Michael Phillippe
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David, You need to know the weight you are going for first…20, 25, 30 lb. Where are you planning to use it?
Zach, I’m leaving on a 4-5 week western trip around July 20th (with my Lab navigating of course). Think of all the exposure (sorry about the pun) we’ll get if I receive my hat by then….
Peter, I learned to fly fish in North Georgia. I miss it but I’m guessing it isn’t as pristine and uncrowded as it was went I was in Ranger training and fishing there in the early 70’s!
The Beaver Kill is a beautiful river – and hopefully can stay that way. If you’re a serious fan you should read Ed Van Put’s classic, The Beaverkill, and Francis’ history of the Catskills, Land of Little Rivers.
I think it must have been a funny sight. My buddy was laughing his head off – for about 30 seconds. Then he started after me. Like Aaron, I leaned to swim in boot foot waders years ago, and since then have taken my share of falls in deeper, faster water. But like Jon said, it was the perfect storm.
Yes, I DID get my new MFC brown trout forceps and Dr. Slick nippers back! Once I was wet, I wasn’t going to quit. The funnest sight – and one that I can appreciate – is afterward. We left home in a run and I didn’t have a change of clothes. So, the only dry ones were a set of my buddy’s hospital scrubs. Not bad except for the fact that he is 5’9 and weighs 150 lbs. and I’m 6’2 and weigh 200! Shoulda gotta picture!
BTW, my wife has now implemented GWP – Geriatric Wading Procedures – wading staff, no pack or vest and SOSpenders if I fish alone.
I’ve been fishing the TFO Deer Creek rod for about 4 years now. Which is to say that I get to use it in the back yard for 2 months practicing for western steelhead in October for a couple weeks.
I think it’s a great value. The first year I had a regular Rio Spey line, spent hours studying Simon’s video and even had him give me a pointer or two. Never go the hang of it.
Then I stitched to Rio’s Skagit line with the multi tip system. Worked my way through Ed Ward’s video this time, and was fishing respectably the first season. I think the TFO and Skagit are definitely the way to go for a beginner.
My buddy built one of these about 5 years ago. I’ve fished out of it many, many times and it’s an outstanding boat. I love the rod storage on the sides (4 fully rigged) and the open cockpit design so you can walk around. I built the 16′ Guide and we only use my boat for big water. I know guides, however that fish the skiff on the Yellowstone. Good luck selling – they are sweet boats.
I may be passing through northern Arkansas in late July visiting relatives. Is the White worth a visit that time of year?
Peter – As promised last month, here are a couple of (bad) pics of my current experiment in rod holders. The front loops are currently plastic and held on with Velcro until I decide if I like this configuration. If I do, I’ll probably make the front holders from white ash or maple.
George – I’ll be the guy in the red wooden drift boat – with my Gull oars wobbling in the current. Give me a shout if you go by!
I gone (almost) full circle on this one. I initially switched completely to fluoro because it is less visible but also became you never have to throw it out. Which, of course, we now know means that all our scraps stay in the stream for eternity.
Now I’m back to mono for everything except the tippet on nymphs and wet flies. For example, I might have mono to a small dry and then a nymph on 6 inches of fluoro behind it.
If you want fluoro and don’t mind a little stiffness, buy some P-Line. It’s fluoro at a much lower cost. I know people that swear by it for nymphing in theWest.
I definitely agree with Zach about Simms’ waders quality. I buy a new pair every five years and put between 75-100 days a year on them. If they do get a leak, I send them back to Simms and for a modest fee they are repaired.
Patagonia has successfully sold direct as well as through shops for years. I think Simms is just changing with the times. An essential component is staying alive in business.
G. Force, Since you aren’t using your name or specifying where you live/fish I can’t comment on your personal situation.
I fish the upper Delaware River with precisely the technique you describe. That’s one I was considering reason I was contemplating or rights. But, since I’ve been (easily) shamed into tradition, I’ll just have to pay more attention to my oars. 😉
