Randy

My wife's daughters used to go with me every time I went. Especially her youngest. I used to consider her my little fishin' buddy. Now that they have gotten older, everytime I ask it's next time. Now I'm to a point where I don't ask anymore because when I do it's always next time. I have no idea what happened, maybe they are embarassed if a friend sees them fishing or it's just plain icky to them now. If it's about not catching fish and they lost intrest, they caught plenty. I think we came home with a stringer full of bluegill everytime we went out. One of her daughters even caught a 10 pound steelhead. Well, like they said "Maybe next time ."

Just wanted to thank everyone for the replys. I'm really considering on in the near future. Hopefully they will ship across the pond. Do any of the people listed as contacts have emails or web sites?? Thanks Randy

How come you want to replace the bearings in the reel? Isn't the reel brand new?? Wait until the bearings get all old and rusty. then replace them. Give the reel time to break in. As you use it through the seasons you'll see the reel spinning better and better. Good luck and I'll be seein' ya on the water this spring. Later Randy

Just how expensive are they??? Can I buy just the blank if I choose to get the rod?? The friend who mentioned the Tri-Cast also mentioned the Grey's rods. From the look of the rods on the website they look like nice rods. What are the price ranges for these rods? Thank you for the replys Randy

The quest site thread is HUGE but you won't find any information on a Speedia in the tread. Most of the discussion in the thread is about pins made in the US and Canada. There are however a few pins (quite rare) that are made in the UK.

Wow, it's been a while since I was on this board. It sure has changed. Looks good. Anyways, I was wondering if anyone on here has any experience with Tri-Cast fishing rods. A friend of mine said they are very good. I went to their site and couldn't get any information. Not a good site for information if you ask me. Thanks, Randy

"Rubber band around the handle to hold the reel? BRILLIANT!!!!!!

I don't think these ANTI groups even have a clue about fishing. If they actually had a clue they would figure out that fishing isn't always about catching fish. It's a time for solitude and to enjoy what this great Earth has given us. Fishing is about spending quality time with our children and taking them away from the Xbox and out of trouble. Fishing is a time for quiet reflection. Catching is the bonus that comes with the sport Maybe the ANTI groups want us all to be a bunch of brain dead MTV pot heads who will believe whatever the media tries to shove down our throats. Before I finish, I've never seen PETA, or any other ANTI orginaization have a river clean up or to help fund a river restoration or any other type of habitat improvement. All of these are done by anglers and other sportsmen. Groups such as Trout Unlimited and Ducks Unlimited have helped restore some fo the wetland in the prairy pot hole region of the US and some streams that were plauged by pollution and erosion. Maybe these groups will be satisfied when this entire world is PAVED OVER Randy [ 25. August 2005, 10:57 PM: Message edited by: Randy ]

Check out the lines made by Sunline. Siglon F is getting a strong following here in the Great Lakes region. The line uses a process of impregnating resin into the open spaces of the mono making it resistant to water. Sunline has improved the line with a second generation Siglon F and the line is slicker, floats higher, and has less memory than the original Siglon F. Berkley Iron Silk is another popular line with centrepinners in my area. I've never used the line so I can't comment on how it works on a pin. The only comment I can make is a few of my friends use it and they swear by it. For descriptions on the lines check out the links below. Quest has a write up on the Siglon F and a quick over view of the new stuff. SR Trout Supply is a distributer of Sunline products and a host of other float fishing products. Hope this helps.

Follow the manufactures instructions. On my Islander Steelheader the reccomend Super Lube w/teflon. Now on my Youngs Trudex II I use a light sewing machine oil per the instructions.

When it's done post the link.

Budgie, it would be nice to see what you guys do VS what we do here in the US. Please share some of your techniques. Thanks,

Thanks Newt. I've caught only one flathead in all the years I've been fishing and that was below Kentucky Lake Dam and it was a little 'un. I think all of my next flathead sessions will be for the specimen cats. Have you ever fished the Cape Fear River in VA? I drove over it last summer and it looked like a good river to fish and I've heard alot about it in magazines and news papers. Randy

Newt, Thanks, The channel cats I catch here in Ohio aren't anywhere near 50 pounds. I hear the Red River in Manitoba is the place to go for giant channel cats. When I get around to building the rod I was planning on going with a 8' very heavy action St Croix SCIII. I was also planning on mating this with a Shimano Calcutta (not sure of the model of the Calcutta). I use a Calcutta for float fishing for steelhead and I like the free spool feature on these reels. Line I was looking into a braid of around 80 to 100 pounds. You mentioned a shock leader. Is that necessary or could I get away with braid down to the hook? I went one time for flatheads on the Muskingum River, here, in Ohio and eventhough I didn't catch anything I was hooked. Heck, anything related to float fishing I like. I was also considering a long surf rod to help with line control and fish control. But I think the shorter 8 footer would be easier to handle during a day on the water.

I've been using a pair of Orvis breathables for sbout four seasons now. I've had a few leaks but it's nothing a little bit of aqua seal couldn't fix. I use breathables ALL year and during the winter I layer under the waders and I don't feel the cold. Most of my fishing is done in the months of Sept. - April for steelhead. My advise is to invest in a high quality pair of waders. Cabelas offers a huge selection of waders from manufactures like Simms, Hodgeman, Chota, and thier own line of waders which range from $79.95 to $279.95. Check out their website. http://www.cabelas.com. If you choose to get a pair of stocking foot waders I'll reccomend you get a pair of wading boots. A really good pair is the Cabelas master guide boot. I've had a pair for about six years and they're still going strong. I'm sure these might be the last boots I buy, they are that durable. A quality boot will protect your feet from unseen boulders and other hazards, the soles will also provide traction on slippery stream beds. Also use the gravel guards that are provided with the waders because Like Jeepster said the rocks will wear a hole in the bootie really fast. On quest outdoors they have a tested section where they test and evaluate different products and the Snowbee waders are mentioned. Follow the link below and give it a look. Oh yeah, chest waders are the way to go.