Carlo Bongio's New Guide Service

One of the persistently consistent emails which we receive is "Where's Carlo?" With the impressive number of years in which Carlo Bongio has been prowling the waterways of Northern California, spending a few hours under his tutelage has made a huge difference to a large number of avid anglers. Simply put, there are few people we wholeheartedly recommend as guides or teachers, and Carlo is one of them.

So it was with great pleasure that we got wind of Carlo's new website - North Coast Fly Fish - http://www.northcoastflyfish.com - which makes his contact information quickly available to anyone looking for fly casting lessons, fly fishing guiding for steelhead, trout or largemouth bass and panfish, or even Tenkara rod fishing and nature hikes (in case you never heard, Carlo is an expert herpetologist and very knowledgeable mushroom hunter - check the Nature Tours section for more information.)

You are encouraged to give Carlo to schedule lessons or trips. Enjoy!

Here Comes June!

Flyfishing 101 course.
New dates in June and July - click here for a flyer. This popular introduction to fly fishing course fills up quickly - taught by fly department manager Carlo Bongio, this will get you casting effectively and teach the basics of fly tackle, knots and etymology. Perfect for the new or intermediate fly angler.

Bass/Panfish Warmwater flyfishing clinic
Sessions in July and August - click here for a flyer. Join Carlo Bongio at a private pond in Sonoma for an intermediate to advanced session focusing on the specific techniques for fishing for these dynamic species.

Other Clinics
As of the weekend, only a couple places left for the Kid's Flyfishing Weekend.

Bluewater/San Diego Fishing Seminar/Alan Tani Reel Repair Seminar
Mark your calendar for Saturday, July 16 - it will be a great day for learning about the electrifying fishing down in San Diego (and more about our 5 day trip this September), as well as an opportunity for you to get down and dirty - digging into your conventional fishing reels and learning how to clean and maintain them under the tutelage of reel repair icon Alan Tani - look for updates soon, but make sure you don't miss this day!

California Hunting Licenses, draw tags and bird validations have been available since last month - the new computerized system can be a little confusing, but we've been helping folks untangle their questions. The important date is coming up - the tag applications are due Thursday June 2nd.

These are now transmitted electronically through the DFG Automated License System. If you have not done so, you must bring in proof of Hunter's Safety (either a validated Hunter Safety card or previous Hunting License) in order to apply. If you are joining an existing hunting party, you will also need the ID number for that party. You will need to know exactly which zone you are applying for (or if you plan on applying for preference points). We have DFG Big Game information booklets and a larger scale map of zones at the shop.

Again - the deadline for drawing applications is Thursday, June 2nd.

(Please note - this is for lottery draw deer or other big game tags. If you are hunting in a non-lottery area, you may purchase tags up to the point the zone closes - pending availability of the tags).

Carlo Bongio Shad Clinic - May 14th

Do you want to learn the tricks and techniques to catch scads of shad? Then make sure you sign up for Carlo's Shad Clinic on Saturday, May 14th!

"On the Water" Shad Clinic
SATURDAY, May 14th, 2011

The anadromous American Shad is a fly fisher¹s dream. When hooked, shad's aerial displays are reminiscent of a tarpon or steelhead's flight. The shad runs as powerfully as a salmon, and shows a tremendous amount of endurance. Shad hit flies with reckless abandon and attack with such shuddering strikes that you may find them arm-numbing. This day-long clinic will give you the tools you need to effectively pursue and catch this most challenging and
exciting of gamefish on a fly rod.

Clinic Meets in Santa Rosa, Directions supplied upon payment.
Reservations required.
Clinic Fees: $125/person

This clinic requires wading to be most effective. Waders and appropriate
wading equipment is the responsibility of the student. Attendees should
have mastered basic casting techniques & be familiar with basic fly fishing
equipment. For more information, please contact Carlo Bongio the shop (415)
456-5454.

What is Covered in this Clinic:
Wading Techniques - Fly Selection - Reading the Water for Best Results - Casting & Fishing Shooting Heads - Presentation Techniques for Shad (which work well for steelhead too!) Plus - Russian River "Hot Spots"

Recommended Equipment for the Clinic
Required: Valid California Fishing License (available at stores)

8 weight fly rod with fighting butt.
(6 or 7 weight rod acceptable).
Disk-drag reel set up with a shooting head system.
(enough capacity for approximately
150-200 yards of backing,
plus 200' running line & 30' head)
20-30# Backing
Running line
Shooting heads with a sink rate of 2, 3 and 4.

Shad Flies in sizes 6 & 8 (chartruese, red, orange are most popular)

7' tapered leaders in 2x - 3x tippet size

Waders (unless you want to "wet wade")
Wading staff
Polarized sunglasses
Hat
Sunscreen
Food, drinks & necessary snacks

If you have any questions, contact Carlo Bongio at the shop (415) 456-5454.

Carlo's Steelhead Wrap Up

Fly Department manager Carlo Bongio sent over just a few shots from this year's excellent steelhead season

"The first wild steelhead was caught and released from a local tidewater stream in sonoma county. The second photo taken in the boat is a Smith river hatchery Steelhead that was kept for the barbaque. The last photo with the flyrod is a Russian River hatchery Steelhead that was also kept. The point of this post is to make sure that all anglers understand that all wild steelhead in California must be released. You will notice tha large intact adipose fin of the wild steelhead compared to the clipped adipose fin of the hatchery fish. This winter's runs have been fair to good on most rivers on the coast. - Carlo"

Carlo Hauls Up a Hawg

Here's an update to Carlo Bongio and Jerry Warren's trip to Eagle Canyon Lakes - a couple of photos of Carlo landing an impressive trout -





At this point, we are looking to do a stillwater clinic at Eagle Canyon Lakes in either late February or March. If you are interested, please call Carlo at the Santa Rosa store 707-542-4432, or email customerservice@westernsportshop.com

Jerry and Carlo's Trip North

Not to be outdone by the salmon and steelhead contingent, Western Sport Shop staff members Jerry Warren and Carlo Bongio headed north to evaluate conditions at one of the more amazing fisheries we've heard of - the Trophy Trout Lake at Eagle Canyon. We've rarely seen Carlo and Jerry actually worn out by a day of catching trout, but when we saw the photos, we understood why -



Just to be clear, Jerry is holding a TROUT!

This lake can be fished either from the bank or via a float tube. It is open through the winter and closes for the summer at the beginning of April. This unique, spring-fed fishery has some of the most monster fish we've ever seen.

Right now, Carlo is working to set a date for a "Monster Trout" clinic - check back here for updates as soon as we firm up the specifics. In the meantime, here is another of the many fish they caught:

Carlo's Fly Fishing Update

Well, we needed rain and we got it! That made our steelhead season a short-lived one, and all this late season snow runoff has made both shad fishing and early trout season a tough one for fly fishing.

But, now things are shaping up to be a great mid- to late-season for trout fishing throughout the state. Small creeks in the Sierra are producing well now. Backpackers should now be able to start fishing most of the High Sierra lakes in the next few weeks. Smart anglers have been picking up some of the new 3 weight 4 pc rods from Sage (the Flight Series has a 7' which is perfect for this) or the Redington CT series (Redington also makes a new 6-piece 3 weight 8' rod which is proving popular, too).

Speaking of backpacking, the other multi-piece rod which is a staff favorite is the Echo Trip - another 6 piece rod with the light action for all-around backpacking travel.

Want to catch a Golden Trout this summer? How about catching one and not have to hike? Drop by or call me at the Santa Rosa shop (707-542-4432) and I'll tell you just where this is possible!

Hand & Sun Protection

New Sun-reflecting, fish-fighting gloves from Buff, originally uploaded by Western Sport Shop.

Buff has made some excellent protective headgear for a few years now. We brought it in a go0d assortment last year, and it more than took off in popularity with anglers who spend a fair amount of time out in the sun.

The basic Buff Headwear is a simple tube, which can be worn in about a dozen ways without even thinking about it. We stock two models in a couple dozen patterns and styles - the "UV Buff" which is made with Coolmax Exteme fabric - a four-channel fiber forms a transport system that pulls moisture away from the skin to outer layers of the fabric, and it dries faster than any other fabric, thermoregulating the body - which blocks somewhere around 95% of the UV rays.

This is important for someone who spends any time around the water - where sunblock gets washed off pretty easily. With the Buff, it's easy and comfortable to wear it loosely around the neck at the start of the day, then pull it up to cover your ears or even the crown of your head as the sun rises. Easy and comfortable means you are likely to use it.

Of course, the sharp-eyed among you realize the above photo shows a pair of gloves - specifically the Buff Fighting Work Gloves. These were announced last fall, and we've been excited to get our shipment -

(excuse the press release, but they say it better than I could)

Buff Fighting Work Gloves

The Buff® Pro-Series Fighting Work Gloves...the best all purpose fishing glove! It will provide you multipurpose fish handling, light wiring and leadering, grabbing large catches or bills, as well as removing hooks. Pole grip palm makes it ideal for poling and paddling

Features & Benefits:

1. UPF 50+. Breathable, moisture wicking, 2-way Comfort Stretch for lateral movement.
2. Anatomical Thumb and wipe patch.
3. Adjustable hook and loop closure.
4. Full finger for protection.
5. Fingertip pulls.
6. 3 fingertip cut for dexterity.
7. Ergonomically stitched palm and fingers for natural, curved hand position which then reduces fatigue.
8. Durable Japanese aquatic synthetic suede. Will hold up to wet conditions and dries quickly.
9. Reinforced palm overlay and unique design which reduces bunching.
10. Flex Tech^™ adjustable cuff for mobility.

Now, we've also received the Buff Angler Gloves, which are a little lighter weight -

(more press release to follow...)

Buff Angler Glove

Pro-Series Angler Gloves, you'll never fish without them again. Every detail thoughtfully engineered for dexterity, comfort and the ultimate in Ultra Violet protection.

Ultraviolet Protection Factor(UPF):

Features & Benefits:

1. UPF 50+. Breathable, moisture wicking, 2-way Comfort Stretch for lateral movement.
2. Anatomical Thumb.
3. Extended cuff for UV Protection of wrist area.
4. Finger tip pulls makes it easier to pull off after use.
5. Fingertip cut for dexterity
6. Stripping guard-stitched with Dupont^® for added strength.
7. Accordion Finger Grip-Provides better grip and less hand fatigue which means better performance
8. Diamond Grip™ Palm by Clarino™-Each individual diamond cut provides suction power and extra grip for wet and dry conditions.
9. Ergonomically shaped palm/fingers-Designed and engineered for natural hand curve position which reduces bunching.
10. Durable Japanese aquatic synthetic suede-Will hold up to wet conditions better and dries quickly.

Both of these gloves provide 50+ UPF protection, are comfortable to wear all day and most importantly, give some protection to the easily sun-scorched hands - check them out in both stores this weekend!

Spring Shad Fly Fishing Clinic - May 23rd!

“On the Water” Shad Clinic
SUNDAY, May 23rd, 2010

The anadromous American Shad is a fly fisher’s dream. When hooked, shad’s aerial displays are reminiscent of a tarpon or steelhead’s flight. The shad runs as powerfully as a salmon, and shows a tremendous amount of endurance. Shad hit flies with reckless abandon and attack with such shuddering strikes that you may find them arm-numbing. This day-long clinic will give you the tools you need to effectively pursue and catch this most challenging and exciting of gamefish on a fly rod.

Clinic Meets at the Santa Rosa Western Sport Shop - 2790 Santa Rosa Ave. Limited to 8 attendees. Reservations required.
Clinic Fees: $125/person

This clinic requires wading to be most effective. Waders and appropriate wading equipment is the responsibility of the student. Attendees should have mastered basic casting techniques & be familiar with basic fly fishing equipment.

For more information or to reserve your place in the class, please contact Carlo Bongio at the Santa Rosa store (707) 542-4432.

New Book - Fly Tying Made Clear and Simple II

New Book - Fly Tying Made Clear and Simple II, originally uploaded by Western Sport Shop.

Advanced techniques on fly tying by Skip Morris. Skip is the guy who set the benchmark intro tying book - Fly Tying Made Clear and Simple.

Excellent photographs and clear instructions. It's bound in a softbound, spiral format, so you can easily flip the pages around for more tying bench space. A perfect book to while away the winter months.

Russian River Steelhead Clinic Dates Set

The rains are here, conjuring up anticipation of fall runs on the coastal waters. It is some of the more challenging fly fishing , and there's no better way to learn the intricacies of it than to attend one of the always-sold-out Russian River Steelhead Clinics by Carlo Bongio of our Santa Rosa store. Carlo has just announced three dates for this one day clinic - Saturday, November 21st, Saturday, December 12th and Saturday, January 16th.

Steelhead fishing with a fly is truly a graduate school for anglers. Make no mistake, this is technically challenging fishing. But, when your first (or 50th!) steelhead takes your carefully drifted fly and rockets away like a freight train, the hours of casting and working the waters are sure to be forgotten.

Though many lament how the Russian River has changed over the past decades, there have been many improvements in the fishery, with between 5,000 and 10,000 steelhead returning each winter. It is an ideal place to learn how to pursue this winter-run fish, and techniques learned in this class are applicable to almost any waters. Carlo has optimized the timing of this course to maximize the possibility of hooking one of these hard-fighting fish.

Carlo Bongio has fished the Russian River in bad years and through tremendous runs. His careful note-taking and observations have made allowed him to consistently catch and release steelhead on the Russian River for over 30 years. His extensive knowledge and easy teaching style will unlock the secrets of this near-mythic fish.

As mentioned, these clinics fill up extremely quickly, and are subject to minor date changes due to water levels and conditions. For more information, please download our info/signup sheet by clicking below:

Or, if you have specific questions, contact Carlo at the Santa Rosa store - 707-542-4432.

Notes & Reminders

Happy Monday!
Just wanted to remind everyone that beginning today, Monday April 13th, both stores are now back on Summer Hours. We will be open 7 days a week - Monday - Thursday 10-6, Friday & Saturday 9-6 and Sundays 10-4!

Simms Waders & Boot Bargains
As mentioned earlier, we've begun receiving the new Simms waders and boots for 2009. This means we've got odds & ends of previous models available at a hot price - savings up to 50% off of the original retail price. These are strictly limited to stock on hand, so head down to the shops now for the best selection!

Ammunition Issues
By now, you may have noticed that most ammunition availability has been spotty at best. We've been warning folks that it has been increasingly difficult to obtain certain loads on a regular basis - we are having to commit to orders with estimated delivery 2-3 months out in some cases. Since we started doing this 4-5 months ago, we've been able to stay a bit ahead of the curve. However, the earlier lead times have been getting a bit longer in some cases. So, if there is a certain load you will be needing, our advice is not to wait until the last minute. If we do not have it in stock, we are taking contact info and can call when it arrives.

Sage Rods
We've begun receiving some of the newer Sage fly rod models - the phenomenal TCX and the more value-priced FLIGHT series (which updates the FLi series). The TCX replaced the powerful TCR series and honestly, it shows how far along Sage's design and materials use has come in the past six or so years. Where the TCR was a great casting rod for those with the specific techniques to use it, the Sage TCX brings that efficiency and power into a much more "fishable" rod.

More later this week - don't forget about taxes, then GO FISHING!

Fly Fishing For Shad Clinic - May 9th

This clinic always fills fast, so don't delay!

On the Water Clinic - Shad Fishing
Saturday, May 9th 2009
The anadromous American Shad is a fly fisher's dream. When hooked, shad's aerial displays are reminiscent of a tarpon or steelhead's flight. The shad runs as powerfully as a salmon, and shows a tremendous amount of endurance. Shad hit flies with reckless abandon and attack with such shuddering strikes that you may find them arm-numbing. This day-long clinic will give you the tools you need to effectively pursue and catch this most challenging and exciting of gamefish on a fly rod.

What Is Covered in this Clinic:
Wading Techniques
Fly Selection
Reading the Water for Best Results
Casting & Fishing Shooting Heads
Presentation Techniques for Shad (which work well for steelhead too!)
*Plus - Russian River Hot Spots

General Information & Fees:
Clinic Meets at the Santa Rosa Western Sport Shop - 2790 Santa Rosa Ave.
Limited to 8 attendees.
Reservations required.

Clinic Fees: $125/person

Please note: This clinic requires wading to be most effective. Attendees should have mastered basic casting techniques & be familiar with basic fly fishing equipment. For more information, please contact Carlo Bongio at the Santa Rosa store (707) 542-4432

For more information a flyer for this clinic is avalable here -
www.westernsportshop.com/anonftp/pub/ShadClnc.pdf

Wading Shoe Tech

If you've come into either store this week, you probably saw something that might have been confusing - wading boots and sandals without felt soles. You saw correctly - we have started receiving the new models of Simms boots and sandals which use their new Vibram soles which have been developed to the unique needs of anglers.

Simms teamed with Vibram to create clean, great-gripping rubber compound treads on our wading boots and river footwear. The Simms StreamTread sole will do more to keep you upright in wet, mossy wading environments.

Why Vibram? If you have been following the issues of invasive species for the past few years, you will know that nasty little critters can take up residence in the pores of traditional felt sole designs. The New Zealand Mud Snail introduction into the Putah Creek system is just one example of how quickly and easily these things can spread. Now we are getting reports that felt soled (or similar) boots are not being allowed into certain watersheds.

Since Vibram doesn't allow these beasts and seeds to be transported, it's the logical choice. Of course, some of you might remember the old days when rubber-soled wading boots meant a lot of slipping, sliding and sitting in the river. You need to put that image out of your mind. The StreamTread (which we've demo'd before believing it ourselves!) provides a grip that reminded one of our staff of climbing shoes. Plus, these shoes are compatible with the massive Simms "Hardbite" carbide studs, if you are in wide, smooth rock conditions where nothing else will work.

The days of felt-soles are numbered. We're stocking less options and there will be progressively fewer rivers that allow them. Check out the Simms StreamTread Vibram now.

Rivers Update and Class Info

Steelhead season on the Coastal rivers is winding down. However, this past week saw several fresh run steelhead caught on the Russian River.

Steelhead season ends on March 31st. The Russian River is still open to angling, but you cannot harvest a steelhead - even a hatchery fish - after that date.

Look for the middle of April to bring with it the first runs of Shad in the Russian. This hard-running fish is a kick to catch and release. Recent rains have helped to put some good water flow into the river system, and make it a much more exciting spring.

Flyfishing 101 - Space Available in 4/18 Session
If you are looking to learn how to fly cast, or just tune up and shake off the winter of inacivity, give a call to the Santa Rosa store and sign up for my next Flyfishing 101 Course, which will take place on Saturday, April 18th. This is a great way to get ready for serious spring fishing, or to finally learn what all the excitment is about with fly fishing. Class size is limited, and you we can supply equipment if necessary.

Bass and panfish should be in full swing by this time. As the weather warms up, these fish are hungry and moving into the shallower waters, making them perfect for fly fishing.

Go through your tackle and gear, get ready for spring!

- Carlo

FREE Fly Tying Clinic - Saturday - Santa Rosa!

Santa Rosa - 707-542-4432
Saturday, March 14 - 10:30 AM
Instructor - Carlo Bongio

Beginning Fly Tying
An introduction to tying your own flies. All materials provided.

Spring Cleaning in the All Departments

Every day brings us a little closer to the spring seasons - it's always great to see some weeks of rain after such a dry fall and winter. Those fat, wet drops hitting the hills mean prime early season conditions, in addition to banking a bit of much-needed water.

Like the rising levels in the reservoirs, our back room is starting to fill up with the first shipments of spring gear. New reels from Shimano, rod & reel outfits, specialty hooks and lures have all started arriving and we're getting things out onto the floor as quickly as we can.

This means that there are more than a few bargains to be found on the sales floor as we make room for new stuff. The next few weeks is a great time to take advantage of our "Pre-Spring Cleaning!"

Plus, the California State Sales Tax changes on April 1st. We'd rather see you put that extra percentage into flies, lures, line or gear!

All Flies - 30% OFF! This Fly Sale will end soon - right now, there are a ton of great patterns and styles. We're simply overstocked on certain sizes. Now is a great time to stock up on all fly patterns in stock!

Discontinued Fly Rods - Serious discounts on rods with cosmetic changes or model changes for 2009. There are still a number of Sage, Winston, Scott and Redington fly rods which fish fine, but have changed for this year. All rods come with a full factory warranty.

Selected Fly Lines - 30% OFF! Spey and traditional lines with packaging changes or other differences - look for the display in the store.

Spring Cleaning "HALF OFF!" Stuff -- Selected Umpqua leader and tippet, all kinds of various tying materials and selected Tiemco Hook styles at half off.

All items are subject to prior sale. Strictly limited to stock on hand. That sort of stuff. So, don't wait - get on down to the store near you and take advantage of these deals (and more!)

Ross Momentum Reel Sale

Just got word on Friday that Ross Reels will be making some changes to their Momentum Series of steelhead/salmon/saltwater fly reels. This spring, they will be bringing out the Momentum LT which uses a different dimension spool. Unfortunately, this means that the original Momentum frames will not work with the new system. Ross will be continuing to make the spools to work with the Momentum Series, as they have with virtually all the reel models they have ever made.

However, it does mean that we need to reduce our inventory. So, as of right now, we will be selling the Ross Momentum series reels at 30% off the regular price - huge savings on a top quality reel. As an added bonus to folks who are reading this update, if you purchase a Momentum series spool that we have in stock, we'll throw in backing on both the spool and reel.

We've also been going through our inventory, pulling out discontinued items and pricing them to move - this is our little winter project. So, come down to the stores and take advantage of these deep discounts. We'll be adding to the "Winter Cleaning" Sale for the next couple of weeks, so if you don't see something tomorrow, make sure to stop by again!

Winter Hours Reminder -
As I mentioned in the last post, we are now operating under Winter Hours. That means that the stores will be closed Mondays (until approximately mid-March) and that the weekday opening hours will be 10 AM.

Waterfowl Season-End Sale and More!

After the strong response to our 10-15-20 Waterfowl Season-End Sale, we've decided to continue it - with a twist! This week, you can save another 10% on any camouflage clothing in stock - you now receive 30% off any camo clothing in stock!

The 15% off on all decoys, decoy cord and decoy weights continues, as does the 10% off on all waterfowl ammunition (and remember - this is 10% off of our already low everyday price - so you get a great deal!)

Again, these prices are for items in stock at either store. Sorry - no layaways on these items. First come, first served!

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Now, when we started the Season End sale in our Waterfowl Department, a few sharp-eyed anglers emailed me to point out that we were ignoring them. Point taken. Honestly, it's a good-sized store and we're still finishing off some inventory counts, but it looks like we've ended up with too many flies at year-end. So, let's start there.

All Flies - 30% OFF!
Every fly in stock is now 30% off the regular price. No limits, so stock up now for the upcoming trout season, or load up for steelhead, bass or saltwater.

Selected Fly Lines - 30% OFF!
We also have a bunch of fly lines with old packaging left from 2008. Some of it looks a little shopworn, some of the lines have been discontinued, and some of the lines have changed their packaging. But, they are all 30% off!

Redington CPS Fly Rods - 40% OFF!
Actually, this was from last month, but we still have a few of these powerful casting rods from Redington. They've discontinued these for 2009, and we need to make room for the newer models.

Summer Clothing - 40% OFF!
We still have a few pieces of last summer's clothing hanging around. If it's here and it fits, you can't beat a 40% savings!

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And just so I don't get a few emails from the regular tackle folks -

Rogue Rods - 30% OFF!
Unfortunately, this company is taking a huge price increase for 2009 and we have elected to discontinue stocking these rods.

Salmon Trolling Gear - 50% OFF!
I'll be honest, we had pre-ordered a bunch of salmon trolling gear - lures, flashers, dodgers, deep-6's, bait holders and releases - for last year and we're still sitting on it. We need the room so here's some serious savings! This stuff won't go bad, so stock up now!

Discontinued Rods - Save up to 50%!
All manner of spinning and casting rods which have been discontinued, changed slightly or modified with the new model year. As far as we can tell, the fish really can't tell if you are using last year's rod! Items are priced as marked in each store - shop now for the best selection!

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As we finish off our inventory and find more "Where the heck did this come from?" items, we'll put 'em on sale immediately, so drop by either store and take advantage of high value and great savings - see ya there!