bloom

Congrats!

Actually, aren't Caucasians an invasive species? (Damn spell checker )

So ya got me thinking now...what is exactly a spey rod? Is it only 2 handed rods, or something different? Just thinking about Toolman's reference to the European National teams using them on small creeks. I know at the competitions about 4 years ago many were using single handed 10 to 12' light weight rods (I believe a much desired rod then was the GL3 10' 3 wt). Just went with the czech nymphing/dapping technique. This caused me to build my 10' 3 wt for the crow in winter and I love it. So is a spey rod basically any two hander, or a long rod that produces well with spey type casts? Or something different.

I was in LA two years ago around March. I did some research on fishing and didn't find much. Couldn't even track down some decent fly shops that were worth my time to head to.

Shh...keep that under your hat. People start hearing about the "Medicine Hat Advantage" and we'll be turning into another Calgary

ditto

Beer is good...nothing tying together two of my favourite things

Yup, at one point I informed them I was interested in the river run properties, and now I get a phone call or email at least once a month.

Ross reels are great...quality product and their customer service is great. Just used it for the second time this summer as one of my reels was starting to get a groove on the line guard (after 6 years of heavy use). They sent a new reel out (minus the spool).

You're telling me that if your buddy decides to take a seat there that you wouldn't jump in the vehicle and take it for a drive? You may hang around with a better bunch of guys than I do

love it! I would actually buy something like this if I came across it. My two little girls would be huge fans if they came in pink!

The river Hawgstopper is talking about is the Flathead. There's 3 forks further up, with some good fishing. Never fished it in winter, but do some searching on the net for fly shops in Whitefish...they'll help you out.

Yah, a pike is actually attacking his fish while he's holding it for the release. Made me jump first time I saw it.

Check the video out...nice to see he took the proper time to revive the fish. If the above doesn't work, check this out

I've only had the Glenlivit and Glenfiddich in the earlier ages (ie. 12 year old) and found them to be similar (both are speysides). I like them both, but would lean towards the glenfiddich as I feel it has a little more substance/character to it. I've heard some good things though about a glenfiddich 15 (there are differnt types of 15 year olds). Note: I did some research and if you have the Glenfiddich Solera Reserve 15, you apparently have one of the best Glenfiddich's around...and a great whiskey. Smitty, if he's up there in age, he may be old fashioned in his whiskey drinking and stick to the old stand bye's (ie. Glenlivit and Glenfiddich). If this is the case, maybe go with something he's familiar with, but in an order age that he wouldn't usually buy, and would then recognize as a special gift. I did a search in Edmonton for the Glenfiddich 15 Solera Reserve, and it's in many liquor stores...go to superstore for the best price. I usually don't drink Glenfiddich, but may have to pick this one up. Just another idea for you Smitty to confuse you even more

Walker, what did you get? I got some nice additions to the stash, and a flask to carry them in Smitty, is the person new to scotch, or an experienced drinker?

That's a tough one...there's so many different types. I've introduced people to Scotch on all types, but I find that most either like the more subtle ones (ie. Speyside scotches) or those with more bite to them (ie. smokey/peaty Islays). You're best bet may be a Glenmorangie (I think this is what Don is also suggesting). It's not the most expensive, but don't let that fool ya. If you're looking for something a little more expensive go with a Cragganmore, or Talisker if you want a little more kick.

Saw the demo at the fly show last year and was impressed...the increased action has awesome. Bought some and have used them. I like what I've seen so far, but need to use them some more.

Gary...there seems to be a good deal of finality in your post...sounds like a great last trip though.

I'll bring the malt...starting to get quite the collection here now...Christmas is such a wonderful time

Good to hear...hopefully everything goes smoothly. I'm sure there's still a lot of work out there regarding perception, and hopefully things get off to a strong start. Looking forward to meeting you guys out at your lake now...and have the option to spend the night around the fire.

PlyDoh...the SA reels are great reels, even though I've had bad luck with cheaper stuff. Stick to the System 2 and system 2L reels. Great drags and very light. I have a couple for back ups, but still use the 2/3L on my 2 wt. Harps, heard a bunch of people buying the ClW reels when they came out, but I've now been seeing them being posted on buy and sell boards. Of course this happens to all reels, but it just seems that it's more prolific for these Loop reels (note: I do love Loop though...specifically when they were being made by Danielson)

Hey, way to go and blab my favourite spot on the Crow to everyone;) Guess it can't be that big of a secret since the people at the Soltice outing were already posting pictures of it. I don't get too worried about posting spots, but I think it does have an effect on certain areas. If you post a bunch of pictures from an area that people don't usually fish, you can expect some greater pressure there in the future.

The recoils are nice guides (top of the line for wires). You will hear people complain about them being noisy when the line passes through them, but I never noticed it. I never like the look of Recoil's tip tops though. Buy a different type, so you can compare the aesthetics.

It's a good rod. I have a 10' 3 wt FT (though it's really a 4 wt)...great for nymphing small waters. The 10' can be a bit heavy for highsticking, so you may want to think about single foot wire guides instead of ceramics.