Question:

Al, you are inviting PETA here?  That is tantamount to inviting meowers here.  Sometimes you are amusing, but now you have gone too far, if this is your intent. —    Go Fishing.  And may your fish be as big as your tales.    Columbia, SC  Lake Murray

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was at walmart last night and i didn’t see Steve (Stoner Lake) there. Walmart is quite the place for tackle. I was looking for live bait harnesses. Couldn’t find any. Probably because there isn’t a big market for them. Is there any instrucions anywhere how to make them for frogs, crickets, grasshoppers, hellgramights, crayfish etc. Also is part of the aversion to livebait the fact that you are sacrificing livebait for fishing. But fishing is hooking fish so what’s the big deal i was wondering what Peta types would think of it. Al

Response:

Bob writes: Al, you are inviting PETA here?  That is tantamount to inviting meowers here.  Sometimes you are amusing, but now you have gone too far, if this is your intent. —   Go Fishing.  And may your fish be as big as your tales.   Columbia, SC  Lake Murray

Bob If i feel like it I’ll invite a peta type who is also a jetskier. How does that grab you? Al

Response:

I was looking for live bait harnesses. Couldn’t find any. Probably because there isn’t a big market for them. Is there any instrucions anywhere how to make them for frogs, crickets, grasshoppers, hellgramights, crayfish etc.

OK Al, here’s something that will help you out, I found it in an outdoor magazine.  The entire ad is as follows: "Bait Stick" is a stretchy, sticky glue that will attach live insects to a hook.  Wrap a match-head-sized glob on a hook and touch the glue to an ant, salmon egg…whatever.  The bug won’t die because the glue is non-toxic; instead, the insect will thrash and kick around.  Can you think of a better fish attractant?  The glue never dries out and continues to work underwater. Insects will even stay attached when being cast with a fly rod.  ($7.50; 734-676-7772) There, now quit worrying about finding a harness to fish your live bait from.  Call the phone number, part with $7.50 US and go feed some fish. Also is part of the aversion to livebait the fact that you are sacrificing

livebait for fishing. But fishing is hooking fish so what’s the big deal The aversion has nothing to do with "sacrificing" livebait.  The aversion lies in the fact that often times while fishing livebait, a fish is gut hooked, rendering them unreleasable, or if you do, there is a strong possibility that the fish will die.  If you are paying attention to the overall attitude of the members of this newsgroup, you will notice that the majority of us would rather fish, catching and releasing them to enjoy another day.  I’m sure that most of us release in excess of 90% of the fish we catch.  It’s harder to do when the fish are gut hooked as happens more often when fishing livebait.  Also, many members feel that there is more skill involved in fooling a fish into striking an artificial than to feed livebait to a bass.  To many of us, it’s not the actual fish being caught, it’s the process of getting the strike in the first place that trips our triggers.  And if you don’t understand that, maybe you should take up golf. i was wondering what Peta types would think of it.

My thoughts on what PETA types would think of it???   Who cares??? —

Response:

I was at walmart last night and i didn’t see Steve (Stoner Lake) there. Walmart is quite the place for tackle. I was looking for live bait harnesses. Couldn’t find any. Probably because there isn’t a big market for them. Is there any instrucions anywhere how to make them for frogs, crickets, grasshoppers, hellgramights, crayfish etc. Also is part of the aversion to livebait the fact that you are sacrificing livebait for fishing. But fishing is hooking fish so what’s the big deal i was wondering what Peta types would think of it. Al

Response:

lso is part of the aversion to livebait the fact that you are sacrificing livebait for fishing. But fishing is hooking fish so what’s the big deal i was wondering what Peta types would think of it. Al

Hello Albert,   Have you ever had a mess of crickets get loose n your truck or had earthworms bust out in your fridge and crawl on the meatloaf or had a minnow jump out the bucket and wedge his way underneath the seat where he would stay and stink for Tommy Rilee

Response:

Hello Albert,   Have you ever had a mess of crickets get loose n your truck or had earthworms bust out in your fridge and crawl on the meatloaf or had a minnow jump out the bucket and wedge his way underneath the seat where he would stay and stink for Tommy Rilee

Tom No i have never had that happen to me. I’ve heard the fridge thing before. Rotting minnows under a seat make a fishing boat smell like what it should smell like. I’m not afraid of the bait or getting my hands dirty. If your afraid of the bait how are you with the fish. It’s best to think like your quarry (fish) then you will have no qualms about the bait. Al

Response:

Al, if you try and analyze what the PETA people think, it’ll drive you crazy, because they are crazy.  I’m not any proponent of hurting animals needlessly, and would never do it purposely.  I used to hunt (a lot when younger) and fished both then and now, and it doesn’t bother me to eat what I shot or caught, which meant having to dispatch them.  PETA nuts equate the equality of animals to people.  I don’t.  That includes live bait.  If you’re interested in live bait harnesses, you can probably find them on line at BPS or Cabela’s. Warren2

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was at walmart last night and i didn’t see Steve (Stoner Lake) there. Walmart is quite the place for tackle. I was looking for live bait harnesses. Couldn’t find any. Probably because there isn’t a big market for them. Is there any instrucions anywhere how to make them for frogs, crickets, grasshoppers, hellgramights, crayfish etc. Also is part of the aversion to livebait the fact that you are sacrificing livebait for fishing. But fishing is hooking fish so what’s the big deal i was wondering what Peta types would think of it. Al

Response:

Question:

Hi, guys. Aside from the obvious — orvis, cabelas, bean, etc., can you recommend some sites to buy fly fishing equipment.  Also, is there anyplace that I can find used equipment?  I am just starting, and wouldn’t mind saving a couple of bucks….

You can find used stuff at an online auction like ebay or Amazon. It’s always nice to be able to recommend http://www.ezflyfish.com in addition to the obvious. In general, however, it’s best to go to your local fly shop, especially for a beginner. Good luck. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Check out: www.worldwaters.com << Good shop, very helpful www.riverwire.com

Response:

http://www.virtualflyshop.com/Marketplace/  Has both an auction and a "for sale" classified section. Normally this is mid to upper class stuff, not cheap….. jim

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, guys. Aside from the obvious — orvis, cabelas, bean, etc., can you recommend some sites to buy fly fishing equipment.  Also, is there anyplace that I can find used equipment?  I am just starting, and wouldn’t mind saving a couple of bucks…. Thanks, Craig

Response:

Hi, guys. Aside from the obvious — orvis, cabelas, bean, etc., can you recommend some sites to buy fly fishing equipment.  Also, is there anyplace that I can find used equipment?  I am just starting, and wouldn’t mind saving a couple of bucks…. Thanks, Craig

Response:

Hi, guys. Aside from the obvious — orvis, cabelas, bean, etc., can you recommend some sites to buy fly fishing equipment.  Also, is there anyplace that I can find used equipment?  I am just starting, and wouldn’t mind saving a couple of bucks…. Thanks, Craig

Ya Craig.  The owner is a crotchety, guzzler of beer and a noted denizen of many a clave, but he also sells stuff too. www.ezflyfish.com Don’t tell I sent ya, he’ll raise the prices.  :) EBay is as good as any for the used stuff. Cheers Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

Question:

Kevin;         As one of the ROFF skulkers who occasionally squeaks out a word or two, I would like to answer your question with a question.  That is, can you sign this insurance paper for me?  Please don’t take the good rods with you, just leave them at home along side a recent will naming me your beneficiary.        I’ve been in and out, through and under float tubes around the world, if there is a way of screwing up your life with a tube, I’ve done it.  ANY MOVING WATER FASTER THAN 1/2 MILE AN HOUR CAN KILL YOU.  You will be amazed at how much pressure moving water can put on you when you are hung on a snag.  Yes, you may be strong and virile, but cold water saps strength quickly and something that is a minor problem at the start of the day will do you in at the end of the day.        There is a river in England that flows just north of Cambridge and runs into the North Sea.  This river is called (seriously) the Great Ouse. Ouse actually is an ancient word meaning river.  It is so slow (it has many locks to keep it that way), that you can paddle up stream in a tube with a bit of difficulty, but it can be done.   After a day of fishing this wonderful pike and chub Mecca, my tube got caught on a bit of rebar that was still encased in cement.  Normally I would have just pushed off of it, but I was so cold and tired that I ended up cutting my saddle out with my emergency knife (always carry a serrated edge folding knife in your life vest or fly vest.  They will save your life.) and sliding through the bottom.  I swam to shore and shivered until some coarse fishermen came to my rescue.      We always fish until we can’t fish anymore, till we can barely move our arms, till climbing one more bank will give us a coronary.  We are men so we work past the pain ’cause we’re having fun.  Add the strength and endurance sapping abilities of cold water, mix in a bit of fluid dynamics and voila, one more float tubing widow using that Sage as a tomato stake.      Yeh, this story was a bit of a downer, but I want to hear the story of how many fish you caught when you get back.                                                         Frank Reid

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m thinking of getting a belly boat to float down the bow in.  Is this a suicidal thing to do? Would I be better off buying a (much more expensive!!!) pontoon boat? Thanks KB

Response:

Ok I’m convinced.  Thank you for saving me from making a very silly mistake! I’ll take a look at pontoon boats. I think they’re a couple of hundred more than a belly boat though, so I may just settle for bellying in lakes this year.

Actually if you look at pontoons that are made for moving water they are way more than a couple of hundred more. I’ve got a friend who guides in them and he has a hobie and an outcast. the hobies are no good for rivers according to him, and he wouldn’t risk his life in one, his outcast pac 9 however, is very safe. The downside is a pac 9 is about $1000 us. Flyfish

Response:

Kevin, Check out the new Water Skeeter Pontoon boats at http://www.finecast.net/ws/wsindex.html Fine Cast

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m thinking of getting a belly boat to float down the bow in.  Is this a suicidal thing to do? Would I be better off buying a (much more expensive!!!) pontoon boat? Thanks KB

Response:

Suicidal?  Likely.  While most of the Bow in and downstream from Calgary looks pretty benign, there are a lot of sunken snags and sweepers which you WILL catch your dangling feet on, and get rolled under by.  I would approach with extreme caution, and the higher you are out of the water, the better. Besides, a float tube will not be able to be manoeuvered as quickly as a pontoon or proper drift boat, so you’ll end up floating through and right by many nice runs.  Go rent a ‘toon, and have a better time.

Response:

Ok I’m convinced.  Thank you for saving me from making a very silly mistake! I’ll take a look at pontoon boats. I think they’re a couple of hundred more than a belly boat though, so I may just settle for bellying in lakes this year. My Uncle lives in Ely, near Cambridge and I’ve fished the Ouse (I think it was was Ouse anyway), back when I was fishing for Dace, Chub, Bream and Gudgeon (caught a lot of eels instead) with maggots, cheese, sausage and using float and ledger rods (the English way of fishing!) It’s funny I tried really hard to fish english style when I came to Canada but had almost no luck. This fish are different here!  I took up Fly fishing and haven’t looked back, although I do have fond memories of sitting by the canal with a double maggot/caster combination, checking the lie of the float and all that good stuff! Cheers Kevin

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Kevin;         As one of the ROFF skulkers who occasionally squeaks out a word or two, I would like to answer your question with a question.  That is, can you sign this insurance paper for me?  Please don’t take the good rods with you, just leave them at home along side a recent will naming me your beneficiary.        I’ve been in and out, through and under float tubes around the world, if there is a way of screwing up your life with a tube, I’ve done it.  ANY MOVING WATER FASTER THAN 1/2 MILE AN HOUR CAN KILL YOU.  You will be amazed at how much pressure moving water can put on you when you are hung on a snag.  Yes, you may be strong and virile, but cold water saps strength quickly and something that is a minor problem at the start of the day will do you in at the end of the day.        There is a river in England that flows just north of Cambridge and runs into the North Sea.  This river is called (seriously) the Great Ouse. Ouse actually is an ancient word meaning river.  It is so slow (it has many locks to keep it that way), that you can paddle up stream in a tube with a bit of difficulty, but it can be done.   After a day of fishing this wonderful pike and chub Mecca, my tube got caught on a bit of rebar that was still encased in cement.  Normally I would have just pushed off of it, but I was so cold and tired that I ended up cutting my saddle out with my emergency knife (always carry a serrated edge folding knife in your life vest or fly vest.  They will save your life.) and sliding through the bottom.  I swam to shore and shivered until some coarse fishermen came to my rescue.      We always fish until we can’t fish anymore, till we can barely move our arms, till climbing one more bank will give us a coronary.  We are men so we work past the pain ’cause we’re having fun.  Add the strength and endurance sapping abilities of cold water, mix in a bit of fluid dynamics and voila, one more float tubing widow using that Sage as a tomato stake.      Yeh, this story was a bit of a downer, but I want to hear the story of how many fish you caught when you get back.                                                         Frank Reid I’m thinking of getting a belly boat to float down the bow in.  Is this a suicidal thing to do? Would I be better off buying a (much more expensive!!!) pontoon boat? Thanks KB

Response:

I’m thinking of getting a belly boat to float down the bow in.  Is this a suicidal thing to do? Would I be better off buying a (much more expensive!!!) pontoon boat? Thanks KB

Response:

Question:

My buddy and I want to schedule our first trip out west to flyfish for trout.Spring or summer will be the plan. We will probably hire guides most of the time. We are looking for suggestions on where you guys would go if you had the chance.I have been saving for a long time to travel out west to fish for good size trout. I have been flyfishing for 15 years and have never fished west of New York. I am not looking for the most expensive trip but I dont mind spending some money for a quality experience. Thanks in advance br

Response:

Go to Ennis Montana from July 21-31.  It should be a lot of fun and very good fishing.  Other ROFFians will be there.  Check it out at the following url http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/sp_ROFF_people/wclave/wclave.html — Vern Before you buy.

Response:

Why not try coming the the Northwest?  Here in British Columbia we have ton’s ‘o’ trout, even some bass, and lots of secluded lakes and rivers to try.  Plus the Canuck buck is cheap for you guys.  If I had the time and money I’d hit the Elk and St. Mary’s river systems in July, do some lake fishing "anywhere", but if you stick to the Kootenays, there’s Whitetail Lake and a number of other "trophy lakes" that are reasonably accessible. Check out www.anglingbc.com  or  www.sportfishingbc.com   or www.bcadventure.com   for some links and fishing guides or lodges. Cheers.

Response:

Bruce,     The fishing in the Southwest corner of Montana is terrific.  I fish the Beaverhead, the Ruby, and the Big hole.  All have proved to be very good to me.  I have a friend who guides with Frontier Anglers out of Dillon Montana. His name is Garey Avis.  He has hooked me up with many nice fish.  If you are interested I could pass along his home phone number.     Make the trip, you’ll be glad you did. "Catch you Later" David Lloyd

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My buddy and I want to schedule our first trip out west to flyfish for trout.Spring or summer will be the plan. We will probably hire guides most of the time. We are looking for suggestions on where you guys would go if you had the chance.I have been saving for a long time to travel out west to fish for good size trout. I have been flyfishing for 15 years and have never fished west of New York. I am not looking for the most expensive trip but I dont mind spending some money for a quality experience. Thanks in advance br

Response:

The fishing in the Southwest corner of Montana is terrific.  I fish the Beaverhead, the Ruby, and the Big hole.  All have proved to be very good to me.

Not any more.  The fish are all gone due to whirling disease.  The only fish left are the secret stashes I have and will only reveal to those that show up at the Western Conclave in Ennis (Jul 21-31) Warren Western Conclave Guru For info: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/sp_ROFF_people/wclave/wclave.html

Response:

I just received my "Fly-Fishing" magazine yesterday.  In it they have a good article about Henry’s Fork which is just across the south- western state line of Montana. According to "Fly-Fishing" magazine, the Henry’s Fork has rebounded to become one of the best fly-fishing rivers in America.  In fact, "Sports Afield" rated Henry’s Fork in their April 1999 issue as one of the top fly-fishing rivers in the USA and "Trout" magazine recently rated Henry’s Fork as the BEST trout stream in America. (I know that the names of the magazines should not be in quotation marks but underlined or italicized instead.  However, I don’t have that ability when using deja.com) I know that Henry’s Fork is not in Montana, but it is almost in Montana.  At least, it’s on the same place of the globe. I’m going to fish Henry’s Fork on August 1 after the western conclave. If any of you have a little extra time after the western conclave, join me.  It should be fun. — Vern ROFF page: http://msnhomepages.talkcity.com/ResortRd/v_deloy/ROFFintro.html Before you buy.

Response:

I’d recommend the Green River just below the Flaming Gorge Dam down to Little Hole in NE Utah.  Fantastic fishing along with spectacular scenery. Rich Utah Fish Finder http://www.utahfishfinder.com/flyfishing.shtml

Response:

Rich wrote I’d recommend the Green River just below the Flaming Gorge Dam down to Little Hole in NE Utah.  Fantastic fishing along with spectacular

scenery. I really like section A of the Green too, but pack your elbow grease. You’ll need it for rubbin up next to the guy upstream and downstream from you. —                                                       -dnc-

Response:

It really depends on what you’re looking for…and sometimes, where there are lot of trout – there are also lots of people. You may want to try Northwest Montana as an option (lots of trout and not many people) – The Kootenai River (45 minutes south) has some great troutfishing – a couple of years ago a 30+ pound rainbow was caught! In addition, in our area – just to the west of Glacier Park – there are plenty of local trout lakes, rivers, streams, and higher alpine lakes that are tremendous…I enjoy fishing them because I’m usually the only person in the area – and they produce great rainbow and native cutthroat trout. On the Kootenai River – I would recommend Dave Blackburn (see the link on my links page) – he knows the river extremely well.  Several of the other lakes and streams are accessible by forest service trails – and are well marked – there really isn’t a need for a guide. Good luck on finding that special place! Keith and Dona The Montana Cabin http://www.TheMontanaCabin.com Rich wrote I’d recommend the Green River just below the Flaming Gorge Dam down to Little Hole in NE Utah.  Fantastic fishing along with spectacular scenery. I really like section A of the Green too, but pack your elbow grease. You’ll need it for rubbin up next to the guy upstream and downstream from you. —                                                       -dnc-

Before you buy.

Response:

I really like section A of the Green too, but pack your elbow grease. You’ll need it for rubbin up next to the guy upstream and downstream from you.

You can skip the elbow grease if you fish downstream of little hole, but even then, plan on hiking several miles to escape the hordes. Stay upstream of red creek, especially if rain is in the forecast. — Rusty Hook Laramie, Wyo Before you buy.

Response:

–                                                       -dnc- Rusty Hook wrote I really like section A of the Green too, but pack your elbow grease. You’ll need it for rubbin up next to the guy upstream and downstream from you. You can skip the elbow grease if you fish downstream of little hole, but even then, plan on hiking several miles to escape the hordes. Stay upstream of red creek, especially if rain is in the forecast.

Thanks for the advice.  I’ll be there in May.  I threaten to try the B section every year but still have not, maybe this year.  Red Creek is downstream from Little Hole I take it.  Is this a safety warning (like, if it rains too much it may be difficult to get home) or just a fishing warning (like, if it’s raining, Red Creek turns the Green to Red)?

Response:

Question:

I’ve been told that the current up-and-coming pack animal is the lowly goat. I’m not kidding. I understand that the forest service uses them as pack animals in Idaho. They are very sure footed and can eat anything. They gotta be cheap, and you can eat them in a pinch or when you’re done with them.                         Dale Lindsley – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve got a really screwed up knee and backpacking is getting very difficult. I’ve seen various pack animals on trails and I’m wondering about Llamas… what do they cost, what kind of care do they require, and what amount of pasture/property do they need? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Jim in Oregon The road goes ever, ever on…..

Response:

I’ve been told that the current up-and-coming pack animal is the lowly goat. I’m not kidding. I understand that the forest service uses them as pack animals in Idaho. They are very sure footed and can eat anything. They gotta be cheap, and you can eat them in a pinch or when you’re done with them.

        That was in 1995 in the Sawtooth NRA.  Might have been tried other places as well.   Didn’t work out and when I was back this summer, the goats were history.  Basically, they don’t do well when the person changes from trip to trip.  They take well to one owner and that’s pretty much it.  Not a good behavior pattern for a stock animal.  That was pretty much the behavior they had when my folks raised goats.  It always took some time before they could deal with changes in owners and routine.  The habit of eating anything was detrimental as well since they kept eating things which poisoned them. They are sure footed, we had to put the corner braces on the fences on the outside, othewise they’d walk up the brace and be gone over the fence.   Usually not far, we’d find them in the rhodendron – flat out with blue protruding tongue – take ‘em to the vet for the antidote. They did make good bar-b-que though.  Meat was a bit tough but I’ve never seen any that a pressure cooker couldn’t soften. Linux.  Isn’t he is the character that drags the blanket around all the time?

Response:

That is a training issue I take mine up to the snow every spring. They carry the X country skis up. The group skis down and one person leads the llamas back down. Como Say Llamas www.llamapacker.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Jim- Funny you should mention Llamas, especially in Oregon. I was up on North Sister this weekend with an extremely experienced climbing friend. Anyway, he told me that one time, forget how long ago, he was up there and ran into a group of folks that had rented some Llamas for the weekend for just your purpose. The intent was to take them into Camp Lake by South Sister. Anyway, they got a ways up the trail and the Llamas absolutely REFUSED to cross snow. They tried and tried and tried, and couldn’t get them to cross snow. They waited a day and tried again. Nope. Not happening. If any of your trips involve snow, I’d check into this. Maybe it was just a training issue, maybe not. As far as I know, Llamas come from snow country but maybe if they’ve never seen it, they don’t want nothin’ to do with it. — Matt Jarvis addressing. I’ve got a really screwed up knee and backpacking is getting very difficult. I’ve seen various pack animals on trails and I’m wondering about Llamas… what do they cost, what kind of care do they require, and what amount of pasture/property do they need? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Jim in Oregon The road goes ever, ever on…..

Response:

And some won’t cross large puddles if they can’t see the bottom. Obviously you want a trained one. Mike – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Jim- …. Anyway, they got a ways up the trail and the Llamas absolutely REFUSED to cross snow. They tried and tried and tried, and couldn’t get them to cross snow…..

Response:

I just rented 2 llamas that hiked from Yosemite to Tahoe 153 miles. they crossed every obstical imaginable. They carried 90#s each and ranged from 8 to 12 miles a day with 1 lay over day. Como Say Llamas www.llamapacker.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – And some won’t cross large puddles if they can’t see the bottom. Obviously you want a trained one. Mike Jim- …. Anyway, they got a ways up the trail and the Llamas absolutely REFUSED to cross snow. They tried and tried and tried, and couldn’t get them to cross snow…..

Response:

Jim- Funny you should mention Llamas, especially in Oregon. I was up on North Sister this weekend with an extremely experienced climbing friend. Anyway, he told me that one time, forget how long ago, he was up there and ran into a group of folks that had rented some Llamas for the weekend for just your purpose. The intent was to take them into Camp Lake by South Sister. Anyway, they got a ways up the trail and the Llamas absolutely REFUSED to cross snow. They tried and tried and tried, and couldn’t get them to cross snow. They waited a day and tried again. Nope. Not happening. If any of your trips involve snow, I’d check into this. Maybe it was just a training issue, maybe not. As far as I know, Llamas come from snow country but maybe if they’ve never seen it, they don’t want nothin’ to do with it. — Matt Jarvis addressing. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve got a really screwed up knee and backpacking is getting very difficult. I’ve seen various pack animals on trails and I’m wondering about Llamas… what do they cost, what kind of care do they require, and what amount of pasture/property do they need? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Jim in Oregon The road goes ever, ever on…..

Response:

Llamas are great on the trail, but you need special expertise to handle them.  They will eat anything that grows along side the trail. Including plants that will kill them.  The Mt. LeConte Lodge in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is stocked via Llamas.  The handlers take them up the same trail three times a week, and know all the danger areas by heart.  Earlier this spring, a slide made their normal route up the Trillium Gap trail impassable, so they re-routed up Bullhead.  One llama keeled over dead right on the trail, and two others died back at the ranch.  They believe it was from rhoderdendron poisoning. Since then, they started using modified muzzels to prevent re-occurance. Also, even though they are easier on the trails than horses, many National Parks do not recognize this fact. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve got a really screwed up knee and backpacking is getting very difficult. I’ve seen various pack animals on trails and I’m wondering about Llamas… what do they cost, what kind of care do they require, and what amount of pasture/property do they need? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Jim in Oregon The road goes ever, ever on…..

Response:

You might check into goats. Keith – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve got a really screwed up knee and backpacking is getting very difficult. I’ve seen various pack animals on trails and I’m wondering about Llamas… what do they cost, what kind of care do they require, and what amount of pasture/property do they need? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Jim in Oregon The road goes ever, ever on…..

Response:

You might check into goats. Keith

     FWIW..  I was reading a book about flyfishing mountain lakes by a well-known (to fishermen, at least) author.  There was an entire chapter about pack animals.  The author said goats were the best, horses worst, and llamas and all others in between. — Yellowstone TRs:  http://www.cis.ksu.edu/~dha5446/hiking/yellowstone/

Response:

In defence of the llama….They only spit at each other over food or females…unless poorly trained and abused they never spit at people.  In the back country they do less damage than a pair of hiking boots, due to their padded feet.They can be turned loose when at camp and do about the same damage as a deer. Como Say Llamas Llama packing and llama rentals www.llamapacker.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Know they spit when annoyed so duck a lot.One golf course uses them as caddies for the golf bags.Quite a sight-men wearing lime green pants and mauve and chartreuse shirts following a llama that poops all over the place-can’t quite housetrain them. * 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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Know they spit when annoyed so duck a lot.One golf course uses them as caddies for the golf bags.Quite a sight-men wearing lime green pants and mauve and chartreuse shirts following a llama that poops all over the place-can’t quite housetrain them. * 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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I’ve got a really screwed up knee and backpacking is getting very difficult. I’ve seen various pack animals on trails and I’m wondering about Llamas… what do they cost, what kind of care do they require, and what amount of pasture/property do they need? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Jim in Oregon The road goes ever, ever on…..

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I operate a llama packing business in CA, I also rent them. You might check out my site listed below I have some info about them. You need at least 2 llamas, as they are herd animals. If you have an acre that is more than enough. If you are just getting started I would recommend 1 to be trained…..This means trained on the trail, at least a season or a couple hundred miles of loaded trail experience. It will make your experience much more enjoyable as the trained llama will train the green one for you. I do not sell them, but I do know where they are (most of the time). llamas for packing should be tall and narrow, but most important is they have to have the right attitude. I would be more than happy to talk in detail about what to look for. The prices average $500 for an untrained ( or very little) to $1500 for a fully trained llama. As with a backpack and hiking boots, the saddle is the most important part, I recommend the Sopris saddle ( about $600) ouch…worth every penny. David Drewry Como Say Llamas www.llamapacker.com 916 923 0408

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve got a really screwed up knee and backpacking is getting very difficult. I’ve seen various pack animals on trails and I’m wondering about Llamas… what do they cost, what kind of care do they require, and what amount of pasture/property do they need? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Jim in Oregon The road goes ever, ever on…..

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Question:

Let’s Get Us a Real River! The Red Cedar is the second biggest feature of our local natural heritage (first being farmland). But the river is vastly under-maintained, even though it’s vital to us. We impact it a lot and have great expectations of it. Why not see if there might be a way to improve the situation and start reaping the benefits that a quality river can give? What’s the river like now? A muddy ditch with a mucky bottom that floods when it doesn

Question:

This request presents a pretty weak thread to this group but I regard you as technicians, hence the question. I’ve been away from fishing for a few years now and have lost track of who mail orders rod building components. Please note that I’m interested in most everything except fly fishing components (including salt water spinning, conventional casting and class trolling to 130+). Any advice is appreciated … AW

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Quoting "WildernessWerkes!"<wwerkes from a message in rec.outdoors.fishing.f    <This request presents a pretty weak thread to this group but I regard    <you as technicians, hence the question. I’ve been away from fishing for    <a few years now and have lost track of who mail orders rod building    <components. Please note that I’m interested in most everything except    <fly fishing components (including salt water spinning, conventional    <casting and class trolling to 130+). Any advice is appreciated … AW I order quite a bit os stuff from Angler’s Workshop.  They have always provided excellant service.           Angler’s Workshop           1350 Atlantic           Woodland, WA. 98674           360-225-9445 Jim Carlisle

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This request presents a pretty weak thread to this group but I regard you as technicians, hence the question. I’ve been away from fishing for a few years now and have lost track of who mail orders rod building components. Please note that I’m interested in most everything except fly fishing components (including salt water spinning, conventional casting and class trolling to 130+). Any advice is appreciated … AW

Just starting to make rods myself. I recently purchased "Crafting a Graphite Fly Rod" by Al Garcia of Frank Amato publications. Al has a section on sources for equipment and materials. B.

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I can reccommend Custom Tackle in Shelbyville, Tenn. Bob McKamey is the owner. Telephone 615-684-6164. I have dealt with this Co. for years. Good luck. Jack

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This request presents a pretty weak thread to this group but I regard you as technicians, hence the question. I’ve been away from fishing for a few years now and have lost track of who mail orders rod building components. Please note that I’m interested in most everything except fly fishing components (including salt water spinning, conventional casting and class trolling to 130+). Any advice is appreciated … AW Just starting to make rods myself. I recently purchased "Crafting a Graphite Fly Rod" by Al Garcia of Frank Amato publications. Al has a section on sources for equipment and materials. B.

I don’t think he’d buy a book on fly fishing gear when he said he wasn’t interested. Angler’s Workshop and Dale Clemems are two great rod building supply companies. Angler’s – (360) 225-9445 Clemens – (610) 395-5119 Don B.

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This request presents a pretty weak thread to this group but I regard you as technicians, hence the question. I’ve been away from fishing for a few years now and have lost track of who mail orders rod building components. Please note that I’m interested in most everything except fly fishing components (including salt water spinning, conventional casting and class trolling to 130+). Any advice is appreciated … AW

Call these: Dale Clemmens Custom Tackle (615)395-5119 Custom Tackle Supply (615)684-6164 Anglers Workshop (360)225-9445

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This request presents a pretty weak thread to this group but I regard you as technicians, hence the question. I’ve been away from fishing for a few years now and have lost track of who mail orders rod building components. Please note that I’m interested in most everything except fly fishing components (including salt water spinning, conventional casting and class trolling to 130+). Any advice is appreciated … AW Just starting to make rods myself. I recently purchased "Crafting a Graphite Fly Rod" by Al Garcia of Frank Amato publications. Al has a section on sources for equipment and materials. B.

There are tons of suppliers, Cabella’s has a good catalogue for tackle craft. Thomas

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One of the most complete mail order rod component catologs that I have seen is put out by Cabela’s.  They put out a series of specialty catalogs.  The one that you need is called "Tackle Craft".  It has a complete spectrum of rod building supplies.  Call 800-237-4444. Mark

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Question:

  Is there anyone out there that shares the same passion as me for fishing in the Niagara region?  If you live in Niagara and an experienced/unexperienced angler who fishes Port Dalhousie, the Whirlpool, Queenston Sand Docks, Pebbley Beach or the upper Niagara Rapids, I would like to hear from you!   I am especially interested in the spring Rainbow runs and the fall Chinook runs but I fish all year round for these species.  In the summer I devote most of my time to Smallmouth fishing.   If you would like any advice or tips about this region or if you have any advice or comments for me, I’m anxious to hear from you!!  

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 Is there anyone out there that shares the same passion as me for fishing in the Niagara region?  If you live in Niagara and an experienced/unexperienced angler who fishes Port Dalhousie, the Whirlpool, Queenston Sand Docks, Pebbley Beach or the upper Niagara Rapids, I would like to hear from you!  I am especially interested in the spring Rainbow runs and the fall Chinook runs but I fish all year round for these species.  In the summer I devote most of my time to Smallmouth fishing.  If you would like any advice or tips about this region or if you have any advice or comments for me, I’m anxious to hear from you!!  

  I one of those anglers whose has traveled up and down the 300 some odd stairs that lead to the Whirlpools.  For anyone out there who hasn’t fished any part of the Niagra I highly reccommend it.  I never fished a river with so much species diversity, you don’t know what your going to catch.  I’ve caught lake trout, brown trout, steelhead, chinook salmon and smallmouth bass, all out of Canada’s largest fishing hole "the Whirlpools".  The majority of my succes in the fall comes from fishing chinook skeen or brown roe, also being a fly fisherman I always find drifting a large attractor pattern such as a Maribou Matuka or big nymph patterns is worth a shot.  If you want to catch some big fish give the Niagra a chance you won’t be sorry.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  Is there anyone out there that shares the same passion as me for fishing in the Niagara region?  If you live in Niagara and an experienced/unexperienced angler who fishes Port Dalhousie, the Whirlpool, Queenston Sand Docks, Pebbley Beach or the upper Niagara Rapids, I would like to hear from you!  I am especially interested in the spring Rainbow runs and the fall Chinook runs but I fish all year round for these species.  In the summer I devote most of my time to Smallmouth fishing.  If you would like any advice or tips about this region or if you have any advice or comments for me, I’m anxious to hear from you!!     I one of those anglers whose has traveled up and down the 300 some odd stairs that lead to the Whirlpools.  For anyone out there who hasn’t fished any part of the Niagra I highly reccommend it.  I never fished a river with so much species diversity, you don’t know what your going to catch.  I’ve caught lake trout, brown trout, steelhead, chinook salmon and smallmouth bass, all out of Canada’s largest fishing hole "the Whirlpools".  The majority of my succes in the fall comes from fishing chinook skeen or brown roe, also being a fly fisherman I always find drifting a large attractor pattern such as a Maribou Matuka or big nymph patterns is worth a shot.  If you want to catch some big fish give the Niagra a chance you won’t be sorry.

   I have also fished the Whirlpool for a number of years.  It was one of those well kept "secret" spots.  I usually climb down the cliff from the park above the whirlpool.  You are right, you can catch just about anything there, even catfish or whatever you call them.  I call them hornpout.  We caught some nice rainbows last weekend and a few Kings, Landlocks, and a coho.  The Lake trout are pests.  You get tired playing 8-10 lb. lake trout all day long but I guess you have to take a little bad with the good. — Bgame

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Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Fly Fishing in Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay ? What type of equipment (rod/line) ? What type of flies work there and what can you catch? Where along the Santa Cruz/ Monterey area do you go? I have a 7 weight 8 1/2 ft bass fly rod with a 8 weight ST fly line. Can I use this in the Santa Cruz / Monterey area ? I have a few Whistlers red/white 3.0 can I use these flies? thanks, Bob Dea

Bob, your 7 weight is perfect for the inshore rockcod. The Blue and Olive Rockcod run arout 2 pounds (bigger when your lucky). You need a fast sinking line such as leadcore, but you can use a High D, High speed shooting head. I suggest you use about twenty feet of leadcore in a shooting head fashion. I use Amnestia running line, but anything is fine. Your leader is not important, but use 10-15 lb. leader material for added strength. I use about six feet of leader. Occaisionally you can take fish on the surface, so a floating line is nice to have along. I use flies like Blondes and Lefty’s Deceivers. The fly is not all that important, but don’t make the size too big (long). Your Whistlers will probably work just fine. Your hook size is pretty big, but it’ll work. I like 1/0 hooks for rockcod, but like bass they can handle big hooks.I fish with a two fly setup. I like to put a red or orange colored fly on the terminal end, the other fly is line-looped about 18 inches up from the end. That fly is usually a blue/white or green white Blonde. You might start off fishing the reaf off of the lighthouse at Santa Cruz. Also, you can try Soquel reaf and the nearby kelp forest. You can catch White Sea Bass during the Summer months if your persistent. Let me know if you need other info. John

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : Fly Fishing in Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay ? : What type of equipment (rod/line) ? : What type of flies work there and what can you catch? : Where along the Santa Cruz/ Monterey area do you go? : I have a 7 weight 8 1/2 ft bass fly rod with a 8 weight ST fly line. : Can I use this in the Santa Cruz / Monterey area ? : I have a few Whistlers red/white 3.0 can I use these flies? : thanks, : Bob Dea Bob, I assume you’re talking about Salt Water Fly Fishing.  If so, I can’t help you, but I will be watching this space for more information on the subject. I live in Moss Landing and have Surf Fished here.  There are perch, shark, stripers, and salmon in this area along with rock fish near the jettys.  I have seen fly fishers on our beaches, but have not tried it myself.  I would like to as I am a fly fisher, I just don’t know how!

Have you tried flyfishing in Elkhorn Slough?  I wrote an article about it awhile back in response to a discussion about flyfishing in the SF Bay.   A back issue of California Flyfisher has an article about fishing for bat rays (they recommended putting squid juice on your flies) in SF bay and the shallows in the back of Elkhorn slough would seem to be ideal for flyfishing for bat rays, leopard shark, and guitarfish. Santa Cruz county also has several streams which get runs of steelhead and opening day is just around the corner. — John Fereira Pleasanton, CA

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: Fly Fishing in Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay ? : What type of equipment (rod/line) ? : What type of flies work there and what can you catch? : Where along the Santa Cruz/ Monterey area do you go? : I have a 7 weight 8 1/2 ft bass fly rod with a 8 weight ST fly line. : Can I use this in the Santa Cruz / Monterey area ? : I have a few Whistlers red/white 3.0 can I use these flies? : thanks, : Bob Dea Bob, I assume you’re talking about Salt Water Fly Fishing.  If so, I can’t help you, but I will be watching this space for more information on the subject. I live in Moss Landing and have Surf Fished here.  There are perch, shark, stripers, and salmon in this area along with rock fish near the jettys.  I have seen fly fishers on our beaches, but have not tried it myself.  I would like to as I am a fly fisher, I just don’t know how! Where are you?  can you shed any light on the Santa Cruz County freshwater fly fishing?  If you aren’t familar with Monterey County Fly Fishing, I can help!  Just let me know if you’re interested and I’ll describe some locations. Good Luck and remember… CATCH & RELEASE (in fresh water, at least)  :) —           Bob                   "Computers will reduce the amount of           Moss Landing, Ca.       paper consumed."

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Fly Fishing in Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay ? What type of equipment (rod/line) ? What type of flies work there and what can you catch? Where along the Santa Cruz/ Monterey area do you go? I have a 7 weight 8 1/2 ft bass fly rod with a 8 weight ST fly line. Can I use this in the Santa Cruz / Monterey area ? I have a few Whistlers red/white 3.0 can I use these flies? thanks, Bob Dea

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Question:

| BTW, what is pop gear? | | Pop gear (I don’t know why it is called that) is another name for Cow Bells, | Ford Fenders, and other large hunks of metal crap that people drag around | lakes to troll for 12" trout.   I know I am showing my age here, but the gray hair was at one time premature. Years ago Les Davis made several kinds of trolling attractors.  "Pop Gear" was the first that I knew of.  Its named like the " Doc Shelton" after its inventor.  The Ford Fender was another Les Davis product.  Each of them has a different shaped blade. BTW referring to attractors as pop gear puts you in the old fart category. . Tight Lines Mark O’Shea — Mark O’Shea Stuff happens, things change.

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I do all my trolling with downriggers, but lead core is more popular in this area.  From talking to others, and hearing conversations on the radio I do know that when fish are at about 40ft. most people will be letting out about 8 colors.  This will normally be trolling 3/4-1 oz. bucktails with 17 lb. test lead core.  If you’re going to be trolling at only 1 to 1.5 mph I would guess that you would want to let out 6-7 colors. We normally don’t troll quite that slow. BTW, what is pop gear?

Pop gear (I don’t know why it is called that) is another name for Cow Bells, Ford Fenders, and other large hunks of metal crap that people drag around lakes to troll for 12" trout.  I will admit that at times an attractor is beneficial in attracting more strikes from rainbow and kokanee, but you should use as little as you can get away with.  VERY small attractors like a Teeny Troll (V shaped mylar with reflective tape) 2-blade Doc Sheltons or #000 flashers for deep kokanee are effective.  I’ve been very successful using a #2 FST with a spruce fly about 8" behind.  This creates some attraction with very little weight.  Some of the large flashers are 3 feet long with 6-8 graduated size spinner blades.  No thank you. Terry — Terry Turner              If people paid more attnetion to the critical things 503-685-3649              poles. *****Opinions here are my own and not necessarily the views of Tektronix****

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