F3T - aTight Loop and Dun The Magazine

Towards the end of July, my friends Kurt - a Tight Loop, and Jen - Dun The Magazine, hosted the Fly Fishing Film Tour here in Arlington Heights, Illinois.  What a great night of familiar faces, raffles, beer, food, and good times.  I did not do any research on what films would be included in this years F3T, because, I know, it's going to be a good fishy time, none the less.

Before the show started, they was a casting contest.  I forgot what the entry fee was, but I was talked into it by Sean from Rushing Waters, who was working the contest.  The contest was with a practice casting rod, and you had to land the fly in 3 small hoops laying on the ground at different distances.  I'm a sloppy caster, so, I was terrified of showcasing my loopty loops for all to see.  I finished in 11 or 12 seconds, I forgot.  They were going to announce who had the fastest time at the break, so, I had to wait to find out the results.

Let the show begin.

The show started, and being a warm water fishing fanatic, I was a little disappointed with the films.  They were all filmed beautiful, but lacked some of the fishing that can be done by just about anyone.  There were lots of destination fishing films, places that I sure as hell could never afford haha.  My buddy Dave - Urban Assault Fly Fishing, and I agree that these film tours/festivals such as the F3T and IF4 lack some of the "rough" fish that most of us are accustom to.  Oh well, looks like we'll just have to do it ourselves! Ha  Other than my personal opinion, the films were great.  Really jealous of all of these guys who can fly around and fish for all of these crazy awesome fish in some of the most beautiful places I've ever seen.

I ended up taking first place in the casting competition, I was completely surprised, and couldn't help but laugh.  I won a Rio Products - 5 wt Gold Line.  Perfect timing, too, because, I was in the market to replace the 5 wt line I've had on my 5 wt reel for 3 years.

After they announced the winners to the contest, they began to pick raffle tickets for the rest of the prizes.  The prizes ranged from a few different things, such as, rods, lines, face buffs, art, and a guided fishing trip with PJ's Guide Service.

I ended up getting one of my numbers called and won again!  This time I won a koozie from Maven Fly, an awesome hat from Midwest Flies, and 5 wt line from 406 Fly Lines.

Maven Fly

How awesome is this hat!?!?!  While it doesn't fit my head, I'm not a fan of low fitting hats, this hat is pretty awesome.  I think it makes a great piece for my bookshelf near my fly tying desk.  I love the art work of the trout on the side of it.

Midwest Flies - Front.

Really awesome art work on this hat.

Now I have 2 options to replace current 5 wt line.  I'm not sure what to choose.  Do I go with the well known Rio Products Gold line, or do I go with this 406 Fly Lines that I am completely unfamiliar with.  Decisions, decisions, decisions...

Can't forget about the sample bottles of vodka we received as a door gift when walking into the event.  The Vodka was from Dry Fly Distillery out of Washington.  They provided some mixed drinks that were absolutely delicious.  My GF and I really enjoyed them, and I wish I could remember the name of the drink and what was in it, but I just cannot.  I'll have to do some research on their website.

It was a great night, and I just want to shout out a huge THANK YOU to Kurt and Jen.  They are a hell of a team, and always on their hosting A game, and really know how to organize an event.  Looking forward to the next one!