Building the Case for Your Favorite Fly Rod and Reel

I know all of us have favorites, weathers its auto’s or favorite fishing spots. I am no exception, especially when it comes to my fishing equipment. When I first started fly fishing many years ago, there was not much to choose from for the individual who could only afford low end rods and reels. Sure you could purchase the bamboos but only a few fishermen could go that route. Today there are quality rods and reels on the market that most fishermen can afford. That brings me to my post title; my favorite rod and reel. I have three set-ups I used all the time when I am fly fishing those being my 5wt. and my 3 wt., but the one I am really drawn to is the my Temple Fork 8 ½ ft. 4wt. This rod has the quality and affordability for someone like me who is on a fixed income. It is extremely light at 3.1 oz. and has the backbone to handle a large fish if the occasion arises. The fast taper and can shoot a 4 wt. line with little effort. Temple Fork has produced a great rod here in the Signature Series. To compliment this rod I choose a G-Loomis small arbor reel, with a free spool action. It balances out really well with TFO rod which makes casting a breeze. The main thing that impressed me about this reel was the free spool. I like the fact that I can touch spend the rim of the reel and take in large amounts of line in a matter of seconds. This is especially useful when you are trying to get a fish on the reel real quick and you need to get line away from your feet. I find myself using this set-up more and more. It is like an old pair of shoes that you get comfortable with; you just don’t want to change. What is your favorite fly rod and reel? What makes you want to stick with your go to favorite?

What is Your Take on All the Fly Fishing Shows Aired Each Week?

With fly fishing being one of my passions I like to learn as much as I can about this great sport. I like to read articles, read great blog post, and watch fly fishing shows. I feel I learn more most of the time from the articles and the post I read as oppose to the shows that are broadcast each week. Don’t get me wrong the fly fishing shows are great entertainment, but some lack the vital information that is going to make you become a better fly fisherman. What do I mean by that statement? Very few shows that I watch give their audience the following information; the hatch, type flies, water conditions, equipment ( rod wt. leader set-up, sinking/floating line, ) season, what type of presentation, in other words are you dead drifting, using an indicator, what type of water are you fishing, ect ---so I think you get the picture. One show I watch is good at giving you most of the above info. I mentioned, which is the New Fly Fisher, but the rest I watch needs a lot of improvement in the information department. What is your take on the Fly Fishing Shows you watch? There are lots of shows that are broadcast regionally and some are aired nationwide, so feel free to critique any that you think may not meet or meet your viewing pleasure.