Lucky Craft Man

I realize that this thread is almost two years old, but that was how long it took for my replica to be completed. I thought I would post a few pictures of it as I appreciate when other guys post pictures their replicas (especially in relation to a picture of the actual fish). I ended up going with Joe Fittante out of Antigo, WI and I have to say even though I had to wait 20 monthes, it was well worth it. As you will see from these pictures, I think he nailed this replica and I couldn't be happier. First, here is the picture I gave Joe (which is the same one I displayed in Post 1)... This is pretty much your run-of-the-mill Great Lake Strain Fish with three distinct markings. First, there is a black dot on the gill plate, second, there is a black dot on the side closer to the tail, and third, there is a small scar area on the upper back (I circle these three areas in red)... Well, guess what, Joe picked up on those things and incorporated them into the mount. To me, it is those small things that make this replica "my fish" vs. just some replica the same size as my fish painted quickly with no attention to detail. Here is the replica... And here is a close up of those three distinct items I mentioned... The backdrop is actually a large underwater picture (it's a little hard to tell in the picture) and I suspended the actual Medusa I caught her on from the ceiling. I am more than pleased with the mount and moderately pleased with the overall display (I may have to figure out a little better way to position the lure). To be honest, I was a little hesitant to spend the money on a replica and figured a nice picture was good enough, but I have to admit, I am really glad I pulled the trigger. The feeling of excitement I had at that moment when I caught her comes back in my mind when I look at this replica. Again, well worth the money and Thanks to Joe for his incredible work.

I picked this rod up today during lunch at Scott's house and casted it in the yard for a little while. All I can say is WOW! Independent of the insane craftsmanship, this rod casts so easily. With the extended butt and weight of the reel, the balance point is perfect. The true fast nature of this rod allows for easy short quick casts, but also loads up when you have 40+ ft. of line out. I found this 11wt. easier to cast than some 7 weights I have (and that's even with having that 12 inch streamer on the 11wt). I can't thank Scott enough for creating a work of art that possesses the functionailty any fly fisherman would dream of having. Now I just need to hold up my end of the bargain and provide Scoot with a hero shot.

I find this very interesting as around here it is always the Muskie being blamed for the decreasing Walleye numbers. Forget the fact that guys keep walleye like there is an endless supply, no, it's the Muskie's (in your case, Smallmouth) eating them all. How dumb can people be? As to the OP question, no, I have never eaten a Smallmouth and I can't envision a situation that I ever would (unless my family was starving and for some reason the Smallmouth Bass was the only fish available to catch. Heck, in that situation, I would probably eat a Musky as well, but I pray I am never in that situation).

I know what you mean. I am going to be nervious using this rod for the first time, but Scott charged me with the task of getting a hero shot holding a nice musky with this rod at my side, so I will need to fish this rod hard for that to happen.

Scott, this rod turned out incredible! Better than I could have ever thought. I am extremely excited to put this rod into action!!!

No brainer here. Either the 852s as Matt mentioned or the 872s.

Very Nice!

Dwight, are you getting anything special done to your rod (i.e., signiture Scott Handle design, ornate decal, etc.)?

THAT IS INCREDIBLE! Nice shaping on the Full Wells grip. That reel seat looks so sharp! It will look even better with that Remix mounted to it.

Scott, I don't know what to say! That is Incredible!! I can't believe that is going on my 11wt. That rod will be legendary.

Here's what you will want, something with a fully sealed drag. I have had an Orvis reel that was supposed to be "sealed", but after every outing that I acedently dipped the reel in the water I had to clean the drag out. Right now I have all Lamson's on my fly rods (Konics and Remixes) with a few rogue Sage 1800 series reels. Long story short, for that price range I would find a Lamson Konic or Konic II on eBay or go with the Liquid. All Lamsons have the same sealed drag technology independant of model and are just all around good reels.

I have over 10 Supremes and have had them for years and never had that happen (and I hope it doesn't ever happen). That sucks, but at least you were able to take it back.

Scott, this is just incredible!! I am going to have a tough time waiting for this one!!

Nice!! I am already lining up a Musky Float and a King Salmon trip to give this rod a full testing.

Scott, Say it is so.

Jim, Are you going with a Rod Geeks blank for that Tube Rod?

Dwight turned me on to the Boomerang Clips and they really are as good as advertised. Nice clean cuts and I am already a few season in with them and they still cut as well as day 1.

Holy H*ll, that is BAD @SS!!!!

That is Insane!!! Is mine anything like that?

I would bet those fish weren't caught in over 40' of water. I like to use straight fluoro for crankbaits, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, etc., but dropshotting in the Great Lakes, a braid mainline really offers an advantage.

Scott, you are killing me! What on earth could you be doing for this design?

Haha...I am going to be honest, when I saw this topic, I swelled up with anticipation!

I agree. I saw this in Scott's shop before Jim picked it up. Just unreal. Great build, Scott!

Your're right, I can't really quailfy this statement as I have only fished two of all the ones you mentioned. To me, if money was no object, this is what I would do, because I like the varibility that G Loomis has and I am just plain used to the action and power of their rods. I was going to get a custom NFC HM rod made, but I had no where to go to even handle one to see how it felt. Therefore, let me clarify, I would get a G Loomis NRX rod modified, because they are an incredible blank (notice I didn't say the best there is) and are readily availible to see which length, action, amd power you like vs. taking a shot in the dark of getting a custom made from a blank you will never be able to feel until after you order it.