CDone

You've opened a big 'Can O Worms' Neil. I have to agree with Brent, its time the Alberta Gov raised some fee's. Having recently moved back from BC I still can't believe that our gov. (AB) has not used the same revenue generator as BC has, think of all the dollars that could be going back into general revenue, paying for all those swanky hotels and fancy business meals. If there was some guarantee that guide licenses & license fee increases for both residents and non-residents went back into the resource I would be more than happy to pay any extra either here or in BC. Will licensing guides result in them having to have insurance, first aid, & general water knowledge? I think this would be more important than any fee increases in the end. Colin

have only ever broken one on a fish (a 5wt on a chum while fishing for cutties on the coast ) have slammed a few in the tailgate, crushed a couple behind the seat in the truck, snapped tips trying to grab an indicator ect. Being in the custom build/repair business myself I see all types of rod abuse, I have yet to come across a manufacturer's defect although I know they're out there. I warranty all my custom builds for life (mine ) and will replace broken sections at my own cost (I try to keep a good selection of blanks on hand), I know not the best way to make a buck but I stand behind my work. At the same time I will also try to correct any actions by the owner that may have resulted in the break. Most common breaks I see are from either hits by bead head flies, ferrule cracks from not ensuring the sections are fit properly, and the dreaded hand above the grip while fighting a big fish. I've definitely noticed a "disposable" mentality over the last 10 years or so when it comes to rods. a lot of guys don't even blink at the cost to replace a rod especially the mid range TFO's, Sage Launches/Fli's, Reddingtons and the dozen other under $300 rods This discussion could open up a whole new can of worms when it comes to actual costs to the manufacture to build a rod. I pay retail for the majority of my components but do have some wholesale pricing set-up, even at what some of the manufactures charge for replacement sections they are still making money. IMHO Cheers Colin

James, nice to meet you too, nothing for us, my first float 22X - Policemans in over 20 years so it was nice just to check out new water and make plans for the summer. No more jets after the one but that was more than enough, don't even think he saw me when he came roaring down. If you want to get out and work on your casts drop me a PM, I'm no where even close to Courtney when it comes to casting but I can show you some pointers and common mistakes. Colin

Thanks to all that braved a chilly morning to show up. It was also great seeing a half dozen members of the Reel Hookers Club show up, nice to see the ladies on the river. Big thanks to Val and Courtney for taking the time to come out and put this on for us. Cheers Colin

Well its 5am, a balmy minus 13 at the moment, most of the snow is gone. Forecast is as Brent said, 8 - 9 degrees with chances of rain. So that could mean sun, clouds, rain, sleet, snow, hail, high winds, tornados, locusts, or basically anyother weather related plague that could be thrown our way. Ah, spring time in Alberta oh how I've missed it. Colin

Michaels for sure, they have some nice shadow boxes. Colin

Yup, caught lots albeit 20 plus years ago, historically Bows did spawn in the Elbow and many tribs (i.e Jumping Pound) north of the city so i can see the mentality of closing it down during the spring. Colin

Nice job, one of my favorite blanks, she'll have it for many years to come. Colin

I think Courtney's bringing a couple with him when he comes out in April. i haven't had a chance toty them out but those that I've talked to really enjoy them. Colin

Emily at 18 months and at 8 months She likes to fish, no doubt about that. Colin

Yes you are correct less people fish it but far more people use it (dog walkers) There is the stretch downstream from the hole at Hullswood that would be perfect for casting instruction, good water movement, plenty of shoreline and I don't think I've ever seen a single angler fishing it. Colin

Parking is a gong show, especially on the weekends. I think Hullswood, with picnic tables, washrooms ect right there is a great spot. Whats at burnsmead for facilities? Colin

Yup. Only 10 more to go. Colin

Talking with Roger from Exclusive Reels last night and it looks like Ari 't Hart is going to enter the Spey reel game, maybe he will come up with something like this in a larger size. Colin

I wish, went in at 6am and just got home now. Oh well a couple nice thick steaks and a few cold ones and all will be well. Colin

was out this afternoon casting a Snowbee 12 6/7, underhand casted an Elixir line beautifully as well casted a Snowbee Scandi line using a traditional casting stroke and it was a perfect match too. Was casting a Mach 2 salmon line (55ft head) on it last weekend and with a slight adjustment of the stroke I was able to get it out there. Guess the key is versatility of casting style to fit your set-up. Colin

Heres another You Tube video Colin

Why not, beer is involved so I'd be interested, might even get a couple flies tied. Colin

"doctor I smell burning toast" Epileptic Luigi Gravano

I will second those two recommendations, you might also want to check out these guys http://www.kingfisherrodbuildingandsupplies.com Dan Craft is a great resource as well although I'm not sure he will ship to Calgary, he prefers that you shop at Fishtales and order through tem. Colin

You can also get in touch with me and I can get some sent out here, I've got a 5wt you can try out if you want. Colin

Don, I take offense to this comment. Are you setting yourself above others all high and mighty? I'm a rod builder, I build rods not assemble them, just because I use pre-rolled blanks does not mean I'm less a craftsman than you. I take the time to form grips, turn reel seats, make winding checks and hook keepers, feather inlays, decorative wraps, ect. Good for you keeping an archaic form of rod building alive, but Ive seen the future and I'm comfortable where I am. Colin

The one I have is peach/salmon so quite visible. I would think the white line wouldn't be as visible to the fish looking up as say a florescent orange or yellow. Colin