Nipper Gear Review & AC Guide Sale 28Oct17

Sometimes the simplest things are real pleasers. Such is the case with fishing nippers - a tool used a hundred times a day or so. I have always used the $3 Pakistani steel nippers and I know I just need to buy three or more per season because they get dull or nicked and basically stop working. It's a very simple thing but can be pretty frustrating. I went on a search for better but found the branded versions of the simple steel nippers were just the same - almost independent of price. Earlier this year I found a $12 pair of ceramic nippers and have been using them for a month or so. They are sharp enough and may stay that way a bit longer if I don't chip them but the jaws are weird - one side is flat and the other is sharp and this just makes the cutting a bit off center and odd. I went online and compared the comments on high end nippers from Simms, Abel and more. Abel far and away beat the others in reviews but cost an exhorbitant $80-$160 depending on paint job. I never thought this was worth it. Enter birthday requests and I received some from my in-laws. Awesome! They are super sharp and cut stuff like it's butter. They feel cool and have a hidden pinpoint for freeing fly eyes but not pricking me. Long term is yet to be tested but they have replaceable jaws (by the factory) for a lifetime. Kind of like my rods - I can always get them repaired to new. It is surprising to me that this simple thing is so satisfying, but it is.

The annual Angler's Covey guide sale was today and I went down just after opening. It was interesting and heart wrenching to see that Jamie's (recently deceased young guide) wife auctioning all his fly typing stuff. Wow. It was a screaming deal, though I did not bid; proceeds are going to a suicide charity.

I did find stuff for me as I bought a half dozen fly boxes each 25% full of flies from a guide for just $25. Less work for me and the boxes themselves are worth that. I also found a replacement coat for mid-weight needs as my current one is an XL and doesn't fit - and is ripped up a bit. Sage is not a great coat maker but for a light softshell at 50% off, in green of course, I was too tempted.