trout_boy_ii
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One suggestions to success I have not seen yet –
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walkie talkies
! Belive me, they will save all kinds of misinformation and allow you to be upstream, downstream, where ever you want to be but still be there “together”.
Hey Zach,
(sorta off topic… but not by much)
Just wondering if you would consider doing a podcast with some of the names in fly line design/manufacturing? Once upon a time you bought a weight-forward or double taper in the right line weight and went fishing. I’m pretty amazed (read ‘super confused’) at the diversity and specialization that has occurred with fly lines in recent years. Not to mention it’s often hard to try a line on your rod before buying it.
Maybe an interview with Jim Vincent or Lefty or Jim Teeny or any of the other names attached to line manufacturers regarding the theories and development.
As a side note… I always wondered why line companies (or rod companies for that matter) never ‘recommend’ a certain line for a particular rod. Though… I do believe Rio does this for Spey line/rod combinations.
I, for one, would be extremely interested.
Ryan
I second that request/suggestion.
Another suggestion on rods – check into a St. Croix Legend Ultra. Come in 7’6″ 2 wt. and a 7’9″ 3 wt.
Sage XP’s – 5 wt and 3 wt, although I sometimes use my St. Croix Legend Ultra 3 wt. for a change and have others that are not used often, mostly as loaners.
5 wt. is fitted with Older version of Lamson Litespeed strung with SA GPX. Since I only fish freshwater (what’s left of it) and streams Davidson size plus or minus 20 ft., this works great for me.
3 wt is fitted with Ross Colorado #0 (the only fully ported model, larger sizes have solid side), also strung with SA GPX. Primarily used on smaller streams in Pisgah Forest.
For a while I thought the 3 wt. XP was too stiff for close in work, but I’ve learned how to use it properly and I love it. The 5 wt. was picked after substantial flinging at as many shops as would let me fling. It had me at “hello” so to speak – fits my current casting rhythm perfectly.
Lotta good rods out there – what feels best to you is the best rod for you.
TB
I too recommend that you check out photo-chromatic lens. More expensive than plain tinted, but much more versatile. There are photo lens and then there are photo lens. 😎 Just like with “single” tint lens, you need to think about how you plan to use them. Photo-chromatics lens allow different levels of visible light and that makes all the difference. I fish most of the time in heavy cover -smaller streams. I wear AO All Hour Brown (I think they just call them “brown” now) photo-chromatic lens that lighten up significantly more than the standard photo lens you generally see. These are perfect from dawn until dusk for me. If I was on the open water all the time, I would use a lens that allowed lower levels of light at the lightest and the darkest levels.
After re-reading this, I’m convinced that I’m not doing the best in explaining so I recommend that you check out the lens section of Action Optics for a better explanation:
http://www.smithoptics.com/technology.html?category=1&id=3
More enlightening site ( :o) would be this one:
http://www.smithoptics.com/technology.html?category=1&id=1
Pay attention to the levels of visible light allowed through the lens – the photo lens will have a range of course.
I absolutely love my photo lens. I never have to take them off unless it is truly dark. That’s a much better value and much more convenient than multiple glasses or lens.
My $.02.
TB
I agree. How the hell did he go to work everyday knowing he would have to wear and look through those things the entire time.
Steven
Uh… He was getting paid a boatload of cash?
TB
In reverse order, much good about both reels. Both are tough, lightweight and have great “innards.” I have both Litespeed and Evo for 5 wt’s. and slightly prefer my older model Litespeed, mostly because of the spaceship looks. 😮 I like the new model Litespeed style even better. Still some new “old model Litespeeds out there if you look hard – at blowout prices.
Given your budget comment, but still a desire for a top end rod, try a St. Croix Legend Ultra before you make a final decision. Excellent US built rod with great warranty. Priced below the others and plenty of guts to throw lead and light touch for dry fly presentation.
I’ve gotten into XP’s which fit my stroke, but I have a 3 wt. Ultra that I’ve really enjoyed for 3 years, and my wife has a newer model 3 wt. Ultra that she swears by. We spend 80% of our fishing time nymphing for what that’s worth.
My. $.02.
TB
Another vote for Smith AO. I prefer the Guides Choice model with All Hour Brown photo chromatic glass lens. Glass is heavier than the plastic but I have not had any scratching problems. This particular photo lens lightens up to where they can be used in heavy cover or twilight and are still usable. 😮 If you check the technical aspects of the lens on the Smith web site, you can see how much visible light each lens allows (or the range in this case).
Warranty is excellent. After two years of pretty heavy use (or the croakies I was using got salt soaked?), the finish on the ear pieces began to flake off. I sent them back to factory and they sent me new pair a few days later – no hassle at all -they have a lifetime guaranty.
I like the large lens and the slight wrap them. I recommend this lens to anyone fishing where cover will be an issue. If I were on lakes, many wide streams, or salt, I might go for something that darkens down a notch or two, but these work really well for me on the streams I fish. 😎
TB
Having just started on my taxes and reviewing donations, I guess I must think highly of both PBS and NPR since I seem to give them money! Around here (Upstate SC), WNCW is the NPR of choice. Great eclectic combo of Blue Grass, folk, indi, etc., plus they air BBC news which I prefer to NPR News. This station is just flat different and that means a positive thing! They have repeaters in Boone, Charlotte, and Greenville (home is Spindale NC :o) and can also be reached on the net via:
Just click on “live music.”
Unless you’re pining away for classical (which I like but seldom pine for personally), I know you’ll like this station. Try it when you’re in this neck of the woods!
TB
I’m curious if you tried the Chota STL? I think it looks more like a hiking boot, does not have the rubber baby bumper around the sole, has plenty of toe wiggle room, at least for me and I agree that’s a major issue, and last but not least, the sole flexes with a good intersole for cushion. Only had mine for a few months, and they do take some getting used to over the stiff side, stiff sole pair I had before, but I think I like them a good bit, particularly on the hike in and out.
TB
She does realize what she’s getting, in terms of $$ and reputation. She has a nice Ross Evo to slap on this rod that I gave her last year for her birthday.
I have only yard cast this rod, but the 00 was very impressive and if I had the money to blow, I’d buy one in a minute.
I’ve heard the complaint about the Chota laces too. I was told you may be better off with a pair of hiking boot lace replacesments when/if the tiime comes. Not sure if the “give” from the OE “stretchy laces” is a comfort factor of not, but that might be a way to cut the expense of new laces.
BTW, they have a nice heel to them which I think adds to stability and the felt is dark gray which seems like it would be more stealthy, however, that may be moot in real life. Oh yeah, they’re about $10 less than the Simms lightweights, but I doubt any of us would let $10 affect this purchase in that good boots can really affect the enjoyment of the trip – as Zach found.
TB
Surprised no comments on Chota boots. I am a big fan of Simms, and came close to buying the L2’s but the Chota STL was the most comfortable boot I tried on. Had them about two months and really like the “hiking boot” feel to them. I have that there “plantar fascist” thingy 😮 and these boots seem to have answered the problems.
My $.02.
TB
