Rich

Nice fish

I have a fragile and I love it the clear rubber holds its shape and u don't have to worry about hook catching in net

All of these points are I am sure valid. However another thought of what could be happening is this is a life cycle of the river as a hole. Fish populations my be getting older and mother nature may be resetting itself allowing the strong to survive and the weaker fish are not. I personally think everything has its cycle and this may have happened to the river 50-100 years ago but we didn't have the communication back then that we do now.

That is a true statement I put a hook into my shoulder blade last may long thank god for barbless.

Congrats no matter the size the first is always a great feeling. And story too.

I admire your control on the number of rods u have. Some of us have far to many. Funny how we always find a reason to get the next one. And usually say it is the last to the wife.

Signed

Wholesale carries a retractor just for nets that is lockable for when u are walking through bush

Foam underlay for floors from home depot may work

I purchased a cheep pair of pant waders for the summer as it can be pretty hot and it makes the day a little more enjoyable. Upper old man is good fishing access can be a little tougher.

I don't think i would try the sheep as it is a fairly shallow river at quite a few points.

I would use a dry line and about 9 feet of 6 ld tippit. This allows u to adjust indicator and keep as little line on water as possible. So u can feel strikes.

Feel for u as well gad a grey flybox go missing: last week and it was full of streamers.

Just getting into spey casting to. Beautiful fish.

Been out on some colder days and never had them come close to freezing up but hey i don't go out past minus 10

While the boa lace system is not a must. I have to say after switching to it i would not go back. Boots stay tighter and u don't have to worry about them coming undone would highly recommend. Plus way faster to do up boots

Which ever brand u go with i have found as long as u take good care of them off the water they should all last you a decent amount of time. I would go with simms

I purchased the simms rivertek boa with rubber souls and have cleats on. while they are not good in boats i could not ask for better traction both on The bank or in the water. The boa system rocks compared to laces to. Much easier

The white rive wader have lasted for myself and i am going on 3 seasons. No leaks. Knock on wood. Bass pro sometimes has unreal rod deals this spring i pick up an 8 wt rod for $20 and it cast ok.