Question:

It could be a legitimate question. I had a guide place his sports at the top and bottom of a short run I was fishing. Then he grabbed a rod and stood across from me and fished. When he had his sports wade through the run I was fishing to get to the other side I told the sports that that was the worst display of fishing ediquette I had ever seen and to tip accordingly. Paul

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Yes, I just had one with  www.4bigfish.com !!!!  Spamming a newsgroup is bad business and ill advised. Op Has any one ever had a bad outfitter experiance? Where, when, and why?  Tell your story so we can avoid them. Mark Thomas www.4bigfish.com

Response:

It could be a legitimate question. I had a guide place his sports at the top and bottom of a short run I was fishing. Then he grabbed a rod and stood across from me and fished. When he had his sports wade through the run I was fishing to get to the other side I told the sports that that was the worst display of fishing ediquette I had ever seen and to tip accordingly.

I’ve had a bad outfitter experience. Went with a good buddy to BC for steelhead and scheduled a guide for about half of our fishing time there. Said he knew fly fishing, etc. yadda, yadda, yadda. He was the most inept "fly fisherman", could not row a boat, didn’t know shit from shinola about patterns or techniques, etc. I could go on. and on. — Brian D. Nelson Diamond N Outfitters Missoula, Montana http://www.montana.com/dno 406-626-4022

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john

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Has any one ever had a bad outfitter experiance? Where, when, and why?  Tell your story so we can avoid them. Mark Thomas www.4bigfish.com

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Yes, I just had one with  www.4bigfish.com !!!!  Spamming a newsgroup is bad business and ill advised. Op – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Has any one ever had a bad outfitter experiance? Where, when, and why?  Tell your story so we can avoid them. Mark Thomas www.4bigfish.com

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Yes, I just had one with  www.4bigfish.com !!!!  Spamming a newsgroup is bad business and ill advised.

That pretty much matches most of my bad outfitter experiences. — Charlie…

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So much for attracting potential customers. Op

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Yes, I just had one with  www.4bigfish.com !!!!  Spamming a newsgroup is bad business and ill advised. That pretty much matches most of my bad outfitter experiences. — Charlie…

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Question:

Ernie has a major league hard-on for The Evil Ginkster… Well, thanks a freakin’ lot for putting that image in my head. Kevin

I don’t believe my dislike of George is any worse than others on ROFF.  Since I put him in my kill file the only posts I see are the ones repeated in another person’s posts.  I can live with that. Ernie

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Tripper I ment Ernie Schwiebert, not Harrison. Did Schwiebert die or something? Dave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – No no no! Nothing so trivial. Ernie has a major league hard-on for The Evil Ginkster…

Response:

Ernie has a major league hard-on for The Evil Ginkster…

Well, thanks a freakin’ lot for putting that image in my head. Kevin

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Is that a pool that the looser comes back in 24 hours? I believe him!  Yes I do, I really think he means it this time!  I trust him to keep his word.   However, I also believe in the tooth fairy, honest and truthful politicians, and the future of the Yugo automobile (I have one, in pristine condition, just waiting for the upsurge in the collectable market)…

Oh, he’s gone, but of course he’ll be back. New ISPs are probably getting harder to find, though.. — Rusty Hook Laramie, Wyo Before you buy.

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Why? is he dead? (Serious question) Dave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m pretty sure I know why Ernie is contributing anything. Dave Oops, typo!  Of course this should read, I’m pretty sure I know why Ernie isn’t contributing anything. Dave Before you buy.

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No no no! Nothing so trivial. Ernie has a major league hard-on for The Evil Ginkster… /daytripper (…and he’s packing a Louisville Slugger.) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Why? is he dead? (Serious question) Dave I’m pretty sure I know why Ernie is contributing anything. Dave Oops, typo!  Of course this should read, I’m pretty sure I know why Ernie isn’t contributing anything. Dave Before you buy.

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"Look George, if Doug Swisher, Ernie Schwiebert, David Whitlock, Lefty Kreh, aren’t contributing their valuable time to ROFF, why should you

I’d trade in anything those guys had to say for one good posting from Mike Connor. Tight Lines,Shawn

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I’m pretty sure I know why Ernie is contributing anything. Dave

Oops, typo!  Of course this should read, I’m pretty sure I know why Ernie isn’t contributing anything. Dave Before you buy.

Response:

Is that a pool that the looser comes back in 24 hours?

I believe him!  Yes I do, I really think he means it this time!  I trust him to keep his word.   However, I also believe in the tooth fairy, honest and truthful politicians, and the future of the Yugo automobile (I have one, in pristine condition, just waiting for the upsurge in the collectable market)… — Padishar Creel "What do we live for if it is not to make life less difficult to each other."  – George Eliot

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bullshit, i have a 100 bucks that sez you’ll post here again…. c’mon georgie, is it a bet? He did say he’d be back from time to time for the free advertising. — Charlie…

yeah, but he won’t remember saying it. ww

Response:

"Look George, if Doug Swisher, Ernie Schwiebert, David Whitlock, Lefty Kreh, aren’t contributing their valuable time to ROFF, why should you?  They certainly must have good reasons for not doing so.  Have you ever asked yourself the question, why?"

I’m pretty sure I know why Ernie is contributing anything. Dave Before you buy.

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Is that a pool that the looser comes back in 24 hours? ND#1

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I will cease to write for ROFF anymore, any free articles directly because it has been pointed out to me, "Look George, if Doug Swisher, Ernie Schwiebert, David Whitlock, Lefty Kreh, aren’t contributing their valuable time to ROFF, why should you? <snip Adios, Try to stay away a little longer this time Ginko! Ernie Forever wouldn’t be long enough. /daytripper (We ought to start a pool…)

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What was I thinking. I forgot to add that he’ll have a new ISP when he is posting again.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If TSOTS can make it through the night without poosting he’ll be back on Tuesday the 14th. _____  Anyone who wishes to reply to me on this policy must E-mail their comments and opinions because I won’t be reading ROFF anymore and IF any, very little.  Again, I will only be posting notices in the future in ROFF for those who want only the finest information possible regarding American Outdoors/Indoors and Fly Fishing. Secondly, anyone wishing to post articles to me for preservation on our Fly Fishing section may do so.  This way they won’t be posted just once and then lost and out of mind in dejanews.com. — Mr.G. http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html        bamboo flyrods & blanks    More Bamboo For Less Money Than     ANY OTHER FLY ROD IN THE WORLD

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bullshit, i have a 100 bucks that sez you’ll post here again…. c’mon georgie, is it a bet?

He did say he’d be back from time to time for the free advertising. — Charlie…

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I will cease to write for ROFF anymore, any free articles directly because it has been pointed out to me, "Look George, if Doug Swisher, Ernie Schwiebert, David Whitlock, Lefty Kreh, aren’t contributing their valuable time to ROFF, why should you? <snip Adios, Try to stay away a little longer this time Ginko! Ernie

Forever wouldn’t be long enough. /daytripper (We ought to start a pool…)

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If TSOTS can make it through the night without poosting he’ll be back on Tuesday the 14th. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – _____  Anyone who wishes to reply to me on this policy must E-mail their comments and opinions because I won’t be reading ROFF anymore and IF any, very little.  Again, I will only be posting notices in the future in ROFF for those who want only the finest information possible regarding American Outdoors/Indoors and Fly Fishing. Secondly, anyone wishing to post articles to me for preservation on our Fly Fishing section may do so.  This way they won’t be posted just once and then lost and out of mind in dejanews.com. — Mr.G. http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html        bamboo flyrods & blanks    More Bamboo For Less Money Than     ANY OTHER FLY ROD IN THE WORLD

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Try to stay away a little longer this time Ginko! Ernie

  I will cease to write for ROFF anymore, any free articles directly   because it has been pointed out to me, "Look George, if Doug Swisher,   Ernie Schwiebert, David Whitlock, Lefty Kreh, aren’t contributing their   valuable time to ROFF, why should you? <snip   Adios,

Response:

______ It seems I have, after reviewing the hundreds of fly fishing articles donated by yours truly over the years, is enough to nearly write a well defined book on the subject. I will cease to write for ROFF anymore, any free articles directly because it has been pointed out to me, "Look George, if Doug Swisher, Ernie Schwiebert, David Whitlock, Lefty Kreh, aren’t contributing their valuable time to ROFF, why should you?  They certainly must have good reasons for not doing so.  Have you ever asked yourself the question, why?" Well, I’ve thought about that and it makes sense to me.  Why am I trying so hard to bring fly fishing to a darwinian gang of thugs who really have little interest in the group as a primary fly fishing discussion forum? Why indeed, am I here when all the others refuse to be involved with ROFF?  It seems, ROFF does not sit well with these professionals.   I will write my articles and I will probably make an effort to collect them all from dejanews from over the years, if possible.  What I think I should do is start a pure fly fishing "Book of Gink On Fly Fishing" Web page and list all the articles there. When I write a piece, I will simply just come here and post where everyone interested can key on the ‘Blue Thingie’ that will take them to the World of Gink. I like this idea a lot better than having to listen to all the diatribes from the local drunk to the babbling yuppies in white shirts and ugly ties. Outside that, this new plan goes into motion immediately.   The second nice thing we will be able to do again is renew my visits to http://www.gink.com/chat which IS MONITORED and where the smart asses aren’t tolerated when they demean others or swear or arrive just to troll and cause others to become nauseous of them.  Frankly, like it or not, the Fly Fisherman’s Chat Site around the ole camp fire is much more fun and friendlier and MUCH MORE INTERESTING than anything happening in ROFF.  Roff doesn’t even come close for user friendly compared to Gink’s Fire Side Chat Site.  Pure truth. Those who wish to be civil and visit are welcome starting for me sometime between 6 to 8 PM but going on into the night, time permitting.  Those of you who wish to have your own INSTANT ANSWERING Visiting Room can go there and be in total privacy.  Don’t forget, this chat site http://www.gink.com/chat allows any number of individuals to talk privately and instantly to each other is "Whisper Mode". Anyhow, for sake of good order, the only time I care anymore to visit Roff in the future is to notify fly fishermen of new articles and updates. Incidentally Wayne Harrison, you will see that should you care to visit me/us and some of your old friends at http://www.gink.com/chat  how much more caring and civil we are there compared to what you’ve been living with in ROFF.  The good ole boys, if the truth be known, are not in ROFF anymore.   After this post, I personally wish to invite all you new people a personal invitation to attend and join us at the Home Camp Fires Burning.  http://www.gink.com/chat  Just sign in and use your real name.  Ask any question about fly fishing or fishing in general and there will be someone here to help you. Welcome, one an all to a really top drawer, well moderated free speech without cussing chat room you will ever hope to find. See you around 7 PM this evening everyone. Adios, : ) — Mr.G. http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html        bamboo flyrods & blanks    More Bamboo For Less Money Than     ANY OTHER FLY ROD IN THE WORLD

Response:

_____  Anyone who wishes to reply to me on this policy must E-mail their comments and opinions because I won’t be reading ROFF anymore and IF any, very little.  Again, I will only be posting notices in the future in ROFF for those who want only the finest information possible regarding American Outdoors/Indoors and Fly Fishing.   Secondly, anyone wishing to post articles to me for preservation on our Fly Fishing section may do so.  This way they won’t be posted just once and then lost and out of mind in dejanews.com. — Mr.G. http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html        bamboo flyrods & blanks    More Bamboo For Less Money Than     ANY OTHER FLY ROD IN THE WORLD

Response:

I will cease to write for ROFF anymore, any free articles directly because it has been pointed out to me, "Look George, if Doug Swisher, Ernie Schwiebert, David Whitlock, Lefty Kreh, aren’t contributing their valuable time to ROFF, why should you?

there’s just one flaw with that argument george…. those guys can write. but hell, don’t let me dissuade ya…. They certainly must have good reasons for not doing so.  Have you ever asked yourself the question, why?"

no, don’t give a rats ass. Well, I’ve thought about that and it makes sense to me.  Why am I trying so hard to bring fly fishing to a darwinian gang of thugs who really have little interest in the group as a primary fly fishing discussion forum?

yeah, why are you? Why indeed, am I here when all the others refuse to be involved with ROFF?  It seems, ROFF does not sit well with these professionals.

bwahahahahahahahahahahaha I will write my articles and I will probably make an effort to collect them all from dejanews from over the years, if possible.  What I think I should do is start a pure fly fishing "Book of Gink On Fly Fishing" Web page and list all the articles there. When I write a piece, I will simply just come here and post where everyone interested can key on the ‘Blue Thingie’ that will take them to the World of Gink.

make it a green thingy george…. green with envy. I like this idea a lot better than having to listen to all the diatribes from the local drunk to the babbling yuppies in white shirts and ugly ties.

we also like it better… see ya georgie-pooh… for the umpteenth time. Outside that, this new plan goes into motion immediately.

bullshit, i have a 100 bucks that sez you’ll post here again…. c’mon georgie, is it a bet? Adios,

see ya here soon…. your pal, waldo

Response:

Question:

Um, yes, …

SPAM ! — Ken Fortenberry

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Um, yes, I’m new to FF and I’m trying to find an online site that makes it really EASY to buy fly fishing gear. You know, really, really E-Z. Any ideas? –Steve

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After a thorough and exhaustive search of my backyard and Alta Vista.Com, I came up with this: One dead bird One half of a semi-live earth worm Some fresh dog shit (first step find) and this:  www.e-zfly.com/ Opie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Um, yes, I’m new to FF and I’m trying to find an online site that makes it really EASY to buy fly fishing gear. You know, really, really E-Z. Any ideas? –Steve

Response:

Um, yes, I’m new to FF and I’m trying to find an online site that makes it really EASY to buy fly fishing gear. You know, really, really E-Z. Any ideas?

What are ya – an idjit? I typed "EZ" into AlteredVister and got five million hits, and the 248,094th one led me right to the source! You *must* be an idjit! Sheesh! Send an email to Louie’s grand daughter. I hear she’s a wizard with search engines… /daytripper (And stop spamming the group ;^)

Response:

Send an email to Louie’s grand daughter. I hear she’s a wizard with search engines… /daytripper (And stop spamming the group ;^)

sniff….sniff…..sniff…..nope, thet ain’t no spam.  Thet ther is a troll!

Response:

you will find what you want within the 1st 5 hits every time<g.

Unless, of course, those *are* your key words<g. — Charlie…

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What are ya – an idjit? I typed "EZ" into AlteredVister and got five million hits, and the 248,094th one led me right to the source! You *must* be an idjit! Sheesh!

The key to an effective web search is not as much what you *include* in the search as what you *exclude*. In HotBot, for example, if you exclude the keywords "moist", "teen", "anal" and "eBay" you will find what you want within the 1st 5 hits every time<g. — Charlie…

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you will find what you want within the 1st 5 hits every time<g. Unless, of course, those *are* your key words<g. — Charlie…

        you keep raising the bar, chocolat!  fabulous work. wayno, recovering from hysteria

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In HotBot, for example, if you exclude the keywords "moist", "teen", "anal" and "eBay" you will find what you want within the 1st 5 hits every time<g.

Regards, Jeff

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In HotBot, for example, if you exclude the keywords "moist", "teen", "anal" and "eBay" you will find what you want within the 1st 5 hits every time<g.

I INCLUDE ONLY those keywords, and I find what I’m looking for 4 hits out of 5! Regards, Jeff

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Steve:  Try www.TroutWorld.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Um, yes, I’m new to FF and I’m trying to find an online site that makes it really EASY to buy fly fishing gear. You know, really, really E-Z. Any ideas? –Steve

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Whiff! Steeeerike One! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Steve:  Try www.TroutWorld.com Um, yes, I’m new to FF and I’m trying to find an online site that makes it really EASY to buy fly fishing gear. You know, really, really E-Z. Any ideas? –Steve

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Question:

That’s real interesting!

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but don’t come for the atlantic salmon fishing – the spring season as reported in April Trout and Salmon mag. has been generally very poor with few fish caught, and a lot of excuses (none of which conceal the awful truth of a near collapse of Atlantic Salmon stocks.  Read Fly Fisherman current issue…….tight lines elsewhere guys

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Question:

The historic Antrim Lodge, located in Roscoe, New York is falling into a state of disrepair.  We recently relocated to Roscoe from New Jersey, and are renovating our own 100-year old victorian, but we hate to see the last of the Roscoe hotels go to seed. Now, we’re not into the real estate business and this is not a for sale ad since we have absolutely no connection to this place other than it being two blocks away from our home.  What we’re wondering is whether there exists any individual(s) interested in looking at this place to see what can be done with it.  We’d be happy to coordinate a meeting, perhaps on opening day or the weekend afterward…If no one single individual can handle it, then maybe some form of limited partnership. Of course, the highest and best use for this place would be a flyfishing club, restaurant and possible fishing-related shops.  But’s it’s been vacant for three years, and needs a lot of work.  Paint peeling off inside and out, mechanicals need to be brought up to code, etc., and redesign of rooms…. Originally and currently set up for 23 "fisherman" rooms, most of which have no common or shared bathroom.  Two stone fireplaces, one on the lower level in the "great room", and one on the main floor near the entrance where a new restaurant should be located.  Large "modern" stainless steel kitchen, but wasting away thru non-use.  Parking for about 26 cars, large mature trees on 1-1/2 acre lot. Lot’s of fishing greats have stayed at, drank at, and told their Beaverkill stories at the Antrim.  Built in the late 19th century and originally known as Central House, the Antrim now has good highway visibility, easy access off the Southern Tier thruway system, and within walking distance to the Beaverkill River.  There are two flyfishing specialty shops in Roscoe, Donegal’s and the Beaverkill Angler (an Orvis shop). Roscoe has some resident local nature artists, and the area has recently seen an influx of New York City expats. The Antrim has been for sale for the past couple years, and the asking price has been about $250,000.  I believe a renovation could add another $150-250,000 so it’s not a little project.  Those old rooms need to probably be combined to make about ten larger rooms with private bath…maybe a group of new owners could each own a room or develop a time share.  But let’s consider doing -something- with this place. The previous restaurant operation at the Antrim was run by a fine Greek gentleman, but the Greek food turned off the locals and visiting fishermen alike.  We need to see traditional American sportsman dining there amidst Adirondack style decor.   If you have some interest, and a measure of potential resource to back it up, please let us know, and we’ll see if we can coordinate a meeting.  The annual Catskill Flyfishing Center’s dinner and auction is also coming up on the Calendar scheduled for the weekend after opening day in case your planning on coming up this way. Email us if your interested…let’s see what we can make happen. Cheers, Marie Wisco

Response:

The historic Antrim Lodge, located in Roscoe, New York is falling into a state of disrepair.  <snip

I wish I had 1/2 million I had no other use for!  I remember my first reading on flyfishing mentioning the Antrim – a favorite of many of the great personalities of Fly Fishing. Zern, Gingrich, etc.  It must have been wonderful. It is more than a shame that this grand old place has fallen on such hard times. Todays realities are that such places are often doomed to decay.  The investment required is substantial, and the return not likely to be great. It would be wonderful if some Very Rich Person, came along and made it a lifes work.  It would be a better world knowing places like the Antrim live and that one day I might belly to the bar there. </chaz — "resistance is futile"

Response:

Question:

What is a Master Angler? Who qualifies? How do you qualify? I have fished with some Master Anglers. They are those guys that never brag and always catch something when it is really tough. Everyone can improve their fishing skills, but most of us will never get to that level. In the last thirty years I have fished with or near some great fly fisherman. Many of us are good anglers, but there is only a handful of great ones. Many of the best are only know locally for their great skill and will not be writen about in magazine articles.  There are also some great anglers that don’t fly fish.

A Master Angler?  One who fishes humbly, always in wonder. Musconet

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What is a Master Angler? Who qualifies? How do you qualify? [much good stuff deleted] Is a Master Angler old? Often. But not always. Its an attitude first more than ability. By itself partial knowledge is grenade. Or it is a tool. The partition is in its administration . This is wisdom. And above all else a Master Angler is Wise Taken from the pages of Master Angler . . . . — Bob Sheedy Arctic Fire Software Home of THE FISHING LOG and MASTER ANGLER http://www.articfire.com/arcfire/fishing.htm

Really good post! I was told a story by someone I now know to be a Master Angler. Apparently, while at a meeting of some Ministry mucky mucks and some fishing types a survey was conducted by one of the Ministry types to help them better understand the sports demographics and socio/economic impact. Among the many questions was one asking the anglers to classify themselves as to their ability. The categories were, beginer, novice, intermediate and expert. Several years later, the person who had developed the survey was bumped into again by the story teller.  Being a curious sort he asked what the survey results had revealed.   Apparently the most significant information gleaned from the survey was the anglers assesment of their abilities.   15% beginers, 25% novice, 50% intermediate and 10% expert. The conclusion drawn was that despite popular perception, only 10% of anglers are indeed liars! Mind you, this was several years ago. Mike

Response:

I know this much: anyone who believes him/herself to be a master angler is definitely not one; I don’t care what kind of silly badge they’ve been awarded. Not everything in life was created to be mastered. You can’t master angling any more than you can master the water the sky or time itself. Spinolio

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I know this much: anyone who believes him/herself to be a master angler is definitely not one; I don’t care what kind of silly badge they’ve been awarded. Not everything in life was created to be mastered. You can’t master angling any more than you can master the water the sky or time itself. Spinolio

Being from the 28 th century, sent here to save one trout through C&R that will reshape mankinds future course and take us to the next plateau in human development, I must object to the reference of our inability to control time! If you only knew. Mike

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anyone, who allows fishing to take them to that place unencumbered by social pressures of any kind. TimW

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A Master Angler is anyone who takes a kid fishing for the day and both return home with a smile.

Response:

What is a Master Angler? Who qualifies? How do you qualify? I have fished with some Master Anglers. They are those guys that never brag and always catch something when it is really tough.

This isn’t always correct.  The master anglers I know brag, but in a sneaky way.   Master Angler (MA):  Nice day out, how you doing? Average Angler(AA):  Oh, really well, I got 4 fish.  How bout you? MA: I guess I did ok. AA: how many fish did you catch? MA: Oh, somewhere around 20. It’s the humbling factor.  Of course the Master angler actually has caught that many. Carl carl

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Any Angler with a MasterCard. TimW

Response:

Any Angler with a MasterCard. TimW

Clearifying ranks: 1)  Beginner      Doesn’t know how to spell MasterCard 2)  Intermediate  Learning how to spell MasterCard 3)  Master        Knows how to spell MasterCard 4)  The Local     Picks your pocket  George

Response:

Anyone who knows more than I do about any flyfishing subject, and will share that knowledge, is master enough for me.

Response:

What is a Master Angler? Who qualifies? How do you qualify? Its a question that has many answers. In some States, Provinces all you have to do is catch a fish over a certain size and you automatically qualify. You get a certificate, badge and everything. Think about it. You tied on a hook a line and a sinker and wham. First time fishing and you qualified as an overnight success! Your name is in the Provincial or State Records and you can proudly show it to everyone. And you do. For others to be a Master Angler you have to be like the guys on TV. You need THINGS to qualify. A Bassboat with at least 200HP and at least 17 feet of solid foam filled unsinkable fibreglass because to have fun you have to be able to hit every hot spot on 145,000 acres of water every two hours. Having your name emblazoned on the side of your 4 x4 and stitched on your designer jump suit is a certain give away that you’ve made the grade. Even if you hit the dock empty handed you can shout at your friend to make sure the live well is running because you want them fresh when you get home. People at the dock will surely be impressed and if your out on the water you can give a high double handed overhand hookset and yell, "Fish on", that will definitely qualify you for something! For others fishing is a competition. First with each other and then money for first fish, biggest fish to keep things interesting. They work at it hard and the rewards gained, though spotty, and often controlled more by combinations and permutations rather than angler interventions, begin to come more frequently. Most visible in all of this is perhaps the Tournament where the winner is unquestionably revered as a Master Angler and that of some instant note. There is nothing wrong with any or all three of the above. We have all met them on and off the water every one and each has his or her niche in the sport and their justifiable claim to fame. Even fly fishermen now compete and for cash. There are however distortions developing as to who really is good at the sport and like Christ’s disciples, mainly fishermen, long dissertations of who really is the best ensue often under many guises and not just the few above. In reality the title is not acquired by way of obtaining it through instant material aquisitions, winning a tournament or Tackle Company sponsorship. All of these things are market driven aberrations which lengthen  Manufacturers Balance sheets and are maneuvered by a handful of men who set the promotions for the year just as surely as the toy manufacturers eye the December market. Slick promotions have done much for the enhancement of the sport and ensured success through valid stocking programs and stream renewals by those attracted. This is the upside. Perhaps inadvertently the Movie, "A River Runs Through It",  did more for the streams of Montana and area than any other item published in the past 30 years. It breathed life into the art of flyfishing and turned it into a big business. It also filled the waters with fishermen and floating devices to the point where the streamside watering holes, tackle shops and the on-line forums are filled with complaints of overcrowding and overuse to the point where the steady hum of who is the best is all but drowned out. The Movie was a powerful advertisement whether intended as such or not. So to is the power of  the deliberately orchestrated image building advertisement in a powerful media. When your favourite Saturday AM hero stands up and tells you that "Brand X" Lures are his secret weapon you are more likely to believe him if you just witnessed 18 minutes of watching him rip fishlips. It works! More and more I see people imitating his methods and why not! They catch fish! Lots of fish. There is another assessment to consider however . . . . Looking back over the years I look at my own development as a fisherman and see myself reflected in the others I’ve met along the banks of stream or puddling around in lakes. Although they overlap considerably there are definite identifiable peaks in the development process. There is the stage when someone first takes up the sport. The huge array of disciplines and the tackle for each can be a formidable learning process in itself long before you ever arrive at the water. Even species selection has become so specialized that you almost need a degree in ichthyology before you make your first cast. So the first stage is set by the crowd that visits a lake from time to time launches or sets up a chaise lounge and throws out a favourite bait. Success is related to fish activity and generally they are likeliest to go when they are "biting". Another stage is delineated by those who take it a step further and begin to notice feeding lanes, weed edges and other structures and the increase in success as they learn more about them. Piscatorial Prosperity begins to come even on the days when no one else is getting anything. At the end of this stage a cocky attitude begins to grow as one realizes that he is getting GOOD. Probably this is the most dangerous stage for a fisherman. At this point growth can regress into a few successful lures and techniques and since they work often and the fish kills are numerous why change? The same thread runs through flyfishing as well. Success begins to come easier and easier and the catches begin to increase to the point that they actually start going back in if such was not the philosophy from the outset. I mean if you have a fifty fish day you cannot keep them all. If you happen to match the hatch and the fish are on a feeding binge fifty fish days are a real possibility to those who can cast a fly. Then it all changes. What is the goal now?. Bigger catches? A tournament? Guiding? As humans we have to always be challenged. Its in our DNA. Should the challenge die then so does the interest whether by success or by failure. Either can stunt our progress. The Hubble telescope was designed carefully to put and end to the quest for the edges of the universe. Very quickly walls and bubbles were found as the patterns of galaxies were modeled in a 3D. Did the Universe shrink? Instead the edges were moved to awesome depths of anonymity and the modeling is showing a pattern and shape that is disquieting in its rhythm and regularity. No questions were answered rather quest beget questions. So it is when you walk to the top of the hills in the Piscatorial Pursuits and peer over the top only to witness new vistas in all their snowcapped glory.  Suddenly the realization becomes manifest in one moment of fundamental aquatic truth. You know very little about the old hookjaw himself and his habits, his environment and how he relates to it. This lack of knowledge is invigorating and interest is renewed at higher levels. The dangerous hump is passed. You are going to become a Master Angler. Article Unavailable

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What is a Master Angler? Who qualifies? How do you qualify? [much good stuff deleted]

Here are some definitions I made up just now: beginner: the trout often makes a fool out of him novice: once in a while he catches a trout, but has no idea why intermediate: the trout sometimes don’t even know he is there expert: can catch trout when others can only catch a cold master: able to predict the strike precisely, even before it happens                                                        __ john quill taylor                                     / / writer at large                                      / /   Hewlett-Packard, Storage Systems Division    __     /_/ / Boise, Idaho U.S.A.                         /_/  __ _ Telephone: (208) 396-2328 (MST = GMT – 7)     /  \  / Snail Mail: Hewlett-Packard                    / \             11413 Chinden Blvd                 \             Boise, Idaho 83714                   _/             Mailstop 852                            _/                                                   _/       "When in doubt, do as doubters do." – jqt –                   haiti, rwanda, cuba, bosnia, … we have a list,              where is our schindler?

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What is a Master Angler? Who qualifies? How do you qualify? [much good stuff deleted] Here are some definitions I made up just now: beginner: the trout often makes a fool out of him novice: once in a while he catches a trout, but has no idea why intermediate: the trout sometimes don’t even know he is there expert: can catch trout when others can only catch a cold master: able to predict the strike precisely, even before it happens

Being me, I’d say: Beginner:  "Well, I thought they were brown trout.  Are chubs good to eat?" Novice:  "I don’t know, I’ve never tried one." Intermediate: "Naw, they’re trash fish." Expert:  "I wouldn’t be caught dead with a chub, or lowlife fisherman that catch them. I’m out of here." Master: "I don’t know, let’s cook one up and see." Steve

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What is a Master Angler? Who qualifies? How do you qualify? I have fished with some Master Anglers. They are those guys that never brag and always catch something when it is really tough. This isn’t always correct.  The master anglers I know brag, but in a sneaky way.   Master Angler (MA):  Nice day out, how you doing? Average Angler(AA):  Oh, really well, I got 4 fish.  How bout you? MA: I guess I did ok. AA: how many fish did you catch? MA: Oh, somewhere around 20. It’s the humbling factor.  Of course the Master angler actually has caught that many. carl

 Don’t take that for granted Carl, usually people who still take an exact tally at the end of the day/evening…really haven’t *gotten it* yet. tight_lines, steve d.

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[text deleted] Taken from the pages of Master Angler . . . .

Phew ! Glad that wasn’t written by a bait fisherman ! TimW

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What is a Master Angler? Who qualifies? How do you qualify?

I have fished with some Master Anglers. They are those guys that never brag and always catch something when it is really tough. Everyone can improve their fishing skills, but most of us will never get to that level. In the last thirty years I have fished with or near some great fly fisherman. Many of us are good anglers, but there is only a handful of great ones. Many of the best are only know locally for their great skill and will not be writen about in magazine articles.  There are also some great anglers that don’t fly fish. William Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA

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What is a Master Angler? Who qualifies? How do you qualify? Much interesting stuff deleted. — Bob Sheedy

Umm, so Bob – if you fish with worms; how long before you get to be a masterbaiter? David E. Malone All opinions expressed are my own.

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Umm, so Bob – if you fish with worms; how long before you get to be a masterbaiter?

Too obvious, you should have taken the pun approach ala an earlier post. Then you could have said you saw it ‘coming’<g. Charlie…

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What is a Master Angler? Who qualifies? How do you qualify? Much interesting stuff deleted. — Bob Sheedy Umm, so Bob – if you fish with worms; how long before you get to be a masterbaiter? David E. Malone All opinions expressed are my own.

In Louisiana I’m told you need to serve 2 seasons as an apprentice, learning to bait and assisting others, another 3 seasons as a fully qualified baiter, afterwhich, and upon the unamimous consent of the Captains of the Shrimp Fleet, and by the grace of Posiedon, you can be awarded the "clenched fist (and teeth)" medal of a MASTER. This is a paraphrase of a dissertaion delivered by one Midshipman 4th Class Rollie DuCote of Gretna LA, on or about July 22nd 1970, delivered before the assembled Class of 1974, of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, N.Y., in response to a question concerning his qualifications for admission to the Academy. Rollie I hope you are listening. jg

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Question:

Hope the season is fishing well for all!  The long winter here in Minnesota is finally a memmory.  The fishing has been great.  Going to visit Mom who is now living in Nova Scotia, Canada.  How is the fly fishing there.  Mid August.  Striped bass?  Bluefish?  Salmon? Should I pack the fly gear or dust off the surf casting rig?  Any input would be great.  Any questions about Minn/ western Wisconsin? Good fishing!

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The best spot in Nova Scotia is the Margaree Valley, and they are having some trouble there. Last fall we stayed at the Big Intervale Salmon Camp, in Cape Breton Nova Scotia, and cannot say enough great things about it. Absolutely wonderful host…Bill Davison (mum is head chef), but not many bites. Bill is very knowledgeable about the situation in Nova Scotia and I would be glad to track down a number at the lodge for you…we have something around here somewhere…also check out the Saint Mary’s River area on the Eastern Shore of the province…and also what might be happening in New Brunswick… Hope the season is fishing well for all!  The long winter here in Minnesota is finally a memmory.  The fishing has been great.  Going to visit Mom who is now living in Nova Scotia, Canada.  How is the fly fishing there.  Mid August.  Striped bass?  Bluefish?  Salmon? Should I pack the fly gear or dust off the surf casting rig?  Any input would be great.  Any questions about Minn/ western Wisconsin? Good fishing!

– http://fox.nstn.ca/~bpower

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Question:

 Does anyone out there have any idea of what the results of our recent  floods in Oregon will be on game fish?  How about our Salmon and  Steelhead populations, or even native trout?    Are there other resources on the internet more specifically for  northwest fly fishing?

I’ve found Creekside Flyfishing in Salem to have one of the best web sites on Oregon flyfishing resources.  You’ll find it at         http://www.halcyon.com/flyshop

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Does anyone out there have any idea of what the results of our recent floods in Oregon will be on game fish?  How about our Salmon and Steelhead populations, or even native trout?   Are there other resources on the internet more specifically for northwest fly fishing? Loren

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Does anyone out there have any idea of what the results of our recent floods in Oregon will be on game fish?  How about our Salmon and Steelhead populations, or even native trout?  

There are several threats to consider, sedimentation being top of my list.  Lots of reds were probably flushed away too– I’ve seen small fisheries destroyed by flooding due to logging, and they never recover.   There’s also the damage to the hatcheries, but that should only affect the age class that was to be released this year (although I’ve heard that the little game Congress played with the budget forced early release, and hence death, of millions of salmon).  I suppose the damge won’t be evident until spring… — Derek R. Larson           Indiana University        Dept. of History                 "Nothing interesting occurred today…"         -Meriwether Lewis at Ft. Clatsop, Oregon, Jan.4th, 1806

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Question:

Fly Rod Wanted. I would like to purchase a used Sage SP in 3-6 wt. best price. This is not a commercial thing, I love fly fishing and want to have a nice rod (s). Thank you very much. Russ

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: Fly Rod Wanted. I would like to purchase a used Sage SP in 3-6 wt. : best price. This is not a commercial thing, I love fly fishing and want : to have a nice rod (s). Thank you very much. Russ  The Sage company, and others like it in the flyfishing industry, have a pricing strategy in place that prevents price wars on their products. To carrry thier products, you have to agree on the manufacturors set price. To answer your question, the only thing anybody will save you money on, is shipping

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Question:

I’d like to fly fish for northern pike in northwest Ontario in early to mid July.  While I have fished northern and walleye for years in this area, I am new to fly fishing.  Any ‘tricks of the trade’ would be appreciated.  I am set up with a sinking line and a popper plus a couple good size (long tail) flys.  Am I on the right track?

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I’d like to fly fish for northern pike in northwest Ontario in early to mid July.  While I have fished northern and walleye for years in this area, I am new to fly fishing.  Any ‘tricks of the trade’ would be appreciated.  I am set up with a sinking line and a popper plus a couple good size (long tail) flys.  Am I on the right track?

Sounds good so far, but you should pay some attention to your leader.  A standard tippet isn’t real effective when dealing with pike teeth. You should pick up some 30 lb. test steel line and cut off a piece about 1 ft. in length.  For a sinking leader, use 30 lb. test lead core line about 10" long (do not use much more!) remove about 2" of the core from each end.  Tie a uni-knot, same as attaching your tippet to regular fly line with the outer shell of the lead core line around the steel line, and then, tie a second uni-knot with the steel line around the lead core.  Pull the two knots together and you have your leader.  Tie the other end of the lead core line shell to the fly line with another uni-knot and tie the fly to the other end of the steel line. By the way, if you use a long piece of lead core line and manage to back-cast the line into your head (who hasn’t done this with a regular monofilament tippet), you will see Elvis or other such sites long after you come to. Good luck…fly fishing pike is really fun. — Yukon College, Academic Studies/Professional Studies Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada   Telephone (403) 668-8809

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