Fly Fishing Skunk

Yup. Got skunked again. But not really. I brought out the Seele Salz and fished the drop off and the flats. On the drop, I did manage to get a strike using a small green crab. It hit and splashed on the surface, then immediately drug the fly into the rocks, where it stayed for a few minutes. Until the fish spit the hook. Most likely a Stocky Hawkfish or a Triggerfish - but didn't make it to hand so not a catch. Then while fishing the flats, I did see one blacktip, one huge ulua, a school of surgeonfish and several bonefish. I got four to at least notice my fly (without getting spooked), but I was not able to connect. And thus the skunking. The 8'0" length and the softer action on the Seele were not assets today. There was a good breeze and the fish were hanging out around the 50' mark. I was contemplating bringing the old Helios, but I wanted to give this rod a good shake down to get to know it better. Definitely a SUP fly fishing rod, or one to bring out on the calm days. And lastly - I didn't take any pictures, but I did go flyfishing last weekend - used the Epic 888 with a full sink line. I was at the Kaneohe Fishing Pier (while the kids were at the regatta), and I had a bunch of follows from papio and some needlefish - but not connections. Skunks suck!!!

New (to me) Flyrod!!!

I recently traded a C Barclay 7105 (3 piece fiberglass 5 weight fly rod) to Chris Barclay for a Seele 8wt Salz (2 piece fiberglass fly rod) and the USPS delivered it today. I lined it up with a Scientific Anglers 8 wt line and gave it a whirl. It was pretty wet outside and another band of clouds was moving in, so I didn't get to break out the other rods I normally use for comparison - but from what I can recall, this rod seems to have just a hair less backbone than the Epic 888, but it may be just a little "crisper" than the Epic. I really did like the Barclay 7105, but living on Oahu has ruined my mid-weight fly game (and I don't use my ultralight stuff either - but I'll never let go of my ultralight rods - just way too much fun), so better to let the rod get sold to someone who'll use it and get me another tool for the salt. Thanks for the trade Chris!!!

Seele Rods

Mike McFarland was at the show displaying his new line of rods. OH MY.... That 7'9" 4 wt was something special... These will be out in the March time frame. The fiberglass reel seat spacer will be an option - I'd get it if I were you... Keep your eyes open and your ear to the ground for these in the very near future. This is a new company that Mike and a partner are standing up. If you are in the market for a new fiberglass fly rod, these are worth waiting for.