Product Review: St. Croix “Bank Robber” and Howler Brothers Clothing

Here are some products the AT Editors have had a chance to field test, and liked… a lot.

“The Bank Robber” 7-weight fly rod by St. Croix ($400)

Using that 3M nano technology, St. Croix has made a reasonably priced high performance streamer rod, with significant input from Kelly Galloup. AT’s Tim Romano and Russ Miller of Front Range Anglers in Boulder paired a Bank Robber with a new Rio Streamer line, then took an early season test float on the Blue River.  Here’s what Miller blogged  a couple days ago:

“On a separate note, Tim brought along his new St Criox Bank Robber for throwing streamers, little did we know how handy this rod would be in the off color water. I have to say for a $400 rod, Kelly Galloup really hit it out of the park. A soft tip and a super stout butt section make this rod perfect for streamers out of the boat. Hit an inch off the bank every time whether you are 5 feet away or 30.”

Romano added: “It works really well close up for repeated quick shots or heaving long bombs.”

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Howler Brothers Clothing

Howler founders Chase Heard and Andy Stepanian spent their adolescent summers haunting the waters and fish of Florida and Virginia and riding the ripples those states call waves. Both Heard and Stepanian now live in Texas where they raise families, work hard, make music together, chase fish with fly rods and make runs to the nearest coast or river when the opportunity arises.

Their vision for Howler – and the name Howler Brothers – was inspired by a sound they each heard on surf trips to Costa Rica: the call of the loudest animal in North America, the Howler Monkey. If you’ve heard it, you know how loud and startling the sound can be. But, after hearing it a few times, the sound becomes a part of the collective feeling of being in Central America and serves as a constant reminder that you’re in a good place, doing something you love.”

With this emotional connection as a base line, Heard and Stepanian formed Howler Brothers to craft limited run, high quality clothing and goods that draw inspiration from the style and tradition of surfing and coastal sports. They set out to make gear that works in the water, on the boat, and around the fire pit when the stories are told. Clothes you might wear when you’re hearing Howler Monkeys from your hut after a day well spent. Or clothes to wear when you’re wishing you were.

Romano’s take…

“Unpretentious, super-high-quality clothing that doesn’t automatically scream “angler.”  Their clothing could be worn right off the flats boat or river straight to dinner. The Aransas is one of the better looking and innovative button-down shirts I’ve thrown on in a while.  There’s a built-in sunglass microfiber pocket, retro stitching and the poly-cotton blend is perfect for fast drying.  The 100% Polyester Loggerhead Longsleeve is a bit more technical with thumb holes at the cuffs, a side stash pocket with built-in microfiber glass cleaner, and UPF 45 for all day sun protection.

Check out more information at www.howlerbros.com