I finely made myself to put line on my Pflueger model 80 brass fly reel. I had used the bamboo rod once in the past 30 years; All I know about the rod was that it was purchased in 1930's while a couple lived in Buffalo NY. I got if in the mid-eighties living in Port O'Conner TX and reconditioned shortly afterwards. The combo had never been use together. So before the wind picked up I choice Ransom canyon for a quick test run. I placed a mini craw #8 on the line only because it was the first fly I grabbed out of the box. I got a couple tugs on the first couple of casts and then a noticeable swirl. The bottom began to move, I want to catch a fish on an old bamboo rod, but this was more than I had thought about on my drive over. The little brass reel was turning and the cheap Wish( Japanese) level line was leaving the spool. I thought I had made a mistake, choosing to use 3 WTDT line and 4lb tippet. The fish was moving out, I was thinking I am going to break the rod, the tip is going to give in on first fish. I gained line on the ground, as to why I had not put the fish on the spool, I was thinking on getting pressure off the bamboo rod. A carp!!, I casted a thousand cast at them this summer on the Lubbock playa's and 3 minutes into blind casting I caught number 2 for the year. I released him and thought of how long had it been since the rod or the reel had fish caught on the gear. The reel and rod held up well. I caught a couple of small crappie. Then focused on the main fish in mind, green sunfish and bluegill. I put a popping bug, so I could see the fish slap it. I would drift the fly near a rock and the fish would pop away. Most where in the 3-4 inch range, but a few where solid fish, The West Texas wind began to blow 30 MPH, but I had done what I set out to do. I will probably never fish the set up, just put the pic with the gear up for the kids or grand kids. But a 80 year rod and I guess 50 year old reel was more fun today than I can stand.

bsc...Great story...I love pic #5 of the green sunfish ! I may save it and use it as a screen saver if you don't mind...

go ahead

I still enjoy using my old, old fly rod from the 40's and automatic fly reel from the 50's to catch sunfish. Just as much fun today as it was years ago.

Nice story and pictures.

Great post ! Thanks for sharing.

Your fly rod reminds me of my Grandfather's Montague Redwing that I have. It's also overdue getting some exercise !

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Nice post and fish. Good job.




Have to Agree with Steve aka Vogey! Pictures 5 and 6 are awesome. I also love picture #4.

Awesome post!

Nice post and fish. Love catching fish on the fly! Good job bschat.