Question:

Here is an interesting question. Lets say you pass your checkride, but the examiner fails his. Do you have to retake your checkride? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have my IFR checkride scheduled for April 21st… To make it even more exciting my CFII talked me into taking my ride with a DE that is getting his certification for giving instrument checkrides… So not only will he be there but a representative from the FAA will be riding along critiquing him…   Has anyone else had any checkride experiences along these lines? Or, can anyone give relay some interesting checkride experiences to take the edge off my nervousness… Really the nerves haven’t hit yet and I figure that the worst thing that will happen is that I’d bust some portion and have to retake it… Holding pattern entries would be my guess… Any input would be appreciated. Thanks. Jon Kraus PP-ASEL Student-IA  (hopefully not for long)

Response:

Cecil, I don’t know that I can completely agree with you, I’ve heard the issue about hold practice, from grey haired CFI’s and regular G.A. pilots,,,, they all seem to say the same thing about holds.

Well, it’s definitely a YMMV thing.  Also, it depends when and where you fly. I know what you are saying, but realistically, how many times have have you been asked to hold at a towered airport because traffic load was so prohibitive.

Firstly, that’s just one of many scenarios for being asked/told to hold.  To answer your question, I don’t know.  Definitely more than zero, but not that often.  I’ve been asked to hold flying into Arcata, was given a hold out near Modesto, have held at Tracy for the LVK ILS 25R as well as at MARNA down near MRY.  More often though I get a ‘visual hold’ or a ‘vector hold’. There are some approaches that start with a turn in the hold – check out Napa – given direct SGD at 4000′ cleared for the approach – you basically fly the hold. Hilton

Response:

Be the plane…. be the plane… be the plane…   OK got it… Thanks…. JK – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Good luck John.  Be the plane man, be the plane…

Response:

Hi Allen, When I took my multi-engine check ride my boss was getting his DE authority also.  The FAA Inspector from Albuquerque, NM was also training two new inspectors.  There were five of us in a Piper Navajo on a July day in NM. Talk about "sweating" it out. P.S.  We all passed!

Wow that must have given the examiner(s) an opportunity to really test the single engine climb performance!  They probably all had white knuckles by the time you landed… I’m now hoping I don’t get an extra person on board the Seminole when it comes to taking the Multi addon, the performance is marginal at best! Best wishes, Richard Thomas CP-ASEL IA Student AMEL

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I don’t know that I can completely agree with you, I’ve heard the issue about hold practice, from grey haired CFI’s and regular G.A. pilots,,,, they all seem to say the same thing about holds. I know what you are saying, but realistically, how many times have have you been asked to hold at a towered airport because traffic load was so prohibitive.  I’ve only been flying since 2000, but in my personal flying I’ve only ever been asked to hold because of traffic, once!,,, EVER… Yep,,, missed approach holds,,, okay maybe there…  but I don’t think most of us are going to be flying anywhere near to minimums and will be able to make the runway just fine on the first try, since most of us are REALLY REALLY good :-.  Okay,,,  kind of kidding,,,, I know that we are supposed to handle missed approaches as if they are the norm and a landing on the first try as unexpected…. yada yada yada….

I have had scandalously few hours in the system since I passed my checkride, and I’ve had to hold on approach twice. Once approaching Arlington when the controller was trying to ensure that the predecessor, who had actually – gasp – landed, had closed. And once at Paine when the controller had, at a guess, been a little optimistic about sequencing. Surely the first problem illustrates that it’s going to be more likely to happen at an untowered field because by then you’re on advisories and off radar? It doesn’t have to be a busy hub. Remember to check if there’s a specific frequency for closing the plan at an untowered field (e.g. one local airport with ILS and scheduled airline traffic uses the CD frequency, but that’s not clearly stated on the plate). — David Brooks

Response:

My soon to be DE who flys for ATA told me he has only been told to hold 4 times in his entire career… Maybe the big boys don’t get holds as much as us little guys…  JK – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I don’t know that I can completely agree with you, I’ve heard the issue about hold practice, from grey haired CFI’s and regular G.A. pilots,,,, they all seem to say the same thing about holds. I know what you are saying, but realistically, how many times have have you been asked to hold at a towered airport because traffic load was so prohibitive.  I’ve only been flying since 2000, but in my personal flying I’ve only ever been asked to hold because of traffic, once!,,, EVER… Yep,,, missed approach holds,,, okay maybe there…  but I don’t think most of us are going to be flying anywhere near to minimums and will be able to make the runway just fine on the first try, since most of us are REALLY REALLY good :-.  Okay,,,  kind of kidding,,,, I know that we are supposed to handle missed approaches as if they are the norm and a landing on the first try as unexpected…. yada yada yada….

Response:

I don’t know that I can completely agree with you, I’ve heard the issue about hold practice, from grey haired CFI’s and regular G.A. pilots,,,, they all seem to say the same thing about holds. I know what you are saying, but realistically, how many times have have you been asked to hold at a towered airport because traffic load was so prohibitive.  I’ve only been flying since 2000, but in my personal flying I’ve only ever been asked to hold because of traffic, once!,,, EVER… Yep,,, missed approach holds,,, okay maybe there…  but I don’t think most of us are going to be flying anywhere near to minimums and will be able to make the runway just fine on the first try, since most of us are REALLY REALLY good :-.  Okay,,,  kind of kidding,,,, I know that we are supposed to handle missed approaches as if they are the norm and a landing on the first try as unexpected…. yada yada yada…. — — =—– Good Flights! Cecil PP-ASEL Student-IASEL Check out my personal flying adventures from my first flight to the checkride AND the continuing adventures beyond! Complete with pictures and text at:  www.bayareapilot.com "I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things." – Antoine de Saint-Exupery – "We who fly, do so for the love of flying.  We are alive in the air with this miracle that lies in our hands and beneath our feet" – Cecil Day Lewis – – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – experience. Hilton

Response:

Cecil, I have to admit that I am going to have to woodshed a little more on holding patterns.  Such an irony, that the very thing we will be tested on in the practical (i.e., holding patterns) represents something that we may never be asked to do in our entire flying career.

I’m sure other IFR pilots, and perhaps your CFI, have told you this – it simply is not true.  I have been given numerous holds by ATC here in the Bay Area (where you are).  Also, many approaches have a hold as part of their misssed approach.  As yourself what happens if you lose comms.  I remember hearing NorCal giving a military pilot a hold and ATC had to literally describe to the pilot how to fly it (over PYE if I remember correctly) – I was amazed. Moreover, if you go into the exercise of learning holds with the thought that you’ll never use them, you probably won’t maximize the learning experience. Hilton

Response:

Good luck John.  Be the plane man, be the plane… — Jack Allison PP-ASEL "When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the Earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return"  - Leonardo Da Vinci

Response:

Here is an interesting question. Lets say you pass your checkride, but the examiner fails his. Do you have to retake your checkride?

No.

Response:

I have my IFR checkride scheduled for April 21st… To make it even more exciting my CFII talked me into taking my ride with a DE that is getting his certification for giving instrument checkrides… So not only will he be there but a representative from the FAA will be riding along critiquing him…   Has anyone else had any checkride experiences along these lines? Or, can anyone give relay some interesting checkride experiences to take the edge off my nervousness… Really the nerves haven’t hit yet and I figure that the worst thing that will happen is that I’d bust some portion and have to retake it… Holding pattern entries would be my guess… Any input would be appreciated. Thanks. Jon Kraus PP-ASEL Student-IA  (hopefully not for long)

When I took my multi-engine check ride my boss was getting his DE authority also.  The FAA Inspector from Albuquerque, NM was also training two new inspectors.  There were five of us in a Piper Navajo on a July day in NM. Talk about "sweating" it out. You are going about it with the right attitude.  Give it the best you’ve got and you’ll do fine. P.S.  We all passed! Allen Smith

Response:

Thanks Cecil…. I expect you to finish up before me and give me some pointers.  :-)   JK – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Jon Kraus PP-ASEL Student-IA  (hopefully not for long) Have a great ride, Jon!  As is often said, your instructor wouldn’t release you for the checkride unless you were ready. I look forward to seeing your ’signature’ changing, after April 21. I have to admit that I am going to have to woodshed a little more on holding patterns.  Such an irony, that the very thing we will be tested on in the practical (i.e., holding patterns) represents something that we may never be asked to do in our entire flying career.  I think I have the pattern entry process, down, though (OnTop has helped me quite a lot with conceptualizing the entries).  Though occasionally I’ve done the ‘wrong’ entry, so to speak, during moments of IFR training induced ‘brain-fog’ As for the nervousness,,, I don’t know what to tell you other than to do something relaxing the day before (unrelated to flying).  If you can,, take the day off and take in a good matinee at the movies (with an extra helping of popcorn and root beer <g) or if you fish, take in a day of fishing. You’ll be fine, come April 21! Look forward to your post-checkride story,,,, really, you’re going to find that you will do just fine!

Response:

Jon Kraus PP-ASEL Student-IA  (hopefully not for long)

Have a great ride, Jon!  As is often said, your instructor wouldn’t release you for the checkride unless you were ready. I look forward to seeing your ’signature’ changing, after April 21. I have to admit that I am going to have to woodshed a little more on holding patterns.  Such an irony, that the very thing we will be tested on in the practical (i.e., holding patterns) represents something that we may never be asked to do in our entire flying career.  I think I have the pattern entry process, down, though (OnTop has helped me quite a lot with conceptualizing the entries).  Though occasionally I’ve done the ‘wrong’ entry, so to speak, during moments of IFR training induced ‘brain-fog’ As for the nervousness,,, I don’t know what to tell you other than to do something relaxing the day before (unrelated to flying).  If you can,, take the day off and take in a good matinee at the movies (with an extra helping of popcorn and root beer <g) or if you fish, take in a day of fishing. You’ll be fine, come April 21! Look forward to your post-checkride story,,,, really, you’re going to find that you will do just fine! — — =—– Good Flights! Cecil PP-ASEL Student-IASEL Check out my personal flying adventures from my first flight to the checkride AND the continuing adventures beyond! Complete with pictures and text at:  www.bayareapilot.com "I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things." – Antoine de Saint-Exupery – "We who fly, do so for the love of flying.  We are alive in the air with this miracle that lies in our hands and beneath our feet" – Cecil Day Lewis – – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Or, can anyone give relay some interesting checkride experiences to take the edge off my nervousness…

It was November 2001.  The WTC wreckage was still strewn across lower Manhattan and the Pentagon construction crews were starting their own herculean rebuilding effort while many citizens were still wary of aircraft sounds in the skies.  The Powers That Be had just recently implemented the DC ADIZ and all the local pilots were well aware that the circular contrails above the city were created by aircraft not displaying civilian livery. I scheduled my checkride to fly out of Frederick, MD (KFDK) but that meant I had to get my plane from Leesburg, VA (KJYO) to FDK.  At the time of my checkride, all flights in the ADIZ had to be on IFR plans so I had to convince my instructor to tag along so we could fly IFR on his ticket. We get to FDK without incident, meet the DE and she begins reviewing the documentation.  Aircraft logs check out OK and she reviews my logbook.  "So you flew to Elizabeth City, NC for your long XC?"  Yes.  "I don’t see an instructor sign-off."  Uh-oh. I had gotten an interpretation from AOPA that an instructor was not required for that flight.  They were wrong.  As the DE put it, "You should have asked the FAA."  OK, what are my options?  It turned out that her afternoon appointment had cancelled (perhaps due to ADIZ restrictions) and she was willing to give me the checkride in the afternoon *IF* I could get the long XC done that day. I call the office and let them know I need to take the rest of the day off and they graciously agreed.  Meanwhile, my instructor (who I begged to check) also was able to get the day off from his day job. We planned and flew a XC from FDK to Hot Springs, VA (KHSP) – a very cool mountain-top airport for those interested – with a secondary stop at Shenandoah (KSHD).  While waiting for fuel at SHD, I called and confirmed with the DE that we would be back in FDK that day, but that daylight would be fast receding by the time we got there.  She normally doesn’t conduct checkrides at night, but she suggested I get back to FDK as quickly as possible. We kept the squirrels under the cowl of the 172 running as fast as the whip could get them and we arrived back at FDK with about 25 minutes of daylight left.  My instructor signed off the logbook and the DE began the oral portion of the checkride. Everything went well and we went to the plane where I performed the pre-flight by flashlight.  Luckily, I was still night current and we took off for the practical test. We went through the usual assortment of tasks – steep turns, DME arc, VOR approach, tracking radials, etc. – and ended up shooting the ILS back to FDK.  She let me know that I’d "broken out" and could remove the hood and proceeded to inform me that as long as I could land and park the plane, I’d received my instrument rating.  Even with that added pressure, I was able to fly a near-perfect glideslope followed by a chirp-chirp…chirp landing that any instructor would be proud of. We went inside where the DE filled out my temporary certificate and I filed my very first IFR plan where I was to be PIC – just to get home to JYO. After all was said and done, I performed the first pre-flight of the day before 8am and tied down after 7pm.  In between, I logged 1.1 hours for the trip to/from JYO-FDK, 4.1 hours for the long XC, and another 1.3 for the practical test (6.5 hours of flight time) on top of the oral exam. It was a long day. Let this be a lesson for all:  Take your instructor on the long XC flight! Really the nerves haven’t hit yet and I figure that the worst thing that will happen is that I’d bust some portion and have to retake it… Holding pattern entries would be my guess…

Good attitude.  Try to stay calm.  Remember that your instructor wouldn’t send you up (hopefully) unless he thought you were ready. — John T http://tknowlogy.com/TknoFlyer http://www.pocketgear.com/products_search.asp?developerid=4415

Response:

Or, can anyone give relay some interesting checkride experiences to take the edge off my nervousness…

My instrument checkride was not atypical so I don’t have any over-the-top experiences to offer.  I did, however, forget the acronym MEA when the DE pointed to it on the en route chart and asked what the number represented.   After he answered his own question, I apologized for the legitimate brain fart.  This DE is also a CFII (not mine) and a very easy person with whom to converse, so overall the test was very comfortable for me.   However, in regards to the nervousness, I have two suggestions.  The first is to really enjoy and interact with the DE during the oral exam.  Ask him about his experiences.  Take the opportunity to let him/her teach you, as well as the more obvious part about him/her testing you.   The more you informally interact with him/her, the more you should realize that he is just a more experienced pilot who wants to be sure you will be a safe pilot, especially with a rating that can be inherently more lethal. Secondly, I found it reassuring that I absolutely did not want to pass the instrument checkride if I was not a safe instrument pilot.  I am not on any fast track to some airline job, so slamming out ratings like the passing of   mile markers on a super highway was not my goal.  Carrying my precious cargo of my wife and two little boys as safely as possible was (and is still) my goal.  This may be obvious, but the point of passing is not to pass, but to demonstrate some level of proficiency. With that in mind, I gave the DE a quick speech at the beginning of my oral exam stating that I expected him to withhold the rating if I was not safe in his eyes.  By doing this, I accomplished two things.  First, it relaxed me because it reminded me of the real purpose of the checkride.  Secondly, it demonstrated to the DE what my sincere goal was if I did pass the checkride. Remember that your CFII would not have endorsed your logbook if s/he felt you were not ready.  Fly like it is your CFII in the right seat, and you should do very well.   Looking forward to reading your post-instrument checkride report. — Peter —-== Posted via Newsfeed.Com – Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==—- http://www.newsfeed.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 100,000 Newsgroups —= 19 East/West-Coast Specialized Servers – Total Privacy via Encryption =—

Response:

I have my IFR checkride scheduled for April 21st… To make it even more exciting my CFII talked me into taking my ride with a DE that is getting his certification for giving instrument checkrides… So not only will he be there but a representative from the FAA will be riding along critiquing him…   Has anyone else had any checkride experiences along these lines? Or, can anyone give relay some interesting checkride experiences to take the edge off my nervousness… Really the nerves haven’t hit yet and I figure that the worst thing that will happen is that I’d bust some portion and have to retake it… Holding pattern entries would be my guess… Any input would be appreciated. Thanks. Jon Kraus PP-ASEL Student-IA  (hopefully not for long)

Response:

Question:

My joke was that "when you own your own business, they can’t tell you when to go home, you can work all night". Actually, having your own business can be a great life if you enjoy the good parts of it. Some people are so talented that they can have a business ( or two) and it is no big deal for them, that is not me. If someone out there is thinking of starting their own business, just be sure first and do some research, but don’t get scared off. — Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento, CA, USA www.kiene.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Tim & Bill, A fellow who owned his own business told me that there was both bad and good involved.  You only had to work half days, but you could choose which 12 hours you wanted to be in.  He also mentioned that most self employed folks have a prick for a boss. Crusty You were caught . . . being smart. How long have you owned the store? How long was it after you started the biz before you finally  got the store and staff in the shape required to allow you could take a few days off? I’ll bet you’ve paid more than enough dues to earn a few days off here and there. I watched my father-in-law work 7 days a week for a long time in his own business before he was able to leave it for a day or two once in a while. Then, when times got tough again, he had to step right back into the 7 day a week routine again. Bill, take the rest of the day off — you earned it! Tim — Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento, CA, USA www.kiene.com You would need to have some money and  realize that you are going to put in some very long hours. Not a good job for someone who likes to fly fish. This job is not about going fly fishing all the time. Well Bill, let me see…How many times have I driven/flown from the Portland Oregon area to Sacramento?  By golly, I believe it has been 6 in the last 2 years.  How many times have I stopped into your fly shop to meet you? By golly, I believe it has been 6.  How many times have you been in? My math’s not good, what is 6 minus 6?  :) Crusty

Response:

Tim & Bill, A fellow who owned his own business told me that there was both bad and good involved.  You only had to work half days, but you could choose which 12 hours you wanted to be in.  He also mentioned that most self employed folks have a prick for a boss. Crusty

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You were caught . . . being smart. How long have you owned the store? How long was it after you started the biz before you finally  got the store and staff in the shape required to allow you could take a few days off? I’ll bet you’ve paid more than enough dues to earn a few days off here and there. I watched my father-in-law work 7 days a week for a long time in his own business before he was able to leave it for a day or two once in a while. Then, when times got tough again, he had to step right back into the 7 day a week routine again. Bill, take the rest of the day off — you earned it! Tim — Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento, CA, USA www.kiene.com You would need to have some money and  realize that you are going to put in some very long hours. Not a good job for someone who likes to fly fish. This job is not about going fly fishing all the time. Well Bill, let me see…How many times have I driven/flown from the Portland Oregon area to Sacramento?  By golly, I believe it has been 6 in the last 2 years.  How many times have I stopped into your fly shop to meet you? By golly, I believe it has been 6.  How many times have you been in?  My math’s not good, what is 6 minus 6?  :) Crusty

Response:

You were caught . . . being smart. How long have you owned the store? How long was it after you started the biz before you finally  got the store and staff in the shape required to allow you could take a few days off? I’ll bet you’ve paid more than enough dues to earn a few days off here and there. I watched my father-in-law work 7 days a week for a long time in his own business before he was able to leave it for a day or two once in a while. Then, when times got tough again, he had to step right back into the 7 day a week routine again. Bill, take the rest of the day off — you earned it! Tim

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – — Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento, CA, USA www.kiene.com You would need to have some money and  realize that you are going to put in some very long hours. Not a good job for someone who likes to fly fish. This job is not about going fly fishing all the time. Well Bill, let me see…How many times have I driven/flown from the Portland Oregon area to Sacramento?  By golly, I believe it has been 6 in the last 2 years.  How many times have I stopped into your fly shop to meet you? By golly, I believe it has been 6.  How many times have you been in?  My math’s not good, what is 6 minus 6?  :) Crusty

Response:

Greg, If I’m not mistaken, the Yankee Flyshop was the scene of a tragedy last August when an employee shot to death the shop’s owner.  I remember hearing about this when it happened- I think the employee even lived in the apartment above the store. Dave

Response:

— Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento, CA, USA www.kiene.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You would need to have some money and  realize that you are going to put in some very long hours. Not a good job for someone who likes to fly fish. This job is not about going fly fishing all the time. Well Bill, let me see…How many times have I driven/flown from the Portland Oregon area to Sacramento?  By golly, I believe it has been 6 in the last 2 years.  How many times have I stopped into your fly shop to meet you?  By golly, I believe it has been 6.  How many times have you been in?  My math’s not good, what is 6 minus 6?  :) Crusty

Response:

"Fortenberry Fly Fishing Shoppe"

Hey, Wayno and I could probably commit  a couple of hundred bucks to the project – in lieu of betting with Forty on Illinois games.  Sumbitch psychs me out every time.  <g   Harry How ’bout some Scotch on next fall?  Oskii wa wa!!

Response:

You would need to have some money and  realize that you are going to put in some very long hours. Not a good job for someone who likes to fly fish. This job is not about going fly fishing all the time.

Well Bill, let me see…How many times have I driven/flown from the Portland Oregon area to Sacramento?  By golly, I believe it has been 6 in the last 2 years.  How many times have I stopped into your fly shop to meet you?  By golly, I believe it has been 6.  How many times have you been in?  My math’s not good, what is 6 minus 6?  :) Crusty

Response:

  Posted By: yankeeflyshop Wednesday, April 3, 2002 at 07:07:47 Remote Address: 152.163.194.186 Body of Message: Established Fly Shop in Pulaski,NY on the salmon river for sale.Building includes 2 store fronts 1 side terminal tackle and 1 side fly shop.Both fully stocked –Turn Key operation –2 apartments upstairs 1 2 bedroom and 1 one bedroom.terminal tackle side acn be shut down and rented for 400 a month and 2 bedroom could be rented for 375-400 per month.Run a fly shop with high sales and live upstairs.Asking 145K –Negotiable –Serious inquires Only

FORTENBERRY!!  This is for you!  PERFECT! Okay guys, who’s going to finance him on this project? Is that you LaCourse? Yah.  Sure. George Gehrke  Voting for: "Fortenberry Fly Fishing Shoppe"

Response:

If you like to fly fish, don’t get your own small business.

Never a truer word spoken, Bill! Tight Lines, Tony Deacon

Response:

Not a good job for someone who likes to fly fish. This job is not about going fly fishing all the time.

It helps a great deal to be married to an organizational genius. This is a job for someone that enjoys helping others and talking about fly fishing a lot. This job is taking care of the needs of those who have it figured out well enough so they can go fly fishing. If you like to fly fish, don’t get your own small business.

You seem to have done rather well with it, Bill. You flyfish more, in more exotic locations, than anyone else I know. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

Hi All, I guess this is a destination fly shop? For the right person/persons this could be a great life. If it included a retail buildings, inventory, fixtures and living space it sounds interesting. You would need to have some money and  realize that you are going to put in some very long hours. Not a good job for someone who likes to fly fish. This job is not about going fly fishing all the time. This is a job for someone that enjoys helping others and talking about fly fishing a lot. This job is taking care of the needs of those who have it figured out well enough so they can go fly fishing. If you like to fly fish, don’t get your own small business. — Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento, CA, USA www.kiene.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  Someone recently posted questions about starting up  a fly shop.  The following was on the "Steelhead Site" Posted By: yankeeflyshop Wednesday, April 3, 2002 at 07:07:47 Remote Address: 152.163.194.186 Body of Message: Established Fly Shop in Pulaski,NY on the salmon river for sale.Building includes 2 store fronts 1 side terminal tackle and 1 side fly shop.Both fully stocked –Turn Key operation –2 apartments upstairs 1 2 bedroom and 1 one bedroom.terminal tackle side acn be shut down and rented for 400 a month and 2 bedroom could be rented for 375-400 per month.Run a fly shop with high sales and live upstairs.Asking 145K –Negotiable –Serious inquires Only

Response:

Question:

If I were the judge I’ld dismiss the first three and sentence you to tying two dozen EHK dry flies and one years probation on 4, 5 and 6. Paul

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Gentlemen, It has been brought to my attention that I may have commited numerous and severe crimes against the sport of fly fishing during my attendance at the Maine Clave. In my current state of poor health I have little recollection of the events of last week (although I hope in due time that my memory will unfade) so I cannot confirm nor deny these allegations. However, it seems that I have been charged with using the following: (1) a plastic fly rod (2) a disc drag fly reel (3) a landing net (4) one–sometimes even two–foam strike indicators (5) one–sometimes even two–splitshot (6) one–sometimes even two–nymphs, beadhead no less As I have no memory of these heinous alleged indescretions, I plan to plead an "I-have-no-recollection-of-that-incident-your-honor" defense. However, just because that line of defense has worked wonderfully for U.S. Presidents past and present does give me confidence. Therefore, gentlemen, I ask you to please, *please* stand up in my defense and deny these ugly charges. yr obt svt –Steve

Response:

Gentlemen, It has been brought to my attention that I may have commited numerous and severe crimes against the sport of fly fishing during my attendance at the Maine Clave.

        let’s just say the dynamite cap incident will remain "our little secret"… wayno

Response:

I wasn’t even there and want to go on record as stating you’re likely guilty as hell.  I want a special procecutor appointed!  Reno?! — Wayne To fish is human….To release Divine! Before you buy.

Response:

Steve Zimmerman writes: (1) a plastic fly rod (2) a disc drag fly reel (3) a landing net (4) one–sometimes even two–foam strike indicators (5) one–sometimes even two–splitshot (6) one–sometimes even two–nymphs, beadhead no less

 (1) I saw a wooden fly rod and a graphite one also.  No plastic. (2)  Drag reels are fine. (3)  Landing nets are fine as long as it has the net like you used.  The nylon rope ones you see in Wally World suck. (4)  Nothing wrong with using a strike indicator. (5)  Try to keep it to one split shot.  It works better. (6)  If you know what nymph to use, you don’t need two.  I told you what nymph to use.  Case closed!  <g Dave

Response:

Paul Goodwin writes: If I were the judge I’ld dismiss the first three and sentence you to tying two dozen EHK dry flies and one years probation on 4, 5 and 6.

ROFLMAO.  I seem to remember you with two of those sticky foam strike indicators, a giant grasshopper (also a strike indicator), and two of the biggest and uggliest weighted nymphs I’ve ever seen. <g Dave LaCourse

Response:

I tried nymphing but I didn’t inhale.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Paul Goodwin writes: If I were the judge I’ld dismiss the first three and sentence you to tying two dozen EHK dry flies and one years probation on 4, 5 and 6. ROFLMAO.  I seem to remember you with two of those sticky foam strike indicators, a giant grasshopper (also a strike indicator), and two of the biggest and uggliest weighted nymphs I’ve ever seen. <g Dave LaCourse

Response:

I tried nymphing but I didn’t inhale.

neither did any of the fish.  :) Peter

Response:

[allegations snipped] – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -(1) a plastic fly rod (2) a disc drag fly reel (3) a landing net (4) one–sometimes even two–foam strike indicators (5) one–sometimes even two–splitshot (6) one–sometimes even two–nymphs, beadhead no less Therefore, gentlemen, I ask you to please, *please* stand up in my defense and deny these ugly charges. yr obt svt –Steve

I am willing to stand as a character reference for you however you should be warned that should you ever travel to Canada, this list of charges will no doubt result in you being assigned to the "dangerous offender" category and the sentence will probably be life – nymphing first current for suckers. (ask Louie for help – he’s good at it.) Peter

Response:

Peter Charles: I am willing to stand as a character reference for you however you should be warned that should you ever travel to Canada, this list of charges will no doubt result in you being assigned to the "dangerous offender" category and the sentence will probably be life – nymphing first current for suckers. (ask Louie for help – he’s good at it.) Peter

LOL.  That is the first one I have caught in any of the currents.  They are quite prevalent in wing dam pool.  They must move down the currents preparing to go into pondy for the winter. Louie

Response:

Gentlemen, It has been brought to my attention that I may have commited numerous and severe crimes against the sport of fly fishing during my attendance at the Maine Clave. In my current state of poor health I have little recollection of the events of last week (although I hope in due time that my memory will unfade) so I cannot confirm nor deny these allegations. However, it seems that I have been charged with using the following: (1) a plastic fly rod (2) a disc drag fly reel (3) a landing net (4) one–sometimes even two–foam strike indicators (5) one–sometimes even two–splitshot (6) one–sometimes even two–nymphs, beadhead no less As I have no memory of these heinous alleged indescretions, I plan to plead an "I-have-no-recollection-of-that-incident-your-honor" defense. However, just because that line of defense has worked wonderfully for U.S. Presidents past and present does give me confidence. Therefore, gentlemen, I ask you to please, *please* stand up in my defense and deny these ugly charges. yr obt svt –Steve

Response:

Question:

There are none because females don’t masturbate.  Duh!

+ I was watching, THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY last night and I heard a lot of + different slang for male masterbation.  But I couldn’t think of any for + female masterbation.  Anyone know any?  I guess it doesn’t come up in + conversation that often…

Response:

I was watching, THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY last night and I heard a lot of different slang for male masterbation.  But I couldn’t think of any for female masterbation.  Anyone know any?  I guess it doesn’t come up in conversation that often…

Response:

I was watching, THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY last night and I heard a lot of different slang for male masterbation.  But I couldn’t think of any for female masterbation.  Anyone know any?  I guess it doesn’t come up in conversation that often…

    hmmm, well i never really thought of the terms as gender specific.  but you’re right, i can’t think of any either. mouse – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

There are none because females don’t masturbate.  Duh!

    um.   this one does mouse – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – + I was watching, THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY last night and I heard a lot of + different slang for male masterbation.  But I couldn’t think of any for + female masterbation.  Anyone know any?  I guess it doesn’t come up in + conversation that often…

Response:

in the uk there’s quite a common gesture that people do (often leaning out of a car window) as an alternative to giving the finger. you form a circle with your thumb and index finger and then shake it up and down, usually while shouting, "WAAANKAAHHH!!!". i wonder, if it’s a woman in a car who cuts you up, whether you should just shake your hand in a rubbing motion instead? pete – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was watching, THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY last night and I heard a lot of different slang for male masterbation.  But I couldn’t think of any for female masterbation.  Anyone know any?  I guess it doesn’t come up in conversation that often…

Response:

Sure we don’t, yeah right, I believe that.  :-) One slang term I have heard for it, (even though we don’t do that), is diddle. Not telling, Cindy Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

Response:

Nope… seems to be pretty much the word "masturbation"..although i have heard the term "lube job" before ~Crys* – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was watching, THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY last night and I heard a lot of different slang for male masterbation.  But I couldn’t think of any for female masterbation.  Anyone know any?  I guess it doesn’t come up in conversation that often…

Response:

I was watching, THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY last night and I heard a lot of different slang for male masterbation.  But I couldn’t think of any for female masterbation.  Anyone know any?  I guess it doesn’t come up in conversation that often…

"Giving it laldy" is one I know…. Brian. /~~ The Depressed Nudist ~~

Response:

yup.. same here  :) ~Crys* – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – There are none because females don’t masturbate.  Duh!     um.   this one does mouse + I was watching, THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY last night and I heard a lot of + different slang for male masterbation.  But I couldn’t think of any for + female masterbation.  Anyone know any?  I guess it doesn’t come up in + conversation that often…

Response:

oh. oops. I must have missed the memo. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – There are none because females don’t masturbate.  Duh! + I was watching, THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY last night and I heard a lot of + different slang for male masterbation.  But I couldn’t think of any for + female masterbation.  Anyone know any?  I guess it doesn’t come up in + conversation that often…

Response:

yeah that was my reaction when I first heard it… *winks* LOL Crys* – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – lol !!! judith Nope… seems to be pretty much the word "masturbation"..although i have heard the term "lube job" before ~Crys* I was watching, THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY last night and I heard a lot of different slang for male masterbation.  But I couldn’t think of any for female masterbation.  Anyone know any?  I guess it doesn’t come up in conversation that often…

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was watching, THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY last night and I heard a lot of different slang for male masterbation.  But I couldn’t think of any for female masterbation.  Anyone know any?  I guess it doesn’t come up in conversation that often… p/e Synonyms for Masturbation For women: Applying lip gloss Basting the tuna Brushing the beaver Burying the knuckle Butterin’ the muffin Checking my oil Checking the foxhole Checking the status of the I/O port Circling the knoll Cleaning my fur coat Cleaning your fingers Creamin’ the pie Digging for my keys Digitating Doing my nails Doing something for my chapped lips Doing the Two Finger Slot Rumba Drinking from the fountain of youth (for us contortionists) Drooling Dusting the endtable Entering the ring of fire Fare un ditolino (Italian: to do a little finger) Finger blasting Finger fuck Finger pie Flicking the bean Flossing the cat Frigging Getting a stain out of my carpet Going Mining Gusset typing Hula-hooping Itching the ditch JocelynEldering Killing off Licking my lips (for us contortionists) Looking for Waldo & his dog (gee, spot, there you are!) Makin’ waves for the man-in-the-boat Making soup Nulling the void Paddling the pink canoe Parting the red sea Petting Snoopy Playing solitare Playing The Silent Trombone Playing the beaver Pokin’ the pucker Polishing the wedding ring Preheating the oven Producing whore moans (hormones, get it? ;^) Pussy poking Riding the waterslide Rolling the dough Rubbin’ the nubbin Scratching the patch Secret vice Shooting hoops Shooting the rapids Slapping the Mackerel Snatching Soaking in Palmolive Spelunking Stiffening my upper lip Stirring it up Stoking the furnace Strumming the banjo Surfin’ the channel Taking a dip The two fingered tango Tickling the taco Toggling the bit Unclogging the drain Visiting Niagra Falls Visiting your safety deposit box Whipping your nest Working in the garden for Men: A big date with Rosy Palms Adjusting your set Applying the hand brake Attacking the one-eyed purple-headed warrior Auditioning the finger puppets Auditioning your hand puppet Backstroke roulette Bashing the Bishop Bashing the candle Beating off Beating the balogna Beating the bed flute Beating the Bishop Beating the dummy Beating the old man Beating the pud Beating the stick Beating your meat Beef-stroke-it-off Being a virtuoso of the skin flute Being your own best friend Biffing off Bleed the weed Blowing the load Blowing your own horn Bludgeoning the beefsteak Bobbing your boloney Bopping Richard Bopping the bishop Bopping the bolgney Bopping the Bonzo Boxing the bald champ Boxing the clown Boxing the jesuit and getting cockroaches Boxing with Richard Buffin’ the bishop Buffing the banana Buffing the rifle Buggering your hand Burping the baby Burping the worm Buttering the corn Caning the vandal Capturing the bishop Charming the snake Checking for testicular cancer Cheesing off Choking Kojak Choking the bald guy until he pukes Choking the chicken Choking the sheriff and waiting for the posse to come Churning your butter Clamping the pipe Cleaning your rifle Clearing the snorkel Climbin the tree Climbing Mount Baldy Clobbering the Kleenex Closet Frisbee Clubbing the clam Coating Prince William Sound with love oil Coming into your own Coming to grips with yourself Cooking the cream of cock Corralling the tadpoles Couch hockey for one Cranking the love pump Cranking the monkey Cranking the shank Crimping the wire Crowning the king Cuddlin’ the Kielbasa Cuffing the carrot Dancing with Johnnie One-Eye Dating Miss Michigan (think geography) Dating Rosie Palm and her five sisters Decongesting the weasel Defrosting the fridge Diddling Digging for change Digitally oscillating one’s penis Doin’ The Solitary Rhumba Doing a hand job Doing battle with the Purple Helmeted Warrior of Love Doing handiwork Doing It Your Way Doing the five-knuckle shuffle Doing the human version of AUTOEXEC.BAT Doing the janitor thing Doing the knuckle shuffle on the ol’ piss pump Doing the pork sword jiggle Doing the White Knuckler Doing your own thing Downing at the club (for members only) Draining the monster Draining the poisons from the building Driving the skin bus Dry humping the ottoman Dundering the devil-dolphin Electing the president Engaging in safe sex Escorting the one-eyed postal worker out of its denim cell Faxing Jimmy Dean Faxing the Pope Feeding the ducks Firing the flesh musket Firing the Surgeon General Fishing for zipper trout Fist fucking Fisting your mister Five-finger solo Five-knuckle-shuffle on the old piss pump Five on one Flick on over the thumb Flapping Takkie (South African) Flaying the Emperor Flicking the bic Flipping the Bishop Flogging the bishop Flogging the dog Flogging the dolphin Flogging the dong Flogging the frog Flogging the hog Flogging the log Flogging the mule Flogging the salami Flogging your dumber brother Flute solo Fly fishing Fondling the fig Freeing Willy Friggit Frosting the pastries Galloping the antelope Galloping the old lizard Genitalic stimulation via phallengetic motion Getting a date with Slick Mittens Getting a grip on things Getting a stiffy Getting chafed Getting off Getting the German soldier marching Getting the glue stick Getting to know yourself Getting your palm read by Mister Softee Getting your palm red Getting your pole varnished Giving it a tug Giving yourself a low five Glazing the donut Gluing the lady’s eye’s shut Going a couple of rounds with ol’ josh Going blind Going on a date with Handrea and Palmela Going on a date with Rosey Palm and the five daughters Going on Peewee’s little adventure Going the blow Grappling the gorilla Greasing the pipe Gripping the pencil Hacking the hog Han Solo Hand job Hand Shandy Handy work Hanging the old man Hard labor Having a ball Having a conversation with the one-eyed trouser snake Having a date with Fisty Palmer Having a date with Rosie Palm and her five sisters Having a ham shank Having a J. Arthur (British special, after J. Arthur Rank, it’s rhyming slang) Having a one-night-stand with yourself Having a Sherman (British) Having a tug Having a tug-of-war with the cyclops Having an arm-wrestle with your one-eyed vessel Having dinner Having it off Having sex with someone you love Hitchhiking to heaven Hitchhiking underneath the big top Holding my own Holding the sausage hostage Honing the cone Hugging the hog Humping the hose Ironing some wrinkles Jack hammering Jacking off Jazzing yourself Jerkin’ the gherkin Jerking Jamby Jerking off Jerking the turkey Jerking yanking daisy-chaining Jizzlobbing Juggling the coullions Just jerkin’ it Kicking seamen Kicking your roommate out for five to ten minutes to "call your parents" Killing it Kneading my knockwurst. Knuckle shuffle on the ol’ piss pump Knuckling the bone La veuve poignet (French) Launching the hand shuttle Looking for ticks Loping the mule Loves labors lost Loving the muppet Lubing the Tube Making a foreskin cone Making friends with Big Ed Making instant pudding Making the bald man puke Making the scene with the magazine Making vanilla jism shakes Making yourself at home Mangling the midget Manipulating the mango Manning the cockpit Manual labor Manual override Master bacon Meeting Mary Palm and her five sisters Meeting Rosie Hancock Meeting with Mother Thumb and her four daughters Milking one’s self Milking the bull Milking the cow Milking the lizard Milking the moose Milking the weasel Minding my own business Molesting the mole Mounting a corporal and four Much goo about nothing My sex life! Nerking your throbber Oiling the glove Onan’s Olympics Onanism One gun salute One man show One off the wrist Packing your palm Paddling the pickle Painting the ceiling Painting the pickle Painting the walls Palming the calm Peelin’ some chiles Peeling the banana Peeling the carrot Performing a self-test Performing diagnostics on your ManTool Perling the oyster Petting the lizard Phoning the czar Pipping the pumpkin Playing a little five-on-one Playing a one-stringed guitar Playing in a one-man show Playing Peek-A-Boo With Mr. Johnson Playing peekaboo Playing pocket pinball Playing pocket pool Playing tag with the pink torpedo Playing the flesh flute Playing the one-stringed melody Playing the skin flute Playing tug-o-war with the cyclops Playing Uno Playing with the spitting llama Playing with your turtle (for uncircumcised guys?) Pleasing your pisser Plunking your twanger Pocket pinball Pocket pool Pole vaulting Polishing Percy in your palm Polishing the beak Polishing the family jewels Polishing the helmet Polishing the rocket Polishing the sword Popping a nut Popping the cork Pounding off Pounding the bald-headed moose Pounding the pud Pounding your flounder Preparing the carrot Priming the pump Pud wrestling Pulling off Pulling rank Pulling the bologna pony Pulling the carrot Pulling the Colonel Sanders Heimleich Manuever

… read more »

Response:

I was watching, THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY last night and I heard a lot of different slang for male masterbation.  But I couldn’t think of any for female masterbation.  Anyone know any?  I guess it doesn’t come up in conversation that often…

I heard "jilling off", but that can’t be right, right?  Because women don’t do that…  ;-) Before you buy.

Response:

I prefer the term "self-love!" Jane – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was watching, THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY last night and I heard a lot of different slang for male masterbation.  But I couldn’t think of any for female masterbation.  Anyone know any?  I guess it doesn’t come up in conversation that often… That has never occured to me.  I can’t think of a single slang term for it.  Strange. Perhaps it is a cultural thing.  Western world women aren’t supposed to enjoy themselves. Okay, let’s invent some. 1: Massaging the muffin. 2: Tickling the taco. 3: Petting the beaver. Come to think of it, the problem may be the lack of "nice" slang words for the female anatomy.

Response:

Gosh I hope you’re kidding!!!  Research shows that women who masturbate are much more sexually satisfied when they have sex with a partner.  They are more orgasmic and speak up for their wants and needs more. Jane, who’s very sexually satisfied….hehehe. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – There are none because females don’t masturbate.  Duh! + I was watching, THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY last night and I heard a lot of + different slang for male masterbation.  But I couldn’t think of any for + female masterbation.  Anyone know any?  I guess it doesn’t come up in + conversation that often…

Response:

I was watching, THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY last night and I heard a lot of different slang for male masterbation.  But I couldn’t think of any for female masterbation.  Anyone know any?  I guess it doesn’t come up in conversation that often…

A couple more I’ve heard are: Jilling off Gettin’ a BUZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz (equipment dependent) Parting the Red Sea

Response:

the only thing i can think of even tho its not slang for it is mind numbingly beutifull – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sure we don’t, yeah right, I believe that.  :-) One slang term I have heard for it, (even though we don’t do that), is diddle. Not telling, Cindy Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

Response:

I was watching, THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY last night and I heard a lot of different slang for male masterbation.  But I couldn’t think of any for female masterbation.  Anyone know any?  I guess it doesn’t come up in conversation that often…

Come ON people, SEARCH ENGINES!!!!  Here ya go, the first thing that came up when I asked Google for "euphemisms for female masturbation".  Enjoy! http://www2.hawaii.edu/~namara/jokes/master2.htm Johanna

Response:

Geeeeez….  Now look what you ladies did to me.  I’ve got these images in my head now… Note to self: pick up baby oil on the way home.

    spit is cheaper mouse

Response:

yup.. same here  :) ~Crys* There are none because females don’t masturbate.  Duh!     um.   this one does mouse

A real hotbed of activity… How does anyone ever get anything done in the world.

Response:

Hi Eye… I also recall hearing of a study that found women to be far more likely than men to masturbate while driving.  Actually it makes sense because it is much easier for women to do so (no need to pull anything out).

Searching for alt.binaries.female-masturbation.car send photo’s if you have them!

Response:

I’ll have to comment on this after emergency surgery… my gut is How about ‘diddling’? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – There are none because females don’t masturbate.  Duh! + I was watching, THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY last night and I heard a lot of + different slang for male masterbation.  But I couldn’t think of any for + female masterbation.  Anyone know any?  I guess it doesn’t come up in + conversation that often…

Response:

I was watching, THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY last night and I heard a lot of different slang for male masterbation.  But I couldn’t think of any for female masterbation.  Anyone know any?  I guess it doesn’t come up in conversation that often…

Cindy Lou, Somewhere down the road, I heard someone say that since guys Jack- off, then women must Jill-off….. Made sense, logically….but when it comes to sex, logic rarely applies…..:D Frank

Response:

Question:

Hello lost a 3lb+ fish in a tourney the other day, throwing a tube on 8lb test Trilene XL. Hooked into her, watched her jump once and saw the size, immediately loosened the drag, then a couple seconds later, the fish was gone. Could have been a weak spot in the line, but I am guessing the line was frayed on rocks or something else under water as the fish was running. Does anyone else use 8lb test in tourneys for spinning finesse situations, or should I go higher? How about any super lines in the same test diameter. Don’t want any more breakoffs! I also need a line with high visibility out of water and limited visibility under. Thanks to all. John

I use 4/10 FireLine for all my spinning requirements with the exception of slip bobbers.  I catch walleye and smallmouth in clear water without problem.  What I really like is when I fish the cribs and brushpiles.  The FireLine has the needed strength to pull them away from cover. —

Response:

Does anyone else use 8lb test in tourneys for spinning finesse situations, or should I go higher?

I had the same problem with XL.  Now I use 10lb XT on all my spinning gear, it’s tougher and a lot more abrasion resistant.   Chad

Response:

Thanks Graig… brought back some of my own memories!!…Now I got the tears…. Fishing Couldn’t be finer in South Caroliner! * Sent from AltaVista http://www.altavista.com Where you can also find related Web Pages, Images, Audios, Videos, News, and Shopping.  Smart is Beautiful

Response:

Craig Baugher wrote!! my buddy got too close and I hooked him in the crotch with three sets of treble hooks, and him saying "Oh God, pleaseeeee, don’t let him set the hook" Good one Craig!!! ROTFLMAO Abe Watson

Response:

Right after I bought my new 7′6" Flipping stick, I smacked myself right in the face with a two pound bass on the hook-set.  I was so shocked, I almost fell out of the boat.

Talk about rippin’ lips…wow…beats the heck out of my setting the hook to soon and having a Spittin’ Image wiz past my head. — Early to Bed, Early to Rise…    Fish all Day, Make up Lies    Shawn

Response:

Been There. . . Done That! The best was when I was fishing with a friend in a small 16′ tracker.  I was using a 7′ rod trying to skip a jerkbait under overhanging brush when my buddy got too close and I hooked him in the crotch with three sets of treble hooks, and him saying "Oh God, pleaseeeee, don’t let him set the hook" (I’m crying thinking about it).  You would’ve had to been there and seeing the look on his face, his stance, and him going "I’m afraid to move, Oh God, I’m afraid to move!  I know those hooks are as sharp as a razor blade!".  I was laughing so hard and he just standing there blabbing away.  "What are you laughing at! I can feel the points on those hooks in places they’re not suppose to be!".  I really did feel bad, but I couldn’t stop laughing., and the more afraid he got, the harder I laughed.  I finally suggested he slowly take off his pants so that we could remove the lure from his pants.  As he started taking his pants off, sure enough, one hook went through his jeans and underwear very close to his scrotum.  I handed him a pair of wire cutters to cut the hook off.  Every time I think about that day, I laugh so hard I cry.  You know, come to think about it, we haven’t fished together since that day.  I’m going to have to ask him if he wants to go fishing next time I see him. (I’m crying) — Craig Baugher — Craig Baugher

Response:

I must sound like a broken record by now, but I am passionate on this subject. I fish Flame Green Fireline exclusively on all my rigs, except for fly fishing of course. Other than being a little noisy, I think it is great. On the three spinning rigs I use regularly, I am rigged with 10#, 14# and 20#. On each I use 10′ long mono or fluorocarbon leaders of matching strength attached with blood-knots, although dual uni-knots would surely do as well. I love these setups because they cast incredibly well, are extremely reliable (I change leaders only once daily), cost effective (I have yet to change the Fireline on any reel), knot strength and integrity is great, visibility is superb and the sensitivity is such that I can feel a minnow fart from 20′ away. I leave my drags set reasonably and have never knowingly lost a fish as a result of lack of line stretch. I do have to stay conscious and sober when fishing so I don’t over-react and force things, but that is a small price to pay. I just don’t see a reason to compromise all these virtues just because I am afraid of pulling a hook out of a fish’s mouth, which I believe is usually avoidable. I promise not to repeat this diatribe for at least a week.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi John, I tournament fish quite a bit (7 since May 27) and do pretty well (Redman, Federation, Angler’s Choice, Opens, etc.).  Out of the seven I have fished so far, I was only out of the top 5 in one (15th place).  The reason I mention my record is because I don’t  use anything below 10 pound test.  I have become convinced that the only one who cares what line size we use is us, the fish don’t appear to care at all. But confidence is an important factor in successful fishing, and if you are not convinced that heavy line will catch fish, it won’t. On my spinning rods, I use 10 pound in ultra clear water and 12 or 14 pound test in must situations.  In my baitcasters, I use 17, 20, and 25 pound test.  I mostly use Trilene XT (Green), except I do have one flipping stick spooled with 17 Pound Vanish for flipping clear water.  I have to admit, I was nervous about going heavy at first.  But now, I love it.  That’s because I now have an extremely high confidence that once a fish is hooked, it’s coming to the boat.  Break offs are a thing of the past. But I do have to warn you about flipping with heavy line, especially on a short flip.  Fish Fly On Hook-set.  Right after I bought my new 7′6" Flipping stick, I smack myself right in the face with a two pound bass on the hook-set.  I was so shocked, I almost fell out of the boat. — Craig Baugher

Response:

Question:

I was hoping that someone out there might have some information about flyfishing in Brazil. I was thinking of travelling to either Pantanal or Rio Grande do Sul.  I am really beginning my quest, so if anyone can suggest any other areas please let me know. I believe that the Dorado is much fished for as well as the peacock bass in the Amazon, does anyone know of other species? Thank you for your help. Nick Palliser

Response:

Nick Try asking on rec.outdoors.fishing.fly which is a mainly US based NG, you should get some good info there, if they can tear themselves away from the catch and release debate for long enough — Regards, Peter Remove nospam to e-mail www.yachthawkwind.demon.co.uk/peters.htm "We are chosen, we are one  We are frightened of no-one" – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was hoping that someone out there might have some information about flyfishing in Brazil. I was thinking of travelling to either Pantanal or Rio Grande do Sul.  I am really beginning my quest, so if anyone can suggest any other areas please let me know. I believe that the Dorado is much fished for as well as the peacock bass in the Amazon, does anyone know of other species? Thank you for your help. Nick Palliser

Response:

Nick: I lived in Bolivia last year.  There is a large fish called Serubi(spelling is wrong) that would be a challenge to catch on a fly rig.  But if you do your in for some good eating! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was hoping that someone out there might have some information about flyfishing in Brazil. I was thinking of travelling to either Pantanal or Rio Grande do Sul.  I am really beginning my quest, so if anyone can suggest any other areas please let me know. I believe that the Dorado is much fished for as well as the peacock bass in the Amazon, does anyone know of other species? Thank you for your help. Nick Palliser

Response:

Question:

I just moved to San Francisco and am looking for good streams for fly fishing.  Can someone tell me what’s the closest stream(s) to San Francisco city that offers good flyfishing? Thanks in advance Y CHEN —

Response:

I just moved to San Francisco and am looking for good streams for fly fishing.  Can someone tell me what’s the closest stream(s) to San Francisco city that offers good flyfishing? Thanks in advance Y CHEN

  The Madison HM

Response:

Most of the good trout streams are 150 miles away. — Ernie Harrison Want something to do? Go to:  http://users.ccnet.com/~emh – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just moved to San Francisco and am looking for good streams for fly fishing.  Can someone tell me what’s the closest stream(s) to San Francisco city that offers good flyfishing? Thanks in advance Y CHEN —

Response:

Most streams are closed this time of year. If you want to fish now, though, you can try Putah Creek below Lake Berryessa. Because of its proximity to the Bay Area, it can get crowded – especially on weekends. For good northern California fishing reports, check www.fishfirst.com – updated every two weeks. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Most of the good trout streams are 150 miles away. — Ernie Harrison Want something to do? Go to:  http://users.ccnet.com/~emh I just moved to San Francisco and am looking for good streams for fly fishing.  Can someone tell me what’s the closest stream(s) to San Francisco city that offers good flyfishing? Thanks in advance Y CHEN —

Response:

The best and closest I’ve found so far are Putah Creek and The Lower Yuba both of which are open this time of year.  I went to the Lower Yuba for the first time this past spring and it was a lot of fun. (Watch out for Rattle Snakes and Poison Oak though.  In fact, you should watch out for Poison Oak just about everywhere you fish in Northern CA.)  Good luck. Brian

Response:

Question:

He’ll be learning in the warmwater venue.  Bluegills, sunfish, rock bass, etc.  I’m wondering if it would be easier to learn the "feel" of casting with the heavier rod, or if the heavier rod would be a setback for the little guy.  I know a buddy I converted to fly fishing prefered the feel of an 8 when learning to cast.  He said he couldn’t feel what was going on as well with a 5. Share your experience…. Bob Scott

Bob:   I would guess your buddy was bigger and stronger.  To an eight year old, I still think a typical eight weight would feel like a telephone pole, as another responder noted.   I liked the six, because the rod was light enough, but the line weight seemed to be enough to get them going.  I wouldn’t go longer than 8 ft., either.      Just read Mr. Popp’s post, and everything he said is very true and worth remembering.  Particularly the part about not bothering to bring a rod yourself for the first few times out, at least.  It removes temptation, and allows you to really focus on making sure the kid has the best time possible.  And, patience, patience, patience…… when he’s had enough by his standards – not yours, you fishing fool – call it a day and get some ice cream. Mark Faulkner

Response:

      The rod is not as important as patience as long as he can handle it. The first thing to do is get him interested in fishing and the best way to do that is for him to catch fish. Fly fishing is a bit much for an 8 year old but a zebco closed face spinning rod fishing a bober and worms is ideal. Kids learn quick but when the action slows they lose interest quickly too. Pick a place with plenty of bream, leave your rod at home (you will be too busy helping him to fish). Catch enough to fry up for one small meal and go home (during a lull in the bites).

Many people who have successfully taught children to fish find a reel is unnecessary and a confusing complication for small children.  Either a cane pole or a fly rod with a fixed length of line, say 15 ft., allows the child to fish bait to a depth of say 6 ft. without bothering about the reel, and to present a fly on or near the surface anywhere up to 20 ft. distance.  The child can then concentrate on presentation first, or hooking and playing afterward, without needing to think about letting out more line or winding it in. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

Response:

Hi, I missed the first post, but I disagree a bit with some of the info in the follow up. I have been teaching kids fly-fishing for a lifetime, and I have tried many methods. the first thing i would mention is that I do agree with a 6 or 7 wgt rod (and line obviously, you HAVE to have a balanced outfit).On the other hand, make it an 8′6" or even 9′. I don’t know if you’ve ever tried an 8′ but there is a significant diffeence. As I’ve said before, the best rod set-up is one that can cat easily, and to me an 8′6" 6/7 wgt is perfect. I think the small kid, small rod thing is a carryover from shooting – start ‘em on a .20 gauge shotgu, yadda, yadda… I also agree with the thought that you not bring a rod the first times, and would add, take ‘em somewhere their bound to catch fish – any fish !! Last summer taught my 7 yr. old cousin, his first fly fish was a smallmouth bass, and he loved it !!! I have taught as young as 4 yr olds, so go for it, and have fun!!! Bill Bill Curry Tight Lines Guide Service Lockeport, Nova Scotia, Canada http://www.tightlines.ns.ca

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m setting up an outfit for my girlfriend’s 8-year-old son for Easter.  She said "Don’t buy a rod…"   –actually, she said ‘fly fishing pole’  – "my brother-in-law has one he doesn’t use.  He’s sending it up for Easter with his daughter when she visits.  He says it’s fiberglass, and about 6" taller than he is."    He’s about six feet. I got it today.  If it’s not a spinning rod, it’s a dead ringer.  It’s 6′6", with a 12"-long, fat, untapered cork grip, 1"-wide sliding blue-anodized rings, and conventional two-footed guides.  It’s labeled "CONOLON live fiber AIR FLITE 412,  NARMCO, INC,  COSTA MESA, CA"   I guess I better pick up something else. Anyway, at WalMart, they carry a Cortland 8′6" 6-weight IM6 rod for about $37.  They also have a cheaper "graphite composite" Garcia (I think) for about $22.  It’s an 8-weight.  I have an older St.Croix 8′6" fiberglass 8-weight I’d be willing to part with.   It seems like the lighter rod would be better for the little guy (He’s pretty small).   I’m a bachelor, and never taught a child that age to cast.  I’m very anxious to get him started. Should I buy the better rod for a child that age?  Or should I give him my old St.Croix?  What level or proficiency should I expect, or strive for? Please give me a little advice, Dads out there! — Bob Scott

       The rod is not as important as patience as long as he can handle it. The first thing to do is get him interested in fishing and the best way to do that is for him to catch fish. Fly fishing is a bit much for an 8 year old but a zebco closed face spinning rod fishing a bober and worms is ideal. Kids learn quick but when the action slows they lose interest quickly too. Pick a place with plenty of bream, leave your rod at home (you will be too busy helping him to fish). Catch enough to fry up for one small meal and go home (during a lull in the bites).         I’ve taught a son 3 daughters, and 4 grandsons to fish and am starting on a great grandson who is 2 1/2 his attention span has increased to 10 minutes none started on flys and the son and only one grandson are really interested in fly fishing that much so far.          Remember the important thing is he have fun, catch fish and learn the simple things in fishing. He can develope the rest as he gets older. Have Patient he’ll learn if it’s fun and not too complicated.                                                          John Popp                                                        in Sanford Fl.

Response:

Hi Robert, I started my son casting and fishing at age 8. I gave him a fiberglass 7 1/2′ rod for a 5 line. It worked great for him.  Graphite was not available at that time. I suggest an inexpensive, light rod. At 8, Those heavy 8 wt and above feel like swinging a telephone pole to a small kid. Spring is around the corner, be sure to find some spawn areas with Bluegill for him to catch. The best and sure way to give a kid a good time catching fish. Good Luck ! — William Endicott – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m setting up an outfit for my girlfriend’s 8-year-old son for Easter. She said "Don’t buy a rod…"   –actually, she said ‘fly fishing pole’ — "my brother-in-law has one he doesn’t use.  He’s sending it up for Easter with his daughter when she visits.  He says it’s fiberglass, and about 6" taller than he is."    He’s about six feet. I got it today.  If it’s not a spinning rod, it’s a dead ringer.  It’s 6′6", with a 12"-long, fat, untapered cork grip, 1"-wide sliding blue-anodized rings, and conventional two-footed guides.  It’s labeled "CONOLON live fiber AIR FLITE 412,  NARMCO, INC,  COSTA MESA, CA"   I guess I better pick up something else. Anyway, at WalMart, they carry a Cortland 8′6" 6-weight IM6 rod for about $37.  They also have a cheaper "graphite composite" Garcia (I think) for about $22.  It’s an 8-weight.  I have an older St.Croix 8′6" fiberglass 8-weight I’d be willing to part with.   It seems like the lighter rod would be better for the little guy (He’s pretty small).   I’m a bachelor, and never taught a child that age to cast.  I’m very anxious to get him started. Should I buy the better rod for a child that age?  Or should I give him my old St.Croix?  What level or proficiency should I expect, or strive for? Please give me a little advice, Dads out there! — Bob Scott

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –       The rod is not as important as patience as long as he can handle it. The first thing to do is get him interested in fishing and the best way to do that is for him to catch fish. Fly fishing is a bit much for an 8 year old but a zebco closed face spinning rod fishing a bober and worms is ideal. Kids learn quick but when the action slows they lose interest quickly too. Pick a place with plenty of bream, leave your rod at home (you will be too busy helping him to fish). Catch enough to fry up for one small meal and go home (during a lull in the bites).        I’ve taught a son 3 daughters, and 4 grandsons to fish and am starting on a great grandson who is 2 1/2 his attention span has increased to 10 minutes none started on flys and the son and only one grandson are really interested in fly fishing that much so far.         Remember the important thing is he have fun, catch fish and learn the simple things in fishing. He can develope the rest as he gets older. Have Patient he’ll learn if it’s fun and not too complicated.                                                         John Popp                                                       in Sanford Fl.

John,     This guy is ready to progress from the Zebco stage already.  He lives, eats and breathes fishing, and fly fishing is what he wants to learn.   I bought him a fly tying kit for Christmas… you should see him go at it! Some very interesting stuff comes off that vise!     We will definitely be starting out with the local bluegills… when the water temp gets out of the 40s.  I think I’ll buy him the nice, light Cortland IM6 rod.  He’s casted my soft Orvis 9′ 5-wt with my hand over his, but not alone.  That’s the extent of his experience so far.  This intense interest in fly fishing developed this winter.  I gave him a beginner’s book on fly fishing, and his Mom’s been reading it to him.  He told me he already knows how to cast; "From ten o’clock to noon!" he says.     Should be fun. Thanks everyone for the suggestions. Bob Scott

Response:

I’m setting up an outfit for my girlfriend’s 8-year-old son for Easter.  She said "Don’t buy a rod…"   –actually, she said ‘fly fishing pole’  – "my brother-in-law has one he doesn’t use.  He’s sending it up for Easter with his daughter when she visits.  He says it’s fiberglass, and about 6" taller than he is."    He’s about six feet.

If he is 6 ft tall at 8 years old, Bob, you are in BIG trouble if he doesn’t take a shine to you by, say, age 12.  Accordingly, I would probably be looking at a Sage, Loomis, Winston, etc. Anyway, at WalMart, they carry a Cortland 8′6" 6-weight IM6 rod for about $37.  They also have a cheaper "graphite composite" Garcia (I think) for about $22.  It’s an 8-weight.  I have an older St.Croix 8′6" fiberglass 8-weight I’d be willing to part with.   It seems like the lighter rod would be better for the little guy (He’s pretty small).   I’m a bachelor, and never taught a child that age to cast.  I’m very anxious to get him started. Should I buy the better rod for a child that age?  Or should I give him my old St.Croix?  What level or proficiency should I expect, or strive for? Please give me a little advice, Dads out there! — Bob Scott

Seriously, having worked with a few kids (and my daughters) on introductions to fly casting, I would suggest the lighter rod (but not too light).  I have a 1970’s vintage 6′6" Eagle Claw fiberglass that was pretty good when they were 8-10 years old, and would gladly lend it to you if that was feasible.  But at 10 or so, I started them on an 8 ft six weight "old" graphite – actually, an Orvis purchased about 1979.  This turned out to be a very good rod for them to work with.  However, since I gather you do a lot of surf/ocean fishing, and all my experience in teaching is on Pennsylvania trout streams, none of this may be relevent. Mark Faulkner

Response:

I’m setting up an outfit for my girlfriend’s 8-year-old son for Easter. She said "Don’t buy a rod…"   –actually, she said ‘fly fishing pole’ (  – "my brother-in-law has one he doesn’t use.  He’s sending it up for Easter with his daughter when she visits.  He says it’s fiberglass, and about 6" taller than he is."    He’s about six feet. If he is 6 ft tall at 8 years old, Bob, you are in BIG trouble if he doesn’t take a shine to you by, say, age 12.

No… I meant my girlfriends BROTHER-IN-LAW is 6-feet!   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Anyway, at WalMart, they carry a Cortland 8′6" 6-weight IM6 rod for about $37.  They also have a cheaper "graphite composite" Garcia (I think) for about $22.  It’s an 8-weight.  I have an older St.Croix 8′6" fiberglass 8-weight I’d be willing to part with.   It seems like the lighter rod would be better for the little guy (He’s pretty small).   I’m a bachelor, and never taught a child that age to cast.  I’m very anxious to get him started. Should I buy the better rod for a child that age?  Or should I give him my old St.Croix?  What level or proficiency should I expect, or strive for? Please give me a little advice, Dads out there! — Bob Scott Seriously, having worked with a few kids (and my daughters) on introductions to fly casting, I would suggest the lighter rod (but not too light).  I have a 1970’s vintage 6′6" Eagle Claw fiberglass that was pretty good when they were 8-10 years old, and would gladly lend it to you if that was feasible.  But at 10 or so, I started them on an 8 ft six weight "old" graphite – actually, an Orvis purchased about 1979.  This turned out to be a very good rod for them to work with.  However, since I gather you do a lot of surf/ocean fishing, and all my experience in teaching is on Pennsylvania trout streams, none of this may be relevent. Mark Faulkner

Mark,     He’ll be learning in the warmwater venue.  Bluegills, sunfish, rock bass, etc.  I’m wondering if it would be easier to learn the "feel" of casting with the heavier rod, or if the heavier rod would be a setback for the little guy.  I know a buddy I converted to fly fishing prefered the feel of an 8 when learning to cast.  He said he couldn’t feel what was going on as well with a 5. Share your experience…. Bob Scott

Response:

I’m setting up an outfit for my girlfriend’s 8-year-old son for Easter.  She said "Don’t buy a rod…"   –actually, she said ‘fly fishing pole’  – "my brother-in-law has one he doesn’t use.  He’s sending it up for Easter with his daughter when she visits.  He says it’s fiberglass, and about 6" taller than he is."    He’s about six feet. I got it today.  If it’s not a spinning rod, it’s a dead ringer.  It’s 6′6", with a 12"-long, fat, untapered cork grip, 1"-wide sliding blue-anodized rings, and conventional two-footed guides.  It’s labeled "CONOLON live fiber AIR FLITE 412,  NARMCO, INC,  COSTA MESA, CA"   I guess I better pick up something else. Anyway, at WalMart, they carry a Cortland 8′6" 6-weight IM6 rod for about $37.  They also have a cheaper "graphite composite" Garcia (I think) for about $22.  It’s an 8-weight.  I have an older St.Croix 8′6" fiberglass 8-weight I’d be willing to part with.   It seems like the lighter rod would be better for the little guy (He’s pretty small).   I’m a bachelor, and never taught a child that age to cast.  I’m very anxious to get him started. Should I buy the better rod for a child that age?  Or should I give him my old St.Croix?  What level or proficiency should I expect, or strive for? Please give me a little advice, Dads out there! — Bob Scott

Response:

Question:

: Why dont you look into a used inflatable. They are incredibly light, Can : move real well with minimum H.P., and can be trailered with ease. Most : 13-16 ft inflatables weigh less that 900lbs with engine. They can also : carry more weight in most circumstances than aluminum or fiberglass boats : of the same size. That would have been a good thought, too, but I ended up buying a new 16′ Carolina Skiff, with the semi-v hull. So far, I couldn’t be more delighted. With the boat, that is. My car, as a tow vehicle — another story. Yeah, the Saturn can pull it. On flat stretches, or down-grades, I can even shift into 5th at highway speeds. But I discovered the hard way about certain ramps. Too steep, too slippery, sand at the base….<sigh It sure as hell takes the fun out of things, when you’re worried like hell about getting it back out of the water, at the end of the day….

Response:

Why dont you look into a used inflatable. They are incredibly light, Can move real well with minimum H.P., and can be trailered with ease. Most 13-16 ft inflatables weigh less that 900lbs with engine. They can also carry more weight in most circumstances than aluminum or fiberglass boats of the same size. DB

Response:

Most fiberglass boats are heavy, and that’s the bottom line at to how much push you get from the kicker.  I’ve got a 15′ glass boat that weights about 400 lbs, the builder stamps it as rated for 25hp, but he personally says its ideal for 15 hp, and the coast guard rates it for 40 hp.  I put a 1997 25hp Mercury on it, and it jumps.  Clearly, I could pull a skier. Also, flat bottom boats (like mine) skip like a stone, once you’re on plane, they fly.  But they’re torture in any kind of chop. Carolina skiffs and whalers are heavy.  If you want to conserve, get an aluminum boat.  If you want to know about my boat builder, email me. (small shop in Central Florida.) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It sounds like you want a setup like I got. The boats a 16 foot 1968 Duracraft Aluminum boat. The boat is heavy duty (not a sears special!!!), waying in at about 250 pounds. Its welded at the seems and then has rivited ribs. It was powered by a 1965 Wizard(aka West bend aka Chrysler) 20 HP. This was plenty of power for fishing, though I am in the process of getting a new one (probabl;y a 25hp honda, yamaha, or Mercury). this will probably pull a skier ,maybe, maybe not, never tried. The boat is very stable, is plenty fast for fishing, even with three people, and is strong despite its age. As for trailering, what you got will pull it, (heck even a geo metro would pull it). Figure 250 pounds for the boat, 110 pounds about for the motor, 15 0for the trailer, 100 pounds for gear, 65 pounds for Golden Retriever, and your still under 1000 pounds. Ive pulled this setup with a ‘86 nissan Sentra, so what you got will definantly pull it.                                    Good Luck,                                            Nathan Spitzer Hi folks — I’m suffering from boat fever again, and I’d appreciate any input y’all would be willing to provide, on some pretty basic questions. A couple years ago bought a canoe — almost exclusively for freshwater fishing. Canoe’s aren’t terrific fishing platforms, and finally I sold it and bought a 12′ aluminum Jon boat, which I car-topped. All I could afford, along with an old Sears 5hp engine, which still gives me nightmares. This boat was better, but issues related to car-topping started to become problematic: Haul nasty, leaking engine down 3 flights of stairs, and put in the back seat. Go back for rods, tackle, paddle, anchor, cooler, trolling motor and *heavy* battery, a zillion other things, and load *that* somewhere in my car. Drive somewhere else where my boat was. Tie that on the roof. Scratch roof, getting careless trying to load the boat by myself. Drive to the lake. Do all of the above, in reverse. And that’s just getting in the water. Y’all probably get the idea — I should have bought a trailer, but I couldn’t afford one, at the time. So I finally sold that, too, a month ago. Enough rambling. I’m at a point where I’ve got a little more money, and would like a truly decent boat for fishing/recreation. First: Towing. This is a big issue, and I know nothing about it. I’ve got a 4dr, FWD Saturn with 100k+ miles. I recall the owner’s manual saying something about 1k lbs max, but….? Is that realistic? Were I to buy a used 4-cyl truck, something like an S-10, or Nissan, or Toyota, would this dramatically increase my towing capacity? Are there any web-sites devoted to this — I sure haven’t found much, searching. Second: I’ve seen some ads for "hulls only" for things like 13′ Whalers, and Carolina Skiffs and such. Exactly what would be involved dressing ‘em up for a fishing boat, with enough power to tow the infrequent skier? I’m not entirely inept with common tools, but I’m not sure if this is really a job for the the casual handyman, or if it would cost more than a used boat in the same configuration — ie, center console, a couple seats. Also, would a motor sufficient to pull a skier (nothing fancy, just adequate) + boat + trailer start to get well over anything I could possibly tow with my car or a light-truck? *Roughly*, and I know this is an extremely technical issue in and of itself, but how many HP are we talking about for the above, anyway? 40? 50? 60, minimum? The thing is, I’ve seen old MFG’s and stuff, with ancient, but large OB’s, in the price range I’m looking at. They look heavy as *hell*, and also I have no idea if they’d even run a single season. I’ve seen newish Skiffs with smaller engines (ie, 25hp), that do look light enough to pull with my current car, but I can’t imagine they could get a skier out of the water, and I might be considerably deceived by appearance — they could be quite heavy, too, in reality. Is there any magic combination out there? I could put a hitch on my Saturn and get another, larger Jon boat, but I don’t really want to settle for a compromise, again. I’d rather work for another year or two, and be able to afford something else. Anyway, I’ve babbled enough — any thoughts (to the group’s fine) would sure be appreciated. Steve

Response:

Hi folks — I’m suffering from boat fever again, and I’d appreciate any input y’all would be willing to provide, on some pretty basic questions. A couple years ago bought a canoe — almost exclusively for freshwater fishing. Canoe’s aren’t terrific fishing platforms, and finally I sold it and bought a 12′ aluminum Jon boat, which I car-topped. All I could afford, along with an old Sears 5hp engine, which still gives me nightmares. This boat was better, but issues related to car-topping started to become problematic: Haul nasty, leaking engine down 3 flights of stairs, and put in the back seat. Go back for rods, tackle, paddle, anchor, cooler, trolling motor and *heavy* battery, a zillion other things, and load *that* somewhere in my car. Drive somewhere else where my boat was. Tie that on the roof. Scratch roof, getting careless trying to load the boat by myself. Drive to the lake. Do all of the above, in reverse. And that’s just getting in the water. Y’all probably get the idea — I should have bought a trailer, but I couldn’t afford one, at the time. So I finally sold that, too, a month ago. Enough rambling. I’m at a point where I’ve got a little more money, and would like a truly decent boat for fishing/recreation. First: Towing. This is a big issue, and I know nothing about it. I’ve got a 4dr, FWD Saturn with 100k+ miles. I recall the owner’s manual saying something about 1k lbs max, but….? Is that realistic? Were I to buy a used 4-cyl truck, something like an S-10, or Nissan, or Toyota, would this dramatically increase my towing capacity? Are there any web-sites devoted to this — I sure haven’t found much, searching. Second: I’ve seen some ads for "hulls only" for things like 13′ Whalers, and Carolina Skiffs and such. Exactly what would be involved dressing ‘em up for a fishing boat, with enough power to tow the infrequent skier? I’m not entirely inept with common tools, but I’m not sure if this is really a job for the the casual handyman, or if it would cost more than a used boat in the same configuration — ie, center console, a couple seats. Also, would a motor sufficient to pull a skier (nothing fancy, just adequate) + boat + trailer start to get well over anything I could possibly tow with my car or a light-truck? *Roughly*, and I know this is an extremely technical issue in and of itself, but how many HP are we talking about for the above, anyway? 40? 50? 60, minimum? The thing is, I’ve seen old MFG’s and stuff, with ancient, but large OB’s, in the price range I’m looking at. They look heavy as *hell*, and also I have no idea if they’d even run a single season. I’ve seen newish Skiffs with smaller engines (ie, 25hp), that do look light enough to pull with my current car, but I can’t imagine they could get a skier out of the water, and I might be considerably deceived by appearance — they could be quite heavy, too, in reality. Is there any magic combination out there? I could put a hitch on my Saturn and get another, larger Jon boat, but I don’t really want to settle for a compromise, again. I’d rather work for another year or two, and be able to afford something else. Anyway, I’ve babbled enough — any thoughts (to the group’s fine) would sure be appreciated. Steve

Response:

It sounds like you want a setup like I got. The boats a 16 foot 1968 Duracraft Aluminum boat. The boat is heavy duty (not a sears special!!!), waying in at about 250 pounds. Its welded at the seems and then has rivited ribs. It was powered by a 1965 Wizard(aka West bend aka Chrysler) 20 HP. This was plenty of power for fishing, though I am in the process of getting a new one (probabl;y a 25hp honda, yamaha, or Mercury). this will probably pull a skier ,maybe, maybe not, never tried. The boat is very stable, is plenty fast for fishing, even with three people, and is strong despite its age. As for trailering, what you got will pull it, (heck even a geo metro would pull it). Figure 250 pounds for the boat, 110 pounds about for the motor, 15 0for the trailer, 100 pounds for gear, 65 pounds for Golden Retriever, and your still under 1000 pounds. Ive pulled this setup with a ‘86 nissan Sentra, so what you got will definantly pull it.                                         Good Luck,                                                 Nathan Spitzer – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hi folks — I’m suffering from boat fever again, and I’d appreciate any input y’all would be willing to provide, on some pretty basic questions. A couple years ago bought a canoe — almost exclusively for freshwater fishing. Canoe’s aren’t terrific fishing platforms, and finally I sold it and bought a 12′ aluminum Jon boat, which I car-topped. All I could afford, along with an old Sears 5hp engine, which still gives me nightmares. This boat was better, but issues related to car-topping started to become problematic: Haul nasty, leaking engine down 3 flights of stairs, and put in the back seat. Go back for rods, tackle, paddle, anchor, cooler, trolling motor and *heavy* battery, a zillion other things, and load *that* somewhere in my car. Drive somewhere else where my boat was. Tie that on the roof. Scratch roof, getting careless trying to load the boat by myself. Drive to the lake. Do all of the above, in reverse. And that’s just getting in the water. Y’all probably get the idea — I should have bought a trailer, but I couldn’t afford one, at the time. So I finally sold that, too, a month ago. Enough rambling. I’m at a point where I’ve got a little more money, and would like a truly decent boat for fishing/recreation. First: Towing. This is a big issue, and I know nothing about it. I’ve got a 4dr, FWD Saturn with 100k+ miles. I recall the owner’s manual saying something about 1k lbs max, but….? Is that realistic? Were I to buy a used 4-cyl truck, something like an S-10, or Nissan, or Toyota, would this dramatically increase my towing capacity? Are there any web-sites devoted to this — I sure haven’t found much, searching. Second: I’ve seen some ads for "hulls only" for things like 13′ Whalers, and Carolina Skiffs and such. Exactly what would be involved dressing ‘em up for a fishing boat, with enough power to tow the infrequent skier? I’m not entirely inept with common tools, but I’m not sure if this is really a job for the the casual handyman, or if it would cost more than a used boat in the same configuration — ie, center console, a couple seats. Also, would a motor sufficient to pull a skier (nothing fancy, just adequate) + boat + trailer start to get well over anything I could possibly tow with my car or a light-truck? *Roughly*, and I know this is an extremely technical issue in and of itself, but how many HP are we talking about for the above, anyway? 40? 50? 60, minimum? The thing is, I’ve seen old MFG’s and stuff, with ancient, but large OB’s, in the price range I’m looking at. They look heavy as *hell*, and also I have no idea if they’d even run a single season. I’ve seen newish Skiffs with smaller engines (ie, 25hp), that do look light enough to pull with my current car, but I can’t imagine they could get a skier out of the water, and I might be considerably deceived by appearance — they could be quite heavy, too, in reality. Is there any magic combination out there? I could put a hitch on my Saturn and get another, larger Jon boat, but I don’t really want to settle for a compromise, again. I’d rather work for another year or two, and be able to afford something else. Anyway, I’ve babbled enough — any thoughts (to the group’s fine) would sure be appreciated. Steve

Response:

Question:

Does anyone out there know where there is any good flyfishing within a 100 miles of San Francisco.  I am going there in October and would like to try my luck.  I would appreciate a direct response thanks

Response:

Hi. Write or call Daiablo Valley Fly Fishemen, PO Box 4988, Walnut Creek, CA. 94596 Pres. Rod Black 415 736-1989 or 510 736-1989. If you need any info. about Montana I can also help. I spend Mayto Nov. at my fishing lodge in MT and Nov to May in San Francisco Bay Area. Have a nice day fishing.                                Bryant BBlewett

Response: