Isolated Behind Glass
"The year of the CGR"
This past season has been an interesting one for sure. With isolation beginning early last year just about this time, I was able to get up to trout waters only once before NJ shut everything down. And then once more in November to wrap things up. Three or four trout for the season was all I had a chance to bring to hand.
That being said, it became the year of the CGR. Particularly the 7/8wt rod which has been with me for its 7th season now, and firmly holds the number one slot in my warm-water quiver.
The original setup with a Martin and a well-worn Orvis Warmwater line. (The Martin is still pulling duty on the CGR 5/6)
After 6 seasons the CGR was upgraded to pair with an Orvis Clearwater reel and a new Hydros WF7F Bass line. Try as I may each year I research bass rigs to replace it, yet in the end its what I find in my hand. It has become a good friend from the float tube as well as while stalking local ponds, becoming an extension of my hand.
First fish of last year with the CGR. The spring brought quite a few Hammer-Handles to the tube. Little did I know at the time I would fish the same rod throughout the rest of the year.
The spawn was good to us this year. Thankfully so, since it was all we had offered close to home. But the Bulls cooperated with us and willingly chewed up quite a few bugs.
Summer Bugs were what kept me busy at the bench
Bass kept looking up late into the summer as well. As if they knew we all needed them.
But the year as a whole belonged the the CGR 7/8. I can't find fault in the rod after all these years. Aside from not being a wind-busting rig, or not up to throwing huge bunny flies or near saltwater sized streamers for bucket-mouths it truly does lack in very little. Not a loose wrap or cracked piece of cork to be found after 7yrs of hard service.
I did nearly buy a shiny new replacement last week for $69. But I felt disloyal to a good friend and couldn't do it. I would surely miss the floatant-stained cork of a good friend.
The Cabelas CGR 7/8