I was in a local sporting goods store the other day buying some jig hooks so I could poor up some new ones and overheard an interesting conversation over fishing rods. Two guys were basically bantering over which was better (Loomis or Lami). I heard their discussion and their facts about fishing abilities. It brought me back to about 7 years ago.

I remember being on my yearly weeklong fishing vigil with my Dad on the Wynoochee. This was when I was still married and my exwife was bleeding me dry. I had no Lami's or Loomis's. I was fishing some Kunnan's, a couple Brownings, and I had some old USA made Fenwicks (I have an 85c that I LOVE to driftfish with still even to this day). I remember Mr. Loomis (We called this guy that because all he could talk about was his expensive GLoomis rods and how wonderful they are). So, here we are, fishing on the bank, I with my favorite Kunnan and my Dad with his Lami. We landed king after king and left with our limits that day (and everyday). But not once since that day (until the present) have I EVER seen this man catch a fish. My Dad and I consider the Nooch our "home river" eventhough we both grew up fishing the Puyallup. We know the river well and both catch fish. Here is this guy spewing out facts on how awesome his rod is and how state of the art it is. But, NO FISH. Hmmmmmm.

Ok, here's my point to ponder. I believe Lami and Loomis make excellent rods. I have several of each now (thanks to divorcing the moneydraning wench "sorry ladies") and love my new rods and keep my old reliables on reserves. But, here's is my point to ponder. I've read and heard alot of people claim how awesome rods are. But, I feel, that a rod isn't a damned bit of good if the person on the other end doesn't know HOW to use it. These new generation rods will help overcome mistakes made by a beginner, but I feel it's not the rod that makes the man (or woman) but it's the knowledge and skill that does. I'm just tired of hearing all the BS about (I fish a Loomis or Lami so I'm a FISHERMAN) Just some of my thoughts. So, let me have it everyone, I'm sure I'll get lamblasted by a few hear. (I don't mean to knock these rods, they're wonderful, I just am commenting on people who feel the "rod makes the man")
tight lines.............

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I have no doubt that a quality rod is important...sensitivity, etc. But I feel a persons experience, ability to read the water and presentation are what catches fish. Armed with these things, a person could catch fish with a broomstick. Wouldn't be as much fun though.

you are so correct that the rod does not make the fisherman. you can use just about anything when plunking and catch fish. with drifting you have to have the basics down. that happened to me on the samish. figured big fish use a big rod. counldn't feel the bite. my partner had limited and let me use his lami. 3rd drift through the hole i hooked one. bought a lami and 1st time out with it i limited. needed that sensitivity to feel the fish. had the same experience with steelhead.just my two cents.

My money is on a seasoned pro with a broomstick vs a cracker with a gloomis. But a seasoned pro with a broomstick and a seasoned pro with a good rod..... Hands down good rod!! Little things make the difference when it comes to fishing.

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Marty
www.steelheader.net
marty@steelheader.net