SilverDoctor

Thanks for the insightful comments Don. The best I have heard in a long time. Through the years I've always played with line weights to the point of often cutting heads to achieve the right weight/length ratios. This tuning can result in exacting line rod matches. Often using a grain scale to keep the line weight right. You're right in saying that often times rods will perform with heavier or lighter lines than rated by the manufacturer. I love to experiment with lines, I've found that sometimes even two people with different casting styles will need different lines. So to as you mentioned other factors in the mix will include size and weight of flies. and also I might mention leader weight and length. Experimentation is the key. I've put together several graphite rod blanks for myself to to suit my own sensibilities and needs but have never looked at myself as a builder but rather as a "dresser" Just as I dress flies, I don't make the hooks. I hope to pick up another split cane by this fall to haunt northern waters. For those of you who have never fished bamboo, it has a life all it's own, a well built split cane rod has comes alive in the hand is a joy to the eye. I admire a nicely assembled rod... but building in bamboo as Don does is an artform. It is in my mind placed far above wrapping cork and silk around a tube. I tip my hat to you Don, for making rods with inner spirit. "A well-made split cane rod is a wonderfully sensitive instrument, a thing of beauty and value even apart from its performance." -Roderick Haig-Brown

Had a great time with the trico fall last year. Didn't fish any 22's but casting sets of 18 trico dries. and yes I do fish the bow only with the Spey now. Swinging streamers and classic wets at times, nymphing deep and having a great time with dries.

There are a few reasons for using a Spey Cast Restrictions or structures behind the angler such as banks or trees. the need for a large change of direction using one flowing movement. Avalability of rods and lines that run the gambet from extremely light trout weights (5 wt) to over 12. It's a beautiful form of casting. I had been playing with the style for a number of years while Steelheading on the big rivers in BC. It attracted me as a style that keeps the fly in hte water for a longer period of time. I made my way into full time Spey rod use on the Bow (I use singe handers on smaller streams and lakes). I had a turning point when I developed severe tennis elbow from single hand casting with heavy rods and flies. I found the Spey system genteler on my makup, using the body instead of elbow. I have fly casted for over 50 years now. It's just nice to try to master a different form. Fishing on my terms.

The right line on hte right rod ................Life is good

I concur about the Wilkinson Sword double edged blades. No finer ones out there. when I find them I usually pick up a few packs.

I'll tie up half a dozen of my bow river Favorites. and the balance of Steelhead classics. Bakers dozen or so.

I have noticed a difference in suppleness even on cold fall and spring mornings with My delta. I do Prefer Rio Lines between the two. Fishing in the winter with Rio windcutters is a joy.

I've noticed no difference at all between the two (I own both in several weights). I do prefer the multi tips as it gives me more instant options. I've even cut on of my Windcutters one piece onto a 3 piece with loop to loop connections. Wanted to do some fine tuning to the grain weight and add the opportunity of custom tips.

The Pflueger President is a great reel I have a couple. Ateh the coher end of the spectrum are reels like the Loop Classic Fly Reel (drool). .

Thanks for the votes guys!

Just saw your post. I use the old double edged blades for trimming deer hair and a number of other tasks. Just used up the last of mine and bought a couple of packs at Wal-Mart in the NE. They where under $2. Hope this helps. You can snap them in half then tape the back with masking tape. Saves the fingies. Be sure to dispose of them by taping the fronts before garbaging. Or

Here is my Microwave Whitefish 1 lb whitefish fillets, deboned 1 medium onion, finely chopped 1/2 cup shredded zucchini 1/4 cup finely chopped celery 2 Tbsp. lemon juice 1 small red pepper, sliced Place whitefish fillets in a large microwave baking dish. Combine onions, zucchini and celery and spread over whitefish fillets. Drizzle with lemon juice. Add red pepper and cover with wax paper. Microwave on medium (50% power) for 10 to 15 minutes or until fish flakes easily with fork. Rearrange whitefish fillets once during cooking. Remove from microwave, let stand 2 minutes. Enjoy

I'm a fan of the President myself. Used it on my Steelhead trip last fall and the drag was impressive. I just picked up a second one last weekend.

Nice job on the Intruders

I was taught to tie flies when I was about 6 by my dad and an old Scottish doctor, Jock McIntyre. Both brilliant dressers who taught me to tie, throw a decent loop of silk fly line, respect nature and drink scotch properly. Fly - Silver Doctor

Looks like a super option for pike flies.

Just curious, any time the wife leaves em in the tub they leave a rust pattern. Looks like an excellent Idea though. Must give it a try. I tie on shanks for some of my trout and steelhead patterns.

Since I bought my Nor-vice I use it in the same way for dubbing. Works great.

Just a question, don't bobby pins rust?

Must follow, can't turn eyes away. Thanks for this chartable moment.

Nice combo there, congratulations on a great combo.

You even got a shot of the old Silver Docter tying up a storm.

Had fun at the Expo this year. Tied with the Hook and Hackle Club on Saturday then gave a few folks their first tying lessons at the show, then did the flyangler booth all day Sunday. Spelled off Ed at the Liquid Lace booth and got some great tying demos in. Thanks all for stopping in and saying hi. Twas fun. Picked up a couple of books, some tying materials and couldn't resist a great deal on a Rio Windcutter (320 grain) and a few Snowbee sink tips not to mention a few goodies from Gordon at the Spey booth. Lots of good deals.

I'll be tying Saturday with the hook and hackle club. Be there on Sunday tying at the FFC booth. Drop in and say hi and talk trout a bit. I'll be wearing my Rio hat and shirt. Keep well.

That's like saying how long is a piece of string. You have to think about usage. Large arbors are great for line capacity. But they are not the only answer. What rods do you intend to match it up with?