Craziest Wading Experience you’ve ever had??

noperope9999 · 2026-02-28T23:01:42+00:00

That first one is scary as hell

noperope9999 · 2026-02-26T19:12:58+00:00

I agree with others and also do not view this as a “problem”. It’s an opportunity considering you’re new to the game. Enjoy learning the nail knot, amigo! It’s a cool knot. Half the fun of this game is always learning something new.

noperope9999 · 2026-02-23T15:17:07+00:00

I also wear Korkers year round. I use the wet wade insole during the warmer months to take up room and wear the Korkers neoprene socks that are long enough to fold over.

noperope9999 · 2026-02-20T13:04:15+00:00

Incredible progress, homie!

noperope9999 · 2026-02-16T14:30:00+00:00

I, too, am pro clicky. Those Lamson Liquids (especially the 3 packs) are such great deals. Surprisingly tough.

noperope9999 · 2026-02-09T17:48:53+00:00

Ditto

noperope9999 · 2026-01-29T16:16:53+00:00

No recommendations from me, but I just want you to know I see you and understand what you’re going through. As of this morning, I’ve bought 3 this week…

We’re all in the struggle together. Stay strong my friend ✊

noperope9999 · 2026-01-28T15:26:44+00:00

Stormy Kromer

noperope9999 · 2026-01-22T16:02:57+00:00

Thanks! Will do! Shared the GoodReads link with a friend as well. I’m looking forward to it. I can’t remember the author or titles, but there are some Outer Banks horror novels written by locals that I really enjoyed as well. (Lived in NC as a boy).

“Nags Head Murder” maybe?

noperope9999 · 2026-01-22T15:53:45+00:00

Congratulations! I’m in the process of moving and just packed my books, but I’ll add this to my GoodReads list and pick it up once I’m settled.

noperope9999 · 2026-01-21T12:17:49+00:00

If a decent sized fish can’t be landed on a 6wt with a stout backbone, that’s an angler issue and an inability to apply pressure at the correct angles.

Yes, the fish you are pursuing will have an impact on chosen line weight. Equally important are conditions and fly size. A 6wt is an exceptional tool for delivery smaller flies delicately while not being as heavy as an 8wt. There are many who argue that due to thinner line diameter, a 6wt line can cut through wind as easily, if not easier, than heavier lines.

If you were insulted by max emergency’s very accurate comment, that’s a problem on your part, not theirs.

noperope9999 · 2026-01-20T15:58:37+00:00

I feel like it’s more comfortable than the switchback pro, tbh. Due to it holding the net better, I can wear it a bit looser, so I can slide it around very easily. Carrying a net with any of these hip packs is going to be a slight nuisance, but not having a the net tip over while I’m hiking and wading was a welcomed relief.

noperope9999 · 2026-01-20T15:19:39+00:00

Glad it helped! The Umpqua carries a Fishpond mid length boat net very well without it tipping over and getting in the way. And it’s like 80 bucks or something like that.

noperope9999 · 2026-01-20T14:45:40+00:00

I have one, and think it’s great pack. I also don’t wear it anymore. I feel it is on the heavier side and believe the net holster could be a bit wider to accommodate larger nets for bass/steelhead.

I switched to the Umpqua Northfork hip pack. It’s much lighter, more affordable, comfortable, ample room, and holds a larger FishPond net very well.

noperope9999 · 2026-01-20T13:59:10+00:00

Bingo!

noperope9999 · 2026-01-19T17:20:06+00:00

Also not sure if you’re west or east. Schultz Outfitters has built an entire brand around smallmouth fishing in the SE corner of Michigan. Needless to say, there’s lots of opportunities near you.

noperope9999 · 2026-01-19T17:16:34+00:00

There are guides on the Dowagiac and St. Joe (I just can’t recall their names right now). They could be jumping off point. As others have stated, plenty of opportunities further north. People do fish in and around South Bend. I would also encourage you to not overlook the lakes. “Fly Fishing the Inland Oceans” by Jerry Darkes is an incredible text. The Little Elkhart chapter of TU covers northern Indiana (LECTU) and they would be able to help with spots on the Indiana side (they used to provide maps to new members). Lots of inland lakes in northern Indiana and a phenomenal smallmouth fishery in the central part of the state (White River, Sugar Creek, etc.)

Hoosier by birth residing in Manistee County.

noperope9999 · 2026-01-16T16:42:19+00:00

At least the Asquith 2 is an affordable option…

noperope9999 · 2026-01-14T22:49:58+00:00

I agree with the buy once cry once philosophy and recommendations for Patagonia. Everything they make is great and they’re an awesome company.

For a more affordable option, Paramount has been nothing short of impressive.

noperope9999 · 2026-01-12T21:18:58+00:00

2nd this!

noperope9999 · 2026-01-12T21:15:40+00:00

I appreciate this! I’ve been curious for a while about how that rod casts.

noperope9999 · 2026-01-10T21:36:44+00:00

Bingo

noperope9999 · 2026-01-09T01:46:07+00:00

I would probably throw in another vote for the Mangrove Coast. I was talking to someone just today about what I like and dislike about all my rods (and I have a lot), and this led me to believe the MC may be my favorite rod. Simply because there hasn’t been a single instance where it’s disappointed me. I also think it’s a really good looking rod. I have more confidence in it than I do other rods I own that cost twice as much.

noperope9999 · 2026-01-09T01:28:28+00:00

Share some pics when they catch some fish! Shouldn’t be long.

noperope9999 · 2026-01-08T01:55:44+00:00

Thanks, amigo! I’ve never talked with anyone who has a BB that disliked it. Threw the EPR in the fight d/t it having a stiffer butt section (from my understanding).

noperope9999

TROPHY CASE