Aaron Christensen
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I have been looking at these two for my IPad:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/backpacker-map-maker-for-hiking/id465185936?mt=8&fb_source=message
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/topo-maps-for-ipad/id368739154?mt=8
Has anyone had experience with either app? I will be using it in the mountains, or at least want that option but recognize I will probably stick with my garmin unit.
I currently have the National Geographic app. Interesting. I obviously owe it more time before I give it a full review, but so far I am frustrated that it switches to an arial photo when I just want topo lines. A small stream in a gorge just looks like a forest on a photo and gives little sense for how steep the walls might be or where to find the best access.
I will second (or third, or whatever number we are up to) on the Wulff Triangle Taper, at least for my ‘boo rods (7 foot 5 wts).
Any thoughts on which Gheenoe models/lengths are suitable for this type of mod (and which are unsuitable)? I am currently exploring some shipping options for a boat advertised as a “15 foot Gheenoe” with trailer. However, unless it is suited to creating a front casting deck and a rear poling deck, and stable for standing, I would not be interested.
Thanks!
It might be time they get creative with their marketing. If they offered the same rod at different price points depending on warranty they might win back the love of people like me.
I don’t need a no-fault, no-questions-asked warranty and don’t like paying for them. Just a warranty against materials and workmanship.
… and price the rod accordingly.That’s a good idea.
My best casting has been with the new Winston BIIIX (borrowed) and the Sage One (bought). I notice the advantages of new rod technology for distance-casting applications (with accuracy, too), at least in my own mind if not in fact. The tape measure seems to support my view. In fact, I am toying with getting another Sage One (10 foot 8 wt) and getting a BIIIx (9 ft 5 wt (for a 3rd in that category but I won’t tell my wife).
Admittedly, however, the thing that holds me back more than anything is me, rather than my rod.
For small stream fishing, I love old and new bamboo and old and new fiberglass. Also excited about an old-school Winston LT pack rod that I just bought used ($150 for rod, line and a very nice Teton reel :D) but have not yet fished. And for value, the next-to-last generation of rods was already amazing. I saw some good deals the other day on the Winston BIIX, which is the dream rod I never bought from years past. For that matter, some of the value-priced high-performance rods (TFO, for example) are everything someone ever needs.
I have not tested the Winston BIIx side-by-side with the BIIIx. (In fact, I have not casted the BIIx in several years). That would be an interesting experiment.
Yes, new fly rods can get expensive. But I am committed to sticking with my same lovely wife (cheaper than chasing the newer models), I don’t like golf, and I have cut back on bourbon as I try to stay fit. I don’t plan to buy a Ranger bass boat. A new rod every now and then occupies my mind and my imagination. So they are a value, even if they seem expensive.
My friend Bo’s philosophy of rods captures my own views on the topic:
“Life is short.
If you are truly and passionately serious about this sport and feeling a finely tuned fly rod unload its line after a well timed cast, buying a top grade Winston is cheap. It is not like you are purchasing a Ranger Bass Boat, 200 HP Mercury motor that costs as much as your first house, and a Suburban to pull it all with. You are just buying a fly rod for a few hundred dollars that should be with you and a part of you for the rest of your life, with an unlimited life warranty backed by people that do not want you to be unhappy. When personal fishing, I fish the best rods and reels. This is not because I am a show-off but those rods have a different feel and I cannot ever get enough of it. Fishing the best brings me personal pleasure and I also know that I do not have to question whether I should have looked at another brand or a cheaper model. I cannot place a monetary value on that feeling.
Life is short.” (http://tablerockangler.com/FlyFishingHelp/Tip.cfm?iTip_ID=42)
Is there anywhere that I can access your article on silly putty spoon flies and/or buy the past edition?
I agree with Travis – it is an excellent campground. Some pricing info on this site –
http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=48130&actid=29
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Aaron what is that chest or cabinet behind your desk?The two chests on the desk are Gerstner tool chests — not the highly prized US-made Gerstner chests but suitable for what I wanted. They are available from Sears by special order. The one on the bottom is their 3-drawer base and the other is obviously the top. The one off to the side is a Harbor Freight knock off – I would recommended the real (but imported) Gerstners over the knock off. Night and day difference in quality.
Allan Dozier has some beautiful antique tying cabinets. Maybe he will chime in with a picture.
I keep my fly tying room above my garage. Sometimes my desk top is clean, but sometimes not:
This room above my garage was, literally, several years in the planning. The desk is on the front right side of the room. Here is a shot of the back right side:
One thing I like about the room is the space. Every now and then, I put tables around the pool table for fly tying sessions. With tables around all 4 sides, I can easily fit 12 folks.
My oldest has taken a stab at tying, but it isn’t in her veins, yet.
Unfortunately, my own tying skills leave much to be desired.
In all seriousness, the garage is nicer than our house. However, recognizing that I was having those once-in-a-lifetime opportunity moments, I got a bit carried away on the garage renovation.
Gary’s room looks pretty sweet as does Eric’s. Eric, I think you could give graduate-level instruction on organization. When I can’t find things, I spread stuff out on the floor until it appears.
Roger Caylor mostly focuses on Appalachian patterns http://caylorcustomflies.com/ but he might be willing to tie what you want. He does a few larger patterns. Roger is a first-class guy and 100% honest. You can pick up the phone and call him. I try to tie my own, which often times is not very pretty, but I have bought several patterns from him at various FFF events. My dad buys almost all of his flies from Roger.
Don’t tell my wife, but I have 1/2 dozen or so small stream rods. I fish all of them, depending on the stream and my mood. They include a 2 wt, 3 wt, 4 wt and a couple 5 wts. Lengths range from 5’6″ to 8′. Materials include glass, graphite and bamboo.
If I had to give them all away except one, I would keep the better of the two 7 foot 5 wt bamboo rods. (If you go this route, consider a gently used bamboo rod from a reputable maker.) Personally, I like the slow to medium action for small steams. The length is long enough (and short enough) to be versatile on remote wild streams of various sizes. And the 5 wt will cast a bushy EHC or tandem rig with authority.
In terms of advice for you, I would also look around for something like a used Winston LT 7’9″ 5 piece (maybe a 4 wt) or maybe one of the excellent fiberglass offerings out there.
Best of luck in your search. And you are right – you can’t have enough rods so don’t fret too much about the decision.
Not that I know much about building rods, but the components from the one I built came from here:
http://www.batsonenterprises.com/fly-blanks
Here is another popular and well-respected source:
You will learn a lot building your first rod and will have some confidence after two or three. FWIW, I wouldn’t spend “too much” on your first rod. My first rod fishes fine but it is not a work of beauty.
Nothing wrong with a kit. However, I suspect that you could
If these are any good, they could provide a lifetime supply:
http://www.officeplayground.com/Spaghetti-Ball-Mondo-Glow-P1157.aspx
I imagine they could provide a fun way for kids to make flies and could be used on some other patterns.
