I have become a bigger fan of more expensive sunglasses - say $35-$60 per pair - than the el cheapo $10 Wally world specials.

My last pair was Smith Optics Omni shipped from Ebay for $40 - these are brown lenses I also have a pair of Bolle Anaconda in grey lenses - I beleive these were around $50 a few years ago.

Both are worth the $20-$30 more than a cheaper pair the lenses are top notch. I really like the Smith Optics and will buy this brand again. The Bolle's are just as crystal clear, though

Have a tent or trailer and stay in/at one of the close by state parks.

I went from some cheap K-mart outfit with level line to a cortland rod purchased while I was at PSU in college - about 15 years ago - to now fishing Sage rods.

Of the 2 you mentioned, I would go with Redington - I beleive they are now owned by Sage.

good luck and have fun with it...

congrats - fatherhood does change your outlook quite a bit.

The water in the Narrows below Lewistown in somewhat flat and deeper in most spots.

If you are looking for pocket type of water with plently of structure, look at Millerstown, Newport, Amity Hall. There is a nice boat ramp and campground at Millerstown and you can go upstream or downstream and be on good water.

it is a nice picture

very nice, congrats

An unweighted peacock soft hackle after a bead head PT is one of my favorite st-ups when covering some new water or when nothing seems to be going on...

congrats and nice fish

All good information - but I do not think bass are the only fish in question. I spent coutless hours in the middle river - from Harrisburg to the Sunbury area - and variety of fish is also down in my opinion. Where are all the catfish, rock bass, other panfish?

I would also love to hear the PFC answer the nitrate question honestly....

Bat on Penns - creepy little buggers...

awesome report. I am traveling to the Exumas in July with the wife and am trying to book one day with a guide for bonefish. Never fished for them before, but always wanted. Almost went to Andros - but a guy from Yellow Dog flyfishing I talked to warned me of the possibility of huge hords of insects on Andros in the summer becasue of all the fresh water inland. He said my wife would probably not want to be on the beach becasue of the horseflies. He said the other islands were much better - although fishing on Andros was great...

Penns for me, without a doubt.

Do not over-look Fuji. I bought a WP Fuji - not sure of the model # right now - FinePix something/something - it takes really good/average pictures. I bought it at a BJ Club store for about $170 over a year ago - I see them on Ebay and other spots cheaper nowadays.

I am a fan of Orvis reels. I own the plain Battenkill 3/4 for a 4wt and a mid-arbor on a 5wt. The mid-arbor is a really nice reel - probably more heavily built for the trout I catch but I went overkill on this one for when I use a 6 or 7 wt for smallmouth and or someday if I try steelhead fishing. A freind of mine has the Battenkill Barstock and really likes that one also...

Fly Rod & Reel did an article last year on $130 or so reels in 5wt and the mid arbor got pretty good remarks, but others did also.

There are many, many good trout reels out there...

Sulphurs are usually the most productive for me,so hence my favorite...

15-20 min to Clarks on Rt.225 North

great post and pictures. I spent time on Spring in the early 90's while at PSU - have not been back much - after reading this, it seems like I should get back there...

nice report.

Isn't it talked about alot - that bugs on Penns usually run 1 to 2 sizes larger than on other steams... I have too seen some bug stone's on that stream...

awesome. Love those smallmouth bass.

I have an Old Town Guide 14.7 and really like it. I find canoes are great fishing platforms...

I would vote the Clarks.

I seem to always have a better numbers day there and almost always see less people. I swear the YB has to be one of the hardest fished areas in the eastern USA.

Looking for techical fishing - YB is the place to be.

thanks for the review - I also like canoe fishing... I looked at this particular model before I bought one and I ended up getting the Old Town Guide 14 ft. To me, it suited my tastes better.