Question:

Hi folks, Just wondered if someone can comment on the choice of an outboard engine vs. an I/O on a 23-25′ boat, to be used in the coastal waters of west central Florida.  Combination of use will be both bay & off-shore fishing, off-shore diving, and short-medium range cruising with at least two couples. I’m a long-time fan of Mercruiser I/Os, having owned several and had very little trouble with them.  A few questions about outboards: 1) I’ve heard that outboard technology has come a long way, and the newer engines are quieter and more fuel effecient, correct? 2) Are the outboards more expensive to maintain? 3) Is the net-net performance about the same given the same hosepower on an outboard and I/O? 4 Is there a clear advantage with any particular brand of outboard nowadays? 5) Should we look for any specific year models, i.e. 1997 or newer for example? All thoughts appreciated.  Thanks. Patrick

Response:

Just wondered if someone can comment on the choice of an outboard engine vs. an I/O on a 23-25′ boat, to be used in the coastal waters of west central Florida. A few questions about outboards: 1) I’ve heard that outboard technology has come a long way, and the newer engines are quieter and more fuel effecient, correct?

That is correct, especially with the 4 stroke motors. 2) Are the outboards more expensive to maintain?

Probably even or cheaper. 3) Is the net-net performance about the same given the same hosepower on an outboard and I/O?

Net is higher since you have a higher power to weight ratio. 4 Is there a clear advantage with any particular brand of outboard nowadays?

I don’t see any clear advantages, all the manufacturers have their thing that only they do.  Personnally my best experiences for reliability have been with Yamaha and performance wih Mercury, thou Honda has some interesting cam technology and Suzuki has the best Warrantee.  Never been an OMC fan myself but that doesn’t really mean much. 5) Should we look for any specific year models, i.e. 1997 or newer for example?

Can’t help you there, but I’m sure there will be someone to tell you what not to buy. http://hometown.aol.com/hlaviation/

Response:

Hi Patrick, With a boat that size I guess that the outboard choices would be the new Yamaha and Honda 200-225hp 4 strokes? In a Mercruiser they use mostly GM V8s now for 200hp+? I know that fisherman like the outboards because there is more room in the rear of the boat for fishing? The ultimate power is a diesel in a boat that size, but it is $$$$. — Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento, CA, USA www.kiene.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi folks, Just wondered if someone can comment on the choice of an outboard engine vs. an I/O on a 23-25′ boat, to be used in the coastal waters of west central Florida.  Combination of use will be both bay & off-shore fishing, off-shore diving, and short-medium range cruising with at least two couples. I’m a long-time fan of Mercruiser I/Os, having owned several and had very little trouble with them.  A few questions about outboards: 1) I’ve heard that outboard technology has come a long way, and the newer engines are quieter and more fuel effecient, correct? 2) Are the outboards more expensive to maintain? 3) Is the net-net performance about the same given the same hosepower on an outboard and I/O? 4 Is there a clear advantage with any particular brand of outboard nowadays? 5) Should we look for any specific year models, i.e. 1997 or newer for example? All thoughts appreciated.  Thanks. Patrick

Response:

Question:

dammit scott……. i hate these reports that remind me of my misspent youth. sannibel and captiva…. wonderful places… –waldo – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After a longish start to a conference on neural control of motion on the Gulf Coast, I carved out an afternoon to spend the day with some dear on friends who now live on Sannibel Island. I drove the hour and fifteen minutes North, to be herded into a vehicle that immediately took me to Ding Darling preserve, where I fished for snook with local methods–  a spinning rod with hand sized live shrimp on the business end. Of course, it’s been so long since I’ve dealt with a spinning rod that my line hand kept reflexively picking up the monofil from the open bale.  Made a mess, but my friend really got a kick out of it-  he’ll be making fun of me for a long time.  Our approach was drive-by snooking, driving slowly along the road looking for snook.  We stopped at most water control structures, and avoided some good spots to avoid giving them away.  My friend fishes this area at least three days a week, and knows it like the back of his hand. Saw tons of mullet, which look like they’d be quite takable with a 3-5 weight and a scud.  Saw some large tarpon rolling.  Caught some snapper. Had to be careful about hooking the cormorants.  Not much snook available. Seems like we didn’t hit the tide right, but my time was limited, so we went anyway.  Had a beautiful day on the water, getting some sun, and catching up on a friendship gone by too long. Saw the park’s resident saltwater croc, the huge white pelican that is too old to migrate, some softshelled turtles (had to stop to assist one off the road), and some big birds with yellow feet that seemed quite impressive to those who pulled over to take pictures.  The island is like a jungle, just a beautiful place with large tracts of forever wild areas.  Highly recommend it.  Next time, I’ll bring a fly rod. Scott

– Tight Lines, –Walt Fly Fishing NC & more… http://www.ezflyfish.com http://www.wilsoncreekoutfitters.com

Response:

  a spinning rod with hand sized live shrimp on the business Scott guess no one will talk to you now SPINNING  ROD ??????

Forget the spinning rod!  HAND-SIZED shrimp tossed at snook?  Now that’s a waste of good food. Mu

Response:

  a spinning rod with hand sized live shrimp on the business Scott guess no one will talk to you now SPINNING  ROD ??????

Response:

After a longish start to a conference on neural control of motion on the Gulf Coast, I carved out an afternoon to spend the day with some dear on friends who now live on Sannibel Island.

Was that "deer on friends?"  Some cabalistic rites? I drove the hour and fifteen minutes North, to be herded into a vehicle that immediately took me to Ding Darling preserve, where I fished for snook with local methods–  a spinning rod with hand sized live shrimp on the business end.

Two vehicles, crammed into one space?  Ding Darling?  Is that some gay latino strip club? Tell me again, which end was up against a live shrimp? Our approach was drive-by snooking, driving slowly along the road looking for snook.

Drive by snooking.  Hey, we used to do that in L.A.! Saw some large tarpon rolling.

Big bamboo? Next time, I’ll bring a fly rod.

Hey, this IS a fly fishing group, ya moke! Scott

Sounds like a good trip.  Thanks for sharin’.  Will see you and Penns! Your resident smartass Frank Reid Reverse email to reply.

Response:

  a spinning rod with hand sized live shrimp on the business Scott guess no one will talk to you now SPINNING  ROD ??????

Hey John– when in Rome….. Scott

Response:

@bin2.nnrp.aus1.giganews.com: After a longish start to a conference on neural control of motion on the Gulf Coast, I carved out an afternoon to spend the day with some dear on friends who now live on Sannibel Island. Was that "deer on friends?"  Some cabalistic rites? I drove the hour and fifteen minutes North, to be herded into a vehicle that immediately took me to Ding Darling preserve, where I fished for snook with local methods–  a spinning rod with hand sized live shrimp on the business end. Two vehicles, crammed into one space?  Ding Darling?  Is that some gay latino strip club?

Frank– I said Sannibel, not Key West!! Tell me again, which end was up against a live shrimp?

Does your question have anything to do with some experience at a latino strip club??  :-) Our approach was drive-by snooking, driving slowly along the road looking for snook. Drive by snooking.  Hey, we used to do that in L.A.! Saw some large tarpon rolling. Big bamboo?

Nah, tarpon have tried that in the past, but they have a huge problem with canoeing, being at best half underwater and all.  Tarpon are thus largely on the straight and narrow, but not by choice.  They have been known to quickly enjoy margaritas, before the ice melts, of course, and being in salt water, they have no need for salt on the rim. Next time, I’ll bring a fly rod. Hey, this IS a fly fishing group, ya moke! Scott Sounds like a good trip.  Thanks for sharin’.  Will see you and Penns! Your resident smartass Frank Reid Reverse email to reply.

Yeah, see ya at Penns.  If it would ever stop snowing here, I’ll seam-seal my tent. Scott

Response:

Hey John– when in Rome….. Scott OK BTW meeting went very well Program was outstanding, did you know Mike could not be there ?? I ran the meeting, you know when the cats away the mice will play, we had FUN

Glad to hear it.  I was a little worried about things when I bumped into Mike in the airport in Chicago!! Scott

Response:

Hey John– when in Rome….. Scott

OK BTW meeting went very well Program was outstanding, did you know Mike could not be there ?? I ran the meeting, you know when the cats away the mice will play, we had FUN

Response:

After a longish start to a conference on neural control of motion on the Gulf Coast, I carved out an afternoon to spend the day with some dear on friends who now live on Sannibel Island. I drove the hour and fifteen minutes North, to be herded into a vehicle that immediately took me to Ding Darling preserve, where I fished for snook with local methods–  a spinning rod with hand sized live shrimp on the business end. Of course, it’s been so long since I’ve dealt with a spinning rod that my line hand kept reflexively picking up the monofil from the open bale.  Made a mess, but my friend really got a kick out of it-  he’ll be making fun of me for a long time.  Our approach was drive-by snooking, driving slowly along the road looking for snook.  We stopped at most water control structures, and avoided some good spots to avoid giving them away.  My friend fishes this area at least three days a week, and knows it like the back of his hand. Saw tons of mullet, which look like they’d be quite takable with a 3-5 weight and a scud.  Saw some large tarpon rolling.  Caught some snapper.   Had to be careful about hooking the cormorants.  Not much snook available.   Seems like we didn’t hit the tide right, but my time was limited, so we went anyway.  Had a beautiful day on the water, getting some sun, and catching up on a friendship gone by too long. Saw the park’s resident saltwater croc, the huge white pelican that is too old to migrate, some softshelled turtles (had to stop to assist one off the road), and some big birds with yellow feet that seemed quite impressive to those who pulled over to take pictures.  The island is like a jungle, just a beautiful place with large tracts of forever wild areas.  Highly recommend it.  Next time, I’ll bring a fly rod. Scott

Response:

Question:

Can anyone help me.  I love biking and flyfishing in lakes in the South. It just seems natural that i should have a small one man fishing boat with pedals like a bicycle.  Ideally it would have gears much like a 3-speed, or 10-speed bike. Could a bicycle frame be adapted to  power a small boat?  If anyone knows of such a beast or kits/plans, etc. please let me know.  Thank you.

Response:

We have plans for pedal boats.  These date back to the 40’s and 50’s. I do not recall whether any of them have gearing like a 3 or 10 speed bike.  We charge $15 for copying and mailing.  Contact us if you are still interested. Good Luck and Fair Seas Marshall and Jo Duhaime,Jr. Classic Boatworks of Maine – We build and restore classic wood boats. http://www.nemaine.com/classicboatworks

Can anyone help me.  I love biking and flyfishing in lakes in the South. It just seems natural that i should have a small one man fishing boat with pedals like a bicycle.  Ideally it would have gears much like a 3-speed, or 10-speed bike. Could a bicycle frame be adapted to  power a small boat?  If anyone knows of such a beast or kits/plans, etc. please let me know.  Thank you.

Response:

We have plans for pedal boats.  These date back to the 40’s and 50’s. I do not recall whether any of them have gearing like a 3 or 10 speed bike.  We charge $15 for copying and mailing.  Contact us if you are still interested. Good Luck and Fair Seas Marshall and Jo Duhaime,Jr. Classic Boatworks of Maine – We build and restore classic wood boats. http://www.nemaine.com/classicboatworks

Can anyone help me.  I love biking and flyfishing in lakes in the South. It just seems natural that i should have a small one man fishing boat with pedals like a bicycle.  Ideally it would have gears much like a 3-speed, or 10-speed bike. Could a bicycle frame be adapted to  power a small boat?  If anyone knows of such a beast or kits/plans, etc. please let me know.  Thank you.

Response:

Question:

A friend sent me ‘ The Top 15 Unforeseen Side-Effects of the Y2K Bug’ which I found rather amusing and I have included them herein, for your perusal. Thise got me to thinking along fishing lines, what will fishing be like in the future?  I’ve only read one short story (sci-fi) about fly fishing, a little ditty called "Ring Trout."  What do you think we can expect? ‘Laser Lines’ that parboil the fish automatically or make for a ‘laser’ guided cast?  Genetically engineered or fish that are otherwise raised to be harder to catch? (Remember my ‘trout swatter idea?) Fish tags with tracking devices to really catch ‘the big one?’ I need some help here fellows, it’s starting to keep me awake…….john              [  The Top 5 List   www.topfive.com  ]              [   Copyright 1999 by Chris White    ] 15 Computer glitch at People Magazine makes Dom DeLuise the     "Sexiest Man Alive!" 14 No power failures, no mass hysteria, but from January 1st on,     everyone’s toast is just a little bit burnt. 13 "Suddenly Susan" suddenly funny. 12 Their computers thwarted, the public library will finally get     their 12-year-overdue copy of "Our Bodies, Our Selves" back     and I… er, my friend won’t have to pay a penny in late fees! 11 Several thousand Internet start-ups simultaneously and     inexplicably turn a profit. 10 World falls under the iron fist of Amish overlords. 9 All "2000 Flushes" toilet bowl sanitizers simultaneously     detonate, causing a "Blue Butt" epidemic in trailer parks     across the US. 8 While speaking at a fund-raiser, Al Gore malfunctions and     shuts down in mid-sentence. 7 Overnight, CompUSA becomes "Crazy Larry’s Liquidation Center." 6 Strom Thurmond starts to receive free birthday ice-cream cones     at Baskin-Robbins. 5 "Student Loan?  No, I’m pretty sure I paid that in full     last month." 4 With all the rioting and looting, your reclusive neighbor     Chuck can finally roam the streets relatively unnoticed in     his halter top and buttless chaps. 3 "First-rate Hunter-gatherer" now a key resume bullet. 2 President Clinton’s January issue of "Hustler" is accidentally     sent to ex-president William McKinley. and Topfive.com’s Number 1 Unforeseen Side-Effect of the Y2K Bug… 1 McDonald’s faces a rash of lawsuits when out-of-work COBOL     programmers begin dumping hot coffee into their laps to     make ends meet.              [  The Top 5 List   www.topfive.com  ]              [   Copyright 1999 by Chris White    ]

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – A friend sent me ‘ The Top 15 Unforeseen Side-Effects of the Y2K Bug’ which I found rather amusing and I have included them herein, for your perusal. Thise got me to thinking along fishing lines, what will fishing be like in the future?  I’ve only read one short story (sci-fi) about fly fishing, a little ditty called "Ring Trout."  What do you think we can expect? ‘Laser Lines’ that parboil the fish automatically or make for a ‘laser’ guided cast?  Genetically engineered or fish that are otherwise raised to be harder to catch? (Remember my ‘trout swatter idea?) Fish tags with tracking devices to really catch ‘the big one?’ I need some help here fellows, it’s starting to keep me awake…….john

"Hey Joe, you got anything ?".  "Sure have, just managed to hack into Fish and Games tracking satellite net, three salmon are due in within the next two days".  "Gee, thats great, havent seen a salmon for years, you think we have a chance at them".  "Sure do, just upgraded my $rvis magnetic fish implant tracking device, if one of those mothers gets within ten miles of us we

Question:

I head into the hospital for ACL reconstruction of my left knee this morning and am out of business for the next 5 to 6 months.

I had my left knee done last October, the right one done in December and was on the water again in April. Had the lakes been open, I might have been fishing even sooner – the Doc told me a kickboat would be excellent  therapy. In any case,  good luck with the surgery. Regards, Dennis Smith Loveland, CO Dennis Smith Loveland, CO

Response:

Well it is time to hang up my fly rod for the year.  I head into the hospital for ACL reconstruction of my left knee this morning and am out of business for the next 5 to 6 months. Mike

 Mike, Here’s wishing you a successful visit to the hospital, and get over it quickly. Good luck. Regards from Wales. — Bill

Response:

Well it is time to hang up my fly rod for the year.  I head into the hospital for ACL reconstruction of my left knee this morning and am out of business for the next 5 to 6 months. Mike

– Mike, Good luck with your surgery and we’ll be sure to save some fish fer ya… –Walt

Response:

Well it is time to hang up my fly rod for the year.  I head into the hospital for ACL reconstruction of my left knee this morning and am out of business for the next 5 to 6 months.  All of you flyfishing nuts will have to make sure and post your adventures to the newsgroup so that I can at least read about flyfishing. All was not lost for the year, I did get the opportunity to catch a 20 pound Rainbow Trout two weeks ago.  Definetly the highlight of my fishing life. Unfortunately, August was the wrong month to get the Gerrard’s in Kootenay Lake on a fly rod so will have to go back in April or May and attempt to get one. Have fun and enjoy the rest of your Summer! Mike

Mike: Sorry to hear about the knee problems. What kind of reconstruction are you having?  I had patellar graft reconstruction on my left knee 6 years ago and have been *extremely* happy with the result. You might even find that you could still get some fishing in this season.  By three months post-op, I was doing a lot of the things I wanted to, just being careful. Best of luck to you.  It is amazing what they can do to repair things these days. Bob

Response:

Well it is time to hang up my fly rod for the year.  I head into the hospital for ACL reconstruction of my left knee this morning and am out of business for the next 5 to 6 months.  All of you flyfishing nuts will have to make sure and post your adventures to the newsgroup so that I can at least read about flyfishing.   All was not lost for the year, I did get the opportunity to catch a 20 pound Rainbow Trout two weeks ago.  Definetly the highlight of my fishing life. Unfortunately, August was the wrong month to get the Gerrard’s in Kootenay Lake on a fly rod so will have to go back in April or May and attempt to get one. Have fun and enjoy the rest of your Summer! Mike

Response:

Question:

Howdy folks!!! What:           Free Presentation on Flyfishing the Arkansas River during the Mother’s Day Caddis Hatch Who:            Matt and Chris Brown of Browner’s Guide Service in Salida, Colorado. Where:          The Trout Unlimited/Wild Trout Chapter’s April                 meeting at the Best Western Landmark Inn,                         455 S. Colorado Blvd. (Colorado Blvd.                         & North Cherry Creek Drive) When:           Wednesday, April 22nd at 6:30 pm Come here Matt and Chris tell us how, when and where to catch the big ones. Then hang around to swap stories and tips with other local anglers. at 832-4600.

Response:

Greetings TU members from Wisconsin.  Just saying hi!  Our fishing opener starts tomorrow. Larry Seiler http://cwinc.net/larryseiler 1998 Wis Inland Trout Stamp Design Competition winner – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Howdy folks!!! What:      Free Presentation on Flyfishing the Arkansas River during the Mother’s Day Caddis Hatch Who:       Matt and Chris Brown of Browner’s Guide Service in Salida, Colorado. Where:     The Trout Unlimited/Wild Trout Chapter’s April                    meeting at the Best Western Landmark Inn,                    455 S. Colorado Blvd. (Colorado Blvd.                    & North Cherry Creek Drive) When:              Wednesday, April 22nd at 6:30 pm Come here Matt and Chris tell us how, when and where to catch the big ones. Then hang around to swap stories and tips with other local anglers. Lopez at 832-4600.

Response:

Question:

Offering guided trips to some of the best tailwater rivers in the east. 16 years flyfishing experience.  Float (16′ Clackacraft) or wade trips (private access) available.  Reservations available July 28-Aug.3.  E-mail for rates to: Tight Lines and Screaming Reels Southern Style!  

Response:

Question:

I am trying to make my own float tube this winter. If anyone has any plans or knows where to get plans to make one any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Joe

Response:

I am trying to make my own float tube this winter. If anyone has any plans or knows where to get plans to make one any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Joe

Got a little free time on your hands this winter Joe?

Response:

I am trying to make my own float tube this winter. If anyone has any plans or knows where to get plans to make one any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Joe

Make your own float tube? Hell, I’m making my own spring creek this winter! Really though, it’s not so much the plans I’d wonder about as the materials. It has often been the case, when I got a notion to make something, that I discovered it would be cheaper to buy it after I factored in the costs of material. Unfortunately, one guy doesn’t get the economies of scale a large mfg. does. This is not to say I don’t understand the appeal of do-it-yourself. That’s why I tie flies. I don’t tie enough of any particular pattern at one time to produce flies for $.10/per. Then I go buy more materials to learn a new pattern. I’m probably still losing money on the deal, but I’m gaining something else. I just wonder where the line is and if perhaps making your own float tube doesn’t cross that line. Roger

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am trying to make my own float tube this winter. If anyone has any plans or knows where to get plans to make one any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Joe Make your own float tube? Hell, I’m making my own spring creek this winter! Really though, it’s not so much the plans I’d wonder about as the materials. It has often been the case, when I got a notion to make something, that I discovered it would be cheaper to buy it after I factored in the costs of material. Unfortunately, one guy doesn’t get the economies of scale a large mfg. does. This is not to say I don’t understand the appeal of do-it-yourself. That’s why I tie flies. I don’t tie enough of any particular pattern at one time to produce flies for $.10/per. Then I go buy more materials to learn a new pattern. I’m probably still losing money on the deal, but I’m gaining something else. I just wonder where the line is and if perhaps making your own float tube doesn’t cross that line. Roger

YOU are talking about a very dangerous thing to do.  Something that can kill you.  If the stitching isn’t correct, the material wrong, etc. Whatever you do, please, please wear a life vest when trying it out. There is more engineering involved than meets the eye.  Understand this. Mr. G. — MZ

Response:

This is not to say I don’t understand the appeal of do-it-yourself. That’s why I tie flies. I don’t tie enough of any particular pattern at one time to produce flies for $.10/per. Then I go buy more materials to learn a new pattern. I’m probably still losing money on the deal, but I’m gaining something else. I just wonder where the line is and if perhaps making your own float tube doesn’t cross that line. Roger

Roger,         Of course it crosses the line!  Didn’t you know we’re ALL over the line. Tight Line Crossings, Charley

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This is not to say I don’t understand the appeal of do-it-yourself. That’s why I tie flies. I don’t tie enough of any particular pattern at one time to produce flies for $.10/per. Then I go buy more materials to learn a new pattern. I’m probably still losing money on the deal, but I’m gaining something else. I just wonder where the line is and if perhaps making your own float tube doesn’t cross that line. Roger Roger,         Of course it crosses the line!  Didn’t you know we’re ALL over the line. Tight Line Crossings, Charley

DEAR CHARLIE:  The real profit is in the high quality improvements you obtain by tying your own flies.  Better success equates into lower overhead in the time it takes to get into your next fish. etc. — George Gehrke/President Gehrke’s World’s Best Fly Fishing Products Asotin, WA 99402 509-243-4100  FAX 4644

Response:

Question:

I was thinking of trying out the Hiwassee river in western Tennessee this weekend.  Anyone know the fishing (trout, that is) and water level conditions?  In particular, is the river wade-able at this time of the year?

Response:

I was thinking of trying out the Hiwassee river in western

Tennessee this weekend.  Anyone know the fishing (trout, that is) and water level conditions?  In particular, is the river wade-able at this time of the year?<< I plan on fishing it Sunday morning, reports I’ve been getting indicates releases are starting late morning which should allow wading in the lower part of the trophy section until early afternoon. It’s been my limited experience that the fishing is almost always good. Don’t know for sure what’s coming off besides the ever present caddis but I always take some BWO, sulphurs, and hendricksons along with the usual nymphal stuff just in care. Wayne Knight Marietta GA                                              

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Path: magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu!math.ohio-state.edu!howland.erols.net!newsfeed.in ternetmci.com!news.msfc.nasa.gov!jethro.msfc.nasa.gov!not-for-mail Newsgroups: rec.outdoors.fishing.fly Organization: NASA/MSFC Lines: 6 NNTP-Posting-Host: jethro.msfc.nasa.gov Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-Mailer: Mozilla 2.02 (X11; I; SunOS 5.3 sun4m) I was thinking of trying out the Hiwassee river in western Tennessee this weekend.  Anyone know the fishing (trout, that is) and water level conditions?  In particular, is the river wade-able at this time of the year?

I wish I could go with you. Fun river. Try right above the bridge at reliance (gas station).  If you got float tubes do that also spectacular river. I almost drowned at 2 wheels, waders filled, scared the piss out of me. Otherwise safe river. Have fun. Brad Barricklow, Columbus Ohio.

Response:

You can call 1-800 238-2264 which is the TVA hot line. When it answers push #4 which is generation levels. Then when the two letter code is requested, pust 22, the code for Appalacia Dam. They will then give you the last 8 hours of generation in CFS, followed by the generation schedule for the rest of the day. If you  call after 4PM EDT you can get the schedule for the next day. The river is usually fished during no generation but some people use tubes with one generator and drift boat it when 2 generators are running. I would be careful if you are not familiar with the river as the bottom is very irregular. Watch for water rising and get out.The river has been fishing pretty good but they have had a lot of rain this year in East Tn. The Adams fly shop is near the town or Reliance and they are a good source of info. Good luck. J.

Response:

Question:

I am wanting some suggestions for good trout fly fishing in the mountains of western north carolina.  I am new to this art and any help would be appreciated. — Michael Ebbs Center for Communications and Signal Processing North Carolina State University

Response:

<< am lookin for information on the western half of North Carolina… In the Ashville area, the fly shop of choice for info is Hunter Banks. I like to fish the Pisgah National Forest, specifically the Davidson River but there are many other near by from GA to Va. If you want your trout easy & big the Cherokee reservation has some tribal stocked waters which they will sell you daily permits. The national park has an abundance of streams.   Also suggest the rivers in the Joyce Kilmer nat forest, as well as the French Broad around Ashville. There is also  fly shop in Cashiers and near Blowing Rock (different shop) for additional info, but the guys at Hunter Banks will give you so much info, you’ll not be able to digest it all at once. Good Luck Wayne Knight — Wayne Knight CSERVE, 71151, 2762

Response:

Just got back from a visit to my folks in Waynesville.  Took a tour of the eastern edge of the Great Smokies.  The Catalooche, and Big Creek in that area are both good although the fish apparently can be a little picky on the Catalooche.  Both streams are gorgeous and as a rule not crowded due to relatively limited road access.

Response: