Jeanette and I spent the day poking around the Green Mountains of Vermont. Even if one does not fish a venture into this beautiful area will satisfy. We love to visit a co-op store in Brattleboro first and pick up some very unique trail and snack foods. Jeanette loves this granola mix that features a touch of brown sugar and blueberries. I like a trail mix consisting of almonds, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, raisins and cranberries with a touch of maple syrup. We have breakfast and off to hike a trail or two. The air was cool and the breeze felt fall like, but even though we still worked up a sweat.
One of the streams we spent some time on was running clear and cold. Those lovely creatures could be seen darting for cover.
A new blue line I added to my book. I have known about it for some time but never put the leg work into it. Well I did yesterday and it paid off. A report will be coming soon.
Work horses...these two flies have over the past month have taken more fish than any fly in my box.
You a lefty, Alan? I noticed your Battenkill (of which I have five) is rigged for right hand retrieve. Nice looking water in VT too.
ReplyDeleteWilliam Shuck
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Bill I'm a bit weird....I'm a righty but I have always mounted the reel on the opposite side. It just feels "right"
Hi Alan, I've never fished Vermont. Always headed for NH or ME or Canada. There's an upcoming enclave of bamboo flyrodders at the Battenkill campground in September which I may attend. Will fish the Battenkill, for sure. I'm right handed but would never consider LHW for a fly reel.
ReplyDeleteJohn Dornik
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John I fish VT a couple of times a year. The southern area is a short drive and the scenery is usually gorgeous.
The Battenkill is s river I've not fished as of yet..
See above.
Your new 'blue line' looks wonderful. What a landscape, Mother nature's garden. fantastic. Regards, John
ReplyDeleteThe Two Terriers
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John it's very difficult to compete with Mother nature.
We're a funny bunch; I'm right handed but I reel with my left. Brattleboro is a funky little town, we love it. Next time you folks are in the area drive up to Bellows Falls and try Allen Brothers Farm stand, they have the best cider donuts around.
ReplyDeletemike,
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Mike Brattleboro is like being dropped back to the 60's,
I'll have to check that stand out, who dosen't like apple cider donuts.
I'm hoping to explore a few new bluelines when the trout season reopens next weekend.
ReplyDeleteI'm right handed and all my fly reels are wound with my left hand.Except for the auto fly reels that I like to use a lot. They dont care what hand I use! Auto reels never took on here in OZ. Fly fishing conservatism maybe? I get some odd looks from other fly fishermen when I'm using my auto fly reels. I think I've got around 6 vintage autos. My favourite is a crimson Southbend Orenomatic 1140.
Cheers,
Steve.
Steve Hynes
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Steve my grandson gave me an old automatic fly reel. He got it from a great uncle that did not use it, but by it's appearance someone used it. It was made by Garcia-matic 1431, I'm guessing it's from the early 70's... odd looks, are OK. Just tell them it's the reel of the future.
I have one of those black GarciaMatics! It came loaded with a DT7F line and it matches an old fibreglass fly rod that I picked up at a garage sale. Garage sales can be great sources of fly gear. Apart from a few rods and reels that I've bought new, much of my fly gear is garage sale acquired.
DeleteReactions to auto reels have ranged from a haughty "That's not a "proper" fly reel" to "Where can I get one of those!" "Reel of the Future", I like that!
Kindest Regards,
Steve.
Steve fly fishers have a strong feeling about their tackle, I really don't care much as long as it works and it's simple and inexpensive. Mark my words those automatics will come back into vogue...hang on to them.
DeleteHow about an Eagle Claw fiberglass rod. How many of those our out there.
DeleteAlan, that looks like a day well spent. Like the C&S rig. :)
ReplyDeleteRalph Long
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Beautiful time afield...that combo is a small stream anglers dream.
I had a GarciaMatic reel that I used for over 20 years, but when I switched from glass to graphite, it was far too heavy for my Loomis 5wt GLX.
ReplyDeleteWilliam Shuck
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There you go. I know there are more of you out there.
The reel is heavy and a bit clunky.
Alan
ReplyDeleteAlways a fan of good trail; The Battenkill I is one fine fly fishing reel, I really enjoy using mime on the Sipsey. I will be giving the flies a try this week, your Caddis will get a test also. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill you would love this place, trails galore. I totally agree with you on the Battenkill reel. Precision at a very reasonable price. I'll be waiting for your report.
That's a good looking little pool in one of the pictures. I envy you all that get the time to explore and visit favorite haunts. It's more incentive for me to invest heavily in retirement. I have a collection of old Ross Cimmaron 1's & 2's that I love. They too are R.hand retrieve. Cast with the right, fight with the left.
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