I began writing this newsletter with
the idea I would try to simplify and provide incite on fly lines but as this
subject has gotten more complex, the information I wanted to extend became too
lengthy, even for me! If you have
questions on lines and would like to read my opinions, please go to my Web site
where this portion of my newsletter is posted at www.rod-makers.com. I think you will find it
interesting.
I have been fortunate during my life
having made substantial monies during the ‘good times’ of the 70’s and 80’s in
Texas and in Banking and Insurance
opportunities up North. I decided
about 30 years ago to raise my kids (with the help of their mother!) in an
environment most familiar to me, that of golf, hunting, and fishing and quit the
pursuit of making more money (the financial crash of the 80’s did influence that
decision!). In recent years I have
found more enjoyment out of sharing my experiences and relating experiences of
others for the purpose enriching the lives of those that listen and perhaps
envision a similar life style.
Believe me, what I do now has nothing to do with financial
enrichment! Many of my customers
and rod builders share with me experiences on fishing from all parts of the
world, equipment performance, their likes and dislikes, and for those that want
to listen, I share these stories and experience. This experience is invaluable in
designing rods and rod components that are best suited for ‘specific’ needs be
it length, line ratings, convenience for travel, or for general purpose fresh
water, salt water, or any combination thereof, fly lines, reels etc. etc. So please, before you buy that ‘good
deal’ on the internet (that so many times is not what you need), come by and
visit with me about what it is you need or want. We both may be
happier!
I now have the new Sage Xi2 rod
blanks in stock although I received only blanks in 8 weight and 9 weight but
expect my backordered 6, 7, and 10 weights to arrive soon. I began building a Xi2 8 weight for test
casting and to determine which fly line I will recommend. Will be ready next
week.
I must relate a story told me this
week from
Harry
Lane (sjtroutfitters@zianet.com) about a
Bonefish he landed during a recent outing in the
Bahamas. He hooked a large Bone and as many of
the Bone’s do, it ran under the mangrove bushes. He took his Sage 9 weight RPLXi 3 piece
apart and hand over hand brought the rod and reel, with the Bonefish on, under 7
sets of mangrove roots, put it back together and landed that fish! He said in his email “that’s
fishen!” I say, ‘that’s a
fisherman’! He also told me he
caught an 11 pound Bone! Huge! Said it ran off with 250 yards of
backing using his 9 weight RPLXi.
I want to mention again,
Herb
Mossman is running the shop on Mondays and entertains and
teaches fly tying from 5: pm to 8: pm in the evening. Herb is ‘the man’ for the Butt Ugly fly
which, in my opinion, is a wonderful innovation and when fishing for Bonefish
two weeks ago, not a single refusal was noted by anyone in my group! I continue to receive new fly tying
material and have Renzetti and Dyna King vises for you to try. I might also mention, I recently ordered
108 dozen flies proven most effective for the Guadalupe and Shonto Ranch (www.shontoranch.com).
Did you see the article in Sunday’s
paper about Jim Symcox (www.championguides.com) and the story
of a bee swarm that engulfed Jim, his client, and his boat! He showed me pictures – incredible! Can you imagine being completely
covered, even in your ears, nose, under your shirt – by a huge ball of about
40,000 bees? Both he and his client
remained motionless (impossible, I say but he has the photo’s!) and neither got
stung even once! Had he killed even
one bee, the entire swarm would have driven them overboard, at best! Wow!
Tim
Fading (512-913-3777) of the Shoal Grass Lodge in
Aransas Pass (www.shoalgrasslodge.com) came by with
brochures and info about this new and exciting option for lodging and/or guided
fishing trips. Beautiful place with
great conference facility and restaurant.
Give Tim a call when making plans for your next trip to our coastal
pastures.
Everyone I talk to expects a great
year on the Guadalupe! If you
haven’t yet joined the Guadalupe River Trout Unlimited for lease access and the
best fishing spots, either come by the shop for an application or call Marian
Tilson (210-493-8249) for info.
Got anyone in your family that may
have an interest in fly fishing? As
a stocking ‘stuffer’ why not give them a $35 gift certificate for an hour and a
half fly casting, knots etc. clinic?
See if they like it before you invest monies in equipment. Lt. Col. Randy Bland does the clinics
out of my shop and can be scheduled at your convenience subject to a minimum of
two persons per clinic.
I also would like to mention again,
if you have an interest in renting the beach house in the lower
Yucatan (www.theblueheaven.com), contact
Rick Gracy at bnfsh2@aol.com. I can provide you with first hand
knowledge, maps, pictures etc. I
suspect they will be booking numerous trips this winter and spring so now is the
time!
Thank you and again, look at my
observations on fly lines on my Web page.
Dennis O.
Freeman
RODMAKERS
13457 Blanco
Road
San
Antonio,
TX. 78216
rodmaker@rod-makers.com
www.rod-makers.com
210-479-3477
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