BobK
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Thick Tail
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Reged: 07/17/03
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Loc: Upstate NY, Lake Ontario Tribs
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For steelie fishing, I always pick a LARGER reel than the ones that the reel companies "size" for a given line. First off, I want to balance the rod, but the real reason is that they all lie about how much backing they hold. Darn reels never hold what the "specs" say they should.
And for spey rods, with the lines we use, throw away the books and pick a VERY BIG reel! At least, that's my feeling and experience. (By the way, a lot of Pflueger Medalists are still in use - cost is cheap, and if you need a good drag, get the exposed rim model and use your hand on it! It still works well!)
BobK
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Steelheader69
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Nooch Diver and Camp Cook
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Loc: Graham, WA
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I completely agree Bob. I used my old 1498 until I got myself a Martin saltwater fly reel (never seen one before, but was one BIG sucker). Then, lucked into a couple lamson spey LP7's and stuck with those. But all of them speys are gone. So next time around will be buying new and inexpensive. Probably will go with a SA 1213, or a Tioga. I agree, go BIG.
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TEAM JACKSON BALDWIN
Project Healing Waters
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Dutchman
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chum
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Reged: 11/03/00
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Loc: Tacona, washington,
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I have three Tioga reels.One for my spay rod,one for A 10 1/2 foot 7wt. I bought from Marty(does he have any rods left at home)and A large arbor I buoght from Dickson when I bought one of his Yancy shooting head lines. The sealed drag on these guys is awsome. My partner has one of those 500.oo Sage reels, and it does look awfully pretty,but I have caught 20 plus pound fish on both of them and I couldn't tell any difference
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BobK
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Thick Tail
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Reged: 07/17/03
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Loc: Upstate NY, Lake Ontario Tribs
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That's a big vote of confidence, Dutchman.
I'm happy with my Redington. my Orvis Battenkill Multiplier and my CLA (Cabela's Large Arbor), but I got all of 'em on "closeout" for very low prices. (all well under $100!)
But if I ever need (or want) another reel, that Tioga will be high on my list!
BobK
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Black_Ghost
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Thick Tail
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Reged: 06/13/03
Posts: 5185
Loc: Western GLs
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Here is link to the Harris Solitude reels that are really popular in Michigan and are now catching on in saltwater. Guides swear by them, my local fly shop owner is trying to talke me into them. I can tell you they are very solid, bullett proof.
Little pricey but to bad at up to $ 400.
These will last you a life time and will work at 10-20 degrees F.
http://www.harrisreel.com/pages/spec_sheet.html
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"The ability to delude yourself may be an important survival tool."
Jane Wagner
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BobK
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Thick Tail
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Loc: Upstate NY, Lake Ontario Tribs
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Hey, Hal - those are supposed to be OUTSTANDING reels, and will last a lifetime or two (Maybe 5 or 6, at my age!) Probably well worth the money.
But "economically prudent"?
Let's see - all a reel is supposed to do is store your line, and keep it "out of the way". It should also be able to pay out line when a fish pulls too hard, so it doesn't break the leader. And, if it is below freezing, don't get the reel wet, or it will ice up.
Hmmm... For years, most of 'em just had a clicker mechanism, and fishermen used 'em with care, and were happy. Later, they made 'em with exposed rim, so you could even apply hand pressure to assist the clicker on a big fish.
The Pflueger Medalist was what we saved up for.
So, I would have to justify to myself why I should spend $400 on a reel after I learned as a kid to make do (and catch lots of fish) on a cheap single-action reel. I think I would have a hard time justifying it.
When I started trouting, we looked at the guy with a steel telescoping rod and an automatic reel with envy - man, that had to be living good! He could "shorten it up" in the brush, and "stretch it out" when he had room to overhead cast. And line control - man, with the touch of the trigger, he could pick up all his slack. That was living!
I guess I learned at an early age, be careful what you wish for - you just might get it!
Shows how tastes change! 
BobK
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Steelheader69
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Nooch Diver and Camp Cook
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Reged: 12/30/00
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Loc: Graham, WA
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Well, I'm not sure exactly what reel I'll be buying once I'm back on my feet. I did like the SA's (used the 1011 and 1213). Heard about lots of problems with them, but I had some VERY nice fish on them, and not one failure. Plus, I can get some REALLY good discounts on them. May even get them on the Tiogas, just gotta go through my sources and find out. But only time will tell.
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TEAM JACKSON BALDWIN
Project Healing Waters
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oldman
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dual red striper
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Reged: 03/23/03
Posts: 458
Loc: Silver Star,Mt Just trout fi...
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I would like to get in on this spey thing but I figured that since I've been having trouble catching anything with my single hander.Why spend the money on something else that I won't catch anything with.. I almost spent some money on one of thoses CND rods. But my before mentioned line told me not to so I didn't.
Jim
Oh and BoBK. Have you found someone else to fish with yet. I know that being retired it's hard to find some one to fish with. Jim
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BobK
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Thick Tail
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Reged: 07/17/03
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Loc: Upstate NY, Lake Ontario Tribs
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Well, first off, will try to cover a few subjects.
1. Reels vs. performance - I was always trained that if you take care of your gear, it will take care of you. Probably the reason you never had problems with your SA reels is that you treated 'em well. Today, too many guys lay 'em in the sand, dunk 'em in streams in freezing weather, never clean or lube 'em, then biXch when they lose a fish because of "reel failure". Gosh, I wonder why???
So now, manufacturers "harden" em with sealed bearings, exotic materials, etc., but then have to charge a fortune, because people are lazy.
You pays yo' money, and you makes yo' choice!
2. Fishing parteners?? - no luck finding a close buddy. I often find a guy to go for the day, or run into guys on the stream and we hang out for the day, but that's about it. Plus, my son-in-laws love to, but they are tied up with careers, kids, wives etc., so they have a hard time getting out. This November, my son-in-law's uncle is going to come up and join me for chrome and brownies. He is a salt-water fisherman and has a fly-rod, but he hasn't used it in years, so I may have to share some gear and do a little "retraining". That's okay - he is a REAL NICE guy, and a WW II veteran, as well. Those guys deserve a LOT of respect - and there aren't an awful lot of them left!!
BobK  
Edited by BobK (07/24/03 02:43 AM)
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Black_Ghost
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Thick Tail
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Reged: 06/13/03
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Loc: Western GLs
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My Plueger Medalist is still ticking after 35 years.
Must be tough for those retired fly fishers not having fishing partners during the week and having the river ALL TO THEMSELVEs !
Give me a break us working fellows would do anything for a week day fly fishing.
Matter of fact I think I will do it tomorrow ! Summer steelhead watch out.
BG
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"The ability to delude yourself may be an important survival tool."
Jane Wagner
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Steelheader69
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Nooch Diver and Camp Cook
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Reged: 12/30/00
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Loc: Graham, WA
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Thanks Bob for the response. I actually agree with you 100%. I always took care of the reel, never tossed it down. Guess that's the difference I guess.
Hal, yeah agree there. I just sold off my old pfluegers awhile ago (sold them as combo's on my old glass fly rods, reluctantly because of my injury). Used that reel for about 15 years, and it was a good 15-20 years old when I got it second hand. That reel never failed, and fought some big kings with it (was on a 10wt glass rod).
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TEAM JACKSON BALDWIN
Project Healing Waters
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gstrand
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silver
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Reged: 07/17/03
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Loc: Rogue Valley, OR
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Hey MrM...The prestige is an Okuma Sierra in Cabela's logo. Just so you know... Great little economical reel (have 2 of 'em.)
One great reel for the economic speyer is the redington RS2...
I had a spey until a few months ago, Loop Yellow 14' 9/10. No mention of the Loops here so far, but I can tell you that they're available some places for around $300 (PM me for where...) Great sticks. I got rid of mine for economic reasons, based on lack of usage one or two rods had to go. I'll get another someday.
-G
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Mean_Mr_Mustard
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Jack
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Reged: 07/20/03
Posts: 23
Loc: PNW
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Thanks for the info on the origin of the Prestige. Yes a great little reel when purchase costs are minimalized (the first one I got for $10 when I bought a St. Croix rod. I loved it and bought an additonal one at a further $10 off. So I have $50 invested in the two. Outstanding deal for a really nice trout reel).
As to spey rods, anyone here tried the CNDs? A really nice rod made even better by the low entry price. A good friend in Idaho sells them, so contact me if you want to know more...
mmm
P.S. Forgot to add, on sizing reels for spey rods I go up three sizes on the reel (e.g., my Sage 9140-4, a 9 wt., has the Tioga 12-LA). For the fatter Grandspey and XLT lines a regular spool Tioga in size 12 was required.
Edited by Mean_Mr_Mustard (07/24/03 09:10 AM)
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BobK
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Thick Tail
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Reged: 07/17/03
Posts: 2167
Loc: Upstate NY, Lake Ontario Tribs
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Yeah - going up three sizes is a darn good idea! I am of the same mindset, but I usually look at 'em and can tell which BIG reel to get. You're right - it always came out at least 3 sizes larger!
Good one, MMM!
BobK
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Black_Ghost
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Thick Tail
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Reged: 06/13/03
Posts: 5185
Loc: Western GLs
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I casted the CNDs at the michigan spey clave in April.
Best one I liked was the 8/9 weight green blank model. Think it was the expert series.
Nice rod for the $$$$$.
BG
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"The ability to delude yourself may be an important survival tool."
Jane Wagner
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Mean_Mr_Mustard
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Jack
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Reged: 07/20/03
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Loc: PNW
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Hal,
I recently purchased the CND Expert 8/9 for my 15 year-old son. It is indeed a fine rod and a steal at <$300. He is currently casting with the WC 8/9/10 with only the floating head assembly and is having no problem (some have suggested the lighter WC 7/8/9). Whatever, if you just adjust the amount of head at the tip, this rod will surprise you with its heart and abilities.
mmm
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Steelheader69
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Nooch Diver and Camp Cook
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Reged: 12/30/00
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Loc: Graham, WA
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Speybum (not on here yet, have to have Fred bug him lol) has CND's on hand at his shop in Carnation. I may check them out. But from what I've seen of the current one's (and what Fred has told me about the experimentals) I may actually check out the Lami Speys. They had some dark blue/black Lami speys at the Sportsman show. Heard some spey guys BS'n about it. They were very impressed by those (Fred talked about a red one, so different). I may check theirs out. Local and really good things so far (better then their first entry level rods into spey they first produced). But haven't been able to try them, nor am I able to yet. But soon, VERY soon I hope.
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TEAM JACKSON BALDWIN
Project Healing Waters
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locoalto
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fingerling
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Reged: 07/21/03
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Loc: OR
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I'm one of them, whether using a double handed rod, or speycasting with a single handed rod
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an insect in amber
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fredaevans
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Thick Tail
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Reged: 06/12/03
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Loc: Upper Rogue River- Oregon
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Great group of folks here, and you'll recognize a lot of the names. BG is Hal Eckert, G Strand is Gus Strand, MMM, ST69 you know, etc., and etc.
fae
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Fred A. Evans
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Steelheader69
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Nooch Diver and Camp Cook
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Reged: 12/30/00
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Loc: Graham, WA
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Welcome aboard loco. You'll fit right in here. Nice and easy going. Just waiting for the first guy to start yelling, screaming, or starting stuff. I'll pull their plug so fast their head will spin.  So far has been awesome!!! Thanks everyone who's helped make this such a wonderful area. I almost rarely go back to my other sites now. Spend more time here now. That's a good thing.
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TEAM JACKSON BALDWIN
Project Healing Waters
CampChef Prostaffer
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Black_Ghost
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Thick Tail
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Reged: 06/13/03
Posts: 5185
Loc: Western GLs
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Hey spey gurus whats new in the spey world of technology ?
Perhaps we now have spey lines engineered to each different type of spey cast and you can purchase a line for your most proficient cast.
After a year of reading about spey lines and getting totally confused, I bought a floating windcutter and you know what it works for me. KISS - Keep It Simple Stupid is a wonderful modus operandi to adopt for many things in life.
LOL
BG
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"The ability to delude yourself may be an important survival tool."
Jane Wagner
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Steelheader69
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Nooch Diver and Camp Cook
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Reged: 12/30/00
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Loc: Graham, WA
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LOL Hal. Actually, I liked the multitip for my big 9/10 wt rods. Those I only used tips on anyways (sinktips for those not used to the "tips" slang). But, on my smaller rods I usually used straight floaters with maybe a sparespool with one sinktip if I wanted to do a wetfly swing.
Well, calling Fred. Any news on spey tech? I don't have any.
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TEAM JACKSON BALDWIN
Project Healing Waters
CampChef Prostaffer
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fredaevans
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Thick Tail
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Reged: 06/12/03
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Loc: Upper Rogue River- Oregon
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Lamiglas is looking at at least one (perhaps two) new 14-15 foot spey rods in the 8-9 wt range. Had the opportunity to try one of them out at the Sandy River Spey 'Clave and IT WAS WONDERFUL!!
Still can't get a solid grab when this/these will be available to the public, but the rod is close to Sage class and at a St. Croix price. A very good thing.
Have it (from another Board) that Sage (now that they've purchased Redington) will close down Redington's high end rods and let the line 'compete' with the lower end rods.
Airflo's new duel colour spey lines are great to cast; try one and you'll probably love it. Several rod manufactures appear to be using these lines on the majority of their demo's.
Item last: the red shack fly shop (that's MJC on the Board) has 'rental spey lines.' $5 per day. Not bad considering you can drop $70-75 on a line and find you 'hate it.'
fae
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Fred A. Evans
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Black_Ghost
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Thick Tail
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Reged: 06/13/03
Posts: 5185
Loc: Western GLs
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Saw that on Red Shed site also,thats a great idea renting spey lines also should do spey rod rentals. Actually I saw fly rod rentals advertized on some site think it was one of the Montana fly shops. Try an expensive set up for a day or more of fishing before you make the big purchase and then later find out you do not like it.
Wish my local fly shop would do that.
You can rent everything else bikes, skis, tennis racquets, golf clubs etc why not fly rods, reels and lines ?
Are the Redington spey rods any good I have heard some bad reports on them but never personnally seenn one.
Lamiglas spey rods sound interesting. An 8-9 weight is the next spey rod for me, before the lite spey rod also.
BG
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"The ability to delude yourself may be an important survival tool."
Jane Wagner
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Steelheader69
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Nooch Diver and Camp Cook
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Reged: 12/30/00
Posts: 8158
Loc: Graham, WA
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Since all my speys are now gone, I'll definitely be in the market for new speys. If the new Lami's are as good as I hear (and yes, I TRUST Fred's opinion COMPLETELY) I'll be buying a few. I just sold off my last one, so will need to replace the 3 I had. Hopefully soon.
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TEAM JACKSON BALDWIN
Project Healing Waters
CampChef Prostaffer
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SPEYBUM
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egg
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Reged: 08/15/03
Posts: 4
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A shop full
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Steelheader69
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Nooch Diver and Camp Cook
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Reged: 12/30/00
Posts: 8158
Loc: Graham, WA
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Congrats on making it here Aaron. Welcome aboard. Had a great time at the shop yesterday. Appreciate the woven body lesson. Will be in touch, thanks for the offer.
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TEAM JACKSON BALDWIN
Project Healing Waters
CampChef Prostaffer
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BobK
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Thick Tail
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Reged: 07/17/03
Posts: 2167
Loc: Upstate NY, Lake Ontario Tribs
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Aaron - WELCOME!
Hope to hear more from you, and thanks for giving Jerry the lesson on woven bodies.
Lots of us reprobates and fun lovers here.
BobK
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robA
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returning spawner
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Reged: 05/14/03
Posts: 44
Loc: Vancouver Wa
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Burkheimer 13ft9in 8weight
Burkheimer 14ft3in 9wt
loomis gl3 14ft 9-10 brand new never use it
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Marty
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redneck yachter
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Reged: 07/17/00
Posts: 19654
Loc: Olympic Peninsula
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I am sitting on three spey blanks that I need to build or sell off.
1808/9 gl4 4 pc
18010/11 gl3 3pc
1688/9 gl3 3 pc
Need more time in the days to get my focus on building some of these.
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Marty
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