TheFin.com

A striperman in Andros?

In 17 days I'm heading to Andros Island Bonefish Club for 3 days of fishing!  I'm already getting geared up.  What's on my list? So far I have 1 8twt from Rise (http://www.risefishingco.com) ... That's the only 8wt I have but it has two tips so I think I'm good there.  I'll probably bring my 9wt GLX and either my echo2 or Sage xi2 as well. and maybe a 10wt for the big cudas I keep reading about.  With those, I have 3 Tibors and a G loomis reel)  I desperately need flies too.  Any suggestions??

Can your surf fishing gear take it?

For those of you who fish from the surf, especially if you are rock hopping in places like Montauk, you need gear that can take it.  Some can and some can't, here is a list of my current gear that can & can't:

Can:

• Lamiglas XS101MS
• Van Staal VS200
• Bronco Plug Bag (not the best bag but it will not die)
• Super Strike darters, needles, bottles

Can't

• Aquaskinz Raptor Dry Top ($279 neck gasket exploded after 20 uses)
• Korkers K5000 Wading Sandals (studs fall out WAY to fast)
• Simms G3 Guide Waders ($400 leak in less than one season)

Do you have surf fishing gear that has withstood the test of time? Please send me an email or comment here with your recommendations.

Shimano Sustain SA4000FD returned home - Smith Sunglass are still a no show!

I'm happy to report that the Shimano Sustain I returned for repair has been returned and apparently was covered under warranty so there was no charge. It took roughly 2 weeks which is totally acceptable.  A great reel and great experience with Shimano Customer service.

The only piece of gear that I have not received back yet is my Smith Optics "Passage" sunglasses.  I called into their customer service today to find out that they are going to replace the glasses but they were out of stock.  They did not give a specific date, just February.  Hmmmmmm.  We will see.

Tibor Riptide is back!

More on my customer service series:

I just received my Riptide back from Tibor.  According to the return slip they received the reel on 1/14 and returned it on 1/16.  That's pretty darn good!  The reel feels as smooth as ever too.  This service was not covered by warranty so there was a $25 charge.  Considering I have had this reel for a LONG time I'd say it's well worth it.  Tibor is a great company and IMHO makes the BEST fly reels around. Thanks Tibor!

Patagonia Customer Service - Awesome!

I recently returned a jacket (M's Rain Shadow Jacket) to Patagonia because I had 3 zippers break off.  I absolutely love this jacket because it's so versatile....I wear it year round.  I have never returned a jacket to Patagonia or anywhere but figured if 3 zippers fell off it must be faulty.  Within 6 days I had a call from Diana at Patagonia customer service letting me know that they were going to send me a new jacket.  (different color but that's OK).   That's great customer service and I will continue to be a loyal customer because of it!

I sent the jacket to Patagonia on January 15th.   It only took them 6 days to process! 

I sent these other products back on January 10 and still have nothing returned yet..... Hmmmmmmm.

Shimano Sustain 4000;  Smith "Passage" Sunglasses

Thanks Patagonia for living up to your reputation.

Northeast saltwater surf fishing setup

  Montauk, NY is one of the most demanding places to fish from the surf.  Its monster striped bass and bluefish along with its big surf and legendary Nor'easters will test your gear to the limits.  The following list is my current surf fishing setup.  It has been tested by me in all conditions and so far has stood up to the Montauk challenge.

Rod-  Lamiglas XS 101 MS I started fishing with this rod at the end of last year and love it.  It throws 1oz bucktails very well and can launch a 2oz pencil popper a mile.  It has plenty of power to throw into a stiff breeze too.  The 101MS is a 10' one piece rod.
Reel- Shimano - Spheros 8000FA Spinning Reel While there are certainly much fancier reels out there I have been very happy with the Spheros.  I have been fishing it since last Spring and have not had any problems.  It casts far and has no problem stopping 30lb fish in the surf.  I use my rod as a cane while wading in the Montauk surf so my reel spends a lot of time underwater.  So far, with moderate maintenance (full cleaning and packing with SuperLube) I don't see any signs of corrosion.
Line- PowerPro Moss Green Line- 50lb/ 300 Yd I have tried a few different braided lines but always seem to end up with PowerPro.  There is a great debate as to which is the best braid.  PowerPro works for me.
Swivel- Spro Power Saltwater Swivels Size 4 130lb
Leader- Seaguar Fluorocarbon Leader Material Pound Test: 30-50 pound I only use floro leaders.  Seaguar seems to be the most common at the shops I frequent so has become my go to.  I have not had a problem with it. 
Plug bag- Deluxe Bronco Bag The Bronco Bag is a very bare bones surf bag.  I have had mine for 5 years and would not trade it for anything. 
Waders- Cabelas Roaring Fork 3.5mm neoprene waders I basically buy a new pair of waders every year.  With the amount of use my waders get I don't even want to be in the same room as them after a year.  The Cabela's roaring fork waders are a very solid neoprene wader.  They are tough enough to handle climbing on rocks yet inexpensive enough that they don't break the bank when it comes time to replace them.
Wading Sandals- K-5000 Buckled Fishing Sandals Korkers are a necessary evil when it comes to fishing any rocky coastline or jetty.  Anyone who uses them regularly can attest to the fact they are not great but get the job done.  Korkers are simply not durable enough to handle a place like Montauk (and they are expensive too).  When is someone out there going to build a wading sandal specifically for climbing on rocks in saltwater?
2nd Rod- Lamiglas Ron Arra Surf Pro Rods Model: XSRA 1203-2 (10' 0") I got the Ron Arra around the same time I got my XS 101 MS and because of my love for that rod the Arra has not had a ton of use.  I know it gets great reviews and the few times I have used it I have been impressed.  I like casting a one piece rod better so this one has been my backup.
2nd Reel- Penn - 560 Slammer Spinning Reel Before I bought the Spheros I only used Penn Slammers.  My experience with this reel (both the 460 & 560) has not been great.  I have had the gears strip on all of them.  I would not recommend this reel, especially if you fish in saltwater.