Hey folks!
Hope all is well with everyone back in California.  We are all here and getting settled into NC life.  Not a lot of fly fishing going on here where I am.  They've "heard" about it.  But most have never seen it.  There is an Orvis store that opened nearby though, so that's good I guess.  Too bad I already have 2 Orvis rods!  Speaking of rods, I just picked up another that's more appropriate fot the warm water fishing where I am.  My 5 wt's were good, and the spey 6-7wt was a lot of fun, but overkill for most fish so I needed something in the middle.  I got a good deal on a 9' 6wt Winston Vapor.  Fantastic value IMO.  I just had it out in the back yard for a few casts and wow....that stick can throw some line.  I got a Type II sinking line since most of the stuff here is sub surface, and I can use it on the outer banks as well and catfish (yes I said catfish) and the largemouth that lurk in my local lakes.  Local being 5 minutes down the road.    Anyway, this rod shot out 70 feet of line with no effort.  It's a great caster at a price I just couldn't pass up.  If I were still out there I would not hesitate to take it up the the Sierras.  Close casts were a no brainer.  All around I could not be more pleased.  As a shameless plug, I picked it up from Little River Outfitters in Townsend TN.  They don't charge tax or shipping on ANYTHING.  I try and stop by when I drive over to TN to see my folks.  Nice shop and the store's cat is named Dubbing.  'Bout says it all right there.  Oh, back to the catfish.  They seem to like a #12 BHGRE about a foot or so off the bottom just stipped along slowly.  I've picked up a few in excess of 5 pounds that way.  Anyway, that's about it for now.  Tight loops and all that.
 
David

Be careful Dave, I might show up on your door step. I, know your address Ha Ha.  glad your getting to fish more.---------RAY