Boo in hand, now what?
- This topic has 11 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated Feb 11, 2009 at 2:27 am by
.
-
Posts
-
I don’t like the SA Trout line on slower rods and have changed over to Rio Selective Trout II’s on them.
The difference is amazing.
(No experience with weed however. ;))
www.dsaphoto.com
A picture is thousand words that takes less than a second while a thousand words is a picture that takes a month.
First of all congrats on the new rod. I know you’ve been looking forward to it for quite a while. Jay has given you good advice. That rod will handle an indicator rig with now problems and once you get used to it, you may even be happier with the way it casts multiple flies than your Sage. As he said, slow down. Let the rod do the work. Try stopping at the end of your back cast and just wait. Let the line fall behind you. Feel it load? You should. The rod will let you know when it’s ready. Now try a complete cast. Regardless of how much line you have out, the rod will always let you know “when.” That’s one of the things that make it so much fun to cast. Regarding lines, I’m fortunate enough to have acquired a few of each weight over the years and I can tell you a bamboo rod is no different than graphite or boron. Certain rods come alive with the right line. I’m like Dave and use the 444 peach a lot. I also like the Wulff TT tapers.
I have a dozen bamboo rods of various lengths, weights, and vintages and find that each one has its own personality and requires its own line and casting style to match. Lines that have worked for me on my rods include the following: Cortland Peach 444 DT, Royal Wulff TT, Rio First Start (heavier head, though shorter), Rio Windcutter. I’ve not had good luck with the Sylk lines — they seem to get sticky when wet and adhere to the rod instead of shooting through the guides.
In terms of casting, slow down and minimize your wrist break. If necessary, wear a long-sleeved shirt or jacket and slide the butt of the rod inside the sleeve, so breaking your wrist is difficult. Then, just take your time. Start with short casts and get used to feeling the rod load in close, then gradually lengthen your line. If you get the urge to try to throw the whole line, put the bamboo away and pull out your Z-Axis for that.
Just be careful though, grass rods are a slippery slope (as is fly tying, digital photography, etc., etc….)
As my Dad once said (slightly modified), new cane rods and new sports cars are always cheaper than new girlfriends, at least if you are married. Hope you enjoy it.
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.