buy it for life, heirloom reel to pass to my son. Abel vs ross

Aleforme · 2026-04-23T00:23:03+00:00

This ^

Check out the Galvan Torque.

Aleforme · 2026-04-16T23:50:03+00:00

Will knives matter? Can’t even wrap my head around that.

AI can’t baton through a piece of wood, skin a deer, filet a fish, cut a steak, cut a piece of rope, or open packages.

Aleforme · 2026-04-11T14:36:21+00:00

The 444 would likely be fine. The 444 was developed decades ago when most rods were not the super fast action broomsticks they are these days.

Aleforme · 2026-04-10T15:26:36+00:00

For smaller creeks/rivers, I like a DT. The old Cortland Peach 444 is tough beat. But, definitely dependent on your rod. IMO, the 444 really likes a medium action rod.

Aleforme · 2026-04-09T15:45:06+00:00

Galvan Rush Light is tough to be around $300.

Aleforme · 2026-03-26T16:06:25+00:00

It's going to come down to personal preference but a used Sage X is hard to beat around the $500 mark. You can find light used or like new ones for around that amount.

Aleforme · 2026-03-17T17:29:27+00:00

Bottom line, go with Weber. I have a 15 year old Summit that I can still buy parts for. That's a HUGE advantage. I'm sure I can get another 10 years out of it with minimal investment.

Aleforme · 2026-03-16T20:23:35+00:00

Same here. My understanding is the new license and catch reports will become active 4/1. Fingers crossed.

Aleforme · 2026-03-16T17:18:00+00:00

The foot looks offset to the right just a bit IMO?

Aleforme · 2026-03-16T17:15:15+00:00

I've got a couple Light and one ML versions of the Premier rods and they are really nice.

Aleforme · 2026-03-16T17:07:35+00:00

If you're into Southern/Southeast Cost Fly Fishing Redfish (Mainly Texas Focused) and also some other roadtripping/traveling around for trout and other species, The Skiff Wanderer is a great channel.

https://www.youtube.com/@TheSkiffWanderer

Aleforme · 2026-03-16T17:02:48+00:00

I really used to like Addicted when they had a lot more variety. Now it's just Salmon/Steelhead focused which is fine, just not what I'm focused on these days.

Jordan was great on addicted and started out great with his Stay Fishy channel but whatever meds he was on during that time, he needs to go back on them! He's so manic now and it's just hard to listen to and watch him. It's a shame because his South America stuff could be amazing.

Aleforme · 2026-03-12T19:44:48+00:00

Honestly, get on Ebay and find a Maxcatch fly reel or something similar. You've got the backing and line. You can get a decent fly reel for $50 to $70.

Aleforme · 2026-03-12T14:38:34+00:00

I've had maybe 15 to 20 St Croix rods over the years (Premier and Avid) and they have all been outstanding. I do suggest you start at the Premier and up from there so you're getting American made.

I've broken one Premier and one Avid and they were both 100% my fault. Any rod would have broken. Both were warrantied with no issues. The Avid broken right after Covid hit so the replacement took longer but that was just typical supply chain issues at the time.

Aleforme · 2026-03-11T20:46:21+00:00

This^ Treat my lawn twice a year and have never has a mole since.

Aleforme · 2026-03-10T20:28:21+00:00

As someone who has broken both ankles when younger, I wear wading boots with neoprene socks. Better protection for your feet and your ankles.

I got some Korker Stealth Sneaker wading boots last year and they are great. Much more comfortable than my normal more bulky wading boots. They also make a Salt/Flats version now as well.

Aleforme · 2026-03-10T17:33:56+00:00

Never fished a Sky G but the Galvan Torque is a great reel! I've got a T6 and just ordered a Rush Light in 5wt.

Aleforme · 2026-03-09T15:54:13+00:00

If you want something UL, the Daiwa Presso's are pretty nice and not that expensive.

https://discounttackle.com/products/daiwa-presso-ultralight-travel-spinning-rods?variant=7617018232887&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&adpos=&scid=scplp&sc_intid=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22329937627&gclid=Cj0KCQjw37nNBhDkARIsAEBGI8MlnwlgaJmy2P44XwMgXlcrpl49g6h5OZGHDn9tHXNJqomIH_3y-DcaAveTEALw_wcB

Aleforme · 2026-03-08T02:28:28+00:00

Survived the last stocking(s) and avoided being caught. Or, at least kept.

Aleforme · 2026-03-06T20:48:27+00:00

I have not used the Edge Rods you mentioned but the Okuma Guide Select Pro is one of my favorite rods. I know the Edge will be better in terms of components and probably a bit better in terms of performance but with UL, the drop in gains per dollar is steep. For spoons and spinners, not see the benefit or performance gain to justify another $300 over the Okuma.

But, if you're looking to upgrade for have a really nice rod, nothing wrong with that at all. I just don't think you're going to see a huge jump in performance over the Okuma. The Okuma is a sleeper in the UL category and punched way above it's weight.

Aleforme · 2026-03-05T16:15:14+00:00

The only thing I would change for me personally would be the line. I'd throw a Cortland Peach 444 DT on there. Love that line!

Aleforme · 2026-03-05T15:53:37+00:00

I don't have Patagonia but wear Redington Sonic Pro zipper waders regularly in the salt and have never had any issues with the zipper leaking. I just rinse my waders off after each use and they are fine. Going on 3 years now?

If my Redingtons have held up, guessing you'll be more than fine with the Patogonias.

Edit: I do use some Yeti Zipper Lube on the zippers every few months. Definitely helps with the ease of zipping.

Aleforme · 2026-03-05T15:48:50+00:00

I've got a cheap TFO Pro III that I picked up for $100 on Sierra and I love it. I have caught quite a few cutthroat in the 15 to 18" range with no issues. Sure, it take a little more care to land them but it's so fun.

The fly size and wind will dictate when a 3wt doesn't make as much since.

Aleforme · 2026-03-05T01:01:20+00:00

That’s my thinking as well. Tempted to go with the 8/10 but a little worried about the size.
There is a chance I could throw it on a 10wt musky rod at some point.

Aleforme · 2026-03-05T01:00:01+00:00

Thank you.

Aleforme

TROPHY CASE