As the spring weather in the Cariboo has been absolutely ugly for stillwater fishing, my alleged mind has wandered to “new fly rod concepts” with Spring 2011 in mind for product launch. For those of you unfamiliar with the design/prototype process, concept designs go to the design engineers who determine if the concepts are practical and the end product is durable and will perform. The engineers then produce a limited number of prototypes, usually around 12, a couple for product shows and the rest for pro-staff testing, beginning in July. In September, we gather all the input and evaluate if the rod is marketable(meaning “Is there a need for this rod in the market place?”)
So, the process has begun on two new concepts, a new rod/reel combo that I strongly believe has been missing in the fly fishing world, that hopefully, will be appreciated by an under-represented segment of the fly fishing community. The second concept is a little more risky, it is our first real move into the arena of “higher end” fly rods and matching reels. A superbly performing, all new rod blank, with super high quality components, put together with the looks that says “understated elegance”. We hope to prove to fly fishers across Canada, that performance, quality and elegance is not just for the rich, but also for “Mr/Ms. Ordinary “ who would really appreciate a beautifully performing fly rod. A couple of prototypes will be ready for testing by the end of July.
Finally, I’d like to put in a plug for the organization to which we have committed our whole-hearted support to: Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Canada. An organization of volunteers who are actively providing support and rehabilitation for our wounded and disabled military and emergency service veterans.
http://projecthealingwaters.ca/
NOW I can go fishing! Cariboo stillwaters, here I come.
Jack
