Sceptre Handle & Soft-Hackled Suspender

I have just finished the handle on my Sceptre blank. It is a Ritz style cork grip combined with Struble D3 seat with imbuya insert. I am hoping to have the rod finished by the weekend.

I must admit I haven't been in the 'tying mode' lately... Last week I tied some variations on soft-hackled olive emergers. The folded strip of packing foam will allow the fly to swim half-submerged, suspended in the surface film. Can't wait for spring hatches to give it a go...

Old Fly Reels

"The more things change, the more they remain the same," says an old French proverb. What kind of a reel a fly fisher needs for an average spring creek trout? In spite of all "modern developments" in fly reel design-LA concept is certainly not new, very little has changed in reels' functionality.

For spring creek fishing I like the simplicity of a click and pawl reel and the subtle counterpoint of a glass rod. Older reels have a special charisma, and they balance glass and cane rods perfectly.

Poodle

Poodle-a nice parachute atractor fly/terrestrial imitation.

Sceptre Glass Blank

I have just received my Hardy made Sceptre glass blank. It is a 8'6" model rated for lines #5-8. The blank is a classic Hardy with white spigot and brown patterned glass. I will probably end up shortening it somewhat, since it is little too long and powerful for my needs.