Kinni

Cool! Thanks Steve - I think I'll give this a try so I can at least utilize the rubber soles that aren't getting any use anyway.

Curious about this. I've got Korkers as well (Raptor and Hatchbacks). The Raptors have been excellent (starting to fall apart now, but they've held up very well for over 5 years and have been super comfortable). I've got a couple "extra" rubber soles that I have absolutely no interest in wearing as-is based on what I've heard about really poor traction in the river. I've got the studded rubber soles that work extremely well so I've been thinking of adding studs (like the Kold Kutter) but wasn't sure if the plastic soles would hold well enough. When you added these did they only go into the sole or did you screw right through the soles and into the bottom of the boots?

Looks like the same one I have. It's called a River Quiver and it's made by Riversmith. It was a bit over $400 for a 2-rod version and yes, it does lock. I've only used mine a couple times, but I've been happy with it. It's great if you hop around from place to place, but I've appreciated it even more to have everything all loaded up for an early morning outing and not needing to rig up when all I really want to do is get on the river to take advantage of the limited amount of time I have available to fish. www.riversmith.com

WOW! That is stunning! Love the color scheme and that grip is gorgeous too!

Lots of patience and available time necessary for that beautiful result. VERY well done!

Wow! And fantastic picture! I'm mesmerized and can almost imagine every wrap being laid down with the clarity of the photo. I'm not currently capable of doing something like that right now, but I'm thoroughly impressed by your skills!

WOW! That is incredible!

Way to go! I got mine on Monday too. Good eating and some awesome feathers to put to use.

That really is a winning color combination. I bet you'll get lots more requests for this combo for future builds.

Scott, thank you so much for putting all these SBS posts together. I know they're a ton of work, but your photos and directions are super clear and make all these patterns so much less intimidating. Very well done!

Welcome from another WI resident.

If you're going to be with a guide the entire time I'm guessing they'd be providing all the flies you'll need as a part of their service. Might be kind of fun to bring some patterns from home just to play with, but I'll bet the guide will have all the local patterns covered for you. Certainly a good idea to check in with him/her just to be sure and it sounds like you're already planning to do that.

Looks great and I agree, being from Packerland, the green and gold combination is sweet!

So very sorry for your loss. Prayers sent for all who knew and loved him.

I agree. That olive/black combo is sweet!

What a great way to end your builds for the year. These two hit a little closer to home being that I've got a couple daughters of my own. Way to make their Christmas with these beautiful rods. They will no doubt cherish them their entire lives. Wonder whose smile will be bigger? My bet is dad's when his girls unwrap these presents. Have a very blessed Christmas season!

If you want to lighten things up a little (sometimes the tomato juice/V8/Bloody mix is pretty thick), try Clamato juice. Officially, I think they call it a Bloody Caesar when you swap in the Clamato juice. I also like to add in some pickle juice along with the other items mentioned - Worcestershire, tabasco, celery salt and lime juice.

Beautiful tie and your photos are stunning!

Feel free to PM me if you'd like. I live in River Falls and know the Rush and Kinnickinnic (Kinni to us locals...) quite well. The Pink Squirrel already mentioned is definitely a staple for us around here, though I like to tie mine with a black body and use Hot Pink Ice Dub UV instead of ultra chenille for the hot spot. I'm also fond of Sparkle Duns in various colors and sizes (although size 16 is what I tend to grab most often for Sparkle Duns as well as Pink Squirrels). Another recommendation would be Hoppers. They're starting now and should be in full force while you're here. I'd recommend Pink Hippie Stompers. Sounds like the guys at Lund's gave you some spot on advise as well. Another shop I've heard great things about, but haven't been to myself is the Driftless Angler in Viroqua (www.driftlessangler.com) Best of luck and enjoy your time in our great state.

Spot on! Sometimes we just need that little reminder...

Size 16 tan Sparkle Dun and a Flashback Beadheaded Pheasant Tail (although I often tie on a Pink Squirrel first around here).

Your customer has to be thrilled with this rod! I have very little artistic/creative ability and have a ton of respect for those that do. The effort put into the design and your ability to follow through on their wishes is just amazing! Well done sir!

Very cool! My daughter and I have been getting into the show Forged in Fire on the History Channel lately. She wants to convert her old playhouse into a forge/shop.

Nice video and some beautiful fish!

That is a gorgeous rod! Steve, you are one talented rod builder!