Dave,
Just got back from fishing near Yellowstone. I was planning on fishing the main branch of the Shoshone, but it was running high so we had to improvise. We got tipped off on a lake nearby that had some big bows. The moment we pulled up there were BIG sipping trout everywhere and they rising to a heavy midge hatch. I have never seen so many trout rising like this. I rigged up the hollow Special Trouter 7'6" 4wt you built for me and I swear on my first cast with a little para-trico fly nailed a monster bow. It was biggest bow I have caught in some time. When I got it in, I noticed it had a dead eye so I managed to catch the one trout that pretty much had to hit any fly he saw....but I'll take it. I've been catching the same one-eyed trout on the Fry Pan for three years and there's no shame! Anyway, I noticed alot of BIG trout sipping midges in some deeper water and started working my way out there. These fish were spooky to say the least and you really had to make long casts to stay off of them. Having not fished the Trouter since last fall, I almost forgot how that baby can throw line. Dave...I don't know what you did to that rod, but it is just a gem. I have a few 7'6" rods, but none that can throw long, tight loops like your rod. After making some long casts and letting my fly settle for a little bit, I saw a big trout porpoise out of nowhere and inhale my fly. I set the hook immediatly and heard heard the reel screeming. This was a monster bow and it took me 15 minutes to get him in. Everytime I thought I had him whipped, he kept making runs. If it weren't for the nice flex of a fine bamboo rod, the fish surely would have busted my 7X tippet. As you know, I have alot of rods, but without a doubt the Special Trouter is no doubt my favorite rod. Anyway, I figured I share the story with you and just say thanks again for making it for me.
PS....I did bring the hollow Cholla Para 14, but didn't get a change to take it out...but this weekend it is going to get a workout on the Henry's Fork!!!
CR
Just got back from fishing near Yellowstone. I was planning on fishing the main branch of the Shoshone, but it was running high so we had to improvise. We got tipped off on a lake nearby that had some big bows. The moment we pulled up there were BIG sipping trout everywhere and they rising to a heavy midge hatch. I have never seen so many trout rising like this. I rigged up the hollow Special Trouter 7'6" 4wt you built for me and I swear on my first cast with a little para-trico fly nailed a monster bow. It was biggest bow I have caught in some time. When I got it in, I noticed it had a dead eye so I managed to catch the one trout that pretty much had to hit any fly he saw....but I'll take it. I've been catching the same one-eyed trout on the Fry Pan for three years and there's no shame! Anyway, I noticed alot of BIG trout sipping midges in some deeper water and started working my way out there. These fish were spooky to say the least and you really had to make long casts to stay off of them. Having not fished the Trouter since last fall, I almost forgot how that baby can throw line. Dave...I don't know what you did to that rod, but it is just a gem. I have a few 7'6" rods, but none that can throw long, tight loops like your rod. After making some long casts and letting my fly settle for a little bit, I saw a big trout porpoise out of nowhere and inhale my fly. I set the hook immediatly and heard heard the reel screeming. This was a monster bow and it took me 15 minutes to get him in. Everytime I thought I had him whipped, he kept making runs. If it weren't for the nice flex of a fine bamboo rod, the fish surely would have busted my 7X tippet. As you know, I have alot of rods, but without a doubt the Special Trouter is no doubt my favorite rod. Anyway, I figured I share the story with you and just say thanks again for making it for me.
PS....I did bring the hollow Cholla Para 14, but didn't get a change to take it out...but this weekend it is going to get a workout on the Henry's Fork!!!
CR
