rich knoles
Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
Anchor Trolley and Drag Anchor: An anchor trolley is an essential piece of rigging and both my boats are rigged with one of the standard aftermarket systems. I use a small clam cleat to secure the trolley in position on the Tegris and a double J-hook to secure it on the Poly boat. As for an anchor, I use a 3′ piece of 3/8” galvanized chain attached to 20’ of 1/4” line. The line is attached to the trolley with a carabineer for a quick release if necessary. I use the anchor for two purposes, slowing the drift of the boat in current when I am fishing from the boat, and positioning the boat when wading. The drag chain rarely gets caught on bottom obstructions, even logs and trees, so it is a perfect solution for slowing your drift safely. When wading upstream with the boat tethered, the anchor isn’t needed because the boat follows the angler. However, when wading downstream (something streamer anglers do a lot), you don’t want the boat floating downstream in front of you. So you put the anchor out and adjust the trolley so the boat stays behind the angler. This even works well on saltwater flats where both the tide and wind can push the tethered boat in front of the wading angler. The drag chain and trolley will easily keep the boat out of the angler’s way. This cant be done with claw or mushroom type anchors.
It’s interesting that you drag the anchor while fishing. Aren’t you concerned about damage to marco invertebrates and possibly redds while you are doing this?
Mike might be a good time to rethink the use of lead. Have a look at some of the Hyde steel anchors. Or some lengths of heavy steel chain. We don’t really need lead in the water. Rich
Jason Borger and a Doctor McCue have been looking at this for some time. http://www.flycastinginstitute.com/ If you can’t find anything specific, e-mail Jason, He’ll be happy to answer. Rich
I use the TCR 9129 overhead. I fished it from the beaches and rocks in Australia this past spring. It work fantastically with the T-14. Long casts are no problem. I’ve only used it a little on Lake Michigan. Rio Outbound is another great line for this. Rich
ktrout, Scott is correct in calling these skiffs. I’ve typically heard them referred to as “South Fork Skiffs” I’ve seen them on the South Fork of the Snake and the Big Horn. Mostly tailwaters. The low profile allows ease of entry/exit for wading and low wind resistance, for rowing. They are quite different from prams. Hyde only recently started building them and there are several manufactures. Hope this helps. Rich
Fantastic Jim, I spent some time listening to Zach’s podcasts and the “Deliverance music” Is killing me. How bout some Rage, Nine inch nails,and Public Enemy, Zach? ::)
Good advice here so far. I would add that I prefer a 9 foot 9wt for Steelhead. I find it’s more versatile and better for fish fighting. Here in Michigan the amount of woody debris in the rivers make it tough to land any fish. I also think a wider range of lines can be managed with a 9wt. I can swing an 8-10-12 sinking shooting head from a 9wt. Not so with the 7 or 8 wt. 15 or 20 feet of T-14 would be tough too.
Last time I checked Patrick, Alaska was still part of the North American Continent. ;D
RichI have been wearing the Hodgman Bootfoot Breathable waders in Michigan for about 6 years. Cheap and they last. 1000 grams Thinsulate.
Long time lurker first time caller. My name is Rich Knoles. Hence the screen name. I’m 43. I work as a Firefighter/Paramedic. I work a Kelly Schedule. That means I work 9 days a month. I live in Michigan on the Detroit River. I have two Daughters 18 and 12, a wife and a husky. Both Sailors the daughters that is. 18 years ago my wife thought it would be a good idea that we attend a Flyfishing class together. Something she regrets to this day. I quit my job, bought a drift boat and tried to make a living guiding. I lacked the people skills that required so I got a job as a Fireman to fish more. I’m fortunate to fish a lot and to travel to fish. I’m active with the FFF Great Lakes Council. I teach flycasting at the local community college. I forget everything I know about casting when I see a Tarpon.
