Fishing Rods

I really enjoy the Kistler rods and in particular the Heliums. Do you ever get actual "custom" orders to add a Speckled Trout, Redfish or Largemouth to the area at the base of the blank that is laquered? Stuff like that? I'm thinking that it might be a nice touch if they don't affect weight.

Also, I noticed a slight difference in the 2004 line with blue threads by each guide. I kind of liked the single blue thread by the base. Are there any of the older models still left somewhere that can be purchased and possibly at a older model discount?

Here are the http://kistlerrods.com/pdb_site/faq-38-38-0-0-0-0.html FAQs and not only can you get your name(wished I noticed 'that' before I got my 4 Heliums ) but a "Custom" rod too. Scroll down to the bottom of the link.

Dan

Hey guys, we can certainly place a lifelike, holographic sticker of any fish on your rod as well as a solid gold redfish or white gold spec. trout. The finished product is very nice. Give us a call if you want it done.

Trey

"Starting with the one you won this month! you lucky dog.. congrats! "

Dammitboy, you were correct ! I just finished ordering your favorite LTA too, the HE76HC...with my name on it! What a great deal. I am overwhelmed with JOY!

Thank you Trey and Clifford for the wonderful 'tools' y'all have made possible for us fishermen.

Dan

OK, I couldn't put just any reel on my new Helium--right? So, I just ordered one of http://www.specialtytackle.com/new2003/products/shimano/antares/antaresAR.html these. I already have one so I'm familiar with them and IMO, they are one of if not the best baitcaster available. I wish it were as light in weight as my Daiwa TDZ(on a 7. MC LTA--rig with a TDZ weighs about 11 ozs. ) but I 'trust' the Antares AR more, especially when it comes to their drag systems. I will spool it with 20# test Seaguar Carbon Pro flurocarbon line as I will pitch a jig, C-rig, and/or cast a swimbait with the rig.

I am a blessed man .

Dan

Dennis: The Antares is a 'down-scaled' Calais. The Calais is a '200' size while the Antares is a '100' size.

The TDZ is over 2 ozs lighter but it leaves something to be desired(to me) in the drag department compared to the Antares. It's the 'Lexus' of reels .

And you are familiar with http://www.specialtytackle.com/new2003/products/reels.html I hope?

Dan

Dennis: I've got an ITO but not a Type R. How do you compare the 'R' to the TDZ and the Calais? Did you get your Type R from japantackle or Ebay?

Dan

It's 'funny' that when I first started fishing with the ITO and I hooked one, sometimes there would be a gear-clash noise and the spool would be semi-free-spooling . I thought at first there was something wrong with the reel but I soon convivced myself that somehow I was thumbing the bar part of the way down while fighting the Bass . ( - - blocked - - ), after that, I made sure my thumb stayed out of the way and all is 'good' since then. What led me to discover my mistake was the fact the same thing had happened with my other TDZs too. What a dummy I 'are' sometimes.

Btw, that has never happened with my Calais or my Antares so maybe it wasn't entirely my fault ?

Dan