On Sun, 23 Mar 2008 10:37:02 -0400, JeffK
wrote:


What's wrong with antique tackle - I have a few wooden flyrods that I
use now and again and they are a few generations behind even the Wonder
Rods.

I don't consider fiberglass or bamboo "antique" tackle and IAC, it's not
possible to have an "antique" fiberglass rod. While it's technically
possible to have an "antique" 'boo, its construction is such that it is
most likely "current" as far as a fishing tool. Now, if you have and
enjoy using 19th century lash-together lancewood, greenheart, etc. rods
that truly are "antiques," that's all well and good, but those really
are "antique" in both definition and material. I'm not trying to
suggest that there is anything "wrong" with using them if that's your
thing, but I'd offer that even the builders, in most cases, would call
them "outdated." I'd further offer that such is really enjoying a
"niche" of collecting as opposed to enjoying flyfishing.

I like to read about old techniques and use appropriate tackle to get a
feel for how older techniques actually worked. Most still work really
well - our ancestors were better fishermen than we give them credit
for.

Absolutely, but I'd temper that with a caveat about old wood rods - they
were _totally_ supplanted by better material and manufacturing technique
('boo), whereas 'boo was supplanted by a more-marketable
material/technique, 'glass, that wasn't particularly and objectively
"better" for much fishing, and 'glass, in turn, was replaced by a
marginally-superior material (with certain lesser qualities than glass)
that took over as much by a _perception_ of "latest and greatest,"
readily fueled by sellers, as much a truly "better" material and
technique. I think most experienced fishers/casters would agree that
'boo and 'glass are still perfectly fishable/castable materials. OTOH,
I think most would agree, including the craftsmen-builders themselves,
lash-up woods were truly bettered.

Modern fishers tend towards the gear head end and think the
latest tackle will solve all their problems. The old-timers knew the
skills came first and the gear second. However, some older wet fly
rods are so soft they are ridiculous in modern hands.

Getting in tune with older equipment and techniques is relaxing,
interesting, and actually useful in my experience.

And really, that's the most important thing: whatcha like? Then it's
best to use that...

TC.
R