Columnist Paula DelGiudice: Fishing ‘CD’ could yield high returns

Paula DelGiudice

Thursday, Dec. 2, 1999 | 10:16 a.m.

Paula DelGiudice's outdoors notebook appears Wednesday. Reach her at PDelGiudice@compuserve.com.

A major fishing tackle manufacturer has announced the development of a breakthrough technical development.

Though other companies have toyed with improving the spinning reel in past years, few have come close to the innovation announced by Abu Garcia. The company has introduced a reel with center drag -- called "CD" for short. It is being called a quantum leap forward in the design of spinning tackle that can withstand the daily rigors of continued, rugged use.

Tackle manufacturers have for years experimented with both front- and rear-mounted drags. While both had their advantages, the problems associated with them always outweighed any assets their engineers claimed.

The CD offers more convenience than rear drag models and twice the fishing fighting power of front drags.

CD technology includes extra drag surface with large friction washers made of graphite-impregnated Teflon. The drag easily adjusts from totally open, or tension-free, to total lockdown. This control option allows for a full range of smooth resistance without the jerky snags and hangups that have long been the bane of spinning reels -- especially when fighting big fish.

Pro angler Stacey King vouches for the improvements in the spinning tackle genre that the Abu Garcia CD reel brings.

"The quality and workmanship is excellent, the drag system is superb. The performance and design is far beyond what most of us have come to expect from traditional spinning tackle. These reels are serious fishing tools," King said.

* HIKE THE CANYON: If walking the malls has left you with the need for better scenery, try Red Rock Canyon this month and learn what the denizens of the area do during winter. During the upcoming week, there will be hikes and talks about mountain lions and bighorn sheep, not to mention the geology and archaeology of the area.

Hikes, walks and talks require reservations. Call the visitor center between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. for information and reservations.

* THE PERFECT GIFT: Looking for the perfect Christmas gift? How about a white water rafting trip of international proportions? Ecuador, it seems, is fast becoming the hottest new whitewater destination, according to ROW, an Idaho-based rafting company founded in 1979.

For instance, ROW offers a six-day wilderness rafting adventure on the thundering "Rio Upano." Until 20 years ago, the Shuar (or Jivaro) Indians who live in this dramatic canyon remained virtually undiscovered, isolated by rugged terrain, rampant jungle and raging rivers.

Peter Grubb of ROW says that "rafters now find visits with these friendly Indians a highlight of the trip," which includes six days on the river and three days exploring the Alto Plano -- the highlands of the Andes.

At night, guests camp on sandy beaches. Prices are from $2,195 per person, plus air. Trips run November-February.

* STEP OUTSIDE: Sometimes it's hard to find time to spend outdoors. In many segments of outdoor activities, participation has dropped off. The Step Outside program was developed to encourage participation in outdoor sports.

The concept of the program involves sharing with friends the enjoyment of traditional outdoor sports. It's hoped that playing host to a friend one-on-one will reinvigorate the ranks of those who enjoy the outdoors.

Developed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the program is fun for individuals or even for companies. Support materials are available by contacting NSSF at (203) 426-1320, at their website (www.stepoutside.org) or by e-mail at info@nssf.org.