Glass Is Not Dead

#glassisnotdead - The Fiberglass Manifesto

Picked up a new/used Cabelas CGR fiberglass rod (5'9" - 3 wt) at a recent gear swap at Bob Mitchell's Fly Shop.  It had a broken tip, but that was an easy fix.  My homie Drew was building himself a new rod, and he was putting together an order, so, I had him add a new tip top guide to shopping list.  The new tip top fit like a glove, and my new glass rod had a new life.

Perfect for the #icatchsmallfishtour

Since I already own a 3 wt rod set up I got years ago, I didn't need to purchase a new line or reel for the glass rod.  I'll just use the reel for both rods, and that is A-okay with me.  It actually fits the rod perfectly, and I was able to take it out right away to test it out on a local lake before all of the heavy weeds grew in.

So many bluegill were caught.

Bunch of crappie this size.

Rod bends in to the evening.

It was a fun time out there with this rod, and I'm looking forward to using it more and more this summer.  It's crazy how much bend there is!  It's the perfect rod for the #icatchsmallfishtour

Blue Skies

This past Saturday (05/02/2015) I fished in the GLKFS first event of the 2015 season.

Location - Lake Delevan in Wisconsin. I've never fished it. The water was crystal clear and you could see 20-25ft down.

Start time - 0630.

Target species - Northern Pike.

My results - I arrived and launched 35 minutes late. I missed 5 pike, and ended my day skunked of all species. All 5 follows came on a smaller black baitfish pattern of mine with my fly rod. The lures I was tossing with my baitcaster didn't even warrant a follow. The day was not a complete loss, I did win a Backwaters Fishing Assault Hand Paddle as a raffle door prize. It was a gorgeous day to fish, and my tan lines prove it.

Fist full of feathers, flash, and fur.

Sunday. I needed to stick around the house to help with some of the outside work, so, I lined up my new featherweight and Abel reel fiberglass set up and got to casting. 

My line from Shadow Fly Fishing came in, and after lining it up, it doesn't even load my rod well at all. I figured the 7 wt WF line would be great for my 5/6 rod, but I think there has to be some sort of error, and was sent a lesser weight line. My sinking 5 wt line loads this rod better. I've got to email someone about that.

Well, I managed to miss a bunch of crappie, but I did get to land one. Bo Marley came over to give him a once over, before I tossed the little fish back.

Bo Marley approves.

Fiberglass Fun

I am finally joining in on all of the fiberglass fun. With my recent win of an Abel Reel in an F3T photo contest, I needed a rod to go with the satin blue colored reel. I am one for things to look good, and a blue reel wasn't the easiest reel to pair with.

At first, I thought about all the beautifully colored fiberglass rods from Swift Fly Fishing, and Blue Halo...and then I started looking at the price. I just couldn't do it. Then it hit me, duh, how about those yellow Eagle Claw Featherweight fiberglass rods. It's a match!

Now I'm just waiting for the blue line I ordered from Shadow Fly Fishing, and then I can take it out on an outing. Looking forward to it!

F3T & Abel Reels

In December, F3T (Fly Fishing Film Tour) held a photo contest along with sponsors Abel Reels, and Ross Reels. The contest would have 2 winners. 1 for Abel Reels that represented their slogan "Crafted for Chaos." The other for Ross Reels slogan "Made on the water."

The picture that best showcased Ross Reels - Made on the water, was a photo by, Tim Morrison. His Instagram name is @steelhead_dreams. For being chosen he won a reel from Ross Reels. I'm not quite sure on the model, but congratulations to him. I think they chose a great photo.

The picture that best showcased Abel Reels - Crafted for Chaos, was yours truly! My musky release photo got me the win. I still cannot believe I was picked to win! I was sent a beautiful Abel reel, that I will show off below. Here is the picture that was chosen.

Here is the beautiful reel I was sent. It's an Abel Reels Classic click and pawl. It's rated a 3/4/5 wt, and it's in my favorite color blue! HOW FREAKING AWESOME!!!

A big THANK YOU goes out to the F3T, and Abel Reels! Thank you, mas much!

So, in November I won a Yeti Cooler, and now I win an Abel Reel....I seriously must have a horseshoe shoved way up my keester! That's the only logical thing I can think of. My GF said I should really start playing the lottery. I think she's right!

Any suggestions on what I rod I should look to pair this rod with? I was leaning heavily towards the 5/6 Featherweight Eagle Claw. I've been wanting a fiberglass rod, and not wanting to speed big bucks. Plus, I think the blue and yellow are a perfect match!