BIG
NEWS AT LOOMIS
July 16, 2009
- As being reported by Tackle Trade News, US rod manufacture G.
Loomis will discontinue the production of rod blanks at the conclusion
of the 2009 season. This announcement comes as no surprise due to the
rapidly declining interest in rod building the industry has experienced
since the advent of rod guarantee policies.
"This is a very difficult decision for all of us here at G. Loomis,
especially because making custom rod blanks for steelhead anglers was
how we started as a fishing tackle company back in the 1980's,"
said Bruce Holt, executive director at G. Loomis.
"While we realize that there's an avid following among custom rod
makers for our blanks, the growth we've experienced on a worldwide basis
for finished rods - especially our fly rods with fly tackle dealers in
the US and abroad - makes this the right decision and direction for our
business to succeed in the future."
In a press release authored by Temple Fork President, Rick Pope, another
industry bombshell was dropped. TFO has hired former Loomis czar, Gary
Loomis, to head up production of a line of 28 casting and spinning rods.
"We've started production of 28 one and two piece rods in both
spinning and casting configurations in 6', 6 ½' and 7' lengths. They
will feature single foot guides with gold SIC inserts, skeletonized
lower grips and fast/progressive actions. Retail pricing will be $99.95
and availability is expected in early September. Gary's analysis of the
entire process - from blank performance to finish out - has been amazing
to see and we expect these rods will be even more amazing to fish."
THE FISHING
With the water flow hovering somewhere in the 50cfs range the Swift
River in Belchertown is providing for some very demanding fishing. There
are numerous fish from Cady Lane to the Y-pool, many in the 16-18"
category, but a stealthy approach in conjunction with long leaders
tapered to 7 and 8X and microscopic imitations are the norm. Along with
San Juan worms #20-#26 in red, maroon, worm green and brown a simple
form of midge pupa or emerger seem to be responsible for much of the
success. If you are a fly tyer these patterns can be quite simple to
construct. The body is nothing more that 8/0 Uni thread (red, olive,
brown or tan) accompanied by a wing of CDC tuft (lt. dun, white or
cream) culled to accommodate the hook size.
Frank Puma of Hudson,
while on an extended mid-week session, got acquainted with 4 demanding
rainbows just north of the Rt.9 Bridge. Despite the fact that we didn't
receive a head count, Dr. Bill Dunn of Sturbridge enjoyed a stellar day
on the river in the same general vicinity. Howard Shainheit of Worcester
directed his attention to the area north of Cady Lane and actually
struggled to land a few fish, continually rupturing his fine tippet.
These are large, healthy and spirited fish (mostly rainbows) that often
require the angler to employ 2 or 3 weight rods to support such
diminutive terminal tackle.
Good fishing and safe
wading,
JB
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