Equipment
Fly-fishing Equipment and Materials
My recreation career started working with university outdoor recreation programs. Outdoor equipment was a key aspect of my work then and launched a keen interest in innovative products that facilitated recreation experiences. This page is intended to help others better understand the equipment and materials we're using.
The Bruin is WaterMaster's multi-person raft (1-3) and is most often purchased with a rowing frame. This versatile craft is made of whitewater grade material.
Because of my interest in innovative recreation gear, I've kept an eye out for ways to customize our raft to increase the easy of use and functionality. Here are some examples:
Leelock Anchor Systems - The 1/2 inch side pull lock unit (frame mount) helps create an anchoring system much less likely to accidentally release an anchor. I was introduced to these units by guides in Montana who had them on custom build raft frames.
Tornado Anchors - These anchors, available in multiple weights, are designed to conform to the shape of the river bottom and provide more efficient stopping power. We were excited to get WKU colors for our anchor; we have the 24 lb. version.
Ziggco LLC, SpinRx Pulley- The pulley gives you a mechanical advantage when pulling up your anchor and also helps keep the anchor line from twisting.
Ziggco LLC, SpinRx Anchor Arm Swivel - This swivel mounts on the raft frame's anchor arm. The end of your anchor rope attaches to the swivel which helps reduce anchor line twisting.
Pro-Oars Super light oars that take a lot of the work out of rowing.
Pro-Loks This innovative oar lock system is great. You'd have to try it to really understand and appreciate.
Kobalt inflator - This battery powered inflator available through Lowe's home improvement stores is a great resource to inflate our rafts. I use this for the initial inflation and then use a hand or foot pump to get to the final pressure. We have other tools that use the same batteries, so this is a good option for us.
The Kodiak is an excellent one-person fishing raft that's built for durability and adventure.
We bought three of these used (20+ years old) and they are still solid and work great. The raft body is only 27 lbs. The raft and the standard package items together are supposed to be 42 lbs. These can be deflated, rolled, placed in a dry bag, and easily fit into your car or truck.
We recently added a brand new Kodiak to the fleet and are excited to get it out on the water.
We have selected the ECHO LIFT Kit (6wt) to use with our university fly-fishing course offered each fall semester, WKU Fly Fishing Montana. If you'd like to read my thoughts on this rod, please check out my review: https://www.flyfusionmag.com/echolift/
We also have a 6wt and 7wt ECHO 84-B (released in 2024). Having used these rods for eight days in Montana (Sept. 2024) I can confirm they catch trout just fine. Although marketed as bass and muskie rods, don't overlook using them with other species.
We also have one rod from Syndicate Fly Fishing, 6wt, 10'.
We've been using the Wapsi Deluxe Fly Tying Starter Kit many years for our university fly-fishing course. It guides learners through fly-tying techniques and teaches how to tie 17 go-to fly patterns. There is plenty of material to tie more than the 17 covered in the easy to follow instruction book and videos.
