solopaddler

The discussion isn't about Hardy float rods. It's about Hardy float reels.

Problem apparantly is they're extremely light and when used for steelhead (not their intended purpose) they will torque when placed under pressure.

The Mykiss and it's predecessor the Hanson are both excellent reels. I mentioned neither because they're not making them anymore and are only available used. I'm going to take a teeny bit of credit. Leon Hanson is a friend and came to visit me from Michigan when he was designing the reel to pick my brain Milner reels are very highly regarded especially on the left coast where they're made and strangely enough in some of the US States like Ohio. They're great runners, very solid, but I don't like the aesthetics of the reel. Havn't heard a single good thing about the new Hardy.

Beautiful shots my friend. Regarding the shots lying on the ground comment, I'm guilty of it. Hard to get artistic when there's nobody around to help though.

My choice in rods is constantly evolving. I started out in the late 70's using a Lamiglass S-glass noodle rod and 2lb test. The trend the last few years has been blanks with much, much faster actions. Something I've adapted to and have come to love. I'm currently in a stage where I'm shying away from the traditional long sticks. I wouldn't fish a 15' plus rod these days if you paid me. I get zero advantages with the extra length other than a sore arm at the end of the day. 13' has always been the most common length, and yeah I'll still fish a 13 at times. Currently my 2 main go-to sticks are much shorter. The first is a 12' CTS Affinity rated 4-8, the second is an 11' CTS Affinity rated 6-10. Both are extremely light and extremely fast and a true pleasure to fish with.

Both Rainshadow XST and CTS are only available in blank form. There's not that much difference in price. To answer the op's question probably the CTS Affinity blanks are the current gold standard for rods, BUT they have been prone to breakage and they come from New Zealand so warranty may not be cut and dried. MHX blanks have been mentioned. I agree 150%, for the price they are fine, fine sticks. Gary Loomis started a new company called North Fork Composites and his new line of steelhead blanks may be the current creme de la creme. They're certainly the priciest. Havn't tried one yet but I'm dying to as the reviews have been spectacular. As far as reels go there's never before been so much choice. If I'm going to choose the "best" it's not going to be a mass produced reel. The top 4 that are currently being made and readily available are imo: 1.The DeMarco made by Adam DeMarco in Ohio 2.The Frogwater made here in Ontario by Robb Marquette. 3. Ron Gardiners exquisite although pricey works of art...also made here in ON. 4. The Angling Specialties reels. You may not be fond of a centre pin reel with a drag, but no one can deny the craftsmanship. Maybe the best of the bunch are the reels made by Al Taylor of Mississauga. Unfortunately it's next to impossible to aquire one as Al hasn't been building many lately. Just for fun, if you're talking mass produced reels the Kingpin Imperial is pretty hard to beat. Cheers

That's it. Next year I'm coming up. Truly inspiring Ben.

They look big. You know what they say about big gloves and big boots.....

It's off season, the vast majority will rent for less than a week. Trust me it's worth at least inquiring. I managed to get a one night cottage rental last week no problem.

Beautiful fish! Nice seeing the snow on the ground, the real season is about to start.

Very cool, that's exactly the blank I'm considering. Does it have a very fast action? Hopefully so... Crazy snagging the shaker with the line hanging out of it. I probably would have dispatched it and brought it home if it was hooked that deep, but hey you never know.

It never ceases to amaze me how wound up some people get over nothing.

Now I know why sasquatches are so rare these days. The damn northerners are clubbing them all to make gloves.

Nice fish. Didn't you very recently have a different board name?

I know that. As mentioned earlier the "sportsman" who caught it scooped up all the loose eggs from the ground and chummed them in the run he was fishing. This after I jokingly told him he should do that, and in the same breath informed him the practice was illegal. He was part of a group of 12 guys from New York city. All of them lined up in a row chucking, ducking and flossing to their hearts content with Aerosmith playing on a boombox in the background.

Agreed, drinking them is much preferred. Nope, read my earlier reply bud. It was a fly fisherman who caught it and roped it. He had no use for the eggs, they were spilled out all over the ground.

Just call Mepps directly and explain the situation, they'll let you place the order. It can get expensive for sure. Can't believe you're using 8lb tippet though. I'm running 20lb braid with 12lb tippet and that seems to be working okay. My buddy was hitting fish on straight braid, no tippet on Saturday. Don't forget its a reaction bite. Not surprised about Ernie, he works super fast, sometimes too fast. Hopefully he did a good job for you. Which blank did he build up? You'll have to let me know how you like it. And I know all about nights. When I fish Wednesdays I'm leaving the office at 5am after coming off a 16 hour shift. Sleep is overrated.

Scott, Cabelas has them cheap, but only the 180 size. Overstock Bait has the 240SX on sale for $50. Good price, but honestly that's probably all the reel is worth. http://www.overstockbait.com/US_Reel_SuperCaster_p/240sx.htm The 240 is "okay" but a bit on the heavy side. The 230 is the best all around size for steelhead. As far as the spinners go if you place the order I'd be happy to deliver them for you. I'm most likely headed up on Wednesday this week if you're around. Cheers

Just like it for casting hardware for salmonids as it casts a country mile. Not a great reel by any means, but it's good for the intended purpose. The stock drag on the US Reel isn't that great and needs to be tweaked with better washers. A similar reel with an oversized spool and perhaps a slightly better stock drag is the Pfleuger Arbor.

Thanks Rob.

Like all youngsters it seems as though Mike has all the answers.

I've owned and fished both the 2 and 3 piece. The 2 piece is a great all around rod. The 3 is nice too, perfect for large, heavy water. Best value in a 13' 2pc is probably the MHX blank that Mudhole sells. They're surprisingly nice for the money.

I don't. Yeah 'cause Lord knows I'd chew right through the handle and bust my rod.

Ernie Jantzen in Owen Sound is a good source: [email protected]

I don't know man, if you're fishing them properly you're constantly losing lures. The last couple trips out I lost 9 or 10 lures. Definitely an expensive proposition. I'm going to make my own this winter.