toolman

I worked with a lot of different rods this year and spent considerable time and effort dialing in a variety of line systems and casting techniques for each. As for favorite set ups, they were all great when the rod/line/leader system and appropriate casting technique were finely tuned, but they all sucked if they weren't. A well balanced line/rod still needs appropriate casting technique to perform correctly, but it can be very difficult to cast any rod/line/leader system that is imbalanced. I used my Loop Signature Series 6120 the most in 2008, in a wide variety of fishing/casting conditions on lakes, rivers, ponds, tough shorelines, from boats etc. I would have to give it a 10/10 as a superbly designed/crafted, high performance Spey rod, for use with any of the line types/casting styles. I would also give the same high marks to the Loop Opti 8124...

I tried the 6wt. Decho a couple of times and found them a bit slower than the Deer Creeks. As for 8wt's on the Bow, I fish a 400grain line on my Loop 8116 Blue when I do use it, which is a lighter line than the 420 grain compact mentioned on the 5 wt Decho, so it's all relative. I use a 340 grain line on my Loop 6120 and a 440-450 grain line with my Opti 8124 when fishing long tips and larger/heavier flys to reach way out there +100', where 5 and 6 wt. Decho's can't get too. That said, enjoy your new toys guys.

Take a look at Eckharts Tecumesh Mountain Guest Ranch/Resort... http://mountainguestranch.com/ This is a great place and the owner is a serious flyfisher/guide as well. He also generously supports/contributes to the Oldman Streamwatch Program. Good luck.

Seasons Greetings Gordo, see you in 09' buddy.

Brudis, those are just spectacular Broons. Was this the same water you fished on last years trip?

Great report/pics, fella's and beauty Steelies. Thanks!

Bookings and Contacts: Here's the link too the page: http://www.palmerranchalberta.com/contact.html

Sweet lookin' piece of history there Hoss...Congrats... Bill Philipson built real fishing rods, not just show pieces. That's why that little stick casts so sweet. It sure looks like it's in mint condition.

Palmer ranch is a very cool place, but these trout can be really tough customers, so gauge your expectations accordingly... There are some very large Rainbows to be found in these ponds. I like going too Palmer to get away too a very unique place, with peace and quiet, beautifull surroundings. Contact Brian Larsen and he'll set you up for a great experience.

Nice rod Birchy, but.... where's the bottom handle? hahahaha... Congrats! That lad's looking good! Must take after his mom...

What were your best swing fly's for 2008? This can be for Trout, Steelhead, Salmon etc. These are some of the most productive swing flies of the many dozens that I tried and used this year on the Bow river. Early in 08', through the winter, a #2 White Bow Bugger, #6 Olive Wooly Buggers. Later in the Spring, I was having a lot of success with #6 Lead eyed Gartside Leeches in olive and in black, #8 Clousers in black and white, #8 Rabbit Leeches in black, with a #10 Riffle Diver being a very productive fly for a few days in early high water. In July, # 8 C.H. Electric Leeches in black, #2 Bow River Buggers in black, # 8 Peacock Leeches in black, #6 Gartside Leeches in Olive, #4 Rubber Leg Stoneflys in orange chenille, #12-#14 Caddis Emergers in amber and in green, #10-#14 Prince Nymphs in green and in black. For skaters/wakers, #12-#14 EHC Caddis in green, tan and #8-#10 Skid bitches produced when the trout were in the mood. Later in August, when the water flows dropped and cleared, B.H. Princes, Hares Ears and Caddis Emergers produced consistently and #8 Clousers in black and white started getting attention again as the Fall fishing progressed. In September, I had a few excellent days swinging B.H. Peacock Boatman/Princes during the Backswimmer/Boatman fall. One of the most productive swing flys in October, was a #12 Snowcone in blood red, with white beedhead. Prince nymphs were a close second. I used 10' - 14' Floating/Sinking tips, most often Type 6 through the early part of the year, during the cold waters of winter and high water during spring run off. Type 3, Intermediates and Floating tips through July/August/September, occassionally using a hybrid Floating Poly/Fluro Carbon leader in the clear, slow waters of the tail spills and back channels. Then Intermediate, Type 3 and Type 6 tips in October, with an occassional productive day using floating tips/small drys.

Sounds great, are the #5,#6,#7/11'6"-13'2", a new series of the Beulah Spey rods replacing the current Spey rod line up or an addition to the Spey product line? The 5116 would be a great rod for summer dry's, caddis emergers, skid bitches etc.

You just made "the list" weedy... AG

White flag eh...Well I usually pull the trigger, but I'll make an exception in this case and accept your appology and plea of insanity, for this one time...I'll scratch your name off the list...grin. Cheers...

grin...C'mon, that was just a little poke at ya...don't take it too seriously...

pkk, I think we will eventually see line manufactures develop/market nymph and other specailty lines for these light Switch/Spey rods at some point, as we are now seeing with Skagit and Scandi Compact heads in the lighter line weights etc. The use of these types of two handed rods has been growing rapidly and it's only a matter of time in my view. There once was a time when nymph specific lines did not exist for single hand rods either.... And no worries, I have no problem discussing Spey/Fly fishing with anyone, as long as they leave the childish, character bashing, chest thumpin', mine's bigger than yours ego's, out of it and stick to the topic of discussion...

How about posting your opinions, experiences on the topic, SamIam and leave the childish comments out of this discussion.

Rebuttal, sure... I think Bob Meiser sum's it up best...Check out his comments about the appropriate applications for his Highlander "Trouter" Series Two handers... And I quote... "They are first and foremost: Superb fishing tools..." "Trouting with an extremely lightweight two handed rod is as lethally effective as it is fun to do. When balanced too proper lines, all classic Trouting techniques can be applied: Wet fly and soft hackle swing, dead drift dry fly presentations, streamer fishing, high stick nymphing and indicator nymphing, are all suitable techniques for the lightweight two hander"... R.B. Meiser http://www.meiserflyrods.com/highlander.html I guess Boy Wonder and his pals (clients), should be emailing him with their theories (bs), too notify Mr. Meiser and his thousands of satisfied customers from around the world, that they have got it all wrong. The Spey Revolution is here... Greg

Great post flyon, thanks for sharing your experiences and thoughts on the topic...

LOL...I actually turned the sound up...hahaha...purrrrfect...

Your *hit is getting a little old too Max...

Close, I'm from Dalhousie, but I did live in Campbellton for a couple of years as well. The Miramichi is an incredible river system and the next time I head back to the Maritimes, I'm going to try and fish it for a couple of days.

Really... no character generalizations there in your comments, Al? Maybe you should review your post again. But, don't waste your time crafting a reply, as "it would be lost on me"...You probably don't see anything wrong with that comment either, eh...seeing as how "I need to have my head checked throughly" and all...

So, when we disagree, you choose to make personal attacks?...How about keeping your comments/opinions directed at the subject matter and stick too sharing your experiences. And try and accept that others (not in your small clique), may have something to add to the discussion that may be contrary to your opinions. I too, expressed my preference, experiences and opinion and have also stated many times, that fly fisherman should fish whatever way that suits them best. I also listened respectfully, without making personal attacks, to your views and opinions on the subject....But, if someone makes claims that are contrary to fact/science, then expect that some may disagree. And contrary to your belief, successfull flyfishing is indeed about logic and understanding the science...