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!!!

Swift Epic 580 (TFM Loaner)

I brought "The Fiberglass Manifesto" Epic 580 loaner program rod out to Lake Newport today for some practice casting on the water Dang people - this rod casts good!!! If you are at all interested in casting fiberglass fly rods, but are not looking to take a leap of faith and just pick one (which is actually hard - most shops don't carry fiberglass) - you should check out the TFM Loaner program. This is the third rod I have borrowed (Orvis Superfine Glass 7'0" 3wt, the majestic Kabuto 7033, and this Epic 580) and the exposure to different rods and the work of different builders is awesome. This is a nice rod. Crisp, responsive, and mellow. I could easily control around 30-40' of line. The aesthetics are awesome (Tight Loops build by George M). But, the 580 is not as nice as the Epic 686. I'll bring both out in the next couple of days and make a few casts.

Fly Fishing 101

I took the kids to the Orvis Shop in Leesburg on Friday afternoon. I found out that they were having a Fly Fishing 101 course on Sunday and it had two openings. I tried to call La to see if she was interested - but couldn't reach her, so I took the initiative and signed her and Marlon up. It was super cold and windy (this winter will not let go!!!) but the both of them stuck it out and were making nice loopy casts by the end of the lesson. They were in the second group (their first half of the morning was inside learning the parts and pieces, some knots and basics of flies; second half was outside casting) and when they started casting, the rain had stopped. By the time they finished, the sleet was dropping like bad debt and housing prices. At the end, Marlon was stoked and was able to rattle off the concepts and principles of flyfishing. I'm not quite sure where La stands - maybe will give it a swing every now and then when the kids and I drag her out with us... but I know Marlon can't wait to try out his new skills!!!