Fishing Megathread: Looking For Big Girls Who swallow

[Jerry Callo 8704]

I'm thinking I may buy an affordable on sale baitcasting reel and a two-piece rod to keep in the car/truck. I never used 2-piece casting rods but it's just more practical, and I don't want to risk my more vintage stuff getting busted or stolen. Any recommendations on a decent two-piece casting rod for portable pond jumping and spontaneous fishing when I'm out and about?

Take a look at Temple Fork Outfitters. I primarily fly fish and they make reasonably-priced, good rods. They also make conventional rods. I have two, three-piece spinning rods that have served me well from the Texas coast to Canada. I suspect they have decent travel baitcast rods as well.

They're headquartered in the metroplex, have great warranty, and great customer service.

[USCATX 1078]

Slow afternoon of trolling, but caught a few tom cod for crab bait and one little 18”, 2 lb king salmon. It’s a terminal fishing so no 28” minimum, and it’s going to be damn good grilled tonight. Doing one side with salt and black pepper, one side with dill and white pepper. 

[DefinitelyNotHollywoodColt 12301]

My buddy bought a fly out fly fishing lodge in AK. Hopefully I'm in the will.

[Pescado_Rojo 19416]

14 hours ago, Jerry Callo said:

Take a look at Temple Fork Outfitters. I primarily fly fish and they make reasonably-priced, good rods. They also make conventional rods. I have two, three-piece spinning rods that have served me well from the Texas coast to Canada. I suspect they have decent travel baitcast rods as well.

They're headquartered in the metroplex, have great warranty, and great customer service.

Can't say enough about TFO customer service. I've showed up at their office in Dallas with a broken 10wt and walked out of there 10 minutes and $20 dollars later with a new rod. I've also ordered a replacement tip section for a different rod from them and had it on my front porch in 2 days. When I broke my $1,000 Scott Meridian it took me 6 weeks and $150 to get it back. 

[Damor 1236]

^^^

I just broke a section on my Scott G 5wt, and we're leaving for Colorado in 4 weeks. /facepalm

I'm thinking about a TFO for the meantime and to mix in for the rest of the family when I get it back.  Any recommendations on something similar to that in the TFO family?  Pro, Signature?

It may come down to what I can find in stock at this point.  Everything sucks.

[Pescado_Rojo 19416]

40 minutes ago, Damor said:

^^^

I just broke a section on my Scott G 5wt, and we're leaving for Colorado in 4 weeks. /facepalm

I'm thinking about a TFO for the meantime and to mix in for the rest of the family when I get it back.  Any recommendations on something similar to that in the TFO family?  Pro, Signature?

It may come down to what I can find in stock at this point.  Everything sucks.

See if you can find an LK Legacy in 5wt. That's what I use for trout. It's one of their premium models. I think it was around $300

[Jerry Callo 8704]

Check their line-up.  Looks like your Scott G was medium action.

No specific recommendations from me, as they don't seem to carry the models I own.  I will say that all of my TFO rods, from finesse to fast action, 2wt to 8wt, have been great.

[BearSchlong 8098]

Is the TFO office in Dallas a service center, or do they have a showroom?

[Pescado_Rojo 19416]

8 hours ago, BearSchlong said:

Is the TFO office in Dallas a service center, or do they have a showroom?

No show room...at least they didn't pre-covid. It's a pretty nondescript office park space with a warehouse in back. I walked right in to a cube farm, and the lady closest to the door looked up and asked if she could help me. 

[USCATX 1078]

Caught a couple of King Salmon, a couple Ling Cod, a way early season silver salmon and a halibut off the west coast of Yakobi Island about 90 miles away from our place in Juneau.  Then we got chased off by an 8-10’ swell that was pure terror in my 26’ boat.  Spent the night in Lisianski Strait, fueled in Pelican and heading home now. 

[DougO 5250]

On 6/8/2022 at 11:17 AM, DeathTongue said:

After a quick look at Dick’s/Academy/Bass Pro, other than a bunch of combos at BassPro (which are essentially a Bass Pro brand 2-piece rod with a decent Abu/Diawa/Lew’s/Shimano reel) this was the only combo that I saw with a 2-piece rod:

 

https://www.academy.com/p/kastking-7-ft-mh-freshwater-casting-rod-and-reel-combo?sku=7-right-medium-heavy-fast-6-5-1

 

…and it’s currently on sale.  I haven’t ever fished a Kast King, but my brother’s FIL has one and he seems to like his.

 

If you want to put together a combo on your own, an Ugly Stick is really the only 2-piece rod that I saw other than the Bass Pro rod mentioned above.

 

As for a reels to pair with it, Abu used to make a decent low-end reel (Black Max) but doesn’t look like they make it any longer.  It looks like the replacement is the Abu Max X.  It appears to have decent reviews.  Lew’s makes a few sub-$100 reels (Speed Spool series) that I have heard good things about.

 

Thanks, I've been looking at the Max series, and probably will decide between the X and Pro. You can still get the older Black Max at Wal Mart for a few bucks cheaper than Academy has the X on sale. I'll probably get a lightnin' rod or Lew's Hank Parker to pair when I know I'm going fishing and can stash it over the seat.

I might take look at those two-piece rods you mentioned for a perma-stash car rod, but I haven't seen much around, though local options aren't great.

[DougO 5250]

I picked up a Lew's "Hank Parker" 6-10" baitcasting rod today at the local Walmart for $24! It was on a sale rack at the end of the aisle, both baitcast and spinning versions, the older model that is being cleared out. That's a little less than half the price of the newer model that's on the regular sales rack. Nice feeling rod, the only difference is the color and the EVA foam type grip, which I prefer, to the cork handles on the newer models. So if you need a cheap rod for an extra/back up or occasional rod, check your local store. That's the price range I was buying decent rods for back when I was fishing a lot back in the olden days. 

 

Edited June 11, 2022 by DougO

[USCATX 1078]

Another King today, but it’s pretty slow still.  

[justhookit 4191]

Mississippi Gulf Coast tournament was this weekend. Same boat won again for the third time in a row. They are doing something right. 763 pound blue and won over 600,000 dollars. Port A boat was 3rd in catch and release but won all the money because the boats that beat them weren’t in the big money pots. They won about 160,000.

 

[davidg 4038]

That boat needs more tuna tubes.

[fattyflattie 4639]

Sometimes a good day at office is actually better than a bad day fishing? Fishing center.




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[Sam Lin 3559]

If you don't follow thequalfiedcaptain on IG, you really should. Endless boating entertainment:

https://www.instagram.com/thequalifiedcaptain/

[fattyflattie 4639]

1 hour ago, Sam Lin said:

If you don't follow thequalfiedcaptain on IG, you really should. Endless boating entertainment:

https://www.instagram.com/thequalifiedcaptain/

I do but it’s never at my ramp. 

[Sam Lin 3559]

That's probably because your ramp isn't in Florida.

[Masshole Horn 774]

Took a trip to visit the gf back east. I’ve been lamenting my loss of the Merrimack River and hunting smallies. We rented a canoe and floated a 6 mile stretch. A year ago she had never cast a line before; 10 minutes in she landed an 18” smallie. We ended up landing 32 total with 3 in that 18” class.




The one I’ve been chasing for the last 3 years took my fly, but threw it on a jump. I was at a bad angle and got a bad hook set. It looked to be 22-23” and had that kind of jump where it can’t really get all the way out of the water.

The weather couldn’t have been better. We saw the usual bald eagles and various river mammals. Also had a little shorebird defending its egg by acting injured and trying to lure us away.

Going back to Western MA in August for a 3 day fly fishing Bass Camp.

[USCATX 1078]

On 6/13/2022 at 11:19 PM, fattyflattie said:

I do but it’s never at my ramp. 

There was a time last year when he had a story up from Lake Travis (surf boat on the rocks) and Auke Bay, AK (#damnrollers incident) which hit incredibly close to home for me. Every time I launch at a public ramp I’m double checking everything twice to make sure I don’t end up on the QC, so I guess that’s a service in a way. 

[davidg 4038]

I’ve stated before, I do most of the trailer backing and my wife or kids pull it off or on the trailer. I’m terrified of a parking brake not working, etc and dumping the whole thing in the lake. I go so far as to chock the driver front tire with a 4x6 when I leave the truck seat. It’s got a rope on it and I can retrieve as I pull up the ramp.

#teamnoboatrampfolies

[davidg 4038]

I’ve stated before, I do most of the trailer backing and my wife or kids pull it off or on the trailer. I’m terrified of a parking brake not working, etc and dumping the whole thing in the lake. I go so far as to chock the driver front tire with a 4x6 when I leave the truck seat. It’s got a rope on it and I can retrieve as I pull up the ramp.

#teamnoboatrampfolies

[BearSchlong 8098]

Psa: Picked up a few Concept C reels at Academy today, expected to pay $230 ea but they rang up at $184, apparently 20% off for fathers day. I think the discount applies to all reels.

[Kennythetiger 9388]

To all fathers, too??

[DougO 5250]

9 hours ago, BearSchlong said:

Psa: Picked up a few Concept C reels at Academy today, expected to pay $230 ea but they rang up at $184, apparently 20% off for fathers day. I think the discount applies to all reels.

Academy is weird about not advertising sales inside the store, or sometimes even in the weekly flier. You gotta check online and dig through their clumsy menu to see current sale prices of what you are looking for. I'll probably pick up another reel this weekend that's on sale cheaper than it was on sale the week before, but you would never know it from walking into the store and looking at the item, marked at regular price and no tags saying otherwise.

[DougO 5250]

I'm back in the game, monkeyfighters! My first bass since I don't even know how long.

I need a boat and a fishing partner.

Edited June 20, 2022 by DougO

[Masshole Horn 774]

I'm back in the game, monkeyfighters! My first bass since I don't even know how long.
I need a boat and a fishing partner.

Nice Smallie! Where’d you catch it?

[Kennythetiger 9388]

In the mouth, it looks like. 

[DougO 5250]

3 hours ago, Masshole Horn said:

Nice Smallie! Where’d you catch it?

Belton Lake, coves around Rogers Park.

[Masshole Horn 774]

16 hours ago, DougO said:

Belton Lake, coves around Rogers Park.

Was guessing Belton or Stillhouse.

[Mac8111 2107]

So I have a customer who wants to go “spear fishing for Grouper “. Anyone have any experience with this on the TX coast ?


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[justhookit 4191]

31 minutes ago, Mac8111 said:

So I have a customer who wants to go “spear fishing for Grouper “. Anyone have any experience with this on the TX coast ?


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I would pay good money to watch him try to keep a decent sized one out of an oil rig. It’s hard enough using a boat to winch one out on 80 pound tackle. I don’t know anyone out of Port A that spear fish charters. You might try Freeport or South Padre and I doubt grouper is a target species.

[justhookit 4191]

51 minutes ago, Mac8111 said:

So I have a customer who wants to go “spear fishing for Grouper “. Anyone have any experience with this on the TX coast ?


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I did find this from on old link on 2coolfishing. This looks to be the best bet by far if they are still in business.

http://www.texasbluewatersafaris.com/

[Mac8111 2107]

48 minutes ago, justhookit said:

I would pay good money to watch him try to keep a decent sized one out of an oil rig. It’s hard enough using a boat to winch one out on 80 pound tackle. I don’t know anyone out of Port A that spear fish charters. You might try Freeport or South Padre and I doubt grouper is a target species.

I invited him to go fishing with the plan of getting a nice house in Port A and do some bay fishing for a couple of days and then he came back to me a week later with Spearfishing.  I saw the website you posted below and found another one in South Padre that I will contact as well.  I will keep you guys updated on the progress of this adventure.  

[midtown 3346]

Did pretty well here in San Pedro. Bz

[texastough 1129]

Mmmm, ciguatera

[DefinitelyNotHollywoodColt 12301]

taking pictures of the bait before fishing, huh?

[midtown 3346]

Mmmm, ciguatera

Lol. No you can eat then. Very good

[Zwylde 812]

3 sharks on 4 cuts of skipjack in about 45 minutes.  I forgot to load my damn drink cooler so I didn’t stay long.  Another beauty day at the jetties and beyond though.  
 

 

[Lat22 4014]

2 hours ago, Zwylde said:

3 sharks on 4 cuts of skipjack in about 45 minutes.  I forgot to load my damn drink cooler so I didn’t stay long.  Another beauty day at the jetties and beyond though.  
 

 

Good stuff.  Love the jetties.  I'll be down tomorrow.

[4th and 5 4914]

[BearSchlong 8098]

So since my father died I’ve fished alone a few times in quiet homage and meditation about our shared respite.

I’m now taking civilians like both my FIL’s fishing. I can’t believe it but I’m going to go buy a few Zebco 808s later. Or I’m going to have to teach them how to use other equipment.

Also, and I haven’t taken stock yet, but I’m going to have to go through the fly rod and reel inventory at Dads house. I estimate a dozen or so Sage rods in every imaginable weight. He was always flying somewhere remote to throw flies at Tarpon.

I may be shifting to flies, and I may be begging Pescado’s son for a guys weekend soon so he can school me.

[DefinitelyNotHollywoodColt 12301]

would love to hear what sage sticks you discover @BearSchlong...there's some vintage sage stuff that the gearheads drool over.

speaking of tarpon on fly...had a 70 pounder eat my fly in about 3 feet of water 20 feet off the boat last week. trout set that bitch like a boss. my brain can't handle a fish that big eating a fly in such shallow water. it all happens in slow motion and my brain explodes.

[Damor 1236]

Just finished reading Lords of the Fly, pretty sure it was recommended by some asshole on this thread:



Awesome read.  I'm still resisting getting into saltwater fly fishing because I love my wife, family, and financial solvency too much at this point.

That said, Backcountry tempted me with 20% off on a LK Legacy 5wt, so I figured I'll use that as a slightly faster substitute until my Scott G gets repaired.  I can justify that as my windy conditions rod, of course.

@BearSchlong... Pics.  Rules, man.

[justhookit 4191]

19 hours ago, midtown said:

21 hours ago, texastough said:

Mmmm, ciguatera

Lol. No you can eat then. Very good

Yup. They are slimy as hell and stink, but damn if you prepare them right they are really good. One of the best restaurants here, Venetian, had it as a special years ago. The waitress was a friend of mine and told me she’d buy my meal if I didn’t like it. Was really good.

[Pescado_Rojo 19416]

19 hours ago, DefinitelyNotHollywoodColt said:

taking pictures of the bait before fishing, huh?

Were you not there for the barracuda ceviche last week? It was excellent. 

[DefinitelyNotHollywoodColt 12301]

6 minutes ago, Pescado_Rojo said:

Were you not there for the barracuda ceviche last week? It was excellent. 

i don't think so but yeah, cuda is delicious...ceviche, grilled steaks, they're excellent eats.

was just commenting on the size...

[ohchaucer 1443]

Just finished reading Lords of the Fly, pretty sure it was recommended by some asshole on this thread:



Awesome read.  I'm still resisting getting into saltwater fly fishing because I love my wife, family, and financial solvency too much at this point.

That said, Backcountry tempted me with 20% off on a LK Legacy 5wt, so I figured I'll use that as a slightly faster substitute until my Scott G gets repaired.  I can justify that as my windy conditions rod, of course.

[mention=398]BearSchlong[/mention]... Pics.  Rules, man.

Wait, what are you using that 5wt for? You started off talking tarpon. And then you’re waiting on a Scott repair. I need to know what you’re fishing where!

[midtown 3346]

18 hours ago, DefinitelyNotHollywoodColt said:

i don't think so but yeah, cuda is delicious...ceviche, grilled steaks, they're excellent eats.

was just commenting on the size...

No doubt on the small size.  The tide was out so lots of smaller fish that day.   I've caught lots of 3 footers out here.  Smaller are better to eat but the biguns are crazy fun to catch.

Edited June 25, 2022 by midtown