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small but significant step

admin — Thu, 24 Feb 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

A few months back I shared the news about having found another job, after losing one just a few months prior. Things are going pretty well as far as the actual work part goes, not too difficult from a physical standpoint and enough weekends to save my ass before it falls off. The really good news is that I got a fabulous 6 month evaluation (public employment..) and I am now a permanent staff member. In the summer of ‘98 when I fell apart, it never occurred to me that I might be where I am now. After all by the summer of ‘99 , I was barely walking and most days were about 2 hours long. Things just didn’t look all that promising, if you know what I mean. With a lot of adaptation, some pharmaceutical intervention and a little luck, I was able to crawl through the process of re-training, and then actually staying together long enough to find a job in a crappy job market. Dang. My ms has basically simmered and not boiled over for some time now. I am convinced that copaxone has made a big difference for me, as well as a lot of other stuff. A good marriage, I can still can ride a motorcycle (in fact just got a new one see http://colevalley.net/photos/bikes/03yam/yam.02.jpg), I still can fly-fish, and even go for walks in the park. Not that I haven’t had few days here and there where I felt like I had been dunked a vat of novacaine and beaten with a dead salmon, but overall I just have to say that I will probably look back on this time of my life as the good old days. Of course things won’t always be this rosy but for now , I will take it. — Jim S

Response:

In , jim s said: > Not that I haven’t had few days here and there where I felt like I > had been dunked a vat of novacaine and beaten with a dead salmon,

Dude… some people would pay good money for treatment like that. :-)

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Michael wrote: > In , > jim s said: >>Not that I haven’t had few days here and there where I felt like I >>had been dunked a vat of novacaine and beaten with a dead salmon, > Dude… some people would pay good money for treatment like that. :-)

Don’t most of them live with their elderly mothers, on a lonely highway somewhere south of Austin, Nevada? — Jim Stinnett R1100Rs VTR1000 YZF R1 http://moto-rama,com

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In , jim s said: > Michael wrote: >> In , >> jim s said: >>> Not that I haven’t had few days here and there where I felt like I >>> had been dunked a vat of novacaine and beaten with a dead salmon, >> Dude… some people would pay good money for treatment like that. > Don’t most of them live with their elderly mothers, on a lonely > highway somewhere south of Austin, Nevada?

They only call those old ladies "mom" for the benefit of police and social workers.

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We are all very happy for you and hope things continue to go well It sounds like good things are happening — may they continue Do not pass any around, but to cover all bases I have included — some cyber smoked steelhead — some cyber salmon jerky — five cyber pounds of dark chocolate because everyone on this newsgroup knows that dark chocolate is healthy for you You can be sure that we all recognize and appreciate where you are at now from where you used to be and everything that goes with it Congratulations — thanks for keeping us informed — may things continue to go well for you we all are all sharing in your good fortune — Larry Rather than building character, adversity tends to reveal it written using voice recognition software "jim s" wrote > Of course things won’t always be this rosy but for now , I will take it. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> — > Jim S

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"jim s" wrote I can still can ride a motorcycle > (in fact just got a new one see > http://colevalley.net/photos/bikes/03yam/yam.02.jpg), > Jim S

Jim, youre in far to poor a condition to ride a motorcycle like that, I think you need to hand that over to someone like me who can take care of it for you. ;^) Thats a sweet looking ride my man. Nice. Very nice. I must have dropped my Sporty 50 times before I finally bought crash-bars for it, and, of course, havent really droped it once since. Aint that how life goes though? Rob

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hi jim, may the dead-salmon-and-novocaine days be few, and the tires-hitting-the-road days many! continued good fortune, rose

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"Rob Duncan" wrote in > Thats a sweet looking ride my man. Nice. Very nice. I must have dropped > my Sporty 50 times before I finally bought crash-bars for it, and, of > course, havent really droped it once since. Aint that how life goes

though? Yeah…what’s up with that? Maybe it’s a karmic insurance policy! vroom. Jim S

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"white.lynx" wrote in message > Do not pass any around,

but to cover all bases I have included > — some cyber smoked steelhead > — some cyber salmon jerky > — five cyber pounds of dark chocolate because everyone on this newsgroup > knows that dark chocolate is healthy for you > You can be sure that we all recognize and appreciate where you are at now > from where you used to be and everything that goes with it

I love chocolate, enough that it rivals some of the other rather important things, like breathing…:) Jim

Response:

Florida Keys

admin — Mon, 29 Dec 2003 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

I’m planning next year’s vacation in the Florida Keys. I was there a few years ago. We stayed at Boyd’s Campground on Stock Island, which is right next to Key West. That was a nice spot, but this time I’m thinking of camping in the middle of the islands. Maybe somewhere around Marathon. Does anyone know of a nice campground in that area?

Response:

Try Knights Key, it should be listed in the camping directories. I have never stayed there but stopped by and it didn’t look to bad. Good Luck Rambler

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m planning next year’s vacation in the Florida Keys. I was there a few years ago. We stayed at Boyd’s Campground on Stock Island, which is right next to Key West. That was a nice spot, but this time I’m thinking of camping in the middle of the islands. Maybe somewhere around Marathon. Does anyone know of a nice campground in that area?

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Bahia Honda State Park is Beautiful. Get your reservations early though. http://www.bahiahondapark.com/ Adk Keith

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The KOA at Fiesta Key (Marathon) is nice. The waterfront sites are awesome. Especially at sunset. The interior sites are very narrow. Streetside slideouts would hit your neighbors RV. — Regards, Jim –

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I’m thinking of camping in the middle of the islands. Maybe somewhere around Marathon. Does anyone know of a nice campground in that area?

Try John Pennacamp SP…nice with it’s own coral reef Digger, AKA Grumps (old and crusty) hometown.aol.com/jynndi/myhomepage/profile.html All errors; spilling, grimatical, ore tieping intenshunal.

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Have stayed the past 3yrs at Sunshine Key resort–just over the 7mi bridge. Waterfront sites are nice, marina with boat dock right there, gas station right there, laundry, stuff for kids to do, movies, games etc. pool. Park is pet friendly as well.

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<< You may want to consider Jabour’s RV Park GB, That’s the first park I found that doesn’t give rates on their page. Are we talking less than a hundred? Tom

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I live in a great RV park in Fl. Inexpensive as I go 6mos on and off. I rented a car last Sept instead of taking my MH as I was told it was hard to find a spot down there. Boy was I glad I did. US1 from Homestead to Key West was the worst slowest drive I have ever taken I’m not chicken either, I ‘v driven cross country in my MH with toad (even parked in downtown Houston). Try if you have a death wish!! Hope I have done this right. This is my first post

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<< You may want to consider Jabour’s RV Park GB, That’s the first park I found that doesn’t give rates on their page. Are we talking less than a hundred? Tom

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That’s the first park I found that doesn’t give rates on their page. Are we talking less than a hundred? Tom You have to dig a little

Actually, they aren’t as high as I’d expected. Location, location, location…

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve never been to the Keys but would like to visit sometime this winter. I would appreciate any opinions on the practicality of a winter visit in a 27 foot fifth wheel. Are there plenty of campgrounds? How horrible is the traffic? Should I pick a "base camp" somewhere out of the mainstream and then travel the rest of them or would I be OK dragging the fiver all the way down to Key West? Are campground prices outrageous during the winter? Etc. Appreciate any and all comments and suggestions. Ken

Key West definitely is not a good place for a large rig. Unless you are military, I understand there is only one campground available, and it is not pleasant. About 10 miles north of KW is the state park Bahia Honda. If you can get a site, that would be an excellent base camp. See my 2000-2 journal. — Carl A. http://pages.prodigy.net/chainnj/Journal.htm

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – That’s the first park I found that doesn’t give rates on their page. Are we talking less than a hundred? Tom You have to dig a little

Well, ya gotta realize, those were 14 day rates and they came from the discounted rates section. I think for regular rates you need to fill out the questionnaire. Just for giggles, I checked the discount rate for 1 to 3 days, it’s a bit different

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Two Christmas’ ago I checked and the price was $667.00 for one week, admittedly during the Christmas/New Year’s week. Fortunately I qualify for military FAM camps and enjoyed a week’s stay at the Coast Guard station within walking distance to downtown at $9.00 per night. — Peace, Love and Serenity, Madeleine http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/madewar/ www.anticattic.com

: << You may want to consider Jabour’s RV Park : : GB, : : That’s the first park I found that doesn’t give rates on their page. Are we : talking less than a hundred? : : Tom :

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just spent 4 days at jabours over christmas. 104 a night all taxes and extra for the kids. it’s basically just a parking lot with hookups. but you’re paying for where it’s at, not what it looks like. b

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I’ve never been to the Keys but would like to visit sometime this winter. I would appreciate any opinions on the practicality of a winter visit in a 27 foot fifth wheel. Are there plenty of campgrounds? How horrible is the traffic? Should I pick a "base camp" somewhere out of the mainstream and then travel the rest of them or would I be OK dragging the fiver all the way down to Key West? Are campground prices outrageous during the winter? Etc. Appreciate any and all comments and suggestions. Ken — Beck Hopkins, KA9EFE | Red Cross & FEMA Disaster Workers

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Are there plenty of campgrounds?

Some, yes; plenty, no. How horrible is the traffic?

It’s not nearly as bad driving from somewhere TO there as it is to find a parking place after you GET there. The streets are narrow and crowded, and real estate is at a premium, so very little of it is used for parking. BTW, the drive down from Miami is absolutely spectacular. You’ll cross countless bridges, some of which are quite long, and the views out over the ocean are something you will never forget. Take your time and enjoy the ride — you can’t hurry anyway because of the congestion and the low speed limits. Be warned: US 1 down the Keys is NOT an expressway. Should I pick a "base camp" somewhere out of the mainstream and then travel the rest of them or would I be OK dragging the fiver all the way down to Key West?

That depends on whether you want to hassle with parking every day when you drive into KW. (See above.) You may want to consider Jabour’s RV Park (you can find their web site with a Google search), which is in downtown KW and within walking distance of almost everything. That way you can park your rig and not have to drive again. It’s crowded and tucked into what looks like a back alley, but it’s a nice place and very well maintained (and safe). Note: You will pay dearly for this convenience, just like you will pay for anything you get in KW. OTOH, if you stay farther up the Keys you will also pay dearly in the hassle of finding a parking place every day when you get to KW. Either way you pay. Not to say it’s not worth it, just be ready for sticker shock. KW is not a cheap place to visit at any time of the year. Are campground prices outrageous during the winter? Etc.

They are "outrageous" (all things are relative) at any time, but worth it if you want to see KW. We’ve been there twice, some years ago, and will go again at some point when time permits. Appreciate any and all comments and suggestions.

You’re welcome. Drive safely. GB in NC

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If you are eligible to use military facilities, NAS Key West has a campground on the Bay. Take a taxi on base to KW proper and walk or rent a bike. As GDinNC says, watch your speed, the Sheriff and Florida HP patrol and give tickets. RVC USMC (Ret)

I’ve never been to the Keys but would like to visit sometime this

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – traffic? ….." Appreciate any and all comments and suggestions. Ken — Beck Hopkins, KA9EFE | Red Cross & FEMA Disaster Workers

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The last time I was in the Keys, it was about $65- a night, and was not even Key West. — Ted Harris http://www.tedharris.com

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… walk or rent a bike.

Good point. When we were there we didn’t move our camper at all, once we parked it on our "campsite" (I admit I’m using that term loosely — Jabour’s is not a traditional campground in the scenic, wooded sense

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We walked everywhere we could, except for one afternoon when we rented a motorscooter and rode it to a couple of places that were too far to walk. That took care of everything we wanted to see on KW itself.

Don’t know if its still there, but you used to be able to get an all day ticket and get on and off the "Conch Train" one of those tourist trolly things. That could save a little hoofing. It’s a fun tour, too. It went past the cemetery which is the only one that lets you be buried with your pets. The chamber of commerce has an excellent walking tour, IIRC. Janet The Road Princess (I only spell-check for profit) fix the return address, please

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Yup, both are still available. Walking tours are really great! RVC

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We walked everywhere we could, except for one afternoon when we rented a motorscooter and rode it to a couple of places that were too far to walk. That took care of everything we wanted to see on KW itself. Don’t know if its still there, but you used to be able to get an all day ticket and get on and off the "Conch Train" one of those tourist trolly things. That could save a little hoofing. It’s a fun tour, too. It went past the cemetery which is the only one that lets you be buried with your pets. The chamber of commerce has an excellent walking tour, IIRC. Janet The Road Princess (I only spell-check for profit) fix the return address, please

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Yup, both are still available. Walking tours are really great!

As are the sunset parties and the oysters! Janet The Road Princess (I only spell-check for profit) fix the return address, please

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Blue Water Key RV resort about 15 miles from Key West is small (65 sites) quite with nice pool. Reserve early, can be expensive.

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Anyone know a good Keys campground for the Xmas Holidays? Interested in swimming and eating, and if at all possible, privacy and quiet. Scout

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Wednesday, Carolyn and I are going to a RPI park in Moore Haven, FL. We are considering taking a car trip to the keys. We have no great desire to spend a lot of time there, but figure everyone should see the keys at least once. Since it’s 250 miles from Moore Haven, to Key West, and campgrounds are so expensive at the Keys, it seems to make sense to spend a night in a motel and drive the car at 30 mpg, instead of the MH at 7. Questions. 1. If you’ve seen one of the keys, have you seen them all? 2. Is it worth the time and trouble to drive the 100 miles of the keys? 3. What kind of speeds and delays can one expect from one end of the keys to the other? 4. Are there lots of red lights, traffic jams, construction delays, etc.? 5. Is there something you know of which is a _must_ see? 6. Is there something we should know about and maybe avoid? 7. If we changed plans and stayed in a camground in Homestead, can one drive the keys from there and back in one day without rushing? 8. Can you suggest a reasonably priced hotel/motel which is clean. Lon

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Questions. 1. If you’ve seen one of the keys, have you seen them all?

No way. You haven’t seen *anything* until you’ve seen Key West. Definitely go all the way down. 2. Is it worth the time and trouble to drive the 100 miles of the keys?

Absolutely. The drive itself is worth it. The scenery is spectacular and like nothing you will see anywhere else. Any number of long, high bridges over the ocean, connecting the little islands. 3. What kind of speeds and delays can one expect from one end of the keys to the other?

Don’t know about this time of year. Always expect tourist traffic, though, and don’t be in a hurry. You’ll go through any number of congested areas. US 1 down the Keys is *not* an expressway. You’ll be driving at slower speeds than you’re used to driving on a major highway. 4. Are there lots of red lights, traffic jams, construction delays, etc.?

Don’t know. There weren’t when we were there a few years ago. 5. Is there something you know of which is a _must_ see?

Hemingway’s house is an interesting tour. Mel Fisher’s museum of recovered shipwreck treasures is worth the time, IMO. Be sure to walk down Duval Street (where all the bars are) for people-watching. There are some really different-looking people there.

Everything is expensive (location, location, location) — but you can’t avoid it, so don’t worry about it. 7. If we changed plans and stayed in a camground in Homestead, can one drive the keys from there and back in one day without rushing?

No. Not without rushing. And you wouldn’t have time to see anything once you got there. Besides, you need to be there at sunset (see above). 8. Can you suggest a reasonably priced hotel/motel which is clean.

Nothing will seem "reasonably priced." But it’s worth it, especially for one night. We’ve been twice and often talk about going again when we have time for a longer trip. GB in NC

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Here is a short list of some of the camping facilities:

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We’ve been down several times and find all the responses to this thread to be relevant. Whilst in Key West, we stay at the Fairfield Inn and use the trolly.

Yes! We all forgot to tell Lon that taking a ride on the *Conch Train* is a must do. The chamber of commerce in the heart of town used to have a free walking tour map, too, that was very nice if yo are in to architecture. J The Road Princess Residentially Challenged Spelling and punctuation is up to my editors. I take no responsibility

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Lon, everyone has been spot on about the Key’s. The only thing that was missed so far is make sure you stop and get a piece of real Key Lime Pie. If it’s green it’s fake. Have fun

I love the raw oysters down there, but Lon is a Michigan boy and, from my experience they aren’t crazy about raw shellfish . They make this drink on the upper Keys called a rum runner which is awesome. You sit on the porch overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and watch the sun extinquish itself in the Gulf. You almost expcet to hear a hiss and see steam. It’s much quieter than the sunset parties on Key West, but a pleasant and memorable experience. J The Road Princess Residentially Challenged Spelling and punctuation is up to my editors. I take no responsibility

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Yes, but I have faith that Lon will not turn into a liberal. Tom M

LOL Your faith is justified. Lon

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Jim An Old Parrot Head, In the Conch Republic, Just South of Reality PS: One of these days I will have a BlueBird,, until them I read & learn here daily….

Thanks for all the links, but I connect via cell phone. Thankfully, most of the campground are covered pretty well in our directories. Add that to the fact Good luck with that BlueBird. If money were no object, I’d swallow hard and tolerate the diesel smell and noise to have one. After touring the factory, I can’t imagine any unit being built stronger. Lon

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For kicks, look over at the old and crumbling Bahia Honda bridge which parallels Seven Mile, or walk out on it to fish and think of what driving that must have been like.

Many a truck had their mirrors knocked off going across that old bridge when they passed each other. If you like fish be sure to get a fried grouper sandwich at the 7 mile grill on the north side of the bridge. Great! Dennis

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Maybe this will change your mind about Key West. I absolutely love going there – and I am a liberal. It is the only true tropical weather in the continental USA (no daily average temperature below 32 degrees). It has all of the tropical plants that go with that climate. Add historic buildings – add beaches – plenty of shops and restaurants – championship sports fishing – golf – sailboat as sunset – circus cats – manmade land of coral – beautiful blue waters – sunsets – snorkeling – flying to fort jefferson – the Cuban adventure – refugees in little boats made of inner tubes and sapplings – light houses – salvaging on the reefs – gold coins from Spanish galleons – Flaglers railroad bridges - Duval St – museums in forts – perfectly flat bicycling – mopeds – scooters – tour ships – first class hotels – bed and breakfasts made from mahogany from old ships – old homes – the conch train – Audabon home – Hemmingway home and cats – artistic community – college kids at spring breaks – drunks – bikinis – rainbow flags – driving down route 1 to its end – and the strong presence of the gay community.

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Lon, everyone has been spot on about the Key’s. The only thing that was missed so far is make sure you stop and get a piece of real Key Lime Pie. If it’s green it’s fake. Have fun

Will do, Larrie. Thanks for the tip. Lon

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Lon 1st, if you don’t get accommodations in the Keys,,, at least get something in the Homestead area.. This time a year we are a bit full of snow birds, so your drive from Florida City to Key West can take a couple hours,,, it’s only 127 miles,, but also only one road,,, US 1,,, not a lot of traffic lights,, but few passing areas.. Here is the FAQ maintained by the crowd on the Florida Sportsman Fishing Forum: http://outdoorsbest.zeroforum.com/zerothread?id=100907 It is full of everything you need to know,, from accommodations, to weather, fishing seasons, guide services, flora & fauna.. You should try one of our State parks,, either Long Key or Bahia Honda,, the later is only 33 miles from Key West. There are also several KOA’s and other parks that can accommodate the biggest of the pushers… Here is a short list of some of the camping facilities: Sugarloaf KOA – http://floridakeys.net/koasugarloaf Fiesta Key KOA – http://floridakeys.net/koafiesta Dry Tortugas National Park – http://www.dry.tortugas.nation…g.htm Sunshine Key Encore Campground – http://www.encorerv.com/unique…n.htm Long Key State Park – http://www.floridastateparks.o…t.asp Bahia Honda State Park – http://www.floridastateparks.o…t.asp John Pennekamp State Park – http://www.floridastateparks.o…t.asp Knights Key Campground – http://www.seefloridaonline.co…athon You are a little late for the annual debauchery,,, we have a party at the end of October called Fantasy Fest,, based loosely on Halloween,, very similar to New Orleans’s Marti Gras,,, rather than use Ash Wednesday, we use All Saints Day,,, We encourage parents not to bring the KIDS,,, nufff said??? GB in NC hit your Q’s well,,, Here are a couple other web sites that may be of interest: http://www.fantasyfest.net/ << the official site http://www.bigeasychoppers.com/festival1.html <<<< some pictures for the strong of hart If you fly fish,, here is a note I wrote a while back that address wade fishing: http://outdoorsbest.zeroforum.com/zerothread?id=95444 Good Luck,, Jim An Old Parrot Head, In the Conch Republic, Just South of Reality PS: One of these days I will have a BlueBird,, until them I read & learn here daily….

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There are Campgrounds in the Keys.. Why not just take the rig? Yes , it’s crowded down here at this time of year, but that never seems to stop anyone.

Neither of us particularly like "crowded", and would avoid the keys entirely for that reason were it not for all the great things we have heard about it. I want to see it, but don’t want to stay long. It just doesn’t make sense to either of us to drive the MH 500 miles round trip to spend one night in it. Logically, since campgrounds generally cost $50/night on the keys, we figure we can spend up to $200 on a motel and food, and still be money ahead of the game. Besides, we’ve only spent 3 nights in the last 16 months which weren’t in the MH. It’ll be like a mini vacation.

What are the odds of getting in next week without a reservation? Lon

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<< We’ve been twice and often talk about going again when we have time for a longer trip. GB in NC I agree with everything GB said. It’s one corner of this country. You have to be there at least once. Tom M

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PS we have made the grade!!! Decenber 5th was the day. Took about a year.

Congratulations. Vote early and often.

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You do know that Key West is the *real* margaritaville? Janet, ruining her reputation

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PS we have made the grade!!! Decenber 5th was the day. Took about a year. Congratulations. Vote early and often.

Thanks Lon, we are very happy with our new status. regards to Carolyn from Carol and I Aubrey

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<< I agree with everything GB said. It’s one corner of this country. You have to be there at least once. Tom M

You do know that Key West is the *real* margaritaville? Yes, but I have faith that Lon will not turn into a liberal. Tom M

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Is it worth the trip? Absolutely, there’s nothing like it anywhere else in the Country. Who knows, you may like it so much you never leave. Happened to me, and I stayed for fifteen years. Canoli

Thanks a bunch, Canoli…and everyone else who responded. That should keep us busy and expose us to just the _right_ amount of trouble.

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8. Can you suggest a reasonably priced hotel/motel which is clean. Lon

We’ve been down several times and find all the responses to this thread to be relevant. Whilst in Key West, we stay at the Fairfield Inn and use the trolly. Don’t miss sundown on the pier! Peter & Anne-Marie Arnold Windsor, CT ‘95 F250 W/PSD {156 Kmi} 31 Ft Prowler Fifth Wheel NCT # 13390, The Masonic Campers

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There are Campgrounds in the Keys.. Why not just take the rig? Yes , it’s crowded down here at this time of year, but that never seems to stop anyone. Also, don’t worry about food, there are great restaurants every where. Take your time (It’s only one road in and out.), see the sights (Sunrise while driving over the Long Key Bridge is one of my favorites ), and enjoy. BTW – Pennekamp state Park is in Key Largo.

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Is it worth the trip? Absolutely, there’s nothing like it anywhere else in the Country. Who knows, you may like it so much you never leave. Happened to me, and I stayed for fifteen years.

What did you find to do for a living down there? John

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Hello, http://www.kwcamp.com/ (Key West) http://www.aokl.com/ (Key Largo) Great 2 campgrounds, we prefer Key Largo with private beach, great sunsets, Ardyno

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Lon, everyone has been spot on about the Key’s. The only thing that was missed so far is make sure you stop and get a piece of real Key Lime Pie. If it’s green it’s fake. Have fun

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Yeah, you might as well go Miami and take in the sights in Liberty City. 2. Is it worth the time and trouble to drive the 100 miles of the

keys? It is 128 miles from Homestead to Key West 3. What kind of speeds and delays can one expect from one end of the keys to the other?

It will depend on how many morons like you, decide to kill themselves on the highway on that particular day. 4. Are there lots of red lights, traffic jams, construction delays,

etc.? Every other block, there is a red light 5. Is there something you know of which is a _must_ see?

The Gae Bois in Key West. 6. Is there something we should know about and maybe avoid?

The Gae Bois in Key West. 7. If we changed plans and stayed in a camground in Homestead, can one drive the keys from there and back in one day without rushing?

Depends on how many speeding tickets you feel comfortable with. 8. Can you suggest a reasonably priced hotel/motel which is clean.

The Mamma Jamma Inn on MLK Blvd in Liesure City. Don’t waste your time going if you want to drive to Key West and back in a day. Disney world sounds like it would be more your speed. If you do decide to go, the troopers always have their eyes open for out of state speeders. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Lon

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Wednesday, Carolyn and I are going to a RPI park in Moore Haven, FL. We are considering taking a car trip to the keys. We have no great desire to spend a lot of time there, but figure everyone should see the keys at least once. Since it’s 250 miles from Moore Haven, to Key West, and campgrounds are so expensive at the Keys, it seems to make sense to spend a night in a motel and drive the car at 30 mpg, instead of the MH at 7. Questions. 1. If you’ve seen one of the keys, have you seen them all? 2. Is it worth the time and trouble to drive the 100 miles of the keys? 3. What kind of speeds and delays can one expect from one end of the keys to the other? 4. Are there lots of red lights, traffic jams, construction delays, etc.? 5. Is there something you know of which is a _must_ see? 6. Is there something we should know about and maybe avoid? 7. If we changed plans and stayed in a camground in Homestead, can one drive the keys from there and back in one day without rushing? 8. Can you suggest a reasonably priced hotel/motel which is clean. Lon

Hi Lon, We did that Key West thing about two years ago. We parked at a Casino near Homestead and spent a night parked there and asked them the next morning if we could leave the RV parked with them. They didnt mind so we motored down by car. It was a long drive but worth it. There are touristy things to see along the way and the part I found interesting was looking out to sea, in a S.E direction to Cuba ,apparently 90 mi away. (According to the sign they have put up) We also stayed at a state campground and went out to sea in a glass bottom boat. That was "cool" Do the trip, you will enjoy it. Regards PS we have made the grade!!! Decenber 5th was the day. Took about a year.

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Monocore question

admin — Thu, 22 Aug 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Not Bill McNeese, but Dave McNeese.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Adam, The clear intermediate slow sinking tropical lines are designed for fishing in the warm weather out of a boat. I would overline one size larger than your rod size so it will handle those larger flies better. I would use an SA/Mastery "Tarpon" monocore slow sinking clear WF10S on a #9 rod for your trip. I would also do the same thing with a WF10F Mastery "Tarpon" floater for poppers. Or you could put a WF11 on a #10 rod ? — Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento, CA, USA www.kiene.com

Hi Marilyn, Your response brought up one more question: My 9 wt is a Sage 3-pc saltwater RPLX (I think, it’s about 6 years old), and I am a reasonable caster, do you still recommend overlining the rod. I’ve had my rods built by Bill McNeese (steelhead fisherman out of Seattle) and he has always told me to use the same wt line. Regards, Adam

Response:

What are the casting qualities of an intermediate tipped line? Does it hinge? Do they do well in warm water. Do I have to bring it all the way to the boat. My concern here is that as I fish the shore, will I be able to pick the line up and get it back to the shore the way one can do it with a floating line (ie, will I be able to keep the distance from the boat to shore relatively constant)? About how deep will it go, do they have the regular 1-2"/minute sink rates? Thanks, Adam

Response:

Hi Adam, The clear intermediate slow sinking tropical lines are designed for fishing in the warm weather out of a boat. I would overline one size larger than your rod size so it will handle those larger flies better. I would use an SA/Mastery "Tarpon" monocore slow sinking clear WF10S on a #9 rod for your trip. I would also do the same thing with a WF10F Mastery "Tarpon" floater for poppers. Or you could put a WF11 on a #10 rod ? — Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento, CA, USA www.kiene.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Going to Amazon to fly fish for peacock bass. It has been suggested to use an intermediate sinking monocore line. I’ll be casting large, but hopefully not too wind resistant streamers (6-8", made from Kinky Fibre Deceiver type-no feathers and poppers (1/2 to 3/4" closed foam cell heads). I’ve never used this line and before I get one, I’d like to know the characteristics (pluses and minuses, if you will) of this line when used in warm water and largish flies. Thanks, Adam —

Response:

Going to Amazon to fly fish for peacock bass. It has been suggested to use an intermediate sinking monocore line. I’ll be casting large, but hopefully not too wind resistant streamers (6-8", made from Kinky Fibre Deceiver type-no feathers and poppers (1/2 to 3/4" closed foam cell heads). I’ve never used this line and before I get one, I’d like to know the characteristics (pluses and minuses, if you will) of this line when used in warm water and largish flies. Thanks, Adam —

Response:

For that kind of fishing I have been using the intermediate tip lines. made by everybody now and I use Cortland. Really helps to load the line and when fishing with big streamers is really a help, especially when blind casting all day. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Going to Amazon to fly fish for peacock bass. It has been suggested to use an intermediate sinking monocore line. I’ll be casting large, but hopefully not too wind resistant streamers (6-8", made from Kinky Fibre Deceiver type-no feathers and poppers (1/2 to 3/4" closed foam cell heads). I’ve never used this line and before I get one, I’d like to know the characteristics (pluses and minuses, if you will) of this line when used in warm water and largish flies. Thanks, Adam —

Response:

Deceivers without feathers recipe for peacock bass

admin — Tue, 23 Jul 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Go to your local hardware store, have a look at the synthetic cords. They come in a whole range of colours, including fluorescents. When shredded and combed out, ( Use a wire brush),these make indestructible wings for flies. Use short bits for the collars. The stuff does not soak up water, and is easy to cast. TL MC

Response:

Going to fly fish for big peacock bass in the Amazon this October. Problem is that you have to throw flies all day long, using anywhere from an 8 to a 10/11 wt. rod. Now, the traditional flies are usually at least 6-8" long and damn wind resistant. So you get the idea about having your arm replaced at the end of each day. Anyway, I’d like to make up a mess of 6" streamers that will have a nice profile, but yet be not too wind resistant. One suggestion was to pattern them after Deceivers, but without feathers (as the peacocks will rip them up pronto). I’m not the greatest tyer and I look to make the flies pretty much down and dirty. These fish are so aggressive that one doesn’t need to be fancy with their tying. So, I’d like some help with the type of materials to use that will give me the profile and yet be easy to throw. Also, I would imagine that if one was to make a deceiver sans feathers, once again certain materials would be better than others. For example, I’ve fish the peacock in Venezuela (fish went up to 17#), and made relatively thin streamers out of fishhair or bozo hair (just tied on several different colors behind the eye, put marabou collars on them, and finished with a built-up epoxy head). The fishhair stood up, but the marabou got creamed. What would be a good recipe for my needs and what would be a good collar substitute? Thanks, Adam

Response:

(OT) We toyed with closing our doors!

admin — Tue, 25 Jun 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Mine or Dan’s? I am a disfunctional custom finish carpenter. Who longs to build everyone at least one perfect fishing rod. — Dave Norton Millennium Custom Rods http://www.millenniumcustomrods.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What is your career field? Bill Dave, I am glad that your not closing the doors. Eventually I hope to have enough cash to order a rod from you, from all I have heard it will be great. Now if you can help me find a job, I’ll order it right soon ;<} Good fishing and catching! No more dail-up! Guess I have to figure out how to change the "sig". The cable modem was a father’s day present. or birthday present, hhmmm perhaps both. Damn that means I am done for the year, and I didn’t get that Curado replaced. Double crap!!! Dan I’ve rambled enough, back to the rocking chair. ZZZZZZZZZ Remove left x for a direct reply.

Response:

What is your career field? Bill

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dave, I am glad that your not closing the doors. Eventually I hope to have enough cash to order a rod from you, from all I have heard it will be great. Now if you can help me find a job, I’ll order it right soon ;<} Good fishing and catching! No more dail-up! Guess I have to figure out how to change the "sig". The cable modem was a father’s day present. or birthday present, hhmmm perhaps both. Damn that means I am done for the year, and I didn’t get that Curado replaced. Double crap!!! Dan I’ve rambled enough, back to the rocking chair. ZZZZZZZZZ Remove left x for a direct reply.

Response:

MX I think! Wait till you see the whole site. Chris my new webmaster & I talked some to nite. Soon he will have our whole catalog, some 86 different — Dave Norton Millennium Custom Rods http://www.millenniumcustomrods.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey… I like that! Was that with Dreamweaver? Charles, he is in charge of flyrods only, by the way check out the new site. It is still under construction, but I really like the direction it is headed! — Dave Norton Millennium Custom Rods http://www.millenniumcustomrods.com I’ll volunteer for that field tester job Dave. LOL Dan, not only are we not closing up shop; we just got the final quotes form our supplier for the the spinning rods. Wish I could help you out in the employment field, shucks if this doesn’t play out I’ll likely be with you. Also we just finished a prototype 2 piece 8′6" 6wt. flyrod. Our feild tester has been having fits to get his hands on it since he first test cast it. So all you folks that fly fish for smallies, we’ve got you covered also. — Dave Norton Millennium Custom Rods Dave, I am glad that your not closing the doors. Eventually I hope to have enough cash to order a rod from you, from all I have heard it will be great. Now if you can help me find a job, I’ll order it right soon ;<} Good fishing and catching! No more dail-up! Guess I have to figure out how to change the "sig". The cable modem was a father’s day present. or birthday present, hhmmm perhaps both. Damn that means I am done for the year, and I didn’t get that Curado replaced. Double crap!!! Dan I’ve rambled enough, back to the rocking chair. ZZZZZZZZZ Remove left x for a direct reply.

Response:

Hey… I like that! Was that with Dreamweaver?

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Charles, he is in charge of flyrods only, by the way check out the new site. It is still under construction, but I really like the direction it is headed! — Dave Norton Millennium Custom Rods http://www.millenniumcustomrods.com I’ll volunteer for that field tester job Dave. LOL Dan, not only are we not closing up shop; we just got the final quotes form our supplier for the the spinning rods. Wish I could help you out in the employment field, shucks if this doesn’t play out I’ll likely be with you. Also we just finished a prototype 2 piece 8′6" 6wt. flyrod. Our feild tester has been having fits to get his hands on it since he first test cast it. So all you folks that fly fish for smallies, we’ve got you covered also. — Dave Norton Millennium Custom Rods Dave, I am glad that your not closing the doors. Eventually I hope to have enough cash to order a rod from you, from all I have heard it will be great. Now if you can help me find a job, I’ll order it right soon ;<} Good fishing and catching! No more dail-up! Guess I have to figure out how to change the "sig". The cable modem was a father’s day present. or birthday present, hhmmm perhaps both. Damn that means I am done for the year, and I didn’t get that Curado replaced. Double crap!!! Dan I’ve rambled enough, back to the rocking chair. ZZZZZZZZZ Remove left x for a direct reply.

Response:

Charles, he is in charge of flyrods only, by the way check out the new site. It is still under construction, but I really like the direction it is headed! — Dave Norton Millennium Custom Rods http://www.millenniumcustomrods.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ll volunteer for that field tester job Dave. LOL Dan, not only are we not closing up shop; we just got the final quotes form our supplier for the the spinning rods. Wish I could help you out in the employment field, shucks if this doesn’t play out I’ll likely be with you. Also we just finished a prototype 2 piece 8′6" 6wt. flyrod. Our feild tester has been having fits to get his hands on it since he first test cast it. So all you folks that fly fish for smallies, we’ve got you covered also. — Dave Norton Millennium Custom Rods Dave, I am glad that your not closing the doors. Eventually I hope to have enough cash to order a rod from you, from all I have heard it will be great. Now if you can help me find a job, I’ll order it right soon ;<} Good fishing and catching! No more dail-up! Guess I have to figure out how to change the "sig". The cable modem was a father’s day present. or birthday present, hhmmm perhaps both. Damn that means I am done for the year, and I didn’t get that Curado replaced. Double crap!!! Dan I’ve rambled enough, back to the rocking chair. ZZZZZZZZZ Remove left x for a direct reply.

Response:

No more dail-up! Guess I have to figure out how to change the "sig". The cable modem was a father’s day present. or birthday present, hhmmm perhaps both. Damn that means I am done for the year, and I didn’t get that Curado replaced. Double crap!!! — Dave Norton Millennium Custom Rods

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Now Dave… if you’re gonna play with Connie’s computer… at least change the name. The idea of a less expensive rod sounds good. Can you compete though with places like Bass Pro Shops? I’m sure that there’s a much greater benefit from a semi-custom rod than the BPS specials, so you’ll have to stress that, as well as educate people like you have taught me. With that range of prices though… and the right salesman/sales pitch… you’d be running on the right track. Now… is this going to be feasible? Don’t forget that your time and talent is worth money as well. I don’t think that I’d drop the higher end line altogether… but rather keep them available when people begin to understand what a custom rod can do for them. I know that when I first began buying my rods, I was happy as a lark with the $20~$30 rods. As time came to replace them, I realized that if I wanted one that would last longer and help my confidence, I’d have to pay a little more. Once I got a really good rod in my hands, I knew that I’d never be happy with anything less. That’s why I came to you about my next rod. Hopefully, I’ll be able to drum you up a little business when I receive mine. I’ve already begun the teaching, and have impressed a few people. Wait until they see one of yours! Due to a recent downturn in the custom market we actually thought about closing up shop. And then an idea over came us. What if we could produce a line of rods in semi-production mode that would appeal to the more average angler. To this end we are working with our suppliers to build a semi-custom rod at will retail for about $125.00 These rods will preform as well as our custom models yet, they will not have the frills. We are currently working on 10 models to include baitcastrs & spinning rods. We hope to have production models ready soon. These rods will be offered both in the retail market & as direct sales from our website. Which is now under going a major reconstruction. The new site will finally include our fly rod assembly. We hope that you will take the time in the coming months to check us out. — Dave Norton Millennium Custom Rods

Response:

I’ll volunteer for that field tester job Dave. LOL

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dan, not only are we not closing up shop; we just got the final quotes form our supplier for the the spinning rods. Wish I could help you out in the employment field, shucks if this doesn’t play out I’ll likely be with you. Also we just finished a prototype 2 piece 8′6" 6wt. flyrod. Our feild tester has been having fits to get his hands on it since he first test cast it. So all you folks that fly fish for smallies, we’ve got you covered also. — Dave Norton Millennium Custom Rods Dave, I am glad that your not closing the doors. Eventually I hope to have enough cash to order a rod from you, from all I have heard it will be great. Now if you can help me find a job, I’ll order it right soon ;<} Good fishing and catching! No more dail-up! Guess I have to figure out how to change the "sig". The cable modem was a father’s day present. or birthday present, hhmmm perhaps both. Damn that means I am done for the year, and I didn’t get that Curado replaced. Double crap!!! Dan I’ve rambled enough, back to the rocking chair. ZZZZZZZZZ Remove left x for a direct reply.

Response:

Dave, I am glad that your not closing the doors. Eventually I hope to have enough cash to order a rod from you, from all I have heard it will be great. Now if you can help me find a job, I’ll order it right soon ;<} Good fishing and catching! No more dail-up! Guess I have to figure out how to change the "sig". The cable modem was a father’s day present. or birthday present, hhmmm perhaps both. Damn that means I am done for the year, and I didn’t get that Curado replaced. Double crap!!!

Dan I’ve rambled enough, back to the rocking chair. ZZZZZZZZZ Remove left x for a direct reply.

Response:

Dan, not only are we not closing up shop; we just got the final quotes form our supplier for the the spinning rods. Wish I could help you out in the employment field, shucks if this doesn’t play out I’ll likely be with you. Also we just finished a prototype 2 piece 8′6" 6wt. flyrod. Our feild tester has been having fits to get his hands on it since he first test cast it. So all you folks that fly fish for smallies, we’ve got you covered also. — Dave Norton Millennium Custom Rods

Response:

Now Dave… if you’re gonna play with Connie’s computer… at least change the name. The idea of a less expensive rod sounds good. Can you compete though with places like Bass Pro Shops? I’m sure that there’s a much greater benefit from a semi-custom rod than the BPS specials, so you’ll have to stress that, as well as educate people like you have taught me. With that range of prices though… and the right salesman/sales pitch… you’d be running on the right track. Now… is this going to be feasible? Don’t forget that your time and talent is worth money as well. I don’t think that I’d drop the higher end line altogether… but rather keep them available when people begin to understand what a custom rod can do for them. I know that when I first began buying my rods, I was happy as a lark with the $20~$30 rods. As time came to replace them, I realized that if I wanted one that would last longer and help my confidence, I’d have to pay a little more. Once I got a really good rod in my hands, I knew that I’d never be happy with anything less. That’s why I came to you about my next rod. Hopefully, I’ll be able to drum you up a little business when I receive mine. I’ve already begun the teaching, and have impressed a few people. Wait until they see one of yours!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Due to a recent downturn in the custom market we actually thought about closing up shop. And then an idea over came us. What if we could produce a line of rods in semi-production mode that would appeal to the more average angler. To this end we are working with our suppliers to build a semi-custom rod at will retail for about $125.00 These rods will preform as well as our custom models yet, they will not have the frills. We are currently working on 10 models to include baitcastrs & spinning rods. We hope to have production models ready soon. These rods will be offered both in the retail market & as direct sales from our website. Which is now under going a major reconstruction. The new site will finally include our fly rod assembly. We hope that you will take the time in the coming months to check us out. — Dave Norton Millennium Custom Rods

Response:

the light bill. :-) — Jerry Barton www.jerrys-world.com

Response:

Due to a recent downturn in the custom market we actually thought about closing up shop. And then an idea over came us. What if we could produce a line of rods in semi-production mode that would appeal to the more average angler. To this end we are working with our suppliers to build a semi-custom rod at will retail for about $125.00 These rods will preform as well as our custom models yet, they will not have the frills. We are currently working on 10 models to include baitcastrs & spinning rods. We hope to have production models ready soon. These rods will be offered both in the retail market & as direct sales from our website. Which is now under going a major reconstruction. The new site will finally include our fly rod assembly. We hope that you will take the time in the coming months to check us out. — Dave Norton Millennium Custom Rods

Response:

Local Colorado Fishing

admin — Sat, 22 Jun 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

He just doesn’t like big trout when *I* catch them.

And don’t forget the pictures…. Those damn pictures!!!! — Warren change addy to yahoo for email Henry’s Fork Clave info and Bozeman, MT fishing info http://www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt3/HFclave.html

Response:

He just doesn’t like big trout when *I* catch them. And don’t forget the pictures…. Those damn pictures!!!!

Yeah, the poorly composed ones. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

And don’t forget the pictures…. Those damn pictures!!!!

Yeah, the poorly composed ones.< And taken with an (ugh) digital camera.

Response:

now I’m not so sure that we shouldn’t dam the fuck out of Colorado. It’s not anything like watersheds with anadromous species. Horseshit. Explain please. Simple. Free flowing rivers are beautiful, natural things that aren’t improved by a concrete dam.

While I was referring to blockage of migration of anadromous species as farily sound ecological detriment to damming watercourse, you went another way. You cited the beauty of the free flowing rivers, to which there can be absolutely no doubt. This remains an irony however, given your original thread’s posit, that the river levels are down, very warm and fish kill is imminent. By your own description the beauty of nature left untamed must, therefore, include fish kill, drought and fire as a part of the composition. So let’s stop bitching. Let all of the fucking californimported fish die and we’ll just call it "part of the beauty of nature"?. And that, Willi, is fine by me. Wanna know something else that is beautiful, though, Willi ? (of course these things are probably best left up to eye of the beholder) wooden sailboats luffing in the calm of a fire orange sunset on the image that is a Dillon Lake, Colorado postcard. Your pal, — TBone

Response:

i am astonished that someone not directly involved in that conflict actually understands the enormous cost it has been to this country.

Not directly involved ? We are all directly involved, most people are just too stupid to recognize it. OBROFF: The helicopter made for some morose entertainment yesterday as it returned time and again for it’s bucket of water from Pinewood Reservoir. Spork, The Wonder Weiner Dog, and I went fishless. There are lakes in Colorado where the bag limits have been removed. They’re gonna dry up. Might as well harvest the meat that’s there. Your pal, — TBone

Response:

And don’t forget the pictures…. Those damn pictures!!!! Yeah, the poorly composed ones.< And taken with an (ugh) digital camera.

The shame of it all… — I fly fish so therefore I am.

Response:

1. We get great tailwaters for fishing big trout. It appears that Wolfgang liks BIG trout, so this would be a good benefit for travelling fly fisherman to Colorado.

He just doesn’t like big trout when *I* catch them. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

Locally, the fishing is more like mid Summer than like runoff that would be typical for this time of year. My home river is warm enough to wade wet comfortably. During the heat of a warm day, the water is only cool. I’ve been fishing this stretch of river for fifteen years and conditions are the worst I’ve seen for this time of year. Although my home river is at low elevation, reports from across the State have echoed what I’m seeing here locally. I’m concerned about wide spread, heavy fish kills. Question for you guys in Montana. When you had your "drought" and fish kills were predicted, did they occur? If they did, what was the extent? Willi

Response:

I’m concerned about wide spread, heavy fish kills. Question for you guys in Montana. When you had your "drought" and fish kills were predicted, did they occur? If they did, what was the extent?

They predicted fish kills but were able to regulate the water well enough on most rivers that fish kills were minor from what I heard. Thankfully I never saw any fish kills on any of the rivers I fish. One of the biggest problems faced was enforcing the water rights because some people who were not entitled to any water were drawing water. Some conservation groups were able to convince a few people with water rights not to take their full share of water in order to prevent major fish kills on the Gallatin and something similar was done on the Big Hole to avert disaster there. Apparently it worked because they were especially proud of the job done on the Big Hole. When Marshall Krasser came out and we fished the Big Hole, the river seemed to be in pretty good shape to me. That was the first time I had fished that river, but there seemed to be plenty of fish in there. I think the upper reaches of that river were the hardest hit though. Tailwaters were another story. During the summer things were actually decent, but they dropped the flows way down in the winter and had winter fish kills on some rivers. The second hand info I heard was that very young fish were the hardest hit when flows were dropped down to levels like 24 cfs (on the river where we resorted to streamers). Haven’t fished that river lately and am curious to see how it faired. — Warren change addy to yahoo for email Henry’s Fork Clave info and Bozeman, MT fishing info http://www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt3/HFclave.html

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Locally, the fishing is more like mid Summer than like runoff that would be typical for this time of year. My home river is warm enough to wade wet comfortably. During the heat of a warm day, the water is only cool. I’ve been fishing this stretch of river for fifteen years and conditions are the worst I’ve seen for this time of year. Although my home river is at low elevation, reports from across the State have echoed what I’m seeing here locally. I’m concerned about wide spread, heavy fish kills. Question for you guys in Montana. When you had your "drought" and fish kills were predicted, did they occur? If they did, what was the extent? Willi

Yes, there were a couple of years when we did have fish kill that I recall. I don’t know if they were "predicted" but during 1988 and again in 1994 as well as last year and the year before (2001 and 2000), drought warnings were out and it was "advised" that fishermen restrict their fishing to waters that were not so hard hit with regard to flow and temperature. As far as last year goes, I don’t know yet if FWP really has a handle on whether or not we had any extensive fish kill. I’m certain there had to be some mortality but to what extent, I don’t think is known. I would venture to say that most fish that died, did so on account of the stress induced from fishing. It has been my policy to cancel trips when it gets so bad. I began this policy after my experiences in 1988. The last float I took fishermen on during that season, I distinctly remember a nice fish coming up to the fly, taking it, half-heartedly thrashing for a second or two, and then rolling over on its side and just skate across the surface as the guy reeled him in. As I recall, the water temp was between 72 and 75 degrees. It was that particular fish that made me realize that fishing when the conditions were such was just going to hurt the fishery. Of course, there were (and still are) plenty of guides and outfitters who still take their customers out, even at the expense of the resource. I can think of one who, when I cancelled a Smith river 5-day float (and many others were doing the same), due to extremely low water, he went ahead and took his people on the scheduled trip. The flow was below 100 cfs which, for the the Smith, is a trickle. I’m sure those people had just a lovely time on their 62-mile DRAG. Warren, got your email but haven’t had time to respond yet. I’m presently in Georgia visiting family and won’t be home till July 1. I’ll try to compose a response before then. Off to fish the Hiwassee in Tennessee next week. Any one got any advice for this river? Tight lines, Brian D. Nelson Diamond N Outfitters, Missoula, Montana www.diamondnoutfitters.com

Response:

I’m concerned about wide spread, heavy fish kills.

Perhaps this periodic event explains the absence of indignious trout of any kind in the N. Platte drainage (prior to stocking activities)

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m concerned about wide spread, heavy fish kills. Question for you guys in Montana. When you had your "drought" and fish kills were predicted, did they occur? If they did, what was the extent? They predicted fish kills but were able to regulate the water well enough on most rivers that fish kills were minor from what I heard. Thankfully I never saw any fish kills on any of the rivers I fish. One of the biggest problems faced was enforcing the water rights because some people who were not entitled to any water were drawing water. Some conservation groups were able to convince a few people with water rights not to take their full share of water in order to prevent major fish kills on the Gallatin and something similar was done on the Big Hole to avert disaster there. Apparently it worked because they were especially proud of the job done on the Big Hole.

Unfortunately, that isn’t even an option in Colorado. We have very antiquated water laws that several groups are presently attempting to change. If a rancher or farmer chooses not to use his allotment of water, in order to leave water in the river or for any other reason, he stands to lose the right to this water in future. The statute is counter conservation of water. The same thing could happen if farmer chose to use a more efficient irrigation system. As the law now stands, water rights must be used only for a "beneficial use." Leaving water in the stream or river for recreational purposes, for the benefit of the fishes, etc. is not considered to be a "beneficial use." This means that conservation groups or individuals can’t buy water rights or a farmer can’t denote or sell water in order to supplement stream flows. Neither of these things apply to Montana. Some groups in Montana have purchased water rights in some small streams in order to increase water levels in the streams so they can support the spawning runs that run up them from larger rivers and provide habitat for the fry. There has been several successful programs utilizing this approach. Willi

Response:

I’m concerned about wide spread, heavy fish kills. Perhaps this periodic event explains the absence of indignious trout of any kind in the N. Platte drainage (prior to stocking activities)

That’s an interesting idea. A prolonged drought might have had that effect. The North Platte drainage is one of the few major drainages in the Rockies that didn’t support a population of indigenous trout that is now able to support a sustaining trout population. The present level of drought has the potential of being severely damaging to fish populations only because of irrigation usage. Willi

Response:

Unfortunately, that isn’t even an option in Colorado.

Response:

The present level of drought has the potential of being severely damaging to fish populations only because of irrigation usage.

True, but the overall steady state regarding available water is definately enhanced by the water storage and diversion projects. I used to have anti-Two Forks propoganda on my truck, now I’m not so sure that we shouldn’t dam the fuck out of Colorado. It’s not anything like watersheds with anadromous species. The other side of me cheers for the drought and the fires. Too many damned people, maybe they’ll leave. Colorado is a beautiful and fragile state that is already collapsing under this burden. The drought, the fires, should only serve to remind us clearly of this fact. Yet, one (of many things) that has me absolutely pissed off at our Federal/State Governments is the fact that, in this country, we have not properly addressed basic infrastructure regarding water. The money spent on the war on drugs could have funded a major public works effort in this regard. We should have a water pipeline grid and huge underground storage system. People with substance abuse problems can build it (and their lives and self-esteem) instead of languishing behind bars on our nickel while the farmer goes broke, the cost of food soars, my lawn dies, etc. This is just one aspect of the real cost of the war on drugs. There are many, many more. Including, entirely, September 11th, 2001. IMO. — TBone

Response:

while the farmer goes broke, the cost of food

soars, my lawn dies, etc.< Two outta three ain’t bad. Harry TBone? Meatloaf? Hmmm!

Response:

while the farmer goes broke, the cost of food soars, my lawn dies, etc.< Two outta three ain’t bad.

No sir. Two outta three am bad. — TBone

Response:

http://wildlife.state.co.us/dowfish/index.asp Prewitt Reservoir — Swimming, wading, boating, and fishing are banned at Prewitt State Wildlife Area until further notice due to a fish kill which is currently affecting the reservoir. This precautionary closure will stay in effect pending the diagnosis of the fish kill and recommendation by the Northeast Colorado Health Department. Fisheries experts believe the kill is being caused by a natural toxicity related to algae in the reservoir’s water. Closures do not apply to camping, wildlife watching, or hiking.

Response:

True, but the overall steady state regarding available water is definately enhanced by the water storage and diversion projects. I used to have anti-Two Forks propoganda on my truck,

I thought the fishermen fighting Two Forks was kind of weird. They wanted to protect their cherished Cheeseman Canyon from getting flooded although the reason why it is such a productive fishery is that it is a tailwater. now I’m not so sure that we shouldn’t dam the fuck out of Colorado. It’s not anything like watersheds with anadromous species.

Horseshit. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Yet, one (of many things) that has me absolutely pissed off at our Federal/State Governments is the fact that, in this country, we have not properly addressed basic infrastructure regarding water. The money spent on the war on drugs could have funded a major public works effort in this regard. We should have a water pipeline grid and huge underground storage system. People with substance abuse problems can build it (and their lives and self-esteem) instead of languishing behind bars on our nickel while the farmer goes broke, the cost of food soars, my lawn dies, etc. This is just one aspect of the real cost of the war on drugs. There are many, many more. Including, entirely, September 11th, 2001. IMO. — TBone

Response:

This is just one aspect of the real cost of the war on drugs. There are many, many more. Including, entirely, September 11th, 2001. IMO.

i am astonished that someone not directly involved in that conflict actually understands the enormous cost it has been to this country. your friend in the old north state wayno

Response:

now I’m not so sure that we shouldn’t dam the fuck out of Colorado. It’s not anything like watersheds with anadromous species. Horseshit.

Explain please. TBone

Response:

now I’m not so sure that we shouldn’t dam the fuck out of Colorado. It’s not anything like watersheds with anadromous species. Horseshit. Explain please.

Perhaps dams are a good thing for fishing. 1. We get great tailwaters for fishing big trout. It appears that Wolfgang liks BIG trout, so this would be a good benefit for travelling fly fisherman to Colorado. 2. To create dams, it requires quite a bit of mining of limestone or similar to create the cement necessary. Not only is limestone mined, but aggregate is also mined to mix with the lime to create the cement. The by product of all these mines are nice urban, or semi-urban bass ponds and other warm water ponds that can be used for the hook and cooler crowd. — Welcome to Montana, now go home! (Bumpersticker)

Response:

Perhaps this periodic event explains the absence of indignious trout of any kind in the N. Platte drainage (prior to stocking activities)

Doubtful. A drought event of sufficient severity to completely eliminate trout from the North Platte system most likely would have had the same effect on other systems near by, yet there are indigenous trout in the general area. It is far more likely that trout (cutts) never made it in to the North Platte system.

Response:

…….Too many damned people, maybe they’ll leave. Colorado is a beautiful and fragile state that is already collapsing under this burden……

I sense an opportunity to be a trend setter….a real leader….someone to look up to….just what you’ve always wanted. Wolfgang guilt debased the meal.

Response:

now I’m not so sure that we shouldn’t dam the fuck out of Colorado. It’s not anything like watersheds with anadromous species. Horseshit. Explain please.

Simple. Free flowing rivers are beautiful, natural things that aren’t improved by a concrete dam. You’re a Colorado resident. Some things you might be interested in: Only 10% of agricultural land is irrigated Agriculture uses 94+% of the water used in Colorado This means that 94+% of the water used by the entire State for ALL uses for ALL people, is used on only 10% of the farm and ranch land. Agriculture and agricultural related businesses employ 2% of the people. Agricultural operations generate just over 1% of the States GAP (These statistics are from AG pages not anti AG propaganda) I’m not anti agricultural. Like you, I’m sure, I’d much rather have the farmers and ranches than the urban sprawl that’s taking over Colorado’s Front Range. However, I think there are alternatives to building more dams. Colorado water law is VERY complex and I don’t pretend to understand much of it. However, it is very antiquated and there are some changes, IMO, that need to be made. The "use it or loss it" law that forces farmers and ranchers to use "their quota" whether they need it that year or not, is one example. This gives the farmer/rancher NO incentive to conserve water. In fact, they are penalized if they do because they will lose the right to future use of the amount of water they conserved and lose its monetary value. When home developments or cities need more water rights for their residents, I’d like to see at least some of this water come from fees they would pay to farmers/ranchers to buy some of their water rights and to pay for more efficient irrigation and delivery systems for the farmer/ranchers. The majority of irrigation done in Colorado is flood irrigation which is VERY wasteful and most of the distribution is in open canals. The developers would get their water, the farmers/ranchers would still have the water they need because of improved irrigation/distribution techniques and the farmer/ranchers would get money by selling some of their water rights because they wouldn’t need as much. Willi

Response:

Trip questions

admin — Thu, 09 May 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Hey everyone, I have the opportunity to travel west in about three weeks and I am wondering which state is preferred to fly fish in…..Colorado or Montana. I will have approx. three weeks to bum around out there and I am curious as to what state would be more rewarding to fish. thanks, Freestone

Response:

Better go to Colorado. Montana will be closed this summer for cleaning and repairs. Kevin, saving Warren the trouble

Response:

Better go to Colorado. Montana will be closed this summer for cleaning and repairs.

Not even. We will still be having winter! We have gotten quite a bit of snow lately. Hard to believe it is May and the weather is more like January or February. Check out the snowpacks. Some places are up to 166% of normal! Definitely good news! ftp://ftp.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/data/snow/update/mt.txt — Warren change addy to yahoo for email Henry’s Fork Clave info and Bozeman, MT fishing info http://www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt3/HFclave.html

Response:

I’d go with Montana, but I am biased. :-) You might run into problems with runoff though. We have been getting quite a bit of snow so I would advise checking with fly shops in the areas you plan on traveling and see what they think. I hear the Yellowstone is already high and muddy and most of the snow hasn’t even melted yet. Of course you may find luck fishing some of the tailwaters like the Missouri, Bighorn, etc if things are blown out. — Warren change addy to yahoo for email Henry’s Fork Clave info and Bozeman, MT fishing info http://www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt3/HFclave.html

Response:

I have the opportunity to travel west in about three weeks and I am wondering which state is preferred to fly fish in…..Colorado or Montana. I will have approx. three weeks to bum around out there and I am curious as to what state would be more rewarding to fish. I’d go with Montana, but I am biased. :-) You might run into problems with runoff though. We have been getting quite a bit of snow so I would advise checking with fly shops in the areas you plan on traveling and see what they think…

No problems with runoff in Colorado. You need snow for that. (Wait… I guess that is a problem) Since you’re planning on fishing in about three weeks, Colorado should still have some fishable water. If you’d said July or August, I’d suggest you go elsewhere. — Rusty Hook Laramie, Wyoming

Response:

Colorado should still have some fishable water. If you’d said July or August, I’d suggest you go elsewhere.

No doubt. The main CDOW Roundtable topic on the western slope recently was entitled "Stress and Release". Your pal, — TBone

Response:

Penn's Raffle

admin — Tue, 02 Apr 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

J Axelrad; Sign me up for the raffle with a Strens fisherman’s clipper with zinger and a North Dakota water proof box. I’m coming in Wed afternoon. Let me know if the timing is off. Then again, I could always donate 1,000 used flies that never caught anything and never will 8}.

Response:

Lou Teletski wrote… J Axelrad; Sign me up for the raffle with a Strens fisherman’s clipper with zinger and a North Dakota water proof box. I’m coming in Wed afternoon. Let me know if the timing is off. Then again, I could always donate 1,000 used flies that never caught anything and never will 8}.

You had better send it to me rather than bring it just in case. Wed. might be after the Raffle. Don’t know for sure. But why take a chance. Joel Axelrad **DFD**

Response:

You had better send it to me rather than bring it just in case. Wed. might be after the Raffle. Don’t know for sure. But why take a chance. Joel Axelrad **DFD**

Joe, I will send you a package of swap flies as well if you want to include them in your raffle. I need your snail mail addy. Frank Church Swap nazi

Response:

Joel, I’ll be there early but leaving Wednesday morning. No problem if not being there makes a difference on paricippating in the drawing. My 12 hooks with chicken feathers tied on (God bless Tyson’s Chicken) will still be there to participate. Better not un-zip the baggy until outdoors and downwind from anyone of the few who may have taken a shower that week. Wayne to fish is human….to release Divine!!! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You had better send it to me rather than bring it just in case. Wed. might be after the Raffle. Don’t know for sure. But why take a chance. Joel Axelrad **DFD**

Response:

Raffle rules again… All those giving a prize will get one even if you don’t attend the clave. All those attending bring your prize with you but let me know what it is beforehand if you would. All those not attending and those who think they will depart before the raffle or arrive after the raffle send your prize to me. Joel Axelrad Uniform Graining Corp. 2120 W, Lake Street Chicago, IL 60612 And lastly, I don’t know which nite, for sure, the raffle will be held. The Clavemeister has not spoken! Tom, we wait your decision. Tues.? Wed.? Let us know. Watch this space for the answer. Joel Axelrad **DFD**

Response:

And lastly, I don’t know which nite, for sure, the raffle will be held. The Clavemeister has not spoken! Tom, we wait your decision. Tues.? Wed.? Let us know.

Since Tuesday is the only night I have a snowball’s chance of being there, that gets my vote. Joe F.

Response:

Joe writes: Since Tuesday is the only night I have a snowball’s chance of being there, that gets my vote.

Don’t forget the torches! Dave

Response:

Joe F. wrote… Since Tuesday is the only night I have a snowball’s chance of being there, that gets my vote.

If you promise to do an encore of your act I’ll vote with you. Joel Axelrad **DFD**

Response:

And lastly, I don’t know which nite, for sure, the raffle will be held. The Clavemeister has not spoken! Tom, we wait your decision. Tues.? Wed.? Let us know. Since Tuesday is the only night I have a snowball’s chance of being there, that gets my vote. Joe F.

Sounds good to me too Scott

Response:

If you promise to do an encore of your act I’ll vote with you. Joel Axelrad

Well shit, I better find some glue & put the boxes back together.

Response:

Don’t forget the torches!

We got us a volunteer again Stan! Better start practicing.

Response:

Joe F. If you promise to do an encore of your act I’ll vote with you. Joel Axelrad Well shit, I better find some glue & put the boxes back together.

I’ll bring matches and lighter fluid.

Response:

Joe F. writes: Don’t forget the torches! We got us a volunteer again Stan! Better start practicing.

Yeah, Stan. Practice, practice, practice. No fishing from now until then – just practice with those torches. You don’t mind if I face Stan instead of you, Joe. Dave practicing running and ducking and trying to remember where his asbestos bvds are

Response:

Oh almighty rafflemiester put me down for a fly-tying book as i don’t tie yet i don’t need one maybe some flyline as someday i may tie so maybe i should keep it boy do i hate these aarp moments.Whatever day is picked will be fine with me. Handyman Mike

Response:

I’m with Joe. Tuesday night! — Wayne To Fish is Human…To Release Divine!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Since Tuesday is the only night I have a snowball’s chance of being there, that gets my vote. Joe F.

Response:

I’m with Joe. Tuesday night!

Well, if you’re with me, you’ll be at a dinner with me and swmbo. Aaaaargh. As it turns out, she had screwed up the dates she told me for that one. Now I have committments on Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday. It’s looking pretty f*cking unlikely I’ll get there at all now. Giant bummer. Joe F.

Response:

Joe fleischman wrote… Well, if you’re with me, you’ll be at a dinner with me and swmbo. Aaaaargh. As it turns out, she had screwed up the dates she told me for that one. Now I have committments on Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday. It’s looking pretty f*cking unlikely I’ll get there at all now. Giant bummer. Joe F.

You gotta come. You gotta juggle. You gotta fish. You gatta be with friends. Joel Axelrad **DFD**

Response:

Joel writes: You gotta come. You gotta juggle. You gotta fish. You gatta be with friends.

You gotta try and hit me with the flaming torch. Be there, Joe, be there. Dave

Response:

I’m with Joe. Tuesday night! Well, if you’re with me, you’ll be at a dinner with me and swmbo.

millheim inn?

bummer indeed….. i was hopin we could wet a line together this year….. 2003? –wally

Response:

You gotta come. You gotta juggle. You gotta fish. You gatta be with friends. You gotta try and hit me with the flaming torch. Be there, Joe, be there. Dave

If it’ll help you, Dave, I can toss a few cigars at you… Just trying to help.

Response:

Stan writes: If it’ll help you, Dave, I can toss a few cigars at you… Just trying to help. If it’ll help you, Dave, I can toss a few cigars at you… Just trying to help.

Wouldn’t be the same, Stan.

Response:

If’n ya’ll want, I can wait till more people get there before I start the fire for the stew. That oughta be ’nuff entertainment for the most jaded. Frank

Response:

bummer indeed….. i was hopin we could wet a line together this year….. 2003?

Friday’s still alive as a longshot. SWMBO gets degree at ceremony Thurs. a.m. Perhaps a celebratory lunch, a leisurely afternoon basking in the glow of academic success, them off to Coburn? I dunno; I might get away with it. :-) Joe F.

Response:

aw hell…i heard they will deliver diplomas by mail now …if you were a real manly man, you’d try that approach and do your celebrating at the historic millheim hotel. of course, i must admit i tried similar antics more than 20 years ago with my first spouse, and it got me a whole lotta new freedoms…freedom from my bank account, furniture, car, and marriage. but then, i didn’t have your magical talents…

Response:

Joe, Suggest we do a combined blowout Sunday for both the wives in collective celebration. You keep waders in the van to bug out right after ceremonies Thursday and get back late Saturday night. If we make a big enough deal out of Sunday, think we can make it fly(fish)?? Wayne to fish is human….to release Divine! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Friday’s still alive as a longshot. SWMBO gets degree at ceremony Thurs. a.m. Perhaps a celebratory lunch, a leisurely afternoon basking in the glow of academic success, them off to Coburn? I dunno; I might get away with it. :-) Joe F.

Response:

North Lake to South Lake, Sierra Nevada, September

admin — Sat, 16 Feb 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

I believe in some of the main places like Dusy, Leconte, Mcclure has bear boxes.

No bear boxes in Dusy. KCNP requires bear cans there.

Response:

It’s a beautiful and enjoyable hike to do. I did it several years ago and saw no bears. I believe in some of the main places like Dusy, Leconte, Mcclure has bear boxes. Though I remeber the mosquitos were a pain in the meadows, I think I did this in August or so. As for fishing it was pretty good. For flies I would take mosquitos as well as any flies which has a little red in it. I believe somewhere I have a briefly written trip report. Email me if you want it. Jeff – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Looking to do North Lake to South Lake, in the Sierra’s (Bishop) via JMT and PCT, on TOPO! and Topo USA 3.0 looks to be just under 60 miles. Tips are always welcome. Planning on early Semptember (yeah I want more snow too), would like to do late July, but am booked for another hike in Idaho, Sawtooth NF to be exact. Am planning on 12 – 15 miles a day to enjoy the scenery. Any gotcha’s on this trail? Does not look to heavy duty for most of the way, except a few miles. Obviously bears will be a big problem or atleast what I have experienced in the past Sierra trips. I plan on eating atleast a mile from campsite, and stealth camping is always on my list. Am also looking to fly fish for the most part. Have had great luck with wooly buggers in most Sierra’s, but am wondering what else works. Many thanks, Oh yeah, will be going solo too, my dog has got to stay home. Can’t carry her out that long if she develops a pad problem. tmc

Response:

The last time that we did this route, we did it the other direction (South Lake to North Lake) and it was in May, so we were on X-C skis. No bears in sight. Climbing to Lamarck Col from the west was a job, then skiing down the east side was sheer panic. Good trip. An old guy needs some of that. —Bob Gross—

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The only tough part for me was climbing Lamarck Col. After that it’s a snap except for climbing up to Dusy Basin from Le Conte Canyon. Never have seen a bear on my trips to this area but they are out there, usually Le Conte Canyon and between Bishop Pass and the South Lake. I plan to do it again this year…6 to 7 days; I’m older and less wiser. Have fun, Oscar

Response:

Tahoe Rim Trail? Dan — It becomes us to remember that arbitrary power has often originated in Justice and necessity. – Benjamin Rush – 1776 It is a wise maxim to avoid those things which our enemies wish us to practice. – John Weatherspoon – 1777 Let us disappoint the men who are raising themselves on the ruin of this country. – Sam Adams – 1772

Response:

The only tough part for me was climbing Lamarck Col. After that it’s a snap except for climbing up to Dusy Basin from Le Conte Canyon. Never have seen a bear on my trips to this area but they are out there, usually Le Conte Canyon and between Bishop Pass and the South Lake. I plan to do it again this year…6 to 7 days; I’m older and less wiser. Have fun, Oscar

Response:

Obviously bears will be a big problem or atleast what I have experienced in the past Sierra trips. I plan on eating atleast a mile from campsite, and stealth camping is always on my list.

I ran into a very aggressive camp bear in Dusy Basin 3 years ago. It has since been killed (or so I heard), but any area that popular is likely to be camp bear country–and you’ll be on the John Muir Freeway for much of the trip. btw, KCNP requires storage in bear cans in Dusy Basin, so you’ll have to have a can unless you don’t camp in Dusy. Oh yeah, will be going solo too, my dog has got to stay home. Can’t carry her out that long if she develops a pad problem.

Can’t bring the dog anyway–NP regs prohibit it.

Response:

Hiya Folks, Looking to do North Lake to South Lake, in the Sierra’s (Bishop) via JMT and PCT, on TOPO! and Topo USA 3.0 looks to be just under 60 miles. Tips are always welcome. Planning on early Semptember (yeah I want more snow too), would like to do late July, but am booked for another hike in Idaho, Sawtooth NF to be exact. Am planning on 12 – 15 miles a day to enjoy the scenery. Any gotcha’s on this trail? Does not look to heavy duty for most of the way, except a few miles. Obviously bears will be a big problem or atleast what I have experienced in the past Sierra trips. I plan on eating atleast a mile from campsite, and stealth camping is always on my list. Am also looking to fly fish for the most part. Have had great luck with wooly buggers in most Sierra’s, but am wondering what else works. Many thanks, Oh yeah, will be going solo too, my dog has got to stay home. Can’t carry her out that long if she develops a pad problem. tmc

Response:

backpacking with waders

admin — Sat, 05 Jan 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – There are some excellent suggestions here-thanks everyone. I was looking at the hodgeman nylon waders this weekend, might go with those in conjunction with my teva-type sandals, which are usually my camp shoe also. My main priority is to learn to fly cast by the time spring comes. sometimes i do backpack to flyfish.. hodgeman supplex waders orvis "pack and travel" boots they are both lightweight and pack small however i pack neither if i go very far..

If you use sandals for a wading shoe make sure that you wear a pair of socks (neoprenes work well) over your wader’s feet. Otherwise sand and grit will get caught between your sandal and your foot and wear out your waders fast. Been there, done that. G.Cleveland

Response:

sometimes i do backpack to flyfish.. hodgeman supplex waders orvis "pack and travel" boots they are both lightweight and pack small however i pack neither if i go very far..

Response:

There are some excellent suggestions here-thanks everyone. I was looking at the hodgeman nylon waders this weekend, might go with those in conjunction with my teva-type sandals, which are usually my camp shoe also. My main priority is to learn to fly cast by the time spring comes.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – sometimes i do backpack to flyfish.. hodgeman supplex waders orvis "pack and travel" boots they are both lightweight and pack small however i pack neither if i go very far..

Response:

This question is for the anglers in this group. What waders and/or wading shoes do you take backpacking?

I mostly fly fish streams in the Sierra. For this I take stocking foot hippers. Over these, I wear a pair of thin neoprene socks I got from Cabelas. I have reinforced the toes of the socks with Aqua Seal. For shoes with this combination, I wear a pair of Tevas, the kind that have Fastex buckle rather than Velcro fasteners, because the Velcro doesn’t hold reliably when it’s wet. The Tevas dry quickly and are usable as a camp shoe. For the inevitable repairs, their is a product from Loon called Sun Patch. It’s like Aqua Seal except that it cures in seconds in strong sunlight rather than overnight. Mike — Michael McGuire Hewlett Packard Laboratories Phone: (650)-857-5491 Palo Alto, CA 94303-0971

Response:

This question is for the anglers in this group. What waders and/or wading shoes do you take backpacking?

Response:

When backpacking, the only waders I take are my bare legs with an old pair of Converse Chuck Taylor’s on my feet. If I had to take waders, I’d bring the LL Bean Fly Weight waders. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This question is for the anglers in this group. What waders and/or wading shoes do you take backpacking?

Response:

You can carry whatever you want and have the strength to do so. Many fishermen do limited packing in the Eastern sierras. There are nice lakes a few miles off the nearest road and the only way to get there is to walk. Its not like you have to walk a marathon. Just get away from the cars a few days.

Response:

I too have struggled for a good answer to your question. I have decided that taking hip waders backpacking is more weight and bulk than I can stand. I’m a backpacker that fishes occasionally rather than primarily a fisherman that backpacks mainly to get good fishing water. At one point, I simply used lightweight water shoes and braved the cold. I often ended up walking on top of the rocks in the streams to keep from having cold numb feet. This approach resulted in a slip and fall and a dislocated finger three days from the trailhead. Currently I use neoprene wet wading socks such as those that can be viewed at this link: http://www.3riversresort.com/product.cfm?productID=187 paired with Merrell Shoreline Stretch Shoes which can be viewed at this link: http://www.altrec.com/shop/detail/12506/11. These shoes are stretchy enough and adjustable enough that they can be worn without socks or with thick neoprene wading socks. They work well as wading shoes. They slip on and off quickly and work well for crossing water. I use them for in-camp shoes and occasionally for short hikes (e.g. from camp to the fishing spot). For me, they are the solution to question of what other shoe to bring backpacking other than my hiking boots. Bob Taylor

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This question is for the anglers in this group. What waders and/or wading shoes do you take backpacking?