John Gillio

Like anything else, too much of a good thing…

I recently inherited a few vintage glass rods that appear to be 7/8 weights, but I have yet to fish with any of them. I have been thinking about picking up an Eagle Claw 3 wt fiberglass for panfish and tiny streams, but seldom use my 3 wt Cabela’s  Three Forks graphite  rod which I love. 

So sorry to hear of your wife’s passing, Ed . My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.

Best of luck , Colin.

2 minutes ago, Kev-mo said:

Also as I sit here and ponder this issue instead of working.... how exactly can one own a river bottom that's constantly changing? The silt, pebbles, even small chunk rock that was the river bottom when someone bought their river front property is no longer there. Yeah I know I'm splitting hairs but still.... annoyed and venting 🙁

Exactly, what once was someone else’s becomes mine and what was once mine is someone else’s over and over and over again. Is your ground trespassing on mine? Is mine on yours? Wasn’t there a U.S. Supreme Court decision saying something like any water that could float a log in rainy season  was considered navigable and could be traversed by the public up to the high water mark?  It would be nice if the issue were settled one way or another by the highest court. I know it’s not that simple. Wish it was.

Terry, I can tell you this much. They are good on rock and gravel, but terrible on wet grass and mud. So it depends on what you are walking on.

Nice Colin! You may enjoy the Franke Shiner. Tim Flagler does a nice tutorial on it.

Nice!

Thanks for sharing this Bart.

7 hours ago, Ryan S said:

 I’ve got quite a bit of foam lying around. Let me know any good patterns you recommend John

I use preformed soft foam popper bodies from WAPSI called perfect poppers. I believe there is a tutorial in the bassbugger forum on making blockhead poppers from craft foam. That may be something for you to look into. It may have been a few yrs back. There are a number of different popper styles mentioned in the forum.

Some sort of popper would be a nice addition to the bass box. Looks like you have a good box going..

Merry Christmas!

5 hours ago, Rob G said:

May I also suggest this reel if you are looking for a good value with a trusted brand name and an excellent conical drag.  This series  is available in a 3.34" and 3.61" diameter version for only $69.  And for $50 more, you can get a couple spare spools.

https://www.sierra.com/waterworks-lamson-liquid-5-plus--freshwater-fly-reel-6wt~p~37guv/?filterString=reels-lines-and-flies~d~10716%2Fwaterworks-lamson~b~36057%2C36057%2F#specsSection

 

I agree, I have one of those too. I don’t think it has a sealed drag though. The Piscifun Sworddoesn’t either. I have seen both listed as top reels for under $100. The sword is often under $50.

I agree all around. Nicely done. Who’s artwork is on the cover of the new issue?

25 minutes ago, Tom L said:

Thanks John. I see they have a few new models with fully sealed drag now. Might pick one up for a backup rod.

You’re welcome Tom. I’ve seen some very good reviews for the Crest.

Ran into this old post and thought I’d give an update. I went with the sword and have been very glad I did. I have the 5wt model and it is my go to reel. It has handled numerous fish in the 20” to 36” range over the past 4 yrs, as well as countless smaller fish. The drag has held up well and the finish still looks like new even though it has been dropped a couple of times and is often set on the rocks. Reviews on this reel, and some of their other fly reels, have continued to be good over the yrs. Not sure how good their other products are but their fly reels appear to be a good buy.

Thank you all for your service.

Nice!

Sounds like you broke out with a solid outing. There will be many more to come. Nicely done!

Nicely done! Congratulations!

5 hours ago, Jay D said:

I work on violin family instruments (violas, cellos, basses) exclusively. I also work on bows, which are periodically re-haired with horse hair (tail). It helps to be a fly tier when doing that job...

Interesting. Thanks for sharing that info.

On 8/28/2021 at 7:29 AM, Jay D said:

Instrument repairs and sales of imports is my main gig, building is a hobby, as selling your own instruments you can't make any money at.

 

Very nice! I’ve talked to many rod builders about the same thing. They say that keeping it a hobby keeps it fun. Do you just repair string instruments or do you work on others too?

On 8/28/2021 at 7:35 AM, Jay D said:

 

Nothing against the fly shops, but I aint paying no $1 a piece for a block head, when purchasing materials in bulk they're  about 4 cents each.

Nice idea! 

Wow, that’s an interesting combo. Violins to poppers then back to violins again. I’m intrigued. Is violin making something you do on the side or is it your main gig?

Thanks for sharing that , Eric.