darrinhurst

That's just disgusting. Really. Awesome.

Webby, I just went through the same thing that you are going through. Litterally, like last week, I bought a new 4pc rod to replace my 2pc. I went with the 8'6" 5wt 4pc TFO Sig 1 series. Fit my budget and I liked how the 8'6" felt compared to the 9'0". But, that was me. I tried a couple different rods, and the thing that helped me most is that I brought my own reel and line with me so that I could get a feel of what the rod would be like for ME, by using MY stuff. Using a different set up, reel and line, from your own, may not give you the best idea (at least that was the advice given to me, and it made sense) of what the rod will be like once you get it home and gear it up. So far as the length goes, if you are planning on using it on the Bow as well as smaller strems like the Livingstone (I assume it's smaller as I've never been there) you might want to keep the length shorter as opposed to longer. The extra length would be great for nymphing on the Bow (I was nymphing with my 8'6" and I felt it did the job just fine), but you may not like it if you are on a stream lined with lower hanging trees and such. Just my two cents based on personal experience and advice offered to me and read on the board. Good luck with your new rod. The four peice upgrade is WELL worth it.

Who was it that said..... "Like paying a hooker for sex and then bragging about how you got laid"? Kinda like that, eh Rick?

I do beileive the fine folks at Fish Tales (a site sponsor) deal with Islander reels. Give them a call, I am sure they can help you out.

For me, it's a way for me to ask a question to the guys, yourself included, who have a hell of a lot more experience in fly fishing than I do. So, basically everyone.

There's an article in today's Herald about how Dave Tippett would be a good replacement coach for the Flames (provided the rumor about Brent Sutter being just that, a rumor). How cool would it be for Calgary, home of the Bow River, to have a coach named "Tippett". lol http://www.calgaryherald.com/sports/hockey...8937/story.html I figured a bunch of Fly Fishers would enjoy the play on words.

When I first started Fly Fishing last year, Mike was nice enough to offer to take me on a float down the Bow in his jet. Super guy. Caught my first on the fly with him and Chris that day. Some really nice browns you guys got there yesterday. Great work!

Well said.

Those are some seriously awesome pics Din. Nice work!

Hi Sallinger, Welcome to the board! As a former spin caster myself, and also fairly new to the sport. If you haven't already received some basic education in casting, presentation or other fly fishing skills, I would highly recommend taking a beginner fly fishing course. Helped me TONS in my learning curve. If you have some basic understanding already, then maybe take up an intermediate course. I am sure you will see it is time WELL spent. Cheers

As long as they take Horcoff in exchange, I'm all for it.

I know, I know. I can't justify a new net. This one works well, just tiny. lol. I should donate it to Sundance's perch patrol.

I got the 8'6" TFO Singature 1 4 pc. They just feel right for my casting style. I like the price too.

I find the times that my tippet breaks the most, is when I pull a new length off the spool. Any of the "tag" end that was exposed from the spool I find quite brittle. I've gotten into the habit of trimming it down past that point to recuduce the breakage. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Usually the second effort is just fine.

Killer fish Jay. Nice pics.

Well, these two quotes, (Thanks Maxwell, and pseudonym) helped me make up my mind. I was already thinking the 8'6" and went with what just felt better. Finally had a chance to fish with it today, and I had zero problems nymphing with it. Actually didn't feel much different than my 9' to be honest. This was the first fish I caught on it. The second was a white fish that was about 6" long. Could barely see it when I had it in my hand to take the hook out. lol Smallest I've caught on the Bow. Right after the biggest. lol

I totally recommend Jim McLennan. I took a Beginners Course taught by him and am taking his Intermediate Course this July. Failing that, you could talk to any one of the other fine sponsors of this site; Country Pleasures, Fish Tales, Southbow, etc. and inquire as to what they have for courses coming up this spring. Many of them have both group and private lessons available.

That was just awesome! Love it!

I believe you are right. MMAX was right also. It was 88 Olympics. I had it confused with the cup win they keep talking about....

I suppose in reading the report, it didn't indicate that the fish caught was on a barbed hook or not. Just assumed that it was, which could be short sighted of me. That being said, if the fish was caught on a barbed hook, and it wasn't in the circumstances described above, then a fine should be warranted. If the accused is actively fishing with a barbed hook, they should be fined. If, like Trailhead, he was fishing with what appeared to be a barbed hook that wasn't 100% crimped down, but everything else was fine, then a warning. I guess it's a judgement call, based on the circumstance.

All I know is that the cheap line that came with my original 5wt outfit was crap compared to the upgraded line I purchased. Made a world of difference. To me at least.

I agree. Barbed hooks are illegal. Period. If they don't do the homework to check the regulations for sportfishing, then that's thier loss. Fines are a great way to get the message across. If the guy had a lisence, don't you think he'd know the basic rules of no barbed hooks?

Always makes me laugh when Flames fans call out Edmonton for living in the past. I've never been to a City that lives more in the past than Calgary does. They still have the sign for the '89 Olympics up for cryin out loud. Not to mention, three coaches in three years.......kinda makes you wonder if its the coaches leading them to first round exits, or if the players are just living up to thier mediocrity.

Anyone still looking for a copy of Jim McLennan's Blue Ribbon Bow, I just read an article in the Herald Today about the Calgary Book Drive and Sale at the Crossroads Market (Blackfoot and Ogden Road SE). They mentioned Jim specifically in an article for Father's Day gift ideas, and mentioned they have a copy of Blue Ribbon Bow there. Thought some of you might like to know. They might have cake too. Ya never know...

Fair, but I'll still stick to my "wait and see" before I make the call on this one. Sounds good on paper, but let's see how the team responds before I start planning the Parade Route.