August, 2000

I suppose I should begin this article with the following disclaimer: I am not, nor have I ever been, a worshiper at the altar of ORVIS. However, ORVIS does market some pretty good tackle and--as far as I am concerned--the best bargains on the market today for the budget conscious fisherman are the company's CLEARWATER fly rods and complete outfits. Since there is only a $40.00 difference (according to year 2000 pricing) between the rods alone and the total package, I highly recommend purchasing the later. Magnificently suitable for all types of trout fishing are the CLEARWATER 795 full-flex 5.5, and the CLEARWATER 865 full-flex 5.0 setups. These are excellent deals, each coming with the rod, reel, line and rod tube at a very affordable price. Now, when I say this is the stuff to buy I'm not talking out of my wazoo. I personally own the CLEARWATER 865 rig and recently bought the same for my daughter. There are four substantial reasons why this equipment receives my enthusiastic endorsement:

1. THE RIGHT ROD LENGTH---The CLEARWATER 795 outfit offers a 7'9" rod, long enough to be ideal for the rivers and short enough to be perfect for small streams. The CLEARWATER 865 comes with an 8'6" rod, perhaps the better choice for ponds, lakes, bigger rivers, windy days and float tubing. For the guy shorter in stature or for a woman, this might the best bet because the increased rod length reduces the likelihood of dropping the backcast into the water when wading.
   
   
2. THE RIGHT LINE WEIGHT---Both rods carry a 5 weight line and--with the complete outfit--the line is provided. If you are going to own only one trout rod, get one that carries a 5 weight. This allows the fisherman the best compromise between distance and delicacy when casting. It is superb for trout and panfish and not bad for bass, either.
   
   
3. THE RIGHT PRICE---This is the absolute bottom line for the frugal fly fisherman. According to the year 2000 Orvis catalog, both the CLEARWATER 795 and the CLEARWATER 865 packages total out at $165.00 apiece. Remember, that price includes the rod, reel, line and rod tube.
   
   
4. THE RIGHT GUARANTEE---The rods (rods only) are guaranteed for 25 years against breakage of any kind for any reason. If you fall down a bank and break your rod, Orvis will fix or replace it.

Last Saturday morning I took Angela, my daughter, out to the Swift River. Twice , I took the opportunity to cast her Orvis, and twice I told her she owned a sweet rod. It was a true evaluation, not simply an effort to make her feel good. If money is an issue, and it probably is, go the CLEARWATER route. I honestly do not believe you will be disappointed.

* NOTE: In this article the names ORVIS and CLEARWATER are registered trademarks of the Orvis company.

John 14:6
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."

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