Rod Repair: Phase I

Step One to fixing a problem: Admit you have one. 

Several things cause this bent/ broken guide, chipping epoxy, ugly wrap colors or whatever you want it to be. 

The rod I will be featuring is a IM6 graphite rod that was formally 7ft but due to a window accident is now 6'10. Its also a 2008 model and its wraps have seen their better days. So I am going to briefly display the re-wrapping of a rod. I am no master wrapper to say the least but I make it work with out sacrificing the structural integrity. 

Step Two: Remove said problem from your life 

This only requires a simple razor blade, I have found that cutting along the top of the guide foot then removing the guide is the easiest way to start.

Once the guide is out try to peel the epoxy like a shrimp. Also continue to shave the rest of the epoxy off of the rod carefully not to dig in the blank itself.

Step 2.1 

Take a china marker, tape, sharpie, crayon, or whatever you have available and mark where your guides sit as you will need these points when re-wrapping. 

In conclusion: We admitted that we have a problem and we have taken the first step in fixing it. 

Next Repair post we will discuss what tools are needed for re-wrapping and some cheaper alternatives.

Now I gathered most of my information from two sources listed below take a look, they show a more in depth look at rod building in general. This may be something you want to pursue, I have only scratched the surface here. 

Check it:

- http://www.mudhole.com/Rod-Building-101

- http://www.rodbuildingforum.com/

Keep your cell phone dry and alive

Today was a nasty rainy day outside in the Raleigh area, so what to do either sit inside watching swamp people or go fishing. I chose the second option and set out with a few flies and my 5wt down the creek to the mouth of falls lake. I was in pursuit of some bass and bream, however stumbled upon the freshwater red fish also known as la car-pay (freshwater carp). With a light sprinkle I pursed the carp without much knowledge or equipment. The day was spent with two hook ups, one thrown hook, one snapped line, and a 5wt reel caught with its drag screaming and backing out.

The 5wt was no match for the seven to ten pound carp I hooked up, however some drag screaming therapy was nice. With a rumbling stomach I headed back to the house only to be caught in monsoon like rainfall. Now soaked from the twenty minute hike back, I was thankful my cell phone and camera made it to the dry pack.

Its time to throw away that Ziploc bag and order a dry bag for your valuables.
This is the best investment for valuables and a must have for the active outdoor user. Cell phone, iPod, camera, fishing license all protected and keys they are good to as many bags float. Many different brands are available the particular one I use is a dry pak. They also have a size for most items, the coolest thing I like is the ability to still use the device while it's in the case. Touch screen phone or iPod work well, as for listening to those they sell a model that includes headphone jack. So get smart about your gear and protect it spend the $15 dollars, this is a purchase that is simple but saves a lot of headache and money.

Sunday Morning Coffee and Gruesome Advertising

There is nothing like fixing a strong cup of coffee and flipping on the Outdoor Channel on Sunday mornings. This happens to be a habit as I enjoy watching shows for ideas for travel and to pick up a few tips.Now we all know this comes at the price of twenty minutes of commercials and ten minutes of good hunting or fishing. Today happened to be different as I sat there watching the commercials they became somewhat troubling for me. The one thing that troubles me the most is the marketing of hunting equipment companies. Everything from the names of the brands to the rabbit slogans and commercials.

Brand names such as Bone Collector and Rage are troubling, I mean come who thinks of this stuff. I never pursue game as a result of rage or have the mentality of just killing for bones. However the trend of marketing is headed towards this. What is the purpose of the grim reaper in your logo Excalibur, this is not needed and shows a cave man way of thinking. 

The broadhead industry has become flooded of these ignorent branding and labeling of products. Brands such as Rage and Grim Reaper, along with a few others who's certain products naming carry the same format of gruesome labels. 

The worst of the worst has to be Rage broad heads, yes you make quality broad heads. In spite of this there is no need to advertise how much damage you can cause a kill. Please leave the gushing blood dinosaurs and logos out of advertisements. 

As an advid outdoorsman I personally don't purchase items from these companies. Many will say I am overreacting over a name but it is more than that it. It's the example and mindset we are setting for the younger generation to draw as much blood, kill as many as possible, and hunt for antlers or mounts. Instead of hunting with respect for the game we take and understanding our role of ethical gathering. 

With all this being said one day I hope to enjoy my cup of coffee on Sunday mornings with a lack of fist pumping middle age men wearing a kill em all hoodie. 

J.Jones 

National Puppy Day - Purchase or Rescue?

Today is National Puppy day, everyone loves cute puppies we go purchase one bring it home and accept that it is going to pee everywhere and chew up everything. I've been there we purchased a puppy who I wouldn't trade for the world, however the idea of adopting a dog never crossed my mind. Then sitting at hooters I received a phone call from my 15 minutes late I had to do my hair thought we where going somewhere nice not hooters girlfriend. She had found what appeared to be a lab mix by the dumpster ribs showing, collar ingrown, but a sweet dog.

Can we keep it? Was the next question, my thought two college students with two large dogs and an additional vet bill ugh NO. Well I was eventually convinced upon meeting Addie and through the process of adopting Addie she has taught me a lot about life including patience, forgiveness and perseverance. Dogs that have been neglected tend to be more clingy which Addie was however it makes her a good companion. Addie was about nine months when we got her but I still consider her still today a puppy. There are plenty of good dogs at the pound, humane society or other shelters that need a home and even an old dog can be a puppy.

So when you want a dog will you purchase puppy or rescue?

[In future post I will talk about how to get your new dog the things they need without going broke or sacrificing their well being.]

J.Jones