I started the day at 8 am by presenting a Bible Study on The Covenant Agreements to those exhibitors that wanted to attend. It was a great time. At 1 pm I gave a talk on “Really Matching the Hatch,” and finished the day with a demo on “Advanced Casting” at 3:15 pm.

During the day, I had time to visit with some old friends and see what’s new. I visited with Dave Scadden who has designed a framed pontoon boat without a frame. The “frame” is formed by the “U” configuration and inflated cross struts that make the seat. It’s a great configuration, a great idea, and it’s class 5 rapids certified–not that I’m headed for class 5 water!  There are 4 models from a single-person version to the big guy that will carry two people and two dogs with ease. They inflate with a foot pump in about 3 minutes; half that time with a small 12-v air pump. An optional  metal frame can be added that allows the use of a motor. I gotta get me one of these.

Dave Scadden (the man in black) showing one of his frameless pontoon boats to a couple of very interested fly fishers.

I also found my old friend John Bailey showing his zippered waders to several anglers. They’re really great. The zipper is full front length–from the top of the chest high waders all the way to the crotch. Wearing them unzipped is a way to stay extra cool–just don’t forget to zip up before wading deep.

John Bailey showing waders and other gear at the Denver Fly Fishing Show.

John also showed me a new water-proof, zippered bag that he spent much time designing exactly for the needs of the fly fisher. The interior can be divided into compartments for boxes, reels, and other gear, or left open fora a clothing bag. This is a great bag. I’ve fished from flats’ boats, canoes, drift boats of all sorts, and I’ve always taken a waterproof bag. But they were not zippered and could not be divided as wanted. This is the bag for the angler that goes on the water–like me.

The interior of John Bailey's new waterproof bag. The dividers can be arranged as needed.

The waterproof bag closed.

I also had an opportunity to visit with my old pal, Bill Keough, who was busy selling chicken necks, dyed calf tails, and other goodies for the tyer. He drove out from Michigan and got caught in the major storm that ripped though the Midwest last week. The air filter on his diesel engine got plugged and froze up, limiting his speed to 27 mph. He got into a garage and got it fixed, but not until he had to drive hours on end at snail speed. The things a guy won’t do for fly fishing.

Bill Keough talking with a couple of customers that just bought some of his great hackle capes.

Then I spent some time with another two long-time friends, Norm and Ruthie Norlander. Norm has an add-on that he has developed for his vise that locks the hook dead tight. It’s a great improvement that allows the use of all size hooks with great ease. He also has a new DVD showing him tying with his vise. Watch for some clips in the not too distant future.

Norm and Ruthie in their booth at the Denver Fly Fishing Show.