Fenwick NightHawk Fly Reel
The Fenwick NightHawk fly reel is absolutely one of the best deals I have found this season. With a spec list resembling reels from the $300 to $500 range and the looks to match the Fenwick NightHawk 79 has no doubt gained this anglers attention
The NightHawk is constructed from 6061-T6 aluminum witch is the same material used to build high end reels such as the Orivs Mirage and at 6.3 oz it's lighter than a Loop Evotec G4. The NightHawk 79 also comes with a large arbor exactly matching a Pfluger President 2090.
Another one of the real nice features for the investment is the quick pick up retrieve something any fisherman who has miles of line hanging below their reel and around their feet will appreciate. The handle is unfortunately a little weak for my tastes being plastic and it is far to small, personally I think a little rosewood would of been a nice touch and sensible choice of hardware.
The Fenwick NightHawk 79 has a line capacity of 150 yds with #20 backing and a 8 weigh line, plenty of capacity to handle any Atlantic salmon situation. The NightHawk comes equip with a multi disc drag and after landing several salmon with the NightHawk I can confirm the ultra smooth claim made by the company is accurate.
My only gripe with the drag system is the light setting is to stiff for confidently catching trout under three pounds however it is defiantly a hold it's own big fish or trolling reel. Using the drag knob on the NightHawk feels much like a dial from a high end gun safe. Each click is easily distinguishable from the next as well as countable allowing you to dial in on perfect setting each and every time.
The appearance of the Fenwick NightHawk is a very sleek black a nice change from the bright colors adorning my local rivers and it is a real nice match for the 8W Fenwick HMX fly rod giving the total package a good look and function for under $500.
With all that being said lets reveal just why I think you want to add a Fenwick NightHawk to your arsenal... it only cost $189. Incredibly it cost $250 less than a Orvis Mirage and $300 less than a Loop Evotec G4. While the Fenwick NightHawk boasts a low end price with a top end swagger in the spec list other reels like the Pfluger Trion are far inferior for up to $100 more.
If you already have a high end fly reel the NightHawk is a solid choice for your back up and if your new to the fishing game or are not loaded with disposable income the Fenwick NightHawk is a great way to get into the river without spending a small fortune. Till next time keep your eye on the fly...FishinDan
Fenwick HMX Fly Rod
A few days before the Atlantic salmon opener I purchased the latest Fenwick fly rod to hit store shelves, the HMX. The first impression given by the HMX is rather nice considering the color and finish of the rod most certainly doesn't make the HMX catch you eye when mingled amongst the competition.
On the other hand when you look down to the floor and see that resin infused walnut reel seat insert that screams gun stock and the creatively decorated reel mounting hardware that looks anything but cheap, one quickly becomes impressed.
The fact is the flat finish of the HMX really does compliment the handle well when held horizontally instead of the rod being vertically presented to sell like at my local sports store where I was left to discover the HMX on my second look through.
The construction of the HMX series of fly rods by Fenwick is a advancement to say the least. With the eagle series having less backbone than the french Fenwick had to come up with something to keep their hardware from permanently resembling Bob before the Enzyte.
Unlike Bob Fenwick used IM7 instead of the eagles IM6 along with a cross section carbon scrim to fix the flop and the results are far from dysfunctional.
The chromium plated stainless steel guides paired with the DPL frame guide with TiCH insert shoots line like a breeze and makes for great stripping. The Fenwick eagle rods flex for what feels like a mile when you strip a line and give you frustrating movement between strips from rod flex when that fly should be at rest. The new cross scrim cuts that movement down to a fraction to that of the old eagle series.
On the bigger rivers is where the new cross scrim used on the the HMX really struts it's stuff. I have the 8 weight designed for short and medium range casting but let me be the first to tell you that any good caster should have no problem getting big distance coupled with complete control out of the HMX. In the short range the HMX is fantastic while picking the float from the surface it's resistance is all but nullified by the advancements in the new age cross scrim materiel.
After hooking up with a nice grilse I found out quite haste fully that this HMX is nothing like the eagle series and it's level of communication between salmon and angler makes a iphone look like a string and paper cup. A seasoned salmon angler knows when a salmon is planning to jump but the HMX sends instant messages straight to the hand allowing me to bow to the king before his eye has left the water and that will no doubt land me more salmon.
over all the effectiveness of the Fenwick 8 weight HMX is fantastic for the price and my only gripe is the cork handle could do to be a little thicker but I could care less when the facts are that this rod is near as good as any in the $400 to $500 range regardless of what name is stamped on it.
With a tag price of $230 at my local sport store the Fenwick HMX is by far the deal of the season and unless Fenwick brings back their life time warranty I don't see how the HMX for the price could possibly get any better...FishinDan
Super-Gro Worm Bedding
When I first walked past Frabill's super-gro worm bedding I said to my self it couldn't work there's no way. I didn't doubt that worms would easily survive for a few days or a week but to keep indefinably with no odor's or feeding, well that's impossible...or is it?
I have kept worms for years and have tried a variety of different bedding's. Compost, table scraps, Shredded newspaper and at least ten types of soil. All of witch pale in comparison to dried peat topped with a thick piece of sphagnum moss or a sod cut from the garden.
Peat soil comes with it's share of problems like having to feed the worms, not being able to easily identify and remove droppings and the bloody mess it leaves on my fingers that inevitably ends upon the arse of my jeans.
Bearing these things in mind I gave in and purchased one two pound bundle of the super grow worm bedding then read the bag repeatedly on the drive home.
* Odorless
* Perfect pH-balanced environment
* Built in food source
* Earth friendly 100% biodegradable
* No mess just add water
* Dirt free to avoid that black gunk
Very impressive if the product does what it claims, I rushed to get it open ripping the corner and became enveloped in a cloud of lint like dust that grew and lingered while I filled a small glass aquarium with one half of the two pound package.
Directions call for 1 1/2 quarts of non chlorinated water per pound of bedding but it took me a little over a gallon to get it good and moist. I started by adding 200 big worms and just under 100 baby's. I let it sit for a week and it still had no odor. Then I checked throughout the bedding to only find one dead worm also at the end of that job my hands were respectively clean and I became very impressed.
I have now nearly 500 good sized worms and at least 200 baby's still in only one pound of bedding and all is well. Frabill states that each batch of bedding is good up to four weeks with out any type of outside feeding so for just under sixty dollars I can have bait year round on the ready and I very much like that.
If you keep your own live bait or buy the small tubs at the local gas bar get some of this bedding. Switch your bait out of that old soggy dirt they come in and see them last the whole trip instead of turning to that snotty type gunk before day's end.
The Frabill super-gro worm bedding is the best addition to my gear sense the circle hook. Thank you Frabill and as always tight lines...FishinDan
Quantum's Nomad spinning reel review
Recently I had a opportunity to purchase my first Quantum product the Quantum Nomad spinning reel. The Quantum series of spinning reels are just now becoming available locally through Canadian Tire stores province wide although higher end Performance Tuned models are still unavailable for purchase.
The first impression given by the Nomad is stunning. The deep metallic red and black paint that adorns the body and front drag seemed to make the nomad jump out from behind the locked glass of the show case, effectively gaining my attention.
The appearance of the nomad really is quite sharp and very clean. It looks fast if that is an appropriate term to use for a spinning reel as well as catches the light with a automotive quality that is very alluring.
The construction of the nomad is a bit of guessing game aside from the listed specs. Right and left hand retrieve, front adjustable drag, Aluminum spool and continuous anti reverse. It has a 5.2:1 gear ratio with 8 ball bearings and weighs 8.6 oz.
On first glance the body and side plate appear to be some type of metal but after getting into the packaging and holding the reel in my hands the first impression quickly went the way of the nomad in it's traditional context and wandered off.
That sleek metallic paint sure does a good job to cover up what appears to be plastic or some type of composite material that the body and reel seat are made from. This material is in fact so soft I dug out a section with a small J hook in seconds. The paint as good as it looks feels uncured and comes off with little effort, small rocks along the shoreline or minor dings aboard the boat are defiantly going to take a toll on the nomads appearance.
The spool is a strong point for the nomads construction. built from beautifully finished aluminum it is well crafted and has very little play once mounted, defiantly a nice feature considering it's relatively low cost at 60 dollars.The aluminum handle is very well done until you get down to the hexagonal shaft that mates with the inner gears. Once fastened tight with the atrocious plastic chrome knob (that was hidden to me by packaging when I made the purchase) it has slop or play in all directions.
The high quality handle joined up with plastic junk through poor machining was a let down for me personally. On the flip side everything else is well built, solid and sealed from the elements. The continuous anti Reverse is immediate and feels like more of a reel in the 90 dollar range aside that sloppy handle connection.
After I begin reeling I don't tend to feel the play in the handle in fact it's rather smooth and makes a nice sound with or with out the drag applied. The nomad picks up line with a 5.2:1 gear ratio and combined with a good spool length and stroke it has a nice speed that is quite good for retrieving all sizes of spinners while trout fishing. The front drag system works better that I expected being very smooth but the bailer does get quite a bit of flex applied to it's arm before the drag kicks in. I am sure Quantum could of afforded a little more aluminum to fix that problem.
Over all the effectiveness of the Quantum nomad is good for the price aside the play at the handle. The large knob on the handles end is easy to find and believe it or not will make a difference when trying to set the hook on a fish ultimately getting you more fish in the boat. As I said before it is smooth with very little wobble and It cast well leaving me with few complaints but no real advancements to my gear.
With a price tag of $60.00 the Quantum nomad is a decent deal for a hobby fisherman but I fish more than most so a little more quality for a little more money would of been fine. The nomad feels to be built with many of the performance tuned parts that makes Quantum a favorite for tournament and recreational anglers alike so If your looking for a inexpensive spinning reel with good looks and some of the solid features from the more expensive Quantum reels pick up a nomad...FishinDan
The Humper Lure
The Humper lure with the Brown trout EPQ print stands miles apart from the competition. The secret is really no secret at all, it's simply quality.
The copper finish is the finest in the industry. So much so lures like the algonquin can be seen fluttering beneath snow covered ice in depths of 15 to 20 feet where they almost seem to reflect light when there is none at all.
The most differentiating feature that sets this lure apart is the EPQ print. The fantastic flutter of the lures and quality of the print so realistically represents a erratic or dieing trout the big ones just can't resist.
As I said in previous reviews of the algonquin wobbler it's not just a big bait big fish trick. What I am after are those true cannibalistic carnivores that must eat their own to sustain there hunger and continue to grow.
I stated this in my blog shortly before getting the algonquin wet and it holds true to the day. Have a look at what the brookie in the review photo left on the ice.
These lures and wobblers are absolutely one of the best innovations and additions my tackle box has ever seen.
With that being said I do make several changes to the hardware that adorns these products. Not because I wish to under mine Lucky Strike but rather simply it is because the hooks are not considered brookie friendly and are illegal in my area. The split rings are sized to catch some real big lake trout and are not nessary for my style of fishing so I change them out for one a size or two smaller.
One other thing I want to touch on is the durability of the product specifically the print. I left one algonquin by mistake in the back of the atv with some wrenches and after more than thirty miles of travel in what only can be described as a tumbler the print and finish were fine. Over all the EPQ series of lures and wobblers are a very durable product worth the cost.
If you would like to have a look at the other reviews pertaining to this line of products please follow the links below.
http://www.worldfishingnetwork.com/users/fishindan/blog/algonquin-wobblers-part-two-78054.aspx
http://www.worldfishingnetwork.com/users/fishindan/blog/algonquin-wobblers-70981.aspx
To get your own EPQ products visit the website http://www.luckystrikebaitworks.com/
Thanks for reading... FishinDan
Algonquin Wobblers
Just the other day I received a Algonquin wobbler from a friend over at lucky strike and It being a #2 Algonquin with a brook trout print was no random act.
One afternoon while looking at the Lucky Strike web site I first noticed the Algonquin. Soon I was dreaming about those brook trout to large to live just on insects who turn to cannibalism. Figuring that only the biggest specs would take the bait I immediately ran off searching the local tackle shops with no luck.
I emailed to ask Lucky Strike if they could send me one to try out and review for my blog they agreed and today I broke it out.
The #2 Algonquin wobbler with the EPQ brook trout printed pattern weights 2/5 oz and has a length of 2.75".
The Algonquin comes standard with a treble hook from Mustad due to it being designed to cast or troll for lake trout and salmon. I replaced the treble with a #2 fine wire circle hook also from Mustad and some big night crawler for a tail.
A friend Josh and I had our 6 rods baited along side of another party with 3 lines of their own. Over 4 hours the Algonquin was used to land 12 brook trout while the other 8 rods with various tackle landed only 2. I didn't expect for the Algonquin to preform so well I was guessing maybe one real nice spec if I was lucky but 12 trout when nothing else traditional was producing...Fantastic!
I don't get paid to this or any other review so you will never read any nonsense or over endorsement. I simply like what I like and will use what ever I think will attract the trout.
For today it's the Algonquin making for a memorable day's fishing and being responsible for this angler feeling the bite with Lucky Strike. To get a algonquin of your own go to http://www.luckystrikebaitworks.com/ till next time tight lines...FishinDan
Algonquin Wobblers part two
Report Abuse Posted On March 18, 2011
Recently I did a product test with a Lucky Strike Algonquin wobbler. The brookies as I expected couldn't resist and I put together a successful review.
But what about some of the other species that inhabit our water ways here on the island? With good sized char and abundance of wintering atlantic salmon populating near by Butts pond I was fixin to find out.
It was a Saturday morning with mild temperatures and plenty of wind. A perfect setting for the rapid deterioration of pond ice. After drilling several test holes to take a few measurements we cautiously headed out to couple island my all time favorite ice fishing location.
We drilled about 20 holes around the small island, set our lines in the center bunch then began to fan out quickly testing each hole hoping to drop down in to a school of char. Three holes in I get a strike on the Algonquin and it's a char. Not the biggest fish in the pond but a great start.
With in a few minuets I landed a couple small brookies and another nice char seen here.
Then it happened, the moment I had been anticipating. A really nice fish takes the Algonquin and a fight ensues. In the end the fish is lost, see the video at http://www.worldfishingnetwork.com/videos/channels/members/brookies-salmon-and-char-75927.aspx
It just goes to show not everything always goes according to plan but with three different species all eagerly attacking the Algonquin wobbler from Lucky Strike I strongly recommend the addition of any EPQ product to your tackle box.
While waiting for my next parcel to arive with a hole assortment of Lucky Strike products to review I sure will miss my algonquin. To get your own EPQ printed tackle get on over to http://www.luckystrikebaitworks.com/ and please check out my other blog http://www.worldfishingnetwork.com/users/fishindan.aspx Till next time I am FishinDan, Tight Lines.
I prefer to spend the winter days run and gun ice fishing moving fast on snowmobile from location to location hunting down what ever species I can set a hook into. Hand drilling fishing holes slows the process to a snails pace and really limits my mobility.
The Shark Z51 power ice auger by Eskimo solves the problems presented to me by traditional hand augers and last winter I had a unique opportunity while doing lake bottom surveys in the Churchill falls area to put this auger through it's paces.
Last march three friends and myself were given maps with 500 locations to drill through the ice to get lake bottom samples that might contain uranium. Each day for one month we traveled the Smallwood reservoir with gps units and 2 Eskimo power augers.
A day of taking samples would consist of drilling between 35 and 40 holes through ice an average of 3 feet thick. Between locations the augers would ride unsecured in a slay covered with ice and snow in -20 degree weather often for up to 75 miles per day.
The 51cc auger starts great starting was only an issue when the augers were left stashed on the land where night time temps would fall to -30. After beating the ice free in the morning gently warming the motor on my snowmobile exhaust would do the trick and the auger would run great for the rest of the day.
Over a month of unsecured transport for 10 hours per day with out ever riding what we could call a established trail and 3 incidents involving a overturned slay both augers continued to run fine with little damage. Although one lost a throttle lever during a crash.
That month showed those augers more abuse than was ever intended together drilling over 1400 holes. This product review comes from that experience and I would like to give you some detailed information, tips, and 1 to 10 ratings on the various features on the Eskimo Shark Z51 power auger.
Durability 8 out of 10
The shark Z51 power augers were pummeled during that month in Churchill Falls. Day after day never letting us down while taking extreme abuse. A tip to keep your auger running with out falling apart would be to check all the small bolts that fasten the motor cover before and after the first day of use. If you find any bolts to be loose tighten them down and if a bolt continues to loosen causing problems a little drop of blue thread glue is the right fix. Don't use red glue for it must have heat applied from a torch to loosen it's grip possibly damaging the auger.
The clips connecting to the on/off switch can come loose from time to time. Some models from Eskimo have the wires exposed with easy access while others will need a small cover removed to access to switch.
The throttle lever is made from plastic and the colder days make it brittle also it could be sealed better snow sneaks in to the throttle housing making it stick on occasion. Perhaps a upgrade from the plastic to a die cast lever would be a suitable fix. Over all the auger is very durable and under normal ice fishing conditions the unit should stay together for years beyond the warranty period. Normal maintenance is key keep the bolts tight and change the spark plug every 100 holes.
Reliability 9 out of 10
After drilling approximately 1400 holes and wearing out two sets of Quantum blades in 30 days without any issues involving the viper engine or fuel system reliable should be this augers middle name . These engines are easy to start in the worst conditions under normal fishing conditions this auger will become your work horse and you can count on it trip after trip to get the job done.
Comfort and easy of use 7 out of 10
The sharp point at the end of the auger screw keeps the auger from walking while you start to drill.
This is important I know a man who cut his foot very badly with a jiffy auger last year so don't think it can't happen to you. The Quantum blades cut the ice like butter and last for hundreds of holes it is really nice to drill with.
The handle bar needed a grip rather than a round bar and today I picked one up from Canadian tire store for the upcoming ice fishing season to find Eskimo had done just that on the newer models scoring big points with me considering that was the one thing I did complain about while working with the old auger.
The augers we used on the job and the one I picked up today have 51cc motors. There is a model that has 71cc but it is little more than extra weight to carry and poorer fuel consumption over all for the same result. The 51cc model has plenty of power to get the job done with half the vibration.
The pull start is easy to use with no need to work hard just check the fuel line to see that there is gas in it. If not a push of the primer and it will start right up with a pull or two. Overall the auger puts little stress on the person operating it and 30 pounds is a manageable weight for most people.
Price 8 out of 10
Similar augers sell for $650.00 I picked this one up for 406.34 taxes in. That is a big difference considering the mountain of quality built in to this unit. It is a steep price to pay for a hole in the ice but the benefits for me out way the cost. Being able to drill a release hole 50 feet from my baits without expending extra energy is a big plus giving better chances for a second or third hook up from a single hole.
I have a couple good tips to save you from using some less tasteful language while on the ice. First remember to close the screw on the gas tank before you store away you auger, gas all over you gear is nothing but trouble and remember to open the screw before you start the engine or it will vapor lock and stall.
The last thing I want to touch on is drilling with your power auger if you feel strain while drilling quickly lift the auger and clear the debris from the auger screw or it will bind into the ice. Trust me you don't want to chop your auger free with an axe it's no fun.
For me winter is all about the run and gun for big fish and my new Eskimo power auger is the best way to give me faster access so go get one for yourself it's worth the coin....FishinDan
While waiting for my next parcel to arive with a hole assortment of Lucky Strike products to review I sure will miss my algonquin. To get your own EPQ printed tackle get on over to http://www.luckystrikebaitworks.com/ and please check out my other blog http://www.worldfishingnetwork.com/users/fishindan.aspx Till next time I am FishinDan, Tight Lines.
Product review of Eskimo 51cc power auger
I prefer to spend the winter days run and gun ice fishing moving fast on snowmobile from location to location hunting down what ever species I can set a hook into. Hand drilling fishing holes slows the process to a snails pace and really limits my mobility.
The Shark Z51 power ice auger by Eskimo solves the problems presented to me by traditional hand augers and last winter I had a unique opportunity while doing lake bottom surveys in the Churchill falls area to put this auger through it's paces.
Last march three friends and myself were given maps with 500 locations to drill through the ice to get lake bottom samples that might contain uranium. Each day for one month we traveled the Smallwood reservoir with gps units and 2 Eskimo power augers.
A day of taking samples would consist of drilling between 35 and 40 holes through ice an average of 3 feet thick. Between locations the augers would ride unsecured in a slay covered with ice and snow in -20 degree weather often for up to 75 miles per day.
The 51cc auger starts great starting was only an issue when the augers were left stashed on the land where night time temps would fall to -30. After beating the ice free in the morning gently warming the motor on my snowmobile exhaust would do the trick and the auger would run great for the rest of the day.
Over a month of unsecured transport for 10 hours per day with out ever riding what we could call a established trail and 3 incidents involving a overturned slay both augers continued to run fine with little damage. Although one lost a throttle lever during a crash.
That month showed those augers more abuse than was ever intended together drilling over 1400 holes. This product review comes from that experience and I would like to give you some detailed information, tips, and 1 to 10 ratings on the various features on the Eskimo Shark Z51 power auger.
Durability 8 out of 10
The shark Z51 power augers were pummeled during that month in Churchill Falls. Day after day never letting us down while taking extreme abuse. A tip to keep your auger running with out falling apart would be to check all the small bolts that fasten the motor cover before and after the first day of use. If you find any bolts to be loose tighten them down and if a bolt continues to loosen causing problems a little drop of blue thread glue is the right fix. Don't use red glue for it must have heat applied from a torch to loosen it's grip possibly damaging the auger.
The clips connecting to the on/off switch can come loose from time to time. Some models from Eskimo have the wires exposed with easy access while others will need a small cover removed to access to switch.
The throttle lever is made from plastic and the colder days make it brittle also it could be sealed better snow sneaks in to the throttle housing making it stick on occasion. Perhaps a upgrade from the plastic to a die cast lever would be a suitable fix. Over all the auger is very durable and under normal ice fishing conditions the unit should stay together for years beyond the warranty period. Normal maintenance is key keep the bolts tight and change the spark plug every 100 holes.
Reliability 9 out of 10
After drilling approximately 1400 holes and wearing out two sets of Quantum blades in 30 days without any issues involving the viper engine or fuel system reliable should be this augers middle name . These engines are easy to start in the worst conditions under normal fishing conditions this auger will become your work horse and you can count on it trip after trip to get the job done.
Comfort and easy of use 7 out of 10
The sharp point at the end of the auger screw keeps the auger from walking while you start to drill.
This is important I know a man who cut his foot very badly with a jiffy auger last year so don't think it can't happen to you. The Quantum blades cut the ice like butter and last for hundreds of holes it is really nice to drill with.
The handle bar needed a grip rather than a round bar and today I picked one up from Canadian tire store for the upcoming ice fishing season to find Eskimo had done just that on the newer models scoring big points with me considering that was the one thing I did complain about while working with the old auger.
The augers we used on the job and the one I picked up today have 51cc motors. There is a model that has 71cc but it is little more than extra weight to carry and poorer fuel consumption over all for the same result. The 51cc model has plenty of power to get the job done with half the vibration.
The pull start is easy to use with no need to work hard just check the fuel line to see that there is gas in it. If not a push of the primer and it will start right up with a pull or two. Overall the auger puts little stress on the person operating it and 30 pounds is a manageable weight for most people.
Price 8 out of 10
Similar augers sell for $650.00 I picked this one up for 406.34 taxes in. That is a big difference considering the mountain of quality built in to this unit. It is a steep price to pay for a hole in the ice but the benefits for me out way the cost. Being able to drill a release hole 50 feet from my baits without expending extra energy is a big plus giving better chances for a second or third hook up from a single hole.
I have a couple good tips to save you from using some less tasteful language while on the ice. First remember to close the screw on the gas tank before you store away you auger, gas all over you gear is nothing but trouble and remember to open the screw before you start the engine or it will vapor lock and stall.
The last thing I want to touch on is drilling with your power auger if you feel strain while drilling quickly lift the auger and clear the debris from the auger screw or it will bind into the ice. Trust me you don't want to chop your auger free with an axe it's no fun.
For me winter is all about the run and gun for big fish and my new Eskimo power auger is the best way to give me faster access so go get one for yourself it's worth the coin....FishinDan