Cardinal Sins of Fishing Partners

[Papasequoia]

Reading this thread I'm remembering why I prefer to fish alone. At least that way I have no one to blame but myself. Ever since a couple of close calls a year or so ago though, my wife has been asking that I try and fish with at least one person. So, lately I have been spending more time fishing in the company of others. It's not easy learning the habits and preferences of another person. I'm always worried about encroaching on others. Some people are fine with just fishing every other pool and hopscotching that way, while others seem to prefer hiking 50-100 yards above you, then you do the same with them. I'm fine with either method, but until you learn that and a bunch of other idiosycrasies of the person you are with (and they learn about yours) it can be a bit stressful.

And now you guys have me even more worried! Several months ago I ran out of Gink and had to borrow some from the person I was fishing with. And then on the second day of the San Joaquin outing I pulled the last bit of 5x tippet off of my oversized "guide" spool and had to borrow tippet. I figure (used to, that is) if someone else runs out of something I would share with them. But now I feel like a mooch...oh the shame of it all! At least I've never asked anyone to drive me to the store for lunch, whew! A little bag of gorp in my fanny pack and a water bottle and I'm good.

[briansII]

Pet peve..... Well in Golf - a lot of guys have 1000 dollar clubs and a 2 dollar swing... I think fly fishing is thee same way.... However, I am a gear junkie ( two 2wts, one 3wt, one 5wt, one fiberglass 7wt (6wt modern) one 8wt - and 14 old reels) My most expensive rod I purchased was the 3wt - I built it - st. Croix - about 140 for the rod... But I would have never owned a Sage if not for the Poker tournament.

I guess the 600 dollar rods for a guy who doesnt catch many fish - seems like playing nike golf clubs, hitting from the blue tees - when your score is 105.

invest in a guide for a day at 300 bucks - and you will get a lot more... (easier said then done) - I have never used a guide...self taught rod builder, fly fisherman...

As some people have shown us - using a steel rod, fiberglass, 1970's reels, will not make you catch less fish...nice gear only makes you look like you catch more fish.

briansII

[Papasequoia]

Hmmm, I fish with a Sage rod that cost more than $600 (Z-Axis 4wt). Some of the time I have an incredible day. If I had a creel fish would be practically leaping into it. Other days it is all I can do to keep the skunk at bay. I'm not sure which category I fit into! I wonder if I should contact Sage and ask them if they will give me half of my money back?

[anacrime]

And now you guys have me even more worried! Several months ago I ran out of Gink and had to borrow some from the person I was fishing with. And then on the second day of the San Joaquin outing I pulled the last bit of 5x tippet off of my oversized "guide" spool and had to borrow tippet. I figure (used to, that is) if someone else runs out of something I would share with them. But now I feel like a mooch...oh the shame of it all! At least I've never asked anyone to drive me to the store for lunch, whew! A little bag of gorp in my fanny pack and a water bottle and I'm good.

everyone i've fished with that i've met on the forums has been super super generous with spare gear and stuff. i think those who are bothered by sharing are definitely in the minority.

[mk4]

Pet peve..... Well in Golf - a lot of guys have 1000 dollar clubs and a 2 dollar swing... I think fly fishing is thee same way.... However, I am a gear junkie ( two 2wts, one 3wt, one 5wt, one fiberglass 7wt (6wt modern) one 8wt - and 14 old reels) My most expensive rod I purchased was the 3wt - I built it - st. Croix - about 140 for the rod... But I would have never owned a Sage if not for the Poker tournament.

I guess the 600 dollar rods for a guy who doesnt catch many fish - seems like playing nike golf clubs, hitting from the blue tees - when your score is 105.

invest in a guide for a day at 300 bucks - and you will get a lot more... (easier said then done) - I have never used a guide...self taught rod builder, fly fisherman...

As some people have shown us - using a steel rod, fiberglass, 1970's reels, will not make you catch less fish...nice gear only makes you look like you catch more fish.

I often get the reply "that Sage XP is one sweet rod" and then I ask them "what's so sweet about it?" Their response is usually a blank look in their eyes.

[RubiKinda]

I'm glad I'm not classified as one of those $600 rod guys, I fish the T-3's at $595 Maybe I should rethink upgrading to the Helios and go back to shooting from the lady's tees. As for fishing partners, anyone is more than welcome to my stash of flies, tippet, or rods....just don't poach my hole. And if you are hungry...keys are in the jeep.

[midger]

Not really a peeve of mine, but makes me wonder--who cares what type of rod somebody else fishes with and why would you? I fish many brands--Scott, sage, winston, Loomis, Lamiglass, PacBay, Forecast (Batson), Orvis, Diamondglass, several no names, Fenwick, yada, yada.

Why on earth would anyone care what I am fishing with? What works for me may be totally wrong for others. I select a rod to fish based on it's ability to do what I want to do on any given day. If I plan to high stick, short line nymph, I use a 10 foot 3 weight no name rod. Throw dry flies in the high Sierras? Probably use a 5 piece SLT that's 8'9" long in a 3 weight. Chuck streamers on the Snake? A 6-7 weight Loomis or a scott I have laying around. I pick the rod for its serviceability for the job I need done.

As far as looking the part, no, I don't go out of my way to give a rat's * what I "look" like on the stream. I can put the fly where it needs to go, have pockets in my shirt where they need to be to hold the "gear" I'll need on a given day, and I have fun. If it ceases to be fun, then I'd cease to fish and sell it all.

I'll not be making fun of anything or anyway anybody flyfishes. If it works for you, that's all that matters.

See ya on the creek.

[Benny]

Here is my pet peeve or should I say cardinal sin...Someone who will label someone because of the gear they use to fly fish...I could care less what fly rod you use. If it works for you that's all that matters

[Rollincast]

Here is my pet peeve or should I say cardinal sin...Someone who will label someone because of the gear they use to fly fish...I could care less what fly rod you use. If it works for you that's all that matters

I agree. $10.00 or $800.00, the rod is only as good as the hands that are holding it.


Randy