Wednesday, March 20, 2013

How Much Does Your Fly Box Weigh


How Much Does Your Fly Box Weigh?
I found a few fly boxes buried in my closet that is somewhat comparable to our best selling fly box.  The following attributes were found in them.

Aluminum Fly Box 6 window weight  2.8 oz  7.88 sq inch storage plus 14 fly clips Made in China
Flambeau Fly Box   2.2 oz   10.3 sq inch storage  Made in China
Cortland Fly Box   3 oz   48 sq inch storage  Made in the USA
Prize Catch Fly Box (Premium)  3.5 oz  18 sq inches storage  Made in Montana USA
  • Interchangeable Foam Inserts
  • Laser Engraved Trout
  • Free Name Engraved
As you can see, the Cortland Fly Box has much more storage area than the Prize Catch Fly Box but keep in mind that the Cortland box is twice as large as our fly box.  While considering everything listed in our comparison, it’s up to the individual whether an American Made Fly Box with custom laser engraving is worth carrying an extra half ounce.
 
I would invite all fly fishermen to weigh their fly boxes (empty).  Take a look at where it was made.  Can you interchange the foam insert?

You might find it hard to turn down a unique stylish fly box.

Thursday, February 28, 2013

** Free Hopper Legs **

***** FREE *****

 
 


6 pair Laser Cut Hopper Legs

If you want to get in on this offer, all you have to do is Gift us $1.00 to cover the shipping.  Share this with all your friends! 

Make sure you send your Gift to our Paypal Account
prizecatchinc@hotmail.com

For a limited time only so hurry!

USA Shipping Only - One sample per person

If you like our free sample, let us know.  Visit our website for fly boxes and landing nets too:  www.pciflyboxes.com



Saturday, February 23, 2013

Grayling Carving



Conforms to all WFCC World Fish Carving Championship Rules – (Everything you see is carved)



WFCC Rules
All components of the carving must be made of natural wood. No resin or wood composites. The use of resins, silicones, or plastics of any form is limited to the construction of artificial teeth only. All facsimile of driftwood must be carved. Carved habitat may be coated with paint and paint additives. Any methods used to emboss, burn, engrave, or carve scales in wood is permitted. Items allowed are artificial eyes, fishing line, fishhooks, wire or metal for whiskers and barbels, and metal for structural support when needed. Items not allowed are plastic, silk or manufactured plants, real rocks, shells, sand or manufactured lures. No cast objects will be allowed, such as rocks, fins, gills, teeth, etc. Water made from resin or plastic is not allowed. Any carving found to contain non-approved materials will be disqualified.

I'm happy to report that after two years of recuperation, the broken bones in my wrist have healed and I am currently carving again.  If you would like to get a quote, please call 406-498-8726 or email chuck@pciflyboxes.com  This is the perfect time to get in.


Friday, February 22, 2013

Ready To Carve Fish

Most fish carvers do a great job with their fish body but they do a poor job with painting and much worse with their base.  In fact, many carvers use driftwood and fake plants to augment their artwork.  As I learned the art of fish carving, I gradually became better at all phases and eventually I adopted the "All Wood" rule for my carvings. 

Everything you see in my carvings are carved from wood. 


The carving shown here has wooden: Deer Skull, Both Fish, Rocks, Sandy Bottom, and Base.  Awards Include:  Best of Show, (2) Best of Category, (2) First Place, Judges Choice

-- My Fish Carvings conform to all World Fish Carving Championship (WFCC) Rules --
All components of the carving must be made of natural wood. No resin or wood composites. The use of resins, silicones, or plastics of any form is limited to the construction of artificial teeth only. All facsimile of driftwood must be carved. Carved habitat may be coated with paint and paint additives. Any methods used to emboss, burn, engrave, or carve scales in wood is permitted. Items allowed are artificial eyes, fishing line, fishhooks, wire or metal for whiskers and barbels, and metal for structural support when needed. Items not allowed are plastic, silk or manufactured plants, real rocks, shells, sand or manufactured lures. No cast objects will be allowed, such as rocks, fins, gills, teeth, etc. Water made from resin or plastic is not allowed. Any carving found to contain non-approved materials will be disqualified.

I'm happy to report that after two years of recuperation the broken bones in my wrist have healed and I am currently carving again.  If you would like to get a quote please call 406-498-8726 or email chuck@pciflyboxes.com  This is the perfect time to get in.

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

10 Monster Brook Trout


Whenever you see the broad back of a monster Brook Trout pushing through shallow, glassy waters, a fly fisherman quickly remembers the great respect for a wily old foe.  A fish that has survived many years of fishing pressure and has all the best genes to become the “big one”.  Sometimes these huge Brook Trout live in waters somewhat isolated from humans as well. 

It seems like just yesterday that my buddy and I rode our four wheelers past a lake that we initially thought was void of fish.  During this same trip my fly fishing buddy and I caught so many football shaped Brook Trout that we became bored.   A pending storm was coming so we left.

It was during our ride back that we accidently stopped at that lake we thought to be void of fish.  To our total amazement right there near the inlet stream was an unmistakable Brook Trout.  The red belly and the white leading edges on all fins give a male Brook Trout away every time.  At that point it took literally seconds to rig up our rods and gear.  I’ll never forget how we moved through the bushes with extreme stealth so as not to scare the fish.  Once we got closer, we could see about 20 or so large trout in slightly deeper water just waiting to move into shallow water to spawn.  Most serious fishermen understand that Brook Trout spawn in the Fall and the males become especially aggressive during this time.  Both of us knew that as long as we didn’t do something stupid, make a loud noise, or become visible…we would have a memorable day.



When the fly fishing ended, there were 10 Brook Trout caught and every single fish weighed over 5 pounds.  In fact, there was one fish that was considerably larger.  We knew it was probably the state record.  As snow began to fall so heavily that fly fishing wasn’t an option, we packed the largest fish up and headed downhill to the nearest certified scale.  At the time, the state record for Brook Trout was 7 pounds 3 ounces.  To our disappointment the fish fell short of the record by just a few ounces.  In my personal opinion the one hour trip to the scale easily caused a significant weight loss.


In my family, we never have had a traditional Christmas meal (turkey and all that stuff).  That year was no different because it involved the bright orange meat of a huge Brook Trout J

Even though I missed out on several ounces , the “10 Monster Brook Trout” day will live in my memory forever.

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Golden Trout Summer


Two summers ago my husband and I went on a fishing trip that I will never forget.  He has always wanted to show me where he calls “Paradise On Earth”.  My husband always has a fishing destination for his hikes and this time was no different.  He had a lake in mind that was full of trophy Golden Trout.   During our camping trip we literally took hundreds of photos of beautiful flowers and scenery.  I have lived amongst mountain ranges for most of my life but even I was amazed.

Once we hiked 16 miles, we lived in total isolation for 5 days.  No television, kids, work, and absolutely no phone calls.  The only noise was the occasional fish jump and rock falling from the nearby cliffs.  Since my husband makes fly rods, fly boxes, landing nets, and his own flies at www.pciflyboxes.com  we didn’t have any shortage of fly fishing equipment.   Even though the fish were skiddish to an unknown object above water (humans), the Golden Trout would viscously attack a fast sinking scud.  Golden Trout like the 21” monster shown were common.  Thank you for taking me honey…we can look at the videos and photos as often as we want.  Next time don’t forget the tin foil ;-)

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Fly Fish In Style


I guess I’ve been slinging a fly of some kind or another since before I can remember.  You also could say that most of my life has included something to do with fishing equipment.  In fact, in 1996 I started a business making wooden fly boxes and landing nets.  At the time, I was one of the very few businesses that made exotic wood fly boxes and my company was the original designer of the “Premium Fly Box”.  Our business can be found at www.pciflyboxes.com It didn’t take long for Prize Catch Fly Boxes to become known all over the world and many notable organizations


use our products for events, contests, and charitable events.  Throughout our history, we have promoted the idea that our products are specially made for the traditional fly fisherman that wants to “fly fish in style”.  Exotic wooden products that are made with precision while photo quality laser engraving combine for heirloom quality.  Even though our products look like “heirlooms”, we encourage our customers to enjoy them on the river.

Friday, January 4, 2013

Hey, The Trucks On Fire !

After parking our little truck at a popular trailhead near our house, I noticed right of way that the engine compartment was on fire.  Within seconds, it was too late to do anything but stare in total amazement.  Then both of my boys and I remembered that a great deal of equipment was in the back seat and rear of truck.  Items including backpacks, sleeping bags, very expensive gold detector, and other hard to replace items.  By the time I got the equipment out of the truck, the truck was fully engulfed and soon after tires and windows started blowing out.  To our best luck, I had my cell phone in my pocket and there happened to be service in the area :)  Help and a ride home was on its way.  We don't know what started the fire but it was a good little truck.

Backpacking the "Winds"

Its a place where you can get away to find yourself amongst incredible craggy granite mountains while its possible to visit with a Grizzly Bear, Wolf, or even a Hippie from Germany...all in the same trip.  Voted by Backpacker Magazine, the Titcomb Basin within the Wind River Range of Wyoming is the #1 hike in America.  For a few months each year, backpackers and climbers from all over the world congregate to the "Winds" to see the gorgeous vistas, fly fishing, and difficult climbing.

Fishing In Montana

If you can find the patience to overcome the amazingly long and brutal winters of Montana then you may be rewarded with some of the best fly fishing in the Rocky Mountains.  With five blue ribbon trout rivers all within 100 miles of my house, my waders don't get a chance to dry for a few months.