The long off-season

Its Mid January and the itch for open water season is already driving me up the walls. There are many off season projects that anyone can do, and they usually take up most of the winter, but this season seems to be dragging on. I am even building an ice rod, not that I ice fish but I have nothing better to do with an errand rod tip and I am almost done the maintenance on my reels, just waiting of some new parts for them. After that its onto my fly gear and fly tying. After that....its just waiting!

Im switching all my drag washers to Carbontex washers for the upcoming year. I already put them into my ABU Garcia round reel, and its a HUGE difference. They are super smooth, and when I tighten down on the drag, its almost unlimited power. I am going to put them in the Curado's Bantam 201 as well. They are already a nice reel with tons of power, now they will be even better!

Im also switching to FireLine this year, both the Original and the Braid. I have always found the the four carrier braids like Power Pro were great, but just not what I like. Than I tried some of the FireLine Braid, and I was blown away. The eight carrier's really make a huge difference, there is just something about it, it feels silky. Also switching to the Treline 100% Fluorocarbon Professional Grade. I had too many problems with the Seagaur line this last year. I will probably still use it as a leader, but I don't think I can trust it on my reel.

 I am going to try a new pattern for Pike on the fly this year. Its a Lefty's Deceiver, which isn't a new fly, but the colour pattern is new for me. Red with red and grizzly hackle. I already tied up a few weighted flies in this pattern. Might even tie up a few with a white stripe down the side, kinda a Daredevil Deceiver.

I also have to replenish my fly boxes. This is just part of whats on the list for the rest of the winter.

So, as you can tell....I'm already a little stir crazy! I need open water. Rising trout, green flashes of pike, leaping smallies....cant wait!!