Would you buy a fly reel from this man?

My cuz Andrew at Deneki Outdoors has busted out the camcorder and started posting some new video content on You Tube. 

Here's some casting advice from Torrie Bevans. 

Acromioplasty Surgery - Attention all Spey Manufacturers

Shoulder Impingement is a painful condition caused by compression of rotator cuff tendons by the shoulder blade when the arm is raised.  According to my orthopedist (ex team Dr. for our local major Pac-10 university) when the patient is younger, the condition is caused by repetitive over head motion sports such as baseball or swimming.  Moving forward he will now add fly fishing to that list.  Single handed rod casting to be specific.

After months of PT and little improvement, I'm biting the bullet today and having acromioplasty surgery.  In fact, it's possible that the tool used to bore out more breathing room in my shoulder is sizzling as we speak. And, in some Northwest flow, there's bound to be a fish or two with a smirky mandible.

As spey brands/manufactureres plan for their 2010 marketing campaigns, they may consider adding another value point to their positioning statements.  And, I'm their man if they need endorsement.    

Update on Thursday, December 17, 2009 at 9:13PM by El Guapo

Reports from Mrs. Rathbun are that E-bun is doing well post surgery.

1968 film that helped spur passage of Oregon's forest protection rules

We came across this film yesterday on Osprey Steelhead News but no embed code or links to its source were provided. Of course we managed to track it down at Oregon State University and you can grab the embed code HERE if you wish to share.

Pass Creek provides a penetrating account of a once-rich steelhead trout stream threatened by careless logging practices. Focusing on Oregon's North Umpqua River Basin, the film portrays the impact of clearcut logging on the small tributary streams where most of the river's steelhead are spawned and reared. The subtle interdependence of land and water and the disruption of the aquatic environment caused by stream-clogging debris and warming water are dramatically presented. Hal Riney and Dick Snider, advertising executives and fishermen, produced the film and donated it to Oregon State University. It was widely distributed and viewed in Oregon and throughout the United States through the 1970s and was influential in changing logging practices in the Northwest.

Hal Riney knew a thing or two about advertising and public relations.

Dec Slab of the Month Entry: Persian Gulf Milkfish

Representing the Middle East, Chum lover AJ Pretorius stroked this Milkfish off the Southern Island of Oman in the Persian Gulf.  More proof that there's more to life than the upstream, dryfly presentation.

Nov Slab of the Month Entry: Largemouth Yellowfish

Here's a unique pic sent to us by South African Chummist - Ricko Cronje.  T - Bone Potgieter plucked this this Largemouth Yellowfish from the Vaal river in South Africa.  We'll admit it - never seen, smelt or heard of this fish.  But it clearly looks like a species that commands a bit of respect.

Rise screening hosted by Gig Harbor Fly Shop: Nov. 17th

Event: Rise Film premier hosted by The Gig Harbor Fly Shop.

Where: Tides Tavern, Gig Harbor

When: Tuesday, November 17th, 7-9pm

Why: $5 raffle ticket (Patagonia goodies) proceeds go to Wild Steelhead Coalition