AN OFF SHORE ADVENTURE

August 22, 2003 - He had been threatening to do this for some time now. After perusing various Internet bulletin boards I guess his curiosity just couldn't be squelched for yet another weekend. Convinced that this would merely constitute a recon mission of sorts, Mark Kralian of Grafton, set out from Falmouth with Dave "Mr. August" Armstrong of Hudson playing the role of first mate.

Encouraged by the forecast of light winds and calm seas with the possibility of afternoon showers the duo expected little more than a recreational boat ride in their quest for mid- summer exotics. They arrived at their destination, 20 mile south of MV in uneventful fashion with only the occasional flurry of surface activity to entertain them during the trek. With the progression of blind casting 425 grain lines already initiated, MK and Mr. A were greeted by an ocean abundant with No. Atlantic Dorado eager to accept their offerings despite the fact that the day's menu consisted of butterfish (1/2" in length) and what could be described as anchovies/sardines. A conventionally tied mushmouth was their most successful imitation and responsible for the better part of the 30 or so fish brought on board.

The days catch was rounded out by a lone skipjack tuna that was tamed by Armstrong's 10wt after a rather lengthy altercation that had the backing knot clink the tiptop on more than a few occasions. It was the first time both parties had experienced this summer fishery and it made the 2 hours rain swept boat journey to port a little easier to bare… a little easier.

THE GUIDE AND THE DOC
While turning the key in the door recently I scrambled into a dim lit shop to engage the ringing telephone. On the other end was an enthusiastic Dr. Tom Ukena, anxious to report on the 2-day guided trip he commissioned with Dave Pearson on the flats of Chatham. After much prodding (from yours truly) he finely got to experience what I would consider to be some of the most outstanding wade/sight fishing on the eastern seaboard. While the first day was pretty much a wash due to poor weather conditions, the second day found Tom bringing 13 fish to hand, the largest of which was a buxom 32" specimen.

As of late the fish have been a little less reluctant to accept imitations and are slowly mutating into their fall mode. The next few weeks could signal some great opportunities for sight fishing waders.

INDUSTRY NEWS
Sage Acquires Redington Apparel (Press Release)
As a follow up to their purchase of Redington Tackle, Sage today formally announced the completion of their purchase of Redington Apparel.

Consisting largely of a line of technical sportswear, Redington Apparel is known primarily as value outdoorwear. Originally created for Redington by former Columbia Sportswear affiliates Dave Ferrie and Bart Bonime, both the existing line of sportswear and the two founders will be making the transition to Sage. Dave will continue to handle the merchandising end of the business and Bart will handle the sourcing and design coordination. "With Sage's marketing, customer service and financial horsepower behind us," noted Dave Ferrie, "we look forward to building Redington Apparel into a perfect fit for both the specialty and multi-door retailers. These products, programs and pricing are right on for this marketplace."
As with the Redington Tackle purchase, all Redington Apparel transactions will now originate out of Sage's plant and warehouse on Bainbridge Island, WA. Back office and distribution functions will similarly be merged. But as in the previous tackle purchase, the Redington Apparel brand will operate separately from Sage.

"We see the Redington Apparel brand as a natural extension of Redington Tackle," added Bruce Kirschner, President of Sage. "We've heard many positives about the products and have in the past worked successfully with both Dave and Bart. We look forward to having them on the team again."

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB