Bob Riggins
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I had some buddies that launched out of Joe’s Landing in Barataria, LA. Not exactly where you are looking but easily accessible and they had pretty good luck. I would try to launch out of a marina rather than a public launch due to vehicle security.
I use the non slip loop you illustrated almost exclusively for saltwater flies (although I use 4 turns). I have never heard of a knot that the guy described particularly for tarpon. The way I visualize it is similar to an arbor knot, but with the second overhand loop tied around the running line rather than just tied in the tag end. I can see how it would jam, but it seems it would be significantly weaker. It does not have the turns around the running line that adds strength and also, the fact that the tag end does not run back though the original overhand knot would make it tighter and therefore, weaker.
Most tarpon fishermen I know tie a Homer Rhode knot like Phil described.
I’m not a big fan of cruises, but I have been on a few. First the to remember is the “schedule” is just a general guideline. Rarely do they actually arrive in port on time and any delays are usually taken off of port time, not sailing time. It is virtually impossible to schedule a side trip other than those provided by the cruise line.
My suggestion is to take a rod that packs easily, but realize that it will only be used if the opportunity arises. Otherwise, eat, drink and party, that is what cruises are for.
Short answer is that no, the weight rating of the reel does not matter as far as casting is concerned. As you stated, the problem you will have is getting enough backing on the reel with a 7wt line. It depends on what you are fishing for. If you are catching fish that don’t make big runs, you will probably get away with it. You might also find the rod a little tip heavy with a smaller reel, but probably not enough to make a difference. I would suggest you get a decent 7wt line and use it on the reel you’ve got. You can upgrade to a better reel later on.
For what its worth, I usually oversize by reels, so if I have a 7wt rod, I will usually put an 8/9 wt reel on it. You get more backing capacity and larger diameter.
I just happened on a couple of short biographical films on Jack Gartside. Never knew much about him other than he designed some flies. After watching these and reading your blog, makes you wish you could live your life over again.
A gypsy cab is an unlicensed cab. There are certain regulations related to public safety that licensed taxi’s have to abide by, along with testing for competency as a driver. Gypsy drivers do not comply with either, they just say they are a cab driver. From what I can tell, this is the same with Uber drivers.
To me, it is comparable to hiring a lawyer who just says he is a lawyer, but never attended law school or passed the bar.
Uber has been fined in several areas, including Tampa and Berlin, Germany, for operating an unlicensed taxi service. It will be interesting to see if they can survive in the long run. I’m not sure what the difference is between Uber and gypsy cabs, other than the organizational structure.
Personally, I think they would be great for target practice. My son and I were buzzed by one while fishing on the flats last weekend. We were pretty far out so I don’t know who would have been controlling it.
It is a snook. It is the largest I have ever caught at 32 inches, although they do get bigger. They are a lot of fun to catch. Hard fighters and jumpers. Caught it on a large gurgler using an 8wt.
Thanks for the tips guys. And thanks for the suggestion of the Lovers Leap hike and the pictures Travis. We will do the Lover’s Leap hike, but I think the French Broad Gorge hike may be more than Brenda’s knees can take.
I’ve fished nymphs before on small streams. Not my favorite type of fishing, but I can do it. I also have a load of copper johns and some strike indicators. The stream flows through a pasture just up stream from the cabin, then past the cabin into a wooded area, so I figure ants and hopper should work.
I’m really looking forward to this trip as far as the fishing is concerned. I usually have to squeeze some fishing in since Brenda is not an angler. With the stream just out the back door and other accessable streams within a few miles, I should be able to work a lot of fishing into the trip.
It is interesting to see nature at work. I was raised around the Mississippi River and, as big as it is, it was constantly changing. I frequented a lot of lakes that were originally part of the river. Once I moved to Florida, I noticed the same thing. Tides were constantly moving things around and storms could completely change the bottom. Sand bars would move, passes would fill and channels would shift. At least it makes it more interesting every time I go out.
I don’t know much about California, but I did go after golden trout in Sequoia National Forest. I can’t remember the exact stream, but water conditions were so low that the trout were trapped in shallow pools with very little running water. I found them but didn’t have the heart to cast a fly at them. It may have been Tuohy Creek, but I’m not sure.
There are a lot of places that rent kayaks down there. On place I would surely visit is Bahia Honda Park. It is absolutely beautiful. I think there is a kayak rental place inside the park but I don’t know about the rates.
One place to check for boat and/or kayak rentals is on Big Pine Key. http://www.bigpineboatrentals.com/Home_Page.html
There rates are pretty reasonable and they have a variety of choices.Another place to check is Living the Dream Watersports. http://livingthedreamflorida.com/ I have seen the place, but have never rented from them. Their rates look pretty good.
Scarlett Ibis Tours offers rentals and tours but I don’t know what there rates are like.
Have fun and enjoy the sun!
Nice review Zach. I glad to see you made it back from Mexico. I’ve never owned a Sage rod, but they do make some nice sticks. I originally wanted a Sage RPLXi, but came across a great deal on a Scott Heliply, so that is about as close as I came to a Sage. I wanted to build a 10′ 7wt TCR, but never got around to buying the blank before they were all gone.
As far as the Recoil guides. I’m not so sure the flexible feature is that great, particularly if they flex will casting. What I really like about them is that they are extremely corrosion resistant and less likely to break than regular titanium guides. I have started using them for the running guides on all my saltwater rods.
I looked at the Crosstrek when I bought my last Outback. It is essentially a beefed up Imprezza wagon. It is significantly smaller than the Outback. Still, it is a good choice if you want a smaller vehicle that is still good off road.
I would suggest crab imitations (there are any number that will work) or Kwan’s (with legs). Take a variety of sizes and colors. Merkins are the old standby, but I prefer the foam or Velcro body types myself.
OK, I’ll admit I’m a diehard Subaru fan. I am now on my 5th Outback and would not have anything else for the outdoors. It has a bullet proof engine and running gear, good ground clearance and lower roof line (for loading my kayaks). Due to the engineering and design, it also has an amazingly low center of gravity, which increases stability. It also gets good gas mileage. That being said, if you are pulling more than 2,000# you have to step up to the 3.6L engine. It also lacks the macho image so much in demand by “outdoorsmen”.
I am a little surprised by the love for the 4Runner. I rented one several years ago and found it to be very unstable offroad. As I recall, it was somewhat akin to riding a bucking bronco, but maybe they’ve fixed that now.
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