.gif)
July 16, 2003 Newsletter
|
|
July 16, 2003 Newsletter |
|
Someone once asked “why do you fly
fish”? The fly fisherman responded
with “because it’s so damned hard”!
This may not make much sense to the
non fly fisher but I believe, this statement says a lot about fly fishing. Fly fishing is not easy; it’s a
continual learning journey with exorbitant costs, frustrations, and required
practice but the rewards are great, not only in numbers of fish brought to hand,
but in the fact you were successful without relying on luck. Golf is a good analogy in the dedication
required to achieve a low handicap, the patience required, the frustrations
incurred, and the rewards of a lower score/handicap.
Recently I have been assisting one
of my fly casting instructors in lesson’s here at the shop and in every beginner
casting class, comments are made how hard it is and how easy it looks on
television. Everyone starts out
with the ‘how hard it is’ scenario but quickly realize this isn’t a sport of
instant gratification, rather, it is a sport that rewards you when the skills
are learned. And that requires
dedication, and of course, good equipment.
Being as I am in the business, the equipment is nearest and dearest to my
heart!
In my opinion, the order of
importance of equipment in shallow water fishing begins with optics. You can’t catch them in the shallows if
you can’t see ‘em. I’m not talking
about drug store plastic glasses; I’m referring to polorarized GLASS optics in a
brown, copper, or amber color, and it just so happens I carry one of the best of
the fishing glasses in my inventory – Action Optic’s. Prescription glasses available through
Action at affordable prices.
Next in importance, and the object
of all our affections, is the rod for specific functions. In my shop I will work with you in
designing the rod for the function you intend and you may be surprised to find
the costs are less than comparable factory built rods with options available to
upgrade components, and it will still be less than factory prices. I maintain several to test cast out
back.
Third in importance is the line you
select. Fly lines vary a great deal
and if I may suggest, before you buy one of those ‘close out’ deals from the
local sports supermarket, try out a few lines mounted on reels and rods at the
rear of my store in the casting area.
Time well spent and the advice from someone that has been there and still
goes there!
I hate to say last in importance is
the reel because it is the piece of equipment we all love to fondle and talk
about with great pride but it is mostly just that, pride in ownership – unless,
of course, you are in pursuit of fish requiring a sophisticated drag
system. Then, the Tibor’s are at
the top of the heap and the
As most of you know, the rod
building here in the shop does include casting and spinning rods built by me or
you can build them yourselves. I
have a good selection of blanks and components.
I got an email the other day from an
old friend (and I am referring to his age!)
I don’t have any current coastal
reports and the ones I do conflict a great deal. I suspect conditions will change after
the hurricane, especially in Port O’Connor!
In my last email newsletter, I
talked about offshore fishing on a private charter with fly fishing
available. I am not able to book
the dates at this time but expect to do so within the next two weeks and will
send everyone a short email indicating same. I appreciate all those who inquired and
plan on filling you in on the details just as soon as I
can.
Dennis O.
Freeman
RODMAKERS
210-479-3477 (fax –
3488)