|
****JavaScript based drop down DHTML menu generated by NavStudio. (OpenCube Inc. - http://www.opencube.com)****
|  |   Guide's Blog
Dear Yager's Customers and fellow fly fishing addicts,
For those of you who do not know me, my name is Lucas Short, a warm water guide for Yagers Fly Shop as well as a college student at the University of Kansas. I live a pretty tough life between juggling fly fishing and the best years of my life in college (just kidding I couldn’t ask for more). After spending over a hundred days on the water from chasing big trout in Montana and the Ozarks in Missouri to pounding farm ponds and creeks in Kansas I wanted to share some of my thoughts on the gear that enabled me to have the best summer of fishing in my life! From chasing tailing carp to casting to rising trout out of a drift boat on the Madison River in Montana I do such a diverse amount of fishing that there will be something all of you can relate to. My goal is to start a monthly blog of my experiences throughout that month, and share them with you our valued customers. After some very intense thought I have compiled a list of five items that I could NOT live without on the water.
1. Scott Fly Rods- I fish a number of different Scott Rods and as their slogan reads “the ultimate fishing tools”, they truly are the best rod line on the market. Wading small Kansas creeks throwing poppers as well has popping bugs to big bluegill as well as bass I could not live with out my F series fiberglass rod. For those of you who want a stick that will make any bluegill feel like a permit this is a rod you must take a serious look at. I am not picky when it comes to fishing if it swims its fair game, but for those smaller fish we all like to go after every now and again this rod is a must. Going light and getting nailed with an F series is an experience that is truly unique. For those of you whose passion is chasing trout the S3 is the best all around rod I have ever thrown. It took the blasting Montana winds and allowed me to place big nasty bugs on the banks of the Madison with out any problems what so ever. This rod has so much backbone I even like to take my 5wt bass fishing because it can punch those big streamers and deer hair bugs into the wind like its nothing. If I had to pick one rod out of my quiver to fish for anything with I would put my S3 to the test. For those who are skeptical there is a picture of it laying next to a big carp under the Montana picks on the website. For those of you who have caught big carp the experience is similar to hooking up with a Tractor, even the 5wt could time these beast. I have fished the Sage and other models of fast trout style rods, and in my honest opinion they don’t even begin to hold a candle to the Scott S3. When I am chasing bigger game such as Alligator Gar in the Kansas Rivers I prefer an 8 wt E2. This reasonably priced rod is much lighter than most 8 weights so it when you throw it all day it doesn’t feel like your chucking a log rather than a nice stick (aka rod). I also have a G2 but somewhere along the line my Dad picked it up and informed that “I needed to get another one because that one would not leave his hands”, reluctant and wanting to argue I dismissed the idea for fear he would revoke my tuition. You don’t bite the hand that feeds you besides he isn’t only my Father but he is a great fishing buddy. When you are thinking about getting a new rod I realize that there are a million choices out there for you to pick from. I however could not think of a rod to enjoy the peaceful tranquility we all enjoy as fly fishing with out my “ultimate fishing tools.
2. The fishpond Dragonfly Chest/Lumbar Pack is ideal for those of you like me who need a lot of gear but, refuse to wear a vest. It holds 4 C&F fly boxes as well as has handy holes for the fishpond pig tail retractor and a tippet post. I use mine everywhere and couldn’t manage with out it. It feels small but has a huge amount of space. The difference between being prepared for a great day of fishing and not being prepared can come down to something as simple as do you have the gear needed for the job. I can carry everything I need in this convenient pack and not feel weighted down. The weight rests on your hips rather than your back which makes it easier to cast as well as being comfortable. Your lower body is much stronger than the upper and it just makes sense to allow it to support the weight. Fishpond makes some incredibly innovative stuff. Their products help you spend more time fishing than fiddling with gear, and that in turn makes your day go much smoother.
3. Good Fly Line. I fish a variety of lines but I believe strongly in have a line that is slick and loads a rod well. For those of you who have questions on what lines are best for the wieght rod you fish we are more than happy to answer these questions. When a line gets old it looses its ability to run through the guides properly thus hurting your casting stroke. Let’s face it there are times when we all need that extra 10 feet to reach a really big fish. A good fly line that fits your rod will help you do just that. RIO as well as SA make tremendous fly lines. Both shoot through your guides like lighting and are very comparable so I fish both regularly. I cannot stress the importance of having a line that rocks through your guides. It makes casting so much easier in turn making shooting a loop to that hog less of a burden.
4. Galvan Torque Fly reels. I love Galvan reels. The drag system can handle anything you throw at it. They are beautiful reels that work tremendously. The Torque is a great looking lightweight large arbor that works flawlessly. I suggest to all my clients that they try my reels on the water and the majority love them. They have a reasonable price point compared to other high end quality reels and they stand above and beyond what I call on them to do. From function to looks these reels rock.
5. Dr Slick Scissor Clamps. This little guy is a lifesaver. Tired on chewing on 1x tippet with your fingernail clippers? The scissors will cut that tuff tippet right down with ease. They make great hemo’s as well with the advantage of combining the tools into one little package. They have so many uses I won’t get to all of them but they are pretty much the sweetest tool on the market in my opinion.
I am going to be sending out a report of whats going on in my fly fishing world for those you who are interested as well as creating a blog on the company website. I eat, sleep and breathe fly fishing so I wanted to share some of my insight with those of you with my same passion. I should probably be doing my homework and working on a paper due next week but honestly I would much rather write about chasing fish than War and Peace.
In closing I hope all of you will have some time to hit the water in the near future. I tell many people that fly fishing is much easier than hiring a therapist. It is hands down the most tranquil relaxing sport going so enjoy it. Also the next time you plan on going out to the stream or pond invite a child with you to learn and enjoy our wonderful sport. The greatest gift I have ever been given was when my father taught me to fly fish a little over twelve years ago. With all the high tech video games out there it seems like there is an absence of youth hitting the stream. The next generation needs to appreciate and enjoy shooting lines at big fish. Help break down the stereotype held to our sport. We aren’t all balding old men who hit the stream. Help teach a youngster to fish; after all it’s the greatest gift I have ever received.
Till next time, go throw some line
Tight Lines and Best Fishing
Luke
|
|
