymph fishing is just as fun and will catch fish when the dry fly doesn’t.
Today is the official release of our latest hook, FW 527 Big Gap Dry. You’re probably used to it by now, early autumn is time for new hooks in our lineup, just as the rest of the industry and trade traditionally present their new products. And we’ve got more than one coming, so keep your eyes peeled, if you’re curious.
The name alone implies it – Patagon Bos Taurus, it sounds almost intimidating and the fish this hook is intended for are intimidating as much as they are beautiful. Big, strong South American rainbow trout in fast flowing water. Rainbows that like big flies and require a big, strong hook.
As many of you will have noticed, we launched a new hook in the middle of March, the SA 210 Bob Clouser Signature. An excellent all round hook for saltwater flies, but designed around the specific wishes for the perfect Clouser Minnow-hook that Bob himself had. It was a great honour and pleasure for us to work directly with The Man himself and an even greater pleasure that Bob and his spouse, Jackie, were very, very pleased with the result.
Sometimes everything is turned upside down – and it seems to be a tendency that is also permeating this blog lately. In March we introduced the SA 210 Bob Clouser Signature hook, and while it, in every way, is a “normal” hook, the fly it was designed around is an upside-down-fly. I’ve touched on the subjects “up-side-down” and “weedless” before, and here we go again.
The Salt SA 210 Bob Clouser Signature hook. We are quite excited to present the newest hook in the Salt Series. It’s been developed in collaboration with the legendary Bob Clouser himself and is specified to his specifications and proportions – just as he wants a Clouser hook to be.
The classic Spey flies are beautiful flies, and one could point to several flies, but among the most classic of the classics is The Lady Caroline. As stunning and beautiful as the “fancy flies” are, I find the Spey flies as beautiful in their simplicity and subtle nuances.