Recent content by freednog

I have a 4000 series and it's just a beast. I've switched to 2500 for steelhead and 3000 for steelhead/salmon setups. Much easier to fish with for a full day. I don't think you need 200yds. What you can fit on a 2500 sized reel is adequate.

Growing up it was the Spin-a-Lure. Many a cutthroat and rainbow met it's match trolling or casting these. Sadly, West coast fish seem impervious to them so I'm going to have to say Wooly Bugger. Works on so many species. Casting, trolling, what have you.

One downside to the X11 is that the color of the rod, while lovely on its own, is quite similar to the red, leafless branches of dogwoods and other riverbank shrubs. I thought I lost mine last weekend but it was just blending in really well.

I'm fairly frugal and if you're hoping to do all those things, I'd suggest getting two cheaper (though good) rods instead. I've been fairly happy with my Berkeley IM8 Air rods, but recently started using a Lamiglass X11 and a Shimano Clarus. I think I prefer the Clarus for it's sensitivity.

One somewhat unintentional advantage(?) of mono is that it will actually break down more quickly than flouro. So from an environmental standpoint, mono is mildly better. So keep in mind that won't last as long as flouro, but if you're just using it as a top-shot, you'll be replacing it with some...

I'd switched to regular clinch knots for smaller flies a few years ago for size. This looks even easier and smaller. Will give it a shot while i'm sitting through my next zoom meeting.

I often forget that there are places you can still use barbed & treble hooks. Even if those aren't effective, they're pretty to look at. I know I'd bite.

10-15’ but a few as shallow as 4’.

Had a nearly wind-free day on the Columbia near The Dalles on Saturday. Mostly fished the Washington side but landed over 25 smallmouth. Had trouble finding the big fish but did find 2 in the 2# range, both on flies. Wooly Buggers did ok, but soft baits on drop shot brought the most fish in...

Anyone have updates on either of these shuttle services?

We used 2 angle grinders with flappy disk wheels to remove the 30+ years worth of miscellaneous marine paint and epoxy. Took 3 hours and was a huge mess. When I get lung cancer, this is probably why. (yes, I wore a good respirator) But when you get that final coat of wetlander on, it's amazing.

Guide made me hold the rod in my mouth for his facebook page. Since he put me on several fish, I obliged. Bahia de los Muertos, Baja Mexico. Never felt anything fight/run like that.

I'd suggest just going with Siwash to start with. Think of the natives.

I've had Wetladner on my boat for 3 years and am going to do a touch up very soon (ordered it last week). It's still in great shape and doesn't need it yet but I have plenty of time drop the boat of the trailer. I'll be doing some spot painting and go after the trailer itself, which is also ~40...