2007 Press Corps Poker winner's list

And now for the moment you've all been waiting for... (well, 9 of you anyway)









This year's winners of the 2007 FFR Press Corps Poker rally are:

1. Ross Purnell- 2 pair, Jacks and 2's

2. Joe Cornwall- 2 pair, 5's and 10's

3. Jacques Thibault- 2 pair, 2's and 3's

4. Dee Cornwall- Pair Aces

5. Conway Bowman- Pair 9's

6. Michelle Woo- Pair 4's

7. Ben Hoffman- Ace high, King

8. Geoff Mueller- Ace high, Queen, Jack

9. Jim- Reilly- Ace high, Queen

Our first place winner will have first choice from our list of prizes (click HERE for prize list), second place will have second choice, and, well, you get the picture. So let me know what you'd like Ross and I'll send some information on how to collect.

Orvis/American Angler Casting for Conservation Cup

Ten top casters compete for accuracy, distance, and a good cause

The 4th annual Orvis/American Angler Casting for Conservation Cup was once again a show favorite, attracting the largest field of competitive casters yet. The competition was exciting right up to the end, with Tim Rajeff and Kathleen Wagner taking the Men’s and Women’s honors. The two winners shared the $7,500 purse with Rajeff donating his half to the Coastal Conservation Association and Wagner splitting her half between Casting for Recovery and Reel Recovery.

Felt Soul Media Presents "Red Gold"

With the future of the world's last great wild salmon fishery hanging in the balance, multinational mining company Northern Dynasty draws plans to build the largest open pit mine ever constructed at the headwaters of this pristine resource in Bristol Bay Alaska. The project has created an outcry among local fisherman who rely on the fishery and concerned environmentalists wanting to protect this one of a kind resource.

Felt Soul Media chronicals both sides of the debate in the film "Red Gold." Check out the 3 minute movie trailer... it is definitely worth watching.

For the latest updates on the "Red Gold" film project, click HERE to check out the Felt Soul Media blog.

The Man and His Fish

Our friends at Sexy Loops submitted the following movie. A tad long, but a great fight in a truly remarkable location. Enjoy!

LINK

'Legal' Colordo Whiskey

Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey™

The first straight whiskey ever made in Colorado. (Legally, anyway.)

We felt it was time Colorado was better known for its contribution to the whiskey maker’s trade.

Whiskey has been made here in the high country for at least 200 years. The only problem was, not a drop of it was legal.

It was always made in small batches, for personal consumption and sharing with friends. And it was so good, someone always made more.

We at Stranahan’s found that pretty inspirational.

So we set out to make our own Colorado small batch whiskey. And we mean small batch. (We distill about five barrels a week.) When it’s time to bottle some – the whiskey tells us when -- we select two to six of our choicest mature barrels and combine them to yield a small batch with a reliable, yet distinctive taste unlike anything else out there.

Not a bourbon. Not a scotch. Not a Canadian.

Stranahan’s is a straight Rocky Mountain whiskey. The recipe for our mash is different. The way we distill it is different. And yet, drinkers of single barrel bourbons, and single malt scotch aficionados, all seem to find something to like in our handcrafted product.

For media information, please contact Doug Long at 5 Stone Advertising.
doug@5stonead.com
303.298.1226

FFR Top 10 Lists

Top ten things to do at FFR

10. Win a 6-day/7-night fly fishing trip for two to Boca Paila, Mexico at the FFR Industry Breakfast
9. Attend the Industry Party, reconnect with friends, and drink microbrewed beer at the Wynkoop Brewery
8. Watch 10 great movies at The Drake’s Five Minutes of Fly Fishing Video Awards.
7. Test a dozen different fly rods on the show’s casting ponds
6. Be wowed by the pros at the Orvis/American Angler Casting Cup.
5. Have a beer with friends on the show floor at around 3:30.
4. Ride home on a motorcycle courtesy of William Joseph.
3. Watch the Rockies beat the Marlins at Coors Field.
2. Swear you’ll never stay at the Holiday Inn again.
1. Go fishing.

Top ten things to do if you stayed home

10. Eat Breakfast.
9. Build a fort out of couch cushions, call it the Wynkoop, and invite your dog in for a beer.
8. Watch last year’s Five Minutes of Fly Fishing finalists on The Drake’s website.
7. Test the brakes in your Ford F150.
6. Fill up the kiddie pool and host your own ‘Casting Cup.’
5. Have a beer with complete strangers at the local pub around 3:30.
4. Ride your La-Z-Boy
3. Watch the Rockies beat the Marlins, on TV.
2. Swear you’ll never miss this show again.
1. Go fishing

Fly Fishing style hits the NY Times

We all know it was just a matter of time before they caught on...

NY Times Fly-Fishing Vest Photo Slideshow
From the New York Times:

IN a sport where stillness, patience and deftness count, having tools within arm’s reach is a must. Yet fly fisherman have been wrestling with backpacks, dropping rods and wading back to shore for years, all in the name of performing simple tasks like tying on a new fly. No wonder so many anglers wax on about the one that got away.

In an effort to streamline the gear and the sport, manufacturers have been retooling the traditional canvas fly-fishing vest, creating what are essentially wearable workstations. Following on the high-tech heels of other outdoor gear makers, they are incorporating breathable fabrics, waterproof zippers, rod holders, built-in backpacks and even hydration systems. David Ellerstein, the owner and head guide of Jackson Hole Anglers in Jackson, Wyo., field-tested five new models.

View the slide show HERE.

Last Minute Simms News

Simms Press Conference Media Advisory
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007. 3:30-4pm.
WHERE: Simms Booth # 305, Fly Fishing Retailer Show, Denver Convention Center.
WHAT: Brad Yeomans of W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. will discuss a major advancement in GORE-TEX® fabric technology, GORE-TEX® Pro Shell fabric, featured in Simms’ Spring 2008 product line. He will highlight the key consumer benefits and be available to answer any questions.

Beer will be provided and all media attendees will receive a special Simms shirt.

Need a ride home from Denver?

William Joseph Raises Money for a Good Cause in Style (as always..)

In an effort to help promote excitement, unity and sustained growth for fly fishing, William Joseph Company has put together a raffle to help raise funds for AFFTA (American Fly Fishing Trade Association) who’s sole purpose is to promote and grow our beloved sport.

And what is it that we ay be raffling off for this cause? Funny you should ask.. When the folks at Willy J. decide to get behind something they always “go big” with that in mind they have had a custom World War II BMW replica motorcycle built for the Ultimate Angler transport machine. This circa 1944 motorcycle features a 750 cc motor, dual seating on the bike it’s self and an authentic WWII style side car, not to mention custom rod holders, saddle bags and probably best of all a slew of matching William Joseph equipment.

The fund raiser will be held at the Fly fishing outdoor retailer show in Denver Colorado September 16th through the 18th tickets are $10.00 each and you may purchase as many as you would like with all proceeds going to AFFTA. You need not be present to win and can send your donations directly to AFFTA and they will forward you a ticket.

Season three and still going strong, Press Corps Poker returns to FlyFishing Retailer World Trade Expo

Draw a card at essential media events and compete to win prizes donated by Rio, Smith Optics, Patagonia and others

For the national press corps, the 2007 FlyFishing Retailer World Trade Expo (September 16-18) is the single essential gathering for coverage of the precision, passion and personalities of the fly fishing industry.

It’s not Vegas, but it is a great place to play a little poker.

In the Third Annual Press Corps Poker Rally, working media at FlyFishing Retailer will be able to draw a single card from a deck of playing cards at a variety of essential media events.

At the end of the show, the best five-card poker hands will get to choose from a boatload of prizes donated by FlyFishing Retailer exhibitors.

“Good luck,” said Kenji Haroutunian, FlyFishing Retailer show director.

The rules are simple. At each of 12 events, the public relations staff of FlyFishing Retailer (i.e. Scott) will allow attending members of the media to draw a single card. Each card will be recorded and winners will be contacted after the close of the show on Tuesday, September 18. Everyone's hand will be posted here.

Prizes to be awarded include a pair of Interlock sunglasses from Smith; a Guidewater jacket from Patagonia; a pack of Rio Gold trout line; Redington’s new Fast Action RS4 9’ 5wt. fly rod; Origo’s Fishing Guide Watch; a pair of Drynamics Waders from William Joseph; Simms Superlight insulated Jacket; ExOfficio’s Air Strip Lite™ long sleeve shirt; and The Pelz fishing hat from Imperial Headwear.

Smith Interlock







Patagonia Guidewater Jacket













William Joseph Drynamic Waders










Simms Superlight Insulated Jacket












Pelz Fishing Hat








Origo Fishing Pro Watch













For a look at the ExOfficio Airstrip shirt in action, please CLICK HERE.

The 12 poker events at the upcoming FlyFishing Retailer include:

SATURDAY, September 15

1. Meet the FlyFishing Retailer PR Guys (8-10 p.m., Wynkoop Brewery)

SUNDAY, September 16

2. AFFTA Industry Breakfast (7-9 a.m., MR-201, 203, 205, 207)
3. Seminar: “The Art of Giving Great Service” (Noon-1 p.m. CCC Room 406)
4. Reception at R.L. Winston’s Booth (4:30-5:15 p.m., Booth 341)
5. FlyFishing Retailer/ Islander Reels Industry Party (6:30-8:30 p.m., Wynkoop Brewery)

MONDAY, September 17

6. Seminar: Aquatic Nuisance/Invasive Species (Noon-1 p.m., CCC Room 406)
7. Seminar: Two-Handed Casting with Dec Hogan (1-2 p.m.; Spey Casting Pond)
8. Rio Products Party- Media invitations at the Rio Booth (5:30 p.m., Downstairs at the CCC)

TUESDAY, September 18

9. Retailer Roundtable (7:45 – 8:45 a.m., CCC Room 401)
10. The Simms/Drake Magazine Fly Fishing Photo Gallery (9:00 – 9:30 a.m., Show Entrance)
11. Internet Marketing: Explode Your Business Online (10:00 – 11:00 a.m., Show Entrance)
12. Finals, Orvis-Saltwater Fly Fishing Cup (Noon, Casting Pond B)

2007 Media Cocktail Hour

Pale Morning Media, in loose affiliation with the Wynkoop Brewery, presents:


The Third Annual FlyFishing Retailer Media Cocktail Hour!

Quickly becoming an annual tradition, and a great excuse to get out of your hotel room, the FFR Media Cocktail hour is the perfect opportunity for visiting media to spend a little time reconnecting with each other and various members of the FFR staff. Come on down and have a pint or three on us!

Unwittingly hosted by the Wynkoop Brewery in historic Lower Downtown Denver, the Media Cocktail Hour will convene around the bar on the Wynkoop’s FIRST FLOOR, so don’t be surprised if we’re not upstairs.


The Brewery is located at 1634 18th St., and directions follow. Festivities begin loosely at 8 pm Saturday, September 15 and continue until about 10-ish. And by the way, this is an official Press Corps Poker event, so be ready to play some cards. Hope to see you there!

Emotion Kayaks joins forces with Casting for Recovery to Fight Breast Cancer

Emotion Kayaks has partnered with The Casting for Recovery Organization to produce a special edition Casting for Recovery Fishing Kayak. The kayak has been outfitted specifically for women anglers and is manufactured in hi-optic pink and features: Light weight plastic for easy portaging and transportation, a paddle holder for hand free fishing, two fly rod specific rod holders, high back max comfort seat, and Casting for Recovery graphics. A $25 contribution will be made to Casting for Recovery for every CFR kayak that is purchased through an authorized Emotion Kayak dealer.

Casting for Recovery, founded in 1996, is a national non-profit support and educational program for women who have or have had breast cancer. CFR provides an opportunity for women whose lives have been profoundly affected by the disease to gather in a beautiful, natural setting and learn fly-fishing while meeting new friends and having fun.

CFR offers 2 ½ day retreats throughout the country, at no cost to the participants, incorporating counseling, educational services and the sport of fly-fishing to promote mental and physical healing. These retreats also offer a forum for women with similar experiences to meet, learn a new skill and gain a respite from their everyday concerns. CFR is holding 36 retreats in 25 states in 2007, serving almost 500 women. For more information on Casting for Recovery, please visit their website, www.castingforrecovery.org

“Casting for Recovery has made great strides in the fight against Breast Cancer and the use of Healthy Outdoor activities to help in the recovery process. Incorporating kayaking and kayak fishing in this effort can only help,” said David Hadden Sales and Product Manager. “We are proud to help in this effort to raise $25,000 for Casting for Recovery and its retreat programs for women… Cancer has touched many of our lives. We hope this will help in the larger fight and recovery effort nationwide.”


“Emotion Kayak’s commitment to women and their families is to be commended.” says Seline Skoug, Executive Director of Casting for Recovery. “They understand that Casting for Recovery’s emphasis on the life-changing benefit of learning a new skill and developing a focus on wellness, learning and empowerment in healthy activities is the key to our program’s success.”

Emotion Kayaks, www.emotionkayaks.com, is located in Reading, PA and manufactures recreational, family and fishing kayaks that are distributed through 300 active dealers and distributors around the globe. For more information, contact David Hadden at Emotion Kayaks, 1-866-352-9257, dahadden@verizon.net.