Helton 8/29/2009

Another awsome day on the stream. Wild Bows and a nice Brown today. Started out at 62 degrees, breezy with scattered light rain. White Wooley Buggers and Pshyco Princes done well. The deep pools did not produce however the oxegen rich ripples done great.

Orvis 4wt Review (Final)

Well as a final review of the new Orvis "Factory second" 4wt 8.7 full flex rod, I must say it was flawless. I used both the Lamsom velocity 1.5 and the Orvis Battenkill II reels with it and they balanced perfect. It was a treat to cast it with the new Rio selective trout Wf line too. 8.7 felt good in the areas with restricted casting due to brush etc. In these tight conditions, its roll cast was suffciant. It really stood out when it loaded its line, very smooth and accurate. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the best) I would say a full 9 because I have not yet found a perfect 10 as of yet and for the price, its on the money.

I went as far as hitting the C&R waters on the res with it. I wasn't looking forward to landing a 25 inch rainbow on it but I wanted more room to check out a good basic and double haul cast with room to do it in. I was very pleased as it loaded great and allowed me to place the fly right where I wanted it. I did catch a few small ones and found the sensitivity of the rod reflecting Orvis quality.

My conclusion is the same as my initial review, these rods are worth a look. The previous post has some more pics of the trip, thought I would add a few more... Tight Lines.

Ps. Found this nice article on these rods.

Smokies 8/23/2009

Another GREAT day in the Smokies. Wild Bows, Brookies, Stockers, Elk and Wild Turkey all around me today. It was a beautiful day starting at 53 degrees. Left out this morning at 3am got back at 930pm, tired, but WOW what a day!

New Rod!

Ok I have heard alot about these factory second rods from Orvis. I have heard that they are made from last years stock and are of equal quality however, they do not come with the usual 25 year warranty and they must place "factory second" on the blank given such. I have also heard that they lack the quality of a series made rod and are not worth the money. Well, I found a deal and thought I would gamble and see for myself. I received the rod today and I was amazed!! The rod at first inspection was visually appealing as any, with a deep forest green finish, chrome guides a beautiful maple seat and not a sinlge scratch or blemish. I took my time and really looked it over, everything was a tight fit and light as a cloud.

I got out the BBSII feeling it would balance nice with it, it sure did, beautiful. After a few pictures, I cast the rod, what a dream it did not roll cast like the sage but it hung in there and with super smooth loading which made it feel effortless.

I guess someone who would cringe at having a rod with "factory second" on the blank would always feel like well... like a factory second, Given the fact this thing is in 100% excellent condition, casts like a dream and appears to have the Orvis quality, one would be foolish not to atleast take a look at these rods. Something to consider is, there is no warranty but let me ask you something, This rod was purchased for $50.00. I think this rod would sell for atleast $300.00 or better easily, I am sure that extra money could be spent on a nice reel or other forms of stream gear ya know, if yer ego can get over the factory second issue!

If you are interested in a rod like this, I have heard they sell alot of them at the Tent Sales that travel around. Check out Orvis.com for the sale nearest you or, Keep an eye on Ebay for them. Oh, I also got a nice aluminum tube with a gasket sealed end cap for an additional $20.00, the sock came with the rod, nothing fancy, just a sock with no Orvis labeling.

Smokies 8/2009

Took a trip into the Smokey Mountain (NC Side) and fished Bradley Fork. It was beyond description. Surrounded by Elk, Mink, Wild Turkeys, Wild Bows and Brookies. Started out at 63 degrees and only got to 73. The Sage and Lamson set up worked great! A nine foot rod worked fine in the lower section, above that the 8 1/2 was the ticket. The fish couldn't get enough of the flash back prince Streamers did not seem to produce however, I did manage to aggravate a few with the Green Weenie I am already thinking of when I am going to return to the area.

Smokies 8/2009

Ahhh finished off the trip with a trip to Grizzly's along Johnathans Creek for some good ole grub!

Smokies 8/2009

Some Rainbows surfacing and some Palomino's swimming deep.

Smokies 8/09

Ashe County II

I have always wanted one of those rod holders that Orvis sells but never have liked the magnet deal, plus the alomst $90.00 they want for it. Hit the local harware store, two bolts, four nuts some insulation strip and Velcro tie downs..Wha-Lah, no more using the bed to carry the rods and risk dings for less than $10.00. When not in use, I have two small rubber plugs for to replace the bolts. I call this proto-type RRE #1 (REDNECK ROD ENGINEERING). Took some casual shots along the way too.

Ashe County

Decided to tour the stream around the county today. Started out at 8AM and finished around 6PM. Tried some new water and explored a bit. Crossed into Virginia along the scenic Virginia Creeper trail. Of course the critters were out in force after the rain, they were enjoying the sun paying me no mind. Wooley Buggers seem to do the trick today along with some #14 Gray Hares. Finally started to rain at the end of the day. Awsome trip!