Joined
·
203 Posts
Well, I'll start by affirming other's comments about what an outstanding, well-run event this was with exceptionally friendly people and wonderful venue. A round of hearty Congrats and Thanks goes to Mark Bachmann and the Oxbow park rangers (who went above-and-beyond tracking down my misplaced video camera Saturday nite after the park had closed
)
I'd like to follow up on a few comments I (and others) have made.
Watersprite - the Rio Grandspey line did make an appearance, but there wasn't a "presentation" built around it (Simon used a WindCutter on his primary demo rod) like the SA line. But he did have a T&T 15' 10wt rigged with it that was available to cast if you asked him. I liked the line and am looking forward to my next chance to experiment with it (I was already pretty tired by the time I cast it on Saturday)
As for my earlier comments on "That Line" (SA Long Belly)?
Well, there ~was~ a lot of hype.
I've heard so much hype about the next great spey rods (I won't mention brands but found them somewhat disappointing) to reels and lines that I'd become a bit callous as to any hype-to-product relationship.
Then I watched Steve Choate (a wonderful fellow who deserves all his nicknames and who's acquaintance I was happy to make) cast this line into the next timezone during his demo. OK - but that's Steve. What about me??
Then he graciously allowed me to try the line on the Burkheimer rod he was casting after the presentation was over. Yeah, it cast amazing distances without shooting line. But maybe that was because the Burk is such an awesome rod??
Then I finally cast it on a Sage 9150 - a rod I am very familiar with. And Yes - same result.
So Congratulations
to the line's creators and testers. You've developed a truely impressive product. And I, for one, LIKE the Orange color!! Will look forward to adding one to my collection.
It was also a treat to have the opportunity to try out (on water and grass) so many fine rods and lines from the various manufacturers.
And the Presenters?? Well, lets just say I was Damn Glad to get my video camera back :smokin: as there was no way I could have remembered all the great tips and awesome demos I witnessed without a little assist from Technology! Simon, Dec, Andy and the others spent a LOT of time helping the participants refine their casting skills.
Was also great to meet Rob Allen, Crusty, and many others from the board.
I'm still a bit overwhelmed - there was so much to See and Do and it was all crammed into 1 short day! I don't think I've ever written this long a post!
Tight Lines Y'all,
DS
I'd like to follow up on a few comments I (and others) have made.
Watersprite - the Rio Grandspey line did make an appearance, but there wasn't a "presentation" built around it (Simon used a WindCutter on his primary demo rod) like the SA line. But he did have a T&T 15' 10wt rigged with it that was available to cast if you asked him. I liked the line and am looking forward to my next chance to experiment with it (I was already pretty tired by the time I cast it on Saturday)
As for my earlier comments on "That Line" (SA Long Belly)?
Well, there ~was~ a lot of hype.
I've heard so much hype about the next great spey rods (I won't mention brands but found them somewhat disappointing) to reels and lines that I'd become a bit callous as to any hype-to-product relationship.
Then I watched Steve Choate (a wonderful fellow who deserves all his nicknames and who's acquaintance I was happy to make) cast this line into the next timezone during his demo. OK - but that's Steve. What about me??
Then he graciously allowed me to try the line on the Burkheimer rod he was casting after the presentation was over. Yeah, it cast amazing distances without shooting line. But maybe that was because the Burk is such an awesome rod??
Then I finally cast it on a Sage 9150 - a rod I am very familiar with. And Yes - same result.
So Congratulations
It was also a treat to have the opportunity to try out (on water and grass) so many fine rods and lines from the various manufacturers.
And the Presenters?? Well, lets just say I was Damn Glad to get my video camera back :smokin: as there was no way I could have remembered all the great tips and awesome demos I witnessed without a little assist from Technology! Simon, Dec, Andy and the others spent a LOT of time helping the participants refine their casting skills.
Was also great to meet Rob Allen, Crusty, and many others from the board.
I'm still a bit overwhelmed - there was so much to See and Do and it was all crammed into 1 short day! I don't think I've ever written this long a post!
Tight Lines Y'all,
DS