Tax Return

It's that time of the year again and I decided to head to Volant to upgrade some of my arsenal.

I was looking for a new five weight and test cast three different rods -- a Winston Boron IIx, a Sage Z-Axis and a Sage SLT. The IIx and SLT were very comparable. I almost bought the Z-Axis based on how effortless it was to cast but decided on the SLT (590-4) afterall. I got a really good deal on it ($400).

Next was the reel and I ended up going with a Ross Evolution to balance the rod. I'm amazed at how light this reel is. I put some Rio Grand WF on it.

I also picked up a Simms Superlight Insulated jacket and a Ross Reels hat to stay fashionable.

Last but not least I finally bit the bullet and bought a tying kit from Orvis, something I need to start doing based on what I spend on flies.

Couple all that with the new license I picked up and I walked out about $1100 lighter in the wallet, money well spent (according to me, not my wife).

Ron:
 
Of all of the rods you tested, which was the slowest?   I've just like the feel of the slower rods.  Since I have never used a fast flyrod I'm not sure why you would need one.  Is it for longer or more accurate casts?  For regular Youghiogheny river fishing does it matter?  Did you get to see the new Sage Bass rods?
 
I'll bet you cabin fever like a dog now.
 
--
Rich

wow ron, life must be good.  i had visions of a new steelhead rod and a tc triumph muzzleloader.  my wife informed me that we have to redo the dining room and my daughter needs braces.  this will take my tax return and my chinese rebate check.  glad you had fun with your money.

He's not floating bait 100 yds down the river and claiming to be a flyfisherman.  There's a big difference...
 
MO

I hope to be joining the Ross guide endourcement in the next couple of weeks.

Now the worst part is getting a chance to debut it out on the water (I hate this weather)!

I've been tying some stuff here and there since yesterday. Couldn't figure out how to whip finish to save my life but finally figured it out. I took a picture a few from what I've tied so far (too ashamed to show anymore than these)...picture quality is pretty bad (cell phone), but anyway...



Went with white chenille on the body of the bugger, black bou' and a few krystal flash, looks like a skunk. The green caddis pupa is one I'm a bit leary on...see, I have no dubbing wax so I improvised and used some of my kids 'Glitter Glue'...it will probably fall apart once it hits water. The other two were used with EZ Dub. I'll be fishing a lot of caddis larva (olive, brown and tan) and I wonder if I should just get the EZ Dub in those colors instead of messing with the wax...

Would mustache wax work.

I,m not sniffing any toilet.

There's a good pheasant tail emerger pattern in Fly Rod & Reel. Since I don't have all the materials for the given recipe and can't get to the fly shop until this weekend, I tied up a couple in my own variation.

The first one I used brown cape for the tail and abdomen, coastal deer hair for the wing and EZ Dub on the head. The second one I used peacock herl for the tail and abdomen, coastal deer hair for the wing and a dubbing brush for the head. Pretty happy with the way they came out.

I have to work on getting a good camera because the cell phone pictures aren't cutting it.