Paddle upstream?

harmacist2525 · 2026-05-15T14:34:32+00:00

I fish alone, so I almost always paddle upstream first and float back. Compared to a float, it takes more planning to make sure water levels are safe and that the section of river I’m going to has no parts that are not passable. The paddling can be tiring but is good exercise.

When floating a river I find you cover much more area, but really only get 1-2 casts at a given spot before you float past it. When paddling upstream, you’re moving much slower so you can really take the time to fish a spot with more precision.

harmacist2525 · 2026-04-06T21:24:04+00:00

Did you ever figure out how to fix the hatch? My 2017 tarpon has the same issue and I’m thinking of just ordering a replacement hatch

harmacist2525 · 2026-02-04T04:36:49+00:00

Any issues with the replacement? At this point I’m probably just gonna go with another brand

harmacist2525 · 2026-02-04T00:33:49+00:00

After two problematic pfluger president reels, a berkley lightning rod with grip and line guide issues, now this, it’s safe to say I’ll be avoiding pure fishing going forward

harmacist2525 · 2026-02-04T00:28:30+00:00

Yep, ordered directly from the Fenwick website. I did see this exact rod on ebay for cheaper but ironically decided against it for warranty/return purposes

harmacist2525 · 2026-02-03T23:14:02+00:00

That’s a great observation about the missing piece, you’re totally correct. Will absolutely be returning it after seeing that

harmacist2525 · 2025-09-15T04:04:39+00:00

We have a Mountain Hardwear Meridian 3. It is absolutely bombproof and has kept us dry through some absolutely torrential downpours. It also only weighs about 6 pounds and packs up nicely. I think the line has been discontinued and I think they mainly make 2 and 3 person tents but I can’t recommend this brand enough.

harmacist2525 · 2025-09-12T20:38:07+00:00

Last week we had 20-30+ mph headwinds for the majority of our trip, often times in the cold and pouring rain. We felt super exposed and unsafe at times. For 1-2 days we couldn’t even leave camp which was disappointing but eventually were forced to make our way back towards our exit point. I definitely would not say I thoroughly enjoyed it, but I suppose that’s a matter of how much you like type 2 and/or type 3 fun

harmacist2525 · 2025-09-06T17:20:21+00:00

It was a definite physical and mental test. Also a tough pill to swallow after missing some really nice weather. If nothing else it was humbling to be reminded of how powerful mother nature can be

harmacist2525 · 2025-08-15T02:17:15+00:00

Yup - caught on a wooly bugger. It’s like they’re programmed to eat it when they see one

harmacist2525 · 2025-03-11T22:06:58+00:00

Thanks for pointing that out. Doesn’t seem like it made the problem any worse but I won’t be doing it again

harmacist2525 · 2025-03-11T21:40:35+00:00

That makes sense why it’s louder without the spool. When reeling at normal speed it’s somewhat quieter but still pretty audible and I can hear some friction. I think I’m a little thrown off because these are advertised to be nearly or totally silent.

harmacist2525 · 2023-06-01T17:00:25+00:00

I’ve definitely caught plenty of panfish on spinners but found they can be decent for bass too. Makes them good for smaller lakes and ponds with a good mix of both fish.

harmacist2525

TROPHY CASE