New stick

[Arctic]

Sounds like he is getting it this winter to maybe practice and get ready for the summer fishing.

That makes sense I guess. Duh, Im remedial!


I dig the 16 foot head on my switch rod for the simple fact that it doesnt ever see medium, to large sized water. I pack the big stick for that. But the switch rod gets its use on rivers about the size of the Alsea, or way upper Nehalem. Thats as big as I go when Im carrying it. And I can stand in the bushes, and still put a cast out with a short head. No room to backcast, or form a nice loop... Shorten the head. I do it this way cuz I have issues with how shooting a big junction thru my guides works. On the big rod, I just strip the head partway into the guides if I feel like tightening up the loop.

[wfocharlie]

Went out and just casted the new rod yesterday. Its really nice. I thought I might struggle with timing since it a shorter faster rod and I only have experience with my 7wt 13 footer but the 11'6" 6/7wt loved my cut down custom skagit and I was able to cast a heavy sink tip and fly with no problem. It was really light feeling and just a quick flick sent the line blazing out there. Got a lamson guru for it. I'm ready to hammer some fish now.

[Chedster]

You're gonna love the short rod for a good all around stick. I fish my 11'3" 7wt as my go to stick and it's so much fun to fish, it's just effortless to shoot out casts all day long. I remember earlier this year on the Deschutes, my shoulder was sore after swinging my 13'er all day long. I can fish the shorter rod all day and feel no pain at the end of the day. I'm ready to hammer some fish to, just waiting for the rivers to cooperate.

[Arctic]

I fish a monster reel on almost all of my two hand outfits... I cannot stand fighting the tip off the water all day, so I balance the rod with big, wide, check drag reels from The Spey Co.. All brass, and steel. Heavy, but they help with fatigue believe it or not.