My Thoughts From The Show------------------------------------

[danme]

I've been sitting here thinking about the show yesterday. What I have been thinking about is this in a nut shell. How in the hell did we catch fish on fly rods 30 years ago?? When I started Fly Fishing we had Fiberglass Rods and Click and Pawl Reels, basically no drag to speak of, and was lucky I had what in the day was concidered not a great fly reel but a descent one. A Pflueger Medalist 1494 1/2 on a Garcia Conolon 5 Star 8ft 6WT Fly Rod. I had a basic vest with a couple Of felt lined fly boxes (FLOATABLE) boy they were the shit back in the day!!! We used Nail Clippers to cut off the tag Ends of the leader where it was tied on to the fly, (they didnt last long because the Line eventually put a hole in the cutters after a while) Mucilin for Line Cleaner/Floatant and FLY Floatant. At that time I didnt have any zingers so I tied 30lb Monofilament to the rings of my vest for easy access to my clippers. and My Mucilin.

While walking around the show I was looking at all the "GIMMICK" crap they try to pawn off on you to make you a better fly fisherman. (LOL) Oh you got to have this and that and the other thing. In reality most of the crap is just that crap!!! Now I'm not saying some of the stuff isn't useful maybe 1-5 percent is, but think about this they charge 10.00 for these "SPECIAL" Clippers tof you leader -- They are NAIL CLIPPERS that have been hardened. Do I hve them yae I do and I also have a lot of other stuff to make my days on a stream easier, but do we as fly fisherman really need all this crap??

For Instance I cant remember which company it was there, but they were selling what they called "SPECIAL" Wader Socks??? for 25.00 Show Special price. For God's sake they were socks. LMFAO yae they were thick socks, nothing "SPECIAL" that I could see, they weren't gore tex they were just plain old thick socks.

Another one that caught my eye was a Gold Colored what appeared to me at first glance, to be a Hardy Princess Reel. It had some differences to it Such as it had a knob instead of of small wheel to adjust the drag (Which you really dont need a drag for all intents and purposes for everyday Trout Fishing) I just back all my drags down to nothing.

It was a BEAUTIFUL REEL and yes I am very partial to HARDY REELS. So I was talking to the Hardy Rep from Maine about the reel and while talking to him I had mentioned that it looked like a Modified Princess. He stated it was a totally different reel and was manufactured for the owner of Hardy Reels and only 250 were made. I again said it looks like a Modified Princess, so I asked him if I could compare the 2 reels, he said sure you can. So me being a highly technical/mechanical person, pulled the 2 reels apart side by side and put the Princess Spool in the "SPECIAL" Hardy Reel. It fit and worked perfectly. The Rep was somewhat embarrased by that. So I took the Spool out and looked at the Click and Pawl Spring Mechanism's they were exactly the same, In fact the part numbers were even the same because he looked them up. After basically breaking down the 2 reels and coming to the conclusion that both reels were the same except the way you set the drag tension, and a different look to the non handle side of the reel it in fact turned out to be a MODIFIED PRINCESS with a Gold Color. I asked how much the reel was. He Stated the Show price was 2500.00, I didn't even ask what the regular price was.


The funniest and most confusing "GIMMICK" IMO today is Fly Lines. Back in the Day you had Double Tapers, Weight Forwards, And Rocket Tapers, Floating and Or Sinking lines and I do believe they had the intermediate lines at that time (Not Sure though) pretty basic and Very easy to understand. There may have been a few more but there was no question to what these lines were designed for. Now I'm not bragging and or patting myself on the back at all on this statement, but I've had a 6WT and 3WT Both WF Cortland 444 SL Lines I bought them both around 25 to 26 yrs ago. Now grant it I take VERY GOOD CARE of my equpment and I fish my equipment very hard and use it alot. Both those lines are as good as they were when I bought them. Yae I have had to cut like 2-3 inches off them a few times to change butt sections but thats it. The Only thing I do with them is clean them at the end of each season (ENTIRE LINE) and grease them 2 to 3 times during the season with this Fly Line Conditioner, that they dont make anymore called "Greased Lightning" Fantastic line conditioner.

Today they have so many SO CALLED different types of lines, and So Called Different types of tapers. Or are they Just DT WF And Rocket Tapers re-named?? The reason I question this is because now they call lines "TROUT, or Salmon, Or Steelhead, or Bass.etc etc". You get the idea. As you talk to the line reps they ask well what are you fishing for. Then they try to sell you the line named for the Fish Species. (LOL) Depending on the company of course. Each Line manufacturer has their own lil names they use to get you to buy more lines. Now back in the day you basically used the same line for all different types of fly fishing ie: Bass, Trout, Sunfish, Salmon, Steelhead, etc etc. Are all these so called lines of today just the same old DT WF Rocket Taper Sinking Floatin etc. ? Yae that question is rhetorical!!!!!!!!!!! I think you see where I'm going with this. Now I do realize that line weights (TODAY) differ slightly from manufaturer to manufacturer, which was something that back in the day didnt happen. There was a standard. Today each manufacturer has slightly different weight, for example A Cortland 6 weight Line may differ slightly from a Scientific Angler 6 weight line, the difference is negligable but they do differ. Again it is to sell more lines, or to get the fisherman/customer to say WOW this line works so much better than that other line, when in all reality that 6 weight line may be slightly heavier or actually be a 7wt and not a true 6WT linee so the rod loads better. Back in the day the standards wer all the sameor within grams of each other. You also used your 6WT Rod Line And reel for Trout, Bass, Sunnies, and Even Smaller Salmon and Steelies.

Lets look at necks -- Back in the day they had #1 2 and 3 necks for Dry Fly hackle, along with wet fly/soft hackle necks which in all actuality were called "HEN NECKS" -- the lower the number the better the neck. It was simple and for the most part the prices were pretty much standard. Today we still have the numbering system but they have added the "PRO" among other so called names depending on the company and how greedy they are. On top of that they have added the Saddle Capes and the half necks and whatever else they could do to lure the poor beginer to the Art of Fly Fishing and Tying to spend his money not realizing he really didn't need that and or paid too much for it. I was looking at necks yesterday at the show. Now even back in the day I would pull the neck out of the package and judge for myself how good or bad the neck was by looking at the individual feathers to see how much webbing was on the feathers. I cnt remember which vendor it was, but I pulled out a Cree neck and un-stapled it from the cardboard. The Vendor claimed it was a Grade 1 and was asking 75.00 for it. I really need a cree neck for certain patterns I tie, I've been getting by without one by mixing Grizzly with brown to get the effect but the color still isn't what it should be. The Cree is what is needed to achieve the correct look. So I pulled the naeck out of the Bag, unstapled it from the cardboard and the Vendor got a lil upset because I wanted to see for my self the ampunt of web on the feathers. Needless to say IMOVHO It wasn't a Grade 1 it seemd to me to be a Low #2 or high #3 and 75.00 for a neck for a working man is rather expensive. (At leat to me it is) Now I'm not saying that this vendor was trying to overcharge, what I am saying is that the Standards again form back in the day to today are different. There is no Standard really. The standard is set by the individual company.


I could go on with a 10 page post about all he Crap that has entered into the humble and rather relaxing passtime. If in fact you bought all this crap that has come out to make the fly fishing experience easier for the fisherman your vest would weigh 100lbs and your 7-10 hour day on the river would feel like you just did a 1500 sq ft addition on your house, because you neck back and legs would really be hurting.


I guess the message Im trying to express here is No you dont need all those neat, cool extras. You need a Fly Rod reel Line Leader vest Waders and Flies with some form of leader/tippet trimmer. So the next time you see that Brook Trout Painted Tippet/leader nipper that sells for 25.00, remember yu can go to the local market or drugstore and get the same damn thing for 1.99. Those 25.00 nippers wont catch anymore fish for you.


KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID!!!!!


Im not calling anyone on here stupid -- Just making a point

I hope everyone enjoyed my thoughts.

Peace
Dan

 

[Barleywine]

Wow danme. You make me want to break out my old Browning Siloflex fiberglass rod purchased for $20 from Herman's sporting goods in Wayne, put on a Cowdung wet-fly, fish the Musky behind the Dairy Queen in Hackettstown, and make believe it's 1983 again.

 

[danme]

Wow danme. You make me want to break out my old Browning Siloflex fiberglass rod purchased for $20 from Herman's sporting goods in Wayne, put on a Cowdung wet-fly, fish the Musky behind the Dairy Queen in Hackettstown, and make believe it's 1983 again.

WOW -- The Browning Siloflex -- If you had a Siloflex you were a lucky kid and you were also proud to fish with that rod. -- Now that was a Hell Of a Rod Back in the Day -- the DQ in Hacketstown was actually a great place to fish the Musky back then too. I'm glad you enjoyed my post barley -- Because it was partly reminiscing and partly making a point. You totally got it though Barley

Thanks for the kind words -- Your all class Dude

Peace
Dan

 

[Barleywine]

I wish I was just a kid when I bought that rod. Oh well, since we're waltzing through memory lane here, I think that part of the charm about fly fishing back then was the lack of easy to obtain information. Back before the internet, you had to know someone who could show you (joining TU certainly helped), or read actual books to learn. I fly fished for almost a whole year before I caught my first trout on a fly (behind that Dairy Queen), and it was after 2 kind gentlemen explained what I was doing wrong and showed me how to do it right. I caught 5 trout very quickly that day and walked away believing that I had this fly fishing thing licked. Back then I thought that the only worthwhile place to fish was the Musky no-kill, and was totally ignorant of all the beautiful wild trout streams I was passing by on the hour ride to that place.

So now we've got all of this information available to us. And it's nice to be able to look up a fly pattern online, have access to high-grade tying materials, and be in contact with so many who share our passion for the sport like we do here and at the show. Perhaps so much fancy stuff is the price we pay for the tradeoff. A bit of baggage that we can pick up or put down as suits our mood.

Thank you for starting this thread.

 

[danme]

QUOTE=Barleywine;222035]I wish I was just a kid when I bought that rod. Oh well, since we're waltzing through memory lane here, I think that part of the charm about fly fishing back then was the lack of easy to obtain information. Back before the internet, you had to know someone who could show you (joining TU certainly helped), or read actual books to learn. I fly fished for almost a whole year before I caught my first trout on a fly (behind that Dairy Queen), and it was after 2 kind gentlemen explained what I was doing wrong and showed me how to do it right. I caught 5 trout very quickly that day and walked away believing that I had this fly fishing thing licked. Back then I thought that the only worthwhile place to fish was the Musky no-kill, and was totally ignorant of all the beautiful wild trout streams I was passing by on the hour ride to that place.

So now we've got all of this information available to us. And it's nice to be able to look up a fly pattern online, have access to high-grade tying materials, and be in contact with so many who share our passion for the sport like we do here and at the show. Perhaps so much fancy stuff is the price we pay for the tradeoff. A bit of baggage that we can pick up or put down as suits our mood.

Thank you for starting this thread.

You are so very correct saying that you actually had to read books and even better have someone teach you how to do this. Maybe thats why the "NEW GENERATION" of fly fishermen take this art with a grain of salt. Us older guys had to read and then try to apply what we were able to retain and comprehend on the stream the next time we went. I know after the initial basics were taught to me, the rest of what I learned was more trial and error -- ERROR being the key word. Most of what I learned were through my own mistakes. We didn't have the convenience of the internet where we could get answers in 5 mnutes and the answers that are here on this site and others like this one are very detailed.

Alot of familes back in the day didn't have the money that families have today (ALthough that is changing fast due to the economy) Orvis had started making the Graphite Fly Rods back then but 300.00 dollars was alot of money and even more important it was food on the table

I guess what made fly fishing special back then was most of us made due with what we had. We invented things back then to make our pass time easier on us. Which in reality was fun in itself. If you Fly Fished you more or less had to learn to tie. The only places that sold flies back then in this area was Rays Sport Shop - Effingers, -- Mueller and Cahshins, In Somerville -- and Shannons Fly Shop. Problem was the Flies you bought from anywhere but Shannons were'nt the best quality. The Nymphs and wet flies only lasted 2 or 3 fish before the fell apart and the Dry Flies weren't exactly DRY FLIES because the Hackles weren't worth a Shit -- They just Sunk (LOL) AHHH The good old day's

Basically we were forced into tying flies or we just didn't do well with the fly rod. My Brother and I were really lucky just for the mere fact we not only had our father to teach us -- We also had Lloyd and boy they were tough on us. Dont Beat up the water -- Watch your backcast -- Dont crowd that man -- We didnt have Felt Soles back then -- So You had to wade SLOWLY and quietly.


Ahhh The good old days -- And the best part of it all is I wouldn't trade back then for now ever -- It was so much better then because you actually had to think and use your brain to overcome the obstacles of fly fishing.

Peace
Dan

 

[sh4ne87]

Old men and resistance to change. A staple in all cultures.

 

[Barleywine]

Old men and resistance to change. A staple in all cultures.

I prefer to think of myself as being 25 with 30 years of experience.

 

[MACFLY]

Dude you can't be that told. You sound like you are about a hundred years old from your post
Flies that fell apart, no Internet, and graphite rods were too expensive. Did you have to walk to school uphill both ways as well?

You are so very correct saying that you actually had to read books and even better have someone teach you how to do this. Maybe thats why the "NEW GENERATION" of fly fishermen take this art with a grain of salt. Us older guys had to read and then try to apply what we were able to retain and comprehend on the stream the next time we went. I know after the initial basics were taught to me, the rest of what I learned was more trial and error -- ERROR being the key word. Most of what I learned were through my own mistakes. We didn't have the convenience of the internet where we could get answers in 5 mnutes and the answers that are here on this site and others like this one are very detailed.

Alot of familes back in the day didn't have the money that families have today (ALthough that is changing fast due to the economy) Orvis had started making the Graphite Fly Rods back then but 300.00 dollars was alot of money and even more important it was food on the table

I guess what made fly fishing special back then was most of us made due with what we had. We invented things back then to make our pass time easier on us. Which in reality was fun in itself. If you Fly Fished you more or less had to learn to tie. The only places that sold flies back then in this area was Rays Sport Shop - Effingers, -- Mueller and Cahshins, In Somerville -- and Shannons Fly Shop. Problem was the Flies you bought from anywhere but Shannons were'nt the best quality. The Nymphs and wet flies only lasted 2 or 3 fish before the fell apart and the Dry Flies weren't exactly DRY FLIES because the Hackles weren't worth a Shit -- They just Sunk (LOL) AHHH The good old day's

Basically we were forced into tying flies or we just didn't do well with the fly rod. My Brother and I were really lucky just for the mere fact we not only had our father to teach us -- We also had Lloyd and boy they were tough on us. Dont Beat up the water -- Watch your backcast -- Dont crowd that man -- We didnt have Felt Soles back then -- So You had to wade SLOWLY and quietly.


Ahhh The good old days -- And the best part of it all is I wouldn't trade back then for now ever -- It was so much better then because you actually had to think and use your brain to overcome the obstacles of fly fishing.

Peace
Dan

 

[JeffK]

Yes the world is changing, some for the good, some not for the good. Plenty of people have a lot of disposable income and merchants respond.

The funky little flyshops aren't there as much, but I still found Dai-Riki hooks for $7/100 and some old furnace patches for $5 that will make some great little streamers. You have to look harder each year though.

I think one of the biggest improvements is that modern outdoor clothing keeps you dry, warm, and protects you from the sun. Sure many of the brands are overpriced, but fleece liners, smart wool socks, and better raingear have made my life better.

 

[Rusty Spinner]

We need to remember that the Silaflex was nothing more than an unneeded gadget back in its day. Nothing changes but time...

One man's gadget is another man's technological improvement. If something works for you, it is worth every penny you spent on it.

 

[Future Fanatic]

One man's gadget is another man's technological improvement. If something works for you, it is worth every penny you spent on it.

But, I think the point was we don't NEED it.

The last time I shopped for a new car, the salesman tried getting me to buy a car with intermittent wipers and cup holders... and do you think I could find a set of new hickory shaft golf clubs, like ANYWHERE? It's the free market gone mad, I say.

 

[JeffK]

Dan, you forgot level lines - the real cheap way to get started fly fishing. You can't buy one now. They weren't that bad, and even worked well for some short rod, punch through the bushes kind of stuff. Speaking of which, I saw Joe Humphries talk and he was recommending a 7 1/2' 5 wt or 6wt rod with a plain DT line for small stream fishing in order be able to punch the fly through a tight space. It got me thinking, back in the 70's the hot "light" PA trout rod was the Fenwick 756 - a 7 1/2' 6 wt. I think modern fishermen have taken this light line thing too far. I tried to find a 7 1/2' 6 wt rod at the show and couldn't do it.

And I will agree with the "old timer" crowd that the biggest difference was the do-it-yourself nature of fly fishing back in the day. Few magazines, no internet, no shows, and the experienced fly guys were tip lipped in general, although as stated above there was always some nice old guy that would make a big difference. Finding new streams meant a lot of driving and hiking - most of it more in the errors than hits column. But when you found that trout filled stream it was such a sweet feeling. Now many young guys are upset if they aren't in double figures by noon from an internet tip.

Since most fly fishermen weren't helpful, you were forced to watch what the successful guys were doing and try to duplicate it with what you had. It was a longer road, but it was an enjoyable one and you sure learned to be observant. I think the learning curve is sped up by a factor of 10 these days - you can learn in two years what I learned in my first 20 years fly fishing. Most people had one outfit, and you had to learn to make do with it. Of course, few people blamed the outfit even though we had pretty crappy stuff by todays standards. Now most fly fishers have a dozen rods - a short light rod for dries, a long rod for nymphs, a fast rod for big waters, a streamer rod etc and get thrown when they bring the "wrong" rod. However, it's a different time and the old ways are not coming back for better or for worse.

 

[MACFLY]

But, I think the point was we don't NEED it.

The last time I shopped for a new car, the salesman tried getting me to buy a car with intermittent wipers and cup holders... and do you think I could find a set of new hickory shaft golf clubs, like ANYWHERE? It's the free market gone mad, I say.

You don't have cupholders in your car. Where do you keep your vodka.

 

[Future Fanatic]

You don't have cupholders in your car. Where do you keep your vodka.

It's in the still, in the bed of my pick up.

You don't BUY the vodka they try to sell you using all those flashy commercials on the moving picture box thing, DO YOU?

 

[lightenup]

Old men and resistance to change. A staple in all cultures.

Damn kids these days......

 

[dcabarle]

Dude you can't be that told. You sound like you are about a hundred years old from your post
Flies that fell apart, no Internet, and graphite rods were too expensive. Did you have to walk to school uphill both ways as well?

In the snow and rain too!

 

[Johnny Utah]

Flies that used to fall apart? Hell most of the fly shop flies still fall apart, unless they actually tie in house like shannons does.
This great sport and past time we all love is always evolving and sure most of it is unnecessary but you just remember that all the companies are companies. With a number 1 goal of making money. They, just like any other salesman will tell you anything to get you buy the product.
Its a real shame fly shops are dying off, because at least you could get good info on the local waters and hatches with many other ideas and facts. Not just the sunshine they try to pump up your rear to get you buy something like vendors do with there products. Its nice to walk into a fly shop here an honest opinion on a product. I just always bare in mind that everyone is hustling for a buck and a dime at all times.

On a high note, The weather this week is gonna be GREAT! Stones, little guys ie 18-16 should be very prevalent on the freestone streams. Get out there and find some rising trout for adult stones, and don't forget to nymph some stone fly nymphs, the trout are looking for those.

 

[Johnny Utah]

In the snow and rain too!

Also bare foot

 

[danme]

Dan, you forgot level lines - the real cheap way to get started fly fishing. You can't buy one now. They weren't that bad, and even worked well for some short rod, punch through the bushes kind of stuff. Speaking of which, I saw Joe Humphries talk and he was recommending a 7 1/2' 5 wt or 6wt rod with a plain DT line for small stream fishing in order be able to punch the fly through a tight space. It got me thinking, back in the 70's the hot "light" PA trout rod was the Fenwick 756 - a 7 1/2' 6 wt. I think modern fishermen have taken this light line thing too far. I tried to find a 7 1/2' 6 wt rod at the show and couldn't do it.

And I will agree with the "old timer" crowd that the biggest difference was the do-it-yourself nature of fly fishing back in the day. Few magazines, no internet, no shows, and the experienced fly guys were tip lipped in general, although as stated above there was always some nice old guy that would make a big difference. Finding new streams meant a lot of driving and hiking - most of it more in the errors than hits column. But when you found that trout filled stream it was such a sweet feeling. Now many young guys are upset if they aren't in double figures by noon from an internet tip.

Since most fly fishermen weren't helpful, you were forced to watch what the successful guys were doing and try to duplicate it with what you had. It was a longer road, but it was an enjoyable one and you sure learned to be observant. I think the learning curve is sped up by a factor of 10 these days - you can learn in two years what I learned in my first 20 years fly fishing. Most people had one outfit, and you had to learn to make do with it. Of course, few people blamed the outfit even though we had pretty crappy stuff by todays standards. Now most fly fishers have a dozen rods - a short light rod for dries, a long rod for nymphs, a fast rod for big waters, a streamer rod etc and get thrown when they bring the "wrong" rod. However, it's a different time and the old ways are not coming back for better or for worse.

WOW Jeff your memory serves you well I did totally forget about the Level Line. WOW Very good point Jeff Thank you for the insight and the post.

Peace
Dan

 

[Future Fanatic]

Flies that used to fall apart? Hell most of the fly shop flies still fall apart, unless they actually tie in house like shannons does.

Back in the 70's my dad used to tie flies for Ross's in Elizabeth. I still have some of those(and they still work).

 

[danme]

Old men and resistance to change. A staple in all cultures.

LOL Shane -- Shane here a little thing for you to think about although it's a joke but it does make sense.

There were 2 Bulls up on a Hill 1 old and 1 Young and they were looking down at the cows in the pasture -- The Young Bull being Young Dumb and Full of Cum says to the Old Bull Hey man lets run down this hill to that pasture and Fuck one of those cows. The Older Bull says to the young Bull why dont we walk down this hill to the pasture and Fuck them all!!!!!!!!!!!.

Just something for you to contemplate

Peace
Dan

 

[GARYB]

Great thread, I remember learning how to nymph with the musky shrimp at the old Orange Pit on the Musky no-kill. This guy we called "the shrimp man"
gave me some flies made with tan possum fur and taught me how to dead drift them. He also taught me to get the fish on the reel right away, so when you
got a big one you were in the habit of fighting off the reel in case they run on you.
That's how I learnt, on the stream if an older guy would talk to you, that and reading books and FlyFisherman when it was good.

Today it's all about the money

 

[MACFLY]

Shane please don't take this story literally. I don't want to see any posts from you thanking Danme for showing you how to F@ck a lot of bulls. This site is strange enough.

LOL Shane -- Shane here a little thing for you tho think about although it's a joke but it does make sense.

There were 2 Bulls up on a Hill 1 old and 1 Young and they were looking down at the cows in the pasture -- The Young Bull being Young Dumb and Full of Cum says to the Old Bull Hey man lets run down this hill to that pasture and Fuck one of those cows. The Older Bull says to the young Bull why dont we walk down this hill to the pasture and Fuck them all!!!!!!!!!!!.

Just something for you to contemplate

Peace
Dan

 

[MACFLY]

Back in the 70's my dad used to tie flies for Ross's in Elizabeth. I still have some of those(and they still work).

John do you remember the fishing show Ross used to put on in Linden, NJ

 

[Future Fanatic]

John do you remember the fishing show Ross used to put on in Linden, NJ

No.
But when did they do this? Was it EARLY 70's when Hi owned it or later when Jack was at the helm?

 

[MACFLY]

No.
But when did they do this? Was it EARLY 70's when Hi owned it or later when Jack was at the helm?

It was from at least mid 70s on. My next door neighbor used to take all the kids. They used to have door prizes that were pretty good. Guest speakers, tackle manufacturers, a report on all the trout that would be stocked. It was a pretty big deal back in the day.

 

[danme]

Great thread, I remember learning how to nymph with the musky shrimp at the old Orange Pit on the Musky no-kill. This guy we called "the shrimp man"
gave me some flies made with tan possum fur and taught me how to dead drift them. He also taught me to get the fish on the reel right away, so when you
got a big one you were in the habit of fighting off the reel in case they run on you.
That's how I learnt, on the stream if an older guy would talk to you, that and reading books and FlyFisherman when it was good.

Today it's all about the money

Gary,

Thank you for the kind words -- You also bring up a very good point about getting the fish on the reel -- Very very Important to fight the fish from the reel and not fight the fish by pulling line in by hand and holding the line to the handle while fighting it

Peace
Dan

 

[Future Fanatic]

It was from at least mid 70s on. My next door neighbor used to take all the kids. They used to have door prizes that were pretty good. Guest speakers, tackle manufacturers, a report on all the trout that would be stocked. It was a pretty big deal back in the day.

Did it have a trout pool? THAT I remember...

 

[WBDluver]

HOLY CRAP you guys are old. I do remember my grandpa telling me how people used to fish with fibergalss rods. I still have his old Fenwick brown glass rods. And use canvas or rubber waders LOL.

 

[danme]

HOLY CRAP you guys are old. I do remember my grandpa telling me how people used to fish with fibergalss rods. I still have his old Fenwick brown glass rods. And use canvas or rubber waders LOL.

WBDluver,

One of the Best Glass Rods I ever owned was a Fenwick 8ft 6 weight rod -- That rod casted so nicely and accurately, loved the feel when nymphing with it because I could actually "FEEL" The fish suck the fly in. Never found another rod that was that sensitive. It also casted dries as good maybe even better than most Graphites of today. The accuracy was second to none.
I kick myself in the ass quite a few times a season for seling that Fly Rod. Man i miss that rod.

You should fish your Grandpa's Fenwick for a month or 2 -- I'm sure you would love it after you got used to the nuances and idiosincracies of the rod.


Yes I actually had Canvas Waders -- They were great except they had no FELT Soles

Peace
Dan