Ombraz Sunglasses, New Fly-fishing Jobs and The Story Behind Van Staal

Ombraz Sunglasses, New Fly-fishing Jobs and The Story Behind Van Staal

A newcomer in the sunglass market, Ombraz is doing something entirely different: stemless glasses. They are comfortable and our pair of RX Teton’s with a brown tint have surprisingly good optical quality from edge to edge. Perfect for whitewater enthusiasts, bikers, skiers, photographers, anglers or anyone who values sunglass security, or is constantly taking their shades on and off. More to come on this innovative brand.

Astral has been one of the go-to brands for dependable PFDs (lifejackets) for a while now. Most of the summer and into the fall we’ve been rocking the newish “Sturgeon” Fishing PFD Life Jacket on mellower river floats and have been impressed by the combination of low profile wearability, comfort and the ingenuity of a single clamshell (front) pocket. Our favorite feature? A side zipper that provides easy on/off access.

Fly-fishing job opportunities: 1. Independent Sales Representative with St. Croix. 2. South Rockies Territory Manager with Umpqua Feather Merchants. 3. Business Development Manager with Umpqua Feather Merchants.

From Field Mag: Backpacking, Packrafting & Fly Fishing in the Adirondacks. “With some practice and study, finding trout in moving water becomes somewhat formulaic: a pocket of calm water next to a quick flow, or the edge of a fallen tree giving overhead protection from predatory birds.”

Some great info from Ken Baldwin about sink tip fly lines and quick converting (sink tip) leaders: “A floating line with a streamer tends to make it jump up and down on the retrieve. A sinking line will keep the streamer moving in a straight line…” And his 2024 Gear Review: Gear That Improved Performance & Favorites From a Year of Testing.

Hatch reviews the Winston Pure 2 7-foot 9-inch 4-weight: “The rod flexed with a lively, yet relaxed, action that would be perfect for small dry fly work, but it wasn’t a slouch against the stiff breeze, either.”

Hardcore surf fishing: Peter Jenkins of the Saltwater Edge and Craig Cantelmo of Van Staal discuss the history, design and “enduring appeal” of Van Staal reels.

If you want to help pick the best of the IF4™ (International Fly Fishing Film Festival) official selections, check them out and vote.

Check out the Silent Spotter trailer: Tommy Batun is a deaf and mute fly-fishing guide from Xcalak, Mexico. See the full film at the International Fly Fishing Film Festival in 2025.