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Have you ever had an old rod that never seemed to really inspire you, but by putting a different line on it the whole world changes?
I have a 9/10 LeCie, 13'7" of broomsticky scandi goodness. But it has been such a picky rod over the years we have come to refer to it as "Mademoiselle" because she turns up her nose at pretty much every line we try on her. Think leather bustier w/ studs. She is demanding.
And even if you get her lined right, the slightest fault in your technique sends her into a huff and she spanks you. Right there on the river, in front of your buddies. And no, I don't like the humiliation.:saeek:
Long story short, this has gone on for quite some time. There's been much fiddling about with Powertapers, Voggs, AFS, Compact Scandis, SA skagits (the longer ones), even some forays into longer bellies that exceed scandi or scandit length heads, but really a pain.
Then, a couple weeks ago, I put an FF45 in 7/8 on her. The dominatrix turned into a glowing freckle-faced farmgirl, and I'm in love. The weight of the line exceeds scandi grain recommendations for the rod, but the length falls into the short spey category and the line speed achieved is astounding. The only thing she asks of me is to "please, give me 18-20 feet of leader, I can't hold an anchor with less". In return, she bombs! BOMBS! and is very forgiving about it too.
So, that's my story. Apologies in advance for the sexist analogy
I have a 9/10 LeCie, 13'7" of broomsticky scandi goodness. But it has been such a picky rod over the years we have come to refer to it as "Mademoiselle" because she turns up her nose at pretty much every line we try on her. Think leather bustier w/ studs. She is demanding.
And even if you get her lined right, the slightest fault in your technique sends her into a huff and she spanks you. Right there on the river, in front of your buddies. And no, I don't like the humiliation.:saeek:
Long story short, this has gone on for quite some time. There's been much fiddling about with Powertapers, Voggs, AFS, Compact Scandis, SA skagits (the longer ones), even some forays into longer bellies that exceed scandi or scandit length heads, but really a pain.
Then, a couple weeks ago, I put an FF45 in 7/8 on her. The dominatrix turned into a glowing freckle-faced farmgirl, and I'm in love. The weight of the line exceeds scandi grain recommendations for the rod, but the length falls into the short spey category and the line speed achieved is astounding. The only thing she asks of me is to "please, give me 18-20 feet of leader, I can't hold an anchor with less". In return, she bombs! BOMBS! and is very forgiving about it too.
So, that's my story. Apologies in advance for the sexist analogy
