headscan

If you're using the Skagit setup on the Bow, then you probably won't need anything heavier than that type 6. I'd get a type 3 as well for low water conditions. If you throw a 9 foot leader on that type 6 tip you'll end up losing a lot of flies. I've never nymphed with a Skagit line, but my friend does. I think he just attaches a leader to the end of the Skagit head rather than using any tips.

Are you using tips on your compact skagit? If so, just use 2-3 feet of 10lb Maxima from your tip to the streamer. No real need for a long tapered leader when fishing tips.

Sundancefisher and JMasson, did you guys fill out the petition and response form in this thread: http://flyfishcalgary.com/board/index.php?showtopic=6401 Yes, all Canadians who are not B.C. residents (not just Albertans, so don't make it an "everyone is against us poor Albertans" thing) could get shafted if the Skeena AMP goes through. But just complaining about it on FFC isn't going to make a bit of difference, which is why the petition and response forms in the above thread are important. For what it's worth, I'm pretty certain that there are members of the SSBC executive who are opposed to the Skeena AMP too. As for the "what's in it for me" attitude, well, that's a good part of why the steelhead populations are in so much trouble to begin with. Sorry, but your reasoning here just astounds me. How about putting the self-serving attitudes aside for a bit to help save the fish, then you can worry about your access to them and how much it'll cost you. So if you can't fish for them you'd rather see the population decimated so nobody else can either? If they aren't around any more, then the Skeena AMP becomes irrelevant doesn't it?

Interesting list, but like cheeler says the criteria makes a difference. Were they all tested with comparable lines and did they all have comparable grain windows? Some rods do better with longer bellies, others sing with a Skagit or Scandi. Maybe I'm a bit cynical but I never trust magazine reviews either because they frequently bow to their advertisers - don't want to piss off the biggest advertiser and have them pull out. Also, like you say Gord, they didn't look at the smaller rod makers and potentially missed some real gems like Meiser, Burkheimer, Amundson, etc. RusteHookz, the current exchange rate is 1 British Pound (GBP) = 1.78633 Canadian Dollar (CAD). Better than it used to be since the pound has taken more of a beating than our dollar recently.

Always keep a spare set of laces in your vest or pack too. Not a fun lesson to learn the hard way, trust me.

Heh, you're right that handle does make it look a bit like a rifle.

Perfect, then I can try yours when you get it

I'm pretty sure the Aquastealth version of those has been discontinued. If your Korkers can hold out a bit longer, wait for the new StreamTread soles. http://www.simmsfishing.com/site/rivershed...treamtread.html

http://www.zpey.no/default.asp?m=4743 It's an interesting concept and in theory should work. The biggest hurdle in radical design concepts like this is getting people to overcome their fear of change. I think they really need to get them out there and into people's hands so they can try them. If there was one around for me to try I would, but it's too different for me to take a chance on buying one without casting it for a while first.

Checking if there are any fish where I was casting. Looks like he's telling me there weren't.

First thing I would do is contact Brian Niska at Whistler Flyfishing about the warranty options on that rod since they're the Loop service center for Canada. You have a few options. One is to learn how to spey cast your single-handed rods and see how you like it first. If that does everything you want, then you're golden. Second is to go with a switch rod like the Loop Blue you're looking at or one of the other brands of switch rods like TFO, Beulah, Echo, etc. Third is to go with one of the smaller two-handed rods like the Beulah 11'6", Echo 11'9", etc. Where you plan on fishing it is going to be the biggest factor in the way you go. If you call Brian, tell him what you'd like to do with the rod, your skill level and all that and he can give you some good recommendations. I've purchased five rods and matching lines from him (three single handers and two double handers) and every setup has been bang on.

Yup, same tool I use when I'm putting loops in my line and it works great. You can find it at most of the shops in Calgary.

Since you liked Max's setup find out which line he had on it and try to get the same one. Getting the right rod/line combo that you like is most important. From there you can figure out the reel and backing.

Way too many variables to say for sure especially with the current economy. A lot of people already have their favourite places to shop and they're familiar with the staff. A new shop would have to offer something a little different to get me to go (ie. not just carry Sage and TFO). Southbow does have a pretty good location, though.

The FLI is a great bang for the buck rod. It's replaced by the Flight, which I think just has a different name, blank colour, and maybe upgraded graphite. Every so often the companies refresh their products like that so they can get them in the magazines (who wants to review a rod that's been out for a few years?).

How about only putting a fly in every other or every third slot instead?

I use that same reel on a Loop GASS 9126. It's a really light reel for the line weights it supports (just over 9oz), so it should balance any rod in its class. If the balance point is too high up the handle you could always just add a little weight below the reel.

The way Tim does them is more entertaining...

My credit card hated the show.

Click here if the movie does not play.

Last year some took credit cards as well. Can't recall if any took debit, but there was an ATM there.

Handbrake

You can single hand spey cast almost any rod I believe. I do it on the Highwood with a 9' 4wt rod all the time, so you probably wouldn't have any trouble on the Crow. The line you use can make a difference though. One with a very gradual taper and long head probably wouldn't work too well. You can always look into some of the single hand skagit lines coming out from SA and RIO or Loop Opti Stream and Multi lines.

Check the last line of the first post here: http://flyfishcalgary.com/board/index.php?showtopic=7212

If it's the same place I'm thinking of it's Colours Art and Framing. Mona Lisa just off 17th Ave might have them too.