E. G. Rorer R.I.P.

I realized today that I never posted my Dad's obituary on the SMFB.  Dad died on February 18th, still can't believe he is gone.  Funny thing is I think about him more now that he has passed than when he was alive.  My Mom just sent me the picture of his gravesite in Bushnell, Florida.

My Dad was NOT an outdoorsman - wouldn't be caught dead with a fishing pole in his hand.  He would take me to local lakes in the Chicago area and read the news paper, sitting for hours and not saying a word.  My Uncle Joe was the one responsible for my fishing bug.  I spent days with Uncle Joe on my grandparents farm ponds in Indiana.  The bluegills were unreal in those ponds!

My Dad served in the Air Force and after the war he worked for Shell Oil.  Later in life he owned an ARCO gas station and was a automobile mechanic, a profession he could not stand, but it payed the bills.  He moved to Florida with my Mom and happily lived the rest of his life there.

In February Dad had a massive stroke and died a few days later.  Not sure that you ever get over losing a family member, but Mom and Dad raised us to keep on chuggin' and that is exactly what I am doing.  He lived a great life and we all loved him very much.

1972 Tow Low 700 Deluxe Camper

1972 Tow Low Trailer Camper

Here is a Tow Low leaving the lot back in the early 1970s

Well.....we added a new fly fishing machine to our arsenal.  I just picked up our fully restored, 1972 Tow Low Model 700 Deluxe camper my 10 year old quickly named Lo-retta!  Our boys are getting old enough to want to camp and I am getting old enough to not want to sleep on a rock.  We found this trailer and once we saw the interior it was a no brainer.

We should have tons of family memories in this baby.  Notice the diamond plate canoe/kayak rack on top?  This is exactly what we were looking for.  Once it is cranked down it fits right in a standard garage stall and tows like a dream.

Not in bad shape for a 1972 trailer.

If you look closely, it even has a receiver for a bike rack.

Lower center panel was replaced at some point.

True twin mattress = good night's sleep

Comfy couch and another twin bed

We'll probably cook outside, but it is good to have options!

Small fridge to keep the essentials cold.

New insulation, wiring, paneling and floor.  Complete gut job.

If it ever stops raining we would use this dang thing!  The St Croix River is so high right now and it looks like more rain in the forecast.  The mosquitos are thick!

Hope fishing is good wherever you are, it is tough going up here in Minnesota.  Lakes are good, but moving water is a little dangerous.

Factory Second and Overrun Fly Line

I picked up some factory second/overrun fly line last time I was in Denver for a trade show.  I tell you what....the price is right!  You can get it from Discount Fishing Tackle for $9.50 (WF and DT) and $10.50 (Sinking),  Even the postage is a deal. at $3.95!

You cannot order it on their website, so you have to pick up the phone or visit the store.  Rumor has it the line are all made by SA.  The color may be lighter than the retail line and I heard a few guys mention a small rough spot.

I use this line and it is great.

New Native Watercraft Slayer 14

I got my new Native Watercraft 14 yesterday and got her completely unpacked today.  We finally had a day warm enough to do a little outdoor work!

I have to tell you, I am really excited about this boat.  The entire family bought kayaks last year and had a ball on the river.  Our Crow Wing Kayaks were not a great fit.  The models we purchased did not have scupper holes.  Having a wet butt all day is not a great way to spend the day.  We decided to upgrade to a more refined and complete kayak that has first class seating, scupper holes and also gives us the ability to stand and cast.

I installed the rear wheel today along with an anchor trolley.  The wheel is a great feature, good for the old back.  Grab ahold of the handle and push the kayak to the water.  The anchor trolley will allow me to keep the boat in position.

I opted for the Hidden Oak Color,

Rear Wheel - A Very Nice Feature

No Slipping on Fish Slime

Insulated Bag to Keep Drinks and Eats Cool

I will be posting more detailed reviews once I get the kayak out on the water in a few weeks.

Rod Catalog by Vladan Milenkovic

Vladan Milenkovic is making some beautiful rods and they are for sale on this site.  A great fly tyer his rods are unreal.  Vlad is a true artist.

I don't see any smallmouth rods yet, but my fingers are crossed.

Spring is FINALLY here!

DEAR GOD!.....spring has finally arrived in Minnesota!  Beautiful day today.  Rivers will be high for a while, but as long as things are melting I don't care.

Happy spring everyone.

Ster-line Fly Casting Reel by Sterling Manufacturing

Ster-line Fly Casting Reel by Sterling Manufacturing, Torrington, CT

Back of the Ster-line

I picked up this reel on Ebay about a week ago for $10.  I have been looking for a Ster-line fly reel for a while and came across this one for a great price.

When I received the reel it was seized up.  The pawls were badly rusted and fused to the reel case.  I soaked the reel in penetrating oil for a bit and tried the screws.  Still seized.  I ended up having to drill out the brass screws and re-tapping the holes.

Innards of the reel - Brass screws broken off

Pawls with broken off screw heads

We cleaned up the pawls with file and emery cloth.  put everything back together and here is what we had:

New pawl and spring screws

The reel purrs like a kitten!  I am not sure when the reel was made, but it is pretty old.  I paired it with my new Wonderrod.  It was great to teach my boys how to fix something rather than pitch it in the trash.  The Ster-line will be back on the water where she belongs....