May 11, 2012

Many of the crew from the R.L. Winston Rod Co. thoroughly enjoyed the recent Simms Ice Out Guide Event in Bozeman. A total of 15 Winston staff and production members represented the company at Ice Out, both in the Winston booth as well as participating in many of the special events such as the Guide Olympics in the MSU Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, Casting and Entomology Seminars at the Gallatin River Lodge– not to mention the Simms Super Sale at the Best Western GranTree Inn!

Winston saw this event as an outstanding opportunity to meet an amazing number of some of the most influential members of the fly fishing industry -professional fly fishing guides – and we were not disappointed.  Over 500 guides attended the event – and Winston enjoyed valuable face time with many of them.  All the guides who visited the Winston booth completed a brief survey and received a free Winston hat as well as a chance to win a Winston 9’ 5 Boron IIIx 4-piece rod and participate in the Winston Ice Out Special Sale, and of course test drive some of our new Boron IIIx rods.

We are thrilled to announce the winner of the new 9’ 5 Boron IIIx – Richard Bolen from Emigrant, Montana.  Richard just celebrated his 75^th birthday and has been fly fishing since the age of 13.  This was his 3^rd Ice Out.  He has been a fly fishing instructor at Mountain Sky Guest Ranch since 2006.  Richard told us, “I had cast the Winton Boron IIIx but never thought I would have one.  It is a dream come true for me and I will proudly show it off.  My thanks to the whole team at Winston.  I am really impressed with your dedication to perfection.”

In addition to supporting the 2012 Simms Ice Out with the 15 eager members of our crew,  Winston provided new Boron IIIx 9’ 5-wt 4-piece rods for the overall male and female Gold Medalists of the Guide Olympics, Joe Dilschneider and Alice Owsley, both Simms Guide Ambassadors and both extremely happy new Boron IIIx rod owners.

Alice Owsley sent us these comments, “I loved winning the new Joan Wulff Favorite Boron IIIx.  It is such a fantastic rod. I have been a fan of the JWF rods for years and am really excited that it is being offered in the BIIIx.  I highly recommend Winston rods to my clients and will enjoy letting them cast my new favorite!”  And from Joe Dilschneider – “My new BIIIx 5 wt. rod is rapidly becoming one of my favorites for fishing the Madison. In addition to being a beautiful fly rod, it handles everything well from little dries to big junk.”

Winston also provided new Boron IIIx 9’ 5-wt rods for the Guide Olympic accuracy and distance casting competition and rigging competition.

To top things off – Winston’s own Jesse Gronning was the winner of the Ro drift boat and trailer!  Jesse has been working in the blank rolling department at Winston for 2 years.  He proudly towed his new boat and trailer to work the Monday after Ice Out – to show off to all his friends.  He summed it up with, “Awesome, a once in a lifetime win!!!”

Thanks to all the folks at Simms who made this extraordinary event possible!

April 11, 2012

The R.L. Winston Rod Co. is proud to announce that the Winston GVX rod series has received an Editor’s Choice Award in Fly Fish America’s 2012 Gear Guide as one of the “best-of-the-best” in new fly fishing gear.

The GVX is Winston’s new series of fast-action all-graphite rods.  Designed and produced in Twin Bridges, Montana, they feature the same fast-action tapers, celebrated green finish, craftsmanship and quality as our high performance Boron rods.  Fly Fish America tested both the 5 and 8-wt extensively and concluded, “Both were powerful, smooth and fast-action designs that were an absolute delight to fish.”

• G = Graphite; V= Versatile; X = Fast-Action
• 4-piece rod series, 3-weight thru 8-weight
• Nickel Silver reel seat w/ wood insert on 3- 6wt.
• 8-weight features TiCH Anodized Aluminum reel seat w/ cork fighting butt

GVX rods continue the long tradition of Winston “all-graphite” premium rods.  With a retail price of $495, they are designed to be the very finest graphite rods you can own at the best price.  Made in the USA.

For more information, please see your authorized Winston Dealer or contact Leslie Clark at winasist@3rivers.net.

March 13, 2012

Winston today announced the winners of the 4^th FlyFishingMovies.com Film Festival.  After a careful and lengthy deliberation on the part of our jury, James Prosek, Steve Ransohoff and Chad Oman, we are pleased to announce the following winners of the Fourth FlyFishingMovies.com Film Festival.

The Golden Trout Award – For Best Film goes to “Sound of the Tundra”, a stunningly beautiful film of the huge caddis-eating trout found in Russia’s arctic tundra region.  Filmed on the remote upper eastern Litza River, this award winning film was submitted by Kristian Topp.  The Grand Prize for the Best Film is a Winston Boron 9’ 5-weight Conservation Rod.  In addition, Winston, on the behalf of World Trout, will donate 20% of the value of the Conservation Rod ($1800) to the conservation project of Kristian’s choice.  “I´m really excited to get another Winston rod to accompany my classic 9´ 4-wt IM6 rod. A limited edition conservation rod is of course even better.  Thank you Winston for the great prize and for making such wonderful rods.”

The Silver Trout Awards:
For Best Freshwater Film goes to “Lower 4” submitted by Matt Lenz.
For Best Saltwater Film goes to “Andros 2010” submitted by Scott Gibney.
The Silver Trout winners will receive their choice of any Boron or graphite rod as their Film Festival prize.

The Bronze Trout Awards:
For Best Freshwater Film goes to “River That Time Forgot” submitted by Mikey Wier.
For Best Saltwater Film goes to “Magic African Tigers” submitted by Jean-Pierre and Kathleen Piccin.
The Bronze Trout Winners will receive $100 worth of the Winston accessories of their choice as their Film Festival prize.

Certificates will be presented to all winners.  Winston and the Festival Jury congratulate the winners for their fabulous award-winning films.  The Jury consists of James Prosek, renowned artist, conservationist and writer; Chad Oman, President of Production with Jerry Bruckheimer Films, and Steve Ransohoff, President of Film Finances, Inc.  “It’s always a pleasure to watch the entries to the Winston film festival: every one of them…to slide into the secret fishing world of others and get to live through many, very personal days on the water.”  – James Prosek

Stay tuned and get your films ready to submit for the upcoming announcement about our new 2012 Festival for all entries submitted during 2012!

For more information contact Festival Director, Kevin Turman at info@winstonrods.com
or Leslie Clark at winasist@3rivers.net.

WINSTON FORUM SPORTING A NEW LOOK

March 2, 2012 – Today the R.L. Winston Rod Company unveiled a new look for the Winston Forum found at www.winstonrods.com.  Winston launched its new website last month and now the forum features a similarly elegant, updated styling.  New improvements include faster, more efficient browsing.

An integral element of www.winstonrods.com since the website’s inception, the forum is tremendously active and has long been the most viewed page on the Winston site.  Unique in the industry, it allows registered users to engage on a variety of flyfishing (and non flyfishing!) topics from Graphite Rods to Destinations and everything in between.  If you have any questions regarding where to fish and what gear to use, you’ll find plenty of fellow anglers eager to assist you.

If you are new to the Winston Forum, joining the conversation is easy, simply register as a new user and create your username and password.  In no time you can be posting your comments, questions and photos.

For more information, please contact Forum Administrator, Kevin Turman at info@winstonrods.com or Leslie Clark at winasist@3rivers.net

As part of Winston Rod Company’s ongoing charity sponsorship and conservation efforts, this year Winston donated the grand prize to help raise funds and awareness for the THOMPSON ISLAND OUTWARD BOUND EDUCATION CENTER to benefit of Boston area youth. The Thompson Island center is a not-for-profit organization that serves thousands of Massachusetts students each year in bringing environmental stewardship to the inner-city classroom.

Conceived and organized by Sam Barnard, former Winston dealer and founder of Firefly Outfitters in Boston, The Thompson Island Outward Bound Fishing Invitational held this past June, raised a total of $45,000 to benefit the Thompson Island Center.

When did Tom Hanks start working the phones at the R.L. Winston Rod Company?

Since the launch of its popular new Boron IIIx, GVX, VSL and Passport fly rods, the phones have been ringing off the hook at Winston. Luckily, Tom Hanks is lending a hand by recording the daytime and evening voicemail greetings for the R.L. Winston Rod Company.

According to Winston Chairman and owner, David Ondaatje, “Tom is an incredibly generous man. He didn’t want to see our phones go unanswered, so has been busy at the reception desk working the phones day and night here in Twin Bridges, Montana for the past several weeks. It’s been exhausting for him, but somehow he brings the same cheerful energy in answering every call. I now see why film directors love working with him so much.” Switching to a more serious tone, Ondaatje explains, “Tom donated his time to help with a local fundraiser and as a lifelong fan, the opportunity to help raise money for a good cause seemed too good to pass up while also offering something fun and different for our customers at Winston.”

Other News

With the introduction of four new rod series, this year is proving to be a busy year for the R.L. Winston Rod Company. Led by its new Boron III technology, Winston continues its recent position in leading the industry in performance rod design centered around its highly popular flagship Boron rods.

Tom has been busy too. He recently directed, wrote, produced and co-stars with Julia Roberts in Larry Crowne, a new film about man who reinvents himself by going back to college. Larry Crowne will be released in theaters everywhere July 1.

To save everyone having to call Winston and to keep from further overwhelming Winston’s phones, you can hear Tom’s voicemail greetings by going to the Winston web site at winstonrods.com or by listening below:

Tom’s message mp3

For more information contact Leslie Clark at winasist@3rivers.net or 406-684-5674.

20 May, 2011

All of us at the R.L. Winston Rod Company are extremely happy to offer our warmest andheartiest congratulations to Henry Winkler for the release of his latest book, I’ve Never Met an Idiot on the River: Reflections on Family, Fishing and Photography. While perhaps best known by many as an actor for iconic roles such as the “Fonz” on Happy Days or the coach in The Waterboy, for almost 20 years Henry Winkler has been known here at Winston as a friend and dedicated angler.

Henry has always been gracious and generous, taking the time to stop in, send us a note or chat with the staff at Winston on the phone. No wonder Winston owner, David Ondaatje was honored to be asked for a quote for the back cover of his new book, I’ve Never Met an Idiot on the River: Recollections on Family, Photography and Flyfishing. David describes the book as “…the most entertaining and introspective fly-fishing memoir I have ever read.”

“The world knows, of course, that Henry Winkler is an extraordinarily talented actor. With this book, they will also see that he is also a wonderfully clear and candid writer, family man and, perhaps closest to our hearts, they will see that he is truly one of us – that rare breed of addicted angler who lives breathes and daydreams about flyfishing. Like many of us, he cannot fully separate his love of flyfishing from the other aspects of his life. There is no possibility of a vacation without wondering if there is a good river nearby, or crossing a bridge without stopping to look for a rise or for a fish lurking below. In his new book, I’ve Never Met an Idiot on the River: Recollections on Family, Photography and Flyfishing, Henry shares his highly amusing personal journey in becoming an experienced angler over the years on frequent fishing trips to Montana and around the world. We can all identify with this journey, yet few of us are courageous enough to allow others such a candid and personal glimpse of who we are. It’s something with which every experienced and beginner angler can identify. This book is a gift back to the flyfishing community from a uniquely kind and entertaining man…and, wow, how he loves to flyfish!”- David Ondaatje

These days, the celebrated actor, director, producer and author is busier than ever. He currently stars in the USA show, Royal Pains as well Cartoon Network’s Children’s Hospital. He is also well known for his Hank Zipzer series of children’s books about the world’s greatest underachiever with learning challenges. In addition, he and his wife Stacey are actively involved with numerous children’s charities.

Yet, with all his commitments, he has taken the time to write this new book, sharing with his passion and commitment to flyfishing.

The book, I’ve Never Met an Idiot on the River: Recollections on Family, Photography and Flyfishing is now available in stores nationwide.

For more information, please contact Leslie Clark at winasist@3rivers.net

12 November, 2010

The R.L. Winston Rod Co. is pleased today to announce the premiere of three additional new movies to the Company Films section of the Winston Channel on winstonrods.com as well as new minimovies for all rod series on their respective rod pages on the web site.

New Longer Movies

The 2011 CATALOG MOVIE, celebrates all that is new from Winston in 2011, including the new Boron IIIx rods, new all-graphite GVX rods; and the new fast-action VSL and Passport rods. The 2011 Winston catalog can also be downloaded at winstonrods.com or a hard copy can be sent from Winston if requested.

The BORON IIIx MOVIE, provides an overview of the incredible characteristics of Winston’s newest rod series utilizing its cutting edge Boron III technology.

The GVX MOVIE, outlines the performance qualities of Winston’s exciting new all-graphite 4-piece GVX rod series.

These longer format movies complete the collection of movies about Winston’s new high performance Boron rod series:Boron IIIx, Boron II-MX, and Boron IIt.

New Minimovies

In addition to longer films about the rod series that can be found on the Winston Channel, each Winston rod series also has its own web page with a shorter format minimovie. These minimovies highlight the specifications, performance qualities, and fishing applications for each rod series.

All these exciting new films can be found on the Winston Channel at winstonrods.com.

For more information, please contact:
Leslie Clark
R.L.Winston Rod Co.
winasist@3rivers.net
406-684-5674

1 October, 2010

The R.L. Winston Rod. Company today formally announced its four new rod series: the Boron IIIx, GVX, VSL and the Passport. In addition, Winston today updated its web site at winstonrods.com with full information on all the new and existing rod series, their new 2011 catalog, accessories, as well as two new movies about the new 2011 rods on the Winston Channel section of the web site, featuring over 100 flyfishing movies.

Led by their new Boron III technology, Winston continues its recent position in leading the industry in performance rod design centered around its highly popular flagship Boron rods. In addition to their successful Boron II-MX and Boron IIt rods, Winston provides a fresh array of exciting new products for 2011, including many of the finest fly rods one can own at every price point.

BORON IIIx

“Boron IIIx Rods are an amazing combination of speed, power and Winston smoothness.” Joan Wulff

“Incredible” is the only way to describe the newest, most advanced ‘third generation’ Boron IIIx rods from Winston. Arguably the finest rods Winston has ever made. These new Boron IIIx rods use Winston’s lighter, higher modulus Boron III/graphite composite technology. These new rods are lighter, faster, more responsive, more powerful and yet still incredibly smooth, versatile rods with an extraordinarily broad casting range wide casting range. In terms of action, these rods generate faster line speeds than their Boron IIx predecessors, without compromising their coveted smooth and balanced feel. Anglers can easily control line speeds for long casts directly into the wind or gentle presentations up close. A breakthrough in rod design. Made in Twin Bridges, MT.

4-piece rods, available in 3 thru 10-weight

Broad casting range (cast 25-100+ feet)

Ultra-lightweight Winston green graphite tube

GVX

A new series of incredibly smooth, progressive fast-action graphite rods from Winston designed to be the finest 100% graphite rods made. Utilizing the same x tapers as our high performance Boron series, GVX rods re-introduce Winston’s long tradition of Winston all-graphite premium rods. Available at an incredibly low introductory price of under $500. Made in Twin Bridges, MT.

G=Graphite, V=Versatile; X=fast action

4-piece progressive, fast-action rods

Available in 3 thru 8-weight

Retail price – $495

VSL

Winston’s new VSL series for the first time offers their famed progressive action in a lightweight, fast action smooth casting, high line speed graphite rod for under $300. An incredible design upgrade never before available at these prices. Incorporating many of the design attributes of our higher end progressive action graphite rods, these new rods provide power and smooth, balanced performance qualities at outstanding value. Designed in Twin Bridges, MT.

V=very; S=smooth; L=light

4-piece rods, available in 3 thru 10-weight

Winston logo and olive/gold rod color with beautiful metallic luster

Aluminum gold tube with rod bag

Retail price – $299 – $399

PASSPORT

The Passport is a new fast action rod series from Winston offering incredible quality and performance for under $200. These beautiful new all-around rods are strong and powerful, providing power without giving up feel. Extraordinary performance rods from Winston which, until now, were only made available at much higher prices. Designed in Twin Bridges, MT.

4-piece, fast action, available in 3 to 10-weight

Winston logo and deep bronze color w/metallic luster and ruby wraps

Cordura tube

Price: $199

NEW MOVIES ON THE WINSTON CHANNEL

2011 Catalog Movie

Preview of the new 2011 Winston catalog with full product line including the new Boron IIIx rods, Boron II-MX and Boron IIt rods; the new GVX, VSL and Passport rod series; Two-Handed Boron Spey rods; Bamboo rods; and full assortment of new Winston accessories.

New Boron IIIx Movie

Overview of Winston’s incredible new Boron IIIx freshwater and saltwater rod series (3wt through 10-weight), made with third generation Boron.

For more information, please contact: Leslie Clark, RL Winston Rod Company winstonrods.com winasist@3rivers.net 406-684-5674

Retail price – $755 – $822