A Pleasant Surprise

"Nothing Ventured...Nothing Gained!" That is kinda been my M.O. for some time. I can honestly say I have never got anything in life by sitting back and waiting for it to fall into my lap. So having lived by this code it wasn't out of character when I approached Bill Shearer of Kingpin fame for an opportunity to field trial one of the New Kingpin reels. Bill is a stand up guy and was quick to offer up a reel for our up coming MI trip. I must say the folks at Kingpin reels should consider themselves very fortunate. Bill goes out of his way to represent their product and is a true ambassador for Kingpin Reels. I am not a bling bling kind of guy and was hoping for something with a classic look. I was pleasantly surprised when Bill shipped me the Imperial Prototype. I had only previously seen a picture of this reel from a distance and must say out of the box it is a very nice looking reel.
Very classic lines and attractive details. The handles are brilliant and compliment the bronze anodizing along with the polished stainless accents. The engraving is to the point and far removed from the flashy Kinpin monikers I've witnessed on other models. The ABEC 5 do their job well and is proven in the killer start up. For those that obsess over clickers there is no worry here. The location is brilliant and the mechanism is rock solid. All tolerances are very tight. The overall weight is relatively light. My out of the box general first impression is that this reel is a winner. It looks like no other Kingpin reel and that is a good thing IMHO. First it offers an alternative to those already die hard Kinpin fans and secondly it attracts those like myself that prefer cleaner simpler lines and styling to the Kingpin lineup. I can't wait to rig it up and put some miles on her. Stay tuned for the post fish report. The MI trip cannot come soon enough!!!

Norland's big day...

Well today is the day. Today Norland's gender reassignment surgery is being performed. He can say what he wants but I don't believe for one minute he is just getting a vasectomy done. No way...not with friggin lazers! I'm certain he will leave his junk on that cold steel table and forever sport an inverted peni or worse.

And why not? If it makes him happy who am I to judge?

At least the VAG will explain his girl casting technique.

Just kidding brother! Hope the "lazer" works out for ya and we can get out for a few drifts on that certain MI jewel we had discussed later next week.

Now back to making plastic...

28 Days...

I left the house this morning only to hit the front porch and witness the forth coming of spring full on. The birds were in full song, the snow has receded, the maples are budding, and there has been a noticeable change in photo period. For the most part this past winter has been one of the best from a cabin fever perspective but lately I have to admit that I am missing my time spent lost in thought on the river. The countdown is officially on for the Big Manistee Spring trip at 28 days but there are no immediate plans for a day on the water. This saddens me deeply. With everyone’s work, family vacation, and laser nutt blasting commitments I have failed to schedule an outing for the immediate future. Twenty eight days and counting is a long time…
I have been haunted lately with images of early season memories from the west side trips of past. Visions of fields of yarded up deer and turkey every country mile. The sun rising over the frost laden trees. The crispness of the clear blue skies. Travelling down seemingly abandoned country side roads. Finally, the confirmations of a worthy adversary from deep in a cold fabled flow. I miss the all encompassing experience and therapeutic value it provides. Twenty eight days is a long time…