Loon Products ~ Camo Drops ~ Rogue Hook Removal Forceps ~ Rogue Quickdraw Forceps ~ Rogue Nippers

 

I'm really stoked on life right now as I'm making my transition from the Northern Sierra to my winter guiding schedule on the Lower Yuba River, which allows me more time for special projects like writing articles, creating new power point programs, planning for 2021, and gear reviews like this one. So for this product review, I'm covering some basic needed essentials for the fly angler that can be used for rivers, creeks, or your favorite stillwater. 

There are 3 elements that effect your drift for a successful presentation while nymphing. The depth at which your fly is at, the angle of your rig which is altered by the force of the current, and the drop, which is the amount of split shot we add, or the weight to the fly itself. Tight line nymphing is best done with your heaviest fly on the bottom of the rig, but this doesn't always work, especially when fishing tiny flies in sizes 18-24. I actually fish these small flies while tight lining quite a bit on waters like the Little Truckee, and the Stagecoach tailwater of the Yampa River. You can only put so much weight on a fly that is so tiny, namely a 1.5 to a 2.0 mm tungsten bead, but you can add more weight to your leader, and this is where the Loon Camp Drops come into play.

I've been using the Loon Camo Drops for the past month on dozens of trips and they are now my favorite split shot to use. These non-toxic split shots are made of tin and also feature a non-gloss matte coating, plus a textured finish to prevent slipping. They are much easier to take off than the other similar brand I've been using for the last few decades, and the paint also last a little longer too. The different colors allow the angler to match the natural surroundings of that particular watershed they are fishing. I use the bright green drops on the Little Truckee River, and the dark green drops for the Middle Fork Feather River. Loon Camo Drops come in sizes 6, 4, 1, BB, AB, AAA, SA, SSG and 2SSG, and the easy to use dispenser is quite handy and fits easily in your vest. 

The Loon Rogue Removal Forceps are pretty cool, though I will admit it that it took me a little while to get used to them. Mostly it was the curve of the tip, where the smooth part of the jaw was located past the hinge, and the the other features like the serrated section of the jaws and the hook removal feature. The ergonomics of them are comfy but I'd like to see the finger loops a tad bigger for even more comfort and performance. The hook removal feature is a great asset while taking out flies that are delicate while a trout is thrashing about, namely a Jay Fair fly that has marabou incorporated into it that easily tears off the fly. 

These well made forceps are 5.5" long and feature a stealthy matte black rust-resistant finish, comfy rubberized grip that provides extra tackiness, and made of surgical quality stainless steel. Other features like the the double positioning locking handles really work well and can hold a 2mm tippet ring in them without slipping as one pulls down and sets a good clinch knot. Now that I'm used to the Rogue Hook Removal Forceps, I can't fish without them.

One bad ass tool, the Rogue Quickdraw Forceps are at home on your hip, or on your tackle bag in the boat. The ergos on these industrial forceps are extremely comfy, and allow the user to quickly lock the jaws in place and unlock them easily. Oversized thumb and finger holes accommodate large or gloved hands. The carabiner style quickdraw is the best feature on these when you're short on time, and seconds equal success in completing your task at hand. The clip is also easy to disengage when you need them and helps the forceps stay in place and not lose them. I really like the scissor feature which allows me to do multiple tasks without changing tools. The pair I received were a little sticky at the hinge, but some Tri Flow lubricant solved the problem and they are now smooth and free moving.

The Rogue Quickdraw forceps are 6.25" long and also feature a flat geometric jaw for easy hook removal/debarbing, double-dipped handle for added comfort, a eye clearing needle for flies, and a two stage position locking handle. These are a must have!

Last on this product review is the Loon Rogue Nippers. Not much to say about nippers, either they work well, or they don't. These DO work well and they are very sharp which means less physical effort needs to be applied when using them. This is essential when it's super cold out and your fingers are suffering from the conditions. A double dipped rubberized coating adds comfort and keeps them from slipping out of your hand. Nip, snip, and you're done.

Check out Loon's other products on their site, and special thanks to Hogan Brown for hooking me up with these awesome tools and other fine fishy products!

https://loonoutdoors.com/