UPSTREAM FLYFISHING now stocks a really good range of COLUMBIA fishing apparel:

COLUMBIA BONEHEAD long sleeve, cotton shirts

COLUMBIA SILVER RIDGE long sleeve, quick dry, 50 UPF shirts, cargo shorts and pants

COLUMBIA TERMINAL TACKLE long sleeve, quick dry, 50 UPF, Technical T-shirts,

COLUMBIA AIRGILL LITE long sleeve, quick dry, 50 UPF shirts,

COLUMBIA AMERICAN ANGLER waterproof, breathable fishing jacket,

COLUMBIA HENRY’S FORK and COOL CREEK MESH vests

COLUMBIA – hats, caps, bags and other gear!

This gear is really good, it all works and is better than what I have been fishing in!

This really handy tape measure attaches securely to most nets and makes measuring your fish in the net very quick and easy – no need to ‘guesstimate’ any more!

The tape is non-corrosive and measures in inches and centimeters.

Available right now at UPSTREAM FLYFISHING.

Modular Fly Systems are not really new, but I do think that the concept has been perfected in the THINKFISH FLYPAD ECOSYSTEM. It starts with the FlyPad – a stylish, waterproof fly box with magnetic closure and a removable, slit-foam tray. Removable trays make sense, but what do you do with them when they’re not in use? Enter the FlyPad Box, a “library” that keeps your flies safe and organized in their trays. I expect the sytem will find favour amongst competition anglers who typically fish 5 sessions with very little time inbetween. A total of 10 trays in the system means you’ll have 2 trays per session pre-loaded, organized and ready to go! If you’re into stylish design, come check it out! Click on FLYPAD to see the system in action on YouTube.

Maremmana Polo and Country Club near Botrivier invites all keen fly anglers to join them for 3 days of free fishing from 9th to 11th November. It’s that time of year when trout stocks need to be thinned out before the warm weather kicks in, therefore anglers will be asked to take out their catch either to purchase or donate to the club. Spaces are limited, so make sure you book yours no later than Wednesday, 7th November! For more information and for booking, call Peter on 0828346487 or Sue on 0721075533. Visit www.maremmana.co.za

When top competitors at European fly fishing championships are seen using the same tackle system, it’s worth asking why - even if it seems a little foreign! Semi-Automatic reels are not new in the world of fly fishing, but they are uncommon in South Africa where our fly fishing culture was built on British and American influences. In Continental Europe, semi-automatics have long been embraced for the unparallelled line management benefits offered to walk-and-wade anglers on fast water. Spanish company THINKFISH has refined the concept in their patented BOLD reel, a semi-automatic built to offer all the benefits without the niggles associated with earlier designs. Upstream is proud to announce our distribution partnership with Thinkfish, and we trust you will enjoy the fantastic range of products they offer!

I’ve never been a fan of winter. I’ve never been a fan of going out to sea, either. And I never thought of snoek as much of a sportfish. All that has changed, thanks to the guys at Hooked on Africa Charters in Hout Bay! If you’re keen to get onto our next group outing, join our ”snoek watchlist.” Email fish@upstreamflyfishing.co.za and put “Snoek” in the subject line. That way we can keep you up to speed on weather, fish, group availability and cost. Believe me, it’s a blast!

If you know Upstream, you’ll know how much we love Scientific Anglers lines. Whatever the fishing siuation, it seems the guys in their R&D department have been there and come up with the solution. Which is why it’s sad for me to inform you that there has been a price increase from Scientific Anglers. The popular Mastery series and Streamer Express lines have gone from R660 to R700, the Supra from R520 to R560 and the incredible Textured lines have increased from R760 to R790. Still worth every cent, in my opinion!

Ever feel just a little bit cramped in your fishing shirt? Or maybe the classic laundry-basket creased look is just not your thing? And what about getting collar-smacked on those occasions when you find yourself on a fast boat? If you’re not crazy about these things, but you do like qualities like sun protection, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying fabric, a custom-cut high collar and extended tail, come check out the RISE TECHNICAL FISHING T. Available in Aqua, Cobalt and Slate, it’s an ideal blend of practicality and style! And at R390 it won’t break the bank either!

The Sage ONE scooped the coveted “Best new Fly Rod” award at last years EFFTEX show against some stiff opposition. This year, Sage did it again with their new rod range, the CIRCA. By migrating their in-house “Konnetic” technology into this family of slow-actioned rods, Sage clearly states that their focus is not only on faster-actioned, stiffer rods. The CIRCA range includes a 2-weight in 7’9″, 3- and 4-weights in 7’9″ and 8’9″ and a 5-weight in 8’9″ and replaces the current ZXL range. ZXL lovers out there don’t fret – if you do break your rod, Sage will replace your broken section with another IN THE SAME RANGE, in other words your ZXL will remain a ZXL until you feel like replacing it. And when you get to feel the CIRCA, you may just be tempted!

Well, our indicators have arrived and we’ve had a chance to play with them. I can tell you that this indicator system is the most versatile I’ve seen. It’s very quick to apply and just as quick to remove. It grips well enough to not move during the cast but still allows you to reposition it under tension. No line damage, no kinks, no hassle! I know I’m going to love using this system when next we go after yellows in the Richtersveld!