FIGHTONSC wrote:Probably not as bad because the ambient temperature will be warmer than along the beach.

Yes, that freezing offshore wind in the mornings can be challenging. Pretty sure my legs are impervious to cold at this stage of my life.

John

FIGHTONSC wrote:Except for the Owyhee, we wet wade the West from the end of June till October.

Problem solved!

Well, I stand in the frigid Pacific Ocean with only surf booties and trunks all winter, how bad can it be compared to that?

John

So, after finding that waders with booties size 8-10 are clown feet on me, Simms suggested I get custom waders. Unfortunately they don"t custom build the Freestone pants with smaller booties and the G3 pants are ridiculously priced ($400+ for custom booties on G3 pants). Not only that, but both...

Hopefully, we'll cross paths this summer. I'm planning on being in those areas as well!

John

TFO Axiom 2? As much as I like the Axiom II, I like dealing with TFO even better. Their warranty service is simply outstanding. We manage to break a few fly rods each year. Doing so with other brands can put you out of action for months, even if their warranty work is free (rare these days). You ju...

Maybe I should step up. TFO Axiom 2? Considering it should last me a long time and lots of versatility, not really a bad investment. I'll ponder all this great advice. Thank you to all.

John

Not sure I'm worthy of a $300-$400 rod quite yet.

John

Looks like the consensus is 9' so far. I guess that makes it a bit more versatile as well, seeing as I'm an extreme minimalist. I guess I'm just so used to small fish and tiny creeks with a shorter rod I really don't know much about big water fishing. I won't get a chance to try it before purchase, ...

fly addict wrote:I have several 5wt rods and I always grab the 8’6” 5wt when I want to fish a 5wt rod. It is lighter in weight, inherently more accurate and just feels better in the hand to me.

Yes, that's why I like my 7 1/2 foot rod too. I was thinking it would feel similar in hand as well.

John

I've bought around 100 fly rods in my lifetime and not a single one of those is 8.5' long!!!! I tend to like bigger rods 9-11', but then again I spend most of my time on bigger rivers/creeks fishing from a boat/floatie thingy. When I'm not on bigger waters, I'm mostly fishing smaller creeks where I...

planettrout wrote:John,

Where and how will you be fishing ? Small creeks, large rivers, from a boat or still waters ???


PT/TB

No boat, probably not too big a river. I generally fish smaller waters. First trip to Wyoming, but can't see myself on any huge river situation with so much else to choose from.

John

Not sure whether to go with a 8 1/2 foot 5 weight or 9 foot for trip to Wyoming. Just going to get another Redington CT like my 7 1/2 foot 3 weight. I seem to be able to cast that rod pretty far, so not sure I need all of 9', plus might be a little more maneuverable. I'm leaning towards 8 1/2 foot. ...

We'd estimated that we hiked 1.5 miles in before heading out and calling it a day. Along the way I noticed several mushroom. None of which I could identify as safe and edible so I left them alone. I love mushrooms.... but I freely admit I’m a big mangina when it comes to wild shrooms. Hardcore shro...

Well, I'm glad I haven't pulled the trigger on wading shoes yet.

John

Yes, I just turned 60, and the next time I wear waders will be the first time. Just can't see spending big bucks on something I may only use once, especially if comfort is compromised. I'm thinking some cheap hiking shoes over the Korkers guard socks, protect the foot for sure.

John