First Day With My New Gypsyworks Rod

Re: First Day With My New Gypsyworks Rod

feeds@yuku.com (Duff) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:23:39 GMT

Thanks for sharing those beautiful photos. Mark's builds are world class.

Re: First Day With My New Gypsyworks Rod

feeds@yuku.com (Frank Longcast) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:32:12 GMT

gypsy wrote:
As beautiful as it is the Swift River might be a decent place for a fiberglass flyrodders get together. As a bonus the Greenfield river and T&T shop are within easy driving distance.

Be a trip down memory lane for me. My Grandparents lived all their lives in Easthampton MA, and I spent many summer days fishing for Bass with my Grandfather on Quabbin reservoir.

Well it is a...

Re: First Day With My New Gypsyworks Rod

feeds@yuku.com (Frank Longcast) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 21:23:06 GMT

I just had a big long description of flies I used the other day and my reply was deleted when I went to post it and I wasn't signed in. Aaaarrrgghhhh!

In short, I've had success with a lot of different flies on the Swift. From Black Flash-Back Hares Ears (which worked well the other day) to small BWO Parachute patterns to RS2s (which are nice emerger patterns). On the other hand, I've also found many fish using gray buggers, or black, or olive and even white. In the...

Re: First Day With My New Gypsyworks Rod

feeds@yuku.com (WetFlyAction) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 20:31:33 GMT

You know, I've still never been to the Swift. Those photos make it look pretty good.
Did you find claims that you "need" size 20 and smaller flies and 7x leaders exaggerated? I have heard arguments from both sides.

Re: First Day With My New Gypsyworks Rod

feeds@yuku.com (corlay) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 20:21:50 GMT

that is some truly gorgeous water.

looks like all those angular rocks,
might make for some precarious wading?

but, heck;
that water is so "gin clear",
I guess you can always see what you're stepping on?

Re: First Day With My New Gypsyworks Rod

feeds@yuku.com (HouzeHead) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 19:48:26 GMT

Great looking rod and excellent pics, wow!

Re: First Day With My New Gypsyworks Rod

feeds@yuku.com (gypsy) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:45:50 GMT

As beautiful as it is the Swift River might be a decent place for a fiberglass flyrodders get together. As a bonus the Greenfield river and T&T shop are within easy driving distance.

Be a trip down memory lane for me. My Grandparents lived all their lives in Easthampton MA, and I spent many summer days fishing for Bass with my Grandfather on Quabbin reservoir.

Re: First Day With My New Gypsyworks Rod

feeds@yuku.com (Frank Longcast) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 12:12:54 GMT

Hi Tom,

I think so. There were a number of folks fishing that day on the lower stretch who were only fishing for dinner. Once July 1 rolls around I think the numbers decrease. Every now and then you will see an occasional fisherman with a spinning reel and a few more fly rods because other rivers have warmed up too much but I've never been at a loss to find open water. I've always been more partial to that lower stretch with the seasonal regulations (Jan 1 - June 30 open,...

Re: First Day With My New Gypsyworks Rod

feeds@yuku.com (jgestar) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:31:57 GMT

FL,

How is fly fishing on the Swift in early July? Does the transition of part of the river to catch and release "artificials only" reduce the congestion?

Tom

Re: First Day With My New Gypsyworks Rod

feeds@yuku.com (Frank Longcast) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:24:53 GMT

How true Middlemac!

Hey Mark - Yes, the water is gorgeous. Also, when it's that clear it's much deeper than you think!

Re: First Day With My New Gypsyworks Rod

feeds@yuku.com (gypsy) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:07:34 GMT

Wow! I have never had the opportunity to fish the Swift river, seriously gorgeous water. Nice to see the Lami in action.

Re: First Day With My New Gypsyworks Rod

feeds@yuku.com (middlemac) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 10:27:08 GMT

Frank, excellent post!

And as to your gypsy build... damn you lucky S@B

Re: First Day With My New Gypsyworks Rod

feeds@yuku.com (Frank Longcast) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 07:51:18 GMT

Being pulled from the dam some 70 feet below the surface keeps the water clear and cold. It stays cool in the dog days of summer and and just warm enough in the winter.
I've fished it in February with fish rising around me. As long as it's above 32 degrees and my line can move through the guides it's fishable.

Re: First Day With My New Gypsyworks Rod

feeds@yuku.com (Frank Longcast) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 07:44:46 GMT

Hi Mcanders, Welcome to the board!
That is exactly what you do. The rhythm of the water and the fish is incredibly relaxing. It's also a great way to learn about their tendencies.

Re: First Day With My New Gypsyworks Rod

feeds@yuku.com (wacokid54) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 07:41:14 GMT

Wow, that is some clear water! Great photos, Frank. I always think of east coast water as being crowded, but your photos seem to contradict that. Thanks for the post

Re: First Day With My New Gypsyworks Rod

feeds@yuku.com (Frank Longcast) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 07:38:36 GMT

I agree Cameron. They're beautiful rods.

Jeffsod, When I took that last photo I wondered to myself how long it'll take for someone to recognize that it is indeed poison ivy!
That was the only place where it was sparse enough so I could set my rod down.
As soon as we arrived at the river, the first words out of my friend's mouth were - "Is that poison ivy?" I have walked through that so many times over the years and never been bothered by it. Just...

Re: First Day With My New Gypsyworks Rod

feeds@yuku.com (mcanders) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 07:17:39 GMT

I like the rocks that first pic. I could sit there and stare into the water all day.

Re: First Day With My New Gypsyworks Rod

feeds@yuku.com (JeffSod) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 07:06:54 GMT

Beautiful pics and rod. Hope thats not poison ivy in the last photo

Re: First Day With My New Gypsyworks Rod

feeds@yuku.com (Cameron) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 06:53:39 GMT

Frank...what a beautiful build...and taken to a beautiful river. Excellent way to christen the rod. Mark's work seems to becoming more stunning with each build.

First Day With My New Gypsyworks Rod

feeds@yuku.com (Frank Longcast) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 22:51:20 GMT

I wanted to share a few images of my first time on the water with the rod (Lamiglas 7 1/2 4 wt) I had Mark build for me. My friend and I made plans to head out to the Swift River in Western MA to find the finicky fish that populate this tailwater from our Quabbin Reservoir. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to christen the rod and I chose my Redington CT to hold the line. With crystal clear water, the fish see you long before you see them - and one thing's for sure, they see a lot of...