Monday, December 5, 2011

Making the Case for the Okuma Fly Rod

Every once in while I like to a make an unexpected road trip. My wife was at our daughters today in Tennessee, so I decided I would make a trip to some of the sporting good outlets in Birmingham. My first stop was a place I seldom go which I like to call the overpriced club, Mark’s Outdoors. It has all the usual name brands fishing tackle, but a bit over budget for me. I also made a stop at Dick’s sporting goods, which has some fishing tackle but caters more to the outdoor and sporting goods enthusiast. Of course I stopped by the Bass Pro shop and waded through the crowds. Bass Pro is a great fishing and hunting outlet but I seemed to get somewhat overwhelmed when I am there because of the enormous selection of everything. I finally ended up at Academy Sports. I wasn’t really looking for anything in particular to buy but came across some great deals while I was there. One was an Okuma fly rod 8 ½ ft. 4/5 wt. with medium action. I really like the lightness of this rod, and the rosewood reel seat. The best part was the price, 35.00 clearance. I have used Okuma reels and micro light rods over the years and have never had a problem with their performance. So with that thought in mind I bought the rod. I know I needed another fly rod like a dog needs ticks, but it was such a great deal I just couldn't pass it up. Another item I found was Lake Fork Fishing Shirts by Magellan.  I really like these shirts because of the vents in the back and the large storage pockets and clips hooks on the front. I bought a couple last year and was impressed.  These were 12.00 bucks clearance in the store but 17.00 on the website. I paid 25.00 last year for the same shirt. So I purchased a couple short sleeves. Of course there were all the clearance items on flies, lures, reels, tippets and a host of other items. Academy seems to always have an abundance of clearance items. So to make my point I left there with some shirts, rod, and few flies tippet and a couple of leaders that my wife decided would be Christmas for me, which suited me fine. Sometimes guy’s road trips don’t involved landing fish.

12 comments:

  1. Well said Bill. I'm seeing all the signs of someone who could easily get addicted to vintage glass and click/pawl reels. Your boots are lost...save your watch!

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  2. Things you don't need but must have. Congratulation on your finds.

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  3. I've also found a lot of good deals at Academy, and on at least three occasions when I went to check out the clearance bargain I had found rang up for even less than the sale price marked on the tag. It is a great place to find a deal. I'm sure for $35 that rod will serve you well. Maybe you'd consider taking that one down Bear Creek?

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  4. Jay
    No Bear Creek trip even with a cane pole. I got the rod but no reel; the rod may gather dust for a while. Thanks for the comment

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  5. Phillip
    I have never been able to pass up a good deal especially when it comes to fishing. Thanks for the comment

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  6. Cofisher
    Hopefully I haven't gone that far, but I am a sucker for a fishing deal. Thanks for the comment

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  7. i think any fisherman can reason y he needs most of the things he buys, doesn't mean he doesn't feel any guilt when buying it...

    Okumma, american made right?

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  8. Sometimes don't you just get the feeling that "good luck' was mean't to happen. Good for you being in the right place at the right time to pick up on a sweet deal. Merry Christmas, from Outback, Idaho!

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  9. Mel
    In today's economy bargains is what everyone is looking for. This is evident in everything we buy now. Thanks for the comment

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  10. Blake
    Case in point, my fly rod purchase, am I glad I got it yes, will I use it, sometimes, and do I feel guilty, no not at the moment. If it gathers dust, the guilt may kick in, even it was 35.00. Thanks for the comment

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  11. Sounds like a great purchase and great road trip! Nothing better than some early Christmas presents.

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  12. Sanders
    I found today my brother wants the fly rod, so I may be losing it. Thanks for the comment

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