timinmo

For those putting it off, my suggestion is to do it. I never realized how much I wasn't doing because of a bad knee until I got it replaced. You are less active because everything you do hurts. For me this lead to weight gain and generally being out of shape. The new knee isn't perfect but it is way better than the one I had. Big plus is it doesn't hurt constantly. Went on a 10 day canoe trip to Quetico and the new knee was the least of my problems.

Missouri has 114, I think. Enjoy the journey

As a rod builder I think RPS's offer is great. If any of you have ever had interest is a custom rod I would jump on this. When I build a rod for someone I charge $100 for my labor and he is offering his labor for free. So if you have had those rods that would be perfect except..... the handle is too long/short, reel seat uncomfortable, didn't like the guides, etc. This is your chance to get what you want. I encourage you to take him up on his offer. It is a hobby for him much as it has been for me. I normally do not build for anyone but myself, family and close friends. With that said I doubt anyone will make you a offer like this again.

Cool stuff as always, Jim.

That is some cool stuff Jim.

So I would not judge anything by the country it comes from. Good stuff comes from all over. Most of the rods are made in China, with exceptions of a few brands. The US made rods would include Loomis, St Croix, Cashion and probably more that I can't think of right now. Many many reels come out of the Doyo and Banax(?) factories. Most Lews, Abu, Ardent, Penn and Pflueger all come out of the same factories. I just view it like a GM factory where several brands may run down the same line, the same would apply to Ford or Chrysler. I think both Banax and Doyo are Korean companies with factories in China as well.

Thanks for the link tjm. Found it very interesting.

Al, appreciate you taking the time to test your reels. Consider this a follow up to Mitch's above statement. Is KastKing made in US? As opposed to it being a US company with product made overseas. Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and best wishes for the coming new year.

For the past 6 years or so I have worked at a sporting goods store. I always felt it was part of my job to be able to give reliable advice on equipment, including reels. With that being said I have reels from Daiwa, Shimano, Lews and Abu. My opinion is they all work, pick something that feels good in your hand at a price level you are comfortable with. I probably use more Daiwa on a day to day basis and am a believer in the "SV" system. Most of the arguments people have are just a "Ford vs Chevy" deal. Best of luck.

Ham, I have enjoyed the journey. Wishing the best of luck in the new year, new quest. You have entertained many of us. Thanks.

This is just a political battle that has nothing to do with what is "right or wrong". Unfortunately the whole thing has degenerated into party lines and what is good for the long term is cast aside by petty bickering. Some people in that part of the state are still mad about the restrictions of the scenic rivers. In the long term, as I see it, a few people will gain and the people of Missouri will lose.

Wish you the best in your quest. Just because it is not "my" quest doesn't mean I can't enjoy your journey.

Having both bought and used Jim's jigs I can not imagine any better in their class. They are works of art that catch fish.

Beautiful fish. I want to hear the story.

The small streams are there and you can find them. The upper ends are where you want to look, as Al said. but it will take a little exploring. The Paddlers Guide published by MDC can help but it usually stops on any stream before the fishable water stops. My best suggestion would be pick a stream you are interested in and them follow it on a map to the upper reaches. There are some public access on the smaller water but it might take some searching. Good luck.

Man, Jim you are killing 'em. Just a figure of speech I know you are a catch and release guy.

I think the 1.5 Deep is supposed to run 10 feet. As we all know what they list and what it does is often different.

Lots of very good suggestions. I take it you are at the $200 level or there abouts and really most spinning reels at that level are really good. The BG which several people have suggested is very nice and much less costly. It will weight more than most as it has a all aluminum body but is a great value for the money and you are not giving up any preformance. The Ballistic and Tatula are wonderful and might go with an very light weight trout rod better. The Stradics are solid reels and the latest version,FL?, is really nice. The Ci4 version is great and a little lighter. I have no experience with the Patriach but the Plfueger reels are well thought of and enjoyed by many. I have a BG and a Ballistic. I also have several older Stradics and one Ci4. The older Stradics suffered from the binding problems when wet, not sure if the newer ones do. If you get a chance to visit a store that stocks all of them that would be perfect and putting them on a rod could help to make a decision, Good luck.

Alright you guys watch "WAY" more movies than me. "we don't need no stinking badges" Sorry if someone posted it before.

Mitch, our prays for your wife's family and anyone else in danger from this. I know our well wishes don't buy much but certainly we hope that this tragedy will be under control soon. Tim

I believe St. Croix has stopped selling their blanks. You might find some NOS at some supplier. Seems like maybe the higher end blanks were still going to be available but it might take some searching.

To add to my previous post. I think Tanderson15's point is completely valid and also your guide train will be compromised. Your reel will be 6 inches closer to your first guide and this may change how your guides function. Don't let my opinion keep you from doing this if you are set on it, but it may not turn out the way you want. It is really hard to find "good" short rods or short blanks to build on. I think you can buy the St. Croix blank, not sure about the Falcon. North Fork Composites has 5 and 1/2 foot blanks that could be cut down and they have a quality product but their customer service may leave something to be desired. Best of luck however you decide to go.

Given the choice, anyone building a rod would fit the handle from the tip. With that said it is perfectly acceptable to fit it from the butt and to build up the blank to fit with arbors. Removing the old handle and reel seat is a little bit of a job and once you do that and then fit the new handle and reel seat it may be more economical to purchase a new blank and have an reputable rod builder build you what you want. Hope this helps.

Mitch, you come by the house, I will supply the Bourbon. I will "let" you tie leaders on all my rods that have braid on them. I don't know what FG stands for but I know it is a hard knot to get right.

So I will admit to not having read all 8 pages, and I meant to bring this up when we talked the other day Mitch. So the story is the cat was following the blood trail, and maybe someone else mentioned it, but only an idiot would drag a deer backwards. In the first picture the deer is facing towards the cat so the person dragging the deer either turned the deer around or is said idiot. I would call BS on the incident but looks like a very large bobcat.