KEEP ON ROCKIN

September 29, 2005 - The Swift River in Belchertown continues to provide anglers with exceptional angling opportunities despite constant water fluctuations. While terrestrial patterns such as black ants (18-22) and black beetles (16-18) have been the foremost fish takers, subsurface patterns have also been responsible for a fair amount of fish.

A trio of river regs (Felix Stolulonis-Charlie Peters-Len Renauld) are reporting that surface action usually commences sometime during the early afternoon and continues with varying degree throughout the balance of the day.

Steve Going, of Wilbur and the Dukes fame, is off to The Balsams in northern New Hampshire for a few days of fly fishing R&R.

Erwin Markowicz will be toiling on the Miramichi River in New Brunswick over the next few days in quest of Atlantic salmon. Seems like Erwin was fortunate enough to secure some time at the Black Brook Club, which is located at the confluence of the Caines River.

We are still getting sterling reports from the Millers River. You want to concentrate your efforts between Orcutt Brook and the electric substation west of Wendall Depot.

SAGE INTROS THE VT2
Available in line weights 3-10 the new Sage VT2 Series rods are designed for maximum versatility, smooth performance and great value. Sage has created a taper and action that best fit each specific line weight.

What every VT2 rod shares is a light, sensitive feel and an incredibly smooth power curve for faster line speed and easier casting. They also feature a gorgeous "blue ribbon" finish, an anodized aluminum reel seat and British-made, hard chrome-plated guides. Freshwater weights include an ebony wood reel seat insert, while saltwater reel seats are fully anodized aluminum.

FLY FISHING MASTERS
As reported by Fly-Fishing Trade, Barret Productions has announced that its OLN television-based series "Fly Fishing Masters" will not take place this year. The program will remain on hiatus with the hopes of rekindling it for the 2006-viewing season.

PETER GETS AN ANGEL
After serving 23 years as co-host of WCVB-TV's popular nightly newsmagazine "Chronicle", Peter Mehegan, recently stepped down.

An avid longrodder in his own right, his tenure served to keep the art of fly-fishing in the public eye by hosting various episodes featuring many Maine and Massachusetts locales.

His colleagues at Channel-5 recently purchased a Hardy Angel 4/5 reel and spool package from The Lower Forty and presented it to him as a token of gratitude for distinguished service.

He will be greatly missed by all, but particularly by his friends in the fly-fishing community.

STEARNS ACQUIRES HODGMAN
Stearns, Inc. leading manufacturer of watersports and outdoor products, is please to announce the acquisition of Hodgman, Inc. Founded in 1838, Hodgman is the market leader in unique and innovative waders and wading accessories for hunting and fishing. How this will effect their position in the marketplace remains to be seen.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB