[Steve K.]

Props to Blurb.com once again! Many of you know about my recent trip to AK….a “last cast” trip with my sons before the youngest headed to Parris Island and Marine Corps boot camp (he’s a month into it). Anyhow….I used Blurb to memorialize the trip by way of a photo book. The book is “11 x 13” and the photos came out great in this format.

I say that to say this….if you want to put together a photo book of a recent event…I highly recommend Blurb.com. This is my third photo book with them. You download their software….build your book…upload and place your order. I received my book three weeks after uploading the book.

Feel free to preview at:

http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1585355

[Steve K.]

Thanks for sharing Michael. I did a father/son trip to AK last month with my son. I’m sure it’s a trip that both of you will never forget!

[Steve K.]

Great report and photos Brian!

I’ve done a similar trip into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness (Wyoming) and this brought back memories. Camping and fishing above treeline is an awesome experience. I haven’t got a lot of confidence in my ice-climbing abilities – but you guys have got it down!

Thanks for posting!!

[Steve K.]

Ditt…… BRF in West Yellowstone! Good folks.

[Steve K.]

Thanks guys.

M.G….yeah…the weather sucked while we were there in late July. My wife said she would have gone crazy if all those floatplane crashes had occurred while we were there.

As a side note….I have actually flown on the Branch River Air Beaver with Marco as the pilot….back in 2006. Last I checked….they still had not found that aircraft. Disappeared somewhere in Katmai N.P.

[Steve K.]

Well just damn. I had no idea…..I’ve been a tax dodger all these years. 😮

Now this begs another question…..if I’m charged sales tax from an Internet vendor at the time of purchase….according to GA law….I’m still responsible for paying 7% to the GA Dept. of Rev?? So I get taxed twice? Am I reading this wrong?

If a flyshop in Georgia places an order for ten Scott rods from Colorado….does Scott add tax to the flyshop order? It stands to reason if it was an “internet” order. Then the shop would have to report via Form ST3 to GA. Dept of Rev and pay their portion. Then when I walk into the shop to buy the rod….I pay sales tax. So….one rod is taxed three different times?

I’m with Dave….Ebay

[Steve K.]

Mark….good point. My local shop often throws in some swag.

I guess each person’s situation dictates their line of thought. It’s a 50 mile drive in traffic to get to my fly shop….so gas and time has to figure into my purchase. I’ve never paid sales tax when ordering from Cabelas….Orvis is a different story. I stated previously that sales tax was 7% at my shop….but I may have made a mistake…I believe it’s 8% in The ATL.

With that said….when I’m close to a nice shop….and I’ve done this in MT, WY, AK, AR, NC, FL and GA…..at the very least I buy some local flies as well as some other things.

I definitely think it’s important to patronize the small shops as much as possible. Lately I’ve been trying to purchase through local shops that have mail order such as Blue Ribbon Flies and The Fly Shop.

[Steve K.]

Nice job Tim! I believe you are now officially “hooked”.

I see you made it to The Spit…..and caught a glimpse of the Time Bandit………Neat! Did you have a chance to eat any razor clams?

[Steve K.]

Last time I went to Athens for a football game a drunken frat boy poured beer on me. My team won and his did not.

I’d suggest watching from the crib….Sorry Zach…I’m no help.

[Steve K.]

If you buy a Winston from Cabelas it will cost you $19.95 for shipping.  That will eat up any $15 or $20 coupons.

I’ve got to respectfully play devil’s advocate here:

My Local Flyshop:
Winston LT5 4 weight = $695
7% sales tax = $48.65
Total = $743.65

Cabelas:
Winston LT5 4 weight = $695
S&H = $19.95
Total = $714.95

Savings through Cabelas = $28.70*

Of course the intangibles must be factored in such as being able to lawn cast a prototype at the shop….face-to-face advice, etc. Also add in the cost of time and gas to drive downtown to said flyshop. Now don’t get me wrong…I try to patronize the local establishment as much as anybody but that is a somewhat significant savings.

Just sayin’.

[Steve K.]

Thanks for posting Andrew! I too….would like to know the name of this place. PM me if you want to keep it on the down low.

[Steve K.]

Git ‘er done son! Great job. I see you got the underwater housing out. Nice. My favorite has to be the “stretching rod” photo. That is a very unique perspective. How wide is that lens you are using? Looks to be 10 or 12mm.

Thanks for posting Matt!

[Steve K.]

Thanks Chad….I’m way behind the learning curve and will try your suggestion. Post-processing is almost as much fun as taking the photos!

Which lodge did your friend work at? I was at Brooks in ’08 for a week and got to know most of the staff. The majority of the visitors only stay for the day…or maybe an overnighter. I was there for eight days so I got to know most of them. We would gather at the bar each night and re-hash the day’s events over an Alaskan Amber. I also got to know some Brits that were there from the BBC….doing a documentary on salmon. It was a great trip. I’m kicking myself for not finding that place when I was much younger and single. Of course I would probably be a true trout bum as a result with no wife, no kids and no 401K.

[Steve K.]

Nice job Frank! Thanks for posting…….Welcome to IA.

[Steve K.]

Graham….thanks for the detailed info. I was curious as to your shutter speed since the moving fish is so crisp and sharp. No blown sky either….great job!

I’m intrigued by your “little green dot” method. That makes a lot of sense. I’ve thought about doing the same type thing….possibly painting a white reference line on the outside surface of the lens hood.

Thanks again.

[Steve K.]

Having dabbled a little in UW photography, I know what a challenge it can be. With that said…..Graham you nailed it in “Striking Gold”!

And you’re right about keeping the fish underwater….less stress and they take on a whole ‘nother look when photographed underwater. With apologies to the Becks…..I call it the “Grip and Dip” shot.  😀

Are you using any kind of ND filter or post production filter in the half-and-half shots? I’d be interested in the EXIF data for “Striking Gold”.

Thanks for posting!

[Steve K.]

Thanks….I must confess….I was bored and experimenting (motion blur) with Elements 7.  Filter – Blur

I want to learn how to do it the “real” way.  🙂

It was a great trip but the weather sucked. Very little good light for photography….mostly clouds and rain.

I’m gonna convert some to B&W and see how they look.

[Steve K.]

Thanks for posting Corey!

Great shots all…..but the grayling and the fisheye shot are my favorites.

I’m digging the beached whale on the Jeff photo!

[Steve K.]

[Steve K.]

Thanks Phil and congrats on the new gig.

[Author]

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