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Ross Reels Release Newest Limited Edition Coors Light Reel Supporting TU

By
Max Inchausti
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Ross Reels has been paving the way for collab reels with its Coors Banquet series. As of today, another reel joins the family, this time sporting Coors Light styling (and yes, the mountains are blue. This collaboration, in partnership with Coors Brewing, brings to life the Coors Banquet Cimarron reel, Coors Banquet Airlite fly rod, and Coors Light Cimarron LT reel. In addition, both brands have partnered with Trout Unlimited, contributing $100,000 dollars to the Embrace A Stream program. For more information on this collaboration, view the full press release below.

From Ross Reels:

Montrose, CO, Jan. 15, 2026 — In the continued evolution of a partnership rooted in Colorado heritage, Rocky Mountain fly fishing, and a shared commitment to conservation, Ross Reels and Coors are proud to introduce a new limited-edition collection that brings together iconic design, industry-first innovation, and meaningful support for Western rivers.

Building on the success of previous collaborations, the latest Ross × Coors release includes the Coors Banquet Cimarron Creek reel, the Coors Banquet Airlite Aspire 905 fly rod, and—following strong demand from anglers—the addition of the Coors Light Cimarron LT reel.

Once again, Ross Reels and Coors will contribute up to a combined $100,000 to Trout Unlimited, marking the third year of the partnership and bringing total conservation support to up to $300,000 through Trout Unlimited’s Embrace A Stream grant program. These funds directly support on-the-ground volunteer-led river restoration and protection efforts.

“Rocky Mountain water is central to how we brew and to Coors’ story,” said Candace Hancock, Field Marketing Manager at Molson Coors. “It’s also why this partnership with Ross Reels and Trout Unlimited matters so much to us. Together, we’re creating products that celebrate Colorado and give back to the rivers and fisheries that make the West such a special place to fish.”

Through Trout Unlimited’s Embrace A Stream program, the Ross Reels × Coors partnership has been supporting conservation work across four Western river systems: Clear Creek in Colorado, the Big Hole River in Montana, the Provo River in Utah, and La Barge in Wyoming. Restoration projects on Clear Creek and La Barge have already been completed, with additional work planned or underway on the remaining rivers.

“Embrace A Stream helps anglers give where they fish and be champions for the rivers and streams they love,” said Jeff Yates, Senior Director of Engagement at Trout Unlimited. “This partnership, and this kind of sustained, multi-year support is essential to TU’s mission to care for and recover rivers across the country for the benefit of the fish and communities that depend on them.”

The Coors Banquet Cimarron Creek reel anchors the collection with a return to simplicity and feel. Designed, machined, and finished in Montrose, Colorado, the lightweight click-pawl reel features Ross’s patent-pending CERANO ceramic-based coating process, delivering enhanced durability and a distinctive Banquet-inspired finish. Each reel is individually serialized, marking it as a unique piece of the collaboration’s history.

New to the lineup, the Coors Light Cimarron LT reel introduces Ross’s industry-first, patent-pending ThermoChromic process, which uses temperature-responsive pigments to shift the reel’s mountain graphics to blue when temperatures drop below 70 degrees. The visual change provides a simple cue tied to safer fishing conditions for trout. Built on the Cimarron LT platform, the reel pairs lightweight performance with a smooth composite-disc drag.

Rounding out the collection, the Coors Banquet Airlite Aspire 905 fly rod delivers a versatile, all-around option designed for everyday trout fishing. The 9-foot, 5-weight rod offers smooth, balanced performance across a wide range of water and includes a custom Coors Banquet combo rod case, creating a clean, travel-ready setup designed to pair seamlessly with the Cimarron Creek reel.

The Ross × Coors collection launches Jan. 15, 2026, with select models and sizes available via pre-order, followed by additional product releases rolling out through early 2026. The collection will be available at rossreels.com and through select specialty fly shops.

ABOUT ROSS REELS

Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Montrose, Colorado, Ross Reels is a premier manufacturer of high-performance fly fishing reels and accessories. With a legacy of craftsmanship and innovation, Ross Reels has become a trusted name among anglers worldwide. Each reel is meticulously designed, engineered, and handcrafted in Colorado to deliver unparalleled performance, durability, and aesthetic appeal. As a Certified B Corporation and part of the Mayfly Outdoors family, Ross Reels is dedicated to conservation, sustainability, and the long-term stewardship of the natural environments that inspire the sport. For more information, visit rossreels.com.

ABOUT MOLSON COORS BEVERAGE COMPANY

For more than two centuries, Molson Coors has brewed beverages that unite people for all life’s moments. From Coors Light, Miller Lite, Molson Canadian, Carling, Madrí Excepcional and Staropramen to Coors Banquet, Blue Moon Belgian White, Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy, Vizzy Hard Seltzer, Topo Chico Hard Seltzer, Simply Spiked Lemonade, ZOA Energy, Blue Run Spirits, Creemore Springs and more, Molson Coors produces some of the most beloved and iconic brands in the beverage industry. While the company’s history is rooted in beer, Molson Coors offers a modern portfolio that expands beyond the beer aisle with energy drinks, bottled spirits, ready-to-drink cocktails, cider and more. To learn more about Molson Coors Beverage Company, visit molsoncoors.com.

ABOUT TROUT UNLIMITED

Trout Unlimited is the nation’s leading conservation organization working to care for and recover rivers and streams and their trout and salmon populations. We bring people together across the country to be champions for their rivers and help make our water cleaner and our communities healthier. Founded by a small band of Michigan anglers in 1959, we have grown into a national organization with more than 350 staff, 400 chapters, and 300,000 members and supporters. We bring science-driven restoration know-how, state and national policy muscle, and local volunteer energy to bear on behalf of clean water, healthy trout and salmon, and thriving communities.

2026 F3T Behind the Lens: Return of the Guide: Jurassic Lake

By
Tripp Nazziola
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Image courtesy of Will Phelps.

For this Behind the Lens, we sit down with RA Beattie and Will Phelps to dig into Return of the Guide: Jurassic Lake. The film follows Erik Argotti back to Lago Strobel, the rugged Patagonian fishery he once helped shape. Through his return, the team uncovers the history, emotion, and mystique behind one of the world’s most prolific trout waters. Here’s how they told the story, and what it took to film in such a raw, remote place.

Flylords: To start things off, could you give me a brief overview of the film “Return of the Guide: Jurassic Lake”?
Image courtesy of Will Phelps.

RA Beattie: Return of the Guide follows former fly-fishing guide Erik Argotti as he returns to Lago Strobel (“Jurassic Lake”) — a place he helped pioneer more than a decade ago. Through Erik’s perspective, we explore the history of this fishery, its misunderstood ecology, and what it means to revisit a place that shaped you during a defining chapter of your life.

Will Phelps: The film is about the history of the rainbow trout fishery in Lago Strobel in
Patagonia, Argentina. It encompasses how the fishery came to be and the story
of a couple of guys who crossed paths and became great friends through fly
fishing there. One of them now returns, after a decade away.

 

Flylords: What was the moment or idea that sparked Return of the Guide: Jurassic
Lake? Why tell this story now?

RA Beattie: Nick Reygaert from the film tour suggested the idea initially, so we looked into it. In the fly-fishing world, Jurassic Lake has become legend—reduced to size statistics and highlight-reel moments. When we learned Erik hadn’t been back since the early years of guiding there, we recognized a unique narrative: the emotional pull of return. We are not super interested in films that shamelessly promote lodges, but this felt like a great opportunity to tell a real story about a cool place.

 

Flylords: The core message centers on returning to a place that shaped you. What drew you to Erik’s story specifically as the lens for this return narrative?
Image courtesy of Will Phelps.

RA Beattie: Guides carry these fisheries on their backs—long days in harsh conditions, sacrificing sleep and personal goals so clients can live out their dreams. Erik embodies that reality. He’s walked this shoreline in wind that tears you sideways and sees the fishery with a depth only earned through labor. His return lets us explore how people evolve — and how the places that once defined us evolve too.

 

Flylords: What surprised you most about Erik’s experience stepping back into this
landscape after years away?
Image courtesy of Will Phelps.

RA Beattie: His calm. He wasn’t chasing the biggest rainbow or rushing to count eats. He savored it — sipping mate, laughing with old friends, choosing dries and mouse patterns even when he could have been stacking numbers. Watching him fish for joy rather than validation was incredibly moving.

Will Phelps: I was surprised by Erik’s calm demeanor. He wasn’t chomping at the bit to catch a giant rainbow. He caught a fish or two, had a mate, joked around with Martin
and Lucho, and fished the way he wanted to. It was about getting one on a dry or
on a mouse, not about catching the biggest or the most fish.

Flylords: You emphasize complete fishing sequences over highlight-reel moments. What does that add to the viewer’s experience?

Image courtesy of Will Phelps.

RA Beattie: Authenticity. Most films show only the glory — but real fishing is a story: the setup, the adjustments, the misses, the doubt, the teamwork. Full sequences let viewers feel the decisions and witness the human side of angling — the emotions that bead up between the casts.

Will Phelps: This gives the viewer a closer look at the reality of what is happening on screen. Real emotion when Erik loses a big fish or hooks one on a mouse. We get to listen in on his deep conversations with Martin as they walk the shoreline.

Flylords: Jurassic Lake has become legendary in fly-fishing culture. From your
perspective, what do most anglers misunderstand about this fishery?
Image courtesy of Will Phelps.

RA Beattie: The reputation is “easy giant trout,” but the reality is raw and humbling. The same violent wind that rips hats into next week is literally why the fishery exists — oxygenating the lake and driving its productivity. If you choose to challenge yourself — on top, on foot, in conditions only Patagonia can deliver — it’ll test your resilience as much as your rig.

Will Phelps: It is often misunderstood as super-easy fishing. The weather can change at any moment, and the harsh winds and conditions can make the fishing utterly
challenging. Even with good conditions, you can make the fishing quite
challenging by tying on a dry fly or a mouse.

 

Flylords: For anglers who only know Jurassic Lake as “where the giant rainbows live,” what ecological factors did you feel were most important to highlight?
Image courtesy of Will Phelps.

Will Phelps: It is important to note that the lake produces giant fish for several reasons. The wind, although challenging to fish in, is important for stirring the lake’s surface
and oxygenating its waters. The lake has no outlet, so the water that enters exits
by evaporation. The river that feeds the lake, the Barrancoso, is essentially a
bottleneck for spawning fish. The high gradient limits the number of fish that
reach the upper reaches of the river, thereby limiting the fish’s spawning habitat.
Without this effect, more fish would spawn, increasing the population of fish, and
perhaps lowering the average size of each fish. There is also an insane amount
of scuds that live around the rocky shoreline. Fish gorge on these scuds.

 

Flylords: What conversations do you hope this film sparks within the angling
community?

RA Beattie: We hope anglers ask themselves: When opportunity is endless… why do I choose the way I fish? Is it about the biggest fish? The most likes? Or is it about connection, challenge, and story? We want people to think about motivation — to choose meaning over measurement.

Will Phelps: I hope this film sparks a conversation about fishing in a way that speaks to you as an angler. When you’re faced with hundreds of large fish willing to eat a fly, what are you going to tie on? Are you going to try and catch every single one of
them? Or the biggest for the ‘gram? Or are you just going to observe them all
and enjoy the spectacle? What truly motivates you as an angler?

 

Flylords: Is there anything else you would like to tell us about this film?

RA Beattie: This is a film about work, weather, resilience, and the way certain places shape who we become. Erik isn’t going back to relive the past. He’s going back to understand it. Jurassic Lake forged the guide he once was. Now he returns as a different man — ready to see what changed, and what didn’t.

Biologists Report Trouble For Trout In Blue River

By
Spencer Durrant
-
Photo: Courtesy of Colorado Parks & Wildlife.

Colorado’s Blue River is back in the news, this time with scientific data to accentuate the challenges trout are facing within the stretch of river near Kremmling. Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) recently completed trout sampling efforts within the Jurassic Park stretch of the Blue, which flows through the Blue Valley Ranch. Ranch owners have long fed and stocked huge trout in the section of river that flows through their land, in addition to building new structures designed to create optimal habitat for jumbo trout.

The issues those manmade alterations to the Blue present anglers are well-documented here, but of particular note to anglers is the CPW data on falling trout populations and overall health problems affecting trout.

The CPW report says that, in the fall of 2018, brown trout comprised 98% of the river’s biomass. By spring of 2023, brown trout only made up 55% of the biomass, with rainbow trout responsible for the other 45%. More alarming is that “all Rainbow Trout captured in these surveys were heavily infected with gill lice parasites,” according to the report.

Photo: Courtesy of Colorado Parks & Wildlife.

The report also details how many of the fish caught had fish pellets in their stomachs, and showed signs of heavily relying on artificial food.

“The apparent association between fed fish and heavy gill lice infestation on this reach is a  major concern regarding the health of this fishery as well as the Colorado River in Grand County. Fish feeding has the potential to negatively affect both the brown trout and rainbow trout populations by overcrowding and spreading disease.”

Photo: Courtesy of Colorado Parks & Wildlife.

Too many trout concentrated in a river that can’t support that many fish naturally will spread disease and cause problems for a fishery. CPW reports that gill lice are a “highly visible indicator of conditions that have the potential to foster and proliferate other parasites or communicable diseases which may not be as obvious or detectable.”

These disease-riddled fish also have easy access to the Gold Medal reaches of the Colorado River, which adds further concern for CPW.

CPW also commented that there is a 1,600 foot stretch of the Blue they observed that has the qualities of a giant spring creek. They recommend no habitat work on this stretch to help preserve the unique qualities of that piece of water.

How to Tie: Pass’s Guide Shrimp

By
Greg Stohrer
-

In this week’s “How to Tie” feature, Michael Passalacqua with Ole Florida Fly Shop ties a shrimp fly that every saltwater angler should carry in their flats box, Pass’s Guide Shrimp.

Learn How to Tie This Fly:

Difficulty: Easy

Despite winter temperatures having a negative impact on a large portion of the country, states such as Florida allow anglers to fish year-round without battling frigid conditions. Florida and other gulf side states offer some of the most entertaining inshore fishing in the United States, propelled by large biodiversity and sight fishing opportunities. Shrimp patterns are a staple in any southern saltwater angler’s arsenal and there are few flies that combine the versatility, durability, and ease of tying as well as Pass’s Guide Shrimp.

Tying saltwater patterns is a fantastic way to begin your tying journey or expand your skillset. Regardless of if you’re prepping for a trip to the Bahamas, stalking Keys bonefish, or simply expanding your saltwater tying skills, this fly offers a perfect blend of technique and fish‑catching confidence. By using brushes, you’ll be able to master and add your own variations to this pattern with ease. Regardless of skill level behind the vise, Pass’s Guide Shrimp will be your friend from start to finish, especially on the water.

Whether you’re sight‑fishing in ankle‑deep water or blind‑casting edges on a windy day, this pattern produces. Depending on the species and conditions, bringing an 8-9wt rod paired with a floating line and a reel with a strong drag will likely be the ticket. Add a few Pass’s Guide Shrimps to your saltwater box, experiment with colors and weights, and get ready for some unforgettable flats fishing.

Ingredients:

Now you know how to tie Pass’s Guide Shrimp!

Video courtesy of Ole Florida Fly Shop.

Reel of the Week: Finding a Giant School of Redfish

By
Tripp Nazziola
-

A Note from Devin (@Devinbp97):

“That video is really a work of art. A once in a lifetime thing. Unfortunately I was working when I saw the school and didn’t have enough time to run to my car to grab the rod. I just sat there and took it all in.”

Reel of the Week from Devin, be sure to check out his Instagram HERE!

The Drift: The Staff of Moses

Meet the Flylords Team: Max Erickson

The Drift: The Staff of Moses

By
Spencer Durrant
-
Stream access varies widely across Western states.

I’ve always wanted to own an 8’6″ 4-weight Winston BIIt. It’s the rod nicknamed the “Staff of Moses,” heralded as the best 4-weight from a company known for producing some of the best dry fly rods ever built.

I heard about the Staff from a fly shop employee, who worked at the shop were I bought my first Winston. He told me it was a shame Winston didn’t make the BIIt anymore, and I asked why. He got a bit misty-eyed, looked into the distance, and recited some poetry about the rod’s uncanny combination of grace, power, delicacy, and action.

Or, as close to poetry as most 20-something fly shop employees can come to, at any rate. I’m probably looking at the memory through rose-colored glasses.

Regardless, it was enough to pique my interest, and I did some searching around on the internet about this Staff of Moses. My brand-new 9′ 5-weight BIIIx sat next to my desk, feeling less and less like the rod I should’ve spent money on, even though my initial research turned up no Staffs for sale.

At the time, I promised myself if I ever found one for sale, I’d buy it immediately. No questions asked. A silly promise to make, but I loved what I heard and read about the rod, and I wanted one for myself.

That desire only grew the more I fly fished, the more I learned about Winston rods, and the more I added to my collection. Thanks to a great friend, I fell down the rabbit hole of collecting the company’s earliest graphite rods. The pre-IM6 Fisher-rolled rods became the subject of my desire, and I quickly found and bought a 8’6″ 4-weight, 9′ 7-weight, 8’6″ 6-weight, 8′ 5-weight, and a few others that I’ve since sold.

Through all my perusal of online auction sites, calling fly shops across the country to check on their used inventories, and even asking Winston if they’d custom-build me one (they said no), I never found a Staff for sale. I managed to find a mint-condition 9′ 7-weight pre-IM6 rolled on Fisher blanks, and an 8’6″ 4-weight pre-IM6 that was built so early on in the company’s move to Montana, it didn’t even have a serial number. That rod is rarer, and from a historical standpoint likely more valuable, than the B2t.

But it’s not the Staff of Moses.

The first Staff I ever saw for sale was a few years ago, on Facebook Marketplace. The listing only had two pictures, but one clearly showed the rod’s inscription.

Boron IIt
8 1/2′ ~ 4

The rod was listed for an obscenely low price, so I messaged the seller asking if I could buy it on the spot. When he didn’t respond, I offered $200 over asking price for the rod.

He never messaged me back, and the listing disappeared a day later.

A year or so after that listing on Facebook, I was in Twin Bridges for work, and stopped by the Winston factory to chat with a few friends. One of the folks there had a Staff in his office and offered to let me cast it alongside a prototype of what would become the 7’9″ 4-weight Pure 2.

The Pure 2 was a bit lighter, a bit crisper, but my first cast with the Staff was everything I’d hoped for. Light, accurate, lively, soft, powerful—every adjective you could think of to describe the perfect 4-weight. Giving the rod back at the end of our casting session was one of the harder things I’ve had to do.

Casting the Staff only made me want one even more. But they just never show up for sale, which is a sign of their enduring popularity. Winston didn’t make too many of them, either, so there aren’t a lot to make their way to the used market.

Then, just yesterday, while doing some research for a story about collectible fly rods, I saw a listing for an “8 1/2inch BoronIIt” on eBay. I didn’t believe the listing at first, but the pictures confirmed what I hoped for.

An 8’6″ 4-weight BIIt. In unused, mint condition. Priced at $597.

I clicked “Buy It Now” faster than I ever have in my life, and that’s when I got the bad news.

The rod would ship from Japan. Between shipping and tariffs, the price bumped up to $830. A quick glance at my checking account showed I had the money, but I’d literally just bought a new-to-us car for the family, and we had money set aside for new furniture that my wife has patiently waited for.

Buying the Staff would mean making my wife wait even longer than she already has for a sorely-needed kitchen table, and an upgraded art desk. It’d also mean skipping a few date nights, and tightening the belt for a while until the next few paychecks rolled in.

I’ve been sitting on it for a day now, and I’m still not sure what to do. I want to keep that silly promise I made to myself over a decade ago, long before I was married or had a kid. I want the Staff to round out my Winston collection. I want the Staff because it’s the best-casting rod I think I’ve ever thrown.

Why do such great opportunities tend to come at inopportune times?

G. Loomis Released the Most Expensive Fly Rod. Is it Worth it?

By
Max Inchausti
-

G. Loomis just released its newest flagship fly rod with the Asquith. Now you may be wondering how this rod is new, given that it shares the same name as its predecessor. The answer lies in this rod’s design—rather than an updated rod, the new Asquith is a complete redesign, and with that comes new features and a new price. The Asquith is set to retail between $1570 and $1750, depending on the model and rod weight you choose. This makes this by far the most expensive flagship rod on the market (even a Winston is $500 cheaper). That begs the question: Is the new G. Loomis Asquith worth its price point? After thorough testing, here are my thoughts.

G. Loomis

Asquith

G. Loomis Asquith
See Here

Tech Specs

G. Loomis released the new Asquith lineup in both freshwater and saltwater rods. The freshwater lineup consists of 6 and 7-wt models and ranges in price from $1,570 to $1,635. The saltwater lineup consists of five rods (8–12-wt models) and ranges in price from $1,635 to $1,750. The Asquith features an extra-fast action, typical of flagship fly rods these days, and falls into the category of extra-lightweight, although we weren’t able to find exact weight specs.

In addition, Loomis paired this rod with a futuristic-style reel seat, titanium stripping guides, and PVD recoil snake guides. It’s also worth noting that the Asquith is backed by G. Loomis’ Limited Lifetime Warranty and Xpeditor Program. The warranty covers defects in materials and craftsmanship. For broken rods, the Xpeditor Program ensures you’ll receive a new rod, no questions asked, for a nominal fee.

Testing the Asquith

Just because something is expensive does not necessarily mean it is worth it. To understand what anglers get out of the Asquith, we had to put it through some rigorous testing. First, we opted to test a 9-ft 10-wt Asquith. In my opinion, rods 10-wt and up are where performance and reliability make or break a rod. If you’re going to justify spending $1,750, it better be for a rod capable of catching a once-in-a-lifetime fish like tarpon, permit, or GTs.

Image courtesy of G. Loomis.

Our testing philosophy for new rods is two-fold. First, we cast it on the lawn. This gives us a better idea of the rod’s power and accuracy. It’s much easier to thoroughly test these criteria in a controlled environment than on the water, where fishing becomes the main focus. The second stage is to take the rod on the water for a “Fishability” test. While this isn’t a technical criterion, it reveals a lot about a rod’s ability to adapt to different fishing scenarios and how power transfers when fighting fish. This test consisted of fishing in South Florida for snook and tarpon, both fish that can reveal a lot about a rod.

Aesthetics

If you’re spending the money on a flagship fly rod, looks are certainly important. Of all the rods we’ve tested recently, the Asquith is the most modern-looking. It features a new custom fixed hood reel seat, offering improved reel clamping. In other words, the front edge of the reel seat swoops back with the cork handle for a more secure fit and modern look.

The new G. Loomis Asquith modern-looking reel seat.

Rounding out the rod is a glossy black blank, with the signature Asquith cursive lettering. The reel seat also features weight markings on the top of the blank, for quickly identifying what rod you’re reaching for in the gunwale of a boat. It is worth noting that the Asquith does not come with rod alignment markers or a designated hook keeper.

Weight markings allow anglers to quickly identify and grab the right rod.

Overall, I’m a fan of the Asquiths’ blank design but would have liked to see a more traditional look in the reel seat. It did grow on me during testing, but I’m still partial to a classic-looking fly rod design. For a premium rod, I’ll give Loomis credit for pushing the boundaries of what’s on the market.

Performance

While the Asquith looks the part, performance would be the next test. On the lawn, this rod started to come alive. I paired it with a Scientific Anglers Magnitude Textured Line in a 10wt. These lines have a heavy, roughly 40-foot shooting head and excel at loading extra-fast rods like this one.

Some fast rods I’ve tested recently have a stiffer butt and mid-section, with a slower tip. However, the Asquith I would describe as fast throughout the blank. The rod had no issues transferring power throughout the casting stroke, with a light swing weight and ample ability to punch through the wind. In addition, the rod delivered accurate casts at distances ranging from 15 to 60 feet. What really stood out was the Asquith’s ability to deliver casts up close, something most extra-fast rods fail to do.

A healthy Everglades snook pulled from the mangroves during testing.

The real test for this rod would be deep in the Florida Everglades chasing laid-up tarpon and winter snook. I knew this rod could cast, but how would it handle the demanding and ever-changing conditions of the Glades? Landing flies up close to the mangroves in search of snook was no issue for this rod, which wasn’t surprising, given how accurate it was during lawn testing. What surprised me was how much power this rod transferred when it came time to fight a fish. Upon hooking the first fish of the morning, it immediately took off for the mangroves in an attempt to wrap me around some roots and break me off. With a low-rod angle and a fair amount of pulling, I was able to put the brakes on the fish in short order. Throughout the day, this was a recurring theme as the Asquith proved itself as a rod capable of handling some of Florida’s most unforgiving fish.

Final Verdict

After testing, the G. Loomis Asquith is worthy of the flagship rod title. Its new blank technology and modern aesthetics certainly put it ahead of its predecessor. Now the real question still remained: Is it worth the money? While I thoroughly enjoyed fishing it, for most anglers, I’d say no. For the price of a new Asquith, anglers could get a new rod, reel, waders, and boots. That said, I do feel this rod has a place in certain anglers’ quivers. Any angler who spends a lot of time on the water will appreciate what the Asquith can do. Also, those who are targeting once-in-a-lifetime fish, perhaps in a far-off location, could benefit from the reassurance this rod brings.

At the end of the day, the Asquith makes a strong case for the best fly rod on the market. If you have the money and can justify spending it on this rod, go for it. The performance is there, and you won’t be disappointed.

Meet the Flylords Team: Max Erickson

By
Flylords
-

At Flylords, great storytelling doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built by people who live on the water and behind the camera. In our Meet the Team series, we highlight the individuals who help turn moments into films and ideas into stories. This week, we’re catching up with Max Erickson, Flylords’ Creative Director, to talk about how he found his way to Flylords, what goes into capturing the perfect shot, and the projects that have left a lasting mark on his career.

Flylords: For those who may not know you yet, can you give us a quick introduction and tell us how you first started working with Flylords?

Max: “I’m currently the full-time Creative Director at Flylords, and I’ve been working with the brand for a long time—somewhere around 2016 or 2017. It’s been a while.

Before Flylords, I was living in New York and working as a commercial director of photography, very much in the traditional film industry world. At some point, just for fun, I made a small fly fishing film. A buddy of mine suggested sending it to Orvis to see if Phil Monahan would post it on his blog. Phil never got back to us, so my friend sent it to Jared as a second option.

Jared watched it and said, “Wait, this is actually pretty sick.” He ended up coming up to fish with us, and not long after that, Hurricane Irma hit the Florida Keys. Jared called me and asked if I wanted to try to make a film about it. We scraped together about $1,500 from Costa to rent a camera and cover flights, crashed on Will Benson’s couch in the Keys, and made a short film. That project really kicked everything off.”

Flylords: Fast-forward to today—what does a typical day look like for you as Flylords’ Creative Director?

Max: “It’s pretty all over the place, honestly. A big part of my job is overseeing the content we create—films, documentaries, product videos, seasonal brand campaigns. We produce a wide range of work, and I’m primarily focused on that production side.

 

 

Beyond that, I work closely with the agency and media teams, helping shape creative direction and figuring out how to best execute ideas. And surprisingly, a lot of my time is spent staring at spreadsheets. I think people imagine “creative director” as making pretty things, but there’s a lot of planning, logistics, and organization behind the scenes.”

Flylords: You’ve worked on a lot of projects over the years. Is there one that stands out as your favorite?

Max: “That’s a really tough question. I get different kinds of fulfillment from different projects. I enjoy both the commercial work and the documentary side for very different reasons.

On the commercial side, something like the Columbia Spring ‘22–’23 That’ll Fish campaign stands out. That was one of our first projects working through an agency with a full crew and a real budget. It gave us the resources to fully execute what I had envisioned creatively, and it felt like our entry into a more traditional commercial production space.

On the documentary side, the value is more personal. To make a good documentary, you really have to connect with the people you’re filming. That relationship-building happens organically, especially in fishing, where you already share a common passion. Through films, I’ve built friendships with people I never would’ve met otherwise. That part of the work is incredibly meaningful to me.”

Flylords: What’s one detail most viewers don’t realize goes into capturing a single great shot?

Max: “A lot of it comes down to intuition and patience. For shots like a hook set or a fish jumping, it’s a waiting game—but also an instinct game.

I spend almost all my free time on the water, and as an angler, you develop a sense for what’s about to happen, where it might happen, and how it’s likely to unfold. From there, you have to make creative decisions in real time—where to position yourself, how close to get, what to include in the frame, and how that shot fits into the larger story you’re telling.

There are countless ways to film the same moment. The challenge is choosing the one that best serves the narrative, not just the action.”

Flylords: When you’re not working, you’re still fishing. If you had to choose just one fish to chase for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Max: “I can’t do it. I live in Vermont for a reason—I love seasons and variety. All summer, if it’s calm and sunny, I’m sight fishing for carp from a skiff. That’s all I think about.

If it’s windy and gloomy, I’ve recently fallen deep into musky fishing, which has been both amazing and terrible for me. I landed three big fish last year, and now I’m fully ruined. My fly-tying desk is covered in massive flies, and my shoulder hates me.

In the winter, all I want to do is stand in a cold river, swing flies, and dream about that grab—even if I don’t catch anything.”

Flylords: Last one—what’s the funniest blooper or moment that never made it into a final cut?

Max: “There are a lot, but one that stands out definitely involves Zento swimming with mako sharks while getting absolutely screamed at by the chase boat to get out of the chum slick. Moments like that never make the final edit—but they definitely stick with you.”

Thank you, Max, for joining us for this episode of Meet the Team. Stay tuned for our next feature as we continue introducing the faces behind Flylords.

2026 F3T Behind the Lens: Rooster Fly Project

Angler Story of the Week: Redfish Fighting Over Shrimp

 

2026 F3T Behind the Lens: Rooster Fly Project

By
Max Inchausti
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It’s the time of year when days draw shorter, and long days on the river turn to evenings spent tying flies and watching our favorite fishing films. In preparation for the 2026 Fly Fishing Film Tour, we sat down with this year’s creative crew to learn the ins and outs of what it takes to make a compelling film.

In this Behind the Lens article, we sit down with George Van Dercook of Los Locos, and Joe Gugino and Hannah Trotter of Agaveco—the minds behind the Rooster Fly Project. Their F3T Film by the same name explores roosterfishing in Mag Bay, the impact these fish have, and the science behind these incredible gamefish. This film is packed with thrilling rooster-eating moments, a story that goes far beyond fishing, and, most importantly, the science being done to protect these sought-after game fish.

 

Flylords: This film highlights one of fly fishing’s most recognizable saltwater game fish, the roosterfish. Where did the idea to highlight roosterfish come from?

Hannah Trotter: For George and Los Locos, the desire to do real citizen science around roosterfish has been there for years, especially after seeing bycatch firsthand and experiencing the success of the Marlin Fly Project.

For Agaveco, it clicked during a trip to 4Corners Costa Rica. It was the first time I (Hannah) saw just how deeply roosterfish are woven into so many different cultures throughout the southeastern Pacific coast, and just how far anglers are willing to travel for just the opportunity to have a shot at one.

It was mind-blowing to me that anglers spend thousands of dollars each year to experience this bucket list fish, yet so little is actually known about them and being done to protect them. 

Through our (Agaveco’s) relationship with George and Rudy, we knew they were already planning a Roosterfish film and were eager to help with the science, and through our ongoing partnership with IGFA, we knew their Roosterfish Research Program was getting off the ground, so the timing lined up beautifully. 

Flylords: This film is focused on the science of roosterfish. Can you explain why science is such a crucial piece of this fishery and its future?

Hannah: Roosterfish are so unique, there’s literally nothing else like them in the world, so it’s important we protect them, but you can’t protect something if you don’t understand it. 

Most major gamefish already have decades of research behind them and organizations looking out for their protection, but with roosterfish, we’re starting from scratch. Up until IGFA started the first study through their Roosterfish Research Program, published in the Spring of 2025, there had been zero formal studies published on roosterfish! 

While roosterfish are a popular game fish, prior to this project, little research was done on them. Photo courtesy of Dorsal Outdoors.

But now, because of that study, we know that roosterfish aren’t migrating. Each region is its own subpopulation, meaning if one area gets overfished, those fish could disappear locally. 

Science gives us the roadmap for everything that comes next: management, protection, regulations, and sustainable angling, but we have to have the science in place first. It’s pretty incredible to be part of the beginning of understanding a species, especially one as iconic as roosterfish.

Flylords: Back in 2024, we got to watch the science behind the Marlin Fly Project. Are there any takeaways from that project that helped bring the Rooster Fly Project to life?

Hannah: Definitely, the naming of the Rooster Fly Project wasn’t by accident. The three of us have been a part of the Marlin Fly Project from the beginning, so that model (combining science, storytelling, community, and citizen participation) absolutely paved the way.

But it’s not a copy/paste effort. Different methods, different questions being answered, and a completely different game fish, but the similarities lie in the community aspect, and that’s really where we want people to make the connection. When more people feel connected to a species, stewardship grows naturally. Community becomes the backbone of conservation, and that’s core to both the Marlin Fly Project and the Rooster Fly Project.

Flylords: The film touches a lot on the impacts of commercial fishing on roosterfish. What impact is this having on roosterfish, and how can the Rooster Fly Project help?

Hannah: Roosterfish aren’t directly targeted by commercial fishermen, but they are caught and killed as bycatch or sold for bait. It’s opportunistic, and it’s unfortunate, and the scale is largely unknown.

While roosterfish are bycatch, commercial fishing can have widespread impacts on large schools of fish.

This is where IGFA’s study is so important. In Study 2 (that’s just now kicking off), we hope to identify where roosterfish spawn, migrate, and concentrate so we can help push for non-commercial zones in the most critical areas.

Conservation really comes down to three things: data, regulation, and enforcement. Without data, you can’t develop smart regulations. Without regulations, enforcement is irrelevant. And without enforcement, none of it matters.

Flylords: What was your favorite shot or sequence captured in this film?

George: That’s tough. The interviews with Pepe, Juan, Frank, and Grant are incredibly special. Frank and Grant bring so much historical perspective. Juan carries decades of firsthand experience. And with Pepe, everything is happening in real time. He’s evolving, he’s passionate, and he’s so fired up about the fishery’s future.

 

Capturing that entire spectrum, 30 years of experience to the next generation stepping in, and all sharing the same fire for this fish?…that’s rare.

And then there’s the action. The eats and slow-mo sequences that Matt and the crew captured are the best roosterfish footage ever shot. Sharing that on a big screen with the whole fly-fishing community is going to be incredible.

Flylords: What challenges did you face in bringing this film to life? 

George: Roosterfish don’t behave on command…especially when a camera is rolling. You could spend a lifetime chasing these fish, but trying to capture all of that magic in a tight filming window is intense.

Capturing moments like these is no easy task when putting a film of this magnitude together.

There’s pressure on everyone—anglers, captains, guides, and the film crew, because we all know how special these moments are. Thankfully, we had an incredible team dialed in who made it happen. 

Then there’s the storytelling challenge: taking a complex conservation issue we really don’t know much about, pairing it with a fish people already mythologize, and distilling it into something engaging, clear, and compelling, all while navigating the barrier of two languages? It’s safe to say it also took A LOT of time and intention on the backend, but the team nailed it.

Flylords: As anglers, conservation is top of mind. But for others who may not be aware of the issues that fisheries face, what impact does creating a film like this have?

George Van Dercook: Most people know roosterfish from photos, but a photo doesn’t show you the eat, the chase, the way they move through bait, or how explosive they are as a gamefish. This film changes that. It shows roosterfish in their world, feeding naturally and behaving like a wild inshore apex predator.

But what’s truly special about this film is that you also get to see the true cultural and economic value of roosterfish as a sport fish. This species is worth far more alive than dead, and the evolution in that mindset is literally changing lives and entire communities, as captured locally in San Carlos. The film makes it less about the epic fish and more about the people who depend on it.

Flylords: What’s next for roosterfish science and the Rooster Fly Project?

Hannah: For the Rooster Fly Project, we’re just getting started! This film marks our 2026 launch, and is hyper-focused on Mag Bay and the East Cape, but the Project itself will expand throughout the eastern Pacific coast where roosterfish are found. 

Now that IGFA has identified subpopulations, the next step (Study 2) is understanding the full life cycle of the fish, which will rely on tissue sampling, genetics, and collaboration with commercial fishermen.

Photo courtesy of Dorsal Outdoors.

We’re also working with lodges and operations from Mexico to Peru, not only to collect scientific data from each region, but to educate anglers on IGFA’s best practices for catch and release and have them capture economic impact surveys from their guests. 

Led by Ben Meadows, PhD, the Project’s economic impact study will work in tandem with findings from the scientific study to give us a coastwide picture of the species, support sustainable management, and show the true value of roosterfish, ecologically, culturally, and economically.

Flylords: Who are some of the people who made this film possible? Any ‘Thank you’s” or dedications you want to make? 

Hannah: Absolutely, a massive thank-you to Juan Lucero, Grant Hartman, and Frank Smethurst, who paved the way for every angler chasing roosterfish in Mexico today, and to Jose “Pepe” Berrera. Their willingness to be part of this project was incredibly meaningful, and their knowledge, stories, and passion grounded the entire film.

On the project side, we want to give a special thanks to the lodges and operations that were willing to join us for the project in its pilot year, including Tom Enderlin of Fly Fishing Costa Rica and Chuck Hill & Marvin Rodriguez of 4 Corners Costa Rica, who have been instrumental in helping us get this crazy idea off the ground.

Photo courtesy of Dorsal Outdoors.

Most importantly, we want to extend a huge thank-you to IGFA & Sofia for leading the charge on roosterfish research and partnering with us on this mission, allowing us to play a small role in supporting their groundbreaking work.

This film is ultimately about awareness, conservation, and protecting a species that deserves far more than our pursuit. We have no doubt this list will only continue to grow as this project unfolds!

Fly Fishing Only Regulations Challenged In Maine

By
Spencer Durrant
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A large native brook trout.

A few years ago, Maine passed a statewide Right to Food law that states, in part, “all individuals have a natural, inherent and unalienable right to grow, raise, harvest, produce and consume the food of their own choosing.” This law is now the basis for a couple’s challenge to fly fishing only regulations within the state.

Some of Maine’s best native brook trout waters are currently under fly fishing only regulations to preserve and protect this native species. One family—Joe and Samantha Legendre—has filed suit against the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to remove those regulations and allow any fishing tackle to be used statewide. Not doing so, they argue, runs afoul of the Right to Food law, which was passed in 2021.

The crux of the Legendres’ argument also relies on the assumption that fly fishing is only accessible to those of a higher income bracket. They specifically stated, as reported by Julia Simone of WGME, that regulating fly fishing only waters “discriminates against working-class people.”

The International Order of Theodore Roosevelt, a group focused on protecting the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, is backing the family. A spokesman for the group also told Simone that working-class people who don’t fly fish “are paying for the license fees, they are paying their taxes, they support the states conservation efforts, but because they don’t have time to learn how to fly fish or the money to buy the equipment, they are not able to go fish in these pristine spots.”

Bob Mallard, a former fly shop owner in Maine, rebutted that point by recounting his own experiences there in the state.

“My fly shop customers were mostly working-class people, and certainly not what you would call wealthy,” Mallard wrote. “They worked in the woods, trades, retail, services, and the two local paper mills. Many were self-employed. They fly fished because they enjoyed it. And most ice fished during the long Maine winter, while many did at least some level of spin fishing.”

Mallard also didn’t mince words when offering his opinion on Maine’s Right to Food law, either.

“When a law is passed that doesn’t address any real issue, as was the case regarding Maine’s Right to Food law, I always worry how it will be used up the road,” he said. “In this case, the first thing that came to mind was fishing and hunting. Unfortunately, my concerns proved correct as the law has now been used twice to try to undermine Maine’s hunting and fishing laws. And if it is not abolished or amended to provide absolute clarity, it will inevitably be used again.”

The lawsuit is pending, and we’ll continue to monitor the story for future updates.

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