Aspen Peak - Niche Media - Aspen living at its peak
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/310878
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF CRAWFORD (POLE) is new rod "has a cassette locking system that locks and unlocks the spool at the fl ick of a switch." MATT BURMASTER Flying High THIS ULTRALUXE FLYFISHING ROD TOPS THE COVETED WISH LIST OF THE SUMMER ANGLING SEASON, AS THE LITTLE NELL'S MATT BURMASTER FORECASTS A NET PROFIT OF ROBUST ROCKY MOUNTAIN TROUT. BY FAYE POWER T he name Hardy, when dropped in certain fishing circles, is synonymous with quality and a strict standard of excellence. Crafting fishing equipment since 1872, the brand now unveils a new must-have piece of gear for those quick to upgrade. Constructed of a 6061 bar stock aerospace-grade aluminum, the sleek Hardy Ultralite CLS fishing reel ($259 –$329) comes equipped with a Hardy Line ID system that allows for markers—also reusable and moveable—that can be effortlessly changed when marking a new line type. Matt Burmaster, f ly-fishing director at The Little Nell, says he can't wait to get his hands on the new piece of equipment. "It has a cassette locking system (CLS), which means it locks and unlocks the spool in place at the f lick of a switch," he explains. With large backing capacities, modified polycarbonate spools, and an attrac- tive arbour design, the new Hardy reel is poised to be the gear of choice this season—whether fishing the valley's gorgeous Roaring Fork or Frying Pan R ivers. A tool-less hand conversion and a centralized twin rulon disc provide a powerful line and smooth control. Citing the high-quality construction of the Ultralite CLS, Burmaster adds, "I'll be using this rod with a Nomad hand net, which has a basket big enough to scoop up the biggest trout." Adventures With The Little Nell, 675 E. Durant Ave., 970-920-6315; thelittlenell.com AP 126 ASPENPEAK-MAGAZINE.COM ESSENTIAL GEAR 126_AP_SS_EssentialGear_V2_SUM_FALL_14.indd 126 5/6/14 6:07 PM