Mustad quick links (AKA Mustad fly clips, Mustad fly snaps)

Mustad fly snap #77145 sizes 1, 2, 3

(1 smallest, 3 largest)
I was put onto these after reading about them 'Catching bream on lures and flies' by Steve Starling and Kaj Busch
They advised using the largest (#3) size
I did a destruction test on a #1 with 10lb mono and a door handle

After pulling hard for several minutes I found the line was more likely to break than the snap, suggesting that even the smallest would not be the weakest link in the chain, and that your drag should be giving line before the snap reaches breaking point
(Much in the same way that tacklesaver split rings only release hooks when deliberately locked up)

I tested them last weekend on some small lures and (small) wexford bass

Using #3 with 4lb fireline main line and 6lb Mason hard leader I found they did not alter the lure action either at rest or in motion, nor did they alter sinking or floating rates of any of the lures used

I was able to change quickly between split ring attachments (Halco Scorpion 35, Lucky Craft Bevy Shads 60sp, Lucky Craft B'Freeze 65sp), hook eyes on single hook SP Owner Jigs 1/32 #6, metal eyelets on Lucky Craft Bevy pops, plastic eyes on Halco Sneaky Scorpions and the (comparatively very) thick metal attachment eye of a Heddon Teeny Torpedo

Having destruction tested the smallest model I found I actually had more confidence in these than a potentially weakening loop or slip knot

One caveat - as per Starlo and Buschy I would recommend changing these after every session as they are only bronzed, and this combined with the saltwater adds up to unacceptable medium term corrosion

Mind you when I can buy a box of 25 for 0.99p (STG) that's not really an issue

Further field tests to follow!

Edit: a late thought accurs that these might be useful in dropshotting rigs - one on the bottom for quick changes of the weight size and shape, and one for the hook to allow quick changes of the hook style, size etc, whilst also giving a bit more action than a hard connecting knot

Da Rod!

Little Styx River Special

4 Piece 6'0" 4-8lb 1/16 oz - 5/16oz (1.75gm – 8.8gm)

Lures, Definition:fake bits of plastic to catch fishermen

Oops I mean fish
No actually I was probably right the first time
Anyway heres some recent additions:

Megabass Live-X Smolt GG Baby Bass

Kencraft Bassper Jnr Hot Tiger
Lucky Craft B'Freeze LB Natural Herring

(called Hemming on the Japanese site ha ha!)
Lucky Craft B'Freeze Natural Shad
Megabass Stepcat Margay Aka-tora
Megabass Live-x Smolt Ito Shrimp

Evergreen Little Max
Heddon Baby Torpedo Hot Tiger
Heddon Baby Torpedo Frog
Heddon Magnum Torpedo Frog

Heddon Teeny Torpedo Frog

Lucky Craft Bevy Pop pearl shad Lucky Craft Bevy Shad 50SP Pearl white
Lucky Craft Bevy Shad 60SP x 3
Lucky Craft Bevy Shad 75SP Moroko
Lucky Craft Bevy Vib 50SP aurora gold
Lucky Craft Bevy Vib 50SP lemon cheescake

and this is what they are for (i hope!)

and as the rod is made, so shall follow the reels

nice rods deserve nice reels

see also:

http://kyfk.blogspot.com/2007/08/shimano-stella-c3000-07.html

Works in progress

2S60LF4 St. Croix SC II Spinning Blank 6'0 4pc. 4-8lb

2S70MF3 St. Croix SC II Spinning Blank 7'0 3pc. 6-12lb

Split grips modified from Fuji IPS reelseat and quicklock foregrip using the high tech method of threaded rod and a hand held drill

works well though

One issue I've had is that the butt on the 2S70MF3 is thick enough that in reaming the hole of the foregrip so it fits over the blank, it has made it very thin and its cracked

I've trimmed the cork back and glued a hypalon sleeve over the end and will turn this down to taper into the existing cork

The hole in the hypalon is a bit more "giving" and should be able to stretch openover the blank better

Orvis Magnetic Accessory holder and Ceramic nippers

Orvis Magnetic accessory holder

Ceramic Nippers

Had these a while now

The nippers are the second pair I've owned - bought the first set in 1999 and they are still going strong - never missed a beat. I bought a second set as the first set is now a permanent attachment on my fly vest - I wanted a second one for days where I travel light (ha!) or when I'm spin fishing.
The ceramic is super sharp - I've cut up to 200lb mason hard mono with no problems - and it doesn't rust which is useful when I'm in the saltwater environment


The magnetic accessory holder is also a second purchase. The first one is on the back of my vest with a fish net glove for hand landing fish. the previous incarnation of this came with an elastic strap and beefed up split rings which I hooked a mini carabiner into.



I'm not entirely sure about the pin arrangement on this - its seems stronger than most of the pins that come with the zinger types but I'm still wary of poking holes in either my vest or shirts, especially if the release mechanism involves tugging downwards - sounds like a recipe for rips and tears. I'd have preferred either a mini carabiner or beefed up split rings so I could attach it to either d-rings or accessory loops on shirts (or even on waders)

The magnet attachement though is secure and accurate and easy to use.
I'll probably beef up the split rings and attach a mini clip instead of the pin so I can revert to the flexibility I was looking for

Aside from those gripes I'm glad Orvis has reintroduced this very useful piece of equipment

Korkers Streamborn wading boots - Initial Reaction

Korkers Streamborn wading boots

Initial Reaction

Arrived in a box with the felt soles attached and the trail lug soles loose. Boots appear to be well made. Soles are reasonably easy to swap. Remove the tongue from the button on the heel and slide the sole out whilst gently moving from side to side. Putting the new sole in is easy, just do it in reverse – push the toe cap all the way in then use the provided key to lift the ‘clingy’ rubber over the grooves in the sole, before pulling the tongue over the button. Once done you wouldn’t know the sole was replaceable, it integrates that well.

I bought US size 10. I usually wear a US size 8.5 or 9 (Euro 42 or 43) depending on what brand of shoe (i.e. New Balance and Nike 43, Hi Tec 42). I wanted a larger size so I had a little bit of space to wiggle my toes.

These fit perfectly over Simms G3 feet (size 8-9) to feel snug and firm but not tight. The quick lacing system enabled me to get in and out very quickly. The boots are quite high and cover my ankles giving excellent support. The toes are quite hard on the front which is good as I tend to wade quite hard and when I used to wet wade in Australia in sneakers I found rocky trout streams would mean sore toes. There are 6 micro drains on each boot The soles are quite thick once the sole itself and the replaceable sole are in position.

The changeable soles are a bit plus for me as some areas I fish would ruin felt soles and trail lugs are definitely required.

One feature I would have liked to see is a D-ring on the lace area for the loop attachers on gravel guards. Most hiking boots have them for walkers gaiters and with most stockingfoot waders that have integrated gravel guards having the attachment loops (and most detachable gravel guards having them too) I would have liked to see them on these. Having said that I found I could hook the loop under the laces themselves to achieve the same effect.

They fit very well with my new Simms G3 waders and I’m looking forward to a field test this weekend.

Simms G3 Guide Waders - Initial reaction

Simms G3 Guide Waders

Received these in the post last Friday.

Initial reactions:
Come in a box neatly folded, with the usual blurb leaflets and the wading belt and puncture repair kit in there as well.
The colour is a light tan top and a dark tan/olive lower on the reinforced sections.

The material has that lovely silky ‘dry-greasy’ feeling of water repellent treated goods. The seams on the legs are situated on the front and rear of the legs – eliminating the rub spots where a lot of waders wear out and chaff at their wearers.
The wader belt clips are a slightly different design to the usual ones found on waders etc but work the same and are just as easy to use. They have a G3 sign and a Goretex sign on them respectively The integrated gravel guards are a very fine neoprene type stretchy material with a lace hook on the end.
Feet are 3mm neoprene shaped to individually fit each foot.
The front outside kangaroo pocket has the open handwarmer pockets lined with ultrafine fleece – should be good in winter – would have liked more of a “smiley” curve in its lower side to hold rechargeable handwarmers loose as I feel they may be too prone to falling out as it is. The pocket also has a decent sized zip closed section which runs along the top – handy for a camera or similar.
The internal flip out “tippet pocket” has (once flipped out) 2 velcro closing tippet pockets made of material mesh separated by a tall thin pocket where the included coil bungee retractor is located as well as another zip closed pocket section.
The belt is a very basic web belt which does the job fine, though I suspect anyone with a suspect back will want to invest in a back saver style belt. The belt attaches via 2 thermo welded loops on the sides and one stitched in loop at the back.

It’s interesting the thermo welded loops weren’t used on all three points of attachment.

Considering I bought these by mail order I was very pleased with the fit. Simms give a wide variance of sizes and 30 seconds with a tape measure will get you right on course.
These waders are a more snug fit than my last ones (Chota Chellico shoals) and the neoprene feet give a snug but not tight fit – essential as I want room to wiggle my toes – the trick to keeping them warm when winter fishing. The cross setup of the shoulder traps is comfortable in the short term as well.

Inside its all super smooth, no seam overlaps and there are washing instructions, and a handy loop to hag them to dry (a good idea before putting them away)

So initially very impressed. Simms have clearly put some thought into these and apart from the 2 minor queries (so small I can’t even call them complaints) of the shape of the handwarmer pocket and the 2 welded 1 looped belt loop configuration, I’m delighted and looking forward to giving these a run on the weekend.

EDIT: one thing I also would have liked to see was a mesh bag to keep them in (actually any bag!)

On the way

These are on their way

Simms G3 Pro Guide Waders:
http://www.simmsfishing.com/site/g3_guide_stockingfoots_s8.html
Genuine Goretex construction, fleece lined handwarmer pocket (essential in Ireland!), flip out tippet pocket, neoprene feet

Korkers Streamborn Boots:
http://korkers.com/product.php?recKey=37
convertible soles (comes with felt sole and hiking sole) also bought aquastealth sole