[Gerard S]

Zach….lovely and what a cracking little brookie! So jealous. I had no such luck this morning, but it was a beautiful day.

[Gerard S]

Clay

I started fly tying last year for a trip to Los Roques as saltwater flies weren’t easy to find locally. To be honest, the books disappoint me.
Videos are what did it. Youtube and the likes. I learn more from video (and still do) than from any of the photos in books. Beauty is you can watch, rewind, watch again, fast forward etc.

For my trip (in 13 days time..not that I’m counting) to Belize I’ve learn crab & bitters

[Gerard S]

Zach
Interesting stuff…thank you.
I guess it is not surprising and I’m sure there is some x-over of info/design/etc if the rods are produced in the same factory. It is the same problem Apple have struggled with…the factories may say closed on the gate, but the midnight shift keep going ;D

Ultimately it is all about marketing…. and aspiration. We are suckers for it!
Was it not Gary Loomis in the podcast who said there isn’t a bad rod out there (maybe it was Lefty).

[Gerard S]

I think Buzz has a point in regard to weights.
I was thinking along the line of a video cameras and the counterbalance system (I only have limited experience) used to keep them steady when on the move. The heavier weights are actually less fatiguing than the lighter ones, which seems almost perverse logic.

[Gerard S]

I left at the end of 1993 having spent 31/2 great years there.

[Gerard S]

Zach…it’s along story…but UofA Fayetteville is my alma mater!

As they used to say I got lost on my way from Cornell to Rice, and couldn’t find my way out of the Ozarks.
;D

[Gerard S]

Back to the test. I do think the amount of line on the reel is important. It needs to be the same for each reel tested, ideally in mass and diameter as these will both effect the speed at which the line is travelling (larger arbor faster) and the start-up inertia (mass). Both of combined effect the drag. Like Buzz said, 10lbs plus of drag is really academic when you consider all the other factors, including the drag of the line through the water!
I would suggest it is very rare for a reel in real world conditions to start working straight from the backing. Usually there is 30% or so of the line still on the reel when the fish starts to run. The tests appeared to be based purely on backing.

[Gerard S]

My first attempt at a Avalon with bit from the box, so not exact..legs need black & orange etc….(sorry for the poor photo)

[Gerard S]

Zach
I do know from doing some work in the audio arena (hi value domestic audio equipment) that you are very much dependent on manufacturers/distributors wanting to participate.
Many don’t bother to respond or are just not interested… C’est la vie!

I’m glad you found it interesting, I’m going to have a good look now I’ve got home.

[Gerard S]

I’m working my way through all the podcasts at the moment. Listening to them in the car to and from work…30mins is perfect! I really appreciate the work you put into them Zach.

The stand out ones so far have been, Ted Jurascik, Orvis (can’t wait for the USA made reels!) Costa, Gary Loomis, and to be honest all of them so far. I enjoy the ones with some of the history of the sport along with technology.

I can’t say I’ve tried any of the others Bernie has listed, but I might give them a look once I finished Zach’s.

[Gerard S]

I’m interested in a Hatch reel but it is the weight which concerns me. There are no dealers near me so would have to be mail order.
I have a 8wt Helios rod for bonefish and was wondering If I would get away with a Hatch 5/7 using 40lb gelspun backing -need 175yds or so.
Anyone any experience with the 5/7 and 8wts?
Thanks

[Gerard S]

I started tying last year and started with saltwater flies. To be honest I found the videos on youtube and the like to be the most help. I google images of the fly I want to tie, look at those and the video. There are lots of good videos. I’ve been disappointed with the books I’ve seen or bought.

[Gerard S]

I’ve very pleased to see Setters are still popular. 23 years ago when I lived in NW Arkansas we had a Red Setter, Erin, beautiful but unfortunately not the brightest thing on the block and very little stamina, hated water too. I remember at the time there was talk of re breeding them with English Setters to “get some of the brains back”.
Over here in the UK the English Setter is on the endangered list and Reds have fallen from favour too.
I’m in a shoot syndicate (pheasant & partridge) and we never have any setters, pointers etc, only the usual labs and spaniels, most of which are working cockers….oh and then there is my smooth haired fox terrier..he gives them a run for their money! Here he is retrieving a pigeon he nailed…not me or a gun! (sorry for the poor quality, taken on a camera phone)

[Gerard S]

I found the this podcast to be a real eye opener (no pun intended!). I learnt a lot and will be buying some 580Gs as a result. I have others but not glass, though all my mountaineering glasses have always been Vuarnet glass which were regarded as the best.

[Gerard S]

I guess it depends on the type of fishing….saltwater, fast/stiff. Stream medium/limber.

[Gerard S]

Zach

I have to say I think the podcasts are great and they are providing me with hours of interesting commentary as I drive around, or stand on the side of a lake trying to catch an elusive brownie.
I don’t think they are sales driven or corporate plugs at all.
Just ignore the guy. You’re doing a great job. Many thanks.

“You can’t please all the people all the time!”

[Author]

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