Popped the Cherry Apr.20

[markus23]

Fished the Vedder Friday afternoon, and was suprised to see no one around. Water conditions were perfect. Below On the Way, a nice run where I believe a fish had plucked at my fly about two weeks ago, when in the exact spot caught my first steelie on the fly. It wasn't the best fight I ever had but still awesome just to hook one. It was a wild, a bit colored about 7 lbs. I had popped the cherry! After, fished a run below peach and had my second fish of the day. Was a big one, took it on the hang and faught it for a few minutes and the hook popped out. A great day on the fly. Caught them both on Black intruder flies.

[phearless]

Way to go markus23.
I have yet to get one this year.
Might try tomorrow or tuesday.
Were you fishing two handers or single?

[markus23]

Phearless, I was fishing a single handed 8 wt. with a type 6 rio sink tip. I fished today but to no avail. The confidence though is so much better knowing what it feels and looks like to hook one of these beauties. I really made sure i had at least a good foot or two of loop in my hand to drop when i felt the tug. That really helped. I think the first fish I felt a couple of weeks ago, I pulled the fly out of it's mouth. I really think it's easier this time of year with the lack of pressure and the warmth out there. Let me know how you do.

[phearless]

Ah yes I remember those days.
It is very easy to do when the fish aren't all that aggressive.
I usually do it to the first winter fish I tag every year.
If fly fishing ever stops getting me all worked up and excited, that is when it is time to give it up.

[Eric]

congrats on your first steelie especially swinging with a single hander.
Time for you to pick up a two hander now !!
thinking back i don't know how i ever fished for steelie on a single hander since i picked up the big stick

[markus23]

Hey guys, what kind of two handers can you recommend? Something that won't break the bank perferably. But..I would rather pay a little more for a quality product that will perform well and last. Reels and lines would be helpful too.

Thanks.

[phearless]

O.K. so I'm not called biased.
Here is my list for you.
Rainshadow/ forecast
Greys
Echo Classic
Echo 2
Loop adventure
or look around for a good used stick.
Reels are another thing.
I say spend as much as you can on one and don't be disappointed.
Thats just my point of view though.
Some good starting reels could be
Pfleuger Trion
Loop CLW
There are a couple of more out there that elude me at the moment. I will post them as I remember.
Kamloops ?
Lines.
Maybe a mid belly.
Airflo delta
Rio
Loop multi
Hardy Mach II
Greys
It would be a good idea to attend a spey clave and get to try out a bunch of different goodies to see what suits you and your budget.
Most of all have fun.
If you have any more questions just ask.
There are many excellant casters here who will help you out with your choices.

[markus23]

Wow that must of been the whole kit and kabootle! Thanks for the ideas Phear! I know I have much to learn but...What it comes down to is how much i will use the 2 hander. I guess i can still use my Sage Ds2 8wt for coho and chum and upgrade to the two handed specialist. I know that my left arm gets crazy tired after a few hours of tossing and when i come to a bank and can't get a sufficient back cast the 2 hander comes in handy. I'll try this for the rest of the season and maybe do the switch...besides the Canucks won and life is great again! TURCO YOU SUCK!