01-11-2004, 11:32 PM
[cool][size 1]Back atcha, FP. Sounds like you have the waders, boots and fins under control. The ultimate test is how comfortably can you fish in iceout or pre-iceup temps. That is, if you are enough of a masochist to get involved in that stuff.[/size]
[size 1]Actually, some of the best fishing of the year is during the two transitional times of late fall and early spring. I used to really get some of my biggest fish out of Strawberry just the week or two before the first skim ice shut down the tubing. [/size]
[size 1]Don't fret none about not using spinning tackle. I use spinning, baitcasting and fly fishing. I also tie flies and build rods, so I am sympathetic to fly flingers. [/size]
[size 1]The Kennebec is made for Trout Unlimited, and is distributed through them. They are made primarily with fly fishermen in mind. I could tell that as soon as I started taking inventory of the pockets. There are a hundred pockets but none of them are big enough to hold a decent sized lure box. Great for extra reels and spools, leader material, small fly boxes, floatant and all the little goodies that dedicated fly persons have to have with them. BUT, very frustrating to a bass chaser who wants to take a box of crankbaits...and maybe some spinnerbaits and buzzbaits.[/size]
[size 1]The Kennebec floats high and the seating is much higher than with a round tube. That means that you get a good ratio of kick to push. It also means that when the breezes kick up, you get moved upon the waters even more.[/size]
[size 1]If you have not already spent your bonus credits, I would advise you to look at the Togiak model...also by Trout Unlimited. It is about the same price, but has the pointed bow, like my Fat Cat. I have really learned to appreciate that when dealing with holding position in the breeze...or fighting my way back to my vehicle after an unexpected hurricane comes up. The large round air chambers of the Kennebec were a lot more difficult to steer in the wind, and if you quit kicking for even a second, you would get whipped around and headed downwind. [/size]
[size 1]You will have fun putting the Kennebec together the first time. The air chambers must be installed in the right sides, and they must be fitted properly to avoid problems with the air valves. You may have to deflate and reposition several times before it goes together right. However, unless you have to repair a leak, there is no need to reposition the chambers after the first setup.[/size]
[size 1]If you have never assembled a floatation system before, it may be intimidating to get a Kennebec set up the first time. Lots of straps and adjustments. Then, there is the stabilizer bar that goes across the front. It holds the two air chambers apart in front and is the front attachment for the stripping apron.[/size]
[size 1]Once on the water in your flatation system, you will find that you have to practice some new wrinkles with your casting. You sit lower in the water, so you cannot work as much line as when you are walking the bank or standing in a boat. The good news is that you don't have to throw as much line. You can get closer to your quarry...very quietly...to make accurate casts and delicate presentations.[/size]
[size 1]Come on back if you have other questions.[/size]
[signature]
[size 1]Actually, some of the best fishing of the year is during the two transitional times of late fall and early spring. I used to really get some of my biggest fish out of Strawberry just the week or two before the first skim ice shut down the tubing. [/size]
[size 1]Don't fret none about not using spinning tackle. I use spinning, baitcasting and fly fishing. I also tie flies and build rods, so I am sympathetic to fly flingers. [/size]
[size 1]The Kennebec is made for Trout Unlimited, and is distributed through them. They are made primarily with fly fishermen in mind. I could tell that as soon as I started taking inventory of the pockets. There are a hundred pockets but none of them are big enough to hold a decent sized lure box. Great for extra reels and spools, leader material, small fly boxes, floatant and all the little goodies that dedicated fly persons have to have with them. BUT, very frustrating to a bass chaser who wants to take a box of crankbaits...and maybe some spinnerbaits and buzzbaits.[/size]
[size 1]The Kennebec floats high and the seating is much higher than with a round tube. That means that you get a good ratio of kick to push. It also means that when the breezes kick up, you get moved upon the waters even more.[/size]
[size 1]If you have not already spent your bonus credits, I would advise you to look at the Togiak model...also by Trout Unlimited. It is about the same price, but has the pointed bow, like my Fat Cat. I have really learned to appreciate that when dealing with holding position in the breeze...or fighting my way back to my vehicle after an unexpected hurricane comes up. The large round air chambers of the Kennebec were a lot more difficult to steer in the wind, and if you quit kicking for even a second, you would get whipped around and headed downwind. [/size]
[size 1]You will have fun putting the Kennebec together the first time. The air chambers must be installed in the right sides, and they must be fitted properly to avoid problems with the air valves. You may have to deflate and reposition several times before it goes together right. However, unless you have to repair a leak, there is no need to reposition the chambers after the first setup.[/size]
[size 1]If you have never assembled a floatation system before, it may be intimidating to get a Kennebec set up the first time. Lots of straps and adjustments. Then, there is the stabilizer bar that goes across the front. It holds the two air chambers apart in front and is the front attachment for the stripping apron.[/size]
[size 1]Once on the water in your flatation system, you will find that you have to practice some new wrinkles with your casting. You sit lower in the water, so you cannot work as much line as when you are walking the bank or standing in a boat. The good news is that you don't have to throw as much line. You can get closer to your quarry...very quietly...to make accurate casts and delicate presentations.[/size]
[size 1]Come on back if you have other questions.[/size]
[signature]