Test driving the new Kettle Creek, Riffle 7-1/2', 4/5 rod

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evanslmtd	Test driving the new Kettle Creek, Riffle 7-1/2', 4/5 rod	Lead	[-]
Master Guide Posts: 299 (07/03/08 10:13:53) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	This morning I took the new rod over to a local Ranch to give it a test drive. Man what a great little rod. This little rod fishes as well as it casts /looks (and it's lucky too). First cast with it this morning and I caught a pretty good Catfish (about 21" long). I was casting #6 Spoon Flies and Midi-Gurglers, which the rod handled with ease. I also managed to catch a few Bass and Bluegill before it got too hot to fish. IMO, this little rod is a keeper! Rod Loaded with the Catfish Kettle Creek & Catfish Kettle Creek Bass Time is precious. Waste it wisely! Barry
Cornmuse		#1	[-]
Posts: 524 (07/03/08 11:45:31) Administrator Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	That's a sweet little rod! What kind of spoon flies were you fishing - Paradox spoons from Kreel or something like a DuPre? J "Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each." - Henry David Thoreau Visit www.flyfishohio.com for great fly fishing and fly tying articles, the "Adventures in Fly Tying" monthly video podcast and the "Adventures in Fly Fishing" monthly audio podcast. The Midwest isn't a place you fly over to get to good fishing - it's right here in our own backyards. Think globally - fish locally.
evanslmtd		#2	[-]
Master Guide Posts: 304 (07/03/08 13:37:43) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Joe Thanks, I really like the way the rod performs. So much so, that I'm thinking I'm going to order one of his 6'-3", 3/4 weights. I'm not sure what a "Paradox" spoon fly is. These flies are similar to Dupree's spoon flies in as much as I make them out of Epoxy or DAP coated mylar tape. Although I don't punch the holes in the body like Dupree does. I've had a lot of success with them when fishing Warm water and also done pretty good on Rainbows and Brown Trout when I tie them in the smaller sizes (10's & 12's). Typical Spoon Fly Assorted Spoon Flies Time is precious. Waste it wisely! Barry
Cornmuse		#3	[-]
Posts: 525 (07/03/08 14:54:45) Administrator Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	I like those spoons. I tie (and I use the word "tie" with some level of poetic license) by using a loop of monofilament filled with epoxy. The Paradox is made by the Kreel Tackle company - its a very productive patttern for me. "Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each." - Henry David Thoreau Visit www.flyfishohio.com for great fly fishing and fly tying articles, the "Adventures in Fly Tying" monthly video podcast and the "Adventures in Fly Fishing" monthly audio podcast. The Midwest isn't a place you fly over to get to good fishing - it's right here in our own backyards. Think globally - fish locally.
scud dog		#4	[-]
Master Guide Posts: 948 (07/03/08 20:36:46) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Barry, I was wowed by that rod when I test cast it with a WF5. This blank is going to be one of my winter projects. I also have a prototype 5'7" #3/4 from Phil. I like your custom grip. I think I may go "Fenwick-style" and some retro aluminum. By the way; did you follow Phil's guide chart or go it on your own? I've cast all of the glass Riffles and gotta say that was my favorite. The 6'8" 3/4 is really nice too. -SD. PS: Did you get a hat? If not, you gotta get a Kettle Ck. or Riffle hat with your next order! Great deal for $6.
yuhina		#5	[-]
Master Guide Posts: 926 (07/03/08 22:29:35) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Evans, What a sweet little rod, and nice looking reel! Catfish is a very nice game too, I had several experiences that I yelled to my friend - BIG FISH... then it turns out a cat : P Thanks for sharing! Mark www.yuhina.blogspot.com
evanslmtd		#6	[-]
Master Guide Posts: 305 (07/04/08 06:01:11) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	scud I fished the the rod with a 4 wgt Headstart line and it performed well. I'll have to try it with a 5 weight line the next time I use it. Thanks for the kind words about the grip. I started using that style grip on my 6 weight rods and down 6 or 7 years ago. The next one of his blanks I build will be more of a "retro" style. I'm thinking that blank will be one of his 3/4's. What would say the main difference is (besides length) between the 6'-3" 3/4 and the 6'-8" 3/4? I tend to like a moderate (faster) action rather than the slower/softer actions. I used his guide spacing chart and it seemed to work out well as you can see in the "Rod Loaded with the Catfish" photo. No flat spots under full load. I also noticed that the rod roll casted well, even with the Headstart line (which isn't the best line choice if one is doing a lot of roll casting). I'm impressed with how well these blanks perform, especially for what they cost. Nope, I didn't get a hat. I'll have to mention that to him on the next order. Mark I agree, Catfish are a lot of fun on fly tackle. The one in the photo is a "Mud Cat" which is unusual for that Tank/Pond. Most of the Catfish that I catch there are Channel or Blue Catfish. Which IMO, fight a little harder. There are a few "Grass Carp" in that tank that I'd like to hook with one of my lighter rods. The last one I caught there weighed about 35 pounds and jumped like a Tarpon, However, it was caught on an weight outfit. Joe I'll check out those "Paradox" spoons. IMO, one can't have too many spoon flies. Especially when fishing the TX coast. Time is precious. Waste it wisely! Barry
beauglass		#7	[-]
Master Guide Posts: 286 (07/04/08 06:45:53) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Barry, Great looking rod. Like I said earlier, you've just about got me convinced to pick one of thos blanks up. I love that grip too. Does burl just finish slicker than regular cork rings or do you do something to polish em up?
scud dog		#8	[-]
Master Guide Posts: 950 (07/04/08 09:49:25) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Barry, There's virtually no difference in action between the 6'3"; 6'8" and 7'0". They're all fairly quick for glass and IMO perform very well with a DT3. Now, the 7'6' 3/4...that's a different world. It's noticeably slower. I could see it becoming a hit on this board though because it has a classic e-glass feel. Dane, The blanks are really straight and clean. Good deal for $75. If you get one I hope you like it.
evanslmtd		#9	[-]
Master Guide Posts: 306 (07/04/08 12:21:30) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Dane The Burl does finish slicker than specie cork. I usually polish/burnish my grips using a wood deck sealer. The Burl is a lot harder than specie cork so it takes a better polish. scud Thanks for the information about the 3/4 blanks. I think I'll go with the 6'-3" blank for some of the small rivers/creeks that I fish. I took your advice and tried a WF5 line on the 4/5 rod. It's hard to believe, but I think it casts even better with the heavier line. Thanks for the heads-up. Time is precious. Waste it wisely! Barry
beauglass		#10	[-]
Master Guide Posts: 290 (07/04/08 20:34:15) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Thanks for the info SD. I've been mulling it over since Barry showed me those pics. It sounds like that 7'6" 3/4 would be the one for me.
dpenrod		#11	[-]
Sport Posts: 80 (07/05/08 08:40:56) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	beautiful rod and fish, but i have to admit, i am really interested in your recipe for the spoon flies if you would be willing to share it.
evanslmtd		#12	[-]
Master Guide Posts: 310 (07/05/08 09:32:27) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	dpenrod Thanks for the kind words about the rod. Below is a link to a Tutorial on making spoon flies, by Walker. I do mine a little differently, but Walker's instructions will walk you through making one. http://nwmangum.com/spoonfly/index.html Time is precious. Waste it wisely! Barry

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Test driving the new Kettle Creek, Riffle 7-1/2', 4/5 rod

Test driving the new Kettle Creek, Riffle 7-1/2', 4/5 rod

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