Broken In

Hmmm, lets see, the last time I posted something it was back in March and here it is the middle of April. I better get on the ball. I would like to discuss what I purchased with my birthday money. A facebook buddy of mine suggested that I look into a Loop rod. I had heard of the company before because Loop sponsored the AEG Troutbum Dairies Fly Fishing Crew. As I began my research I polled some people and I was surprised at the positive response people gave when it came to the name Loop. I was seriously considering a different rod from a popular manufacturer and when I asked about that rod, well lets just say I was quickly turned away from that company. Not to say that this company doesn't make fine fly rods, but after hearing some of the things I did I decided to look elsewhere. I ended up dealing with my friends up a Castaway Fly Shop up in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. They happen to be one of the only Loop dealers in the states. I found a fantastic deal on a great rod that I had read a lot of reviews on. The rod that I chose was the Loop AEG Edition 9' 3-piece 5wt rod. I got it for $199 normally $370 and after my first experience I couldn't be more happy about my selection. It is a very responsive rod and I can cast effortlessly for a country mile with the darn thing. St. Croix I am sorry, but I will reserve you now as my back up.




Well with every new rod there must come a new reel right? Well of course. I searched and searched trying to find a reel that would match the performance of the rod. I went to all the fly shops toying around with the reels and actually I would now consider myself somewhat of an expert on the subject, ok not really but I did learn quite a bit. Of course with a reel just like a rod you can spend a little or a lot on them. I started to learn things like sealed bearings and feathering (has something to do with when the fish takes off with the line) but again I started to ask my fellow fishermen about what they liked and what they didn't. Again to my surprise I noticed that the one that I thought I was dead set on was not that great. Now this is top of the line people and I thought for sure it was a good reel, but the more I learned about it, the more I was turned off from it.
Well if Loop makes a good rod, what about their reels?



Inquiring of Loop Reels I found that they have some of the best looking reels out there, however, I wasn't about to spend $700 on a reel. One of my buddies sent me an article on the new Loop Multi-Reel that blew my mind. It is made with the same technology as the really expensive ones with the 'Power Matrix' drag system and from what I read it received the 'best reel for the money award'. Now we are talking, a good reel for a good deal. Ok it was a little more than I intended to pay but let me tell you, you get what you pay for. Its a large arbor reel with a patented V spool and the Power Matrix is smooth. It is honestly the smoothest reel that I have ever had the pleasure of fishing with.



Fishing oh yah, the best part. I took my new prized possession to the Provo river and broke it in. I have never been more excited to get on the water especially when the BWO's were out in full swing. My first fish came about a half hour on the water (trying to find the right size fly-darn picky eaters) and what a rush. The rod and reel performed beautifully and man what a weekend I had on that river.