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toolman

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Posts posted by toolman

    Speycasting

    in Spey Casters Lounge

    Posted

    Gordon, don't be too concerned about the comments and interests of a few individuals promoting their buddies, favorite brand or flyshop. Everyone has their favorite fly shop or rod, brand etc...

    I hope that you will continue to play an active role in our Spey community, as you have since it started a couple of years ago, as your contributions, comments, skills and experience are of value to all.

    Greg

    What Rod?

    in Spey Casters Lounge

    Posted

    i have the loop megaloop reel and was wondering what rod would be a good balance for chinook and steelhead? on northwest bc rivers. Also wondering if any one is selling a loop opti 9132 or 9140

     

    The Megaloop is a great reel to match up with shorter spey rods. I have used it on my 15'ers as well, but prefer my Loop Classic to balance out the longer sticks which tend to be a bit tip heavy. I think the Opti 9132 would be an awesome match with the Megaloop reel for Steelhead, Chinooks, Atlantics etc., but good luck finding a used Opti Spey rod for sale, in any size...Seems most owners really love these rods as I've not seen a used one for sale. I have an Opti 8124 and have no plans on parting with it for quite some time. Very sweet rods!

    Sunday Speycasting

    in Spey Casters Lounge

    Posted

    Video edited, looks good :)

     

    Well, I guess that's my You Tube debut...hahahaha... B) In this video I am casting HAMMERTIME08's new spey rod, an Albright GP 15' 10wt. 3-pc., which we lined with an Airflo Compact Skagit (600grains @ 26') and a 14' T-8 sink tip. The running line is #30 Airflo Ridge line and about 35' is going out on the shoot...A great afternoon of Speycasting on the Bow ...

    Thanks too all of the regular attendees for helping the newer casters get started...

    and too HAMMERTIME08 for the terrific Rod rack...I think we're gonna need a bigger one next time.

    Stream Watch 2009 Online Auction

    in General Chat - Fishing Related

    Posted

    STREAMWATCH AUCTION...

    A big thank you to Al, Clive and all of the fine folks who have donated their time and efforts to get the StreamWatch Program started on the Oldman watershed. As angling pressure grows each year on these beautifull, but sensitive streams and rivers, the need for more protection through education and enforcement, has never been greater.

    We will be kicking off this years on-line Auction at the begining of Febuary, with the goal of surpassing last years totals. As Al has mentioned, we will be seeking donations of items and services that we can put on the Auction block and expect that last years donors/sponsors will once again step up and contribute generously. We also hope that new donors/sponsors will come forward as well, as the support of the entire angling community is needed.

    Yes, this means you...

    Greg

    Sunday Speycasting

    in Spey Casters Lounge

    Posted

    We'll be hitting the Bow again this Sunday afternoon, Jan/18th, to play with the Spey/Switch rods/lines and work on the casting skillz. We'll be on river left (east side), across from the Fish Creek Boat Launch, starting around 1:00pm. These informal Spey gatherings are a lot of fun and a great opportunity to try lots of different rod/line combo's and meet some of the nice folks in our Spey community...The weather forecast looks good with warm, sunny skies and light winds...

    Everyone is welcome to join us...Hope to see you there.

    Greg

    Switch Rods?

    in Spey Casters Lounge

    Posted

    Dune, we will probably be getting a Spey gathering together on the weekend, if the weather forecast holds...most likely on Sunday afternoon. Try and come down to cast a few rods, get a few answers to your questions etc.

    Then you will have a better understanding of what Spey rods/lines/fishing is all about.

    These Spey gatherings are free of charge, everyone is welcome and are a lot of fun...

    I'll post the details in the next day or two...

    What Was Your Favorite Setup

    in Spey Casters Lounge

    Posted

    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...

    Dec Hogan Echo 4 Wt & A Book Recomendation

    in Spey Casters Lounge

    Posted

    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.

    Christmas Haul 2008

    in General Chat - Not Fishing Related (NFR)

    Posted

    Well my wife who doesn't like me fishing all the time, really surprised me for x-mas. She gave me a weekend pass to fish and some money for a bed and breakfast in southern Alberta. Wow no kids or wife for a weekend.

     

    She came up with a list of places to stay on or near the Crowsnest river with some help from somebody at Fishtales. She had nothing but great things to say about the service she recieved at there.Which are my thoughts too.

     

    Has anyone here used any of the bed and breafast's on or near the Crow river? Just looking for some feed back.

     

    Thanks to all that might reply

     

     

    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.

    Private Fishing Lake Near Waterton?

    in General Chat - Fishing Related

    Posted

    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.

    Top Swing Fly's 2008

    in Spey Casters Lounge

    Posted

    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.

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