Holliday's World Famous Fishing Thread - 2026 Version

[Seamajor]

I drove a part of the Russian river canyon today. Above Cloverdale. I was scouting some accessible places to fish for Steel head. The river needs to clear up a bit. It’s almost there. There was another guy looking too. Not sure if he’s was looking for mushrooms. I’ve never had any luck. Maybe this year

 

[oldslowandugly]

I checked out that Russian River on Google maps. Looks like nice Trout water. Does it make it to the Pacific? Steel Head are sea-run Rainbow Trout. How about that Clear Lake I saw?

 

[Seamajor]

It’s close to clear lake and lake Berryesa. Not sure about trout. There will be lots of fry’s after the hatch

 

[oldslowandugly]

SEE???? Holliday left and never came back. Now the whole damn site is shutting down. Rats!!

 

[Lotte Skoring]

SEE???? Holliday left and never came back. Now the whole damn site is shutting down. Rats!!

Holliday called. He said he left, then got banned and doesn't post here anymore. So sad.
...and this seems like such a nice thread.

 

[Lotte Skoring]

I checked out that Russian River on Google maps. Looks like nice Trout water. Does it make it to the Pacific? Steel Head are sea-run Rainbow Trout. How about that Clear Lake I saw?

Yeah, I've wanted to check out Clear Lake.
. Looking for warm waterproof late fall/early spring fishing gloves.
Do you have one you recommend?
What about these?

Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!

 

[oldslowandugly]

Those look good but man they got pricey. Basically, any neoprene glove will work. Most don't have reinforcement patches on the fingers, and they wear out fast. It's a toss up- thin is sensitive, thick lasts longer. I had these and found them to be cold.

I have used old neoprene scuba diving gloves with good success. In fact I use wet suit hard sole booties for fishing on the Whaler. That way, if I need to run the boat aground, and get out, I can get ashore without my feet getting cold or injured. I can swim with them too. That is the problem with neoprene anything. It works best when wet. The water layer between the neoprene and your skin gets warmed up to body temperature and keeps you warm. No water- no warmth.

I usually stick to the latex coated work gloves like you get at a hardware store. The dot gloves are good too. I just take them off if I need to get my hands wet. Dry off, put them back on. These black ones from Heng Rui are soft, tough, can be washed several times and reused. I use them for everything. Especially for working on cars.

 

[oldslowandugly]

Oh yeah, I took my fly fishing rods up to the park to test them. Damn, my arms hurt after that. Not unlike surf fishing the first time in Spring.

 

[Lotte Skoring]

Those look good but man they got pricey. Basically, any neoprene glove will work. Most don't have reinforcement patches on the fingers, and they wear out fast. It's a toss up- thin is sensitive, thick lasts longer. I had these and found them to be cold.

I have used old neoprene scuba diving gloves with good success. In fact I use wet suit hard sole booties for fishing on the Whaler. That way, if I need to run the boat aground, and get out, I can get ashore without my feet getting cold or injured. I can swim with them too. That is the problem with neoprene anything. It works best when wet. The water layer between the neoprene and your skin gets warmed up to body temperature and keeps you warm. No water- no warmth.

I usually stick to the latex coated work gloves like you get at a hardware store. The dot gloves are good too. I just take them off if I need to get my hands wet. Dry off, put them back on. These black ones from Heng Rui are soft, tough, can be washed several times and reused. I use them for everything. Especially for working on cars.

Oh yeah, I also saw ones like that (top one) and another pair by Aftco, less pricey but maybe not as warm which is what I need. Ordered those I mentioned today from a small company in CA, nice fellow there. Hope they fit well.

 

[Lotte Skoring]

Oh yeah, I also saw ones like that (top one) and another pair by Aftco, less pricey but maybe not as warm which is what I need. Ordered those I mentioned today from a small company in CA, nice fellow there. Hope they fit well.

Well, the one consistent knock on them is that the wooleny finger tips (thumb and index) catch hooks, which I can see that being a problem. On single hook lures which are the type I primarily use in late fall, not a problem, but not so good with trebles - but needle-nose probably solves that. Time will tell.

 

[oldslowandugly]

I saw my mailman wearing these. He loves them. They are called 'convertible gloves'. They are finger-tip-less, with hoods that flip over and expose/cover the fingertips. So you are using finger tip exposed gloves for fishing with less chance of getting hooks snagged. If the fingers get cold- you flip the covers over and warm up. Being made of wool- they stay warm even if wet. I found them everywhere, prices all over the place, all sorts of styles and colors. All that would matter to me is being made of wool. That is your best bet if they get a little wet.

 

[Lotte Skoring]

I saw my mailman wearing these

The tricky thing is that you need thin, flex, close fit, and waterproof and warm.
. It's a very hard combo the Aftco Helm looks like it gets part of that right also, and I saw an Orvis glove that got good reviews except that the wrist was apparently very tight and inflexible to the point of making it difficult to get your hand in. A velcro closure would have helped there, right LoLz.
Fortunately I don't often need them. I have used a pair that is good in every way except warmth - Kyncilor.
If they ain't warm why wear them.

 

[oldslowandugly]

Back when there was a reason to go Winter Flounder fishing, sometimes it was so cold the beer froze. We would find all kinds of cool gloves at the World Tackle Expo in Suffern, NY. They all sucked. We had these orange ones that looked like liquid plastic was dripped all over them. They were very sticky, but not warm. I ended up using them at work. But every fishing glove I tried was just not warm enough. Probably the best were some ragg wool gloves with no fingers. But you still keep holding your hands in your arm pits to warm up. I wish you luck in your search.

 

[Lotte Skoring]

I use those HotHands pocket warmers too. Those are really worth the money, but if it's so cold you need them and are fishing w/o gloves then you spend more time warming your hands than fishing. A cast or two and hands back in pockets. They allowed me 3+ hrs one day when it was 33 degrees and the wind was blowing. Bass were on, caught 11, but had to leave my hands hurt so bad. I'm hoping these gloved are the ticket.

 

[oldslowandugly]

There is really only one answer for very cold weather fishing. Using bait. Winter Flounder was bait only. So is early Striper fishing. They are feeding on the bottom and will not take a lure until the water gets well over 50°. I take my grand kids to Little Neck Bay as soon as the season opens. It can be pretty chilly out. We use sand or blood worms on the bottom. We can dress for the cold and wait for a bite. If we can catch a sunny day with a rising tide, high at noon or later, the Sun warms the bay up enough for the Stripers to come in and feed. The Sun makes it bearable for the kids too.

 

[Lotte Skoring]

Okay, so the gloves are out for delivery.
. I am excited and hoping/praying that they are a good fit.
I don't see how praying for a result in this case could effect an outcome since they are already the size they are.
Will praying change the size to fit? I don't see how, really.

I will hike, then come home and make a report once received.

 

[Lotte Skoring]

. Okay, that was quite a strenuous hike through 400-500 ft gain - 2 1/2 hrs. 50 minutes in the climb through deepish snow. First by that full route to the top since the big snow. Usually under dry conditions it's just over 20 minutes, even coming down was 15 minutes longer that that. Wooooh! My Salewa boots are aces in the snow. Love em.
...and the gloves were here on return, seem good, fingers not too long. Depends how much give these will have in wearing. Fingers are almost exactly right w/o being too long which is important. Extra flapping material screws up casting etc. They do have some compression which of course can cut circulation if too great, but hopefully there will be a little relaxing with use. They have a good gripy stuff on palms and fingers and hold the reel well - I checked that.
. So far so good. I may take them out early for those Shad coming up river.

 

[oldslowandugly]

I have been digging out cars all week. [I have way too many] The only gloves that kept me warm were my US Army extreme weather models. Black leather with thick padded insides. Very cozy on the hands, and I am able to handle the shovels well. Too fat for fishing. The old style black leather gloves with the wool liners were very good too, hard to find these days. Then I found my polypropylene liners. These are very thin, but wick moisture away. I wear then under regular fishing gloves. With all these gloves, if you dunk them under water-you are skewered. At least the ones with the wool liners will keep you fairly warm even when wet. But not if you dunk them. I wait for your review of the fishing gloves.

 

[Lotte Skoring]

I have been digging out cars all week. [I have way too many] The only gloves that kept me warm were my US Army extreme weather models. Black leather with thick padded insides. Very cozy on the hands, and I am able to handle the shovels well. Too fat for fishing. The old style black leather gloves with the wool liners were very good too, hard to find these days. Then I found my polypropylene liners. These are very thin, but wick moisture away. I wear then under regular fishing gloves. With all these gloves, if you dunk them under water-you are skewered. At least the ones with the wool liners will keep you fairly warm even when wet. But not if you dunk them. I wait for your review of the fishing gloves.

.. Manzella makes nice gloves. The pair I wear for coldest weather hiking isn't made anymore (I just looked), but they probably have an equivalent model.

 

[Lotte Skoring]

Just was thinking about my old Calcutta reels. They are excellent. 101 XT and a 101.
.The new ones are crazy prices up to like 460$ I saw.
So I checked to see what my models are going for - 200-300$.

I bought them pre-pandemic of about 90-100 beans.

 

[oldslowandugly]

Old fishing tackle is going for crazy prices. I could not afford the Garcia 1021 and 1022 Plus reels back in the 80's. I bought used cars for less! They did not sell well and went into the reduced price bin. I finally got a 1022 for about half of what it went for new. That was a LONG time ago and I still use it. Since then I scrounged every Garcia 1021 and 1022 I could find on Fleabay and elsewhere. Some were as low as $25. A few were NOS. Now I have a whole drawer full of them.

Imagine my surprise when I started seeing them go for over a hundred dollars or more- in very used condition. But the craziest I have seen is this one and a few like it.

Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!

AND shipping from Japan to boot. At that price I have a retirement nest egg in that drawer.

 

[Lotte Skoring]

LoLz, yeah, every once in a while yo usee some insane price on an item. Don't know if it's a mistake or working on the idea that there's a sucker born every minute. Reminds me of that joke about the copier salesman whose copier costs a million dollars because he'll only need to sell one.

Is that a hookset button so the drag won't slip?

Your 1022 is like my Shimano SG 251. I got 8 of those (2 virtually mint, another near), 2 are my originals bought in the mid/late 80s. The most beautiful reels ever made in my opinion. Excellent in every way. The last one I bought, like new in the box I was the only bid at auction (ebay), paid the same price as I did new in '86) Could not believe it.

 

[oldslowandugly]

No, that is the same spool release as the thumb bar. One of the little switches on the side allow you to use either or both.I guess some people like the spool release there, I prefer the thumb bar. Yes, some lesser models do use that same button for hook set. This 1021 and 1022 were the original offerings from Garcia that were supposed to be called the Polaris. They even released some rods called Polaris in anticipation. After these came out, and did not sell well, they offered downsized models with a lot fewer features. Most had the hook set button.

I only look for the models with the 'flipping switch'. As I drift over holes and down slopes, I can drop the sinker or lead head fast as I just push the thumb bar. Releasing the thumb bar re-engages the spool without having to turn the handle. There was a big 'flipping' craze for while. Garcia had the most flipping models and still offers them to this day. I grabbed this little beauty from a pawn shop in Ohio. Left handed, flipping switch is the silver button. I gave it to my grandson.

 

[Lotte Skoring]

. Because I was a little concerned about the Aftco gloves being a bit snug, I've been wearing them, and have a Abu C3 on a Fuji handle to hold in hope that they will give a bit as needed, which they do seem to be doing.
. While wearing them I went to check on a Sonar lure (1/8 oz), to see if it was in my river pack, which it was, but in picking it up I found quickly just how right the reviews were about trebles getting stuck on the fingers. Really there is no handling that type of lure while wearing them. Gonna get out there though soon as those Shad come up river.

 

[oldslowandugly]

I have to make a fish cleaning board. I had a real good one I kept on top of the dock box. I made it from a thick staircase step board and it had short sides to hold it in place. I kept it on top because people like to sit on my box. Even with a couple of bricks on top- the 60mph winds must have blown it away. Or it got stolen.

I found a nice 16" x 48" plank at Home Depot. It will fit inside the box so no chance of losing this one. I don't want to leave it raw as it will absorb fish blood as well as water. Paint? Oil or latex? Or something else. I have some GLUVIT left over from my aluminum skiff. It adheres to wood like crazy. People use it to seal up old wooden row boats. It is an epoxy that stays a bit flexible. But it must be painted as UV light affects it like most epoxies. Then what paint?

 

[Lotte Skoring]

I have to make a fish cleaning board. I had a real good one I kept on top of the dock box. I made it from a thick staircase step board and it had short sides to hold it in place. I kept it on top because people like to sit on my box. Even with a couple of bricks on top- the 60mph winds must have blown it away. Or it got stolen.

I found a nice 16" x 48" plank at Home Depot. It will fit inside the box so no chance of losing this one. I don't want to leave it raw as it will absorb fish blood as well as water. Paint? Oil or latex? Or something else. I have some GLUVIT left over from my aluminum skiff. It adheres to wood like crazy. People use it to seal up old wooden row boats. It is an epoxy that stays a bit flexible. But it must be painted as UV light affects it like most epoxies. Then what paint?

I don't know, something non-toxic and food compatible.

Wood cutting boards should be coated with food-safe, non-drying oils or waxes that penetrate the wood to repel moisture and prevent cracking. The best options are food-grade mineral oil, beeswax, or a mixture of the two. Avoid cooking oils like olive or vegetable oil, which can go rancid.
This video demonstrates how to apply a mineral oil finish to your cutting board:

1m

Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!

Recommended Coatings:

• Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!
  : The top choice for hydrating wood. It is flavorless, colorless, and prevents water absorption.
• Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!
  : Provides a higher-shine, more water-resistant, and durable finish compared to oil alone.
• Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!
  : Known as "board butter" or "conditioner," this offers the best of both: deep moisture from the oil and a protective, silky seal from the wax.
• Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!
  : A stable, food-safe alternative that stays liquid and doesn't go rancid.

You can watch this video to learn how to make your own board butter, a mixture of mineral oil and beeswax:

01:40

Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!

Application Tips:

1. Clean and Dry: Ensure the board is thoroughly clean and dry before applying.
2. Apply Generously: Pour oil over the surface and use a cloth or glove to rub it in. Let it soak for several hours or overnight.
3. Seal with Wax: Apply a mixture of beeswax and oil (or a dedicated wood balm) to create a protective, shiny, and water-repellent finish.
4. Wipe Excess: Wipe off any unabsorbed oil after it has soaked in.
5. Frequency: Reapply whenever the wood looks dry or faded, typically once a month.

 

[Lotte Skoring]

I bought some Shad lures - really also good for Trout and Bass as well.

3/16 oz Krocodile spoon in pink and chartreuse, and 1/5 oz Rough Rider in same colors.
. I chose those rather than Shad Darts because they can be good for the other species and won't be sitting around the other 360 days of the year.

 

[oldslowandugly]

Thanks- you really sent me down the rabbit hole investigating cutting boards and treatments. The problem is that cutting boards are usually nice hard woods. I can understand using those treatments to preserve the wood that I am cutting veggies and meat on. Cleaning fish is a lot different. I have cleaned fish on a flat rock in a pinch. I fillet everything. My knife will never touch the surface. My Wife's good cutting boards get cleaned and stored in the warm dry kitchen. This thing will be stored wet in a dock box. Practically outdoors.

That is why most if not all commercial fish cutting boards are that white plastic stuff. Starboard? They get cut and look like crap after a while. They are stupid expensive in large sizes too.


The plank I have is soft wood, spruce. It would probably soak up any oil like a sponge. I would prefer to totally seal it against water. I would also like a rough surface to hold the fish steady. The last one I had was pine. I used some very old Sears Weatherbeater house paint. I only used it for painting the garage because it had loads of hard particles from age. It was perfect for holding fish still. After many years it was still solid and not even scratched. I ran out of that paint.

After cleaning a mess of Bluefish it looks like the St Valentines Day Massacre happened there. I need to seal it so I can hose the blood and gore off easily. It needs a rough surface to hold the fish steady. Ever clean fish that want to slide all over the place? I have some no-slip additive for paint that floats to the surface and gives a nice rough surface. A sealed and painted surface can be washed off, dried, and put away without it getting funky.

 

[oldslowandugly]

3/16 oz Krocodile spoon

I love Krocodiles too. I use 1/2oz, 3/4oz, and 1oz. Mostly on Stripers. I like that Luhr Jensen includes a single hook to replace the treble. For Bluefish that destroy things, I use a 2oz knockoff spoon. It casts a mile, wiggles nicely, and takes a beating. One side has holographic scales. The treble hooks are cheap as shit and rust. I replace them with a Mustad 7/0 single hook. Much easier to get the hook out of the fish.

 

[Lotte Skoring]

I love Krocodiles too.

I found them to be effective (1/4 oz) in the skinny waters of the Lenapehanna. They run high in the water so they can be retrieved at a low rate w/o hanging. For the Shad that will be a different retrieve than a steady pull, more a jig and fall. There is a whole class of spoons called flutter spoons I guess that are made to be fished that way. Evidently Shad don't chase the way a Smallmouth does. They just want it dropped in front of them and wobble a bit. I don't know - I'll find out in a couple of months.