I've just returned from a Silver Salmon/Steelhead/Dollie Varden trip on the Karluk River, Kodiak Island, Alaska.

I brought along several items from the Fly Angler to test. I used flies tied with "Reel Eggs." The eggs were just the right color, texture and size when tied on a #4 egg hook. The "Dollies" and the occaisional Steelhead ate them like candy.

My favorite line for the trip was an 8 wgt, Rio Grand line. The extra weight of the line allowed me to fish close when drifting flies and carried a much bigger fly long distances when fishing for silvers.

I wore Chota "STL" Plus wading shoes. The optional screws were a real plus when wading the river. Many of our party took dips while wading, I stayed upright for the trip. The screws can be removed when fishing from a boat. The fit of the shoes was enhanced by the box toe. I could wear warm socks and wiggle my toes while fishing, toasty warm!

Lastily, I was very happy with my FISHPOND, "Wasatch Tech Pack." The Tech Pack combines the best elements of a pack and vest. I was able to pack my flies, lunch, water and spare fleece vest in one garment. The Tech Pack did it all. I'm sure for extended day fishing, you'll find it very useful.

Oh by the way the fishing was good until the river came up 2 feet and the high tides pushed the fish up river.

See you at the shop,
Brian McFly