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mattyvac

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  • Gender
    Male
  • Location
    chicago, il
  • Interests
    Fishing (Conventional and Fly Tackle), Bow and Gun Hunting, exploring new ways to engage in these hobbies, introducing these hobbies to young people, traveling to pursue these hobbies in new places.

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  1. I shore fish the lake exclusively in the downtown area between NavyPier and 31st Street, and when the smallies are near shore, you can consistently catch them. The Lake holds some spectacular specimens, having caught bunches and bunches between 15 and 20 inches. I imagine the breakwalls hold lots of beauties. I just never get out there. I wouldn't try going beyond the breakers with that 17 though. Kinda rough going, depending on the waves, swells, wind, etc. But they are definitely there! Good Luck!
  2. Love the ideas about the 5wt. instead of 6 or 7. Being one of the crazy ones, I, too, like fishing a lighter wt., faster/stiffer rod than most would recommend. I like rods that offer plenty of 'give' in the tip down about a third. then stiffen thru the middle. 8'6" minimum. I don't know the river, so you might take the water into consideration when deciding about length. Some waters are quite crowded with trees, etc. Shorter rods help in that respect, but I've found overall, shorter rods restrict you more than help. What's your budget? There are definitely options out there. More if you don't mind the price. Good luck finding the right match!
  3. Thanks for some great responses! Makes me realize so much depends on natural forage, depth of presentation, still or moving water, water clarity, and more. I need to decide where I will be fishing, what the are eating, etc., then plan from there.
  4. With the myriad choices of fly types, it's difficult for me to settle on what to tie. Since I have so little time to experiment with varying patterns to see what works best, I am relying on you for your experience and opinions. My question is this: What has served you best, flies that have a distinct head and neck, like one that has a marabou jig type profile, or ones that have no neck, like a clouser? Hope this doesn't start any arguments. Remember it's Christmas. Thanks!!
  5. Love the Cabelas reels. They are a good value, and do 95% of what the expensive ones do.
  6. Got it! Sounds reasonable. Probably will cramp the style of many C&R anglers who thought they were doing the right thing. I guess if we all were that concerned with fish, we wouldn't hook them in the face and take them out of the water, and sometimes eat them.
  7. Try Mike G's repair ferule before you toss your rod out. Its good the break is on the butt half. With some epoxy and thread you'll be back on the water quick. That rod has mojo!
  8. One rod used over twenty years? Do yourself a favor. When the new stick gets there, string it up with your favorite line and give it a flick. Your arm will likely not allow you to send it back. Technology over the last 20 years has given us rods that far out-perform old rods, and they are much easier on our bodies. And it just might help you catch more fish.
  9. Rob, I'm not understanding why anyone would elect to cut the hook from the lure. How could you catch the fish if there's no hook? Is this something specific to the gar?
  10. After introducing kids of all stripes to fishing, I've developed a couple personal rules. The key to fishing with young kids is to find any size fish that are biting so they catch something, and don't keep them out too long. Leave as soon as they indicate disinterest, because that's when they start entertaining themselves by using the rod as a whip, or for anything except what it was intended. Once the hook starts spending time out of the water, thats when they hook themselves. But action and brevity are the keys. Even if they spend 20 minutes catching bluegills the size of Rattle Traps, that's still catching fish to a five year old, and the Mission will be accomplished. Even better if you can outfit them with safety glasses. Sorry I don't know of a nearby spot for you. You're a good grandfather. Have a great time!
  11. I like fluorocarbon. But the important thing is setting the drag correctly. If the drags not right, you might as well be using a banjo.
  12. I took a second look at your post. There are certainly reasons why you might find alignment dots on any multi-piece rod. But I might question the maker if dots on the rod didn't line up, because that might signal that the the sections are not matched. Matching different rod sections according to spine is time consuming, and not all makers do it. I can explain. When I make a graphite rod, I like to align the assembled sections of the rod according to the spine of the rod. Each section of any graphite rod blank has has a stronger side and a weaker side. That stronger side is called the spine. I can build the rod, either with the spine along the top, which I like for more fighting power, or on the bottom, which I prefer for faster casting action. I will mark the end of each section at the spot where the spine is. Then I can use these marks to assemble the rod sections so as to orient the spine and the guides, etc. in a straight line along one side of the rod from end to end. That explains one reason to put marks along a rod. Whether these rod makers are actually doing this to match the sections is a mystery. But there is ZERO reason (that I can think of) for any rod builder to just randomly mark any rod with dots with no purpose.
  13. AllCanada is giving tickets to the first 50 new friends on Facebook. Hope you make the cut!
  14. Yes, please bring them. Just don't let any aging rock stars know about it.
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