Monthly Archives: December 2011

Fishing Reel Repair

Before and After-Shimano Calais

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Before and after shots of a Shimano Calais that spent a couple of days on the bottom of the river. The lucky angler was fortunate to “re-catch” this fine expensive piece of equipment. Amazing how quickly dirt and debris finds its way into, under, and inside everything on the reel. Some Reel Tech TLC and she is good as new and ready to fish again!!

BEFORE:

Underside of reel, handle and spool showing debris buildup.

Heavy debris under the main sideplate.

Debris found under the star drag and into the anti-reverse bearing housing.

Debris buildup inside frame of reel.

Showing major debris intrusion inside and under sideplate.

Many parts need to be removed to get inside an intricate Shimano Calais.

AFTER:

Under side of reel clean and debris free.

Reel pieces are clean and debris free

Clean insides,lubed and ready to go.

Inside of main sideplate. Nice and clean!

Ready to fish!

Tight lines and good fishing to all!

Custom Fishing Rods

Reel Tech Custom-9’6″ Float Rod

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Just completed another Steelhead float rod build. Built on a Rogue SS 963 9’6″ 4-8# blank. Split grip handle, American Tackle AERO reel seat, REC Black Pearl Titanium guides. Reel seat set lower to optimize rod length for keeping line off the water, which in turn, creates a great drag free drift. This rod will be a joy to fish a float and jig!

Tried something different with the trim wraps. This is one continuous purple thread finishing off the first guide on the rod:

Close up of the diamond wrap design on the butt section of the rod:

Tight lines and bobber downs to all!!

Fishing Reel Repair

Older Shimano Stradic FE Series-Before and After

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Part of a customers batch of reels that I was servicing included a pair of older Shimano Stradic 4000 FE series reels. They had never been serviced before and I though I would share some before and after photos of one of them. Internally they were working great with no issues after many years of service. A good cleaning and lubrication on the inside, a detail job on the outside, and these reels are ready to fish again. Aside from the scratches, these are now in fine working order!

Before:
The reels had a heavy buildup of grime, solidified bait residue, and dirt buildup. The dirt gets everywhere, even underneath the covers and under the rotor.

After:
Aside from the scratches and other battle scars, the reel is now clean and working in top form.

Tight Lines and screaming drags to you!!

Fishing

December Chrome Steelhead

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They don’t get much prettier than these December Steelhead. Had the pleasure of joining friend Ken Berryhill on a trip to the Smith River in CA. Ken has been friends with Mike Coopman of Mike Coopman’s Guide Service for a long time, and we had a great couple of days on the river together. Low and clear conditions meant you had to work hard and be very stealthy for these skittish fish. Mike really knows this river intimately and he was able to use his expertise to put us on fish despite the very difficult conditions.

Anyone interested in booking a trip to the Smith River, give Mike Coopman a call.
You won’t be disappointed. He is very professional and will work very hard to give you an unforgettable fishing adventure.
Phone: #707-218-4501
Email: catchin2manyfish@hotmail.com
Website: http://www.mikecoopmansguideservice.com/

My biggest steelhead to date:

Ken Berryhill with a bent rod:

Clear water Chrome:

Pretty face:

Ken with a nice chromer:

Me with a bright fish:

Tight Lines!!

Custom Fishing Rods

Reel Tech Custom-Matching pair of Steelhead side drifters for an Oregon Ducks fan!

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Billy and Wendy Whittaker are the proud owners of a matched pair of steelhead side drifting rods for their boat. They wanted to show their love of the Oregon Ducks, so they chose the team colors for the wraps. These rods are built on Rogue SS 904 6-10# blanks. They wanted split grip carbon grips and really liked the feel of the American Tackle AERO seat as well. Fuji Alconite guides were used to complete the builds.
Upon delivery, all Billy could say was “They look so nice I don’t want to even fish with them”. Thanks for the compliment Billy, but I expect these rods to be covered in bait and bent to the handle with many steelhead brought to the net!!

Enjoy the rods Billy and Wendy!

Tight lines and screaming drags to all!!

Fishing

12-7-11 Upper Rogue Fishing

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Had a great day on the water with my friend Jon Geyer. The summer steelhead still are willing to bite despite the cold weather we have been having. Got them on a mix of plugs, ugly bug flies, and glo-bugs. We even scored a nice upper river Coho on a plug. I think we landed 7 Steelhead and the one Coho between us for the day. Jon hooked 2 fish back to back on consecutive casts, in two different spots on the float!! All fish were released. Winter steelhead are coming……..can’t wait!!!

Custom Fishing Rods

Reel Tech Custom-Matching pair of Steelhead Side Drifters

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I recently completed a matching pair of Custom steelhead side drifting rods. Ken Berryhill is the proud owner and he really knows how to spoil the guys in front of his boat. These rods are built on Rogue SS904 9′ 6-10# blanks. He chose a full length carbon fiber handle with an American Tackle AERO reel seat. He wanted a great set of guides so we went with REC titanium guides to complete these builds. These guides are lightweight, sensitive, and virtually indestructible. No doubt these rods will be responsible for bringing many winter steelhead to the net this winter!
Enjoy the rods Ken!!