The Steelhead Angler

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Orvis Shooting Star 149-4
 
Want an excellent mid-priced range Steelhead and Salmon Rod take a look at all the features and benefits of the of the Shooting Star 149-4 from Orvis the renowned makers of quality fly rods.

The new Shooting Star Premium fly rods are some of the lightest made today and perhaps the lightest in their price range. Orvis has made sure this fly rod is balanced which for a salmon and steelhead rod is of the utmost importance. After being on the river all day you will come to appreciate this detail. They have a smooth progressive action which makes them a dream to use. Orvis has designed these rods from the input they received from some renowned Scandinavian fly fisherman who have been using shooting heads for years.

The 149-4 Shooting Star was extensively tested using the spey lines, and their performance was outstanding. The rods were capable of long controlled cast with the least amount of effort. These two handed fly rods will allow you to cast with little room for a full back cast to distant seams that other anglers just can not reach. You know where these seams are and have probably been thinking for years if only I could get my fly over to that seam I know I would hook that trophy fish which is hiding there.

For the last several years there as been a steady increase in the number of salmon and steelhead anglers switching to the two handed fly rod. With the advancements made in the last two years improved design for the two handed technique, now is the perfect time to pick one up for your self. Stop whishing you could make longer cast and start making them with this newly designed Salmon and Steelhead fly rod. Switching over to a two handed rod has never been easier withal the improvement incorporated in the newly designed Shooting Star models.

So if you are tired of wanting to be able to cover those impossible to reach seams, and you want a truly well balanced, well designed two handed fly rod now is the time to get yours. The Shooting Star 149-4 model is an excellent choice you will be making longer, effortless cast, have the control and balance you need, and have a Fly Rod that was specially design to handle the extremely large and often aggrieve fish.

The Zero Gravity Salt/Freshwater 107-4 from Orvis is going to introduce you to a new level of performance it has more feedback which makes casting and presentations easier. It is up to 25% more durable then comparative models helping you protect your investment. The 107-4 Fly Rod is craft by hand by some of the best rod builders today.

  The 107-4 fly rod is one of the lightest yet most powerful fly rod you have ever used being constructed from a special material called boron, a pure carbon scrim system and thermoplastic-toughened resins. They have designed a new system giving the ferrules a seamless joint which have been strengthened to prevent checking and cracking. The makers of this rod give it three coats of finish and a final coat of a specially formulated UV Ray blocker. 

The reel seat and hardware are made from 6061 Anodized aluminum with a Texalium fiber insert the guide are made from Titanium carbide so they will stand up to years of fight those heavy fish, it also has a silicon carbide stripping guide which will help in protecting your fly line. This rod even comes with a protective aluminum fly rod tube and sock to protect it when traveling.

The makers of the 107-4 Zero Gravity Rod have a 25 year guarantee to either repair or replace the rod should any thing happen to go wrong however I feel this will be very unlikely do to the quality of workmanship that goes into these Fly Rods.

If you are looking for a Salmon and Steelhead fly rod that will allow you to make loner cast, gives you control of your presentation and has the strength and endurance to fight these mighty fish it will be well worth your hard earned money to purchase the Zero Gravity 107-4 Fly Rod.

By Arindam Chattopadhyaya 

If you are a die hard fishing enthusiast, chances are that you have heard of the Bamboo Fishing rods. These distinctive rods are more like antiques today, with most of them having been used in the days before the advent of the modern fishing rods. Recently, there has been an increasing trend to collect and restore these classic rods. This particular hobby is on the rise among lovers of the fishing sport and those interested in fishing equipment and accessories. Fishing gear shows normally have lovingly restored traditional fishing rods being sold to the tune of $600 and even more.

So, you can imagine the antique value of these rods! The old bamboo rod belonging to your grandfather is therefore not junk anymore. Take it out from the attic or the closet and set about restoring it- for the love of it or the money involved. This new passion is not just an extension of the craze about antiques. Instead it has come forth after the growing realization of the actual usefulness and flexibility of the bamboo fishing rod. Identifying genuine antique bamboo rods is another matter, however.

There are different ways to do this. If you are really interested, you can research on the internet. A number of websites are dedicated towards giving more information about classic bamboo rods and other old fishing rods. They will tell you how to identify these and also provide tips on their restoration. Some websites may also have information about certain books associated with the hobby of restoring classic pieces of fishing rods. However, these will be few and far in between just like the topic of their discussion, the bamboo fishing rods. Still if you manage to chance on a couple, think carefully and then purchase for they are most likely not easy on the pocket.
Other than the websites, you can use the internet for searching groups and associations that are committed towards disseminating education about these classic fishing rods, more specifically, about how to identify them. You can get in touch with them and they surely will be enthusiastic to help. This way you can swap notes by getting in touch with others who share the same hobby. This is the best way to pass information back and forth and also keep a record at the same time. This helps by putting all the original existing bamboo fishing rods on records for posterity.

Identification might be more difficult that what you think because manufacture of bamboo rods has been revived owing to their popularity. Many of these resemble the features and designs of the antiques. So, without an expert eye or opinion, it has become increasingly difficult to identify those which are authentic. A replica can be easily mistaken for a classic. One way to make out if a fishing rod is genuine vintage or not is to check out parts of the rod other than bamboo. The genuine rods will have parts made out of materials that were not obtainable till recently.
The age or worth not withstanding, bamboo rods are just one more reason for the enthusiasts to indulge in fishing more often.

Author is professional angler and running charter service for more than 10 years in Goa. He published several books on boating and fishing. He recently published an informative article on freshwater fishing equipment at his website http://www.fishingletsgo.com Download FREE report on fishing to get his secret tips on fresh water fishing.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Arindam_Chattopadhyaya

So you made the investment in a Bamboo Fly Rod and with the proper care and maintenance your Bamboo Fly Rod will give you years of enjoyment and service. Taking the time to follow these maintenance tips will ensure that your Bamboo Fly Rod will endure the demands that fly fishing puts on the fly rod. These tips will ensure your purchase of a bamboo fly rod was an excellent choice, after all you have moved up to Bamboo and I’m sure that you don’t want to have to switch back to some other type of Fly fishing Rod!

Cleaning the metal ferrules
I like to use Vaseline petroleum jelly putting a small amount on the male ferrule and putting it in and out of the female ferrule a few times the petroleum jelly loosens the build up and protects the metal from oxidation. Use a small cotton swap or Q-tip to remove any excess Vaseline in the female section and a clean dry cloth on the male section and out side part of the female ferrule. For stubborn stains and dirt build up you can use denatured alcohol just be sure not to get this on the varnish. If you happened to purchase a used Bamboo Fly Rod and the ferrules have oxidized you can use a very fine grit sand paper to remove the oxidation. Use caution not to remove to much metal as this will affect the way the ferrules fit together. 

Polishing bamboo fly rods
The Bamboo Fly Rod is more then just a fishing rod it is a piece of art. You should wipe them clean with a clean dry cloth, this is a must if you want to keep it looking great and protected from the effect of the elements like rain, water, and dust. Use a paste type furniture polish and a soft cloth to help protect the bamboo and bring out the shine and gleam of your Bamboo Fly Rod

How to clean cork grips
You can use toothpaste, dish soap, or a mild bleach cleaner what ever you use make sure that you have removed all of the cleaner by wiping it well with a damp cloth. You don’t want to leave the cleaner on the Cork as it will dry the cork out excessively and make it start cracking. If the cork grip has a large amount of build up, you can use fine grit (200 or so) sandpaper to remove this build-up just use caution so you don’t damage the cork.

Storing bamboo fly rods
Be sure you wipe your Bamboo Fly Rod with a clean soft cloth to make sure it is clean and dry. If the rod is going to be store for an extended time it would be a good time to wax the rod. Separate the pieces and put them in a soft rod sack and then slip this into a protective tube. Avoid storing your Bamboo fly Rod in extreme conditions like excessive heat or moisture. Laying the tube flat is the best way to store the rod.

Used bamboo fly rods
Used Bamboo Fly Rods can be found at flea market and garage sales some of which are true bargains just make sure you look them over carefully. Check out the Bamboo and make sure that there are no cracks and that the seams are not starting to separate, check the grip for missing pieces insure the cork is not dried and cracking or the section are starting to separate. Put the fly rod together and check the fit of the ferrules they should be snug but not excessively tight, check the guides and windings making sure they are in good condition. If you find a Bamboo Fly Rod that passes these then you have found a true treasure.

By following these few tips I’m sure that your Bamboo Fly Rod will give you a life time of enjoyment and use. Thank you for taking the time to read this article and may you enjoy your Bamboo Fly Rod for years to come.

Steelhead Gear. Com

Selecting Your Fly Rod:

A lot of fly fishermen take the sport of Fly Fishing very seriously. Going past the fact that it is a way to catch fish and also to enjoy the outdoors, fly fishermen think of what they do as a work of art. The talent and Skill that fly fishing requires is deserving of this status. Fly fishing is a great deal more involved than regular fishing, and it takes practice and dedication to become efficient at the sport of fly fishing. The majority of fly fishermen will tell you, nonetheless, that it is positively worth the time and effort that is required. Once you have the fortune of having a fish hit your fly just before it reaches the end of a drift you will be hooked too! While gaining experience and knowledge on how to fly fish, or even if you have tried fly fishing for some time, having the appropriate fly fishing rod is key to your success and enjoyment. There are a number of fly fishing rod types on the market, bamboo, graphite, fiberglass are the most popular, and which one you decide to use should be based on what type of fishing your intending to do. The right rod will be one that is comfortable to use, matches your fly fishing techniques, and the types of waters you intend to fish.

Bamboo Fly Fishing Rods
Bamboo fly fishing rods were one of the first fly fishing rods Built and used, their popularity for this reason is understandable and explains while they are still being made. Bamboo fishing rods are light and flexible they have a smooth slow action making them popular with those who practice a more polished method of fly fishing. Many fly fishing enthusiasts will tell you a lot of good things about bamboo fly fishing rods. A lot of fly fishermen swear by them they feel they are the best type of fly fishing rod made. Bamboo fly fishing rods do have a lot of positive features and this may lead many to believe that they are the best type out there, just remember this is their personal opinion base on their fishing style. The making of a bamboo fly fishing rod is a complicated and exact process; this reason tends to make them the one of the more expensive fly fishing rods out there.  

Graphite Fly Fishing Rods
Fly fishing rods made of graphite seem to be a little stiffer, but this does not mean that they are any less valuable. The graphite fly fishing rod is a very strong fly fishing rod, (“strength can vary depending on its quality”). The graphite rods have good performance and resilience and are able to take more abuse then the bamboo rods. Graphite rods vary in price and design, so picking out the right graphite rod for you will be a matter of your personal choice and your budget.

Fiberglass Fishing Rods
Many fishing rods made today are made of fiberglass weather they are used for (regular) fishing or (fly) fishing. Fiberglass is a perfect material for fishing rods as it is strong, durable, and flexible, the one draw back to fiberglass rods is that the tend to be a little heavier. This could mean that when your done fishing for the day that your arm may be tired and sore. I believe that especially for the beginner the fiberglass rod is an excellent choice due to its strength and being able to take a lot more punishment from the inexperienced fly fisherman. The fiberglass rod is a popular choice for many fly fishermen due to these facts and is one of the more affordable choices on the market today.
Fly Fishing Tips
Fly fishing tips and techniques in this resource will have you catching more fish because…
“Whether You’ve Been Fishing Since They Invented Hooks, Or Just Starting Out,
You’ll Be Amazed At What You Can Still Learn About Fly Fishing From These Two Dead Guys!” In ‘Fly Fishing For Beginners’ You will learn:
* The exciting history behind fly-fishing
* Surprising beginner tips, tricks and techniques
* What fly-fishing is all about
* The necessary equipment you need – from flies to rods and accessories
* How to tie your own fly
* Types of casting and common problems to avoid
* The advantages and disadvantages of wet vs. dry fly-fishing
* The best time of day for fly-fishing – so you catch the most fish
* Fly-fishing techniques used specifically for boat or land casting
* The exhilarating practice of winter fly-fishing
* How to plan the perfect fly-fishing excursion
* The best fly-fishing locations – from coast to coast and abroad
* And More . . .