Question:

I was looking at those before everyone suggested that stocking foot was the way to go.. Any second thoughts from you guys?

Only one. For the coldest conditions (winter tailwater fishing, goose hunting in a blizzard, etc.) you can’t beat the warmth of a pair of 5 mm neoprene bootfoot waders. But for anything else, I’d go with a pair of stocking foot waders with a good pair of wading boots. How cold is it where/when you plan to use them? — Rusty Hook Laramie, Wyoming

Response:

Lou, Like somebody else mentioned, it all depends on where you plan to fish. As for myself, fishing on freestone creeks and doing a good bit of walking, I am a big fan of stockingfoot waders and good wading boots. Reducing the risk of a sprained ankle far outweighs the extra five minutes or so it takes to put them on. Bob

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Greg I was looking at those before everyone suggested that stocking foot was the way to go.. Any second thoughts from you guys? Lou FWIW: Cabelas has a lace up bootfoot model this year too.   I see that they’re a heck of a lot cheaper,  and the boots (from the small photo) look  like they might provide better ankle support.

Response:

Wayne & Others Wet wading, even in late summer is not much of a option here in Michigan’s Western UP. The streams and rivers run cold. The trout seem to like it but a guy can freeze his ass off in these waters…..

Granted, it may not be for everyone, but I’ve often waded wet in the various branches of the Ontonagon, Cook’s Run, Big and Little Carps, the Paint, the Fence, both Brules, the Firesteel, several of the Irons, the Sturgeon, and a host of others in the western UP. You get used to it after a while.     Wolfgang numb nu…….well, never mind.

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Wolfgang You R tougher than me.   I’ve tried fishing the SalmonTrout river in nylon windpants and  rubber sandals. Goddddd that water is cold. I need waders! BTW,,you were less than an hour from my home so if you wander this way again send me a E mail first. If you do I’ll buy you a beer and maybe we could consider fishing together. Lou

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Wayne & Others Wet wading, even in late summer is not much of a option here in Michigan’s Western UP. The streams and rivers run cold. The trout seem to like it but a guy can freeze his ass off in these waters….. Granted, it may not be for everyone, but I’ve often waded wet in the various branches of the Ontonagon, Cook’s Run, Big and Little Carps, the Paint, the Fence, both Brules, the Firesteel, several of the Irons, the Sturgeon, and a host of others in the western UP. You get used to it after a while.     Wolfgang numb nu…….well, never mind.

Response:

Greg Over the past year I often loaded  Cabelas Dry Plus bought waders, a chest pack, change of cloths, and some pop into a mid size pack. I’d catty a old wicker creel over one shoulder and carry my rod in a case. I don’t think the whole thing weighted 30 pounds and was no big deal to hike in with. I want to thank everyone here for their advice but I noticed that Cabelas had my old Dry Plus Breathable bought on sale for $100. I probably went fishing 100 + times last year and sure got my money’s worth and liked my old waders. I guess habit/ low price over comes good sense so I bought another pair today.. Lou

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was looking at those before everyone suggested that stocking foot was the way to go.. Any second thoughts from you guys?  I spend at least half of my fishing time in water  under 50 degrees or on beaches.   The laced  bootfoots have worked out quite well for that.  They are also easier to deal with: one piece  instead of the 3-5 (counting guards) that I would  be sure to forget one or more of.  The max distance that I have hiked in one day  is probably no more than 4-5 miles.  If I were  going to do some serious off-road hiking to get  to fishing water, I’m pretty sure that I would opt  to carry the waders in, since it would be inevitable  that I would destroy them otherwise (but first I  would have to have some serious work done on  one knee…).  The one disadvantage I  have in using bootfoots is  that I can’t switch between felt and studded soles.  So I used corkers for a while, which I couldn’t stand.  More recently I bought a pair of what looks like old-  fashioned galoshes with studs and a drawstring that  I slip on over the bootfeet (I think that Dan Bailey  distributes them).   They’re much more comfortable  and easy to slog through water in than corkers, but  I don’t believe that they work as well – too much metal  on the bottom so weight isn’t concentrated as well –  and the metal is quite soft, so it is abrading rather  quickly.  I’m pretty sure that I am going to buy another pair  of laced bootfoot waders soon and outfit one pair  with studs.

Response:

HIYA guys I’ve always used bootfoot waders but I wonder if I’d be better off with stockingfoot. What do you folks use and why? Lou

Response:

HIYA guys I’ve always used bootfoot waders but I wonder if I’d be better off with stockingfoot. What do you folks use and why?

Stockingfoot allows you to wear a custom boot that has the best fit (including laces), and also to change boots.

Response:

HIYA guys I’ve always used bootfoot waders but I wonder if I’d be better off with stockingfoot. What do you folks use and why? Lou

Stocking foot are best all around for convenience and comfort.Boot foot are best for cold water winter fishing and for fishing the beach.Why choose, it’s best to have both. Regards,  Flypaint(Shawn)

Response:

Hi Lou, I have sold/fitted waders to anglers and hunters for 37 years now, but we specialize in waders for fly fishers now. Today in California we sell 100% stocking foot chest high breathable waders for fly fishing. A few years ago we sold only stocking foot neoprene waders and light weight non-breathable stocking foot waders. Boot foot waders are faster and easier to put on, but you don’t get the ankle support that you get with a lace up boot on a stocking foot wader  for walking long distances in trout streams. Also, it is hard to really fit people well with boot foot waders because you need to get the chest/body size right first, then the right inseam length and then the right boot size. We use to sell neoprene boot foot waders a little, but had them "custom" fitted. If you could order boot foot waders with your body size, inseam length and then a good boot fit, they are great for those fast situation where you don’ walk a lot. The story on hip boots is that everyone I know that has fished with me over the years has gone in over the top during a day of fly fishing in Northern California. It is either chest high stocking foot breathable waders or wade wet in northern California in the summer. We sell a few waist high waders a year now but with the onset of breathables it is not as necessary as it was with non-breathables. — Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento, CA, USA www.kiene.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – HIYA guys I’ve always used bootfoot waders but I wonder if I’d be better off with stockingfoot. What do you folks use and why? Lou

Response:

HIYA guys I’ve always used bootfoot waders but I wonder if I’d be better off with stockingfoot. What do you folks use and why? Lou

        stockingfoot.  because we wade wet down here after mid april, and thus need protection from the ankle up very infrequently.  if you ever hiked up to the middle falls on snowbird in late july, in even "breathable" chest high waders, you’d fully understand. wayno – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

HIYA guys I’ve always used bootfoot waders but I wonder if I’d be better off with stockingfoot. What do you folks use and why? Lou stockingfoot.  because we wade wet down here after mid april, and thus need protection from the ankle up very infrequently.  if you ever hiked up to the middle falls on snowbird in late july, in even "breathable" chest high waders, you’d fully understand.

Quick word of caution…walking in shorts through briars and scrub that scratch the legs…then standing in biota rich pond water is a recipe for some interesting rash and infection…the notion of keeping alcohol pads back at the truck is a good one. — TBone Walker The Halfordian Golfer

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Guys Thanks to all of you who offered advice. I trust  the wisdom of this NG and will invest in some stocking foot waders and boots. BTW..I live in the Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, my old 5mm cold weather/ ice in the  river  waders are still in good shape but my summer ones are shot. I very often pack in my gear including waders on my back and them get organized streamside. Thanks again.. Lou

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – HIYA guys I’ve always used bootfoot waders but I wonder if I’d be better off with stockingfoot. What do you folks use and why? Lou stockingfoot.  because we wade wet down here after mid april, and thus need protection from the ankle up very infrequently.  if you ever hiked up to the middle falls on snowbird in late july, in even "breathable" chest high waders, you’d fully understand. Quick word of caution…walking in shorts through briars and scrub that scratch the legs…then standing in biota rich pond water is a recipe for some interesting rash and infection…the notion of keeping alcohol pads back at the truck is a good one. — TBone Walker The Halfordian Golfer

Response:

Quick word of caution…walking in shorts through briars and scrub that scratch the legs…then standing in biota rich pond water is a recipe for some interesting rash and infection…the notion of keeping alcohol pads back at the truck is a good one. — TBone Walker The Halfordian Golfer

Taking a bottle of alcohol along to the stream has proved more popular it seems. TL MC

Response:

Quick word of caution…walking in shorts through briars and scrub that scratch the legs…then standing in biota rich pond water is a recipe for some interesting rash and infection…the notion of keeping alcohol pads back at the truck is a good one. — TBone Walker The Halfordian Golfer Taking a bottle of alcohol along to the stream has proved more popular it seems.

I was refering to the ‘optional’ variety. — TBone Walker The Halfordian Golfer

Response:

FWIW: Cabelas has a lace up bootfoot model this year too.

I was looking at those before everyone suggested that stocking foot was the way to go.. Any second thoughts from you guys?

I don’t have a second thought – I still prefer stocking foot.  For all the reasons previously mentioned, plus the EEEE show size I need<g. –Stan

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For what it is worth, the latest cabela’s catalog has laceup boot foots as well. Chris Richer – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Wet wading, even in late summer is not much of a option here in Michigan’s Western UP. The streams and rivers run cold.  Same in western NY and Ontario. The trout seem to like it but a guy can freeze his ass off in these waters. Going to take all the good advice and set up with stocking foot + boots.  Before you do you might want to take a quick look  at Orvis’s breathables with lace-up boot foots.

– Chris Richer chrisratnostormspamdotca

Response:

Greg I was looking at those before everyone suggested that stocking foot was the way to go.. Any second thoughts from you guys? Lou

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – FWIW: Cabelas has a lace up bootfoot model this year too.   I see that they’re a heck of a lot cheaper,  and the boots (from the small photo) look  like they might provide better ankle support.

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Why Lou!  That’s for your annual bonefish trip to the Keys! Wayne to fish is human….to release Divine!! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Wayne & Others Wet wading, even in late summer is not much of a option here in Michigan’s Western UP. The streams and rivers run cold. The trout seem to like it but a guy can freeze his ass off in these waters. Going to take all the good advice and set up with stocking foot + boots. Lou

Response:

 Before you do you might want to take a quick look  at Orvis’s breathables with lace-up boot foots.

FWIW: Cabelas has a lace up bootfoot model this year too.

Response:

Wayne & Others Wet wading, even in late summer is not much of a option here in Michigan’s Western UP. The streams and rivers run cold. The trout seem to like it but a guy can freeze his ass off in these waters. Going to take all the good advice and set up with stocking foot + boots. Lou

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – For may of the reasons already stated, go stocking foot.  Besides being able to change boot types and properly fit the boot, you can wet wade sans waders with a good boot in hot climes; maximum versatility.  As Bill recommended; go with breathables. Considere neoprene socks when wet wading with boots and keep in mind, some boots like Chota Brookies have removable insoles for use with and without waders. — Wayne To Fish is Human…To Release Divine! HIYA guys I’ve always used bootfoot waders but I wonder if I’d be better off with stockingfoot. What do you folks use and why? Lou

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… they are composed of poly-cotton with layers of codura on the knees and ass.  that’s because if you aren’t on the former when you fish, you aint gonna catch any of the latter, in hazel creek.

I fished all day on Hazel Creek, was on my knees most of the time and I STILL didn’t catch any ass. Need another lesson from the master, I guess. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

For may of the reasons already stated, go stocking foot.  Besides being able to change boot types and properly fit the boot, you can wet wade sans waders with a good boot in hot climes; maximum versatility.  As Bill recommended; go with breathables. Considere neoprene socks when wet wading with boots and keep in mind, some boots like Chota Brookies have removable insoles for use with and without waders. — Wayne To Fish is Human…To Release Divine!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – HIYA guys I’ve always used bootfoot waders but I wonder if I’d be better off with stockingfoot. What do you folks use and why? Lou

Response:

No reason you can’t use quick-dry long pants.  They even make ones that have zip-off bottoms (i.e. convertible to shorts.)

        actually, my "fishing pants" are what were originally designed as warm weather bird hunting pants:  they are composed of poly-cotton with layers of codura on the knees and ass.  that’s because if you aren’t on the former when you fish, you aint gonna catch any of the latter, in hazel creek.         what the hell, it’s after 6, and it’s been a long day. wayno

Response:

Quick word of caution…walking in shorts through briars and scrub that scratch the legs…then standing in biota rich pond water is a recipe for some interesting rash and infection…the notion of keeping alcohol pads back at the truck is a good one.

No reason you can’t use quick-dry long pants.  They even make ones that have zip-off bottoms (i.e. convertible to shorts.)

Response:

stockingfoot.  because we wade wet down here after mid april, and thus need protection from the ankle up very infrequently.  if you ever hiked up to the middle falls on snowbird in late july, in even "breathable" chest high waders, you’d fully understand.

Good point.  I have used my wading boots without waders on quite a few occasions.

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Question:

found his home page…. http://pavonpayara.com/ john

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What a wonderful country full of pleasant people who love to fly fish. I spent three weeks in country on both islands and would go back in a heart beat. The exchange rate is close to 2-1, I found that lodging, food, guides, most services are where you will save money, it’s the airfare that hurts. I hired a guide in the Toupo area who got me into large fish and gladly instructed me on the local waters. The currency denominations are the same, they speak english, there is almost no crime, and there are no native or wild mammals or reptiles to spook you in the bush. GO TO NEW ZEALAND AND YOU WILL WANT TO MOVE THERE!!!!!!! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My wife, of 27 years, has expressed interest in a fly fishing vacation at the end of this year.  Although she has tied flies for years, she finally got the serious fly fishing bug (pun intended) this season and we fish, at least, one evening a week and 2 weekends a month (weather permitting).  For our vacation, she wants something warm and fly fishingish…With all your world travelers in ROFF maybe you can give some suggestions.  Money, of course, is an issue, but we could come up with somewhere around a total budget of  $3000-$4000 USD (for the both of us, air fare included) and we live near Portland, Oregon (indian for "it rains all winter") <G Any and all suggestions would be appreciated…Salt, fresh it doesn’t matter…(I have only fly fished salt water a few times in San Diego)… Padishar Creel — Alive and well and fully employed…

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That’s one of the prime times of the year to fish for Peacock Bass. You can actually negotiate better deals due to the season…..Americans stay home at Christmas. . . usually.

Um, so did you actually *catch any fish* on your recent Peacock Bass trip? I recall seeing a short trip report outlining your drinking endeavors with the promise of more info to come, but then I never saw anything else. I completely forgot to ask you about it at the Penn Clave. –Steve

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Welll….I was actually there in there slow season, if there is one. My best was a twelve and a half pounder (peacock).  I was a trifle unprepared for the payara. john

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – That’s one of the prime times of the year to fish for Peacock Bass. You can actually negotiate better deals due to the season…..Americans stay home at Christmas. . . usually. Um, so did you actually *catch any fish* on your recent Peacock Bass trip? I recall seeing a short trip report outlining your drinking endeavors with the promise of more info to come, but then I never saw anything else. I completely forgot to ask you about it at the Penn Clave. –Steve

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That’s one of the prime times of the year to fish for Peacock Bass. You can actually negotiate better deals due to the season…..Americans stay home at Christmas. . . usually. Scour the net (minor searching) for Peacock Bay Lodge and check out what there is to offer, follow a link or two and see what there is in the way of Payara fishing ( big rods, deepsinking lines and gigantic streamers….) If you like what you see, then contact the owner of Peacock Bay Lodge, Harley Lezama. His brother owns Indian Camp for Payara (that camp currently has the worlds record.) You can get a much better deal by dealing direct and avoiding the outfitters who charge roughly 30 to 40 percent mark up. telefax 58-854629. john (ps. I plan on going back there with the Mrs.)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My wife, of 27 years, has expressed interest in a fly fishing vacation at the end of this year.  Although she has tied flies for years, she finally got the serious fly fishing bug (pun intended) this season and we fish, at least, one evening a week and 2 weekends a month (weather permitting).  For our vacation, she wants something warm and fly fishingish…With all your world travelers in ROFF maybe you can give some suggestions.  Money, of course, is an issue, but we could come up with somewhere around a total budget of  $3000-$4000 USD (for the both of us, air fare included) and we live near Portland, Oregon (indian for "it rains all winter") <G Any and all suggestions would be appreciated…Salt, fresh it doesn’t matter…(I have only fly fished salt water a few times in San Diego)… Padishar Creel — Alive and well and fully employed…

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Mark, Any or all…doesn’t matter would enjoy any of those species.  Deb is a novice and I am an intermediate fly fisherman…so probably the least challenging of the species would be a better choice…but I enjoy fly fishing, not just catching…so we be game for anything…I assume snook would be the least challenging fish on your list… Padishar Creel

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. "New Zealand On A Budget"  And in that vein, I would be contacting fellow Roffian, (and my adopted brother), Clark Reid.  He’s a guide down there.  Evidently, not too bad a fly tyer either.  His cicada pattern is in Umpqua’s book "The World’s 1,100 Best Flies."     I gotta agree with Trip.  Airline price wars, perfect time of year, New Zealand economy right now, it all points to a trip to a faraway land, where the "speaka da English," but have some incredible, unspoiled fishing in incredible, unspoiled surroundings.     For most of the same reasons, Argentina would also be wonderful. Hey, if you believe the press, one out of 25 sea run browns CAUGHT in late November is over 20 lbs.  Now that would be fun.        Frank R.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My wife, of 27 years, has expressed interest in a fly fishing vacation at the end of this year.  Although she has tied flies for years, she finally got the serious fly fishing bug (pun intended) this season and we fish, at least, one evening a week and 2 weekends a month (weather permitting).  For our vacation, she wants something warm and fly fishingish…With all your world travelers in ROFF maybe you can give some suggestions.  Money, of course, is an issue, but we could come up with somewhere around a total budget of  $3000-$4000 USD (for the both of us, air fare included) and we live near Portland, Oregon (indian for "it rains all winter") <G Any and all suggestions would be appreciated…Salt, fresh it doesn’t matter…(I have only fly fished salt water a few times in San Diego)… Padishar Creel — Alive and well and fully employed…

That time of year? Permit? Tarpon? Bone fish Snook? M. Wm.

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"New Zealand On A Budget" /daytripper (That’s where I’d be headed, anyway! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -My wife, of 27 years, has expressed interest in a fly fishing vacation at the end of this year.  Although she has tied flies for years, she finally got the serious fly fishing bug (pun intended) this season and we fish, at least, one evening a week and 2 weekends a month (weather permitting).  For our vacation, she wants something warm and fly fishingish…With all your world travelers in ROFF maybe you can give some suggestions.  Money, of course, is an issue, but we could come up with somewhere around a total budget of  $3000-$4000 USD (for the both of us, air fare included) and we live near Portland, Oregon (indian for "it rains all winter") <G Any and all suggestions would be appreciated…Salt, fresh it doesn’t matter…(I have only fly fished salt water a few times in San Diego)… Padishar Creel — Alive and well and fully employed…

Response:

My wife, of 27 years, has expressed interest in a fly fishing vacation at the end of this year.  Although she has tied flies for years, she finally got the serious fly fishing bug (pun intended) this season and we fish, at least, one evening a week and 2 weekends a month (weather permitting).  For our vacation, she wants something warm and fly fishingish…With all your world travelers in ROFF maybe you can give some suggestions.  Money, of course, is an issue, but we could come up with somewhere around a total budget of  $3000-$4000 USD (for the both of us, air fare included) and we live near Portland, Oregon (indian for "it rains all winter") <G Any and all suggestions would be appreciated…Salt, fresh it doesn’t matter…(I have only fly fished salt water a few times in San Diego)… Padishar Creel — Alive and well and fully employed…

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Question:

Does anybody know of any good fishing books to read. I’m lookin for a book about the pleasures of fishin in a philisophical sense. Not the fly fishing type of book….A book about fishing/guiding/travelling & fishing etc Al Have fishing rod…will travel. Prospective accomplice in fishing

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Know lots of great fishing books but not to many that fill your requirement. Only 2 I can think of were Shaw Grigsby’s book, and Jimmy Huston’s, "Caught me a Big ‘Un". There are a lot more from the fly fishing side of the sport. I am a lot better on the educational stuff. dan

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anybody know of any good fishing books to read. I’m lookin for a book about the pleasures of fishin in a philisophical sense. Not the fly fishing type of book….A book about fishing/guiding/travelling & fishing etc Al Have fishing rod…will travel. Prospective accomplice in fishing

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Know lots of great fishing books but not to many that fill your requirement. Only 2 I can think of were Shaw Grigsby’s book, and Jimmy Huston’s, "Caught me a Big ‘Un". There are a lot more from the fly fishing side of the sport. I am a lot better on the educational stuff. dan

Thanks Dan i am aware of those 2 books. I picked up a book today by Richard Louv. He travels through America…meeting other fisherman.I like it because it is a thick book (475 pages) and a cheapo price $5.99. Al Have fishing rod…will travel. Prospective accomplice in fishing

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Darwin’s Bass & Pavlov’s Trout — both by Paul Quinnett. It’s been a while since I read them, but I found them both very enjoyable reads for ‘non-how-to’ type books. RichZ

Question:

What I was originally opposed to was similar to a librarian saying, "go look in the card catalog it’s got to be there somewhere."  I see a big difference.  Do you?

Thought it was the same thing on both occasions.  The original I was referring to was when someone else posted a link to the source of the info, although not the specific link and got all kinds of flak for it.  Don’t see much difference in it other than the fact that the "librarian" not only gave them the book, but opened it for them to the right page.  Just thought it was kind of funny though. Warren X#-[

Trout Dwellers Unite! Western Conclave Guru For info: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/sp_ROFF_people/wclave/wclave.html

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What I was originally opposed to was similar to a librarian saying, "go look in the card catalog it’s got to be there somewhere."  I see a big difference.  Do you? Thought it was the same thing on both occasions.  The original I was referring to was when someone else posted a link to the source of the info, although not the specific link and got all kinds of flak for it.  Don’t see much difference in it other than the fact that the librarian" not only gave them the book, but opened it for them to the right page.  Just thought it was kind of funny though.

okay  :-) — Vern My ROFF page: http://msnhomepages.talkcity.com/ResortRd/v_deloy/ROFFintro.html "Wilderness needs no defense, only more defenders"                             quote by Edward Abbey Before you buy.

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r the record though, I see a difference between someone telling another where the information is apposed to telling them to go SEARCH for it themselves.  What I did is like a librarian taking someone’s hand and waking them over to a book, opening it, and telling them that their answer is right there as they point to a page.  What I was originally opposed to was similar to a librarian saying, "go look in the card catalog it’s got to be there somewhere."  I see a big difference.  Do you? — Vern

I don’t see any difference, Vern, except that you did it instead of me. Actually my post was quite specific in its instructions, and I had been to the sources and knew that they would be very helpful. Pat K

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Let’s start with the TU web-site and then some others are nice when it come to knots. http://www.tutv.org/html/equipment.html http://globalflyfisher.com/fishbetter/knots/table.htm http://www.f-deans.freeserve.co.uk/knots/knots.htm http://www.steelheader.net/knots/knots.htm Now Vern, that wasn’t nice to do.  You should have drawn diagrams and posted step by step instructions instead of pointing to a web site <g

LOL.  Very funny Warren. Just for the record though, I see a difference between someone telling another where the information is apposed to telling them to go SEARCH for it themselves.  What I did is like a librarian taking someone’s hand and waking them over to a book, opening it, and telling them that their answer is right there as they point to a page.  What I was originally opposed to was similar to a librarian saying, "go look in the card catalog it’s got to be there somewhere."  I see a big difference.  Do you? — Vern My ROFF page: http://msnhomepages.talkcity.com/ResortRd/v_deloy/ROFFintro.html "Wilderness needs no defense, only more defenders"                             quote by Edward Abbey Before you buy.

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Let’s start with the TU web-site and then some others are nice when it come to knots. http://www.tutv.org/html/equipment.html http://globalflyfisher.com/fishbetter/knots/table.htm http://www.f-deans.freeserve.co.uk/knots/knots.htm http://www.steelheader.net/knots/knots.htm

Now Vern, that wasn’t nice to do.  You should have drawn diagrams and posted step by step instructions instead of pointing to a web site <g Warren X#-[

Trout Dwellers Unite! Western Conclave Guru For info: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/sp_ROFF_people/wclave/wclave.html

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This site has a good description of how to set you rod up and great knot info.  Hope it helps http://www.flyfield.com/davetips.htm. I bought that same rod for my 5 year old son.  He likes it.  You should trash that level line that came with the rod and at least buy a cheap weight forward Scientific Anglers Weight Forward 5 wt floating line for 10 bucks at WallMart.  Your casting will benefit.  When you upgrade you can get premium line at a flyshop.  But the 10 bucks on a WF5F will be well spent. When I started I bought Flyfishing for Dummies.  It was a great help and left nothing to the imagination. Good luck JBB

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

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then tried to connect the leader and i am baffled

Several people around here swear by Eagle Claw Leader Links.  If you know how to tie overhand knots you can use a leader link. Mu  

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Alex, good luck getting started in fly fishing.  It is difficult to learn by yourself, but you will find it to be very rewarding and enjoyable.  I don’t know of any sites with knots, but a couple have been given so far.

Let’s start with the TU web-site and then some others are nice when it come to knots. http://www.tutv.org/html/equipment.html http://globalflyfisher.com/fishbetter/knots/table.htm http://www.f-deans.freeserve.co.uk/knots/knots.htm http://www.steelheader.net/knots/knots.htm — Vern My ROFF page: http://msnhomepages.talkcity.com/ResortRd/v_deloy/ROFFintro.html "Wilderness needs no defense, only more defenders"                             quote by Edward Abbey Before you buy.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -llo everyone..well i am absolutly new to this whole scene of fly fishing. i am going camping in 3 weeks, and decided to go and buy a new reel and rod for the trip.. low and behold, i ended up buying a fly rod and reel with lines included,, ok I am now finding out that good be kinda tacky, and you get what you pay for..hehe.. but nonetheless i am goinmg to learn this, and i hope and intend to be somewhat successful on my first journey out, then while planning my next adventure, i will upgrade all the nessesary equipment,,, so this is what i got,, a south bend rod and reel, 6 1/2 ft. medium action, line class 4/5,, also got fly line (unsure of the weight, balanced floating?) and a knotless tapered leader 7 1/2 ft. 4x 3 lb test,,and some flies.. so i went to beginners net guide to fly fishing,  I attached my line to the reel ( i hope it is correct, i followed the illustrations), then tried to connect the leader and i am baffled,, so i believe i am looking for some help, and possibly other decent web sights that may be a little more informative,? so thank you for any advise,, even harsh critisism.  :) Alex( the new guy)

Welcome to flyfishing Alex.  The outfit you purchased will get you started anyway and you can catch fish with it.  When you want to upgrade, you will probably want an 8 1//2 to 9ft rod, depending on the type of fishing you will be doing.  Get back to us then for more info.  Re knots, you will need to learn several, but you may already know some of them.  For attatching line to leader, you should learn a nail knot (or some folks use a line connector though its considered less reliable), a double surgeons knot and/or a barrel knot for connecting two leader sections or connecting leader to tippet, and a clinch knot, berkeley knot, or improved clinch for connecting tippet to fly.  For detailed instructions on these knots go to : www.killroys.com/knots/knots.htm. You may also want to take a flycasting class from a local FF shop, so you get started with correct casting technique. Tight Lines, Pat K

Response:

(snip)

Alex, try this url. http://www.flyanglersonline.com/begin/101/ It should give you a lot of good information to begin with.  In fact, it has a lot of good information for people that have been fishing for a while.  It’s simple to follow and find the information you are looking for. — Vern My ROFF page: http://msnhomepages.talkcity.com/ResortRd/v_deloy/ROFFintro.html "Wilderness needs no defense, only more defenders"                             quote by Edward Abbey Before you buy.

Response:

Alex, good luck getting started in fly fishing.  It is difficult to learn by yourself, but you will find it to be very rewarding and enjoyable.  I don’t know of any sites with knots, but a couple have been given so far.  I too recommend that you go to a fly fishing shop and get some classes on casting and find someone to help teach you out on the water. If you have any more questions feel free to ask away.  There are a lot of people on this ng who have tons of knowledge and are willing to help.  The down side is that they are all at the conclave right now, but a few of us are still here and will help out as much as we can. Warren X#-[

Trout Dwellers Unite! Western Conclave Guru For info: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/sp_ROFF_people/wclave/wclave.html

Response:

Alex, if you bought the rod, reel, and line as an outfit the line should be right for the rod. You need to purchase some tippet material ( 4X & 5X to start)   The tippet would be tied to the end of the leader with a blood knot or surgeon’s knot, and the butt of the leader attatched to the line with a nail knot. I don’t know of a web site that describes these knots, but I’m sure some of the guys on this group do. You really should get a good book on beginning fly fishing. "The Curtis Creek Manifesto" is the one most commonly recommended in this group. With only three weeks until your trip, your best bet would be to seek out a fly fishermen in your area that would be willing to spend a few hours with you to get you started. One aftrenoon with a competent fly fisherman will give you a jump start and will help you better understand what you read in books. If you have any more specific questions, feel free to email me and I’ll help as much as I can. Good luck! George Adams "From the rockin’ of the cradle to the rollin’ of the hearse, the goin’ up was worth the comin’ down." ___Kris Kristofferson "The Pilgrim/Chapter 33"

Response:

hello everyone..well i am absolutly new to this whole scene of fly fishing. i am going camping in 3 weeks, and decided to go and buy a new reel and rod for the trip.. low and behold, i ended up buying a fly rod and reel with lines included,, ok I am now finding out that good be kinda tacky, and you get what you pay for..hehe.. but nonetheless i am goinmg to learn this, and i hope and intend to be somewhat successful on my first journey out, then while planning my next adventure, i will upgrade all the nessesary equipment,,, so this is what i got,, a south bend rod and reel, 6 1/2 ft. medium action, line class 4/5,, also got fly line (unsure of the weight, balanced floating?) and a knotless tapered leader 7 1/2 ft. 4x 3 lb test,,and some flies.. so i went to beginners net guide to fly fishing,  I attached my line to the reel ( i hope it is correct, i followed the illustrations), then tried to connect the leader and i am baffled,, so i believe i am looking for some help, and possibly other decent web sights that may be a little more informative,? so thank you for any advise,, even harsh critisism.  :) Alex( the new guy) * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

Question:

You guys REALLY need to get out more. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -<<If you want to cast, but don’t feel like stringing up to cast in the snow of your yard.  Which has got to bad for the old flyline anyways, take a suitable length of 1/8" dowel (you can get this at the local hardware store.)  Usually about 2 to 3 feet.  Then take a length of backing, about 2x the length of your dowel, and tie it on one end. Instant fly casting gear that can be cast in your living room, without spending a whole lot of money. Sounds like the perfect thing for fishing the aquarium.

Response:

<<If you want to cast, but don’t feel like stringing up to cast in the snow of your yard.  Which has got to bad for the old flyline anyways, take a suitable length of 1/8" dowel (you can get this at the local hardware store.)  Usually about 2 to 3 feet.  Then take a length of backing, about 2x the length of your dowel, and tie it on one end. Instant fly casting gear that can be cast in your living room, without spending a whole lot of money. Sounds like the perfect thing for fishing the aquarium.

Good idea. My guppies seem to be favoring a size 28 Adams, right now. Tim? Got any recipes?

Response:

Sounds like the perfect thing for fishing the aquarium.

Or catfishing. For cats, that is. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

If you want to cast, but don’t feel like stringing up to cast in the snow of your yard.  Which has got to bad for the old flyline anyways, take a suitable length of 1/8" dowel (you can get this at the local hardware store.)  Usually about 2 to 3 feet.  Then take a length of backing, about 2x the length of your dowel, and tie it on one end. Instant fly casting gear that can be cast in your living room, without spending a whole lot of money.

Response:

Question:

TOSHIBA is the DEVIL!!!

The biggest selling consumer laptop is Apple’s iBook. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

TOSHIBA is the DEVIL!!! COMPAQ is quickly heading the same direction! Ever since they launched the AERO line I’ve wanted to puke everytime someone made me work on one! (did I get my point across?) I’d sooner buy a clone than a nameless clone off the sidewalk than a Toshiba! Ugh! — Michael Era

Question:

I’m a farmer from the midwest, and I have seen this behavior many times before.  In a hoglot (it can happen with cattle also) when one pig is picked on and shows too much weakness, often many other pigs will jump in and attack it.  They will often continue until they kill the weak pig. Now the article is gone so I cannot even read it, much less respond to it.  Usually when something stinks, it needs to be aired out.

Response:

FAOL made a public relations mistake by censoring opposing points of view in the public message forums and guest book.

Exactly right. I have been hearing a lot about how MC ‘censored’ Ole Rupe’s article when, in fact, FAOL censored any and all opposing comments, and based on Deanna’s reply to MC, she still doesn’t see why this was wrong. If opposing views had been allowed from the beginning, this whole debate would have been conducted on FAOL, where it belonged. Just imagine if Time magazine, for instance, published this article and refused to acknowledge any opposing views, but published a weak disclaimer a few issues later. George Adams "From the rockin’ of the cradle to the rollin’ of the hearse, the goin’ up was worth the comin’ down" ___Kris Kristofferson "The Pilgrim/Chapter 33"

Response:

Geez, bc, the anti-defamation league? Isn’t that overkill?   I don’t know why any responsible publisher (even on the net) would publish such crap but I guess I would just desub.  Seems like everbody wants to censor.  What a pain in the ass.

He incited killing people based on race.   Funniest thing, the author apparently doesn’t know anything about his subject, first-hand.  "If I lived" kinda makes you wonder about what he really would do if he did live there.  My guess would be hide under a rock.

He would be the last person I would invite on a hunting trip bc.

Response:

Folks Racists and their closet brethren are uniformly cowards and depend on easy prey and a wimpy defense. When they get challenged they generally run for cover. When they get their ass kicked they cry foul. When they are on top they kill and incite others to kill.  Civilized people who refuse to accept the inconvenience of the fight are walking shaky ground. Anyone feeling sorry for these assholes might try to consider how  Native American kids who accessed Ole Rupe’s racist shit felt. One of the most important lessons of the 20th Century is that racists and Nazis will use the hood at night, the gas chamber when they can get away with it and a cynical intellectualized stance when it suits them, and further, that the only effective way to fight them is to make them pay a high price for their bullshit. Good riddance, F*** Rupe and the horse he rode in on Dave

Response:

Why don’t you just email the author and ask for a copy?<

Who the fuck is the author?   And that’s not the point, anyway.  However, valiant ROFFians have provided me with this "tempest in a teapot"  piece of shit. Waste of good bandwidth to even discuss it.

Response:

I certainly have no tolerance for censorship. Had I been able to read the article perhaps I would have reacted differently, but thanks to all you "right thinkers" I do not have that opportunity. Expressing an opinion and attempting to force other expressions off the net are two different things.  I trust you can see that.

I am not condoning censorship.  FAOL made the decision to publish the article unedited in its original form.  The article would have been just as effective with out the racial overtones.  FAOL made a public relations mistake by censoring opposing points of view in the public message forums and guest book.  It was only after this censorship took place, did I start my letter campaign making sponsors and organizations like the Anti-Defamation League aware of that article. bc.

Response:

It was only after this censorship took

place, did I start my letter campaign making sponsors and organizations like the Anti-Defamation League aware of that article.< Geez, bc, the anti-defamation league?   Isn’t that overkill?  I don’t know why any responsible publisher (even on the net) would publish such crap but I guess I would just desub.  Seems like everbody wants to censor.  What a pain in the ass. Funniest thing, the author apparently doesn’t know anything about his subject, first-hand.  "If I lived" kinda makes you wonder about what he really would do if he did live there.  My guess would be hide under a rock.

Response:

Why don’t you just email the author and ask for a copy?< Who the fuck is the author?   And that’s not the point, anyway.  However, valiant ROFFians have provided me with this "tempest in a teapot"  piece of shit. Waste of good bandwidth to even discuss it.

I believe the whole thing started because Mike didn’t want articles he had written in the same ‘publication’ as that one, which is his right as an author. You were complaining that the result of his actions deprived you of your opportunity to read the article. FWIW. — Charlie…

Response:

I believe the whole thing started because Mike didn’t want articles he

had written in the same ‘publication’ as that one, which is his right as an author. You were complaining that the result of his actions deprived you of your opportunity to read the article. FWIW.< In spite of the recent Ct of Appeals decision, whether or not it’s his right is still up in the air IMO.  But yeah, I was complaining about that.   Now that I’ve read it, I wish I had had the opportunity to read it BEFORE I got into this thread.  And that’s the closest thing to an apology anyone is going to get from me. <g

Response:

Isn’t that overkill?  I don’t know why any responsible publisher (even on the net) would publish such crap but I guess I would just desub.  Seems like everbody wants to censor.  What a pain in the ass.

Good point Harry. I raised a stink precisely because I do appreciate FAOL and have no desire to "unsubscribe". If the publication were of no value and little read, there would have been no outcry. I said as much to Deanna in reply to an email, I hope she takes it to heart. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

I do not regret any of my actions, and would do the same thing again if necessary.  I do regret the damage caused to the site, or to people connected with it, but this is in no way my responsibility.  This is purely the result of their own actions. The decision to close is up to the publishers alone, and I have no influence in the matter.

Mike certainly doesn’t need validation from me, but I do agree with the way he handled the whole mess. He removed himself from a publication he didn’t agree with, and told people why. The situation got a bit excessive, but the publisher’s actions and responses seemed to be as bizarre as the author’s, including shutting down the site and the ‘enjoy your victory’ bullshit. Sounds like one bad association (Rupe, Deanna, the public, and Mike) just waiting to flame out…and it did. — Jeff Cook http://www.cookstudios.com Washington DC area

Response:

What’s with this "closure" of FAOL? Does that mean they’re shutting it down altogether? Why? Is this a case of the publisher "eating worms"? Will she have second thoughts? Or have all her sponsors deserted her? Tune in at 11. Seriously, folks, this is what they call a perverse result. I don’t think anyone in ROFF who was offended by the article wanted FAOL to cease to exist. Maybe a letter-writing campaign to their ex-sponsors along these lines would be called for: "I am satisfied by FAOL’s apology and retraction of the offensive article. Please continue your sponsorship of this fine web site." Not that it will do much good. One more thing. Before you start letter-writing campaigns to sponsors when you see something you don’t like on an otherwise excellent website, think about perverse effects. Wait at least of few days. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

HR, Like a spoiled little boy, he demanded that they return his ball.  If you don’t do what I want, I’ll take my ball (those precious "articles") and go home.

The analogy to the spoiled little boy and his ball is something of a stretch.  Mike’s contributions were more than a ball.  They could easily be construed as an endorsement of the site and, once the site stepped over a line to which Mike is sensitive, it’s understandable that Mike would no longer want his name associated with that site. Thanks to Mike and others of his ilk, I have not read the article.  

Mike and his ilk aren’t the only problem, here.  As I understand it, their opposing views were censored before they took additional steps. We can now only speculate how things might have turned out had opposing views been given prompt and equally prominent exposure. But even if I had, and found it racist,  I would not have demanded it’s removal.

I also wish the whole affair had been handled differently.  You may recall that I was one who opposed Mr. G’s remarks about Indians/fishing on ROFF.

Sorry.  I didn’t see those posts… But noooo, apparently I and others are not to be allowed that privilege.

It doesn’t seem possible that you believe the site in question is/was the only place on earth you could read that article.  Assuming Rupe is willing, it may be posted elsewhere.  You might even hunt Rupe up and request a copy if you’re as passionate as you sound about wanting to read it yourself.  It might even be that one of the article’s antagonists grabbed a copy and could email it to you.  But you gotta ask. The CENSORS have had their way.

I’m not arguing that point.  As I said before, I had concerns about the "censorship" aspect of the issue.  Censorship, though, isn’t always a dirty word.  You could say that I censored Larry Flint by keeping Hustler Magazine out of my house.  There were kids around. Was that kind of "censorship" a bad thing? We’ve long had laws on the books to discourage uncivil speech in public places.  It hasn’t been that long ago that a dunked boater was busted and prosecuted for cussing up a blue streak around women and kids.  Certainly you can argue that such laws infringe freedom of speech. But when you can walk into any supermarket and run a good chance of finding yourself — and your kids — in the checkout line behind somebody wearing a tee-shirt emblazoned with all manner of obscenites — you have to wonder… If we now find ourselves so enlightened that such laws are an embarrasment, what remedies do you propose for those who prefer not to be accosted by uncivil speech?  Are we to reduce them to staying indoors and keeping their mouths shut?  If that’s the answer, haven’t we censored them? One of my points to which you didn’t respond was the issue of all of us using our influence to affect the world around us.  What I’m wondering about is something like this: Remember when the Exxon Valdez ran aground?  Remember Exxon’s grudging responses?  Suppose somebody had succeeded in motivating a large number of Exxon customers to protest by buying their petrol elsewhere. Would that have been dirty pool or economic terrorism? Don’t us mere citizens have a right to prod and push our world about to shape it into something we think would be better? The way I see it, freedom of speech is a door that swings both ways. That is, say what you like, but be prepared for others to respond by saying what _they_ like.  And sometimes they say it _very_ loudly. Which is what Mike did. Wes Peterson LexCraft Data Services

Response:

I have always had a pretty good opinion of you Mike but I must say that I understand now why you live in Germany.  Who the fuck put you in charge of anything, much less in charge of deciding what should and should not appear on the net?  You have come out of this looking like a pretentious asshole IMO. But now I guess you can write some of your famous doggerel and everything will be all right.

Blaine, First of all, country of origin as nothing to do with expressing you’re own point of view. Mike did not put himself in charge of anything.  He has the legal right to express his opinion.  The publishers of the site made a business decision to put that article unedited on their commercial site.  The article would have been just as effective without those comments. When opposing points of view were expressed, they were quickly censored and removed from the public areas of the site.  Their justification was that they were off topic and inflammatory. If I go to a bookstore and pick up the latest issue of a fly fishing magazine, I can make a fair assumption that the articles enclosed will contain material relevant to the sport.  That the articles will not be intertwined with racial comments, incitement to kill someone and that 30/06 rifle rounds is inexpensive.  The same assumption should be made of an online magazine dedicated to fly-fishing. As far as I am concerned the staff of FAOL could have handled the entire situation better. The article in its original form had no business being on a commercial venue like FAOL. Based on the responses that I have received from sponsors when I sent out my email, I could surmise that they agree.   You and FAOL lack one thing: tolerance bc.

Response:

Presumably you think its OK for people to voice their hatred and poisonous

viewpoints, but not OK to do anything actively to oppose them ?< I have no knowledge of what was written and thanks to you and others like you, I will apparently have no opportunity to.  What I do oppose is censorship in any way shape or form.   No doubt you will live to censor another day.  And I’m glad I distressed you.  Certainly you have distressed me.

Response:

You and FAOL lack one thing: tolerance< I certainly have no tolerance for censorship. Had I been able to read the article perhaps I would have reacted differently, but thanks to all you "right thinkers" I do not have that opportunity. Expressing an opinion and attempting to force other expressions off the net are two different things.  I trust you can see that.

Would you like a copy of it?  I kept a copy for reference. Peter

Response:

You and FAOL lack one thing: tolerance<

I certainly have no tolerance for censorship. Had I been able to read the article perhaps I would have reacted differently, but thanks to all you "right thinkers" I do not have that opportunity. Expressing an opinion and attempting to force other expressions off the net are two different things.  I trust you can see that.

Response:

I have no knowledge of what was written and thanks to you and others like you, I will apparently have no opportunity to.  What I do oppose is censorship in any way shape or form.   No doubt you will live to censor another day.  And I’m glad I distressed you.  Certainly you have distressed me.

Why don’t you just email the author and ask for a copy? — Charlie…

Response:

Would you like a copy of it?  I kept a copy for reference.<

Thanks, Peter but Christian sent me one.   Is THIS really what all the fuss is about? "With regard to native American fishing rights I hold the politically incorrect view that the only good Indian is a dead Indian. If I lived  where they gill netted steelhead I would be on the 6 p.m. news. Uncle Sam taught me how to remove problems at 300 meters." Stupid?  Yes.  Disgusting that someone would put this onto the net (or anyplace, for that matter)?  Absolutely.   I disagree totally with the ideas expressed there.  Would I bitch about them?  Hell yes.   Do I believe that Rupe (or whatever the hell his name is) has a right to express them.  Yes, I do.   On a fly fishing site?  While I disagree violently with him, his comments are related to fishing.  So why not?  It’s not like his ideas, however unpalatable, are apt to have the impact of, say, shouting "fire" in a crowded theatre, now are they. With all the horrible examoles of racism that we see and have seen, frankly, this appears to me to be a tempest in a teapot. There are a lot better ways of fighting evil than writing about it on the net. But then, we’re writers, not doers, eh?

Response:

<long "final" rant snipped I have always had a pretty good opinion of you Mike but I must say that I understand now why you live in Germany.  Who the fuck put you in charge of anything, much less in charge of deciding what should and should not appear on the net?  You have come out of this looking like a pretentious asshole IMO. But now I guess you can write some of your famous doggerel and everything will be all right.

You are entitled to your opinion, good or bad.  Your insulting generalised implications of why I live where I live are unnecessary, unfortunate, unfounded, unworthy and not a little distressing. I am not in charge of anything at all. I simply voiced a perfectly normal protest at a particularly crass example of racism, in a place and under circumstances which where extremely upsetting. Your opinion of my person is also not particularly nice, but you have every right to voice it. I will doubtless survive nevertheless. Presumably you think its OK for people to voice their hatred and poisonous viewpoints, but not OK to do anything actively to oppose them ? Let

Question:

father/son stuff snipped, unfortunately I contacted Don Bastien and arranged a weekend of fishing on Spring Creek

story of average size Spring Creek brown trout snipped (just kidding folks) Peter:  good guy and guide (I know him),  and a tribute to the stream as well. Lot’s of us are working to keep it that way. Mark Faulkner (counting the days till the end of March……)

Response:

My son Scott, was an avid spin fisherman but he didn’t seem really enthusiastic about taking to the fly.  His biggest problem was lack of success.  Unwittingly, I had compounded matters.  When we went fishing on a really tough bit of water, from his perspective, I seemed to be able to sniff out and take fish at will while he came up empty handed. Later on, I decided that a day in PA would be in order.  I contacted Don Bastien and arranged a weekend of fishing on Spring Creek Donny met us promptly at the Bush Hotel and after the usually introductions, we headed off for the creek.  Donny had promised to take us to some spots that usually did not attract  many other fishermen.  But when we arrived at a part of the creek lined with cottages, I had my doubts.  After suiting up and walking over to the stream bank, I could see fish rising steadily and the doubts faded. Trust the guide, trust the guide. I started off with a sulpher dry while Donny had Scott nymph a deeper run.  Gradually, his technique started to improve and he began to catch fish.  With each fish, his confidence kept rising.  Later we moved further up stream and Donny put Scott onto a 17" brown which he landed and a much bigger one that broke him off.  A flyfisherman was born. Thanks Donny Peter

Response:

question, What was your best day fishing?   I’ll preface this by saying that it wasn’t trout and it wasn’t a flyrod. This was before I started throwing expensive clotheslines into the trees.

I’m no gear bigot, a good day fishing is a good day fishing, regardless of what type of rod you are using. Later,      - Ken — "Time is but the stream I go a-fishin in. I drink at it, but while I drink I see the sandy bottom and detect how shallow it is. It’s thin current slides away, but eternity remains."     – H.D. Thoreau

Response:

Boy this is a tough one to answer.  I have had so many wonderful days that have envoked so many great feelings. From a technical standpoint, it would have to be the day that my casting and ability to read the water all came together at once and I was able to put the fly 2 inches from the log along the bank of my favorite river on the first cast.  The wild bow came right out and nailed in textbook fashion. Big fish day would have to be the 20 pound rainbow taken up in British Columbia last summer. All in all though, I would have say that the days spent out with my 5 year old son fishing in our tiny 7 foot boat are the best.  He screams with joy when he gets a fish on his fly rod.  Good stuff to remember and I hope to spend many more years pursing trout with him.

Response:

—–BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE—– While in non-compliance with local decency ordinances the world over, With all the negativity on this group as of late (I’ve done my share) I thought a positive thread might help with these winter blues so many of us seem to be experiencing.  So, I ask the question, What was your best day fishing?  

I’ll preface this by saying that it wasn’t trout and it wasn’t a flyrod. This was before I started throwing expensive clotheslines into the trees. Last summer, when I took my spinning rig to go after trout. Everybody said that my bass rig would never catch trout. Yeah, right. I like to do things just because they’re supposed to be impossible. Anyway, the weather was cloudy and dripping on and off. Not sunny enough to go out and shoot gophers, but I took my .22 with me just the same and almost dropped it in the river. I sat on the bank, popped open a beer, and tied on a 3" crankbait. One beer, a few casts, nothing. I got up, went to a bend in the river, and threw a few more casts. Hooked something. Couldn’t see what it was but it fought pretty good-about like a good-sized smallmouth or spot. I brought it in-it turned out to be my first ever rainbow. I didn’t measure it, but it looked to be about 16" standard length (snout to the base of the caudal fin). Released it. Finished my beer. Opened another one. Threw another few casts into that same slackwater at the bend. Nothing. I got up and moved upstream a little more. Started casting downstream, and caught another bow behind a huge rock. Brought it almost all the way in. Picked it up to try and unhook it and get a picture before I released it, but it broke off and ran off with one of my favorite crankbaits. Oh, well, I guess that’s the breaks of the game. Beautiful scenery and fishing with a cousin that I don’t see all that often… I think that qualifies as a pretty durn good day. —–BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE—– Version: 2.6.2 iQEVAwUBNruUi5diUzdLFqlpAQE4mwf/RrzaBPK/OPVM3Ky16dsN0ybat4VqtXjy 5RyoGBhB8+nJVxHVFgniCTqbmaKpbyGFXF80cZdhnqCV9kwP0eW7VNZvlINvuijd Myq2EHR7Phzw+9PkRFlT/E8k3OdmjAPWDZkyGMmvQcEShiKFZNCSYf6RWNFEB/m6 ud3M78qAFlY+AquSBvewbIsRzCLaxxgPf8V+INMVPFa6WtIICkbNhHt2aefq+TDm gLLyWyeDx4aV3zNoLXNnNzx6XlmFECpe3GAdQ0EXh2hJIgxkHV4xqL6XO7b9Uk7J zIM49Y2hsjkr+PAH/s0blCNncOPWB0pkoPWQPLfk4d5e48bxz+3Tcg== =Upmc —–END PGP SIGNATURE—– Mike S. Medintz, http://www.grapevine.net/~medintz "I’m a liberal conservative. I believe in keeping things the way that  they should have been in the first place." -anon.

Response:

Great story, Ken.  At least you didn’t show up for dinner with your clothes in disarray.

 No, that’s a story for another day.  (-: My best day?

[Wonderful story about introducing grandkids to fly-fishing snipped] It always amazes me the diversity this group has (probably the source of half our troubles).  Your grandkids are only about 10 years younger than I am.  I only hope to someday have what you have.  Savor it. Later,       – Ken — "Time is but the stream I go a-fishin in. I drink at it, but while I drink I see the sandy bottom and detect how shallow it is. It’s thin current slides away, but eternity remains."     – H.D. Thoreau

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With all the negativity on this group as of late (I’ve done my share) I thought a positive thread might help with these winter blues so many of us seem to be experiencing.  So, I ask the question, What was your best day fishing?  It doesn’t have to be the time you caught the most or the biggest fish, just what was the most pleasant and enjoyable day you have spent on the water.

 <Ken’s story snipped but not unappreciated I don’t want to answer your question Ken.  I love to fish and cherish every opportunity on the water.  You might ask Michael Jordan what his highest scoring game was – that question has an answer.  Let me ask you this, what was the day that you felt you were the best possible man/lover/friend/human being in your relationship with your aforementioned   girlfriend?  Would you want to live your life or conduct your relationship in such a way so that an answer to such a question could exist?  I wouldn’t, nor would I want to fish like that either.  Not trying to pretend to be some sort of mystic, or wierdo or take on the aura of wisdom of some old guy looking back on his life with tinted lenses (I believe I am the same age as you in fact).  Just how I feel about fishin’ that’s all. Later dude, Mu Young Lee         ann arbor, mi, usa

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Great story, Ken.  At least you didn’t show up for dinner with your clothes in disarray. My best day?  I’ve had a few, but the most memorable occurred last July in Labrador.   For the past two years I have been coaching my two grandsons. They are becoming good fly fishermen and I believe the bug may stick with the oldest, Jeff.  I took Jeff with me to Labrador. His eyes were bulging when the bush pilot told him to sit in the front seat of the Beaver on our flight to the river.  When we landed, his eyes got even bigger at the sight of such virgin, untouched country.  We quickly set up our rods, and we were off with a guide in a 40 hp Honda 4 stroke.  He brought us up- river to a spot I had fished the year before.  BIG brookies were rising about 30 feet from the boat, very close to shore.  I let Jeff have the first go.  The guide, Peter, directed Jeff where to cast, and Jeff did it perfectly.  His cast was just above the rising fish and exactly in the feeding lane.  I said "Now" to myself, and a big brookie came up and snatched Jeff’s Goddard Caddis.  He set the hook and away we go!  What a trip.  Jeff performed flawlessly listening to his grandpa but paying more attention to what Peter was saying. After about a five minute fight, Peter picked up the fish with his bare hand (no net),  took the hook out and released the 6 pound brookie.  I just sat there with tears in my eyes knowing that I had passed on to my grandson a very special moment. There were more fish that day and during the week, but Jeff still talks about that first fish and how he did it.  Jeff is only 15. This year, his brother Brian, 14, will go with me to Labrador. I hope we get Peter right off the plane! Dave "Pop Pop" LaCourse PS:  Oh yeah, almost forgot.  They have a sister, Danielle who is 9. I taught her to shoot this past fall and she too wants to fly fish.  It can’t get any better than this!

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Great story Ken. I wish I had a tale to tell about flyfishing with my wife. Years ago I built her a nice 8′ x 5 wt. graphite. Taught her to cast ( she wasn’t bad). But she didn’t take to it. Oh well my loss. As far as my best fishing day…there all best. Joel Axelrad

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With all the negativity on this group as of late (I’ve done my share) I thought a positive thread might help with these winter blues so many of us seem to be experiencing.  So, I ask the question, What was your best day fishing?  It doesn’t have to be the time you caught the most or the biggest fish, just what was the most pleasant and enjoyable day you have spent on the water. I’ll start… My best day of fishing was probably late last fall.  My girlfriend and I were heading to the coast to visit her mother (no, that’s not the good part).  It was one of those beautiful fall days when the leaves are in the middle of changing colors, but it’s sunny and warm enough to not need a jacket.  We were driving along the highway through the coast mountains and she suggests that the water looks perfect for fishing and that we can be a little late (god I love her).  The water was relatively low and crystal clear, perfect dry-fly water. We pulled off the road and took the rods out of the trunk.  My trusty handmade 5 weight and "her" slow action 4 weight (it’s actully mine, but I’ve long since lost it).  We found a nice little stretch with a long slow riffle.  I gave her first choice on where to start, she chose the head of the rapids.  First cast, WHAM, a 12" cutt hits my stimulator.  I bring it to hand and smile because she’s glaring at me since she doesn’t even have her fly tied on yet. [For future reference, do not repeat these actions if you wish SO's to fish with you again] I think better about returning fishing and talk a bit waiting for her to finish.  She finally finished and we returned to fishing.  A couple more casts and I’ve got another cutt.  She’s starting to look a little down.  I tell her that they are feeding along the opposite bank just outside the faster moving water.  She suggests that maybe she’d rather fish at the tail end of the rapids instead, to which I happily agree.  Some time passes with no action when I get another cutt.  Now I know I’m in trouble, so I quickly release the fish, take apart my rod and head over to her.  She, thinking that I’m wanting to leave, starts to take apart her rod. I tell her, no, I’m done fishing, you just keep right ahead.  We talked about everything and nothing much at all, I made little suggestions on how she might improve her drift, but mostly we just enjoyed the time.  She forgot all about "trying" to catch a fish, and just fished.  Trying to make the fly drop softly onto the water, trying not to introduce drag, and that’s when it happened. A silver flash and then the sound of her reel’s drag.  It was beautiful (not the fish) and I wish to this day that I had had a camera.  After a bit of a fight, she brought in a NICE 15-16" cutt.  Had we not been heading to her mother’s we would most certainly have brought him home for supper.  Oh yeah, we arrived at her mother’s house dirty and sweaty, smelling like fish and three hours late!!! All in all, probably the best day fishing I’ve ever had.  :-)      - Ken

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Question:

I normally would not get involved in this type of discussion but I would like to add that Dan used the words "in his opinion" which he has a right to state.  There are many who have a different opinion.  Being curious I got out my Fly Casting With Lefty Kreh  and looked at the pictures of Lefty casting.  He is using a down locking reel seat and his hand is half way off the grip and against the reel.  Of course Lefty is definitely not an orthodox caster, but if it is good enough for him it is good enough for me. — Ernie Harrison Remove NOSPAM to send E-Mail Selling my Fly Fishing Books Go to: http://users.ccnet.com/~emh – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Keep up the good work,  Thos. I second that. Tom Hackmann. I agree also. Jason Schwartz .Well, it’s agreed then. The "ayes" have it. Dan can stay. We’re such a congenial group aren’t we? Dennis Loveland, CO

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OOOOOHHHHHHH!!!!!! Me 2 Dan! Larry #:)#

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We’re such a congenial group aren’t we?

Well, no. But this sure is one heck of a love-fest you’re all having, ain’t it? ;^) /dave (hang in there Dan. this’ll all be over in another day or two)

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I am compelled to also respond….. Thanks for being part of this Group!!

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I must admit that I would have made some dumb (and expensive) equipment decisions without his advice!  I really appreciate it. Jay Kidwell, Ph.D. (Psychology) Instinctive Archery Insights http://w3.goodnews.net/~jkidwell/

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -<<: Well, no. But this sure is one heck of a love-fest you’re all having, ain’t : it? ;^) Maybe so… but I still hate that investigator guy. Dan is an Atlantic Salmon. The "investigator guy" is a sucker. Dave LaCourse

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: We’re such a congenial group aren’t we? : Well, no. But this sure is one heck of a love-fest you’re all having, ain’t : it? ;^) Maybe so… but I still hate that investigator guy. — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Associate professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    | ad hominem University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    | ad hominem Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. | ad hominem

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<<: Well, no. But this sure is one heck of a love-fest you’re all having, ain’t : it? ;^) Maybe so… but I still hate that investigator guy. Dan is an Atlantic Salmon. The "investigator guy" is a sucker. Dave LaCourse

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Hi all, I’m moving to Vermont and have to pack up my computer today.  I will be offline until the first week of August.  So, if you send me e-mail or ask questions of me and I don’t answer, I’m not ignoring you, I’m just "in transit".  Talk to you again when I get there.                         Good fishing,                               Dan Dan Gracia Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools Mt. Shasta Fly Fishing Schools http://www.thegrid.net/flyfish

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hi all, I’m moving to Vermont and have to pack up my computer today.  I will be offline until the first week of August.  So, if you send me e-mail or ask questions of me and I don’t answer, I’m not ignoring you, I’m just "in transit".  Talk to you again when I get there.                        Good fishing,                              Dan Dan Gracia Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools Mt. Shasta Fly Fishing Schools http://www.thegrid.net/flyfish

No, no! don’t go off line Dan… who can we all adore now? Seriously, good luck with the move, hope it goes smoothly.   Hurry back. — Stuart Nuttall (Replace ‘nospam’ with ‘warboyz’ to reply by e-mail)

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<<No, no! don’t go off line Dan… who can we all adore now? There’s always George. d;0)

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I am compelled to also respond….. Thanks for being part of this Group!!

        yep, i’ll have to say that every newsgroup needs at least one d. gracia, or a bill kleine, to balance the relentless efforts of louts like chaz and me.         a. wayne harrison

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   yep, i’ll have to say that every newsgroup needs at least one d. gracia, or a bill kleine, to balance the relentless efforts of louts like chaz and me.

…and let’s not forget Timbo! As if we could :^) Dennis Loveland, CO

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What a sappy freekin’ thread…jeezus…virtual male bonding for christ’s sake… Have a good move Dan-o…. — TimW – Halfordian Golfer Guilt replaced the creel…

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      yep, i’ll have to say that every newsgroup needs at least one d. gracia, or a bill kleine, to balance the relentless efforts of louts like chaz and me.       a. wayne harrison

Well said Wayne, a very gracious comment, don’t forget Mr. Walker – he who calls the NG to heel over important conservation matters. — Bill

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Some posters have been complaining that you contribute nothing but thinly veiled spam to this group.  I vehemently disagree.  I find your advice is sound and apropos.  I believe that most roffers understand that you (like everyone else) have a particular perspective and even a few biases.  I also believe that most roffers admire the balance you bring to your posts; you do not insist that the universe revolves around Mt. Shasta, and you are quick to admit the virtues of non Orvis equipment. Keep up the good work, Thos.

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Some posters have been complaining that you contribute nothing but thinly veiled spam to this group.  I vehemently disagree.  I find your advice is sound and apropos.  I believe that most roffers understand that you (like everyone else) have a particular perspective and even a few biases.  I also believe that most roffers admire the balance you bring to your posts; you do not insist that the universe revolves around Mt. Shasta, and you are quick to admit the virtues of non Orvis equipment. Keep up the good work, Thos.

I second that. Tom Hackmann.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Some posters have been complaining that you contribute nothing but thinly veiled spam to this group.  I vehemently disagree.  I find your advice is sound and apropos.  I believe that most roffers understand that you (like everyone else) have a particular perspective and even a few biases.  I also believe that most roffers admire the balance you bring to your posts; you do not insist that the universe revolves around Mt. Shasta, and you are quick to admit the virtues of non Orvis equipment. Keep up the good work, Thos. I second that. Tom Hackmann.

I agree also. Jason Schwartz

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Keep up the good work,  Thos. I second that. Tom Hackmann. I agree also. Jason Schwartz .Well, it’s agreed then. The "ayes" have it. Dan can stay.

We’re such a congenial group aren’t we? Dennis Loveland, CO

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Dan makes every effort to avoid spamming. He consistently gives sensible advice in response to not-so-sensible questions. -Doug Easton – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Some posters have been complaining that you contribute nothing but thinly veiled spam to this group.  I vehemently disagree.  I find your advice is sound and apropos.  I believe that most roffers understand that you (like everyone else) have a particular perspective and even a few biases.  I also believe that most roffers admire the balance you bring to your posts; you do not insist that the universe revolves around Mt. Shasta, and you are quick to admit the virtues of non Orvis equipment. Keep up the good work, Thos. I second that. Tom Hackmann.

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Forget it. Nothing but frustration in store for you. Get some float tubes instead.

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I would like some information regarding the usefullneess of this boat for two persons flyfishing. Specifically:

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