Geezzzzzzz, I guess I am really "old school". Y'all are making me feel stuck in the middle ages. I think it a crime against nature to put a large arbor, Captain Kirk Series, Star Trek flyreel on a cane rod; I prefer Hardy Lightweights and Bougle' MK IVs. I think downlock nickle reel seats are COOL. I mostly fish with cane rods wrapped in silk, agate strippers, snake guides, and casting double taper lines. I do own and sometimes fish plastic rods, but most would be considered old, heavy, and slow by the modern standard; like the old Scott G (not G2), Winston WT (IM6), and Orvis Superfine (unsanded). In fact, I see that Lamiglas has a 71/2 foot 4 wt one piece honey colored glass blank that really has me interested. I do however use knotless mono leaders, although I did try tieing up some, and have even woven some. I honestly do think that trout should be caught on dryflies...sans synthetics (Uni 8/0 is the exception), BUT I have been known to break down and fish nymphs when required. I feel that swinging softhackles is a lost art.

Thanks to John Fuller for this GREAT thread.

"I better shut-up or I am going to get banned from this board!"

No chance. Great discussion and nobody got insulted or flamed. Nobody mentioned anonymous Emails or spouted any hatefulness. This is a wonderful forum and resource for the world's custom rod builders. As you travel around you are going to appreciate this place more and more.

Extruded Tapered Leaders on a Bamboo?! See you are an innovator! I still love the traditional bamboos. Never pass up an opportunity to cast one. I frankly think they cast better in wind than any of the plastics, so by that token they are innovative.

Plastic rods shoot line, cane rods cast line.

Touche'