BillsTheBassMan

Ebay is a very good fishing resource as well and I highly recommend it. It is a rainy day activity as it can take some time deciding what you want since there is such a huge selection. There is lots of payment protection for buyers and in the event that you get scammed you will most certainly get your money back. If you're looking for things like Rapalas, hooks, spinners, etc, Ebay cannot be beat. I got a brand new Stradic (new model, new year) for 107.50 after shipping. That's some serious cash saved there.I've had it for three years and it is going great. In recent years (after I restocked all my fishing tackle via ebay) I've almost exclusively been going to local shops - I like the feel. That's my two cents. I will look into this website as well now too!

Last night's thunderstorms made the river unavailable and after killing 45 minutes at a fishing shop I decided to take the girlfriend and head by the KW Humane Society. I must say that the people at the KW Humane Society are doing great things. They have over 500 volunteers and adopt about 1500 animals annually. Since fisherman and dogs seem to go hand and hand, the point of this post is that anyone who is looking for a dog should strongly consider the KW Humane Society (or your local humane society). This was my first trip and I was mind blown. They have dogs ranging from most breeds and ages. They had a 10 month old lab puppy. In the last 4 months they've had 4 huskies under the age of 4. They have rooms and a dog park where you can take the animals out privately and hang out with them for awhile. Even if you're just bored on a rainy day, it is a positive thing to go in, take the kids (that comes with a warning label though - they'll want them all), and spend some time with the animals there. A dog person by nature, my dogs and my family dogs have always come from breeders. I think that trend will stop for me now. These dogs are just like any other, and with a little bit of training they'll respond like any other. Most of the humane society's animals are Surrenders (where people give the animal up for X reason) or Strays (animals found wandering aimlessly). Most of their animals have not been abused. They vaccinate/neuter/spay/medicate/assess all animals that come through their doors. They survive off donations. They receive no government funding. I just thought I would share my experience and remind people that the place exists. Ryan www.kwhumane.com

You are very wrong here. And it's not like I'm debating with you because what I say is 100% factual. We can have our cake and eat it, but there are no regulations for corporations to have safety measures in place that CAN stop such catastrophes from happening. The corporations are aware that these secondary safety measures exist and don't want to implement it because it will hurt their bottom line. In fact, all the big oil companies have gone so far away from implementing these safety measures that they have actually set up a fund together to shelter one another from a massive oil spill. This fund will go to pay recovery costs. Kind of like insurance for oil spills. Basically, they would rather pay this premium and risk killing the environment as opposed to paying to put the technology/labour/time into adding the precautionary measures onto offshore oil rigs and preventing environmental tragedies like this one we are seeing. Corporate greed at its finest. You really start to wonder how much more of this the earth can actually take.

The catastrophe in the Gulf is clearly disgusting and a vivid example of a corporate breach. I would say mistrust but there isn't much trust between corporations and any other entity . . . including their own shareholders or their customers. Things like this are happening close to home as well, but they aren't as visual, and aren't as publicized. If you take a look at the fishing news thread here on OFC, Spiel posted an article about the amount of Lake Erie fish (on the American side) that are dying because they are going into the cool water intakes of an Electicity corporation. The corporates are twiddling their thumbs and nothing is getting resolved (and nothing is likely to either). I guess this is where people need to be a little more European and let their governments know exactly where they would like to draw the line. Timmeh's outlook is right about oil prices, but I think some small inroads can be made in situations like this (like the Destruction of a Fishery thread that was burning up these boards a short time ago). People need to start somewhere.

Glad you found it helpful Geoff! Nothing like dusting off the really old rods to see how they did it "back in the day." I always go through them and feel the difference . . . started going to antique shops and flea markets looking for old ones too. Good luck on the fly (I'll probably need that luck more.)

Nice Fish Drock!

Thanks for the post Dabluz. I went with a 6 weight. Through my own research, and the amount of brown fishing that I do, I determined it was a good all round line to begin with. I will explore other reels as my experience guides me. I'll keep the Arbour reel in mind next time I'm shopping (which is often . . . always).

Hey Dave . . . Thanks for the pointer. I will most certainly check that out. I was at Elora for most of the day today and picked up my 2010 GRCA pass, so I won't even have to pay my 4,25 to get that lesson.

Thanks for the great post! I'm out of Elmira and will look into KW Flyfishers for sure. What waters do you fish the most Torco? As for the setup that I bought, I upgraded to the St. Croix Rio Santo 4 pc 6 Weight 9' fly rod. He gave me the upgrade with soft case for another $5. The Rio is the New Model Triumph and is apparently improved. At the very least the Rio is a Triumph with the Superstar service package. Eric @ Fishing Fanatics was nice enough to take me outside and show me the mechanics of a standard fly cast. He said that when I've got that down that I should come back in and he'll show me how to haul the line effectively. I practiced at home last night and went to Elora Gorge today and tried it on the water (why not right?). I could have practiced more at the store but I had an angry girlfriend waiting in the car ahaha. I CAUGHT TWO HUGE BROWNS (and lost another)!** (20+ inches on each - pictures on disposable but coming soon) ** The browns were caught on my spinning outfit after I decided to put the fly rod practice session down for the day. Do you have contact information for KW flyfishers? Ryan

Trade up program? What is that? Can I trade lower model rods for higher ones or what?

Hello All, After realizing that the bulk of my fishing time is spent around the Conestoga and Grand River watershed in the Fergus to Guelph to Kitchener areas, I've decided that not having a fly rod is just unacceptable. I predominantly fish for brown trout and bass (when they're in season) when I'm fishing the rivers. I have got what I think is a pretty decent offer from a local store and was wondering if any of you could help me out with suggestions before I make the purchase. The setup: Rod: 4pc, 5 weight, St. Croix Triumph (Always loved St. Croix, good warranties that they don't cheap you out on). (Roughly $115) Reel: Metalist (by Pfuelger) - An economic reel that is considered to be a classic that has stood the test of time. (Roughly $40) Line: Rio (roughly $60) The store has offered the setup to me with free lessons/demonstrations, free backend, a dozen flies, and leader material for $210 plus tax. I am looking for any suggestions on this setup before I actually shell out the cash for it. I intend on tying on a piece of yarn or sponge and practicing to cast a few times before I ever head to the river. I have never fly fished and have done little reading on the subject. I am looking forward to looking into any available resource. Do you folks think this is a good setup for a beginner? Will it still treat me well after I've started really learning fly-fishing? Does anyone have any suggestions on the nuances of fly fishing? Are there "tricks" on learning the art? Things that every fly fisher should know? I appreciate any help in advance. Links to good websites are appreciated if anyone has anything that has proven helpful! Thanks as always, Ryan

Be Very Very Careful with Future, Champix-Less cravings. I had quit for 6 months, the nice weather rolled around and I decided to have one with a beer. They got more frequent, and within a month I am almost back up to my former amount, and barely treading water where the re-quit is concerned. Whereas champix can make you feel a little weird, you should stay on it for longer, as opposed to shorter time frames. Congrats on the quit, but be sure to stay diligent. Quitting is a struggle for years and you need to keep your guard up (and find something to replace smoking - try tying flies or something, or going for a walk whenever you get a craving). Regards.

I made my first stop by Fishing Fanatics this Sunday and I must say that it was a very positive experience. Good selection, solid prices, but most importantly, GREAT customer service. A good choice for sure along with Rainbow Sports.

Thanks for all the helpful advice guys. I figure I will go with a higher end model as I do plan on putting in the work necessary to properly learn how to use the baitcaster. I guess budgeting and fishing don't always go the best together. Call it a pipe dream as I never cheap out on equipment. The Quantum and Daiwa seem like good choices, but in all honesty I will most likely end up going with a Shimano. I've had nothing but good experiences with Shimano products in the past. Ya never know - perhaps I'll find a good sale on one of the other models, but thanks to you guys I have it narrowed down! I can't wait to get on the water and give it a shot. @ Garry2Rs. I fully-intend on getting a right-handed retrieve - I'm sure you're right on this one - it just seems more natural to me. Also, pretty much everyone I've talked to has suggested running braid with whatever necessary leader. This seems like a good choice as well. I've heard baitcasting is something you "never go back from" from pretty much everyone as well. I'm pretty excited about it. Thanks again folks! The posts were extremely helpful.

Hello Folks! I have just purchased a baitcast rod (my first) as I found a good one for over 50% off! It is something I have been meaning to do for some time now. Now, I need a good quality reel without breaking the bank. I have never used a baitcaster before and would like a beginner friendly reel. I tried a Quantum (burst?) in the store and it seemed really easy to use, and like it was a real good unit. I could be enticed to spend some more money and find a more expensive reel if I am convinced it is far superior to the rest. I will be predominantly fishing for Bass, Pike, and Walleye with this setup once the season opens. I may also get a few musky opportunity. What are your suggestions for anyone experienced with centre-pins? What I already know . . . 1) No line less than 10lbs 2) Practice casting in a field or back yard with a hookless plug 3) That patience is required for the first trip or two Thanks for any help in advance! Ryan

It's stories like this one that make me put back everything I ever catch (unless I accidentally gutted it). I have the mnr tips number and onstar handy at most times for such encounters as well. It's a shame. Good job on reporting them!

I've frequented both Natural Sports and Rainbow Sports for quite some time. I have a pretty firm stand on which store is best - Rainbow is far superior and worth the drive from the opposite end of the city. I get this weird feeling in Natural Sports that I just shouldn't be pulling out my wallet . . . ever. The younger guys working there are really trying hard and they are eager to help. Some of the "more experienced" staff seem to strike the fear of god into the younger guys whenever they're in the area and they just tense up and seem uneasy. Small talk and customer service is at a minimum unless you are A) professional or looking to spend lots of cash. I'm also not that fond of the Grand River Bass Tournament that Natural Sports runs. To me, it is a prime example of resources being exploited for money. I'm like most other anglers. I go to fishing stores to just "browse" on at least 50% of my trips. On these trips I generally spend under $100. (Today I went into Rainbow to "browse" and got a great deal on a new baitcaster rod - despite a full store, Chad went into the back and got his baitcaster setup and showed me some of the basics). Regardless, these trips are more for enjoyment so the trips should actually be enjoyable. Price points in stores like this are generally the same that customer service should be the defining factor of what store is better. There have even been times at Rainbow where Chad has talked me out of buying something that may not be ideal for the specific fishing experience I want it for. Chad will always do everything he can to make sure you get your warranties from the major fishing companies whenever you run into any problems. I broke a St. Croix a few years back and he pretty much handled the entire thing - I soon had a new rod. With honesty and service like that Rainbow has earned my business for as long as I stay in the area and beyond. To sum it up - check out both stores - you'll probably see what I am seeing and decide on Rainbow. I generally like to get an XL coffee from Tim's before I go because I'm generally there for an hour.

Thanks for the responses fellas. I will definitely try the WD40 today at some point (you've got to listen to those old guys!) Here are some other things that I came up with on my search for general knowledge: 1) Pencil Erasers will remove tarnish on lures 2) Soaking rusty lures in lemon juice for 5 minutes 3) Gently rub rusty lures with AJAX I would suspect that vinegar and baking soda work as well. I'm going to start with the inexpensive methods.

Hello All, I've recently been buying up old stocked tackle boxes from random places for good prices and making new lures and salvaging any gems that I may find. I guess my main question would be this: Is there an inexpensive way that I can get the rust off of some of these old lures? Are there any do-it-yourself solutions to de-rust tackle? I certainly don't mind replacing rusty treble hooks or O-Rings, I mostly want to salvage the spoons, spinnerbaits, and other interesting metal oddities that I have found. Also - it is important that whatever format is used to derust lures does not leave them with a long-lasting scent that could potentially scare away fish! Any help is appreciated!

I have linked them up. Chad will have to confirm it, but Rainbow Sports should be on there soon!

I really prefer going without an O-Ring myself, granted it will run you through more Senkos. In some cases, my O-Ring says it fits 4" and 5" Senkos . . . . until you try and put them on the Senko itself. They can fray-tear the material, make all the impregnated salt come out, and even change the colour of the bait itself. I have landed 3-5 fish on the same Senko on more then one occasion. I figure, if I get that many on a 50 cent worm, I've got my moneys worth. I'm also not sure how natural it is for a worm to be wearing a big black belt . . .

This is clearly going way too far . . . . Shock and Awe . . . nothing is sacred/untouchable. Also, concerning P3TA and Angling, I do find something quite funny. Many of us, myself included, are WAY more likely to help our fisheries and lookout for their future because WE ARE ANGLERS. Three years ago, before I started fishing, I could have cared less about the health of our fisheries - nowadays I'm looking for ways to help them and insure their future. Do I accidentally mishook the odd fish from time to time? Yes. Will my involvement, and the involvement of my friends, in angling eventually lead to better fisheries throughout Ontario? I sure hope so.

Your choice of 5" Senkos is something that I strongly agree with. I have had much more success on the 'bigger' 5" as opposed to the 4". I fish with timmeh regularly, and I can confirm that fishing the Senko slowly has been a much better way to go for us at least. It seems that everytime I just let it sit on the bottom, turn around to get a drink or check some tackle - BOOM - a strike. Granted, you have to let the lunkers know your worm is there, so give it the odd pop. Good Luck and watch those Senko hook sets - the bass really hammer them and if your slow to the draw you can gut them easily.

Yeah j ace, he does really run a good business and everyone in this area or anyone passing through should know about it. I shop at Rainbow Sports for those exact reasons - you'll be looked after when you need it, and he isn't going to screw you around. I will be shocked if I find any random service charges when I go pick up my rod in a few weeks - sure beats buying a rod at Canadian Tire, Wal-Mart, or any other big box place. I dropped the rod off, handed him my warranty-receipts, and was out the door in 5 minutes. You can't beat that.

I switched to braid near the start of this season (only my second year actively fishing) and I also use a spinning setup. I am using Spiderwire. I have not been getting any knots whatsoever, but I have found that the braid gets wrapped around my eyes and rod tip quite frequently for some reason - this happens a lot when I am fishing any kind of "popping" lure. I think the advice to close your bail manually is good advice, since I always do this when I cast. Also, based on my limited experience with braid, I would say, stick with it. It takes some learning and a few struggles (with leader-tying and frays etc) but I think it is the best line for most situations.