Simms Ripraps Review

After wearing my Simms Ripraps for several years, they’ve begun to show wear.  I absolutely love them.  Light and flexible (after breaking then in), the Ripraps were a huge change of pace from Korkers and other wading boots.  I would’ve worn tennis shoes but I encounter slick stuff like limestone.  The Ripraps enabled me to cover ground a lot quicker than heavy boots and neoprene socks.  I tried my Keens but pebbles are painful.  

I made sure the Ripraps fit well but not too snug at the fly shop.  Honestly, my legs didn’t tire out near as much with those on such as with whatever wading  boots I’ve owned.  

Felt soles are incorporated into the bottoms and places for studs.  After several years of 2-4 wade fishing outings and up to 4 times a week for a month or so, the outer layer on the material is flaking off.  But they did spend some time drying in the sun and sometimes, I couldn’t get them dried out for several days.  Probably coulda done a little better taking care of them.

Honestly, if it wasn’t for the Simms Flyweights, I would buy another pair.  They can still be found online.  I’m gonna break in my Simms Flyweights as I use the last life left in my Ripraps this fall.  I’ll also do a review on the Flyweights but break-in time is going to take a while.

Whether it be shoe or boot or portage shoes, the Ripraps have been my favorite stream footwear.  They have a removable foam insert that provides comfort all day.

Since the Ripraps are being phased out, you can probably find them at an affordable price.

Blue Halo Fly Rod Review 8’ #6

I built an 8’ 6 weight Blue Halo fly rod with components from Proof Fly Fishing.  While I always purchase components from Proof,  I’ve never had a Blue Halo rod much less BH blanks.

I already built an Epic 686 which to me is a moderate to fast rod.  The Berkley Buccaneer and Berkley Talisman are older rods with a good ol’ sweet feel to them.  Slower glass with a deep bend.  I rebuilt the Talisman and it is such a joy when playing big Smallies.  I like building rods and wanted to know about Blue Halo quality and performance.  And since they have Fast and Slow blanks, I went with something more relaxed or slow - and I built that Epic just last year.  

The quality is pretty good.  Lots of clarity in the rod.  Ferrules seem to be reinforced and have plugs.  A nice and smooth and glossy finish.  Worth the money.
  
The performance is great.  It’s a slow rod for sure but not a buggy whip and definitely not as slow as an Eagle Claw Featherlight.  It almost feels a mix between my Fenwick 805 and Berkley Talisman.  The rod loads well with SA Panfish which is a 5/6 line.  It also loads Rio Bass #6 exceptionally well but I may purchase a regular 6 or Rio Smallmouth line.  That Rio Bass seems a bit zingy for me even on the EC Featherlight.


Along with some rebuilds, I’ve built on Epic, Proof, Lamiglas and Haldin.  I’ve got McFarland and North Fork Composites (GLoomis) blanks waiting to be built.  And I definitely recommend Blue Halo.
Email me at rzrbk804@yahoo.com if you have any questions.

Luxurious Bastard - beard balms & stuff.

Think I have 14 tins of product from Luxurious Bastard.  Great stuff.  I’ve had product from a number of suppliers and this in my opinion, is the best beard basin and oil you can buy.  Everyone has their preference but you guys just gotta get out there and try stuff to figure out what is good for your beard.  

The biggest reasons I love - yes love - his product is the hold and scent.  Think his name is Shawn.  Forgot.  But he is a small operation and therefore doesn’t have to charge what he honestly could set the price point.  His stuff goes quick.  He puts out a product alert before Sunday which is when his items drop.  He will do specialized runs or custom blends based on your specific request.  Thing is, you gotta be quick because he doesn’t make the same stuff every week.  He has regular items that do pop up again and again.  

I would say his most popular and what probably put him on the map is the 1912 Bastard.  And yes,  Bastard is incorporated in every labeled scent.  There are product reviews on YouTube.  I suggest looking them up.

I’ve noticed some of my friends have grown a goat or beard since the quarantine began.  When I began Substitute Teaching, I didn’t want to seem so “rough around the edges” around kids, parents and teachers.  So, I decided to actually shave regularly and tame my beard.  Which is a goat but blows up into a beard.

I began using beard oils and then moved into balms to tame the goat as it grew into something I had to cut length off.  It made me feel better about myself to groom the beard everyday and utilize something with a proper manly scent.

I use this unscented balm on days that I fish so that scent won’t transfer from my hands to flies.  I like products from the Luxurious Bastard, Lone Bear, Burt’s Bees, Grave Before Shave, Bearded Fox and more.  

If you don’t already know, balms and oils are pretty easy to use.  Just look at some videos and reviews.  Won’t hurt to groom that thing.

New Panfish Flies

I’d really like to thank my readers and followers.  Especially, Bill Trussell who owns the Fishing Through Life Blog.  

Above, you’ll see my first attempt at a Rio Getter.  It’s a pattern developed by Matt Bennett of FlyGeek Custom Flies for Rio Cichlids.  He’s got a video out on the pattern.  I purchased some from him last year and did well catching Smallmouth and Panfish.  

Above, is my attempt the Carp-It Bomb which is another pattern developed by Matt Bennett.  I also did well with this pattern last year.  It did hook a large Sucker last week but the fish jumped off.  

For about the past 7 years, I’ve mostly kept a 3 pattern fly box.  It’s good to try new patterns and add to the box.  I mean, how many times can you hit the same streams with the same fly boxes and not get bored?  

Matt does also have a Carp-It Bomb video.  I do use both patterns to target panfish but know Smallies and other fish will take them too.  The Carp-It Bomb was developed for Carp but I rarely chase them.

Hoping for more rain.  One of my favorite creeks needs it.  And maybe one of these days, I’ll remember my stringer and cook up a Rock Bass or two.  It’s been ages since I’ve kept any fish but I now have a Firebox Stove I’d like to utilize and I really am craving some creek fish.