Yeah, yeah, I know. I am going to hear about writing this I'm sure...

Working in a place that sells every reel under the sun, how can you single

out just one? I am not going to candy coat anything I'm about to say. The

best fishing Steelhead reel on the market is the Hardy Salmon Marquis.

Either the #1 or #2 has everything that the modern Steelhead Spey fisherman

needs.

These reels are as good as it gets. Offering a classic look with bullet

proof guts. The reels are so simple that they just can't fail. In cold

weather, drag reels freeze while the simple single actions still go on. You

never need a drag adjustment, as they always keep enough tension to not let

the reel back lash on hard fighting or hard taking fish. Finally, let's not

forget one of my favorite things--the sound! There is not anything that

sounds like a Hardy, and the Marquis is the loudest one that Hardy makes.

In my opinion, the Salmon Marquis will land more fish due to its click and

pawl construction. With all the fishability, classic look, and bullet proof

guts, these reels come in at a great price point, between $299-$330. That's

right--buy one and it wont break the bank. You'll still have enough money

leftover for a waterproof camera to take pictures of all of the fish you

will be holding.

So if you're ready to hold more fish and have a great time doing it, let us

at the Fly Fishing Shop help you! 800-266-3971

Spey Casting and Steelhead schools

The key to becoming a great spey fisherman is getting great instruction by great instructors. When it comes to training the next group of Steelhead spey fisherman, we here at The Fly Fishing Shop in Welches are leading the pack! We have been offering 1 or 2 Winter steelhead schools a month and they filled up so quickly that we had to add more! The next classes available are April 7, 8 and May 19, 20. As the season pushes on, the tactics often change. Learn these tactics from people that make their living on the waters of the Sandy, Clackamas, and Deschutes rivers. During the class we will help you read water, choose sink tips, and select flies. With the cooperation from a wild winter or summer steelhead, we hope to be able to aid in fish fighting and landing tactics as well. The first day is a casting day where our team takes the students down to the river and gives them on the water instruction on casting Skagit and Scandi lines. There are many styles and lengths of rods available to cast with. We have a big question and answer session, along with a segment on how to self-diagnose your own casting problems when you don't have a guide around to help. The second day starts out earlier with a small amount of class room time, and then we head right to the river for on the water presentations on fishing. You will then experience a true guided trip where you can test your new-found skills in real fishing situations. Lunch and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. You can take the class as a two day learning adventure or you can take either day on its own. We here at the fly shop try to accommodate all. Let us know what we can do for you! 800-266-3971

Northwest Fly Tyer & Fly Fishing Expo

Come join Mark, Patty, and the staff in Albany, OR. this weekend for this annual event. There will be 72 fly tying stations and over 90 classes and clinics on tying and fishing. Hourly classes on casting with indoor and outdoor casting ponds.

Over 50 booths to explore and mingle with. Feel free to ask a bunch of questions. All at this show are their to promote the sport and celebrate the art of tying.

There will also be raffles and silent auctions. On Saturday there will be a banquet with an action packed oral auction.

So we here in Welches hope to see you there.

Tight lines, from the staff in Welches.