Kasey Scott is one of the artists that The Fiberglass Manifesto is tracking and when he posted this time lapse video on his facebook site this week I knew it needed to be shared here as well.
Check out his website, KScottUnderwater.com, for more examples of his work, photos, videos, and merchandise.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Sunday, July 5, 2009
T.F.M. Interviews Reel Pure
In T.F.M.'s continuing process to find the story behind how certain fly gear brands came to be, I sent an email to Eric Rathbun of Reel Pure, with a few questions that he graciously took the time to answer.
Thinking back a few years to when I first saw the Reel Pure website I remember being impressed that a couple of guys could start a company and sell gear that they had designed. Where did the idea come from to develop Reel Pure and how long has it been around?
I’d spent years as a software marketing guy and came to a point where it made sense to marry it to my passion – fly fishing. Reel Pure was never about gear really – it was about a state of mind. With so many overly technical product brands, and overly serious attitudes in the industry, I was focused on launching a lifestyle brand with a message. So, we rolled out an affordably priced lifestyle product line in 2003. We’ve gone in a few different product and non-product directions since, but we’ve always stayed true to our message.
Reel Pure will continue to take a multi-dimensional approach to business – while we continue to develop products, media, and services.
(Photograph courtesy of Aaron Otto/Sleeping in the Dirt)
How have you seen the small company scene change in the past five years in regards to those that make fly fishing related gear? It seems like there are a lot of small companies out there with inspired designs and products. How is this changing what anglers are buying?
“Small company” in this industry is, in my opinion, a relative term. Even the highest revenue generating brands are fairly small potatoes in the grand scheme. I do, however, notice quite a few more ma and pa brands out there lately. As a result, we’re probably seeing fewer buying decisions based solely on technical performance criteria and more based on brands and messaging that we identify with.
What spawned the idea for Moldy Chum and as a daily reader of the blog I am often left wondering who comes up with all the content for the blog? Seems like a full time job dropping posts at the pace that you fellows do.
Moldy Chum’s floundering father (Brian Bennett) and I met a few years ago at a local watering hole. We soon found out that we had a shared goal – to deliver serious stuff with a not so serious attitude. It wasn’t a year later that we decided to join forces and partner on Moldy Chum – which then became the Voice of Reel Pure.
We take a thunder and lightning approach - Brian is a long time industry guy and has his finger on the pulse of just about everything. He is a content mining guru. I tend to focus a bit more on strategy stuff (SEO, viral campaigns, travel, ads, etc.) . Together I think we’re a pretty good balance and compliment the hell out of each other.
Posting at the rate we do can be pretty time consuming. We are currently considering a model that allows more user generated content that would in-turn lighten out load a bit.
I see that the second Moldy Chum "Field Trip" is coming up and going to Alaska. Is Moldy Chum moving into the travel business as well?
Moldy Chum decided to add services into its mix and started promoting “Field Trips” six months ago. We will likely host one special trip a quarter. With a readership base that continues to grow, we sat down and decided to provide additional value to the Chum Nation. We believe that when our readers spend hard earned coin on a special trip, they should not only get world-class fishing – they should get to do it in a tweedbag free environment.
Finally, do you ever pick up glass rods and take them with you on the water? If so...what's your favorite fiberglass sticks?
I used to throw my dad’s old Fenwick when I was a kid (8 or so years old). Haven’t had a chance to pick one up since, but do think it’s about time to cast one again.
Eric, thanks for the interview and folks, don't forget to check out Reel Pure's Offer of the Month.
Thinking back a few years to when I first saw the Reel Pure website I remember being impressed that a couple of guys could start a company and sell gear that they had designed. Where did the idea come from to develop Reel Pure and how long has it been around?
I’d spent years as a software marketing guy and came to a point where it made sense to marry it to my passion – fly fishing. Reel Pure was never about gear really – it was about a state of mind. With so many overly technical product brands, and overly serious attitudes in the industry, I was focused on launching a lifestyle brand with a message. So, we rolled out an affordably priced lifestyle product line in 2003. We’ve gone in a few different product and non-product directions since, but we’ve always stayed true to our message.
Reel Pure will continue to take a multi-dimensional approach to business – while we continue to develop products, media, and services.
(Photograph courtesy of Aaron Otto/Sleeping in the Dirt)How have you seen the small company scene change in the past five years in regards to those that make fly fishing related gear? It seems like there are a lot of small companies out there with inspired designs and products. How is this changing what anglers are buying?
“Small company” in this industry is, in my opinion, a relative term. Even the highest revenue generating brands are fairly small potatoes in the grand scheme. I do, however, notice quite a few more ma and pa brands out there lately. As a result, we’re probably seeing fewer buying decisions based solely on technical performance criteria and more based on brands and messaging that we identify with.
What spawned the idea for Moldy Chum and as a daily reader of the blog I am often left wondering who comes up with all the content for the blog? Seems like a full time job dropping posts at the pace that you fellows do.
Moldy Chum’s floundering father (Brian Bennett) and I met a few years ago at a local watering hole. We soon found out that we had a shared goal – to deliver serious stuff with a not so serious attitude. It wasn’t a year later that we decided to join forces and partner on Moldy Chum – which then became the Voice of Reel Pure.
We take a thunder and lightning approach - Brian is a long time industry guy and has his finger on the pulse of just about everything. He is a content mining guru. I tend to focus a bit more on strategy stuff (SEO, viral campaigns, travel, ads, etc.) . Together I think we’re a pretty good balance and compliment the hell out of each other.
Posting at the rate we do can be pretty time consuming. We are currently considering a model that allows more user generated content that would in-turn lighten out load a bit.
I see that the second Moldy Chum "Field Trip" is coming up and going to Alaska. Is Moldy Chum moving into the travel business as well?
Moldy Chum decided to add services into its mix and started promoting “Field Trips” six months ago. We will likely host one special trip a quarter. With a readership base that continues to grow, we sat down and decided to provide additional value to the Chum Nation. We believe that when our readers spend hard earned coin on a special trip, they should not only get world-class fishing – they should get to do it in a tweedbag free environment.
Finally, do you ever pick up glass rods and take them with you on the water? If so...what's your favorite fiberglass sticks?
I used to throw my dad’s old Fenwick when I was a kid (8 or so years old). Haven’t had a chance to pick one up since, but do think it’s about time to cast one again.
Eric, thanks for the interview and folks, don't forget to check out Reel Pure's Offer of the Month.
Friday, July 3, 2009
T.F.M. Spotting - Moen in Montana
Todd Moen of Catch Magazine, sent along this photograph that Brian O'Keefe took of him while working together on location somewhere in Montana. Todd was behind the video camera when they noticed a group of mountain goats that were high up above the water and decided to burn it into film.
The latest issue of Catch Magazine was released this week and is certainly worth a look.
Over the past six issues it has been very cool to see so many of T.F.M.'s photog friends make the pages of this excellent online publication. Several have made the latest issue. Great work fellows!
The latest issue of Catch Magazine was released this week and is certainly worth a look.
Over the past six issues it has been very cool to see so many of T.F.M.'s photog friends make the pages of this excellent online publication. Several have made the latest issue. Great work fellows!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Offer of the Month - Reel Pure Gear
For the month of July I am excited to announce that the boys at Reel Pure are offering FREE SHIPPING and FREE REEL PURE/MOLDY CHUM DECALS with all orders placed using the promotional code "TFMOFFER" on the online order form.
I've long been a fan of the ideals and gear that Reel Pure has produced. It is cool to see the blog element, Moldy Chum, grow out of their effort as well.
Look for an interview later this month with Eric Rathbun of Reel Pure. He breaks down how it all started, what they're thinking, and where Reel Pure/Moldy Chum is headed in the future.
In the meantime check out the Reel Pure website and order yourself up a new cap or jacket to get dirty on your next trip out on the water.
I've long been a fan of the ideals and gear that Reel Pure has produced. It is cool to see the blog element, Moldy Chum, grow out of their effort as well.
Look for an interview later this month with Eric Rathbun of Reel Pure. He breaks down how it all started, what they're thinking, and where Reel Pure/Moldy Chum is headed in the future.
In the meantime check out the Reel Pure website and order yourself up a new cap or jacket to get dirty on your next trip out on the water.
Friday, June 26, 2009
MICHIGAN BOUND!
It's after midnight and I've finally got the Element mostly packed for our trip to Michigan. I am always astounded how much gear we end up taking on these trips. We'll leave tomorrow afternoon and drive straight through to the family lake house on Crystal Lake.
I'm excited about spending a lot of time in the kayak on the lake and a day trip down the Mason Tract of the South Branch of the Au Sable River as well.
We decided at the last minute to take K-9 "Ice" along with us since he had such a great time last year at the lake. This decision involved putting a hitch package on the Element and finding a metal platform that was the right size to hold his extra large kennel. I four point bolted the kennel to the platform so it shouldn't be going anywhere.
T.F.M. badged for safety with a couple red decals.
I hope to bring back a stack of stories and photographs from this ten day trip. We have a lot planned with fly fishing on Crystal Lake for all the usual warmwater suspects, day float down the South Branch, and a night on the Manistee River fishing the brown drake and hexagenia hatch. Stay tuned!
I'm excited about spending a lot of time in the kayak on the lake and a day trip down the Mason Tract of the South Branch of the Au Sable River as well.
We decided at the last minute to take K-9 "Ice" along with us since he had such a great time last year at the lake. This decision involved putting a hitch package on the Element and finding a metal platform that was the right size to hold his extra large kennel. I four point bolted the kennel to the platform so it shouldn't be going anywhere. 
T.F.M. badged for safety with a couple red decals.I hope to bring back a stack of stories and photographs from this ten day trip. We have a lot planned with fly fishing on Crystal Lake for all the usual warmwater suspects, day float down the South Branch, and a night on the Manistee River fishing the brown drake and hexagenia hatch. Stay tuned!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Recycled Waders the World Over!
As June is quickly passing by I thought I'd share a few photographs of Recycled Waders gear that has been showing up literally all over the world the past few weeks.
This post is also to serve as a reminder that the Recycled Waders Offer of the Month is winding down so get your orders in to take advantage of the 20% OFF discount!
Patrick Jenkins sent this studio photo of various Recycled Waders products looking good in sepia tones.
Kevin McGuire of North Carolina smartly practicing the "Gift One/Keep One" principle with the two Nook Sacks he ordered.
Kevin McGuire getting his Nook Sack wet on a small stream in Northern Georgia.
Kirk Werner filling his Messenger Creel with stacks of his wonderful Olive the Little Woolly Bugger books.
Hitoshi Takemura had a mess of Recycled Waders gear shipped to him in Japan. Check his blog for more photos of his order!
(Photograph courtesy of Aaron Otto/Sleeping in the Dirt)
Mr. Reel Pure, Eric Rathbun, battling roosters and carrying his Big Fanny pack in Baja, Mexico last month.
Mike Carlson with his Messenger Creel on one of the various lakes near his home in Northern Wyoming.
Finally, my summer striper gear pared down to the essentials and carried in a Nook Sack in the "Dirty South" on the Saluda River.
Order your Recycled Waders gear now!
This is a cool GREEN company producing an excellent line of products.
This post is also to serve as a reminder that the Recycled Waders Offer of the Month is winding down so get your orders in to take advantage of the 20% OFF discount!
Patrick Jenkins sent this studio photo of various Recycled Waders products looking good in sepia tones.
Kevin McGuire of North Carolina smartly practicing the "Gift One/Keep One" principle with the two Nook Sacks he ordered.
Kevin McGuire getting his Nook Sack wet on a small stream in Northern Georgia.
Kirk Werner filling his Messenger Creel with stacks of his wonderful Olive the Little Woolly Bugger books.
Hitoshi Takemura had a mess of Recycled Waders gear shipped to him in Japan. Check his blog for more photos of his order!
(Photograph courtesy of Aaron Otto/Sleeping in the Dirt)Mr. Reel Pure, Eric Rathbun, battling roosters and carrying his Big Fanny pack in Baja, Mexico last month.
Mike Carlson with his Messenger Creel on one of the various lakes near his home in Northern Wyoming.
Finally, my summer striper gear pared down to the essentials and carried in a Nook Sack in the "Dirty South" on the Saluda River.Order your Recycled Waders gear now!
This is a cool GREEN company producing an excellent line of products.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Sunday Cinema - Flies and Fins
Internet fly fishing O.G. Jeremy Cameron of Flies and Fins has been a friend to T.F.M. nearly from the start by repping an ad space on his site (keep refreshing your page. The T.F.M. ad is there on the right lower side of the page.) and I can't thank him enough for the technical help and advice he's given as well as I figure my way through all of this. A stand up fellow no doubt.
When I saw this video last weekend I knew I wanted to use it for a Sunday Cinema post. Original song, neat mix of salt clips, making for a stellar video to enjoy.
Jeremy...thanks for letting us use the video. I'm still waiting for that "T.F.M. Spotting" photo of you in your t-shirt holding a Maine fly caught stripah! Just saying...
When I saw this video last weekend I knew I wanted to use it for a Sunday Cinema post. Original song, neat mix of salt clips, making for a stellar video to enjoy.
Jeremy...thanks for letting us use the video. I'm still waiting for that "T.F.M. Spotting" photo of you in your t-shirt holding a Maine fly caught stripah! Just saying...
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