I was looking for a new plugging rod to fish the Cape Cod Canal this year. I make two trips a year, not looking for a luxurious rod to use for two trips.
The goal was to find a rod that delivers top-tier performance at an incredible value. So I went with a trusted brand Shimano.
I picked up a Speedmaster rod. (model SPMS110MH2) Shimano is known for developing equipment for shore-based anglers that are always looking to achieve maximum distance. Long casts are necessary more often than not while fishing the Cape Cod Canal.
From the Shimano website: “Speedmaster Surf Rods are built around a 24ton carbon composite blank wrapped with durable black Fuji K-Frame Guides with alconite inserts. The guides are spaced according to Shimano’s Custom Long Cast Concept Guide Spacing System for optimal line management. The rod handles feature a shrink tube grip material that offers optimal amounts of grip and comfort in wet conditions”.
For $150.00 I believe a got a great deal, looking forward to casting poppers to hungry striped bass in a few months.
I am not a winter fisherman (hard water), so cabin fever sets in around February. I find other fishing-related activities to keep me sane, like attending outdoor shows, performing maintenance on my gear, planning my spring, summer, and fall trips. But one of my absolute favorite things to do is look through the hundreds of pictures I take during the season. As I look at them, I relive the memories and moments along the water’s edge. I feel “Alive.”
2021 my son and I had a fantastic time chasing bluefish. Little man doing his thing.
It will be February in about two days, and before you know, it will be March. And the season starts all over.
Had a day off work last week so my wife and I decided to head to NYC and act like tourists. We dropped off the kids at school and picked up breakfast, then headed to the bus stop to catch a ride to the Big Apple. Fifteen minutes later and we are at the Port Authority. Next, we take the A train to Columbus Circle, were heading to Central Park for a stroll.
Central Park is amazing so much to see and enjoy. The park is 40 acres and extends from 59th to 110th Street. The park has seven bodies of water–the Central Park Pond, Turtle Pond, the Reservoir, the Pool, Harlem Meer, the Central Park Lake, and Conservatory Water
Out of the seven bodies of water three allow catch and release fishing: The Harlem Meer, The pond, and The lake. (one of my goals for 2022 is to come back and fish all three bodies of water)
After exploring Central park and taking pictures we walked down 5th Ave to “Window shop”. Fifth Avenue has been the focal point of shopping luxury in New York for some time.
Fishy Art Display
While on 5th Ave, we came across an awesome and colorful window art gallery. But the one that interested me was the exhibition that displayed “Fish.”
Orvis NYC – Urban Angler – Capitol Fishing Tackle Company
Next on the list to do? Visit the tackle shops in midtown NYC.
The first stop is Orvis NYC. (489 5th Ave, New York, NY 10017) I always enjoy browsing Orvis. The clothing dept is stylish and of excellent quality. But what excites me is the fishing stuff.
Took the time to test cast a new rod. “Orvis PractiCaster” is a nice little rod to practice your cast when stuck indoors.
After touching pretty much everything in the store I walked out with a cup and new gloves.
Next stop:
Urban Angler — 381 5th Ave 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10016
This shop has such an interesting entrance. You walk into an office building, then take an elevator to the second floor, once the elevator doors open, step out and you are in the shop. (video below)
Urban Angler shop carries everything the fly fisherman would need, rods, reels, fly lines, bags, flies, tying material, and more. All top-of-the-line brands.
I picked up the Redington practice fly rod for my kids — (which my son enjoys using) and I am glad I did. (The Redington practice rod is not an indoor casting tool)
Out the door with my son by 7am. Destination the water’s edge, to make my last casts of 2021.
My fly was in the drink by 830 am. And was optimistic with every cast that I would feel a tug. It never happened. Saw no bait and no working birds. I heard a few fish were caught further south from where I was. (Monmouth County)
Wishing all of you an amazing New Year. Stay positive and always be thankful for all that you have. God Bless and Tight Lines
Visser is releasing a new tool, and I am sure it won’t disappoint.
Carrying a good set of pliers while fishing is essential, not a luxury. If
you have been fishing for some time now, you have a story of two where a good
set of pliers have helped save the day. And if you are just getting started, save
yourself the headache and invest in the best you can afford.
Below is Visser press release from Social Media
I Am A Surfcaster 