I have just completed my collection of Saltwater T-3's by Orvis. These rods are some of the very finest rods that I've ever had the pleasure to cast. They are the most powerful, easy to cast rods I've ever used. Saltwater T-3's are dark blue with a unique reel seat that is very eye catching but their real beauty is in their ability to cast. They are outstanding.

I have the 6, 7, and 9 weight rods in Mid Flex action, the 8, 10, and 11 weights in Tip Flex. I originally bought the 8 and 9 weight rods for a trip to Belize. They were both Tip Flex. The 8 weight landed a 20# permit and many bonefish that year but the 9 weight didn't impress me. I traded that rod for a 9 weight mid flex and found that it had the same action as the 8 weight Tip Flex. Since then I've started using the 6-8 weights as streamer rods with my clients, the 8-10 for steelhead and salmon and last year I bought the 11 weight for Tarpon.

It seems to me that the last few years all of the rod manufacturers have been going to lighter, faster rods. In some cases they have gone to far. I see anglers everyday with rods that are so stiff they can't cast them until they 50' of line out. The rods are also fragile. I have a 7 weight from another very popular manufacturer that I bought for bonefish. It has been on three fishing trips and broken every time. It is light and very powerful but doesn't work when it is broken.These Saltwater T-3's don't break, They are very powerful and are still able to handle shorter lines without an expert casting them.

If you are considering a new rod for either big game or Michigan streamer rod go to an Orvis dealer and cast these rods. It doesn't get any better. Also you can click here or the T3 Banner at the top to see all the Orvis rods available.

Contact Rich or Dave at the Rochester Hills Orvis Corporate Store to cast all these rods, 248-375-8100

I love to strip streamers for smallmouth bass. When Hex season ends the trout rivers are generally low and clear. At times it makes the pursuit of large brown trout difficult except at night. When that happens I turn to smallmouth to get my daily streamer fix. Many of our area rivers fill with smallies when the water temps rise. I like the Manistee, Muskegon and AuSable rivers in their lower reaches in July and August.

The equipment needed is simple. A 6 or 7 weight rod with a 200 grain sink tip tipped with three feet of heavy fluorocarbon (15 to 20 pound test) as a leader. Tie on a chartreuse and white or yellow Clouser Minnow or a Peanut (a pattern that only some of you know about). Find a wood strewn bottom in 3-5 feet of water and start casting. Keep moving until you find fish, usually where you find one, others will be around. When you locate fish the action will be fast and furious. When a fish is hooked the other angler should always have his or her fly in the water. Smallmouth love to see what all the fuss is about and double headers are possible.

When most other anglers are waiting for the fall salmon/ steelhead season great action can be found hunting smallmouth bass.

Call us at 231-228-7135 or send me an email at chuck@hawkinsflyfishing.com to give it a try

Hawk