09
Apr 10

Val + Abaco + Orvis

A week in Abaco with famed photographer Val Atkinson doesn’t sound bad at all, really.  Oct. 17-23 Val is hosting a trip for Orvis at Abaco Lodge, now made famous for being the filming location for Pirates of the Flats.

Honestly, it sounds like a good time.  I particularly like this bit…

Anglers on this special trip can even participate in valuable bonefish research by collecting fin clippings and occasionally tagging their catches, prior to release. Each member of the group will receive a Helios saltwater rod, and a one year membership in Bonefish & Tarpon Trust.

Pirates were here... photo Val Atkinson


25
Mar 10

Join Orvis and the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust – April 4, 2010

Have you been wanting to go on an Orvis trip?  Have you been wanting to go to Belize?  Have you been wanting to be a part of the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust‘s Traveling Angler Program?  If you answered “yes” to, well, any of the above question, I may have the skinny on just the trip for you.  Right now there are only TWO spots left.

April 4th is the date for an Orvis trip as part of BTT’s Traveling Angler Program.  Details can be found here.

You’ll even get some new gear out of it…

To make the experience even more fun, Orvis will provide each angler with a brand new Helios rod and Battenkill Large Arbor reel to help them catch as many “research subjects” as possible.

The lodge is El Pescador, which seems like a  pretty fantastic operation, and you can expect Dr. Aaron Adams to be there as well.  Here is what they say about the trip:

Proceeds from this trip will go to help Bonefish & Tarpon Trust conduct valuable research and education programs, ensuring that bonefish and tarpon will be on the flats for many years to come. An important part of BTT’s research includes collecting fin clippings for genetic analysis and tagging fish to learn more about their life cycle and migration patterns. Participating anglers will work closely with Aaron J. Adams, Ph.D., Director of Operations and Research, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust. You will help conduct valuable research while at the same time enjoying a fantastic bonefishing vacation. We chose El Pescador Lodge because it is the perfect place to experience quality bonefishing at this time of year and there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

Now… doesn’t that sound like a good time?  It is about $5K, putting not on the cheap side of things (I could do about 5 trips for that much cashish), but the experience is bound to be very special.

Orvis + El Pescador + BTT


12
Jan 10

Want a Hell's Bay Skiff for $100?

Hell’s Bay makes some good looking boats.  I’m sure they are impressive.  What if you could get a Waterman (a $33,000 boat) for $100?  That would be kind of kick ass, no?

Well… you can… if you are the lucky winner of the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust’s Sweepstakes.  Basically, if you are a first-time member and join at the $100 level, you get put in the drawing.  If you are a renewing member and come in at $250 or higher, you are in the drawing.

In addition to the big prize, there are a monthly drawings for gear from companies like Sage, Orvis, Tibor, Redington, Penn and Temple Fork Outfitters.

So… join, now.  That’s some mighty good shwag and if you are reading this, BTT is probably an organization that should be getting your support.


23
Dec 09

Orvis Bonefish Podcast

Orvis does a podcast and this one just happens to be all bonefishy.

Shopping at Orvis is an uneven experience.  Some shops know a lot, some have no idea what their own products are.  I like the shop in Santana Row in San Jose, and in Palo Alto.  In San Jose, there are no more independent fly shops, so Orvis is the only choice.  Good thing the San Jose shop seems to have their act together.