Tuesday, May 8, 2012

News and Specials

Howdy Friends! Just a quick update on the "new" shop and some great promotions for May.

Well, our shop "remodel" is finally complete and we couldn't be more excited!! It's a whole new ballgame around here. We have greatly improved the look and feel of the shop here in Columbus and it's working! We have seen a significant impact on Sales....especially in the clothing departments.

Now...we move on to the website. Our site will be getting a major facelift and improvements in the months to come. Keep your eyes on www.madriveroutfitters.com.

Here's a few shots of the "New" Mad River Outfitters






Shop MRO for Mother's Day?

That's right friends! Think of MRO for your Mother's Day Gift and we'll save you 20%

Stop in the shop and pick up a coupon.....or simply place an order online and mention the "Mother's Day Promotion" in your "Order Notes"


Test Cast an Orvis Fly Rod



Suncloud Eyewear Promo


*place the order online and mention this promo in your "Order Notes". The website won't calculate but WE WILL when we ring you up!

20% OFF Orvis "Outfits"


Order any Orvis Helios, Access or Superfine Rod along with an Orvis Reel and Orvis Fly Line and we'll knock 20% OFF!!

Let us know which hand you reel with and we'll get it right!!


Mad River Outfitters
813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214
614-451-0363
www.madriveroutfitters.com
admin@madriveroutfitters.com

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Steelhead Season!!

Steelhead Season is On!!!

Truth is...it has been for a while.

Guides have been out in full force the past few weeks with clients but have also been catching fish for months now. The Erie streams really never froze this "winter" and we have had steelhead around. January and February saw some of the best fishing in years!

Regardless....fishing right now is pretty hot both in Ohio and Michigan and folks are out having a blast!

Last week we set old friend J.B. Howard and his crew up with SAO head guide Patrick Robinson. Of course we know Patrick always does a great job...but here is what J.B. had to say:

"Great day with Patrick - tough (warm) conditions but we persevered - headed back next week and look forward to several fall trips...

As always your endorsement of Patrick was understated - he was extremely hospitable, hardworking & competent - an ideal guide to spend a day in the water with....

Thank you all & please find a spot on the MRO site for our steelhead:)"
JBH

Always nice to get great feedback from happy clients......and yes we found a place for your pictures!!!




No doubt though...with the unseasonably warm weather we have been experiencing, we could be looking at an early close to the season. We'll see. Already guides starting to bang some really great smallies which is definitely an indication. Above is Rick Gostel last Friday with J.B.'s group. We should still have some decent steelhead fishing to be had for a few weeks but if you are thinking of a trip yet this year.....do it soon!!


Click Here for information on our Guide Trips


Click Here for current fishing reports on the Erie Tribs







Michigan Steelhead Trips - Muskegon River

Our 1st run up to the Muskegon was a success. 22 fish landed in two days for Tony Nguyen (right) and Mick McMillin.....even despite 80 degrees and bright as a nickel conditions.




Mick McMillin on the early Muskegon Trip!






Our 2nd trip heads up April 1st with a full group hosted by Patrick Kelly. Full report and pics surely to come! We also serve as a full booking agent for the lodge and can set up a trip for you at any time!



Click Here for information on our trips to the Muskegon River Lodge





As always, Mad River Outfitters is working hard to serve as your source for Great Lakes Steelhead on the Fly!



See our "Steelhead Central" page for great links to all of our products, services and trips


Mad River Outfitters
813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

Friday, February 10, 2012

Fly Fishing Film Tour in Columbus!


The Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) 2012
Gateway Film Center
1550 North High St.
Columbus OH
Thursday, March 8, 2012
(6:00pm - 9:30pm)

Tickets can be purchased online at http://flyfilmtour.com/buy-tickets for $15, or in store at Mad River Outfitters www.madriveroutfitters.com 614-451-0363 for $12.

ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE COLUMBUS SCREENING TO BENEFIT PROJECT HEALING WATERS www.projecthealingwaters.org

Local event sponsors include: Trout Unlimited, Mad River Outfitters, Central Ohio Fly Fishers, and Miami Valley Fly Fishers. Industry professionals and non-profit organizations will be in the lobby before the films begin to meet with guests: Project Healing Waters, The Fiberglass Manifesto, Angler's Choice Flies, Central Ohio Fly Fishers, Mad River Outfitters, Steelhead Alley Outfitters, and more...

Don't forget to bring some cash. There are some outstanding raffle prizes that you won't want to miss out on!


FLY FISHING INDUSTRY’S LARGEST EVENT EMBARKS ON CONTINENT-WIDE HD TOUR
Adventure film tour showcases global locales while supporting local businesses and filmmakers
Fly fishing’s most celebrated annual event, the Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T), the original and largest event of its kind begins its continent-wide trek January 26th. The traveling spectacle serves as a stage for the best filmmakers in the industry, an avenue for supporting critical conservation groups, an expo for local outfitters, and one heck of a party for growing outdoor enthusiasts and avid anglers alike.

With never-seen footage from across the globe, a party atmosphere, audience giveaways and valuable coupons, the annual high-energy spectacle is the sport’s most anticipated live-event. This year’s tour will make stops in over 125 cities across the U.S. and Canada. Along the way local businesses, conservation groups, filmmakers and fans all stand to benefit from each screening.

“Our goal in doing this is to share our passion and support the sport we love”, says F3T producer Chris Keig. “This year our tour will donate over $30,000 dollars to filmmakers. We’ll work in conjunction with over 175 local business and 150 conservation groups, and we’ll be giving away over $350,000 in prizes to fans who come see us. It’s important people know that walking the talk is at our core.”

This year’s spectacle includes a more diverse set of content than any prior year or any other tour. “We have something for everyone”, says F3T Filmmaker and Road Manager Thad Robison. “From scrappy Steelhead in Kodiak, AK to 100-pound jumping Tarpon in the Florida keys, from places you may have been to destinations we probably couldn’t find on a map if we tried.” Other featured destinations (and fish) include the Bahamas (Bonefish), the Northwest Territories (Grayling and Arctic Char), the jungles of Belize, Scotland, Montana, British Columbia, Wisconsin, Silver Creek, Idaho and more.

With nearly 75% of the shows selling out in advance, the F3T is the fastest growing event of its kind. “We hear from people constantly who couldn’t get tickets, or want us to bring the tour to their town”, Robison says. “As far as tickets go, we recommend our fans visit our local retail sponsors where they can get discounted tickets.”

As for adding screenings, Robison continues, “We’re adding markets each year but we have a program setup where we partner with fans to put on their own show. It’s a great way to raise money for a local group. We help with the marketing and they get to put on a screening, have a great time and make some money.”

The Fly Fishing Film Tour is produced by Webeye Group, LLC. It is presented by Costa, and sponsored by Patagonia, Sage, Hardy Reels, Yeti Coolers, Scientific Anglers, Trout Unlimited, Mountain magazine, El Pescador, Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures, and is presented in HD by the Outdoor Channel.


Mad River Outfitters is proud to be a sponsor of the 2012 Fly Fishing Film tour here in Columbus!




Mad River Outfitters

813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363



Sunday, January 29, 2012

Exciting Early Spring Events!

Exciting Early Spring Events and News:



Special guest: Jeff Liskay


Saturday, February 25



"Stepping Into Another World"


A program on Spey and Switch Style Fishing


Friend, guide, trip host and long rod extraordinaire Jeff Liskay will be giving a special presentation for us here at the shop. Things will get going around 11:00 and last until about 3:00 with a 1/2 hour break for lunch.
Topics covered will include:* What makes a steelhead tick* Rod Talk- Switch and Two Hand* Fly Lines- A-Z for the Great Lakes Tribs* Choosing the right cast* Sink Tips- The Right Tip for the Job* Go To fly patterns* Wade right in- presenting the fly on the swing


Click Here for more details and pricing!

Or...

Give us a call at 614-451-0363 to sign-up






Fly Fishing Film Tour in Columbus!


Thursday, March 8th


Gateway Film Center



Sponsored by: Trout Unlimited, Mad River Outfitters, Central Ohio Fly Fishers, Miami Valley Fly Fishers and Michael Decoteau.


All proceeds to benefit Project Healing Waters, Ohio Chapter


Click Here for more info


Tickets available in the shop!




Very Special Guest:





April Vokey


Monday, March 12th



Fly Tying Masterclass: Tying Intruder Variations




Click Here for details and pricing






Just a reminder that there are some great deals to be had on our SALE Page. Tons of winter closeout and clearance items and more on the way!








It's also that time of year that some "one-offs", discontinued and a bit of used stuff starts showing up on our E-Bay store. Just added a few things this weekend and much more to come. Might want to check there occaisionally!

See our Ebay Store




Mad River Outfitters
813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214
614-451-0363
www.madriveroutfitters.com
admin@madriveroutfitters.com



Saturday, January 21, 2012

Layering and Insulation

Surely a few cold months of fishing ahead for most around here.....for some even more. What an important category. We feature "Layering and Insulation" products from companies like Simms, Patagonia, Orvis, Filson and more. Below are some of our featured favorites! All in stock and available in the shop or on the website.

Patagonia's capilene long underwear has set the standard in "long johns" for decades now. It is simply the best next-to-skin layering material that you can buy....period.

Capilene baselayers feature a moisture-wicking polyester fabric that dries and wicks incredibly quickly. Capilene polyester is also recycled, recyclable and features Gladiodor® garment odor control.

Capilene 3, or Midweight is surely the most versatile. It provides the perfect balance of wicking and insulation. It is by far the best selling weight that they make.

Capilene 1, or what we used to call "Silkweight", doesn't provide any insulation but is the most superior at wicking. For extreme situations or more aerobic situtions you may want this next to your skin for maximum wicking. We use the shirts as undershirts as well as for sun protection in the tropics.




Simms Merino Wool!



In the Fall of 2011, Simms introduced their Merino Wool long underwear. We really felt they did a great job and gave them a shot. We love the stuff and it has sold exceptionally well so far! The merino wool is exceptionally comfortable and the natural fiber is odor-resistant.




A great layering piece that has been around for a few seasons now. Simms Waderwick Fleece Top and Waderwick Fleece Bottoms. 2 way stretch 200 weight polartec fleece at a great price. These things are great and continue to sell well. Now in the Simms Orange!


Top of the Line!




The Simms Guide Fleece Top and Guide Fleece Pants are exceptionally cozy pieces of gear!
Exceptionally warm, comfortable fleece-ideal for layering in any situation. Fabric is smooth on the outside soft inside. Easy-in, easy- out and super comfy. Insulates with hardly any weight and never hinders mobility. Can get away with this as a general top as well and the pants CAN go from river to bar pretty well!






Maybe the most important Category.........Socks!



We do carry a great selection of socks from Smartwool and Simms. Both in the shop and Online.


New this Spring we are featuring the Simms Exstream Wading Sock and the new Liner Socks.






Absolutely one of the finest pairs of insulating type/wader pants we have seen! These have been selling equally as well in the "front" of the shop to casual folks looking to walk the dog or shovel a bit of snow.

It sure is nice to put on fleece-lined Nylon shell pants on a frosty morning headed out to the river. The DurapelPlus finish and COR3™ technology make this cold weather pant a winner.







And to top things off....the Simms Rogue Fleece Hoody. This thing is wildly popular, and pretty cool looking. DWR finish Softshell fleece at a great price!



Of course Gloves are a staple of any layering system. We feature a pretty good selection in the shop and online.



Shown here are the Simms Foldover Mitts. By far our best sellers but there are some other great choices on the site.






The Simms Gore-Tex Exstream Hat is a great choice for keeping the melon warm and dry.



Of course, many other choices in Hats to be found on our website.













Thanks for taking the time to read this folks and of course any questions about "Layering and Insualtion"- give us a call or drop us an e-mail!






Mad River Outfitters
813 Bethel Rd.


Columbus, Ohio 43214



















Thursday, January 12, 2012

New to the shop! The fabulous Bertucci Field Watches

Mad River Outiftters is proud to now be a dealer for the fantastic Bertucci Field watches!


If you could own only one good watch....it would be a watch well suited for most of life's endeavors. It would need to possess the qualities of durability, singularity of purpose, and versatile styling. In essence, equally rugged and refined, with an understated, classic and enduring design. This is how they approach watches at Bertucci, in the only way that they know.....an original and authentic way!




Their story is a simple one. It's about building a better watch. It's a Promise of Performance this is derived from a belief that innovative design and attention to detail matter. It is this focus and integrity that drive this company, an honest, true and authentic way. They believe if a watch is done right, it connects with you......creating an emotional touch point that says something about you, a personal expression well suited to your lifestyle.


Bertucci Performance Field Watches balance form and function, with an enduring style and rugged quality that are ready to survive the day to day challenges that come your way.....whatever that may be.


You'll feel it the moment you wrap a Bertucci watch around your wrist. You'll notice the innovative and ergonomic design, quality materials, and premium features that went into it. That's no accident. It's the result of their Durability By Design certification process and the basis of their Promise of Performance.

When they create a watch, they study the ways in which it will be worn and used by people that demand the most from the products they depend on in the real world. This approach requires a balance of form and function.....designing, engineering, and manufacturing with an attention to detail.....an attention to performance.





* Durable U.S. patented DX3 Design Case- integrated unbreakable band lugs/pins

* Rugged Screw Down Crown

* Screw Down Case Back

* Hardened mineral or sapphire crystals

* Long lasting and comfortable two-ply U.S. patented nylon bands or top grain USA Made leather bands

* Designed with an attention to detail and performance

* Reliable all metal precision quartz Swiss or Japan made movements

* High performance Solid Titanium or Solid Stainless Steel cases




In the end, each Bertucci watch offers long lasting durability. Simply put, Bertucci watches perform like no other watch because they're built like no other watch!




Check Out our selection of Bertucci watches in the online store!



Don't see what you want there? Please remember that we can special order any product that Bertucci makes. We'd be happy to!!



Mad River Outfitters

813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363


Saturday, October 15, 2011

New Luxury Accomodations in Chile

In March of 2004, Mad River Outiftters escorted a group of 11 anglers to the XI Region of Chile........Patgonia. Since that 1st trip, we have been extremely blessed to have hosted over 200 clients in the region and have shown them the trout fishing trip of their lives! Many folks have been back a 2nd time and a handful of those now fish Patagonia with us every season.





We do have some big news for the late 2011 and 2012 seasons below!








Around the same time as our 1st trip, MRO's Brian Flechsig had been a regular guest on the popular T.V. series The Walker's Cay Chronicles hosted by Flip Pallot. The moment that Brian arrived back in Ohio from that first trip....Flip was his 1st call. It didn't take much coaxing, and in January of 2005 they were in Chile, making movies for ESPN.



Their guide for the filming was none other than legendary Chilean guide Nicolas Gonzalez. Nico and his lovely wife Ilsie own a fly fishing guide and outfitter service called Trouters ltda., based out of the capital of the Patagoina region, a wonderful town called Coyhaique. Albeit another story alltogether...but during these days spent filming, some lifelong friendships, and partnerships were formed. Within a few years, Mad River Outfitters and Trouters teamed up and have been offering the best in Patagonia Fly Fishing ever since!





Patagonia Chile- commonly known as the Brown Trout Capital of the World.







Brian Flechsig and Flip Pallot in Chile during the filming of two episodes of the Walker's Cay Chronicles for ESPN






Setting up perfect shot with Nico Gonzalez.

*****Please note that we do have some "loaner" copies of the shows that the boys did if you are interested. Just contact us...we'll send one out to you FREE of charge!


Now for the Big News!





For the 2011/2012 fishing season (November- April), we will be hosting clients at the Fantastic Coyhaique River Lodge. We are convinced that this operation offers the absolute best in lodging, meals and atmosphere in the entire region. We couldn't be more excited about this new partnership.






The lodge is located 5 miles outside of Coyhaique...right along the river that bear it's name.























We truly believe that we now offer the best guide(s), the best accomodations, the best food and simply the best...most personalized service in the region.






For more pictures of the new Lodge.....Click Here







Here is what MRO Shipping and Receiving manager, Dick Davidson had to say about his recent trip:





" In March, 2011 as the Mad River Outfitters host, I had the opportunity to enjoy the company of one of our most intersting clients, Frank Alexander. Together we experienced wonderful Chilean hospitality and incredibly exciting fly fishing in Patagonia, Chile, the "brown trout capital of the world". Our trip was hosted in Chile by Patagonia Trouters, Mad River Outfitters partner located in Coyhaique, Chile- XI region.





Upon arrival in Balmaceda, the local airport, Frank and I received a very warm welcome from our hostess Ilsie Wolf....who runs the business side of the operation and is also married to the head guide and owner, Nicolas Gonzalez. That evening we were joined at dinner by the legendary Patagonian guide and in short time, we knew we were about to experience a more than memorable week with Nico....and boy were we correct.





Nico is as engaging as he is knowledgeable guide. He is both teacher and guide and his patience and demeanor should set the standard for all fly fishing guides. He shared very interesting information about the area, the geology and the flora and fauna. I can see now why Flip Pallot called him the "Best fishing guide I have ever fished with". I have never fished with a guide who works as harder than Nico to ensure that you enjoy the fly fishing experience of a lifetime...and that we did.





Frank and I both landed some of Patagonia's finest brown trout...with the tuteledge and coaching of Nico of course. Each day our lunch breaks seemed just as memorable thanks to the lunches that Ilsie packed for us. Of course there were the lunch-time jokes by Nico....always a clown and tons of fun to be with.





In short, Ilsie and Nico, as owner-operators of Patagonia Trouters, will go out of their way to make sure that your visit to Patagonia is the experience that you were looking for and much more. One that you will be talking about for years to come."





Dick Davidson- Mad River Outfitters





Our fearless leader- Ilsie Wolfe showing Frank and Dick around town








Mad River Outfitters and Patagonia Trouters



Offering the finest in Chile Fly Fishing!




Click Here for Details and Pricing on our 2012


Fly Fishing Trips to Patagonia






813 Bethel Rd.


Columbus, Ohio 43214


614-451-0363