“Tackle As Art”

Tackle As Art

I remember when we were kids in the 1950’s. Nothing was more basic than fishing.

Back then it was a cane pole, a line that wasn’t necessarily designed for fishing (more likely sewing, kite flying, mending, or such), a hook, and some bait that could be anything from a pinch off a cold hot dog, a white bread ball, some garden worms, or anything else that a fish might consider edible.

Our fishing trips were to the neighbor’s pond or the creek a way down the road.

And yes, we caught fish. Most were too small and never made it to the table, but on occasion we would bring home a couple of catfish or a mess of bigger bluegill or red ears. When that happened the fish fry was on!

We all get older and, if we’re lucky, wiser. We start with the basics and progress from there. That cane pole was replaced by a spin cast outfit, then an open face spinning reel and rod, and finally a casting reel and rod.

Now I have lots and lots of reels and rods, but alas, no cane pole!

OK, so I’m not going to try an sell you something, but I just HAVE to tell you what happened this week. Certainly the culmination of my tackle progression.

Earlier this spring Brian came into my office and said, “You have got to see this.” In his hand was a brand new Shimano Stella FJ spinning reel.

Well, I have to tell you, these new Stella’s are nothing short of an amazing work of art.

Aesthetically these reels are stunning. Shinny gunmetal gray finishes with gold and matte gunmetal highlights. They scream quality so clearly and so dramatically that it is impossible to dismiss them.

When you hold this reel you just know it is different. Sure, it’s light. But it just feels so balanced, so crazy good that you want to run out with this reel and start fishing at the nearest pond or stream available.

I am all about mechanical things. Dixie says that has to explain why I have so many reels and guns. The better the design, the more I like something. And I can tell you right here and now that this new Shimano Stella FJ will probably end up on display in our family room – it’s that beautiful!

So, looking back, it all started with a farm kid and a cane pole and it has come to this – an old guy simply enthralled with the latest and no doubt greatest spinning reel ever made. A true tackle work of art if ever there was one!

This week we are happy to have a new shipment of Shimano Stella FJ reels in stock and ready to ship.  We also want to give you a great offer of free return shipping when using our World’s Best Trade-In-Program!

Thanks to all of you, our dear friends and customers, for your friendship, loyalty, and support. We are only here because of you!

All the best,

Tom Ashby