Whether hiking a mountain, fly-fishing in a river, or simply enjoying a picnic in the park, choosing the right men’s outdoor shirt is crucial. Otherwise you could find yourself dripping in sweat due to a too-heavy top or with a nasty sunburn due to one that doesn’t offer enough coverage.
But, with the plethora of options available in the market, it becomes challenging to decide which one is the best fit for your specific needs.
In this guide article, we’ll guide you through identifying the kinds of outdoor shirts, explore different materials, fits, and technical features, as well as discuss what you should look for when buying one. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of men’s outdoor shirts and be ready to pick the right one for your next great outdoor adventure.[Read more…] about Outdoor Essential: How to Select Men’s Outdoor Shirts
Getting up at the crack of dawn and watching the sun rise over pristine lake or stream waters as you cast your fishing rod is an experience in and of itself. However, to really enhance your fly fishing adventure, what you need is a sturdy rod that completes the picture by helping you reel in buckets of fish.
That’s where Sage fly fishing rods come in. Founded in 1980, Sage is a brand synonymous with quality and performance in the world of fly fishing. Sage, originally the Winslow Rod Company, was established by Don Green, a man with an expert understanding of rod dynamics from his tenure at other well-known rod companies. Don’s ambition was simple yet powerful: to create superior-quality fishing equipment that elevated the whole fly fishing experience.
Today, Sage fly fishing rods continue to be some of the best gear for angling enthusiasts to pick up. In this guide, we’ll cover the ins and outs of these rods and why they’re a must-have if you want to upgrade your fishing haul this season.[Read more…] about Upgrade Your Angling with Sage Fly Fishing Rods
There’s nothing like tramping through the forest, taking in the scenery around you with the sounds of birdsong in your ears. However, that peaceful vision can all be shattered pretty quickly when it starts to rain or you step in a puddle, and your tennis shoes fill with water.
The good news is that you can get around this uncomfortable situation with a solid pair of men’s waterproof hiking boots. Men’s waterproof hiking boots provide you with footwear that’s sturdy, reliable, and comfortable and, of course, works well for multiple seasons and climates.
Of course, to choose the right pair of men’s waterproof hiking boots, there are a few things you need to know. Let’s tramp through the options available, common materials, and features to consider to help you find the perfect boots.[Read more…] about Choosing the Right Men’s Waterproof Hiking Boots
There’s nothing like a quiet day out fly fishing on the river, reeling in fish with their silver scales reflecting the sunlight. It’s a way to relax and unwind after all the hustle and bustle of the work week.
However, in order to be successful at this sport, you really need a good pair of fly fishing waders.
Waders help you navigate through varying water currents and depths. But in order to take advantage of those benefits, you’ve got to be able to unpack what the best fly fishing waders are, how to choose them, and what factors to consider as you do.[Read more…] about Optimal Catch: Finding the Best Fly Fishing Waders
For trout anglers in North Carolina there can be few times as exciting as the first cooler days in the fall. As the air and water temperatures drop and hurricane season rains replenish water levels, the countdown begins for Delayed Harvest trout fishing. In North Carolina, DH trout season runs October 1 through June 2 on 36 rivers, creeks, and streams throughout the higher elevations of the state. Fly anglers who put away their rod, reel, waders, and boots when temps rose should take the time to check their gear before rising with the rooster and heading towards the stream. We’ll cover more on that further down, so stay with us.
What is Delayed Harvest Trout season? During this long-running season the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission stocks our western rivers and streams with hatchery raised Brook, Rainbow, and Brown Trout. On Delayed Harvest waters anglers cannot harvest/keep trout; the harvesting of those fish is delayed until the season concludes 30 minutes after sunset on June 2, 2023. Further, anglers can only use single hook artificial lures/flies during Delayed Harvest in North Carolina.
How do you know if you are fishing on Delayed Harvest waters? You can check the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Delayed Harvest Stocking site before you head out, or once on the water, look for black and white diamond shaped posted signs. Or, one can simply assume that the stream is Delayed Harvest and employ common sense catch and release practices.
Before heading out this Delayed Harvest season, give your gear a thorough once-over to make sure your line is in good shape. Fly line should be cleaned and gently stretched to reduce coil/memory so casts are more accurate and delicate. Terminal tackle, leader & tippet, left rigged from last year probably needs to be replaced. Older fly line may deteriorate over time and will perform poorly on the water. If the line feels overly stiff, gummy, or is nicked or cut it is probably due for a replacement. Newer lines designed for tighter waters, such as Rio’s Creek line, or Rio Gold, will make a difference in presenting flies to our pressured trout.
Jesse Brown’s Outdoors staff are setup to help determine if any of your fishing and outdoor gear is ready to go, or if it needs to be repaired or replaced. Our fly reel services will have you back in action quickly in most instances. On-site casting lessons are tailored to each individual so that a novice angler can hit the stream with confidence or so an experienced and seasoned fly fisher can take their cast and presentation to the next level.
Our in-house guide service books clients year-round. The cooler fall, winter, and spring seasons are ideal times to give us a call or book online. We provide highly experienced guides, as well as rods, reels, flies, waders, wading boots, and lunch. All you need is a valid NC fishing license and appropriate clothing for a day on the water. When you book a guided fly-fishing trip with Jesse Brown’s Outdoors you and your guests are the only clients with us that day. No prior experience is required to fish with us.
Did you know: Nearly 30% of all the land in the United States is public land? It’s kind of an amazing thing to think about, really. And whether it’s your favorite National Park, some the beautiful area state parks, or even your neighborhood park or greenway, we’re lucky enough to be owners, if you will, of some pretty incredible places to get outside and play.
National Public Lands Day is a day enjoy these shared properties. Whether you decide to take a hike, pack a picnic, explore, travel, or volunteer, this is the perfect time of year — and practically perfect weather to celebrate. Here are some of our favorites here at Jesse Brown’s!
Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation
There are more than 200 Charlotte and Mecklenburg County area parks covering 20,000 plus acres with great places to play, picnic, fish, hike, run, or just hang out with family and friends. From big, regional parks and nature centers, to cozy little neighborhood parks, it’s easy to find a place to get away without going too far.
The Carolina Thread Trail is a regional network of over 500 miles of greenways and trails that reaches 15 counties and 2.3 million citizens. It links people, places, cities, towns and attractions. When you see the Carolina Trail Logo, that will indicate that particular greenway, trail, or path is a section of the Carolina Thread Trail. Loads of opportunities to get involved with the Thread Trail, including their annual “Fall into the Thread” event — we’ll see you there!
Greenway trails provide recreation, fitness, and economic benefits for all to enjoy. There are currently 37 miles of development and 150 miles of undeveloped greenways in Mecklenburg County. Greenways are consistently the most asked for public amenity. And for good reason. They connect us to nature, neighbors, schools, shopping, and more, without ever getting into traffic.
The site of a tide-turning battle during the American Revolution, this was the first major patriot victory to occur after the British invasion of Charleston, SC in May 1780. Kings Mountain National Military Park preserves the site of this important battle and some 4000 acres. It’s right next door, if you will, to Kings Mountain State Park and its hiking trails, fishing, camping, and horse trails.
Talk about getting an eyeful. Along with the incredible views and breathtaking overlooks, fall is THE time to take in the changing season along this 470 mile linear park. Predictions are that this year’s leaf color will be more brilliant than in previous years, so be ready to take it all in with a charged phone battery to snap all of those panorama pictures.
No matter where your next adventure takes you, we’ll get you geared-up and ready to go. Check out Jesse Brown’s at the Sharon Corners Shopping Center, or on the web at www.jessebrowns.com. Want more inspiration? Listen in on the Carolina Outdoors Podcast.
By now you’ve probably seen or heard the news. No drones, no coolers, and no reclining lawn chairs allowed at Quail Hollow for the PGA Championships. (Well, there goes our weekend. — Just kidding!) Despite the rules, there’s still plenty of wiggle room for creature comforts to take along as you tag along with the pros. While you’re in the neighborhood, you can pop in to see us at Jesse Brown’s and get geared-up for golf!
Rain gear:
Seems like tournament week is either the warmest week of the summer — or the wettest. Don’t try to weather the jungle-like days on the links with your old, plastic-coated or “water resistant” jacket, or (gasp!) a tacky emergency poncho! A real raincoat that’s waterproof AND breathable will make even the longest, wettest days more tolerable.
Hats and Caps:
Yes, we love us a Carolina Panthers or UNC cap, too, but if and when the sun shines on the SouthPark area, you’ll want the kind of coverage a wide-brim Tilley Endurables hat can provide. Trust us on this one. And if you’ve got to go with the cap, we get it. Check out a new Patagonia low trucker cap. You won’t have to retire that Panthers’ cap. It’ll be football season soon enough.
Folding chairs:
Those big, armchair models you take to the beach won’t cut it at Quail Hollow. Actually, they won’t even let them past the door. The good news is, there are quite a few options that are much lighter, easier to carry, and can give you more than a comfortable moment off your feet.
Sunglasses:
Sorry, Billy Gibbons, but cheap sunglasses just won’t cut it. (Bonus points if you get that reference.) Sunglasses — particularly those with polarized lenses — will not only make it easier to see out there, but also cut down on overall eye fatigue no matter what your outdoor pursuit. Seriously, Look it up.
SPF shirts and tops:
Sunscreen is a must, for sure, and you can double-down on the sun protection effort with lightweight, breathable fabrics that are up to SPF 50. Yes, those colorful Columbia PFG shirts you like so much for travel, fishing, and such are also a perfect match for spectating in cool comfort!
And here’s the straight dope on what you can — and can’t bring — when you’re headed over to the tournament. Enjoy, and we’ll see you here at Jesse Brown’s no matter what the season.
Jesse Brown’s is proud to be a part of Healing Saturday. On Saturday, November 12, 2016 your favorite fly shop, along with others across the country, will host day-long actives to raise funds and awareness for injured and disabled veterans. This special day, dubbed “Healing Saturday,” takes place in cooperation with the local volunteer-run Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing programs, which support veterans on their journeys to physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Everyone is invited to participate in the food, fellowship, and all-things fly fishing here on Healing Saturday.
Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc., for which Jesse Brown’s has been a long time sponsor and friend, is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active military service personnel and veterans. More than a one day fishing trip, program activities include fly fishing instruction, fly tying classes, fly casting workshops, rod building and fly fishing outings. This past year alone, Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing served over 7,000 veteran participants at their 200+ programs nationwide.
Project Healing Waters “Healing Saturday” Schedule of Events
Man recording his activities by writing in a journal.
I began writing a “sportsman’s journal” about 20 years ago. I’m not exactly sure why…..there was no compelling event other than I liked to write and I felt obligated to start documenting my outdoor adventures. My sons were 8 and 10 years old at the time and they were quickly becoming a cherished and integral part of our hunts and other outdoor adventures. As the pace of our lives quickened, so grew the sense of urgency to capture in words the images and feelings I experienced on our trips. My fear was the same fear every sportsman dreads…….. to wake up one day, discover that you are 80 years old, are ravaged by some cruel, memory robbing disease and have no recollection of the most cherished and exhilarating days of your life. In an effort to forestall the effects of the inevitable, so began my “sportsman’s journal”.
My journal may not be the typical sportsman’s journal. Like most sportsmen, I try and capture the basics of who, what, when and how many of the adventures we are lucky enough to experience. Ironically though, these are the details that I will most likely remember when I’m 80 years old. But regrettably, these are not the most cherished details that I will want to remember when I’m 80 years old. Therefore, my goal is to capture the “essence” and “soul” of our outdoor adventure. I want to chronicle the subtle nuances that make me stop and reflect on a special moment that may seem insignificant to others but means the world to me.
I want to write about the special people we meet on our hunts and trips……like the old man with white hair and a red face who can hardly walk anymore but is in the field participating in the hunt and sharing his wisdom about an obscure fact or detail regarding his Browning Sweet 16 shotgun. I want to capture the joy in the face of an 11 year old as he shoots his first dove on the wing in a September corn field in the low-country of S.C. I want to remember how blue the sky was that afternoon as momentous events were unfolding. I want to remember the rustling sound of the golden, late season corn stalks as they swayed in the wind on a cold, blustery November dove shoot. I want to be able to remember the pride a father feels when his 19 year old achieves a “double” on a covey of quail at a South Georgia plantation using a vintage 1905 Parker shotgun. I want to remember the hickory smell of the BBQ that was served by our host before the hunt that October afternoon. I want to remember the taste of the salt water as it stings my face in rough seas as we make our way to fish for sheepshead at the Charleston jetties. I want to write about the feeling of pride I got when my 25 year old son was the guide on my first fly fishing trip to a remote trout stream on the SC/Georgia border. I want to remember the warm, mellow sting in my throat from the flask as we toasted the first “brookie” of my life. I want to remember how cold and clear the mountain stream was that day in May and how I only fell once on the slippery, green, moss covered rocks. I want to remember that I caught my trout using a 47 year old fly rod that was mine as a kid.
These are the events and details I want to remember as I am warming by the red, glowing fire in my leather chair when I am 80 years old. It will not matter much how many birds we killed or fish we caught that day. But it will matter what we talked about on our journey to the field or stream. So I encourage every sportsman to keep their own version of their journal. I am convinced it will become their most prized possession. Mine is.
No words were ever more true………it is all about the journey.
