Fly Rod 002

Started building a new fly rod a few weeks ago and put the final touches to it yesterday. It's a 9ft, 4wt, 4pc built on a TFO Professional series blank. The guides are wrapped in orange with gray trim rings. Won't get to use this one since I built it for someone else. Matched the rod with a Konic 1.5 reel.

After following The Fiberglass Manifesto for the past six months reading up on the growing popularity of glass fly rods, i've decided to build a 3wt out of glass. I have been in contact with Mike McFarland who is a custom builder as well as a custom blank maker. He is going to be making me a glass blank which I will make into a nice stream rod. Can't wait to get started on it

Black "fishing" Friday

While everyone else will be obsessing over the deals that are taking place after 11:59 pm on turkey day, I will be drifting off into dreamland as the visions of bass hitting the popper on a cool fall morning float through my head. Every year the start of Black Friday gets earlier and earlier, yet my internal alarm still awakens me at the same time. While you are standing in the long lines, I will be easing the kayak around the next bend in anticipation of the next explosion. Don't worry about me, i'll still be able to find the deals as stores will continue to drop the prices on the items that will need to be bought.
I just hope the fish aren't out shopping........

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thankfully, There Is No Cure.

What a great slogan that SAGE is using for 2012. After talking with them for the past couple of months I took up an invitation to go spend the day at the Sportsman's Finest in Austin,TX to meet their rod designer Jerry Siem and regional manager Mark Shelton. After a short two hour drive I arrived in time to sit in on a lecture by Diana Rudolph of Reel Women Fly Fishing Adventures as she discussed the tactics and gear that she uses while pursuing her fly fishing passion all over the world. After she was done I introduced myself to Jerry Siem who has been designing rods for SAGE for the past eighteen years. It was fascinating to listen and learn about all of the steps that go into designing a blank to be used in one of their rods. Each rod is hand designed and tested by him using new technology to develop a lighter and stronger rod that will keep you fresh even after a long day on the water. Also learned that each blank is designed from the tip section down toward the butt and how the new graphite and resin Konnetic technology being used today is making lighter, stronger, and more accurate casting rods. Later in the day I was able to get out on the casting pond and watch a casting demonstration by Jerry as he showed the accuracy and distance that he is able to get out of his newest creations, also managed to get some casting advice as well as some instruction from him which you always take advantage of when you can. Next up was a nice conversation with Mark Shelton from SAGE as we discussed the many applications of two of the newest rods that have been introduced. The ONE from SAGE with it's new Konnetic technology did everything as described. As I spent some time casting it, you could feel how easy the transfer of energy loaded this rod with less effort and it is extremely accurate as described. The new Bass II rod is a very versatile rod. I can see this one being a great addition for kayak fisherman who fish both fresh and saltwater as it has the capability of turning over some large flies with ease.
I'm looking forward to using these rods on the rivers and coastal waters in Texas giving them a workout and doing some reviews on each one.
If you get a chance stop by your local SAGE dealer and check out some of the latest and greatest creations.
See you on the river,
Robert

Is it an Obsession

The definition as described by Webster Dictionary;
adj. 1. having or showing excessive or compulsive concern;

2. influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion.

Clues to obsession;
Fly rod, fly box and waders in your truck at all time.
After work casting in your yard.
Reading as much info as you can find on the web.
Fondness for insects....
Hmmmmmm.......................
Getting back to the gear in the truck. Had some time this afternoon and headed down to the Guadalupe river to see what effect the cold front would have on the fish. The river is beautiful this time of year with the water being crystal clear and all of the leaves turning colors with the arrival of winter approaching.
Sliding into the water I was met with a cold chill that went up my spine as the waders clung to me as if they were shriveling up from the cold. With the wind blowing in small bursts I was able to slip my way downstream and catch a nice bream on a small floating hopper. Managed to catch a few before the sky started getting dark with most caught on a small panfish fly. The front definately had an effect as I didn't see any fish cruising or hanging out in the shallow flows.
Did I mention that the time change has really cut into my time on the water, sure i'm not the only one its affecting.
Remember, tomorrow is Veterans Day so stop one past, present, and future to thank them for their service......
See you on the river,
Robert

Backwater Paddle Company ( Gear review)

How many times do you find yourself grabbing for your paddle after making a cast to try and correct your position so you can make that perfect presentation to the fish that wait below. I know that it has been done a few hundred times just on one trip, but there is a product out there by Backwater Paddle Company that can make things easier for you. The Piranah hand paddle that they make is not only easy to use but it is very quiet when you are trying to correct your position. I have used it on three trips now and it did take some getting use to but not by any fault of design but trying to remember to quit reaching for your paddle. Now I just lay the paddle down and use the Piranah to move around and position my kayak. The hand paddle comes with a strap and the paddle will also float if you accidentally drop it into the water. It sure has made my kayak positioning so much easier now that i’m using it. The price is right for such a great add on to the gear that you already have. I now have two of them which are kept on either side of me for easy access.

Good fishing,

Robert

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