Posted by Jim E (24.116.99.140) on December 11, 2003 at 08:38:24:
Ketchum Release release
No, my fingers didn’t stutter when typing that. I meant to type “release” twice. Finally, I have a genuine “tip”. Not just suggestions and stories.
The picture above shows a Ketchum Release with an attachment and then a magnet (actually three small magnets mounted on a plate). The magnet comes from a magnetic nametag mount that can found at most trophy and engraving stores for around $1.50 each. These magnets are extremely strong and work great as a tool holder and release. I drill six small holes through the plastic plate and then sew it inside a pocket on my fly vest. Make sure the magnets are sewn to where they are facing the fabric and pointing to the outside of the pocket. Which pocket and the placement of the magnet in that pocket are up to you. Just try and place it in a convenient place and one that is out of the way during normal casting and fishing situations when the tool is attached. Since the magnet plate is very thin it won’t take up hardly any space at all from inside the pocket.
Next, I take the metal plate that comes with the magnet (intended to hold a name tag via adhesive tape) and cut it in half, round the edges and drill a small hole in one corner. I attach it to the Ketchum Release (of course you can use this with whatever tool you choose as long as it’s not too heavy) using a large split ring. With an easy pull, the tool is released from the magnet and ready for use. Then, to reattach, all you have to do is get the metal plate in the general area of the magnet and it will jump to it, staying there until the tool is needed again. I carry two sizes of Ketchum releases and keep one at the ready depending on what size of fly I am using. My point being, you can keep other/extra tools in a pocket (as long as they have the metal plate attached) and have a different one out on the magnet as the situation dictates.
Why this instead of a zinger ?
Sometimes you must stretch down to your knees or even feet to use a tool and a zinger may not be long enough to reach that far. Also you sacrifice agility from having to deal with the tension of the spring retractor from the zinger. For these same reasons and one other, I use a magnetic release for my net also, which I highly recommend. Other net releases require the fly fisherman to fumble around behind his back (the other reason) trying to reattach his net after each use. Again, with a magnetic release, just get the magnets close together and voila, your back to fishing.
Magnetic net releases are commercially available and I’m pretty sure Sid stocks them as well as Ketchum Releases. More on using those for another week.
Good luck and thanks for reading. Again, as always, if you have any tips that you would like to share just email them to me (you will be given full credit). Also, feel free to comment.
Jim Enns <*))))))))><