General
Nice Catch From a Customer
Oct
If you’ve fished on the west coast long enough, it’s almost inevitable that you’ll lose a rod overboard… Whether it’s a beginner, a lost grip, or a little too low an angle on your rod holders on that tight turn, it happens.
On the other hand, every so often lady luck shines her face on a fortunate BC angler and returns the favour. Check out the story below from Islander Fan Ron Newland.
Firstly, I would like to thank you your outstanding reels. I have a friend with two boats in Masset and guide for him annually with my MR3 reels. They take some serious abuse on the water and just keep on ticking, unlike other products I’ve tried.
Last week I had the opportunity to join a buddy for a trip to Tahsis and jumped at the chance to fish Esperanza and Nootka. We were rolling anchovies around Rosa island when I noticed the rod tip respond to a light hit. After waiting a bit I rolled up to do a bait check when I noticed I’d hooked up to some of that suffix elite hi-vis line.
With the rod back in the rod holder I hand pulled the line up hoping maybe to score a flasher and some terminal gear. 
You can only imagine our surprise when a Lamiglass rod mounted with an MR3 reel came to the surface. Both were covered with barnacles, the cork was starting to rot and I really didn’t expect much from the reel in the condition they were in.
We cleaned the barnacles from the eyelets of the rod and I played with the drag briefly and much to my surprise it was completely functional as was the anti reverse…the only thing that was marginally seized was the handles themselves, THE DAMN THING SPOOLED AS GOOD AS THE 2 MR3’S ON THE BOAT… UNBEILEIVABLE BUT TRUE!!!!
We thought it only fitting to rig it up and send down another back line. Wish I could tell you that it successfully brought in a tyee but not the case…springs where a little slow.
The story sure stirred some conversation on the dock as word spread so I thought you might want to share it with others.
So if you’re ever unfortunate enough to lose an Islander overboard, keep Ron’s story in mind…All may not be lost.
Thanks for sharing Ron!
I had a great chuckle reading Ron’s letter and a flash back to last summer when we were fishing of all places, Esperanza Inlet, also in close proximity to Rosa Island. We had just come in from offshore where we had gotten kicked around by rough seas and were setting gear in nice calm waters when a good friend who’s name will remain anonymous accidentaly lost my custom fetha styx rod and gold islander MR3 overboard!
I amazed myself by actually remaining calm and quiet! Not my typical response.
After a moment of pause I marked the spot and thought about what might get her back to the boat and relieve my buddies obvious pain at losing the skippers best setup. What came to mind was how we are frequently catching the bottom out at 4 mile sea mount with the candlefish jigs and their treble hooks.
So we got on it and trolled in circles around the mark for about an hour until my mate who lost the setup looked over and asked if it looked like he was dragging kelp…..nope! The next thing that appeared was the tip of my fetha styx rod….no kidding. Now that’s a good days catch and another lucky fisherman and Islander fan out of Tahsis!!
Cheers and tight lines!
Ken
Great story Ken! I guess the rod overboard happens more than one might think. Great idea in marking the spot on the GPS!
I found a reel here in Bella Bella and sent it down to have it returned unfixed.
Tr3 red,
Would have been good publicity to have it fixed after a year and a 1/2 in salt water.
I have 4 of your reels
They are great
William
Hi William,
We truly understand your disappointment, and we had sincerely hoped to be able to work our magic on your recovered TR3. Regrettably, the situation turned out to be more complex than we initially anticipated. The challenges went beyond just addressing barnacles and bearings, as the corrosion was quite extensive, and had significantly affected the spool, frame, and other vital components beyond repair.
Tight lines & all the best,
The Islander Team