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Fly Fishing with Doug Macnair
Product Updates: Gizmos and Gizwizzies, Too^©

By Doug Macnair

 

Featured in this edition:

• SmartShield

• The Fly Trap

• C & F Design Lanyard

• Leaders for the Salt

 

Most folks upon glancing at a title like Gizmos and Gizwizzies immediately ask: "What is a Gizmo or, for that matter, a Gizwizzy?" If you are one of those who would ask this question, allow me to say -- Glad you asked! This is the sort of intelligent question typically asked by the mentally alert -- those who, by their intelligence and intuitive insight, quite naturally constitute the greater fly fishing community. However, most, if not all of those who question were not present at Stonehenge for the dedication of the first fly rod, as I was fortunate enough to be. If it were otherwise, the questioner would know that the lineage of Gizmos and Gizwizzies is traced directly to the thoughts, designs, and tools used by the ancient Druid Fly Fishers who battled the indefatigable fish gods in those days so long ago.

 

The answer, of course, should be obvious: Gizmos and gizwizzies are things quintessential to the "complete & resplendent" fly fisher. To sally forth without such accouterments is akin to a knight-errant setting forth to do battle with the scoundrels with sword and shield, but no clothes. Even those rather naive people who always seem to favor "peace at any cost," might consider fighting naked a bit stupid, especially should the adversary happen to be Saddam Insane, the mother of all idiots, and his deodorized VX gas.

 

Know this: Gizmos and Gizwizzies are not toys! To the contrary, they are valuable assets ancillary to the successful competition with friend fish. You will find those discussed in this product update affordable and invaluable if you are serious about fly fishing, catch and release, drying your flies and protecting your fly lines from extensive damage. I hasten to add, all are available in time for your convenience in fly fishing this or any other year.

 

SmartShield Sunscreen.

 

Talk about bringing great joy, hats off to Skin Research Labs. At last, fly fishers are offered protection from the bugs and sun without damage to their fly lines. That, my friends, is real news!

 

SmartShield, in my view, is one of the best gizwizzies introduced at the 1997 IFTD show in Denver. I haven’t the faintest idea how many times fly fishers have covered their exposed skin with substances designed to dissuade attack from bugs or, more recently, skin cancer. I shudder every time I recall a fishing trip made years ago into the hinterlands of northwestern Canada. What otherwise could have been a dream come true became a nightmare in the middle of the day when the breeze stopped. As far as the eye could see, swarms of enemy mosquito bombers began taking off from their forward bases until they practically darkened the sky. After forming up in formation, the mosquitoes attacked in successive waves. They came from every direction. Beyond doubt, these creatures of the tundra intended to drink every drop of my blood.

 

As I battled the mosquitoes, slapping here and swatting there, I had yet to realize even a worse horror awaited me -- the dreaded black fly of the north. In my mind’s eye, I can still hear the roar as they approached. I remember looking skyward and seeing their stacked formations at very high altitude. I watched and wondered. Onward they came until reaching the release point. Here, they peeled off into groups, diving for the earth and, more importantly, me! Screaming all the way to their objective, the black flies struck devastating blows to my young body. The black flies of the far north will always remind me of the feared German Stuka drive-bomber of World War II.

 

Wounded, but determined to wage a valiant defense against the ravages done by the dastardly deeds of these dirty devils, I smeared myself with Army insect repellent. Guaranteed to defeat the most persistent "bugs," I learned two things. First, these fierce fighting flying creatures thought it, the repellent, was delicious. They ate and ate without apparent harm. Second, my fly line began to disappear. It melted! The combination of these events forced me to withdraw waving the white flag giving my unconditional surrender.

 

That was many years ago. Now, in addition to the bugs, we seem also have an evil sun. What used to be our buddy, is now said to cause cancer. Thus, we fly fishers now have two reasons to smear our bodies with "stuff." Unfortunately, most of the "stuff" that prevents skin cancer and the attack of the monster bugs remains the "kiss-of-death" to fly lines. DEET, is without doubt, the finest repellent in the world. It will keep the evil bugs away; it will also destroy your fly lines. Sadly, many other fly fishers have shared my experience suggesting there is truth in the old saw: "You cannot have your cake and eat it, too." After watching two or three fly lines dissolve (a value of $45.00 to $65.00), one might begin to wonder which choice is the most cost effective -- saving fly lines or preventing cancer. I suppose the answer depends on your insurance coverage.

 

Now, all that is changed. Thanks to Skin Research Labs, I present cake to eat and cake to have: It is a new affordable product that (1) slows the bugs, (2) stops sun cancer, but (3) won’t dissolve your fly line and (4) is packaged any one of a number of ways. That my friends, is an achievement and a boom to fly fishers everywhere. Their product, SmartShield, is a combination of bug repellent and SPF 30 sunscreen. Believe it or not, it is waterproof, sweatproof and oil free. I like the smell; it’s a bit like cedar.

 

Is it as effective as DEET? No way! On the other hand DEET is not suggested for use on your exposed body parts, just your pants, socks, etc. Those who mix DEET with sunscreen protection do you a disservice. As you reapply the sunscreen you necessarily add more DEET. DEET, unfortunately, has a cumulative effect. It’s exactly like bee stings -- keep adding to the total your body has assimilated and sooner or later you will regret it. Let me hasten to add, SmartShield with repellent works; perhaps not just as long. But with the multiple packaging available, another squirt or wipe is but a moment away. The United States Coast Guard (USCG) likes SmartShield so much, they’ve endorsed it.

 

Protect yourself from the sun and the bugs, too. Try it, you will like it! Remember, DEET for clothing, SmartShield for sunscreen & bug repellent for exposed skin without risk to your fly line.

 

For more information regarding SmartShield, contact: Skin Research Labs, Inc., 3311 Oak Lawn, Suite 200, Dallas, Texas 75219. Call (800) 798-7546 or FAX (800) 431-1568.

 

The Fly Trap.

 

This is a gizmo you will not want to be without. As some advertisers say on TV at Christmas time -- "It really, really works!" The FlyTrap is my favorite of all the fly boxes I own. The reason? I can use it on any garment without damaging the shirt, vest, or jacket; and I do not lose any of my flies while they are drying.

 

The unique fly box requires only one hand operation to access its contents. It is ventilated, extremely lightweight, and made of heavily anodized aluminum fully suitable for saltwater use. The Fly Trap mounts securely on any jacket, vest or shirt and opens to a full 90 degree angle. Space-age foam allows a "bunch" of flies to sit comfortably, drying or awaiting selection, without fear of loss. The Fly Trap is available in two sizes: .8" deep x 3" tall x 2.5" wide; and .8" deep x 3" tall x 3.5" wide. Get the big one. It is absolutely my choice! The price? Very affordable: $19.95 each.

 

If you happen to be one of us guys who have been trying to get away from carrying the kitchen sink, this is your chance to do something smart in becoming a minimalist.

 

For more information, call The Waterworks (1-800-4FLY-FSH).

 

C&F Design Accessories.

 

Speaking of becoming a minimalist, this is the way to go. Scientific Anglers bring us the C&F Lanyard, a neat gadget that can hold ever-so-many tools. The lanyard contains eight snap hooks separated by durable urethane tubing. It’s comfortable to wear and easily adjusted.

 

Add the Fly Protector and you have a weightless fly box suspended in the center of the lanyard occupying two of the available snaps.

 

If there is a design shortfall, it’s that C&F didn’t spend the extra buck for stainless steel throughout. Otherwise this rig would approach perfection as a way to cut the clutter of fishing the salt flats … Otherwise, this rig is perfect for the minimalist who want to wander around without the burden of his or her footlocker full of tackle … I know, it takes some practice; every time I try it I wonder, "what if I need…" So far, I’ve needed nothing more.

 

For more information regarding C&F Design Accessories, contact Scientific Anglers by writing to 3M Center, Building 223-4NE, St. Paul, MN 55144-1000 or call 1-800-525-6290.

 

Leaders for the Salt.

 

Now comes a great treat for those of you who really are not into tying your own leaders for the salt. No doubt about it, tying your own can become a pain in the … Scientific Anglers has relieved the burden previously borne by mortal folk (especially when the object was to join wire to line).

 

Scientific Anglers has brought forth a series of leaders designed to equalize the battle between the fish — and of course the Ancient Ones — and the fly fisher.

 

I must tell you that I am most impressed with the Barracuda 9’ offering a choice between 4" or 8" retwistable haywire versions with a shock-absorbing and hand-tied Bimini Twist. Where toothy critters abound, what more could you as for? I’m impressed! And no big deal: nothing here requires a complete redo of you casting stroke -- just a few throws and you will meld into a routine that offers the promise of great success. (Please do not write me back about how these leaders didn’t work well on your 5-weight rig.)

 

For more information, contact Scientific Anglers by writing to 3M Center, Building 223-4NE, St. Paul, MN 55144-1000 or call 1-800-525-6290.

 

 

© Copyright: Douglas G. Macnair, 1998-2008

 

 

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