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Fishing Photography - Understanding Your Camera's Priority Modes

Part 2 of 3

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Alaska Fishing Photography Part 2

I think taking on full manual control of a camera is a goal for any aspiring photographer looking to improve their skills. While it is very intimidating at first, learning manual control can be taken one step at a time through the use and understanding of the camera’s preset priority modes. In the last “Behind the Lens” article we discussed choosing the proper lens for your fishing photography. Building on that, I will briefly discuss using priority modes in preparation for takingon full manual control of your cameras settings.

Shutter Priority -

Outside of full manual control, using your cameras shutter priority mode (“S” on Canon or “Tv” on Nikon) is the best way to learn how to control the amount of movement and/or blur produced in your final image. Here, your camera allows you to choose the desired shutter speed, while it takes control of the remaining ISO and aperture settings. When trying to capture fly line in flight, or a fish doing mid-air cartwheels, you will find that cranking up the shutter to the maximum possible speed is necessary to get a sharp, clean image. While this is not exactly rocket science, it is necessary to understand completely. I can hold my camera steady at a shutter speed of 1/60th or faster by hand, but if I need to shoot any slower, a camera support is necessary to avoid blur in the final image.

The downside to using the shutter priority mode lies in the photographers inability to set the desired depth of field. Keeping this limiting factor in mind, I always enjoyed experimenting with the shutter speeds when trying to capture a fly line in flight. I would start at a low shutter speed, and continuously analyze how “frozen” the line and angler were as the speed was ramped up. Over time I realized that sometimes a little blur is a good thing, giving the image a sense of movement and action that a completely still frame does not have.

AlaskaPhotos

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Fishing Photography - Picking the Right Lens

Part 1 of 3

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Fishing Photography Part 1

Recently, I have had a few people ask me about lens selection in regard to fishing photography. More precisely, "What is the best lens I can get for the majority of my fishing situations?" While I wish it were a simpler question to answer, the fact is, each lens type has its own pros and cons. Every individual lens captures emotions differently, almost as if they have their own unique "personality." Here's my rundown:

Wide-Angle - The Hank Patterson of Lenses

Wide Angle Lens

I think we all have that fishing buddy who always brings the party. They always bring the beer, and are fun as hell regardless of the fishing conditions. They often get worked up over every fish, and are relentless in hassling you after you farm a monster. Simply put, a wide-angle lens is more or less the "Hank Patterson" of camera gear.

I find that images taken with a wide-angle lens have their own special kind of excitement to them. This lens style has a tendency to separate a subject from its background by maximizing the foreground and minimizing the size of the background. This will in turn add a lot of depth to your imagery. I find I most commonly use my wide-angle lens for grip and grin, close up action, and just all around energetic fishing situations.

While this style lens has provided me with a lot of great images, it also comes with it's own set of disadvantages. Unless you are shooting landscape images, where you are trying to shoot an entire scene, capturing your subject full frame requires the camera to be tight to the subject. Mountain ranges, trees, and other parts of your background tend to shrink in comparison to your subject. So if you are looking at capturing the details of the background, you may need to go with a longer style lens. When used properly though, a wide-angle lens can be one of your favorites, and is a must have in any photographers arsenal.

My personal favorite is the Cannon 20mm F/2.8 Ultrawide. It provides crisp, energetic images with minimal distortion, and won't completely break your bank at about $539.

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5 Last Minute Gifts for Fly Fisherman

Late is better than never!

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Wish List Header

Tis' the season once again. The time for reckoning has come, testing how well you were listening to your loved ones throughout the year. If it is a fly fisherman you are shopping for, the way I see it, you have two options. You could peruse through the pages of the fly fishing catalogs found in your bathroom, analyzing the most worn and drool soaked pages, or you can follow along for the next few days as I outline the top 5 gifts that we fly fisherman could ever ask for. So, forget the flannel onesie pajamas, and be sure to drop one of these little gems into the wading boots hung by the chimney with care.

file 1409253140 3Stanley Mountain Coffee System

Before today there were two options for anglers regarding riverside coffee. You could pack in a heavy and constantly cooling full thermos, or pack in all the gear necessary to boil a pot. Breathe easy now friends, these tough, harrowing days are now over. Enter, the Mountain Coffee system by Stanley.

This product, a brilliantly designed coffee French press and coffee transport device made by Stanley, is an all-in-one, riverside rejuvenation apparatus. I had the opportunity to play with one of these the other day and was thoroughly impressed. Similar to those little Russian nesting dolls, I kept removing layers, and kept finding more great features. There seemed to be no end. I am not going to completely spoil the surprise for you, so I'll let you check out the video and website attached below and make up your mind for yourself. I'm guessing you will be impressed, and at $50 it's not breaking the bank.

Buy Stanley Mountain Vacuum Coffee System (MSRP - $50)

Tacky Fly BoxTacky Fly Box

Now, I must say that #4 on my list is definitely a product that I was initially skeptical about. How much more could a fly box improve? I very much so understood the pros and cons of different fly box variations. The constant removal and replacement of flies throughout the year generally leaves my once unadulterated foam fly boxes looking like they had a make out session with a cheese grater. Not to mention the hassle of picking up your fly box and finding that most of them have fallen out and are now scattered throughout your box. Oh, our first world problems.

The primary improvement is found in the silicon layer that holds the flies. It is immune to break down and fly slippage. Major score.

Ultimately, the Tacky Fly box would be a great addition to any angler's arsenal and at $24.95, a perfect stocking stuffer. I look forward to what the Tacky team comes out with next. Maybe, (cough...cough...hint...hint) a larger version that can hold all of our large salmon and trout streamers?

Buy Tacky Fly Box (MSRP - 24.95)

costadeCosta Del Mar Permit

There is no doubt that Costa has developed a great reputation in the outdoor community. Regarded as the best in their business, Costa perfectly balances form and function. They utilize some of the best glass in the industry in combination with stylish designs that would have Mr. Hasselhoff himself swooning.

When on the water, I prefer to have a pair of glasses that fully cover my field of view. The Permit series fits the bill perfectly with their large coverage, lightweight frame, and anti-slippage lining from temple to temple. These are my go to shades on a day-to-day basis. Definitely at the higher end of the price range, but as with all of Costa's product, trust me, they are well worth the cost.

Buy Costa Del Mar Permit (MSRP: $249)

Gear List 6Loop Evotec G4 Series Fly Reel

A few years back the Loop Evotec series fly reels were updated from their older design. What spawned from this revamping is a fly reel that has all of the powerful features of the Opti series, but carries a lower price tag. Carrying all the same Power Matrix drag technology as the Opti and Classic series, the Evotec will stand toe to toe with any other reels out there. As a guide with a boat that has diamond plated flooring, I can attest first hand that this reel is tough as nails.

The big kicker here is that the Power Matrix Drag System allows you to custom set the maximum drag pressure, a powerful and under utilized tool. Think about it, you can set your drag to match your tippet strength and not have to worry about breaking one off because of too much pressure. In the David vs. Goliath type of fishing battles that we find ourselves in up here in Alaska, the EVOTEC is a welcome and necessary piece of insurance.

Buy Loop Evotec G4 (MSRP - $479)

Gear List 3Yeti Hopper

I was first introduced to Yeti a few years back. Intrigued about how a cooler can create such buzz, I had to investigate more. What I found was a bulletproof product that is as versatile as it is functional. The YETI Hopper is the first fully leak-proof soft sided cooler of its kind. As with all their coolers, it is extremely durable, reliable, and ridiculously efficient at keeping things cold. Seriously, if they made a snowman size, Frosty himself could live in Florida year round.

Personally, I prefer a soft cooler in my boat due to space being at a premium. At 12"x22," the hopper fits the bill perfectly. Do yourself a favor and invest in one of these bad boys, and check off another item on your gear list that you will never have to worry about again.

Buy Yeti Hopper (MSRP - $299)

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Custom Fly Out Knives - For Sale

From Bolduc Knives

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We asked specialty knife maker, Gary Bolduc, to design and manufacture a special edition Fly Out knife that is extremely tough and multi-functional, and engraved with our signature bush plane logo. It is a fantastic utility, hunting, backpacking, and all purpose knife that is a tough little monster! It has a stone wash finish 3.5" blade, para cord wrap 4" handle built out of S35VN stainless steel with a kydex sheath. The knife is super slim, yet tough as nails, extremely light weight, with 2 lanyard holes for pole lashing or handle pull & spine gimping for finger control.  Holes in kydex sheath allow you to tie it anywhere you want or use the belt loop to carry.

Bolduc Knives is synonymous with quality when it comes to the knife industry for sportsmen. Many of his hunting and fishing knives are inspired by Alaska, and we're proud to have one of his products bear the Fly Out brand. You can purchase a Fly Out knife by emailing us at [email protected]. These knives start at $150 + shipping. Different knife handles are available upon request. 

Bowls-pipes-amp-antler-bowls-0011-300x225About Gary:

Raised as a young man in Vermont attracted my interest to the views of the rolling hills, country back roads and flowing streams. Around eight or nine years of age, I started exploring the geography within a 2 or 3 mile radius of my home in the countryside. I would collect stones, odd pieces of wood, or whatever I thought was interesting. I always wondered what was over the next hill, usually climbing a tree for a better vision if I dared not to venture any further. As I grew older, I lost this fear and traveled as far as I could in one day, of course, coming home exhausted. Once I turned sixteen and obtained a driver's license, I was allowed to explore vast areas via back country roads. I would stop at interesting streams, apple orchards gone wild and maple tree stands of forest for a new exploration, all of the time watching for deer, woodchucks, partridge, hawks, squirrels and whatever else I would happen upon or would cross my path.

Read More about Gary Bolduc

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New Fly Out Hats For Sale

$25 plus Shipping

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FlyOutHats Small

We finally have some Fly Out hats in stock with some new colors and designs. We have truckers and 1 flex fit style (see photos above). They are $25.00 + shipping.

If you would like to order a hat, send an email to [email protected] that includes the following: 

• Your Name

• Mailing Address

• Hat Style and Color Options + Quantity

We will send the hat(s) to the address and follow up with an electronic invoice via PayPal that can be paid by debit/credit. 


We will have an online shop location soon for a wide variety of Fly Out apparel/gear soon (hoodies, t-shirts, knives, buffs, hats, etc.). 

More soon! 

 

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Fly Out Hats For Sale -$25

Just In Time for the Holidays!

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TruckerAngleThese limited edition hats were floating around Alaska last summer with our guide ambassadors. Now you can purchase one yourself for $25 + shipping. We've embroidered these hats on high quality flexfit (Yuupong) and trucker (Richardson) hats. We will ship anywhere in the U.S. Email us today to order at [email protected].    

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my blog

By Fly Out Ambassador Mark Rutherford

My family members all the time say thaqt I am killing my time here att web, except I know I aam getting know-how daily by reading thes fasstidious content.
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Alaska Fly Selection: June (Part 1 of 3)

An Article by Fly Out Ambassador Mark Rutherford

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A Fly Selection for BRISTOL BAY, ALASKA

the Greatest Trout & Salmon Fishery in the World

Flies for 1 person for 1 week on a float trip or fishing with the region's best lodges. This is a multi species list, with an emphasis on June Rainbow Trout and Arctic Grayling, plus all of the other sport-fish in the Bristol Bay watersheds including Arctic Char, Lake Trout, early Kings, Sockeye, and Northern Pike. A short discussion follows.

First, don't leave home without these 5 items in your carry on luggage.

  1. Your best Polaroid glasses.
  2. Your Rx medications.
  3. Your favorite waterproof/breathable wading or fully waterproof rain jacket with retractors for hemostat and line nipper and 2 large pockets for fly boxes.
  4. Waders you completely trust which will get the equivalent of a full year of normal use during your AK trip.
  5. Wading boots that fit. Felt soles were outlawed in AK in 2012. The sticky rubber soles are now quite good. No "cleated, nailed, or studded" boots in rafts or cabins.

Why? In case Alaska Airlines loses you're checked bags with your clothing, rods, reels, and flies. You came a long way! Improvise and go fish!

Flies FOR Trout, Char, and Grayling

The Trout, Char, and Grayling flies below are proven in Bristol Bay, which is the finest completely intact, functional salmonid fishery in the world. When possible, tie or buy your patterns articulated or with stinger hooks for a significantly higher ratio of total fish landed (with less damage to fish mouthparts than traditional streamer hooks.) In the Bristol Bay region, please release ALL RAINBOW TROUT regardless of whether the Alaska Department of Fish and Game allows retention. It takes 10-15 years in cold Alaskan waters for a trophy trout to grow beyond 22 inches. Sockeye, Lake Trout, Char, and Grayling in June all provide great eating.

Your fly line(s) will determine to some extent how heavily weighted your flies should be. Cover your bases by bringing both a floating line and a sink tip. A full-sink line is not needed for our rivers and creeks.

Use your floating line in the headwaters and for "searching" as you work down river until water depths in the channels along the outside bends regularly exceed 3 feet and then, perhaps, switch to the sink tip. As you move down river you'll be pitching flies using the floating line with a weighted fly and perhaps an indicator. You are targeting root wad structure, deep green channels, and sweepers. The quarry is Rainbow Trout. One loses a lot of flies using this method, but, in June, this is where the fish are and you must fish in the woody debris and among broken chunks of sod left from spring flooding! Use fly lines like RIO Clouser which help turn over the large weighted flies with an aggressive weight forward taper. Cast aggressively to launch the leeches with lots of line speed. The 3"- 6" sink tip is very effective on Bristol Bay Rivers. If you have the "gift" you'll fish the sink tip both when drifting in the boat or wading and reap the rewards. If you don't have the "gift" you'll lose lots of flies and leaders fishing the sink tip while drifting from the boat and go back to the floating line and do very well.

Your rod choices: A #7 weight fly rod does it all. Some of my clients or friends bring two #7 wts and never 'look back'. A #4 is a fine rod for Arctic Grayling and trout under "ideal" (but somewhat rare) June conditions. The #5 weight & #6 weight make all purpose Trout/Char/Grayling rods but when you start fishing the weighted cone head Sculpins & Leeches the #7 weight can not be beat.

48 Trout Flies

trout

  • Sculpin patterns. Choose among various Sculpin patterns: Sculpzilla, Cone head, Rag, Woolhead, Exasperator, Loop, etc. Colors- olive, black. Size 2-4. Bring 4+ of your chosen pattern(s), 2 in each color.
  • Egg sucking leech patterns. Choose among: Loop, Articulated Bunny, Sleech, Lead Eye, or Starlight, purple, olive, white, all purpose attractor. size #4-6. At least 2 should be purple. Bring 4+.
  • Starlight leech. All white, good attractor for rainbow. Great color for Lake trout at your "put in lake". Bring 2.
  • Haymaker Leech Conehead Eggabou size #1 black or blue. Consider it.
  • Conehead Eggabou size #4 in pink or purple. Bring 2
  • Dali Lama, Black & White, #6 all purpose attractor. Bring 2.
  • Dali Lama, Green & White, #6. An option to substitute for traditional olive Sculpin.
  • S&B Super string leech, or Pink rubber worm Sleech size #4 pink. Cold water Rainbows bring 2. Consider a selection of S&B Super string leech colors. A very fine fly.
  • Mice bring 4+, Mr. Hanky, Loco, Preparation H Mouse, Moorish Mouse, Blair, Darth Skater, Mercers Lemming. You should have small bottle silicone floatant (not dry silica) for Mice and Caddis.
  • Wooly bugger patterns in Olive, Black, Brown, size #4-6 bring 4.
  • Nymphs, Hares ear, Pheasant Tail, Copper John etc. Bring 4. Fished as dropper in upper river or in cold water under an indicator.
  • Trout beads, 8mm, natural roe and gold roe colors fished as dropper with "Owner" egg hooks. Bring 6. Fish as dropper where legal.
  • Smolt & Fry. Stinger Clouser, Strung out Thunder Creek, Neil Creek Dart, Neil Creek Slider, Bring 4+ can be fished as dropper, streamer, or dead drifted under an indicator! Green & gold.
  • Dry flies. For headwater through mid river when Grayling are rising. Elk Hair Caddis, Royal Wulff, Parachute Adams, Stimulator. High floating, high visibility. Size 14. Bring 6.

Total trout flies 48.

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10 Gifts You Might Have To Get For Yourself

For the Alaska Angler

 Just Click on the Image to Shop  

1. GoPro Hero 2 - $299.99 - GoPro cameras are used by more professional athletes, sports filmmakers and core enthusiasts than any other camera in the world. The HD HERO2: Outdoor Edition is the most advanced GoPro camera yet.

  

 

 

 

2. Zg Helios Fly Rod - $775.00 - Orvis set out on an adventure to make the world's lightest fly fishing rod. Along the way, they may have made the world's best. The new patent pending Helios is so innovative and, frankly, so far ahead of all other fly rods it skips generations in how a fly rod should feel, cast, and fish. It is so sublimely light, incredibly responsive, deadly accurate, and just plain easy and enjoyable to cast. A perfect trout rod for Alaska.

        

3. The Alaska Chronicles: An Unwashed View of Life, Work, and Fly Fishing - $24.95 - For seventeen weeks, Nolte had used his laptop and a satellite Internet connection to transmit his semi-daily account of what it's really like to be a fly fishing guide on a remote Alaskan river. Now published into a book, this candid account gives an interesting perspective on guide life in Alaska.

      

4. Filson Original Briefcase - $215.00 - A dependable, everyday briefcase, appropriate for the field. Inside is a wide carrying compartment, two full-length open pockets and sewn-on compartments for calculator, business cards, pencils and pens. Narrow pockets on both ends and full-length outer pockets on both sides.

5. Bozeman Watch Company Cutthroat - $6,675.00 - This stunning watch has been designed and made with the addition of a 24 hour time zone or GMT function so its proud wearer will always know what time it is in the mountains of Montana (or Alaska) where his/her favorite catch lies in waiting.

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6. Mount McKinley Flight Seeing Trip with Talkeetna Air Taxi - Starting at $195.00 - Consider a Gift Certificate for a Denali flight seeing tour and see one of the last wilderness areas untouched by modern man: over six million acres of open alpine tundra, wildlife, mile high granite gorges, ancient blue glaciers and endless icy peaks.

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7. A Bob White Print: An Outside Chance - $160 to $800 - Take a look at this signed & Numbered Limited Edition Giclee Print. A good fit for the sportsman's living room or office. We are happy to have such a talented artist and fly fishing guide as a Guide Ambassador with Fly Out.

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8. Save Bristol Bay - $ Donation - 'Tis the season of giving! This is the perfect gift for mother nature. Walk the walk, and donate to help protect Bristol Bay.

 save bb  

9. Subscribe to The Drake Magazine – 18.00/year - The Drake is our favorite fly fishing publication, period. The quality of articles and content is unmatched. Although the magazine is quarterly, you are not likely to be disappointed.

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10. An Alaska Fly Out Adventure - Go back to your favorite lodge or find a new adventure via our directory at AlaskaFlyOut.com. Email the lodges directly through the listings to inquire about specials and/or holiday pricing. See our list of Fly Out Lodges here. Or, contact the Fly Out team at [email protected] for booking advice. We're the Alaska experts. 

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'Tis The Season

A Special Deal That Helps Our Wilderness

SportsmanAllianceAd

 

Sportsman's Alliance for Alaska has teamed up with Pro Guide Direct, IBEX and Mountain Khakis to provide you a special deal that also helps our wilderness.

Simply click the image above and make a purchase between November 17 and December 3 to take advantage of the special promotions. On top of a terrific deal, 15% of your purchase will benefit SAA's work to protect Alaska's incredible public lands for fishing and hunting.

You can visit the Sportsman's Alliance for Alaska at the following link: 

http://www.sportsmansalliance4ak.org/

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