Big CR/CL trip in two days!!!

[RICHYD4U]

Well, it's almost here! Two days away (not like I'm counting or anything ). Can't wait to get away from everything and do some serious fishing with good friends! Would really, really appreciate any current info on either stripers on the CL, or the fishing on the CR. Trying to make this trip a success for my buddies since I have been hyping it up for almost a year now!!! I think they would kill me if we didn't catch fish!

Justin-
Shooted ya a PM

Thanks guys!!!

-Rich

[troutcrazy]

Hope you have a great trip...

I'll be joining the ranks of fly fishermen this winter...I'm eyeing a rod and reel set up that seems to rave reviews for reasonable price. Do you have any advice on or information on a hobbs creek fly rod or a dogwood caynon reel? I'm looking at buying a 7'6" 2 piece 5wt.

thanks,
troutcrazy (Lance)

[RICHYD4U]

Hope you have a great trip...

I'll be joining the ranks of fly fishermen this winter...I'm eyeing a rod and reel set up that seems to rave reviews for reasonable price. Do you have any advice on or information on a hobbs creek fly rod or a dogwood caynon reel? I'm looking at buying a 7'6" 2 piece 5wt.

thanks,
troutcrazy (Lance)

Welcome to the fly fisherman brotherhood! This is normally a great time for us over on the CR, except I don't think it is going to happen this winter .

I personally fish a Okuma guide series rod 8' 5wt with an Okuma Helios reel. It has been a great setup for me. I think you are right on with the 7'6" 2 piece 5wt. That is a great all around rod. Hobbs creek fly rods I believe are made out of IM-6 blanks which are good blanks. Should handle nicely. I also think they are affordable, which is a good idea, especially for your first fly rod. As for the reel....the truth is, if it has a disc drag system, then that is all you need! Just make sure the reel matches the weight of the rod/line. In fly fishing, the rod and your line handling does so much of the fighting for you, that (unless it is a big fish) you rarely even have to use your reel for fighting. Keep it simple (which I think you are). I would go ahead with the purchase and get it out on the water and practice! The technique is so much more important than the gear. Holler if you need any tips or advice. I've been fly fishing for well over 20 yrs being that where I grew up, that was the only type of fishing we did! By far the best way to catch trout IMO. The best way to learn is to go with someone who knows. I'd be more than happy to meet you up at the CR one day and go over the basics with ya. Let me know. Take care.

-Rich

[RICHYD4U]

Bump

[HURRICANEBOB]

Rich,

On the lake, if all else fails, try this. No matter what time of day, get close to the steep rock walls, I mean the boat ought be 10 foot or less off the wall. Drop a downpole with any type live bait. Put it down about 60-70% of the depth of the water you are sitting in. Work very slowly up and down the walls, I mean move a couple feet, sit there 10-15 minutes. Great time to be small mouth fishing off the bow with rods down off the stern.

This technique almost always produces a couple Stripers for me, year round, no matter what weather or time of day.

Best wishes for a good trip above and below the dam.

[RICHYD4U]

Thanks Bob. Appreciate your help to a striper novice. Plan on leaving early tomorrow morning, can't wait. Just have to get through one more long night at work I can already hear the zinging of my reel and the pull of the fish..........hopefully I'll be experiencing the real thing soon

-Rich

[troutcrazy]

thanks for the advice and yes...it would be great to get some technique pointers from somebody who knows what they are doing...hope you're trip produces lots of fish and big 'uns too!