Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: BigFisher on October 05, 2013, 09:08:04 PM
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Whats the deal with the G3s right now. They are not continuing production for the next 3 months? But I heard something like they are making improvements and changes for a new model? Anyone hear anything
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This may help:
http://midcurrent.com/2013/09/26/video-new-simms-2014-g3-guide-stockingfoot-waders/
Seems like a few minor tweaks. The Simms logo on the front is much smaller now and off to the corner.
Just got my 2013 G3's and I must say they are the best fitting and most comfortable waders that I've ever worn.
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Thanks. that video helps me out. Where did you order your waders from? how long did they take to get?
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Simms makes the best wading products, tho expensive, but you get what you pay for.
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Thanks. that video helps me out. Where did you order your waders from? how long did they take to get?
I bought the freestone zippered at half price about a two years ago (for about 170.00). A couple of weeks ago, the waders developed a leak where the neoprene bootfoot joins the fabric. Rather than to try and fix them myself, I sent them back to Simms and they determined that the wader was not repairable and that they would replace them free of charge under warranty. Because they don't make the freestone zippered waders anymore, they offered me either the headwaters for no extra charge or the g3's for a hundred bucks. Guess which one I chose?
A few fly shops down south have started to clear out some Simms stuff including the g3's. Check out Madison River fly shop. I recently bought a pair of Simms guide boots from them for 139.00 as they are clearing them out for the 2014 model. The g3's are being cleared out at 299.00 but practically all sizes are gone now. There are other Simms waders being cleared out there as well.
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I scored some G4's at half price, they are the cats azz if you can get a deal on them...
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Well how did you manage that?
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Funny to see you guys and your "great deals" on certain things
I got a set of Guide boots 4yrs ago for only $125 and I believe they were well over 200 at the time. $139.00 is pretty good though considering my dad just paid 120 for a set of Freestone, possibly Rivershed boots last year (could have been the year before)
I buy Simms everything except my waders. I have had several pairs of their breathables and a set of neo's that all leaked within the first year, most in less than 6 months. They didn't offer to replace them, not even once but just repaired them free of charge. I think every time but the very last time they leaked before getting 6 trips. My L2's which have been used maybe 10 times since being repaired just sit hanging for the wife or a friend to use.
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Funny to see you guys and your "great deals" on certain things
I got a set of Guide boots 4yrs ago for only $125 and I believe they were well over 200 at the time. $139.00 is pretty good though considering my dad just paid 120 for a set of Freestone, possibly Rivershed boots last year (could have been the year before)
I buy Simms everything except my waders. I have had several pairs of their breathables and a set of neo's that all leaked within the first year, most in less than 6 months. They didn't offer to replace them, not even once but just repaired them free of charge. I think every time but the very last time they leaked before getting 6 trips. My L2's which have been used maybe 10 times since being repaired just sit hanging for the wife or a friend to use.
Either you have the worst luck in the world or you are damaging them some how yourself. My G4's finally started to leak after 6 years and over 1000 days in them. And it wasn't the gortex or a seam. It was the neoprene booties from so much hiking in them. Also I am no feather flinger walking level gravel bars all while avoiding anything that resembles any sort of stinky sticky bait. ;D
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I am in the market for a pair of G3s. We are going down to Portland for the long weekend and I was thinking of buying it down there to save the sales tax. However, Simms has pretty strong price control. $449 whether you buy in Canada or the US.
Considering the US exchange and the BC sales tax, I'm only saving $30 to buy it in the US. Leaning toward buying it up here; that way if there is a problem I have a local retailer to work with.
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I am in the market for a pair of G3s. We are going down to Portland for the long weekend and I was thinking of buying it down there to save the sales tax. However, Simms has pretty strong price control. $449 whether you buy in Canada or the US.
Considering the US exchange and the BC sales tax, I'm only saving $30 to buy it in the US. Leaning toward buying it up here; that way if there is a problem I have a local retailer to work with.
g3's are on sale here:
http://www.caddisflyshop.com/waders-simms.html
if you don't mind going to eugene oregon. I would phone first to make sure they have one in your size.
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The new G3 Gore Tex is significantly more breathable than the old fabric. It makes a difference.
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The new G3 Gore Tex is significantly more breathable than the old fabric. It makes a difference.
That may be true but I can't imagine how much better it can get considering it was the top wader according to this comparison test:
http://www.yellowstoneangler.com/gear-review/2013-wader-shootout-best-waders-simms-g4-simms-g3-patagonia-rio-gallegos-orvis-silver-sonic-dan-bailey-guide-ultra-redington-aquaz-cabelas-bootfoots
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That may be true but I can't imagine how much better it can get considering it was the top wader according to this comparison test:
http://www.yellowstoneangler.com/gear-review/2013-wader-shootout-best-waders-simms-g4-simms-g3-patagonia-rio-gallegos-orvis-silver-sonic-dan-bailey-guide-ultra-redington-aquaz-cabelas-bootfoots
There is always room for improvement with everything. With Simms I think the only way they could really improve any of their waders is in the breathability department. They have different models with different prices and they all fit very well to reduce wear due to rubbing. Like what was mentioned in that wader review the G4's are bomb proof and the G3's are the best ones. The only reason the G3's won was because they got more points for their lower price (compared to the G4's) and that because they're not 5 layer all the way to the waist, they're a bit more flexable and breathable.
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Either you have the worst luck in the world or you are damaging them some how yourself. My G4's finally started to leak after 6 years and over 1000 days in them. And it wasn't the gortex or a seam. It was the neoprene booties from so much hiking in them. Also I am no feather flinger walking level gravel bars all while avoiding anything that resembles any sort of stinky sticky bait. ;D
Im not a feather slinger all year long. just because you toss feathers doesn't mean you don't hike miles to get into prime spots and away from crowds. Infact when I went through waders a lot I used to hike ridiculous amounts to explore and yes I did puncture one set on a stick but the rest always leaked in or near the feet, one blew a seam along the knee and a pair starting un-threading along the boot/wader stitching
I bet I probably just got several lemons in a row but their customer service turned me off when they were replacing my dads waders without hesitation while instead giving me a shotty repair job.
Bare did the worst repair ever. first trip out with them, my gf wearing them and the entire seam from the book to the knee blew out while she was walking through some waist deep water. You all can guess how pissed she was !!
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Im not a feather slinger all year long. just because you toss feathers doesn't mean you don't hike miles to get into prime spots and away from crowds. Infact when I went through waders a lot I used to hike ridiculous amounts to explore and yes I did puncture one set on a stick but the rest always leaked in or near the feet, one blew a seam along the knee and a pair starting un-threading along the boot/wader stitching
I bet I probably just got several lemons in a row but their customer service turned me off when they were replacing my dads waders without hesitation while instead giving me a shotty repair job.
Bare did the worst repair ever. first trip out with them, my gf wearing them and the entire seam from the book to the knee blew out while she was walking through some waist deep water. You all can guess how pissed she was !!
Explain to me how you put your waders on and take them off.
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one foot at a time :P
I haven't had issues since going to high end boots and putting my waders on/off at home, when camping its done in the trailer or at the picnic table. I very seldom take them off before heading home with the exception of summer and lake day trips to the interior
I think my problem with the feet may have been the cheap boots and my wide feet. Seams on the other hand cant be blamed on me. I went to Cabelas waders a few years ago and while I don't get 5+ yrs from a pair im still getting a lot more then I did from any other brand.
I would consider going back to Simms however my dad and couple friends still have issues with theirs leaking around the 1yr mark give or take.
what could you possibly do putting them on to cause them early leakage anyhow ? ??? ???
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Well if you hold the wader in the knee area and just shove your foot into the bootie you would be stressing the seam between the wader and the neoprene bootie too much thus causing a leak. Same with taking them off if you are the type of person who steps on the toe of one foot and just pulls your foot out you can cause a leak on the same seam.
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Well how did you manage that?
Pm'd a guy on speypages classifieds and he wanted to get rid of them. Paid about $425 with the shipping. A great deal on G4's.
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With the new Simms waders coming out in January now is the time to check shops for deals on current stock. I know a shop selling the current G4's for a bit over $400...
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With the new Simms waders coming out in January now is the time to check shops for deals on current stock. I know a shop selling the current G4's for a bit over $400...
Care to share or are you keeping them for yourself? ;)
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With the new Simms waders coming out in January now is the time to check shops for deals on current stock. I know a shop selling the current G4's for a bit over $400...
Please do share. Looking for large size 9-11.
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There is always room for improvement with everything. With Simms I think the only way they could really improve any of their waders is in the breathability department. They have different models with different prices and they all fit very well to reduce wear due to rubbing. Like what was mentioned in that wader review the G4's are bomb proof and the G3's are the best ones. The only reason the G3's won was because they got more points for their lower price (compared to the G4's) and that because they're not 5 layer all the way to the waist, they're a bit more flexable and breathable.
Yep.
Running G3s probably cost more than G4 in the long run because you have to replace them more often. The crotch seam is the weak point on the G3. The G4s eliminate this weak point.
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as far as I'm concerned Simms waders are grossly overpriced and like all waders eventually leak.
For the price of their top model I can buy 6 pairs of cheap waders that I know will outlast their best wader.
They may replace or repair through their warranty but I've heard of guys waiting months to get them back.
I just grab another cheap pair and keep on fishing.
I think guys buy them to look like "the man" while out fishing. "Look at me I paid $500.00 for these waders"
They go with my Sage rod and Islander reel! Now I just have to figure out how to catch fish.
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as far as I'm concerned Simms waders are grossly overpriced and like all waders eventually leak.
For the price of their top model I can buy 6 pairs of cheap waders that I know will outlast their best wader.
They may replace or repair through their warranty but I've heard of guys waiting months to get them back.
I just grab another cheap pair and keep on fishing.
I think guys buy them to look like "the man" while out fishing. "Look at me I paid $500.00 for these waders"
They go with my Sage rod and Islander reel! Now I just have to figure out how to catch fish.
I went that route for many years and spent many winter steelhead days with wet feet. Since I bought my G3's (and a good jacket) 4 years ago I have been dry and comfortable.
It's worth it to me - and I really don't care what I look like (I wear the ugliest green jacket because it was $100 cheaper).
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as far as I'm concerned Simms waders are grossly overpriced and like all waders eventually leak.
For the price of their top model I can buy 6 pairs of cheap waders that I know will outlast their best wader.
They may replace or repair through their warranty but I've heard of guys waiting months to get them back.
I just grab another cheap pair and keep on fishing.
I think guys buy them to look like "the man" while out fishing. "Look at me I paid $500.00 for these waders"
They go with my Sage rod and Islander reel! Now I just have to figure out how to catch fish.
I have G3s, a sage rod and an Islander reel and I catch fish ... Who would have thought ::)
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I'm still waiting for "Johnny Canuck" to fill us in on where G4's are available for just over $400!!
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as far as I'm concerned Simms waders are grossly overpriced and like all waders eventually leak.
For the price of their top model I can buy 6 pairs of cheap waders that I know will outlast their best wader.
They may replace or repair through their warranty but I've heard of guys waiting months to get them back.
I just grab another cheap pair and keep on fishing.
I think guys buy them to look like "the man" while out fishing. "Look at me I paid $500.00 for these waders"
They go with my Sage rod and Islander reel! Now I just have to figure out how to catch fish.
You are right. All waders eventually leak. The cheap ones tend to leak much more quickly. Some even after a few days out. Its up to you want you want to pay for your waders. Its not just about reliability. How breathable are your waders? Do you want that cold clammy feeling all over your feet and legs? What kind of features do your waders have? The high end ones have lots of pockets for you to put your keys, wallet, license etc.. Also some have fleece lined pockets for your hands to keep warm while you're waiting for first light. What are the range in sizes to choose from? Just Small, medium, large, xl? What is their warranty policy like? How comfortable are they? Some people want all these features and are willing to pay for it.
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I'm still waiting for "Johnny Canuck" to fill us in on where G4's are available for just over $400!!
Have you tried calling any shops and asking for their price on the G4's?
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Here's what I know.
my son and his buddies worked for the salmon commission on the Chilliwack / Vedder for a number of years doing dead pitch on Chinook & Chum and tributary roving for Coho.. They spent every day walking the river from one end to the other pounding through the bush, climbing over log jams etc. They were probably the best torture test for breathable waders and boots. DFO paid for their gear so they could get expensive or cheap and at the end of the day all of the waders leaked and the boots blew out and they claimed that there really wasn't a significant difference between brands other than price.
What they would put their equipment through in one season is more that most fishermen would do in 10.
My son bought Simms Freestones last year and now they are leaking and he is using one my cheapy pairs of White Rivers or whatever they are called that I bought off Ebay for $50.00 and he is dry and comfortable.
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I have had a G3 for 4 years now,last 2 years I used it twice a day and they have never leaked.I also have the guide boots and they are great.Last year aI bought a G4 but it is seldom used but it is very comfortable. I fish everyday if weather permits and my waders are treated roughly. I go thru black berry bushes and other rough terrain and they are hardy.I highly recommend Simms.YOu get what you pay for.
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Yup Im hearing of lots guys saying good things about the G3s, So does that mean there just as good any any other cheap wader? Iv owned 5 brands of waders, and the same spots gave out all of them. Inside knee, and heel bootie. But Ill give you an update on the G3's after Im done destroying them.
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g3's are on sale here:
http://www.caddisflyshop.com/waders-simms.html
if you don't mind going to eugene oregon. I would phone first to make sure they have one in your size.
f
Thanks for the lead, Stratocaster. They had my size so I ordered a pair. Very happy with $315, and no tax :)
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Yup Im hearing of lots guys saying good things about the G3s, So does that mean there just as good any any other cheap wader? Iv owned 5 brands of waders, and the same spots gave out all of them. Inside knee, and heel bootie. But Ill give you an update on the G3's after Im done destroying them.
G3 will not fail at inside knee because there is no seam there. You would have to physically wear through the Goretex.
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as far as I'm concerned Simms waders are grossly overpriced and like all waders eventually leak.
For the price of their top model I can buy 6 pairs of cheap waders that I know will outlast their best wader.
They may replace or repair through their warranty but I've heard of guys waiting months to get them back.
I just grab another cheap pair and keep on fishing.
I think guys buy them to look like "the man" while out fishing. "Look at me I paid $500.00 for these waders"
They go with my Sage rod and Islander reel! Now I just have to figure out how to catch fish.
Haha you would hate me mate... And you're right I have no idea how to catch fish.
I do own all three mentioned and actually fished them all today at a lake in the Interior. Don't mind spending money on good equipment and you sound like a bitter little school girl.
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Not at all Dereke I'm sure your a great fisherman.
I have fished the Chilliwack/Vedder since 1966 and probably have more money tied up in fishing gear than most people. I own about 30 rods and fifty reels, and about $10k in fly tying equipment from when I tied commercially for most of the shops in the valley and also built custom rods for some of the shops. I own a good number of Sage rods, Hardy, Milner, Grice & young, Islander reels etc, etc, etc.
I bought one of the very first pair of Fitzwright neoprene waders produced in Langley and wore them for years. When they finally gave out I returned them to Bare and they gave me a brand new pair of Bare Superas for free. I have no issue with people spending money on good equipment as I'm a certified "tackle whore".
I may be a school girl but never bitter!
When I first started fishing I had very little money to spend on gear so I find it interesting that guys starting out now are dropping $500.00 for a centerpin reel and $450.00 for waders.
I guess I'm sounding like my old man.
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Yes fair enough, I'm definitely not a great fisherman by any stretch but I was just saying that if it's going to be used I have no problem buying expensive gear. In my experience either through warranty or quality it has been worth it. It's not always about having a high school mentality to look cool. I guess maybe you see it on the crowded flows a bit more a mentality that it's not about getting fish but a popularity contest? Haha
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Dereke,
after spending 47 years tramping around the river I think I've seen it all but one thing I can tell you that even as I get closer to being 60 I still get excited before I go fishing!
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Iv owned serval pairs of g3s a pair of g4s and one thing I know for certain if u don't wear your waders out in a season or two you definitely don't fish as much or hard as you think you do . I have had just as good results with the g3s as the g4s and find them slightly less restrictive. I have never had Simms send me a new pair of waders even after only 6months of wearing a certain pair before leaking. The most I ever got out of one pair of Simms was about a year and a half. At that point I wore right through the the wader inside the leg and had seams fall apart.. One of the repairs Simms did leaked within a few trips… iv had better results sealing my own waders. Recently I have gone to the redington sonic pro wader … found a pair for slightly over 200 with a warranty. I have put about 20 trips into them so far with no issues. I find the feet in them to be slightly baggy and not as comfortable as Simms . On the plus side the wader comes with a stretchy wading belt which is awsome. Personally I won't own another super expensive wader when like hook said they just fall apart after 1 year. I fish probably about 100 all day hiking trips per year and many weekday after work jaunts to give an idea on usage.
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general - Sherman,
the waders I'm using now are Redington but the $100 model.
I have worn them for two years and find them breathable and quite comfortable and best of all - no leaks.
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Iv owned serval pairs of g3s a pair of g4s and one thing I know for certain if u don't wear your waders out in a season or two you definitely don't fish as much or hard as you think you do . I have had just as good results with the g3s as the g4s and find them slightly less restrictive. I have never had Simms send me a new pair of waders even after only 6months of wearing a certain pair before leaking. The most I ever got out of one pair of Simms was about a year and a half. At that point I wore right through the the wader inside the leg and had seams fall apart.. One of the repairs Simms did leaked within a few trips… iv had better results sealing my own waders. Recently I have gone to the redington sonic pro wader … found a pair for slightly over 200 with a warranty. I have put about 20 trips into them so far with no issues. I find the feet in them to be slightly baggy and not as comfortable as Simms . On the plus side the wader comes with a stretchy wading belt which is awsome. Personally I won't own another super expensive wader when like hook said they just fall apart after 1 year. I fish probably about 100 all day hiking trips per year and many weekday after work jaunts to give an idea on usage.
And for your opinion there is just as many who don't agree. I guess we will have to agree to disagree and one thing is for certain I am jealous of your schedule! I work 6 days on and 6 days off and don't get out near that much!
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At that point I wore right through the the wader inside the leg and had seams fall apart..
Sounds like the waders didn't fit you correctly and they were rubbing as you walked thus causing the hole. As for the seams falling apart that is due to not allowing the waders to dry enough before being stored. I have a pair of G4's that are 6 years old and have never had an issue with them except for the neoprene booties finally starting to leak due to so much hiking and wear on them. I hang them to dry on a hanger so air can circulate in them and they can dry fully. They have just over 1000 days of use in them and 85-90% is bush wacking and canyon hiking, not the typical gravel bar strolls like most waders see.
I fish probably about 100 all day hiking trips per year and many weekday after work jaunts to give an idea on usage.
Impressive so you're basically using your waders every second or third day? What line of work do you work in?
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f
Thanks for the lead, Stratocaster. They had my size so I ordered a pair. Very happy with $315, and no tax :)
You're welcome. Hope you enjoy them. On your way down to Portland, don't forget to stop by Woodland Washington and visit the Lamiglas factory. If they are open, they may have some Blem or factory second rods for sale at excellent prices.
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I work for a family buisness and live on the river. Not that it's any of your buisness Johnny Canuck. I'm pretty sure the waders were sized right. But when your walking 2 to 5 miles a trip in steelhead season your gonna get wader rub no matter what brand your wearing. You do have a point about the seams not drying and I agree it definitely takes its toll.they do get hung to dry after every use though. But at that high of a price you should be able to wear them everyday.. Lol 6 years and a thousand trips what kind of work do you do Johnny Canuck ??
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I work for a family buisness and live on the river. Not that it's any of your buisness Johnny Canuck. I'm pretty sure the waders were sized right. But when your walking 2 to 5 miles a trip in steelhead season your gonna get wader rub no matter what brand your wearing. You do have a point about the seams not drying and I agree it definitely takes its toll.they do get hung to dry after every use though. But at that high of a price you should be able to wear them everyday.. Lol 6 years and a thousand trips what kind of work do you do Johnny Canuck ??
A family business ah yes. I wasn't trying to be nosey but trying to figure out how you get so much time off as not many are so lucky lol. I was wondering like construction, office manager or something like that, not a specific business name or anything. As for me I get to choose when I work and after many many years of hard work I choose to be on the river more and more lol. Many of the "Simms poster boys" up north do in fact live in their waders pretty much, how long they last them I do not know.
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so much time off? I never said that. I work 5 days a week and fish most weekends… occasionally I do call in a sick day once and a while when the snow starts Falling :D
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so much time off? I never said that. I work 5 days a week and fish most weekends… occasionally I do call in a sick day once and a while when the snow starts Falling :D
He was referring to your comment about fishing 100 all day hiking trips a year which would mean you get to fish all day just about every Saturday and Sunday (105 of those a year). That is an enviable schedule for anyone, but like most fish stories, you may have been exaggerating slightly.
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Haha ya something fishy with your numbers general... But whatever buy the waders that get you through. I will change my mind when I have a problem with my g4's.
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before kids I used to fish both days of every weekend and some weekday evenings, extra day on each end of every long weekend, when I was foreman at my last workplace we did 4/10's so I got every Friday off as well. If he is a single guy, or older with kids moved out then his numbers could very well be in that range.
HOOK - I have actually gotten to start fishing a lot more this year now that my boys are getting older. Once they are old enough to fish without a lot of assistance I will be able to fish even more. My 4yr old does like lake fishing more than standing on a river bank im noticing :D
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I don't see what's wrong with General's statement about his #'s besides the "all day" part of them. I'm up to 89 trips already since January this year (for the first time this year I wanted to see how much I ACTUALLY fish). I should be well up over 100 by the end of this year, and that's with a full time university load, and full time work during the summer. And this is a somewhat low trip # years compared to what I use to do.
I torture the heck out of my gear. If anyone wants an honest review of boots, waders, jackets, they can ask me. To be blatantly honest, the best gear I have owned so far is some of the cheapest. Giving the Redington sonic pro's a try now (liked the welded seam idea for saltwater) and they have been great in the 60+ trips so far.
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I can verify every day's time on the river. when he was younger I would see him (every day) dragging home fish on Canterbury Drive.
My son said one time "that kid fishes so much he's never going to have a girl friend".
I guess you proved him wrong Dan, you just had to find the right one.
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Knowing how hard General-Sherman fishes, Simms should involve him in testing their products as he puts a lot of wear into his gear. From bush whacking to wading, I doubt there's any wader or boot that will hold up without a leak or something go wrong in 1 season for GS.
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You're welcome. Hope you enjoy them. On your way down to Portland, don't forget to stop by Woodland Washington and visit the Lamiglas factory. If they are open, they may have some Blem or factory second rods for sale at excellent prices.
Curse you, Strato! ;D I had no idea about the Lamiglas outlet, stopped in yesterday on our way home from Portland, and left with a 9' 6" SI 96 LS spinning rod for chucking spoons for coho off the beach. Saved 40% and the tax. I never make significant purchases like that so spontaneously, but my good wife told me I needed to get it. She's a good woman! :)
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Curse you, Strato! ;D I had no idea about the Lamiglas outlet, stopped in yesterday on our way home from Portland, and left with a 9' 6" SI 96 LS spinning rod for chucking spoons for coho off the beach. Saved 40% and the tax. I never make significant purchases like that so spontaneously, but my good wife told me I needed to get it. She's a good woman! :)
Yes my wife is like that too. (or at least I've been able to brainwash her into thinking I really needed it).
Once a year, Lamiglas will have a special sale to clear off all their blem and second stock. What you saw on the weekend is only a fraction of what you would see at that sale. I think it takes place around the beginning of December. You'll see an even better selection of Rods that we are use to seeing up here, like the 10' Certified Pro rods and some long rods for pinning. Haven't been down to Portland in a while so I may make a trip down at that time.
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let me know when your heading down Strato. I may be able to persuade the boss to let me join in also. Need to start buying rods for the kids now............or at least that's my excuse LoL
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EDIT: looks like lamiglas will not be having a factory sale in 2013 according to their facebook page, the ad that was posted earlier was for the previous years. my apologies.