INDIANANGLER

If you were unable to get an uptide rod from overseas, what type of spinning rod would you opt for?

Tube / travel length not to exceed 43". Should preferably be a two piece rod.

This is for use on the Cauvery rather than in North India.

Rustam

Rustam,

Actually, there quite a few options, if only you can relax that 43-in limit!

IMHO, for Cauvery mahseer, you should opt for a 9-footer, no less. You will cast the bait easier, fight the fish in less time (the rod's doing more of the work, not you or the reel).

Why the uptide is a hit with mahseer fishing is because of its relatively softer tip but strong butt. However, a 'medium action' rod with strong butt will do as well.

So, provided you're game for 45-in, here's a list of rods that my group has been using (all 2-piece bar one):

-Abu Hypercast 9ft: it's mor tip action, actually! about 3000-3500 Rp. Now less common

-Penn Powergraph 9 ft. rated for 20 to 30 lb line. approx. 2500 Rp

-Ugly Stick Tiger 9ft; The softest, but with stout butt. The butt guide's too big, so need to change to smaller one. Rp2500-3000

-Ofmer Telescopic (what??) 9 ft; Rp1000. George has landed fish up to 30-lb, in the rapids too, no problem. The butt section's monstrous. but like all telescopics, you need to be extra careful with loose joints...

-The are many cheaper models from the China/Taiwan/Thailand companies that can serve duty as Cauvery mahseer rods; 9ft, 2-piece, ranging from Rp1000-2000, with decent ceramic guides.

If you want, I can scout around for you. If you cant settle on a model, just tell me your budget. I can buy it for you first, then deliver to you at Bangalore. No cost except for a pot of Bangalore's best masala tea for three Malaysian masala junkies!

Er, you still got that Languoile knife? Maybe you can consider a barter trade; I'm a knife collector too!

JB
><<:>

MM,

Hmm...new to me! No worries, I'll email out the enquiries to freinds over here, will get back to you.

Rustam,

OK, will wait for your smoke signal. Now that Bops is sponsoring the masala tea, we'll definitely be in Bangalore by16Dec06

I collect mainly traditional knives, but have a few of the Spydercos too. I wont part with my Native folding and Bill Moran Drop Point fixed blade! Those VG10 blades could circumcise a gnat! In fact the Moran follows me without fail on boating/coracle trips. The quick-release sheath makes it super handy in times of emergency.

I have this fear of falling into the drink and snagged to some rope or something. So, two essentials for me: the Sospender life jacket and the Moran!

><<:>

Hi JB,

Lady Luck smiled my way (wish she would do it more often) and I got an uptide rod day before yesterday.

I have had my eyes on the Bill Moran drop point Spydie but want to get a Manix first. Are Spydies available in Malaysia? If so, are there any urls or shop details you could give me? Particularly interested in the price of a Manix C95 Plain Edge.

What is the blade thickness on that Moran? There are a few fixed blade Fallknivens that have been calling out to me as well. The Idun in particular.

Only have one blade in VG10 and that's the Hattori 2004 limited edtion. Can't really comment on it as it's a bit of a drawer queen.

Rustam

JB,

I am probably even more hamfisted than you as I have been using the Lansky kit for the past 11 years.

Rustam

Shoot Apoo a PM he should be able to help out.

Bops

Thanks aloo - will bear that in mind for future visits

Our Assam itinerary is already fixed and bird watching permits obtained - we had to get special permits for some places.

(Route is Dibrugarh -Namdapha NP - Haldibari - Deban - Dibru NP - Kaziranga NP - Shillong - Guwahati)

I had hoped to pick up a local fishing permit somewhere, but it sounds as if by the time it takes to obtain one we will have moved on.

Looks like I will have to concentrate on the Cauvery that first week.

We shall be at St Marks Hotel in Bangalore next Tuesday 13th around midday, and again on the evening of the Wednesday 21st. So if anyone wants to join me for a drink and chat , send me a pm but soon - we fly Monday morning

Anyone clutching a copy of Freshwater Fishes of India will be doubly welcome !

Looking forward to the trip

Sorry, seem to have double posted

HI vagabond,
We're trying to get a copy of the fresh water fish by Daniels, to you by 13th at bangalore-stay in touch with Owen, I have asked for the book to be sent by courier to him.
Best
Axx

Thanks eljefe and Owen. Have sent you pms

Hi VB,

Though I have not been to Namdhapa NP and the Dibru NP, I have heard that Dibru NP is having some problems with the extremists out there. I think there is an army operation going there. The latest problems are from that part of Assam now. Please enquire as much as possible before you enter that park. I will also try to gather as much information as possible and let you know.

Cheers,
Apoo

Hi Owen,

Landing mats. Bank sticks?

Cheers,
Apoo

Oh my goodness! - My apologies Apoo...
'p' is just above 'l' on the keyboard but I should have checked my post more carefully.

Have given the keyboard a good telling-off on your behalf.

Yes, we heard about the troubles around Dibru - will take advice from the local guide when we get to Tinsukia as to whether we should change the itinerary.

Thanks for the warning.