by Waters West | Aug 12, 2017 | New Products |
Retail: $749.95
Check Out – Online Store
Promo Video – Vimeo link
You can bet the web forums are going off about this new Lamson product! Most of it surely is just opinionated garb written by guys with waay too much time. No matter what I say or anybody else says you just cant know until you cast the rod, but when considering if the Center Axis is just a gimmicky toy, a fact you can use as a point of reference is this.
What Lamson Does. For the last decade Lamson has crushed the market with reels that are made with the best high quality aluminum, simply stylish, durable anodized parts… and fairly priced. Lamson makes reels that we can actually afford! Now, Imagine you bought a top of the line race car but instead of putting in shag carpet seats, spinning rims, and that HD touch screen back-up camera, no, no, instead what you did was get the most simplistic body style with the meanest baddest 300,000 mile motor that’ll leave all other vehicles in the dust.. that’s what Lamson does. They give you gear that is highly functional at a very affordable $$$.
So when considering the Center Axis just know Lamson does-not-make-junk, they are all about continuous improvement a point of perfection… again, for a price that we can all. So before you cringe, Center Axis is a high quality reel with a high quality medium action rod. Cast off your preconceptions – and get closer to the center of the action. We swooped these up as soon as they where available and pleased to say they are everything we hoped for.
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by Waters West | Aug 10, 2017 | Fishing Report, Fly Fishing Education, Fly Tying, Frequently Asked Questions |
Big dries for Olympic Peninsula trout
A Cutthroat more than happy to take this Cellophane Wing Green Drake Pattern
We fish them big and we fish them fast. On the Olympic Peninsula you may find our Cutties ready to take what ever is properly presented, though at times they may seem finicky, our fish are highly opportunistic. Nymphs, small dry’s-big dry’s, small soft hackles – big 3.5 inch rabbit strip streamers, our Cutties will eat them. Of all these flies there is one that is held most high, and that’s the dry fly.
Its not that we are purest dry fly enthusiasts (though admittedly most of us secretly are) its that OP trout crush the largest surface patterns with surprising enthusiasm. Often the bigger the better. On the Olympic Peninsula our Cutthroat trout break the norm, having a short feeding period they are highly aggressive and are looking for any opportunity to feed.
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by Waters West | Jul 15, 2017 | Fly Tying Video, New Products, Product Review |
New tutorial videos for the “Twisted Hitch”
Dirty Hoh from Aqua Flies
If you’ve purchased any of our new steelhead flies that have the hook attached to the rabbit strip with braided line, such as the Dirty Hoh from Aqua Flies, you may have run into the dilemma of figuring out how to change out hooks.
“Twisted Hitch”: a clever rigging method used by Tiers like Jerry French that allows you to attach a trailer hook to the back of a rabbit strip, while having a hook that can be changed out on the water easily…(ssssort of easily…) an still having a tail that will move freely in the water and maintaining a minimal amount of leverage. (which often pulls the hook out of the fishes mouth)
We have developed a “How To” tutorial on changing out hooks for your Dirty Hoh fly.
Here is a link to our Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RWAIKhVc-0
We are in the process of developing more modern tying and casting video’s, so stay tuned and check back in the near future for a stream of new videos and ideas
How to tie in Intruder / trailer / articulation wire
OP Black Leech
quick tip for micro shanks and big fish
by Waters West | May 6, 2017 | New Products, Product Review, Rod Packages, Shop News and Sales |
Retail Items = $349.80 / Your Cost = $299.95
Always feel free to call us @ (360) 417 – 0937 to order / Store hours: 9:30am-6:30pm Mon-Sat / closed Sundays during the summer
ONLINE STORE
* quality steelhead, salmon set-up at the best price on the market. In our shop and for our large anadromous species the ION XL is our best selling rod for the value
THE QUICK BITE
full package details at bottom of this blog – click “MORE”
Fly Rod: ECHO ION XL 8wt 9″, a Med-fast action rod which suits casters who may need a rod capable of handling heavier flies but don’t partiality like the stiffer “Fast-Action” rods… or cant afford them. This Medium-Fast action is best for novice casters but of course has got the backbone for those of you who’ve developed a powerful cast. The 8wt were designed for trout, steelhead, salmon, permit and bonefish. These rods are saltwater resistant and our top pick for the value.
Fly Line: RIO GOLD. A true all-round line which is heavier thus making it easy to load the rod (just means it casts easier). Will throw sinking leaders, nymph rigs and great for dry’s/skaters… seriously it’s known as one of the best all-round fly lines to-date.
Reel: LAMSON LIQUID Our best selling low cost reel, we’ve sold many and own these reels personally. We’ve put them through guided seasons, fished them in the salt, steelhead, salmon, trout these reels are the ultimate in “gets the job done”.
We’ve assembled this top pick for the avid angler looking to hit the water without having to wade through the muddy confusion associated with today’s world of fly fishing gear. ECHO ION 8wt is a great launching pad for today’s angler looking for a premo package ready to fish.
THIS PACKAGE INCLUDES 1EACH OF THESE ITEMS:
- ECHO ROD- ION-XL 890 (9ft 8wt)
- LAMSON Reel – Liquid 3.5
- Rio Fly Line – Gold WF8wt
- Rio Tapered Leader – Powerflex Trout
- 100 yrds of 20lb backing
- Package comes ready to fish. We spool everything on so all you have to do is attach the reel to the rod, run the line through the guides and tie on a fly.
FOR FURTHER PRODUCT/PACKAGE DETAILS CLICK “MORE” – BELOW
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by Waters West | Apr 28, 2017 | Classes and Clinics, New Products |
The Art of Spey Casting
30 years experience, Jedi Master Dave Steinbaugh (owner of waters west) showing us how its done
SEE DATES AND AVAILABILITY
Always feel free to call us @ (360) 417 – 0937 to book a date / Store hours: 9:30am-6:30pm Mon-Sat / closed Sundays during the summer
Details
Cost: $95.00
Time: 9am-3pm
Dates: see our Calendar
Place: We will meet either at the Elwha River under the Pedestrian Bridge off of Crown Z Road in Port Angeles, or at the Puffin Bar and Grill in Forks. Location varies depending on weather, class size, and time of year. You can generally expect to be in Forks in Winter and on the Elwha in Summer.
This full day class takes place on the water where you will learn the essential concepts of spey casting, as well as of the major casts from both sides of the river.
What to expect: Our classes focus on the fishing during the season the class is held. Our focus in our summer classes is on dry line techniques for summer steelhead and the focus in our winter and spring classes is on casting and fishing sink tips and heavy flies for winter steelhead. Even though the focus in on the techniques used in the season of the class, we also go over sink tip fishing in the summer classes and dry line techniques and lines in our winter classes. We will discuss and have available the many different Scandi and Skagit heads that make learning to spey cast so much easier than it used to be. Additional topics include reading water, run timing, fly selection and more.
(Head Guide/instructor Curt Reed, Spey Class-Fall 2015) We’ve been on the spey scene since 1980 developing tried and true methods for teaching spey. All of the instructors at Waters West have many years experience fishing, guiding and providing instructional classes to the sportsman community of the Olympic Peninsula.
click “MORE” for Spey details
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by Waters West | Apr 2, 2017 | New Products, Product Review, Rod Packages |
Retail Items = $620.70 / Your Cost = $529.00
Always feel free to call us @ (360) 417 – 0937 to order / Store hours: 9:30am-6:30pm Mon-Sat / closed Sundays during the summer
Online Store
also available REDINGTON CHROMER – Winter Steelhead Package
* Comes with the whole kit and caboodle! Build with summer steelhead in mind, this is a high quality rod package at the lowest price point on the market. *
THE QUICK BITE
full package details at bottom of this blog – click “MORE”
Spey Rod: Redington-Chromer, a true fast action rod capable of busting out high line speeds. Great for anglers who’ve developed a taste for “Fast Action” rods. For the value, the Chromer is hard to beat.
Reel: Redington – Behemoth Reel Our number one selling reel “friendly priced” for steelhead. Practical, reliable and aesthetically pleasing. Balances well with the Chromer rod.
Shooting/Running Line: OPST LAZAR LINE, most popular and our personal favorite. A running line that is virtually memory free, low stretch and super slick for longer casts hence the name “Lazar” line
Shooting Head: Rage Compact. A best seller. Our pick for a summer line most casters can use. It’s shorter and heavier summer line. More of a cross between Scandi and Skagit heads. With a polyleader, will throw Itsy-bitsy spey flies and still capable of handling a light sink tip and medium-large (slightly weighted) fly.
Polyleader: Airflow Polyleader. Offers a smoother transition from the shooting head to the fly. The polyleader is great for turning over bulky and heavy wind resistant flies like Bombers or Muddlers
THIS PACKAGE INCLUDES 1EACH OF THESE ITEMS:
- Redington – 7126 Chromer 12′ 6″ or 7136 Chromer 13′ 6″
- Redington – Behemoth Reel
- Airflow – Rage Compact 420gr
- OPST – Lazar Running Line – 35lb
- Airflo – Polyleader 14ft FLOAT
- Maxima – 1 spool of 8lb tippet
- Backing – 150 yrds 30lb
New for 2017 Redington Chromer. We’ve assembled our top two summer steelhead picks for the avid angler looking to hit the water without having to wade through the muddy confusion associated with today’s world of Spey. We’ve done our best to simplify your process of deciding which rod and what line. With the correct balance of grains and running line, The Redington Chromer spey rod coupled with the Redington Behemoth reel is a great launching pad for any angler looking for a premo summer steelhead package ready to fish.
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by Waters West | Apr 2, 2017 | New Products, Product Review, Rod Packages, Uncategorized |
Retail Items = $621.75 / Your Cost = $529.00
Always feel free to call us @ (360) 417 – 0937 to order / Store hours: 9:30am-6:30pm Mon-Sat / closed Sundays during the summer
Online Store
also available, REDINGTON CHROMER – summer steelhead package
* Comes with the whole kit and caboodle! We built this package with winter steelhead in mind, this is a high quality rod package at the lowest price point on the market. *
THE QUICK BITE
full package details at bottom of this blog – click “MORE”
Spey Rod: Redington-Chromer, a true fast action rod capable of busting out high line speeds. Great for anglers who’ve developed a taste for “Fast Action” rods. For the value, the Chromer is hard to beat.
Reel: Redington – Behemoth Reel Our number one selling reel “friendly priced” for steelhead. Practical, reliable and aesthetically pleasing. Balances well with most any rod.
Shooting/Running Line: OPST LAZAR LINE, most popular and our personal favorite. A running line that is virtually memory free, low stretch and super slick for longer casts hence the name “Lazar” line
Shooting Head: RIO SKAGIT MAX. A best seller. Our pick for a winter line most casters can use. Will throw the heaviest of weighted flies and sink tips.
Sink Tip: RIO MOW TIP. Offers a smooth transition from the shooting head to the fly. Great for turning over bulky and heavy wind resistant flies like intruders.
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by Waters West | Mar 18, 2017 | New Products, Product Review, Rod Packages, Shop News and Sales |
Retail Items = $570.80 / Your Cost = $494.00
To check out on our online store CLICK HERE
THE QUICK BITE
full package details at bottom of this blog – click “MORE”
Switch Rod: Redington-Hydrogen, a super light rod with less swing weight and incredibly sensitive. These rods are sweet and hard to beat for the price
Reel: Redington – Behemoth Reel Our number one selling reel “friendly priced” for steelhead. Practical, reliable and aesthetically pleasing. Balances well with the Chromer rod.
Shooting/Running Line: OPST LAZAR LINE, most popular and our personal favorite. A running line that is virtually memory free, low stretch and super slick for longer casts hence the name “Lazar” line
Shooting Head: OPST COMMANDO. A best seller. Our pick for a line that does jsut about anything you ask of it. We have been using these head for a few years now and have found that most anybody can cast them, they throw large streamers like a pro and land softly (we often fish these line in the upper reaches of the olympic Penisnula… those are extreme low and clear conditions. Capable of handling a floating to light sink tip and medium-large (slightly weighted) fly.
TIP: OPST COMMANDO SINK TIP. At 12 in length Offers a smooth transition from the shooting head to the fly. Great for turning over bulky and heavy wind resistant flies like Sculpzilla’s and Dali Lama’s.(those are just large/heavy flies)… Think of a fat wet hamster on the end of your leader.
THIS PACKAGE INCLUDES 1EACH OF THESE ITEMS
Redington – 11′ 3″ 3wt Hydrogen Trout Spey 3113-4 or 11′ 6″ 4wt Hydrogen Trout Spey 4116-4
Redington – Behemoth Reel 5/6 for 3113-4 – 7/8 for 4116-4
OPST – Commando Head – 250gr
OPST – Lazar Running Line – 35lb
OPST – Sink Tip – Riffle (96gr, S2/3)
Backing – 100 yrds 20lb
Leader – 6ft Maxima 8lb
* Bonus* 1 Dozen Flies – Consisting of streamers and a few soft hackles that we have selected as our most productive trout patterns
We’ve assembled our top pick for the avid angler looking to hit the water without having to wade through the muddy confusion associated with today’s world of Spey. With the correct balance of grains and running line, The Redington Hydrogen rod coupled with the Behemoth reel is a great launching pad for any angler looking for a premo package ready to fish.
Package comes ready to fish. We spool everything on so all you have to do is attach the reel to the rod, run the line through the guides and tie on a fly.
for further product info click “MORE…”below
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by Waters West | Mar 1, 2017 | Shop News and Sales, Uncategorized |
(CLICK ON LINKS TO BE DIRECTED)
SAGE PULSE – single hand rods: *FAST ACTION*. Whether your a dry fly fisherman or the die hard steelhead swinger. $450.00 Save: 15% off = $552.50
Trout Fishing From a Drift Boat/Smaller Rivers: 5wt 8′ 6″ (586-4 PULSE) built to cast a wide variety of fly sizes and weights makes it a great rod for wade fishing for trout. Because of the shorter length the 8′ 6″ inch is the perfect length for drift boat fishing, specifically so, pounding the bank with streamers and large terrestrials/simulators.
Trout Dry Flies and Nymphing: 4wt 9′ (490-4 PULSE) A light and versatile trout rod, for dry flies and smaller nymphs.
*Trout: 5wt 9′ (590-4 PULSE) Sage’s most versatile and *most popular rod model*. Handles trout flies of nearly any size and lines of varying densities.
Trout Streamers/Big Bass Bugs: 6wt 9′ ( 690-4PULSE) A streamer junkie’s favorite, this rod has enough power to cast big streamers or bass bugs all day. The 691-4 PULSE is saltwater-ready with an anodized aluminum reel seat.
Steelhead/Larger Saltwater Species: 8wt 9′ (890-4 PULSE) Great steelhead rod that will throw larger sinking leaders and flies, as well as the nymph rigs. The 8wt is the go-to saltwater model. Able to effectively present flies and handle the fight with bonefish, redfish, striped bass, largemouth bass or other similarly-sized species. Best option for steelhead nymph fishing out of a boat.
Steelhead Streamers and Nymphing: 8wt 9′ 6″ (896-4 PULSE) for anglers fishing heavy, sinking lines or heavy, multiple-fly nymphing rigs to anadromous species. The added lenght give more mending control and added distance to your cast.
Trout Stillwater Chironomid/Big River Trout Streamers: 5wt 9′ 6″ (596-4 PULSE) A slightly longer five-weight to aid in casting distance and line control (better mending capabilities) when fishing for trout. The 596-4 PULSE is great for big river fishing, nymphing and stillwater situations when fishing chironomid rigs using extra long leaders. Also, the rods extra length adds distance to your cast.
Trout Euro Nymphing: 3wt 10′ (3100-4 PULSE) is a European-style nymphing rod that allows anglers to fish a variety of long and short line techniques with varying fly sizes. This is a go-to Euro rod.
Steelhead Steamer or Nymphing/Large Trout Stillwater Chironomid: 7wt 10′ (7100-4 PULSE) offers the greatest line control (mending capabilities) of all 7-weights. Due to the exceptional length you have incredible mending capability in rivers and distance casts are lengthened on lakes or bigger rivers. Will make for great summer steelhead rod. Consider the 10ft for its incredible mending capabilities allowing the angler to work a fly or indicator rig through tricky riffles and runs. If fishing lakes with long leaders like many Chironomid fisherman of British Columbia who at times may fish tapered leaders up to 20ft these longer rods get the lift you need for such a task.
FOR FURTHER DETAILS CLICK “MORE” – BELOW
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by Waters West | Jan 18, 2017 | Fly Tying, New Products |
OPST Shank Chuck Tool: Easily secure shanks into vise. You have seen it (or a prototype of it) in OPST fly tying videos. You have called and emailed and asked about it. And now it’s here: the OPST Shank Chuck Tool. It took OPST a long time to dial this one in.
- First, its a tool that will fit in just about any vise on the planet. OPST succeeded in making a tool anybody can use.
- Second, we can secure both shanks and (some) tubes- by unscrewing the chuck housing, you can flip the inner chuck one way for shanks and the other way for tubes. Another surprising feature is this Tube Chuck, which clamps down evenly around the circumference of the tube (only holds Large 1/8 OD tubes such as HMH Rigid Tubes) and does not crush or mar the tube body. Once clamped into the chuck the tube does not spin out of place, even as the tyer makes continuous outward pulling thread wraps. We were a little apprehensive at the cost of such a tool but can say the chuck is surprisingly secure and extremely easy to adjust. It’s a brainless tool.
The chuck will hold shanks down to OPST Micro Shanks, which are 0.90mm in diameter. Tube adapter inner diameter: 2mm.
Click Here for Online Checkout – OPST Shank Chuck Tool
FOR MORE DETAILS OF CHUCK TOOL USES/PICTURES CLICK “MORE” – BELOW
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