bryan hulse
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You can probably count the Cumberland out for a year or longer. The corp’s growing concern about the erosion of the limestone bedding has caused them to begin a drastic lowering of the lake. They are already predicting a huge impact on the ecosystem and local economies. Seventy percent of the lakes boat ramps will be unusable because they will no longer extend to the lowered shoreline. And, the warmer water being released into the river will likely cause a fish kill in the Cumberland.
You can probably read full stories at the Tennessean.com or any of the Nashville area news affiliates.
Splitshot
Zach,
I don’t recall going over any bridges that looked to be too new. The entire area looks as if it is rebounding well from Ivan.
The fishing was frustrating. We spent time in the lagoon, Mobile Bay, and the pass at Orange Beach and couldn’t put anything together. The gulf side was treacherous–no way to wade out past the breakers. And while the protected waters weren’t as choppy they were just as turbid. We spent one afternoon in what should have been ideal conditions; the tide was going out, lots of nervous water, and every bird from the gulf coast was catching fish, but we were blanked.
I got to use my new surf rod and like it to a point. It/I could bang out some line for the first hour or so, then my wrist and shoulder would begin to wear down and the casts got shorter and shorter.
Thank goodness for friends and beer.
Bryan
I owned a 300/4 years ago and it was, and I suspect still is, an excellent lens. And, if I’ve done my math right I think the 300 with a 1.4 converter on your D70 would become the equivelant of a 672/5.6. You could check those deer, bobcats, and coyotes for cavaties.
Bryan
Thanks, Zach. I have to say, though, that a Charlton–or even a boxed set of Prosek signature reels from Abel look like yard sale fodder when compared to the $9,700 the titanium Zane lists for.
I’d be curious to know how much the titanium actually adds to the cost; and, doesn’t the U.S. levy some pretty hefty tariffs on British imports?
Anyway, thanks for the response.
Bryan
Zach,
In regards to price would it be worth asking around if any other manufacturers are going to follow Hardy’s lead and produce a limited number of super-exotic reels? I could see Steve Abel trying something like that, but isn’t Abel and Hardy both owned by the same parent company?
Bryan
Those are some great looking fish, Travis–and that Crystal is pretty cool looking, too. Thanks for the photos.
Splitshot
Yeah, and we can read your unedited, “young-gun,” cussin’. Something one isn’t likely to get in a newspaper of any size.
Steve,
Thanks for sharing. Were those fish caught in the middle of town? I’ve never thought of steelhead in an urban setting. Kind of cool.
Bryan
Buzz,
I hadn’t considered the amount of time the field testers might actually have with a product before going to press — especially in the case of something new. Thanks for pointing that out.
Bryan
I would guess it is a “don’t bite the hand that feeds you” kind of deal. Fly Fish America (in its infancy) did a fairly good job of offering unbiased opinions about the equipment they tested, and to their credit still have a section devoted to reader reviews, but the equipment the staff now tests is little more than spill over from ad copy.
Not to get my nose too dirty, but this site has been about the best place I’ve found for honest product reviews. And, not just from Zach, but from all who have contributed. Most of the posters offer, not simply an opinion based on a particular item’s heritage or brand name, but a handful of thought out reasons why they like something tempered with some things that maybe they don’t like. I personally don’t want to read or hear the opinion of some brand apologist.
But, more to your point–gear reviews in fly fishing magazines do suck, but I understand why.
Splitshot
Fantastic photos, Corey. I especially liked the lead in. Was the 7th (fisheman in foreground, snow covered mountain in back) taken in Canada?
Bryan
T & T LPS9033 for most of my tailwater fishing because I enjoy fishing midges so much. But, for the times I need something practical and versatile I go with a Fly Logic FLO+9053–it is pretty good at turning over a wide variety of leaders and flies.
I built the following rod a few years ago and use it pretty often. It is an oddball taper, a 7’6″ 6wt. It is pretty easy to pick out my mistakes from the picture, but it is a sweet casting rod and isn’t hampered at all by my ineptitude.
Bryan
Billy B,
Are you ever right about the good fortune of having such generous family and friends. I just hope the people I love think the same of me.
I received a St. Croix surf rod–big honkin’ stick–10’6″ 9 wt
Battery for a camera I had traded for (with John Pavoncello from the board) back in the Fall
Domke Bag for the camera and few lenses I have
Gift certificate to a local shop
Smart Wool running and hiking socks
Fun stocking stuffer thingsI didn’t chime in on the Merry Christmas thread, but I do hope that each and every one of you had a very Merry Christmas. It is a pleasure sharing information and ideas with each of you. Still, one of the coolest things about the internet is the amalgam of personalities it unites thanks to some common thread–like fly fishing.
Sincerely,
Bryan
By the way, cool new sled, Mike.
What if you widened the band around the skull and replaced the paisley characters with two or three trout?
splitshot
I continue to fish both, but am of the opinion that the benefits are negligible. My brother and I did a comparison a few years ago on the Norfork, both fished the same flies, the same area of water, same kind of presentation, only difference was I used flouro and my brother fished mono and our success rates were about the same.
I think the only real advantages of flouro might be, as Zach pointed out, is its density and its abrasion/breaking strength is a little higher. I also wonder if smudging mono with a Sharpie wouldn’t reduce its reflective properties–given that that is one of the reasons so many deride mono these days.
Ss
This is Rangerdotcom. On behalf of my wife I will say he is a Corgy mix. On his behalf I will say he is just a great little dog. A happy dog.
Bryan
YOU DAMN HIPPIES! GO BACK TO YOUR SKATEBOARDING AND VIDEO GAMES — AND TELL YOUR GIRLFRIENDS TO PUT ON SOME CLOTHES!
Angry Old Splitshot
Zach,
Speaking of your contributions to American Angler, congratulations on the two articles, and photo work in the most recent issue. Does this mean yor are officially knighted now? 🙂
Pretty good issue from cover to cover. In addition to your two pieces, I really enjoyed the article about fishing the Keys on the cheap. I would love to see more articles like that. I especially liked that the author reminded his readers several times to keep their expectations realistic. I don’t particularly buy into the whole trout bum persona, but do appreciate doing some homework, making a few phone calls, putting out a handful of bening questions on ff boards, and then planning fishing trips to destinations that offer relatively cheap access, affordable lodging–with the option of camping, and alternatives in case the primary destination is blown out, or off.
Splitshot
