I was going through some bass rods and reels I haven't used in a while and getting them ready to put back in service. I came across a reel I haven't used in about 5 years or so, a Rhino bait cast reel model# RBC20. I don't exactly remember when or where I bought the reel but do remember using it a lot a liking it. It was an easy bait casting reel to cast. If any knows bait casting reels, they are not the easiest reel to cast.
While I was cleaning it and putting new line on I noticed that the spool adjustment cap (which later on I found out is really called a clutch adjustment knob) was missing. I e-mailed Zebco, the parent company of Rhino, the following e-mail:
'I have a Rhino bait cast reel model# RBC200 and I lost the spool adjustment cap. Would it be possible for you to send me a new one? If so, I have included my address. Please let me know either way. Thank you.'
3 days later, I receive this response from Zebco:
'We are sorry but this is a discontinued model and we no longer have the part available.'
I could not believe that was the response I got. The fact that the part is missing (which shouldn't have come off on it's own)makes the reel very difficult, if not impossible, to cast without getting a birds nest. So, I sent the following e-mail back to them:
'So that's it? You don't have one that is compatible? Or make any suggestions? Just sorry we can't help? Well, when it comes time to buy new rods and reels, I will have to look at some other brands.'
A little while later I get:
'We are sorry but we do not have one that is interchangeable for your reel. This reel has been discontinued since 2002. We would be happy to send one to you if we did. The reels made now are completely different. You might try 4R rod and reel at 317-773-7723. he carries some older parts and might have what you need.'
Why did it take threatening to buy another brand of rods and reels to have them tell me about 4R Rod and Reel? Why couldn't Zebco have just told me about them in their first response.
I guess days of Customer Service with a smile are long gone. Hell, I don't even need the smile, just some good old fashioned customer service.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Saturday, September 10, 2011
10 years later......
It's hard to believe that the terrorist acts of 9-11-01 were 10 years ago. Just like most (if not all) Americans I still remember where I was when the events took place. I also remember the entire day as if it were only last year. It seemed that everything was put on hold for a day as we as a nation mourned the massive loss of life. Just like many, I was angry, scared, upset and confused by what had happened. To this day the New York skyline looks weird. I don't think I'll ever get used to the way it looks now.
This year, just like the past 9 years, I ask that everyone remember not only those heroes who gave their life that day (and continue to do so years later), but also the people who perished doing what they did everyday; going to work. It seems that they are all too often forgotten or not mentioned.
Also this year, my wife and I were faced with the task of explaining 9-11 to our 6 1/2 year old daughter. As I was explaining what had happened and how our country, as well as other countries, came together to mourn, I started to get teary eyed. I guess I always will. I think for the most part she understands what happened but doesn't fully understand why. It's hard to explain to a child why there are terrorists and why they want to do bad things to our country.
God bless all the firemen, policemen, EMTs and other first responders as well as all the civilians who perished on that day. But most of all, GOD BLESS THE U.S.A.
This year, just like the past 9 years, I ask that everyone remember not only those heroes who gave their life that day (and continue to do so years later), but also the people who perished doing what they did everyday; going to work. It seems that they are all too often forgotten or not mentioned.
Also this year, my wife and I were faced with the task of explaining 9-11 to our 6 1/2 year old daughter. As I was explaining what had happened and how our country, as well as other countries, came together to mourn, I started to get teary eyed. I guess I always will. I think for the most part she understands what happened but doesn't fully understand why. It's hard to explain to a child why there are terrorists and why they want to do bad things to our country.
God bless all the firemen, policemen, EMTs and other first responders as well as all the civilians who perished on that day. But most of all, GOD BLESS THE U.S.A.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Kevin Boss
Tonight, my wife and I met Kevin Boss of The New York Giants at the Park East in Hazlet, NJ. We got a couple of autographs, including one on a picture of the 3 of us!.
While we were waiting for the picture to be printed we talked with Kevin for a few minutes. About 1 1/2 years ago my father-in-law, Gene, met Kevin. At the time, Gene was battling cancer. When he passed, Kevin tweeted about his passing and refered to him as 'a long time Giants fan'. I asked Kevin if he remembered meeting him and he did!
I haven't met many famous people but I can say for sure that Kevin Boss was the nicest one. Even before I met him, Boss was my favorite Giants player. After meeting him and finding out first hand how nice he is, he is my favorite athlete. There should be more guys like him in sports. He is a class act and a stand up guy!
Also, I can't thank Mike (@8straightsports) enough!! And my wife said thank you too.
While we were waiting for the picture to be printed we talked with Kevin for a few minutes. About 1 1/2 years ago my father-in-law, Gene, met Kevin. At the time, Gene was battling cancer. When he passed, Kevin tweeted about his passing and refered to him as 'a long time Giants fan'. I asked Kevin if he remembered meeting him and he did!
I haven't met many famous people but I can say for sure that Kevin Boss was the nicest one. Even before I met him, Boss was my favorite Giants player. After meeting him and finding out first hand how nice he is, he is my favorite athlete. There should be more guys like him in sports. He is a class act and a stand up guy!
Also, I can't thank Mike (@8straightsports) enough!! And my wife said thank you too.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Coaching And Softball
This year Baileigh played softball with the HYAL (Hazlet Youth Athletic League). She played in the clinic which is a teaching league. Coach Brian 'Beef', asked at the first practice if any parent wanted to assist him in coaching the team. I was the first parent onto the field. I helped coach her T-ball team last year and had fun as did Baileigh. At this practice, only one other parent helped.
By the first game game, we had two more parents helping, one of the dads on the field and one of the moms in the dugout. While the team is playing the field, the coach and assistants go in the field as well to help the girls know where to throw the ball, when not to throw it etc. When the team is at bat, the coach pitches to the batters. During the last 5 or so games, I was the pitcher and the girls were hitting me left and right. I guess this is the only time a pitcher doesn't mind having a high ERA. LOL
Baileigh's team was supposed to be the Mets but Coach Beef doesn't like the Mets so we became the Orange Crush. Due to the coaches work schedule, we were only able to have 2 practices. By the last few games you would have thought we practiced a few times a week. The girls improved so much. In fact, Baileigh has improved the most (of course I'm going to say that but I really think she did). She was really hitting the ball and made a few awesome plays in the field. On the last day of the season they had the all star game. Baileigh didn't make it this time but with practice who knows, she may make the next one.
For the first time the HYAL is offering a fall ball season and Baileigh wants to play. I am also going to look into coaching one of the teams. If they have enough coaches then I will definitely be an assistant again!
By the first game game, we had two more parents helping, one of the dads on the field and one of the moms in the dugout. While the team is playing the field, the coach and assistants go in the field as well to help the girls know where to throw the ball, when not to throw it etc. When the team is at bat, the coach pitches to the batters. During the last 5 or so games, I was the pitcher and the girls were hitting me left and right. I guess this is the only time a pitcher doesn't mind having a high ERA. LOL
Baileigh's team was supposed to be the Mets but Coach Beef doesn't like the Mets so we became the Orange Crush. Due to the coaches work schedule, we were only able to have 2 practices. By the last few games you would have thought we practiced a few times a week. The girls improved so much. In fact, Baileigh has improved the most (of course I'm going to say that but I really think she did). She was really hitting the ball and made a few awesome plays in the field. On the last day of the season they had the all star game. Baileigh didn't make it this time but with practice who knows, she may make the next one.
For the first time the HYAL is offering a fall ball season and Baileigh wants to play. I am also going to look into coaching one of the teams. If they have enough coaches then I will definitely be an assistant again!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Remembering Gene 'Big Guy' Stroz
I can't believe it has been a year since we said goodbye to my father-in-law. Not a day goes by when I don't think of him in some way or another. Life without him has been and still is strange. There are times I still can't believe he is gone. There were times last summer, and I'm sure there will be some this summer, when I was sitting by the pool and was expecting him to come home from golf and grab a beer and smoke a cigar with me. In the short time I knew him he went from the father of a girl I was dating, to my father-in-law to my friend and in some ways, a second father.
In the last year we shed a lot of tears remembering him as well as a lot of laughs remembering the good times and the things he did and said. He did a lot for us. He was always there when you needed him- unless he was playing golf, then you had to wait until he was done, but he'd be there.
Whenever I start to miss him I would think of something that he did or said that makes me laugh. Like the time we were playing golf and he gave me a tip. He told me to roll my right hand back so I could see my knuckles. I did it and it felt very unnatural. I asked him if he was sure it was my right hand and he said yes. He was absolutely certain. So I swung and hit the ball. It went about 30 yards out then turned and went about 150 yards into the woods. He watched it, then looked at me and said, "Shit! I forgot your left handed. It was your left hand you were supposed to turn."
I miss hanging out with him watching the Yankees, Giants and golf. I even miss him busting my chops about how big a Jeff Gordon fan he was. I knew he did it just to get me riled up and most times it worked. LOL I miss that shit eating grin he'd get when you realized he was joking or trying to get one over on you. I miss playing golf with him.
There are plenty of good times to think about that make me smile and laugh. The trip to Vermont, a couple of Wildwood vacations, Yankee games and just having dinner with him. He is sorely missed.
Not only did I lose my father-in-law, I lost my beer buddy, cigar chum, my friend, as I used to call him, Big Guy. Tonight, in his memory, I am going to smoke a cigar and have a couple of beers.
R.I.P. Gene 'Big Guy' Stroz. Always loved....forever remembered.
In the last year we shed a lot of tears remembering him as well as a lot of laughs remembering the good times and the things he did and said. He did a lot for us. He was always there when you needed him- unless he was playing golf, then you had to wait until he was done, but he'd be there.
Whenever I start to miss him I would think of something that he did or said that makes me laugh. Like the time we were playing golf and he gave me a tip. He told me to roll my right hand back so I could see my knuckles. I did it and it felt very unnatural. I asked him if he was sure it was my right hand and he said yes. He was absolutely certain. So I swung and hit the ball. It went about 30 yards out then turned and went about 150 yards into the woods. He watched it, then looked at me and said, "Shit! I forgot your left handed. It was your left hand you were supposed to turn."
I miss hanging out with him watching the Yankees, Giants and golf. I even miss him busting my chops about how big a Jeff Gordon fan he was. I knew he did it just to get me riled up and most times it worked. LOL I miss that shit eating grin he'd get when you realized he was joking or trying to get one over on you. I miss playing golf with him.
There are plenty of good times to think about that make me smile and laugh. The trip to Vermont, a couple of Wildwood vacations, Yankee games and just having dinner with him. He is sorely missed.
Not only did I lose my father-in-law, I lost my beer buddy, cigar chum, my friend, as I used to call him, Big Guy. Tonight, in his memory, I am going to smoke a cigar and have a couple of beers.
R.I.P. Gene 'Big Guy' Stroz. Always loved....forever remembered.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Easter Photo Shoot
Shutter Speed: 1/160Aperture: f 5.6
ISO: 400
Focal Length: 48.omm
White Balance: Auto
Shutter Speed: 1/160Aperture: f 5.6
ISO: 400
Focal Length: 59.omm
White Balance: Auto
Shutter Speed: 1/160Aperture: f 6.3
ISO: 400
Focal Length: 67.omm
White Balance: Auto
Shutter Speed: 1/160Aperture: f 6.3
ISO: 400
Focal Length: 61.omm
White Balance: Auto
Shutter Speed: 1/160Aperture: f 5.6
ISO: 400
Focal Length: 59.omm
White Balance: Auto
Monday, April 18, 2011
I Tought I Was Trout Fishing
My friend Eddie and I decided last week that we wanted to go trout fishing yesterday. Tired of
pond and lake fishing I suggested stream fishing. We had a few places picked out in order for the day. Not thinking about the amount of rain we got we headed out at 7AM on Sunday morning with the initial plan in mind. We didn't get an 1/8 of a mile from his house in Lodi before encountering our first closed road due to flooding.
Still intending to stream fish, we headed to our first destination; my old spot when I lived in Pequannock, NJ. My spot was under the RT. 23 bridge in Pequannock, at the end of Pequannonck Ave. We couldn't get to it as the whole street was under water. At that point we decided to abandon the idea of stream fishing all together. Every stream and river we went to had 1 of 2 problems, flooded or moving way too fast.
We decided to headed to Shepherd Lake in Ringwood, NJ. We fished there for a while but the wind was relentless. Not to mention no fish. Not even a hit. We left there and headed to Monksville reservoir, also in Ringwood. We had the same problem there, very strong wind. Needless to say, we left there after 10 minutes of trying to fish.
Almost to the point of quitting for the day, Eddie suggested we try the lake at Saddle River County Park in Ridgewood, NJ. I know the 'Duck Pond' from when I was a kid. My dad used to take me and my siblings there to feed the ducks. The park was very crowded and I had my doubts. There is also the Saddle River flowing along the edge of the park. We tried to fish it but again, it was too fast and high.
We wound up fishing the Duck Pond. I asked Eddie if he was sure there were fish in it. We were both using our trout lures, small spinners. After about 10 minutes I caught a small largemouth bass, and I mean small, under a pound. At least I caught a fish. About 10 minutes later, I caught another one. A few minutes later, Eddie caught one.
Eddie caught a really nice bass, went at least a couple of pounds. We were both surprised that a bass that big was pulled from the pond. Not waning to be out done, I landed a huge bass. A female full of eggs (spawning season just around the corner) and ready to pop! It put up an awesome fight. In fact, seeing as how I was set up for trout and not bass, for a few seconds I thought I was going to lose it. Eddie asked if I wanted him to use the net and I said yes. The problem, it wouldn't fit in the net!! So he guided it onto shore using the net.
We estimated it to weigh between 4 and 5 lbs. The second biggest bass I ever caught!! And from the Duck Pond!!
When the day ended, Eddie had 3 bass and I had 4. Plus we each had a trophy fish. Not too bad for a day of 'trout' fishing. I can't help but wonder if we go largemouth bass fishing how many trout we'll catch.
Below; Me and my 'hog'
As always, until next time ~ Tight Lines
pond and lake fishing I suggested stream fishing. We had a few places picked out in order for the day. Not thinking about the amount of rain we got we headed out at 7AM on Sunday morning with the initial plan in mind. We didn't get an 1/8 of a mile from his house in Lodi before encountering our first closed road due to flooding.
Still intending to stream fish, we headed to our first destination; my old spot when I lived in Pequannock, NJ. My spot was under the RT. 23 bridge in Pequannock, at the end of Pequannonck Ave. We couldn't get to it as the whole street was under water. At that point we decided to abandon the idea of stream fishing all together. Every stream and river we went to had 1 of 2 problems, flooded or moving way too fast.
We decided to headed to Shepherd Lake in Ringwood, NJ. We fished there for a while but the wind was relentless. Not to mention no fish. Not even a hit. We left there and headed to Monksville reservoir, also in Ringwood. We had the same problem there, very strong wind. Needless to say, we left there after 10 minutes of trying to fish.
Almost to the point of quitting for the day, Eddie suggested we try the lake at Saddle River County Park in Ridgewood, NJ. I know the 'Duck Pond' from when I was a kid. My dad used to take me and my siblings there to feed the ducks. The park was very crowded and I had my doubts. There is also the Saddle River flowing along the edge of the park. We tried to fish it but again, it was too fast and high.
We wound up fishing the Duck Pond. I asked Eddie if he was sure there were fish in it. We were both using our trout lures, small spinners. After about 10 minutes I caught a small largemouth bass, and I mean small, under a pound. At least I caught a fish. About 10 minutes later, I caught another one. A few minutes later, Eddie caught one.
Eddie caught a really nice bass, went at least a couple of pounds. We were both surprised that a bass that big was pulled from the pond. Not waning to be out done, I landed a huge bass. A female full of eggs (spawning season just around the corner) and ready to pop! It put up an awesome fight. In fact, seeing as how I was set up for trout and not bass, for a few seconds I thought I was going to lose it. Eddie asked if I wanted him to use the net and I said yes. The problem, it wouldn't fit in the net!! So he guided it onto shore using the net.
We estimated it to weigh between 4 and 5 lbs. The second biggest bass I ever caught!! And from the Duck Pond!!
When the day ended, Eddie had 3 bass and I had 4. Plus we each had a trophy fish. Not too bad for a day of 'trout' fishing. I can't help but wonder if we go largemouth bass fishing how many trout we'll catch.
Below; Me and my 'hog'
As always, until next time ~ Tight Lines
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