CarlSpackler

I with the rest on the Z-Axis. It's got enough jam for all of the things that you want to do with it. Try casting the 490 and the 590. For the reel, I would recommend a Lamson Litespeed 1.5. Probably the lightest true large arbor out there and you don't have to go to a spring and pawl drag. The conical drags on Lamson's are smooth and bulletproof.

GREAT movie! I think that if you read a few of Cormac McCarthy's books you'll understand why he ended the story the way that he did. He's definitely not your happy hollywood ending sort of guy. I think that he wants you to be a little unsure and uncomfortable with the ending. It kind of forces you to go back over the story and think about it a little more.

Just my opinion, but you get what you pay for in flies. Having been in the business, there are a lot of different grades of flies that any shops can purchase. Some of them simply choose not to stock the cheaper grade of flies. The margins aren't that different.

There are a couple of reels that I would definitely recommend. You already mentioned Lamson reels, and I would stay with that if I were you. The Konic is a great reel with exactly the same drag system as their most expensive reels (like the Litespeed and the ULA Force). The conical drag is smooth, bulletproof, and does not require much maintenance (just leave it alone). I put my reels through a lot of abuse, and my Litespeed has stood up better than any of my other freshwater reels. The finish on these reels is extremely tough too. The Konic is probably a little less durable (cast instead of machined), but I think its the best bang for your buck out there. If you can afford it, I'd consider moving up to the Velocity (a really good looking reel). Alternatively, look at the Sage 1600 and 1800 series reels. These are good Large Arbor reels that come in under $150. Cheers.

Good call. Macallan is as good as they get. How about that Lagavulin you were talking about when we were ice fishing?