Inside Alex Honnold’s Tricked-Out New Adventure Van
Back in 2014, pro climber Alex Honnold gave us a tour of the 2002 Ford Econoline E150 he used as his mobile base camp. That van served him...
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You might be thinking more about snow than water right now. But that means it’s a great time to invest in off-season gear. And a bunch of BO...
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No one wants to have to use first aid. But everyone wants the goods when bad stuff goes down in the backcountry. You don’t have to try to f...
Thursday, November 29, 2018
Epic Graphite Fly Rod Review: Power Meets Response https://ift.tt/2Q4xboQ
Epic makes high-end fly fishing rods for anglers as picky as a stubborn rainbow trout. We put its 5-weight to the test in this review.
As with other gear, you can often tell the quality of fly fishing gear when you first hold it in your hand. When I first opened up the Epic Graphite Rod ($795), I could tell this rod would be a solid addition to my quiver.
It’s a lightweight, handmade rod designed and built in New Zealand. I first rigged it up with my Galvan Torque Reel ($385) which had on a 5-weight Scientific Anglers MPX ($80) line. The MPX line runs a half size heavy, which I found after a day of casting to be a little too heavy for the rod.
Epic’s website suggests using an AFTMA #5 weight line, which is a “true to size line.” So I switched to my Bozeman Reel Company RS Reel ($410) and 406 Fly Lines Casting For Recovery line ($69), which is a lighter line manufactured for lighter rods.
Getting Into the Action
When I had my lines dialed in, I took the rod to some small streams in Paradise Valley, including the famed spring creeks. On these gin-clear waters, the presentation is key. Light tippet, small flies, and smart fish make these creeks challenging for even the best trout anglers. I brought the Epic Graphite Rod out to see how it held up in such a technical situation. The rod protects light tippet well and gives me the power and confidence to land fish.
I will admit it took me a while to figure out my casting speed with this rod. But once I got in the zone with it and spent some time getting to know it, it behaved and performed very well.
Once the rhythm kicked in, our famous Livingston, Mont., winds followed suit. The stiffer butt and midsection on this rod let me power through the winds no problem. A responsive tip paired with the powerful midsection and butt let the Epic rod cast delicately and present small dries to the fish without issue.
I tried fishing a nymphing rig on the rod at one point, which is made up of two flies and a strike indicator. But it didn’t load as smoothly with the added weight. However, with lighter line and flies, the action was beautiful. I could form nice loops in close and farther out, and I found that the sweet spot for this rod is definitely medium distances.
A Fly Fishing Rod Made to Play
The craftsmanship and attention to detail on this rod are second to none. A beautiful, classic-looking rod, it has all the aspects you would expect from a high-end rod. Thoughtful design combined with top-of-the-line technology and smooth action make this rod stand out.
It’s a lightweight yet stable design thanks to non-woven unidirectional material. Epic claims, “Non-woven unidirectional material is up to 40 percent stronger than traditional woven material commonly used by fly rod manufacturers.” The rod certainly is light, coming in at just 3.1 ounces.
The rod utilizes an internally reinforced ferrule system, which helps keep the taper of the rod consistent and makes for a more streamlined blank. The blank itself is finished with Epic’s signature SnakeBelly exterior finish and a nice gloss coating. The rod has an attractive look and boasts corrosion-proof guides.
Final Thoughts
I’ve always found the classic western-style grips to be more comfortable in hand. Luckily, Epic gives buyers the choice of grips between western, full wells, and full wells plus a fighting butt. The brand also gives buyers the choice of reel seat: black, titanium, cork, New Zealand Pohutukawa, or New Zealand Rewarewa. This makes the rod extremely customizable. With a nice grip combined with lightweight construction, the rod I used was very comfortable to cast all day.
Epic has a good warranty program in place. However, seeing that it’s based in New Zealand, it can get pricey. Shipping internationally from the U.S. to New Zealand can be around $50-100. And the repairs themselves cost NZ$80, which is around $53 U.S. Luckily, with the high-tech and durable construction and components, your rod should last you a long while.
In the case of a broken rod, the brand will either replace the broken section or the whole rod depending on what happened.
This Epic Graphite Rod is a great buy for someone in the market for a solid 5-weight rod. It won’t disappoint with its lightweight, durable construction and nice action.
The post Epic Graphite Fly Rod Review: Power Meets Response appeared first on GearJunkie.
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![Havasu Creek narrows, near the confluence of Havasu Creek and the Colorado River, Grand Canyon, AZ. [OC]](https://b.thumbs.redditmedia.com/Yt2vYu-gmkBZCNYA3hMtxKRml79_IqotCsTXJ3DrivA.jpg "Havasu Creek narrows, near the confluence of Havasu Creek and the Colorado River, Grand Canyon, AZ. [OC]")
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Emerging Gear: Pocket Stove, Crash Detection, ‘Electro-Osmotic’ Jacket https://ift.tt/2FPebWZ
A peek at emerging products from the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design. Explore the grid below or click through for a slideshow.
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Illinois Outdoor News Cuffs & Collars – Nov. 30, 2018 https://ift.tt/2DT2awP
Northwest Zone– Captain Laura Petreikis
In Ogle County, CPO Beltran spoke to a Byron man regarding his deer harvest posted on his social media page. The man had time to post on the date of harvest, but he failed to check in the deer harvest in the legal timeframe. Appropriate enforcement action was taken
In Ogle County, CPO Beltran investigated the cause of death of an eagle along IL Route 2. It was determined that the eagle was feeding on a carcass in the road when it was struck by a motor vehicle. The eagle was transferred to the US Fish and Wildlife Service
In Rock Island County, CPO Francisko checked multiple trout fishermen at Prospect Pond. He observed suspect behavior by a man who hastily left the area. A compliance check was conducted at the man’s vehicle, and the man had his limit of five trout but did not have a valid fishing license or a trout stamp. A citation was issued for no fishing license, and a written warning was issued for the trout stamp violation. The trout were handled per DNR policy.
In LaSalle County, CPO Filipiak was on a foot patrol at Starved Rock State Park when he observed two individuals consuming alcohol in a posted restricted area. While questioning the individuals, he smelled the aroma of burnt cannabis and asked if the individuals had any. Cannabis cigarettes were observed in an open compartment of the female’s backpack. When asked for their identification, the female was unable to produce anything with her name on it. The female provided a fake name and a fake date of birth. Both individuals were escorted to the Starved Rock Visitor’s Center; however, the male decided to flee on foot towards the parking lot. CPO Filipiak engaged in the foot pursuit, and he was able to catch the individual and place him under arrest. The female ran through the woods and became lost. CPO Kaufman assisted by locating the female. The male was charged with fleeing to elude a police officer and possession of alcohol in a restricted area. The female was charged with obstruction of identification and possession of alcohol in a restricted area. She also received a civil violation for possession of cannabis.
In Putnam County, CPO Finn encountered a hunter hunting in a baited area. The bow hunter stated he knew there was salt near his stand, and that was why he placed his stand there. He also stated that did not place the salt, so he felt it was okay to hunt there. The hunter was educated on the laws of hunting by use or aid of bait. Two citations were issued for hunting by use or aid of bait and unlawful attempt to take of white-tailed deer. Three written warnings were also issued.
In Fulton County, CPO Thompson conducted an interview of a Smithfield man who allegedly falsified a harvest report. He received a confession to violations which included failure to tag immediately upon kill, unlawful use of another’s permit, falsification of a harvest report, and unlawful transport of an uncased bow. The man admitted to intentionally using his antlerless permit to tag a young buck and using a friend’s permit to tag an additional doe he had shot. Two citations and several warnings were issued, and an antlerless only permit was seized.
In Fulton County, CPO Thompson cited a Morton man for unlawful feeding/baiting of white-tailed deer. Three locations were found where corn and mineral blocks were used to attract wild deer. Upon further investigation, he identified the individual who placed the bait and obtained a confession. Two citations and several warnings were issued.
In Hancock County, CPO Wheatley received information regarding a Hamilton man who bought a deer tag, hunting license, and habitat stamp after killing a deer. The source provided all information needed to identify the subject. The man was located; and after a short interview, he confessed to the crime. The man was cited for hunting without a license, hunting without a permit, and failure to tag immediately upon harvest.
In Jersey County, CPO Goetten found two subjects hunting on property they did not have permission to be on. They were also hunting over bait and hunting without a state habitat stamp. Seven citations were issued, and a bow and ground blind were seized. Additional charges involving two rifles were also filed.
In Pike County, CPO Blazinic arrested a subject for white-tailed deer archery hunting in a baited area. The subject had baited the area with granular deer mineral and soy beans. The subject had also shot an opossum out of season with archery equipment. The subject was charged with unlawful white-tailed deer hunting in a baited area, unlawful feeding of white-tailed deer, and unlawful harvest of an opossum with archery equipment. The subject’s compound bow was seized for forfeiture.
In Morgan County, CPO Wichern observed an Ashland deer hunter hunting with a crossbow after legal hours. After a short interview, it was determined the archery hunter had also previously hunted from a baited ladder stand belonging to his friend on the same property. The hunter was charged with hunting after hours, and the subject provided the name of the second
Ashland hunter who owned the baited stand. The owner of the baited stand agreed to meet CPO Wichern at the baited deer stand that evening. After a short interview, it was determined that he and another nonresident deer hunter had placed a mineral block and trail camera at the location of an old bait hole on the property in August. He agreed to remove the deer stand and camera from the area and cover the baited area with pallets and brush. The subjects were charged with deer bait placement.
In Sangamon County, CPO Wichern received a TIP complaint regarding two fishermen taking an over limit of rainbow trout at Southwind Park. The following day he observed a subject catch several trout and give away a total of three trout to other fishermen. The fisherman was also observed throwing the trout that he possessed on the shore and proceed to his vehicle in the adjacent parking lot. CPO Wichern stopped the subject and questioned him about the two, dead trout that he threw on the shore as he left. The fisherman produced an Illinois fishing license and inland trout stamp and
Northeast Zone – Capt. Brett Scroggins
In McHenry County, CPO Kelley handled a complaint involving a duck blind on the Fox River and nearby homes. The blind was found to be legally situated.
In Cook County, While on patrol, CPOs Ausmus and Sanford received a tip from a citizen that there were subjects unlawfully snagging in Belmont Harbor. Upon arrival, the CPOs observed one male subject standing above the dock. They also observed three other males coming and going over the fence to/from the dock. The CPOs documented the violations, and three of the four subjects were issued citations for snagging in waters closed to snagging and unlawful snagging within 200 feet of a moored watercraft. Several snag poles, hooks, and a net with two salmon were seized. The subjects have a pending court appearance.
In Cook County, CPO Ausmus conducted snagging enforcement. He observed five subjects snagging from a dock at Belmont Harbor. When he spoke with the subjects, all denied knowing they were in violation. All subjects possessed valid fishing licenses and salmon stamps; however, each subject was issued a citation for unlawful snagging in closed waters and warnings for snagging within 200 feet of a moored watercraft.
In Cook County, CPOs Stanbary and Ausmus conducted fish enforcement for the fall trout opener at William W. Powers State Recreation Area. A fisherman was issued a written warning after he was observed urinating in a parking lot in plain view of park visitors. Later in the patrol, a fisherman at Diversey Harbor was cited for unlawfully snagging in an area closed to snagging.
In Cook County, while conducting waterfowl enforcement at William W. Powers State Recreation Area, CPO Stanbary checked a pair of hunters. One hunter had not signed or affixed his federal migratory bird stamp to his hunting license. He also noted that both of their shotguns were cased with the safety in the fire position. The CPO reminded the pair to make sure their guns were in the safe position at all times until ready to fire while afield. A written warning was issued for the stamp violation. A written warning was also issued for an uncovered/unsecured battery on their boat.
In Cook County, while conducting trout enforcement at inland trout lakes, CPO Stanbary issued a written warning to a fisherman after he was found fishing with no inland trout stamp. The fisherman had no fish in his possession and immediately used his phone to purchase the stamp from the IDNR website. A second trout fisherman was issued a written warning for no license in possession.
In Cook County, CPO Stanbary was on patrol when he cited a salmon fisherman in Burnham Harbor after he was found fishing and in possession of a salmon with no salmon stamp. The fish was seized from the fisherman. Another fisherman was issued a written warning for no valid nonresident fishing license. A third fisherman was issued a written warning for no salmon stamp.
In Cook County, CPO Thornley received a call about a waterfowl hunter who inadvertently shot a swan. CPO Thornley met with the hunter, and the hunter stated he heard a bird flying and jumped up and shot. The hunter stated he was looking into the sun, and it was hard to see what it was. The hunter then noticed it was a mute swan and contacted the officer. CPO Thornley advised it was the hunter’s responsibility to know what he was shooting at, and a citation was issued for unlawful take of a migratory game bird.
In Cook County, CPO Mooi observed three men snagging in Jackson Harbor. One man was actively snagging, and the other two were drinking and watching. A compliance check was conducted, and the man could not find his salmon stamp. A record check was conducted, and the man was found to not have a salmon stamp. A citation was issued for the violation.
In Cook County, while conducting a snagging enforcement detail, CPOs Ausmus and Sanford located three individuals snagging salmon in waters closed to snagging and snagging within 200 feet of multiple moored watercraft. A fishing compliance check was conducted, and all three individuals were issued citations for unlawful snagging in waters closed to snagging and unlawful snagging within 200 feet of a moored watercraft. One of the individuals was also issued written warnings for no valid sport fishing license or Lake Michigan salmon stamp. Two snagged Chinook salmon, three snagging rods/reels, a landing net, and seven snag hooks were seized as evidence.
In Cook County, CPOs Thornley and Sanford conducted sport fish enforcement at various harbors along Lake Michigan. CPO Thornley issued a written warning for snagging within 200 feet of a moored boat at Montrose Harbor. CPO Thornley issued two written warnings to two men who did not possess a salmon stamp. In a separate incident, CPO Thornley spotted a fisherman snagging on the west side of Montrose Harbor. The man was issued a citation for unlawful snagging in an area prohibited for snagging. The man was also issued a citation for no fishing license and a written warning for no salmon stamp.
South Zone – Capt. Jim Mayes
In St. Clair County, CPO Schachner patrolled a property that has been periodically hunted illegally despite the landowner not allowing hunting, and he discovered two fresh gut piles. Further investigation revealed that both deer were shot on the property. Various items left by the hunters were seized as evidence, and additional evidence was documented. Shortly after leaving the property, CPO Schachner received multiple complaints of two subjects illegally killing deer in that area. Several photos were obtained, and the violators were identified. Contact was made the following day, and both violators confessed. Two 8-point deer heads/racks were seized, and each subject received two citations with mandatory court. The deer were already at a local processer, and the meat was donated to a local food pantry.
In St. Clair County, a subject was arrested for failure to tag a doe immediately upon kill. The deer was harvested at Kaskaskia State Fish and Wildlife Area. CPO Ray met the individuals as they appeared from wood line, and the subject retrieved his hunting license and unused deer permit from his truck.
In Franklin County, CPOs Jourdan and Folden found three men in possession of an over limit of crappie at Rend Lake. The men had 87 crappie, 41 of which were over 10 inches. The limit is 25 per person, and only 10 can be over 10 inches in length. The CPOs issued three citations, and one written warning was issued.
In Madison County, While conducting general wildlife enforcement, CPOs Ray and Goetten observed two male subjects riding dirt bikes down a creek on private property. The subjects stated that they were looking for rocks and thought they were on federal property. It was discovered that both subjects were wanted on active warrants.
In Madison County, CPO Liebl was notified of an incident at Horseshoe Lake State Park. Some vehicles were seen in an area that has been closed for several years and was blocked by large concrete barricades. One of the barricades was tipped over and partially pulled out of the way. Two vehicles had driven around the barricade and went back to the lake. While dealing with those two individuals, another vehicle drove around the barricade and went back to the lake. All three drivers were issued citations for operating a vehicle in a restricted area. After all the vehicles left the area, a local farmer used a tractor to place the barricade in its original position.
In Perry County, CPO Vasicek is investigating a hunting accident that occurred on IDNR property within Pyramid State Recreation Area. The male subject fell from a tree and broke his leg while preparing to archery deer hunt. He was transported to Saint Louis University for treatment.
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Illinois Outdoor News Fishing Report – Nov. 30, 2018 https://ift.tt/2Ql1NlF
North
Chain: The channels have been producing good catches of panfish on small tungsten jigs tipped single spikes. There are few reports on walleyes and bass as the launches are all frozen over and the bigger water is not safe for travel yet.
Pistakee Bay has been producing good catches of white bass in 15-foot depths. The crappie bite also has been good, but finding them is hard. They have been suspending on the breaklines near deeper water. The north end of Channel Lake has been producing good catches of panfish. The weeds are still green and are holding good quality fish.
Lake Michigan: Reports of perch from Navy Pier are good. Smaller fish are around with some big ones mixed in. Double rigs with minnows or shrimp are being effective. Some larger fish are being caught on small flukes and other plastics. Remember to bring a net as the occasional trout can be in the mix.
There are reports of perch being caught around 95th Street. Standard fare of double rigs with shrimp or minnows is working.
Downtown harbors are producing some decent catches of perch. The fish are running small so a lot of sorting is required, but crappie rigs with shrimp or fathead minnows seem to be producing the best. Some anglers are having good luck utilizing the belly meat of the perch as well. Artificial plastics such as small minnow-style plastics rigged on double rigs and pulled along the weedbeds can produce some of the larger fish. Fishing bottom rigs with minnows and feather-tied hooks has also been good producer.
South
Crab Orchard Lake: Anglers are reporting that crappies are being found at depths ranging from about six to 10 feet. Most are in heavy cover near points. The best baits have been minnows and jigs. Bright colors seem to be the best bet. Bluegills are being caught near riprap and around weedbeds on the typical bluegill baits. Bass fishing has been slow.
Baldwin Lake: Largemouth bass fishing has slowed. Bluegills are biting on worms in six to eight feet of water. Crappie and catfish fishing has been fair.
Carlyle Lake: White bass are hungry for jigs. Bluegill fishing is fair on worms. Sauger fishing has been fair. Crappie fishing is so-so, and most success is with minnows.
Kinkaid Lake: Overall, fishing has been slow. Bluegills had been biting on worms, but the bite has tapered off. Crappies are slow, but some are being taken on minnows in 12 to 15 feet of water. Muskies are being caught, though action is slow.
Horseshoe Lake: Crappies have started biting better. Brush piles in deep water have provided the best action. Minnows and jigs are equally effective. Bass have been slow, as have bluegills.
Lake of Egypt: Bluegills are still on the beds and can be caught on a variety of baits. Crappies have also moved into deep cover. Minnows and jigs are both effective. Bass action has been good. The larger fish have moved deep, 14-22 feet. Soft plastics and jigs are the best bets. Some anglers fishing early in the morning are picking up fish on spinnerbaits and crankbaits.
Little Grassy: Crappies have moved off the banks and are holding in 15-20 feet of water. Minnows are the primary bait. Catfish are in shallow areas and are being caught in good numbers on red wigglers and nightcrawlers. Bass are still holding in shallow areas. Anglers are taking fish on soft plastics and twitch baits.
Rend Lake: Crappies are biting fair on jigs fished along the Route 154 riprap and over crappie sets in Gun Creek and near bridge pillars. Bass fishing has been slow.
Central
Powerton Lake: Smallmouths are being caught on crankbaits and small jigs. Good currents are reported in the discharge area. Bandits and inline spinners also are working.
Lake Bloomington: Bluegills are biting on worms, but are slow and small. Crappies are being caught on minnows in 12 to 14 feet.
Lake Decatur: Crappies are being caught on minnows. Bluegill fishing has been slow, with a few being caught on worms. Catfish have been very slow on worms and stinkbaits.
Lake Shelbyville: Crappies have been biting in shallows or around brush on jigs and tubes of chartreuse with yellow, red or white and chartreuse tubes. Muskies are biting below the spillway.
Clinton Lake: Crappie fishing has been fair near brush with minnows. Bluegills are being caught on worms near shore.
Lake Springfield: Bluegills are biting on worms along shorelines. Crappie fishing has been slow. Catfish have been biting on shad. White bass have been hitting spinnerbaits near the bridges.
Lake Taylorville: A few catfish have been taken on dough baits. Bluegills excellent on worms. Crappies good to excellent on minnows. Bass have been hitting plastic worms.
Coffeen Lake: Bass are good on topwater baits, crankbaits and plastics. Bluegills are fair on wax worms and fairly shallow catfish are good on dip baits, crawlers and cut bait, with some big flatheads being landed. Stripers are fair on deep running crankbaits.
Sangchris Lake: Bass were fair to slow around timber cover on plastics. Catfish were fair on cut baits and shad. Flatheads are good to fair on live baits.
Rivers
Illinois River: The walleye and sauger bite has dropped off. The bite shut down and fish are harder to find. Anglers who are catching fish are finding them here and there and nothing is showing up as a good pattern. Trolling lead core with stickbaits or three-way rigs with the bottom weight being a jig and minnow and an F-9 Rapala on the long line. Work the flats created on the current bends.
Fox River: The walleye bite is starting to pick up with some fish being reported at the McHenry Dam and also in the Elgin area. The fish are being caught on Gulp-style jigs as well as jerkbaits. There have been some good schools of white bass showing up.
Kankakee River: Pike have been lively, and smallmouth bass have been biting near Momence on minnows and spinners. The catfish bite has died, as the fish have gone into their wintering holes. Smaller baits with a lot of scent are best.
Des Plaines: The walleyes have been found using jerkbaits and jointed minnowbaits. They are being taken in the evening hours working the deeper holes that are adjacent to shallow water. Good numbers of northern pike are also to be found fishing live bait under a float or throwing inline spinners and jerkbaits.
Rock River (Milan): Channel cats biting on just about anything. Fish are biting on liver, nightcrawlers, minnows, leeches and stinkbait below the Sears Dam in the Rock River.
Rock River (Byron): Good-sized channel catfish are being taken from the creeks with cheesebait, chicken liver, minnows and cut bait (crushed minnows). A few using nightcrawlers were also reported.
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