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[THE DARKHORSE]

Right around Christmas I received a message from a gentlemen who was my first client back in August; he was interested in picking up a gift that would keep giving for years to come (a new jig-stick ). He had been using an 8' Graphtech, but wasn't satisfied with the distance he was getting. As always, I suggested to dispel the myth that you can't fish a 9'+ stick from the kayak, and told him the results would follow. After spending quite a bit of time trying to explain all the options, pros and cons of graphite, glass, composite, etc via e-mail....I finally just suggested that we go down and pull on a few (the only way). He decided on a 9' Calstar 90J (Black beauty deck hand special), the classic stick that most long rods today evolved from. He loves his Avet MXL two-speed (awesome reel), but I sometimes think the ridiculous free-spool can act as a handicap, too much of a good thing. I thought he might be better off turning that reel into his main Yo-Yo set up for the winter bite to come. Maybe then he would be able to use that two-speed function on some of the heavy stubborn fish, in crowded situations. For his new jig-stick I couldn't help but think of a classic reel to match, a Newell. I don't think Michael has ever been on a local two-day charter on a sportboat, but I assured him that if he ever did to expect just about every other guy in the bow to have the exact same set up. After spooling up with fresh 40 lb Izorline, and picking up a couple of surface-irons we went around the corner to do a couple of practice casts off the jetty. Michael didn't immedietly fall in love with the new set up since he wasn't exactly getting the distance he was looking for, but I noticed that he had one of the prettiest swimming surface-irons ever made. I told him that if he puts that jig in front of a fish, hold on.

We decided to fish the next morning and play with the new toy, I was equally excited. Michael kept practicing his cast and was starting to make a little progress. I was quick to remind him that it isn't how far you can cast, but how well you can cast when you see Yellowtail. No matter who you are, casting at breaking fish is a challenge...practice, practice, practice. We kept moving around and I managed to place us in the path of our target, but the excitement was short lived. Michael stayed put, and I moved around watching the meter. Minutes later I see the fish break the surface, then Michael makes a cast with his Christmas present and I see that classic jig-stick bend in half with line peeling off the reel. The Yellowtail quickly pulled Michael over to a lobster pot, and even though fish were boiling all around me I made sure his first surface-iron Yellowtail made it into the kayak. I will admit, I think I had a tear in my eye watching Michael cast, fight, and land that fish on the long rod. This is the closest thing I've ever had to watching your son hit that home run, and I couldn't of been more proud.

Notice the Calstar black beauty, old school Newell and 40 lb Izorline, a classic.

I started to head in with Michael so I could share the joy of his achievment, but had a change of heart (I'm an only child ). I decided to stay a little longer and see what I could find and two hours later I was rewarded for my patience, again.

On the water photos are great, but I also enjoy those days without a photographer in sight...08' finished off strong.

I invited some friends the next morning, since I don't own that miracle four mile stretch of ocean, yet. I think everyone had a good time, and I got another one of those photos I will look back on with a smile when I'm old.