Category:
Fly Fishing fly rod Underground Entertainment wintson fly rod
Added Date:
Wednesday, 10 Dec, 2008
Summary
Scott Fly Rods suffered layoffs early in 2008, and now it's Winston's turn to stand in the unemployment line; the fly rod company is laying off production employees due to slumping sales - a sign of a weak economy according to CEO Woody Woodward
Content
Scott Fly Rods suffered layoffs early in 2008, and now it's Winston's turn to stand in the unemployment line; the fly rod company is laying off production employees due to slumping sales - a sign of a weak economy according to CEO Woody Woodard:
Woodard said projections for sales next year show they should drop, based on economic data. Winston dealers are not ordering as many rods as the recession in the United States and the ripple effect throughout the global economy have slowed consumer spending. The company does not expect to need to produce as many fly rods in the coming year.
"The uncertainty is so great that people just aren't going into fly shops," Woodard said.
See WINSTON, Page A5 "That's all the indications we're getting and we have to reduce personnel accordingly." The layoffs took effect last week.
Winston Rod moved to Twin Bridges in 1976, and sells bamboo rods, which retail for around $3,000 each, and less expensive graphite fly rods.
(The Underground is deeply amused at the last sentence, which suggests Winston is a bamboo fly rod manufacturer who also happens to sell graphite fly rods.) Read More The Underground Picks The Dozen Best Fly Rods of All Time PeriodEven before the economy cratered, the fly fishing industry witnessed several years of marginal (or zero) growth, and it's likely we'll see more companies take unpleasant measures in order to survive.
Winston is also one of the oldest continuously operating fly rod companies, and "Prestige" fly rod manufacturers might be feeling the pinch of lower-priced, foreign-built fly rods (like TFO) - a trend that could be accelerated by a tough economy. What's the Undergrounder opinion? Is this simply a blip on the recession radar, or are tougher times in store for an already-stagnant fly gear market?
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This is a small town with a big heart, a veritable fisherman’s paradise. Located near the fish-filled Madison River, and surrounded by the waters of Ennis Lake, the Ruby River, Hebgen ... moreLake, Quake Lake, Henry’s Lake, the Big Hole River and scores of smaller streams, the town boasts what many consider the best trout fishing in the world. As well known for its wranglers as its anglers, Ennis has succeeded in maintaining the look and feel of its original, gold town roots. Warm and hospitable, the area offers a wide variety of accommodations ranging from simple campsites, rustic motels and gracious hotels, to full-service, luxury resorts. Fly shops are numerous, stocked by local experts ready to advise and assist, while guides can be booked for trips throughout the area.
Boredom is the only thing unavailable in Ennis. Throughout the summer season the city hosts a series of events, including its renowned 4th of July Celebration Parade and a genuine, old-fashioned rodeo. In August, fly-fishing luminaries from around the US, flock to Montana to compete in the Madison Fly Fishing Festival. Athletes also find their way to Ennis to compete in the city’s Madison Trifecta, two shorter races followed by a full Marathon at 9000 feet, the highest elevation run in America. For the true sportsman, October falls in with the annual Hunter’s Feed. What’s caught, typically elk, moose deer, pheasant and bobcat, gets cooked on the streets and served up to hungry spectators.
Flanked by three grand mountain ranges, The Tobacco Root, Gravelly and Madison, Ennis is scenic and entertaining – truly an authentic, fly fisher’s haven.
The North Fork and South Fork of the Kern Wild and Scenic River is located within a four-hour drive of more than one-third of the population of southern California. With its range ... moreof elevation, topography and vegetation, it offers a broad spectrum of recreation opportunities for all seasons of the year. Principal outdoor recreation activities include fishing, hiking, camping and whitewater boating.
The North Fork flows through Sequoia National Park and the Sequoia National Forest, past post-pile formations, spiked-granite protrusions and sharp rock ledges. The North Fork Kern River canyon within the Golden Trout Wilderness may be the longest, linear glacially-sculpted valley in the world. It contains regionally unique features referred to as Kernbuts and Kerncols. These rounded to elongated (parallel to the axis of the canyon) granitic knobs (Kernbuts) and the depressions between them (Kerncols) were first identified and named in the Kern Canyon.
The North Fork River corridor also includes regionally uncommon wetland habitat at Kern Lakes and the alkaline seep at the Forks of the Kern. The wetland habitat contains several uncommon aquatic and marsh species; the alkaline seep also supports several uncommon plants. The river's deep pool habitat supports a population of wild trout and also vividly colored hybrid trout.
The South Fork Kern River flows through a diverse landscape, including whitewater, waterfalls, large granite outcrops interspersed with open areas and open meadows with extensive vistas. The segment in the Dome Land Wilderness flows by numerous granitic domes and through a rugged and steep granitic gorge where whitewater rapids are common.
With a gradient of 30 feet per mile, the North Fork Kern is one of the steepest and wildest whitewater rivers in North America. The Forks Run is a nearly continuous series of Class IV and V rapids and waterfalls. The Upper Kern is a popular stretch of river for whitewater boating, camping and fishing. The Lower Kern runs 32 miles from Isabella Dam to the canyon mouth above Bakersfield, California.
The Lower Madison provides memorable Montana angling adventures. The river begins below Ennis Lake, flows through the majestic Beartrap Canyon and 35 miles downstream to the Headwaters ... moreof the Missouri River. Because it is dam-controlled, the Lower Madison can be reliable when stream flows are higher in the Spring, and in late Fall when water temperatures start to drop elsewhere. Although not as well known as its upstream neighbor, The Upper Madison, the Lower is an exceptional fishery that can produce trout in attractive numbers and size. The Lower Madison is mostly known as a Brown and Rainbow trout fishery, though some cutthroats do exist in the river. Prolific hatches and large numbers of crayfish and sculpins make for very well-fed fish in The Lower Madison.
A full day float trip on Ennis Lake is a great experience. Ennis Lake offers very diverse opportunities for great trout fishing. Countless tactics and approaches work for wade and ... morefloat fishing Ennis Lake. Montana Fish Man can help unlock the Ennis Lake secrets and give you the angling tools for future success. This is a great summer season option for beginners and expert anglers alike. Fly fishing and light tackle spin fishing. For one or two people.
The Ruby offers some very big secrets wrapped up in a small technical, river package. From its headwaters to the confluence with the Beaverhead the Ruby is mostly a smaller meadow ... morestyle stream. It is fished primarily on foot from any one of the numerous bridges or access points. This little river has been ground zero for the fight against privatization of Montana's water ways. This is a great river for the small stream enthusiast as well as the angler looking for big surprises in little waters. Ultralight tackle fisherman will also enjoy the possibilities of this "gem" of a river located near Ennis, Montana.
At A Lazy H Outfitters, we combine our experience and passion for the outdoors to provide you an exceptional fly fishing experience in Montana's Bob Marshall Wilderness. Our pack trip ... moreadventures range from exploring the peaks of the continental divide to abundant fly fishing in Montana's rivers.
Our fully guided fly fishing trips are deep in the wilderness where you will find abundant fish and few fishermen. The dry fly action on top of the water in these streams is fast, aggressive, and exhilirating. There are few places in the world where you can fish wild rivers with almost no competition and with the quantity of fish available.
Do you have someone in your group that wants to go with you but isn't big into fishing? Our horse packing trips have a wide variety of opportunities for the non-fishermen to explore, horseback ride, and enjoy the trip while you fish.
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