Hmmm, I appreciate your self-deprecating humor, but am troubled by your apparent insecurity (t.i.c.). I caught my first steelhead drift-fishing with my $10 yellow Eagle Claw salmon/steelhead rod, coupled to an Ambassador 5000c, along with most every coho I've caught since. And my first fly-caught steelhead and hundreds of trout came to my $9 yellow Eagle Claw fly rod. Ain't no way I'd ever be embarassed to be seen with my Eagle Claw rods, altho admittedly, I prefer other rods now and have for years, especially for fly fishing.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.

Salmo g.-
I am surprised that you would even respond to this goofy post. Your constructive criticism usually caps most political or biological oriented threads putting things in perspective.

In all honesty, to quote a friend, "I would fish in a mud puddle with a shoe string if that is all I had." (Winterrun to be exact) But I am afraid that that story would not be intresting or humorous and in this case you and I do have other choices. Everyone has to start somewhere, but I bet it wasn't the rod that made that fish memorable. It has nothing to do with insecurity. Opinion noted.
Thanks

Hey I loved my 67 Bug that I drove through high school and college and it got from point A to point B just like every other car.............................but I think I might have to slink down in the seat if I had to drive it to my 20-year high school reunion.

I think the same principle applies here. I think most of the "crusty" crowd here landed their first fish on a yellow glass rod.......I know I did.

Buying an Eagle Claw anything would be akin to buying femine products for your wife at the supermarket.....just a bit too embarassing for me. The only thing worse would be seen purchasing pre-tied 3/0 - 4/0 25# SLIP TIE eagle claw salmon leaders (even if they have the fancy nickel hooks)

Way to take one for the team JTD

Ouch!
Thanks JNT

P.S. Who was the photographer that took that picture for your avatar anyways?

Dan S.- Exactly!

I seem to remember some guys using Snoopy poles for steelhead not to long ago.

I just thought I would throw that out there.

JNT

littlefish - that's SO true. i don't think you can call yoursel a salmon fisherman if you don't have that old starfire with a 209 mounted on it somewhere on the boat. bonus points if the 209 has the old colored handle that penn used to put on them ages ago

I'm still using a 209 as my main salmon reel. I've got three of them I use that I paid from $9.95 to $14.95 for years ago when they were on sale.

I used to wait for a sale... and then I'd get me a reel.

Used to use two of them back when it was legal to "two rod" in the sound.

Just had all 3 reconditioned by Georg (does the work for Outdoor Emporium) and they're probably good for the next 20 years now.

Sure I did........last year with the chrome bumpers, 1st year with a 12v electrical system and larger engine.

They're still Bugs though.........

Ok, so who is Bill Hertzog, and why would you care what he thinks anyway?
Do your own thing, man, do your own thing..........

Don't tell anyone, but I have 3! All loaded with 30lb power pro on Penn 109's!! Use 'em for guests when trolling. Come to think of it, I caught my first salmon off them. And they never break like my fancy Lami's or Loomis.

I actually bought a new one last year from the GI Joes sale last year -had this really cool foam grip.

Full Freezer

Zen Leecher-

OHHHH STOP!
Please, you are killing me! That is the funniest thing I have heard today.

Man ...nothin' like a foam grip on yer fishin' pole. Makes me wanna go catch some bluegill. I think everyone is in agreeance that tackle is a status symbol. It's like automobiles....If you haven't driven a Ferrari or a Porsche you just wouldn't understand. And if you haven't, you probably resort to the tired reasoning/cover up that your 74 'Vette with the off brand raised white letter tires would "eat up any Porsh". There are a lot of fun pursuits than can be made better with superior technology. Good day.

Notice how when speaking about an Eagle Claw we have reverted back to calling it a pole and not a rod.

I own an Eagle Claw Salmon Pole. It serves one purpose, I loan it to neighbors who ask to barrow a fishing pole for the weekend. If they said Rod they may get a better selection.

I use an old Penn 209 and a rod that must be 70 years old that has seen Alaska back when you could walk acrosd the water on the backs of salmon. Still works, but I'm saving for a new one. The Eagle Claw 5' rods are great for trout. But I would not like to be caught byh Bill buying one, I would rather have a G. Loomis fly rod or sumthin...