Memorial Day 2016

I once heard someone say never to wish anyone a Happy Memorial Day.  There is nothing happy about it.
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I want to thank those who have served our country so we can continue to live free and safe.  A prayer and huge thank you to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Let us all never forgot.  Thank You!

Do you need a better rod for nymphing? Yes, you do!

It seems like a while since I last posted and looking back, it has!  I've been on the water quite a bit recently, guiding and actually fishing on my own some.  Over the last few weeks, I've wanted to share something with you about rods.  Nymphing rods in particular.  I am here to tell you that you need to save up, sell some old gear, mow some lawns or whatever you can do to save up some money to buy yourself a 10 foot rod for nymphing.  I have been guiding with a 3 and 4wt 10 wt. rod for a couple of years now and I can say that they really do make a difference.  I can put them in the hands of my clients and have them casting instantly and making good drifts with nymphs.  There are so many advantages when it comes to nymphing, but it all boils down to better casting and presentation which leads to more opportunities.  I recently took out a new to me rod, a 10' 5wt rod.  It was the perfect rod for the situation.  Small nymphs and lots of lead.  I was fishing somewhat fast water and in a depth of about 7/12' from lead to indicator.  I was able to make long casts and perfect presentations and once the fish hit, I was able to set immediately and control the fish better with a bit more leverage than a 9' rod.  Did I mention these fish were pissed off and crazy?  They were and did things that I didn't know fish could do!  One other thing I want to recommend once you get a 10' rod is a line to match.  I am a big fan of the Rio Indicator II lines. They make these rods perform the way they were designed to.  It doesn't do much good to put a Rio LT line on one of these rods.  It just doesn't make sense.  There are some disadvantages to these rods though.  If you run into a BWO hatch, I don't really want to be tossing #22 Duns with a 10' rod.  It could do it, but I prefer to be prepared with a shorter 9' or 8 1/2' 4 or 5wt. rod for these hatches.  So there you have it.  You need a 10' Rod for nymphing.  Just take my word for it.  If you don't believe me, let me take you out on a guide trip and you can use one and you will see.
My favorites:  Hardy Zephrus and Orvis Helios 2.  The Orvis Recon is also another good choice with a lower cost.