Question:

Darn it!!! Try this:

Nice TR snipped. Proof that persistence pays in fishing AND formatting Steve

Response:

I hope the formatting comes through correctly TR:  Putah Creek – above Winters, CA Just thought I should get a

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Jeff Miller is an excellent man at the vise and I personally know his fly tying signature as being top drawer.  You can’t do much better Joseph.   well, there it is fellers.  for those still needing proof… anybody got a granite chisel i can borrow? jeff miller (the other one)

O-O-OH…I thought he got you and wayno confused and then misspelled "vice"….well, I guess that’s what I get for taking as confusion what could be easier explained by simple stupidity… TC, R

Response:

just hope i can get those words impressed on my headstone before i pass… i will of course give proper attribution to the author…

…and don’t forget the "copywrite 2001."  You wouldn’t want a bunch of ambulance chasin’ copyright lawyers hounding you into the afterlife. Kevin

Response:

Jeffie writes: just hope i can get those words impressed on my headstone before i pass… i will of course give proper attribution to the author…

Well, hell……  I thought your headstone should read: "It weren’t the fried eggs that done killed me!"

Response:

no…but if you’d seen me runnin out of santeetlah creek lookin suitable-for-wipin tree leaves whilst tryin to get disentangled from vest, waders, clothing and all the time havin to maintain tight sphincter control…well, it sure did look and feel like a death dance…and, true, it tweren’t my fried eggs, twas that bvd laplac mornin cookin what nearly done me in. jeff – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Jeffie writes: just hope i can get those words impressed on my headstone before i pass… i will of course give proper attribution to the author… Well, hell……  I thought your headstone should read: "It weren’t the fried eggs that done killed me!"

Response:

Jeff Miller is an excellent man at the vise and I personally know his fly tying signature as being top drawer.  You can’t do much better Joseph.

Jeff, are you leading a double life? Op

Response:

Jeff Miller is an excellent man at the vise and I personally know his fly tying signature as being top drawer.  You can’t do much better Joseph. Jeff, are you leading a double life? Op

You must stop these jealousy tandrums Opie boy.  You sexuality will soon reveal itself. George Gehrke "Dr. of Confusion"

Response:

you guys are slayin’ me…. thankee! –waldo <bseg’s – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Jeff Miller is an excellent man at the vise and I personally know his fly tying signature as being top drawer.  You can’t do much better Joseph. well, there it is fellers.  for those still needing proof… anybody got a granite chisel i can borrow? jeff miller (the other one) Jeff:  I’m going to keep that quote to post under the picture of the fly you submitted to the 2002 fly swap, OK? –Stan

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

Response:

gawdam stan…that’s cold. have you no pity? …only if you include mike’s verse as well… jeff – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Jeff Miller is an excellent man at the vise and I personally know his fly tying signature as being top drawer.  You can’t do much better Joseph. well, there it is fellers.  for those still needing proof… anybody got a granite chisel i can borrow? jeff miller (the other one) Jeff:  I’m going to keep that quote to post under the picture of the fly you submitted to the 2002 fly swap, OK? –Stan

Response:

just hope i can get those words impressed on my headstone before i pass… i will of course give proper attribution to the author… jeff

OK. purely out of pity! Jeff tried and tried, before he died, to tie up lots of lovely flies, He got his wish, caught lots of fish, and now happy here he lies. TL MC

Response:

just hope i can get those words impressed on my headstone before i pass… i will of course give proper attribution to the author…

He’s probably thinking of the ones you gave him when the two of you were fly fishing the Pyrenees after you ran the bulls that time. — Charlie…

Response:

grin-ing out loud funny…. jeff – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – He’s probably thinking of the ones you gave him when the two of you were fly fishing the Pyrenees after you ran the bulls that time. — Charlie…

Response:

OK. purely out of pity! Jeff tried and tried, before he died, to tie up lots of lovely flies, He got his wish, caught lots of fish, and now happy here he lies.

…perhaps i’ll have two headstones then.  thanks mike. jeff (master of the mutant fly tie)

Response:

Jeff Miller is an excellent man at the vise and I personally know his fly tying signature as being top drawer.  You can’t do much better Joseph.

well, there it is fellers.  for those still needing proof… anybody got a granite chisel i can borrow? jeff miller (the other one)

Jeff:  I’m going to keep that quote to post under the picture of the fly you submitted to the 2002 fly swap, OK? –Stan

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Jeff Miller is an excellent man at the vise and I personally know his fly tying signature as being top drawer.  You can’t do much better Joseph. well, there it is fellers.  for those still needing proof… anybody got a granite chisel i can borrow? jeff miller (the other one)

Oh dear, the kiss of death, and you were doing so well! TL MC

Response:

just hope i can get those words impressed on my headstone before i pass… i will of course give proper attribution to the author… jeff – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Jeff Miller is an excellent man at the vise and I personally know his fly tying signature as being top drawer.  You can’t do much better Joseph. well, there it is fellers.  for those still needing proof… anybody got a granite chisel i can borrow? jeff miller (the other one) Oh dear, the kiss of death, and you were doing so well! TL MC

Response:

Last and only time I fished on Silver creek

don’t discount terrestrials on silver creek…also look for ties the trout are less likely to see all the time…. Eugene K.

Response:

Getting ready to make my annual wholesale order of flies from banglerdesh and would like to get a few suggestions  from the western experts  as I hope to make a return trip to Idaho late this summer.  Will hit Henry"s area, Silver creek and Kelly creek.   Last and only time I fished on Silver creek the trico hatch was so dense I could not see or breathe  but caught a couple of trout with my royal wuff  while my mentor had  size22,24,and 26 trico in wounded shape, in crippled shape and with wings and he caught zilch.  Please mention size and color. of flies you think I should purchase.   Indian Joe I would purchase my flies from Jeff Miller [ renowned N.C.tier]     but he will not trade for Lucent sock [at my purchased price]

Would you be willing to send me your contact for your tier(s) in banglerdesh? — remove all x’s for reply email. To worry is folly so let us be jolly.

Response:

Getting ready to make my annual wholesale order of flies from banglerdesh and would like to get a few suggestions  from the western experts  as I hope to make a return trip to Idaho late this summer.  Will hit Henry"s area, Silver creek and Kelly creek.   Last and only time I fished on Silver creek the trico hatch was so dense I could not see or breathe  but caught a couple of trout with my royal wuff  while my mentor had  size22,24,and 26 trico in wounded shape, in crippled shape and with wings and he caught zilch.  Please mention size and color. of flies you think I should purchase.   Indian Joe I would purchase my flies from Jeff Miller [ renowned N.C.tier]     but he will not trade for Lucent sock [at my purchased price]

Trade him for a war bonnet as they are great for at least a hundred dozen flies. Joe, you ask a difficult question.  About anything you use out east will work in the west.  It often is a good idea to save a little cash and buy flies that are hatching during the time you’re in the area.  All you need is to buy one for a pattern and spend evenings tying up a few of these and a few of those.  Jeff Miller is an excellent man at the vise and I personally know his fly tying signature as being top drawer.  You can’t do much better Joseph.  Are you any relation to the Chief of that name? : ) George Gehrke Western Hatches R Us

Response:

Last and only time I fished on Silver creek don’t discount terrestrials on silver creek…also look for ties the trout are less likely to see all the time…. Eugene K.

Good suggestion Gene.  You remind me of the time a size 12 Gray Wulff was torn to bits on the Henry’s Fork when everything else that was coming off wasn’t any bigger than a size 18.  Moral:  You never know what will work until you try it.

Response:

i happen to have a few artist proofs of miller’s mutant… how much lucent you got left?  i’ll also consider some of that enron stuff…been hearin a lot about it lately… jeff – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Getting ready to make my annual wholesale order of flies from banglerdesh and would like to get a few suggestions  from the western experts  as I hope to make a return trip to Idaho late this summer.  Will hit Henry"s area, Silver creek and Kelly creek.   Last and only time I fished on Silver creek the trico hatch was so dense I could not see or breathe  but caught a couple of trout with my royal wuff  while my mentor had  size22,24,and 26 trico in wounded shape, in crippled shape and with wings and he caught zilch.  Please mention size and color. of flies you think I should purchase.   Indian Joe I would purchase my flies from Jeff Miller [ renowned N.C.tier]     but he will not trade for Lucent sock [at my purchased price]

Response:

Jeff Miller is an excellent man at the vise and I personally know his fly tying signature as being top drawer.  You can’t do much better Joseph.  

well, there it is fellers.  for those still needing proof… anybody got a granite chisel i can borrow? jeff miller (the other one)

Response:

—

So rw what flies will catch a big brown  at the farm? They were sitting in the weeds around me but  this old southern boy   came closer to stepping on them than catching them. IJ

Response:

— So rw what flies will catch a big brown  at the farm? They were sitting in the weeds around me but  this old southern boy   came closer to stepping on them than catching them. IJ

You might try a big bunny leech. Or get out at night with a deer hair mouse, or even a real honest-to-God mouse on certain sections where it’s permitted. There’s a young lady I’ve heard about, who lives right on Silver Creek, who tickles those big browns under the cut banks. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

Getting ready to make my annual wholesale order of flies from banglerdesh and would like to get a few suggestions  from the western experts  as I hope to make a return trip to Idaho late this summer.  Will hit Henry"s area, Silver creek and Kelly creek.   Last and only time I fished on Silver creek the trico hatch was so dense I could not see or breathe  but caught a couple of trout with my royal wuff  while my mentor had  size22,24,and 26 trico in wounded shape, in crippled shape and with wings and he caught zilch.  Please mention size and color. of flies you think I should purchase.   Indian Joe I would purchase my flies from Jeff Miller [ renowned N.C.tier]     but he will not trade for Lucent sock [at my purchased price]

Response:

Last and only time I fished on Silver creek the trico hatch was so dense I could not see or breathe  but caught a couple of trout with my royal wuff  while my mentor had  size22,24,and 26 trico in wounded shape, in crippled shape and with wings and he caught zilch.  

You can use a bare hook in those unbelievable Silver Creek trico hatches, as long as you drift it downstream right into their Hoovering mouths. It may be unethical, but it works. Those hatches are so dense that you have to hose down your waders after fishing. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

Question:

Freezing cold and heavy snowfall. My feet were slowly going numb, and my fingers had long since turned blue with the cold. The old trick of plunging them into the freezing water to increase the circulation, and thus warm them up, had worked as usual, but the effects had long since worn off and I was really cold now. Neoprene gloves with fold back finger and thumb were little use, and so I removed them.Visibility was low because of the fairly dense snowfall, and the footing was treacherous over the rocks. Memories of my last fall in this spot on a day trip the previous  year, when I crashed heavily onto a rock with my right knee, and had to more or less crawl to the car being unable to walk, came to mind, and made me even more careful than usual.  Without the cushioning of the 5mm neoprene my kneecap would surely have been badly damaged, as it was it brought tears to my eyes, and my knee was swollen and all the colours of the rainbow for weeks. Digging my ski pole in carefully at every step I kept moving, staying at the waters edge, and only wading when absolutely necessary, to negotiate large boulders and the like. falling into this water would likely prove fatal very quickly, should I be stupid or careless enough to do so. The wind had dropped somewhat, to about a howling gale, and the rapidly swirling snow flakes stuck to my clothing and covered my head and shoulders, freezing to my spectacles and forcing me to shake my head occasionally to stop too large a build-up. Clammy cold damp reached through my neoprenes and made me shiver occasionally.  Very heavy overcast coupled with the snowstorm had turned the day very dark. I had started to fish just before  dawn, and had made my way slowly along three miles or so of the rocky coastline stopping to cast every ten feet or so, using main force to try and reach out as far as possible into the murk, lingering a little longer at some places which had proved successful in the past. Result ? nothing. Checking the watch on the lanyard in my top pocket, told me it was eleven thirty, and I had told my wife I would probably be back to the chalet for lunch, she had declined to accompany me, and decided to stay in the chalet with a good book instead.  Sensible person my wife. Just another hundred meters or so I thought, and then I will turn for home,  the group of large rocks at the headland is usually the best place anyway, as the sea-bed dips away into a deep channel quite close to shore. Takes come as the fly comes up over the lip of the channel where a large band of weed lines the shore, mostly cod, but occasionally a good seatrout, the lip of the channel is only about sixty feet from shore, and a good flat powerful cast should reach it, even in this wind.  Overwintering seatrout are often large, in excellent condition, and sometimes fight like fury, many maintain they taste better than any other fish bar none. Largish cod are not to be sniffed at either though, they fight much more doggedly than a seatrout, but are still exciting, and a five or even ten pounder on light gear is an experience not soon forgotten. Several such fish had fallen to my rod at this spot the previous year under similar conditions. Conventional gear was useless, and I had long since taken the fly reel and line off the rod, in fact within the first twenty minutes, and was using a casting float and fixed spool reel. Even with this rig it was hardly possible to cast more than fifty feet or so into the teeth of the wind. A slow sinking sliding float of thirty grams, a nine foot leader, and a shrimp fly had brought nothing as yet, not as much as a nibble.  I decided to change flies, and put on a much darker version of the shrimp fly, with a touch of red in the tail. The normally peaceful Baltic was crashing into the shore with unusual force, white horses whirling and dancing on the wave tops as far as it was possible to see, and although the water cleared quickly after every breaker, allowing one to see the bottom fairly well close in, I fancied something with a darker silhouette might do the trick, although my hopes of catching anything at all had diminished considerably. As usual I dangled the fly in the water in front of me, waiting for a break in the surf, allowing the float to settle slowly and then moving it to check the action of the fly more or less at my feet.  A small crab appeared as if from nowhere on the blank patch of sand,and seemed to want to grab the fly, scuttling after it and attempting to settle on it, and fascinated by this, I pulled the fly along slowly, just to see if the crab would be able to grab it.  Intent on this, I failed to notice the next breaker coming in and temporarily lost sight of the crab and fly, as the breaker stirred up sand colouring the water. A sudden jerk and my float shooting away along the shore at a rate of knots very nearly frightened me to death, the rod was almost jerked from my hand, and the drag on my reel started to whine unpleasantly, and I was absolutely flabbergasted. I did not strike or anything at all, in fact for quite a while I just stood there with the rod pointing straight along the shore, while the line cut into my index finger almost to the bone and the drag continued to whine. After what seemed like an age I finally had enough presence of mind to take my finger away from the line, and hit the fighting drag lever on the reel, the drag which was giving off what I hoped was just steam, slowed to a rather more leisurely rate, and eventually stopped. Everything went slack, and rather annoyed with myself. but still more surprised than anything else, I started to reel in.  Must have been one hell of a fish that, I thought, reeling in at moderate speed, you bloody idiot, fancy losing a fish like that, I cursed myself, and then everything went tight again ! Bloody hell, hung up as well !   Then the "snag" started moving again. After about ten minutes of pumping, a few peculiarly powerful long, and some short dogged runs, which were most unlike any fight I had experienced before, and during which all sorts of ideas of monster seatrout and salmon went through my mind, and more pumping, I finally saw the fish, a large cod foul hooked in the dorsal fin !  Too large to risk beaching it, I unslung my net and landed it knee deep in the surf, in considerable danger of being swept off my feet by the breakers. I despatched the fish, which coughed up a fair number of small crabs, and after weighing it laid it on a large rock behind me. Just over eleven pounds showed on my scale which is fairly accurate.  Oh well, I thought, not exactly the fine English art of fly angling, but a nice fish anyway, and inspected my leader and fly for signs of chafing or other damage.  Getting ready for another Herculean cast into the teeth of the wind, I suddenly thought better of it, and just swung the float and fly about ten feet from shore, letting the fly be pulled along by the float and tumbling in the surf.  Bang !  it had not gone three yards when the float shot away again, and after a much shorter battle a nice plump six pound cod  joined its mate on the rock behind me.  Six casts and six fish followed in fairly quick succession. Sweating now, all thoughts of cold forgotten, I decided on "just one more cast" before packing up.  I had over forty pounds of fish to clean and pack back to the chalet, and that was more than enough for our freezer requirements for this year. The sky had lightened up somewhat, and the snow had stopped falling, visibility was steadily increasing, and although the wind had dropped somewhat the spray was still lashing in with force, occasionally giving me a good soaking, my face was numb, and all attempts to dry my hands on the towel from my bag failed miserably as it was already soaking wet.  Plunging my hands into the icy water one more time, and hoping for the best, I changed my chafed leader with no little difficulty, tied on a new fly of the same type and size, a rather brown "Baltic woolly", with a touch of red in the tail, a type of woolly bugger which is a very good shrimp imitation, and might just conceivably be mistaken for a crab, and decided to try reaching the lip of the channel. A forceful whirling side cast using all the power of the thirteen foot one and a half pound test carp rod, keeping the trajectory as flat as possible, ended abruptly, as the float struck the water about thirty feet out, my numb fingers had caused me to mistimed the release.  Relatively slight tangles formed as the wind caught the line and blew it off the reel spool.  This was soon sorted and I took up tension on the line prior to retrieving fairly fast for another try.  Wham !  an almighty jerk on the end of the line bent the rod well over, and the drag started whining immediately as the fish headed straight for the deep water channel.  Just as well, if it dived for the weeds  it would be gone.  This was no foul hooked cod, but obviously a decent seatrout, and as if to confirm my observations it leapt from the water about a hundred  feet away, coming down with a large splash which could be heard even over the sound of wind and waves.  A very nice fish indeed, which must be kept out of the weeds at all costs. I loosened the drag lever somewhat, seatrout often come off if forced too hard, and  settled down to the fight. Several long screaming runs followed by spectacular leaps followed, with the fish coming ever closer to the weed bank lining the shore. The trick at this location is to tire the fish out as much as possible in the clear water beyond the weed banks, before bringing it in. This is however often much easier said than done. This was a very powerful fish, and was still showing little sign of tiring, I loosened the drag a little more, hoping that the hookhold would not fail due to the prolonged fight, and awaited developments. Several more runs and leaps followed.and then head shaking and short deep bursts of speed toward the bottom … read more »

Response:

Mike, you are clearly an ignoramus when it comes to cod. Cod fillet (those gorgeous, toothsome white flakes) battered and deep fried in beef dripping, with chips, is one of the great Epicurean experiences of the world. It is a meal redolent of the the cool open air after the cinema or pub. It evokes memories of young love; of soft-sweatered pulchritude and youthful vigour. Ah, the smell of it; the tang of malt vinegar and coarse salt…

Stop it, you’re making me hungry! I knew that cod tasted good. I knew that the flesh was white and flaky. I just thought that they were a little ugly and lived in deep and really cold water. (I mean, you have to admit that they don’t have the sleek predatory good looks of a spotted bass, or the colors of a spawning rainbow, and I didn’t think fish were supposed to have beards…) Besides, the inland US doesn’t have much cod, but have you ever hooked into a bigmouth bass? That’s a ride you won’t soon forget. "My father said to be strong, ‘that a good man could  never do wrong’ in a dream I had last night in America"                             -Los Lobos

Response:

Stop it Tony, you unleash guttural powers you don’t want to know about. Is it hereby concluded that you’ll take care of lunch at the Flyfair? Drooling on my keyboard, Herman Mike, you are clearly an ignoramus when it comes to cod. Cod fillet (those gorgeous, toothsome white flakes) battered and deep fried in beef dripping, with chips, is one of the great Epicurean experiences of the world. It is a meal redolent of the the cool open air after the cinema or pub. It evokes memories of young love; of soft-sweatered pulchritude and youthful vigour. Ah, the smell of it; the tang of malt vinegar and coarse salt… Suggest you read: ‘Cod – The Biography of the Fish that Changed the World’, by Mark Kurlansky and published (1997) in the US by Walker Publishing Co. Inc. ISBN 0-224-05104-0. It’s a very interesting book, though perhaps a rather surprising ‘best seller’. Tight Lines, Tony Deacon

– Cheers, Herman Herman Nijland Daytime webmaster Lifetime flyfisher

Response:

Stop it Tony, you unleash guttural powers you don’t want to know about. Is it hereby concluded that you’ll take care of lunch at the Flyfair? Drooling on my keyboard, Herman

I’ll stand you and Mike Connor a lunch Herman, but sadly I don’t think it will be cod. My car is only a little one and I fear my other passengers might object if I came over loaded up with cod, potatoes and deep fryer, etc.! By a strange coincidence, they were talking about cod on BBC Radio 4 today. The price has rocketed as stocks have declined. There was even an interview with Mark Kurlansky (who wrote the book) over in New York. We are very lucky as we have an excellent fish n’ chip shop in Tunbridge Wells, our nearest big town. It regularly wins the prize for the best in the south east of England. My wife just e-mailed to ask: ‘What’s for dinner tonight?’ Problem solved! I’m looking forward to Fly Fair. Tight Lines, Tony Deacon

Response:

Herman’s post on Cod is a new one for me. How about in the US, on the Pacific Coast, are folks fishing the shallows at nite for young Cod? Id like to try that. Anyone know more per the PNW coast? Dave

There’s a fish they catch here in Northern California (not on the fly) called a "ling cod". It’s about the scariest looking thing I’ve ever seen. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

There’s a fish they catch here in Northern California (not on the fly) called a "ling cod". It’s about the scariest looking thing I’ve ever seen.

It’s related to the scorpionfishes and rock cod.  Like the rock cod, the ling is not a cod. If I remember correctly it doesn’t suffer from decompression as you haul it up from the depths of the ocean.  It fights you all the way.  Cab grow to 5 feet. http://www.psmfc.org/habitat/edu_lingcod_fact.html Mu

Response:

By "Cod," do you mean _Gadus morhua_? Big ugly thing with pasty white flesh and three dorsal fins? I always thought that they were a fish for deep and frigid water, but it wouldn’t be the first time today that I was wrong about something.

Mike, you are clearly an ignoramus when it comes to cod. Cod fillet (those gorgeous, toothsome white flakes) battered and deep fried in beef dripping, with chips, is one of the great Epicurean experiences of the world. It is a meal redolent of the the cool open air after the cinema or pub. It evokes memories of young love; of soft-sweatered pulchritude and youthful vigour. Ah, the smell of it; the tang of malt vinegar and coarse salt… Suggest you read: ‘Cod – The Biography of the Fish that Changed the World’, by Mark Kurlansky and published (1997) in the US by Walker Publishing Co. Inc. ISBN 0-224-05104-0. It’s a very interesting book, though perhaps a rather surprising ‘best seller’. Tight Lines, Tony Deacon

Response:

[snipped excellent report] … Brrrr … Thanks, Steve — "Experience must be the teacher in this game – not only your own  but the other man’s" – Dick Wigram http://www.csse.monash.edu.au/SIEACCIDENTALLYSPLATTEREDBACKONEDAY

Response:

Mike, I’ll call/mail you as soon as I can arrange some days off! And, judging from your post, I’ll pack my old carp rod as well.. Cheers, Herman – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I go fairly regularly Herman, any time you fancy a trip ( couple of days if you like ), just drop me a mail and we can arrange it.  I can be at a number of good places on the Danish coast within three hours from where I live, so can also do day-trips etc without any problem.  At this time of year, and earlier, a good seatrout is not a common occurrence, but it does happen. Cod are mostly caught, depending on weather etc, some big ones.  The herring will be in soon, and both cod and seatrout hunt these shoals, and you can have excellent sport then. You can catch plenty of herring on the fly as well if you are so inclined.  The trip report is perfectly true by the way, but I must admit that it was my best trip this year. I caught quite a lot less on other trips, in fact actually blanking once, and though this is rare, it does happen.  I know a few people who have fished for two years or more without catching one single seatrout. I must be lucky, I have caught quite a few, some large ones as well. TL MC — "In order to achieve what is possible, one must constantly attempt the impossible" http://www.mikeconnor.de An even bigger wonder is that one doesn’t even care any more. True or

– Cheers, Herman Herman Nijland Daytime webmaster Lifetime flyfisher

Response:

Cod are mostly caught, depending on weather etc, some big ones.

By "Cod," do you mean _Gadus morhua_? Big ugly thing with pasty white flesh and three dorsal fins? I always thought that they were a fish for deep and frigid water, but it wouldn’t be the first time today that I was wrong about something. "My father said to be strong, ‘that a good man could  never do wrong’ in a dream I had last night in America"                             -Los Lobos

Response:

Not sure about the latin, but big, ugly and, don’t forget, _tasty_ sort of describes it. The big boys and girls are normally caught in deep water, but the kids play and hunt in the shallows, especially at night. Feeding on shrimps, crabs and other edible critters, they can turn an otherwise fishless seatrout fishing night into a ball. Those kids are already big strong fish, by the way.. and did I mention _very_ good to eat yet? <g Herman By "Cod," do you mean _Gadus morhua_? Big ugly thing with pasty white flesh and three dorsal fins? I always thought that they were a fish for deep and frigid water, but it wouldn’t be the first time today that I was wrong about something. "My father said to be strong, ‘that a good man could  never do wrong’ in a dream I had last night in America"                             -Los Lobos

– Cheers, Herman Herman Nijland Daytime webmaster Lifetime flyfisher

Response:

Herman’s post on Cod is a new one for me. How about in the US, on the Pacific Coast, are folks fishing the shallows at nite for young Cod? Id like to try that. Anyone know more per the PNW coast? Dave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Not sure about the latin, but big, ugly and, don’t forget, _tasty_ sort of describes it. The big boys and girls are normally caught in deep water, but the kids play and hunt in the shallows, especially at night. Feeding on shrimps, crabs and other edible critters, they can turn an otherwise fishless seatrout fishing night into a ball. Those kids are already big strong fish, by the way.. and did I mention _very_ good to eat yet? <g Herman By "Cod," do you mean _Gadus morhua_? Big ugly thing with pasty white flesh and three dorsal fins? I always thought that they were a fish for deep and frigid water, but it wouldn’t be the first time today that I was wrong about something. "My father said to be strong, ‘that a good man could  never do wrong’ in a dream I had last night in America"                             -Los Lobos — Cheers, Herman Herman Nijland Daytime webmaster Lifetime flyfisher

Response:

Correct.  In the Baltic and some other places ( English North sea and similar), these fish come in close to forage, especially on crustaceans and herring. Fairly large fish may be caught in relatively shallow water. They will even "rise" to flies fished on the surface,especially at twilight, at night , or on heavily overcast days.  My best fish to date from the shore was thirty one pounds, but I got that one on a pirk, not on a fly. My best fly caught fish was about twenty pounds, but I don’t know exactly as it was not weighed.  These fish are game fighters, excellent to eat, (especially smoked with my secret recipe ! ), and although completely unlike trout can be very attractive indeed. Their markings and behaviour depend to a considerable extent on the areas they frequent. TL MC — "In order to achieve what is possible, one must constantly attempt the impossible" http://www.mikeconnor.de

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Looking forward to hearing from you Herman. You can stay at my place no problem.  Definitely bring the carp rod. I have enough other gear for you to use if you need anything else. TL MC — "In order to achieve what is possible, one must constantly attempt the impossible" http://www.mikeconnor.de

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Not sure about the latin, but big, ugly and, don’t forget, _tasty_ sort of describes it.

Flaky white flesh, pretty durned good smoked? That’s the very one. Cod are definitely yummy. If only there were enough that they weren’t a special order here. The closest that we have in the inland US are Burbot, and they’re just not the same. Of course, we do have the various black basses, so we’re all happy "My father said to be strong, ‘that a good man could  never do wrong’ in a dream I had last night in America"                             -Los Lobos

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Freezing cold and heavy snowfall. My feet were slowly going numb, and my fingers had long since turned blue with the cold. The old trick of plunging them into the freezing water to increase the circulation, and thus warm them up, had worked as usual, but the effects had long since worn off and I was really cold now. Neoprene gloves with fold back finger and thumb were little use, and so I removed them.Visibility was low because of the fairly dense snowfall, and the footing was treacherous over the rocks.

(great report snipped)         the wonder of very well written prose is that one has substantial difficulty in separating truth from fiction.  well done, pommy. wayno

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An even bigger wonder is that one doesn’t even care any more. True or not (possibly true, the weather description was familiar!), thanks Mike! I’m quite sure the temperature dropped five degress while I was reading this report. Next time when you go, could you make some room for a Dutchman? I can take my own rum.. Cheers, Herman (great report snipped, indeed!)         the wonder of very well written prose is that one has substantial difficulty in separating truth from fiction.  well done, pommy. wayno

– Cheers, Herman Herman Nijland Daytime webmaster Lifetime flyfisher

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I go fairly regularly Herman, any time you fancy a trip ( couple of days if you like ), just drop me a mail and we can arrange it.  I can be at a number of good places on the Danish coast within three hours from where I live, so can also do day-trips etc without any problem.  At this time of year, and earlier, a good seatrout is not a common occurrence, but it does happen. Cod are mostly caught, depending on weather etc, some big ones.  The herring will be in soon, and both cod and seatrout hunt these shoals, and you can have excellent sport then. You can catch plenty of herring on the fly as well if you are so inclined.  The trip report is perfectly true by the way, but I must admit that it was my best trip this year. I caught quite a lot less on other trips, in fact actually blanking once, and though this is rare, it does happen.  I know a few people who have fished for two years or more without catching one single seatrout. I must be lucky, I have caught quite a few, some large ones as well. TL MC — "In order to achieve what is possible, one must constantly attempt the impossible" http://www.mikeconnor.de

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – An even bigger wonder is that one doesn’t even care any more. True or

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Question:

An interesting experience with Atlantics!  I didn’t know they were on the West Coast. The sparse Chum you mentioned, is this something new, or have you noticed it coming on.  Our populations of Chum here in Oregon have been sadly declining for several years now.  In fact there are few left.  And they are one of my favorite quarry with a fly. Burton

Well I don’t think that they’re declining.  There was a supposed poor return last year supposedly due to environmental considerations or something.  I think that they were just a little late this year.  A friend fished the same river last week and said that they were plenty of fresh chum in the lower part of the river.  I do enjoy fishing for them when they’re in a taking mood, but I have yet to uncover any sort of consistent success with them.  I would really like to find a beach with some silver chums  on it and try for them in the salt.  Haven’t been able to figure that one out yet either.

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An interesting experience with Atlantics!  I didn’t know they were on the West Coast. The sparse Chum you mentioned, is this something new, or have you noticed it coming on.  Our populations of Chum here in Oregon have been sadly declining for several years now.  In fact there are few left.  And they are one of my favorite quarry with a fly. Burton – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -just spent an interesting trip out on a local river where the Chum salmon were rather sparse.  I was swinging an egg sucking leech over the

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It’s too bad these farm escaped fish are moving in on our rivers.  It felt weird to cold heartedly slay what I’m sure is a noble fish in its own territory. Oh well, if you’re planning a trip after Atlantics, you might want to consider Vancouver ISland, B.C.   Martin There have been a few caught down here as well.  Someone was telling me that they are sterile, in which case, seems like they’ll do no harm. They hit a dry fly and fight well, they’re welcome to hang around where I fish. I have heard that due to the cramped quarters that these aqua cultured fish are kept in, that bacterial and fungal outbreaks are common on these fish. They may not be as harmless as you think if they introduce disease into the resident natural population. Food for thought. mike

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It’s too bad these farm escaped fish are moving in on our rivers.  It felt weird to cold heartedly slay what I’m sure is a noble fish in its own territory. Oh well, if you’re planning a trip after Atlantics, you might want to consider Vancouver ISland, B.C.   Martin There have been a few caught down here as well.  Someone was telling me that they are sterile, in which case, seems like they’ll do no harm. They hit a dry fly and fight well, they’re welcome to hang around where I fish.

Down here ? William Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA

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It’s too bad these farm escaped fish are moving in on our rivers.  It felt weird to cold heartedly slay what I’m sure is a noble fish in its own territory. Oh well, if you’re planning a trip after Atlantics, you might want to consider Vancouver ISland, B.C.   Martin

They are also in the Skagit River, having escaped from a pen in Puget Sound. Pat Hayden Sedro-Woolley

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It’s too bad these farm escaped fish are moving in on our rivers.  It felt weird to cold heartedly slay what I’m sure is a noble fish in its own territory. Oh well, if you’re planning a trip after Atlantics, you might want to consider Vancouver ISland, B.C.   Martin

There have been a few caught down here as well.  Someone was telling me that they are sterile, in which case, seems like they’ll do no harm. They hit a dry fly and fight well, they’re welcome to hang around where I fish.

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It’s too bad these farm escaped fish are moving in on our rivers.  It felt weird to cold heartedly slay what I’m sure is a noble fish in its own territory. Oh well, if you’re planning a trip after Atlantics, you might want to consider Vancouver ISland, B.C.   Martin There have been a few caught down here as well.  Someone was telling me that they are sterile, in which case, seems like they’ll do no harm. They hit a dry fly and fight well, they’re welcome to hang around where I fish.

I have heard that due to the cramped quarters that these aqua cultured fish are kept in, that bacterial and fungal outbreaks are common on these fish. They may not be as harmless as you think if they introduce disease into the resident natural population. Food for thought. mike

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I just spent an interesting trip out on a local river where the Chum salmon were rather sparse.  I was swinging an egg sucking leech over the few fish I could find when I had a take.  I set the hoook and the fish took a little upstream run.  I saw the medium sized fish was a dark color and not the green and purple typical of chum.  I was thinking I’d been lucky enough to hook a coho and put some pressure on the fish.  It jumped and then moved close to me where I noticed a bronze color with blue and red spots!  An Atlantic Salmon! I put extra pressure on the fish to capture this nasty unwanted invader.  One big sweep of the two handed rod and the fish was beached.  I clobbered it over the head and it’s now in the freezer waiting for the authorities to haul it away for dissection. It’s too bad these farm escaped fish are moving in on our rivers.  It felt weird to cold heartedly slay what I’m sure is a noble fish in its own territory. Oh well, if you’re planning a trip after Atlantics, you might want to consider Vancouver ISland, B.C.   Martin

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Question:

What is the outlook for flyfishing Mamoth this spring and summer. Lots of insects again.  Any good spots to recommend?

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I’ll be out that way from Reno, NV the last week in June–just wondered if anybody knows these waters and what might be suggested? Thanks!

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Question:

Advice to the new fisherman, don’t ‘glerk’ off the fish…(trim)

Sound advice, Tim.  But for a minute there I thought you were going to resurrect the rather steamy trout tickling thread that sort of grew on everyone a while back.  Good word, glerk.  Sounds vaguely like what you’d get by crossing a goof with a jerk.  And we certainly have an abundance of both casting their wits into this particular cyberpond. John

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Go to Wal Mart and buy a fly pole, reel, line and flys. Then go to your local river and do it. The rest comes with practice and experience. That’s how most of us do it.

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: Try to think like an animal that has a pea size brain and is : scared to death. : …this is a wild animal who is always frightened. : Fish live in a perpetual state of being "always frightened" and : "scared to death"! Yet, they have "a pea size brain". : What absolute trash! Where do you get this anthropomorphic : hogwash? Come on, Jim.  Tim said you would be a better fly angler if you learned to empathize with the animal.  Have you ever seen a wild trout?  They behave exactly as if they were always threatened (except for the occassional frenzy when hoppers blow into the water, perhaps).   They prefer to feed close to cover, they are VERY sensative to movement from above, they spook easilly if you make much noise. I agree completely with Tim: think of fish as frightened wild animals and you’ll understand them better and catch more…even if they aren’t frightened in a human way. I’d also add: think of them as very, very lazy.  They don’t like to feed on tiny things in fast water: it’s too tiring.  They don’t like swimming up through six feet of water when food is available in three feet.  They like the cushy pillow of current behind a rock on the bottom.  etc. etc. PS-Their brains really ARE pea sized. — Laboratory for Applied Logic    Dept. of Computer Science University of Idaho             www: http://www.cs.uidaho.edu/~foster —–BEGIN PGP PUBLIC KEY BLOCK—– Version: 2.6.2 mQCNAzDtvLEAAAEEAKAC21G2Be0K0DMgjLpxrwLmsYfCz8rWcfgyABjr3Ryfk1dO nV7fFFpUF3xohR7die+/B2V9oqRQzTLeSF2ECKlsTY/yUyw2kn+P2ju1umh4Fwzd cVTvc+H69q1+Ft3kmw/PE0Pan+g0PUGGJ43stw3q4OgBHdixbRd/f9giJFDxAAUR tCZKYW1lcyBBLiBGb3N0ZXIgPGZvc3RlckBjcy51aWRhaG8uZWR1PokAlQMFEDD8 ReEXf3/YIiRQ8QEBFrAD/2AFuRWcD/3MENC3qJMC/Or1qxknjkK7Uv+TDf2LHPOY GHBbG9PyWuXQ8of0Dd+JYwf/tzlO9Yk1s1zTdikfriak21FW0bCokxDIhA3myppZ IZDWVA9CyvDYHuP5Ii1NkBvocab813JzDLZA+0iVN5sebGb9zSXR4Za47hlriHeP =RDHK —–END PGP PUBLIC KEY BLOCK—–

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Try to think like an animal that has a pea size brain and is scared to death. …this is a wild animal who is always frightened.

 Obviously you’ve never encountered native browns, ordinarily very wary…during a heavy sulphur, hendrickson, x_drake or salmonfly hatch. …I feel sorry for you…You’ve been missing some of nature’s unique events. tight_lines,             Steve D.

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: writes:

: I know A little but not much,Any tips on casting or anything would help : me. I don’t know where you live, but if you’re near a university or community college, be sure to check out their catalogues and any possible community enrichment programs.  Here at UI we have fly tying classes in the PhysEd Curriculum.  At nearby Washington State University they have flyfishing classes in PhysEd, taught by no less than Dave Engerbretson.  I learned to cast from Dave at a community enrichment summer program here (and from a friend with whom I fish).   — Laboratory for Applied Logic    Dept. of Computer Science University of Idaho             www: http://www.cs.uidaho.edu/~foster —–BEGIN PGP PUBLIC KEY BLOCK—– Version: 2.6.2 mQCNAzDtvLEAAAEEAKAC21G2Be0K0DMgjLpxrwLmsYfCz8rWcfgyABjr3Ryfk1dO nV7fFFpUF3xohR7die+/B2V9oqRQzTLeSF2ECKlsTY/yUyw2kn+P2ju1umh4Fwzd cVTvc+H69q1+Ft3kmw/PE0Pan+g0PUGGJ43stw3q4OgBHdixbRd/f9giJFDxAAUR tCZKYW1lcyBBLiBGb3N0ZXIgPGZvc3RlckBjcy51aWRhaG8uZWR1PokAlQMFEDD8 ReEXf3/YIiRQ8QEBFrAD/2AFuRWcD/3MENC3qJMC/Or1qxknjkK7Uv+TDf2LHPOY GHBbG9PyWuXQ8of0Dd+JYwf/tzlO9Yk1s1zTdikfriak21FW0bCokxDIhA3myppZ IZDWVA9CyvDYHuP5Ii1NkBvocab813JzDLZA+0iVN5sebGb9zSXR4Za47hlriHeP =RDHK —–END PGP PUBLIC KEY BLOCK—–

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snippage Catch some bugs.

Yes.  If you can’t find the bugs, this should be a clue. It amazes me how few people get this part.

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Fish live in a perpetual state of being "always frightened" and "scared to death"! Yet, they have "a pea size brain". What absolute trash! Where do you get this anthropomorphic hogwash? No wait, let me guess….

Gosh Jim, You’re right, I’m wrong.  I do *not* know what a fish thinks when it heads for the big mossy on sight of an osprey a flyline or your masculane visage. I did, wrongly, associate fear with this behavior.  Let’s call this running and hiding ‘glerk’ just so there is no anthropromorphism, ok ?  I mean, it would be wrong to say ’spook the fish’, too…right ? Advice to the new fisherman, don’t ‘glerk’ off the fish, they’re tough to catch with their snoot under a rock. Thanks Jim, for pointing this out. Tim Walker

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It’s hard to say but I suggest that you go to the library or a bookstore and get a few books. That has been very helpful for me

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Go to a local shop and see if they offer a casting clinic.  Will save you years of trial and error and lots of wasted time untying knots.  Would recommend the Essence of Flycasting (Vol. I) by mel Krieger for a concise intro to flycasting.  If CA is an option, e-mail me and I will send you a schedule of classes.

Hi Dan, I certainly agree with your suggestion. I advise people (like you) to get training from a person who knows – a flyshop person, a club member, or a school instructor. Good Tying & Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

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Go to a local shop and see if they offer a casting clinic.  Will save you years of trial and error and lots of wasted time untying knots.  [SNIP]

With all due respect, This casting business is highly overrated.  Casting should be the *last* thing taught in flyfishing, not the first. (IMHO).   Take out two rod lengths of line…no more, and work on stealth and line control.  If you can’t cast a rod length or two after a couple of minutes, take up carving gnomes in wood. Learn some simple knots…hell use overhand knots, the fish won’t care. Tie ‘em on man and go fishin’ ! This is not rocket science. Fish bait for a few seasons and lures and stuff.  Learn to read the water. Catch some bugs.   Try to think like an animal that has a pea size brain and is scared to death.  Try to put food in front of its face just like you imagine it would look if it were real.   Don’t be a dork wading like an elephant in a white shirt…this is a wild animal who is always frightened.  Respect that…and you will catch fish. TimW "Graduated Line Method of Flyfishing Learning"

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I know A little but not much,Any tips on casting or anything would help me.                                           Thanks                                                                   Brent

Sorry Brent But that question is just too broad to try and answer in a message. I just started out last year and this is what I can suggest 1) Scientific Anglers, LL Bean, Lefty Kreh all have videos to help you get started, as well as there are many books out there to get you started. 2)Go out to a local flyfishing shop and see if they offer course, believe me it is much easier if you start out right, then starting with the wrong techniqwue and trying to correct it later. 3) Grab a cheap-o rod and start practising… Tyson

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I know A little but not much,Any tips on casting or anything would help me.                                            Thanks                                                                          Brent

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Question:

Ron,   Try a bright light green, cream, orange, or hot pink glo bug and sink the fly so it drifts drag free across the bottom. Also try some bright colored western spey flies and steelhead flies. There is a person named Helvie that wrote a book on steelhead flies, look through that also . —

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  On the Puyallup river in Washington State I have seen several people    I have only seen one fly fisherman on this river and wonder   why?                                          Thanks Ron

    Ron – You don’t see many trying to flyfish the Puyallup River because, by the time the steelhead arrive in the Summer or Fall, the river is floured (like coffee with cream).  Once the snow melt on the glaciers is done and we start getting ice melt, only stink baits really work well on this glacier-fed river. The glaciers have volcanic ash in them that "flour" the water.                         – Jewelee                           Puyallup, WA

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On the Puyallup river in Washington State I have seen several people using spincasting gear with spinners to catch Steelhead.  I am new to fly fishing and am hooked.  I know I will never be a worm fisherman again!!!!  I would think that a fly rod would do a awsome job on this river.  I have only seen one fly fisherman on this river and wonder why?  I am going to try this weekend and would like any suggestions on types of flies and patterns to use?  The spinners that I have seen people use have had bright orange on them.                                        Thanks Ron

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Ron,    I have not fished the Puyallup yet, but I tie a wooly bugger pattern with black marabou and flashabou, and an orange marabou that are more successful overall than the classic Skykomish Sunrise, etc. An advantage for me is that they are easy to tie and when I lose one, it’s not like losing an art treasure. email me about your success. I could send you some flies in exchange for good wading locations. good luck!    Jack – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – On the Puyallup river in Washington State I have seen several people using spincasting gear with spinners to catch Steelhead.  I am new to fly fishing and am hooked.  I know I will never be a worm fisherman again!!!!  I would think that a fly rod would do a awsome job on this river.  I have only seen one fly fisherman on this river and wonder why?  I am going to try this weekend and would like any suggestions on types of flies and patterns to use?  The spinners that I have seen people use have had bright orange on them.                                        Thanks Ron

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Question:

[snip] : participants of this newsgroup. Reading the story was somewhat eerie. Had : Duncan been lurking in the background, reading the pointless and : frequently nasty arguments between fly-fishing purists (who would never : use an Orvis rod and would drown anyone they saw with a celular phone) : and the evil fly fishing yuppies, who unabashedly use Orvis, make money, : and contaminate the purists’ streams with their very presence? I : seriously doubt that Duncan has been listening in; this ridiculous debate : must be played out on streams and in bars and fly shops all around the : country. I don’t know if he passes through here, but I’m pretty sure he lives in Montana now.  He lives it every day.  I wonder if he has a personalized license plate? Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Assistant professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    |  These University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    |  opinions Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. |  are mine.

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I don’t know if he passes through here, but I’m pretty sure he lives in   Montana now.  He lives it every day.  I wonder if he has a personalized   license plate? Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Assistant professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    |  These University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    |  opinions Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. |  are mine.

Rick,     He does live in Montana now, bought a place a year or so ago.  Probably does drive thru Moscow as he still comes to Portland from time to time for readings and the odd appearance at a club meetings.                         Mike in PDX                "When the trout are lost, smash the state."                                            Tom McGuane

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I agree with the above.  The *introduction* , where he describes river teeth is worth the price of the book.  Longspeer

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David James Duncan’s new book <iRiver Teeth<i is, simply put, absolutely wonderful. I’d highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys good writing. Many of the pieces in this book –I’m not sure whether to call them stories or essays — are not "fishing stories", but several of them are, and one of these, "Not Rocking the Boat" should be required reading for participants of this newsgroup. Reading the story was somewhat eerie. Had Duncan been lurking in the background, reading the pointless and frequently nasty arguments between fly-fishing purists (who would never use an Orvis rod and would drown anyone they saw with a celular phone) and the evil fly fishing yuppies, who unabashedly use Orvis, make money, and contaminate the purists’ streams with their very presence? I seriously doubt that Duncan has been listening in; this ridiculous debate must be played out on streams and in bars and fly shops all around the country. I haven’t quite finished the book yet, but all of the pieces I have read so far have been top-notch writing. No real surprise there. "The Mickey Mantle Koan" (not one of the "fishing stories") is worth the price of the book all by itself. Dave Guinee

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Question:

Chalk up another vote for Cargill Creek.  The shop I work in takes groups down every year in November – best time to go – and organizes trips for others at any other time.  Owner and manager are good friends with Millie and Joe.  Both have caught world class bones and have some kind of sixth sense about dem bones.  Call John or Wayne at The Troutfitter (Wayne’s is featured in a picture for Andros Island bonefishing, I think for a new Orvis ad) 315-446-2047, Syracuse, NY. Tell them Tom got you onto them through the computer (they still don’t believe this stuff is for real).  If nothing else, they will be a great source of information (John’s flies are also somewhat magic).  The trips we organize average about $2500 for a week (including, room, board, food, and guides daily – either wading the flats, poling through the back cays, or both).  John’s brother is also down there guiding full-time.  Another good person to look up if you go, and I hear his lobster/conch stew is pretty tasty.  Also, if you’re interested in Montana, these guys can provide the same information/assistance or put you on the spring creeks.  Unfortunately, their spring creek and bonefish trips are usually booked a year in advance.  Give it a shot, if you want, I’ll snail mail you some literature.  Email me back with an address or again, call the shop, they’ll be glad to set you up and get you on their trip mailing list. Best of luck, Tom Carroway

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<Can anybody give me recommendations on guides/lodges for bone fishing in
<the Bahamas.  We have a group of four that would like to go down there
<this spring.  What can we expect to pay for  a decent guide with our
<without lodging?  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I stayed one week last July at the Great Abaco Bonefishing Club at Great Abaco. This particular destination has been featured in a few of the flyfishing magazines lately (Fly Fishing in Salt Waters Jan/Feb.’95 and Fly Fisherman March ‘95) so I won’t go into any details. As a whole, our group was pretty pleased with our stay…great lodge, good food, relatively experienced guides and some beautiful water. This is not a place to go for large numbers, but the average size was good (3-4 lbs) and we did catch some larger bones (at least I found them large) up 7-8 lbs. On a more general note, I can recommend a monthly newsletter I’m subscribing to called The Angling Report published by Don Causey out of Miami (305 670-1918). This newsletter covers flyfishing destinations worldwide, although with more emphasise on the US. The material is based on reports from subscribers as well as independant writers. This is the only publication I’ve come across that really tells you both "the good" and "the bad", where to go and even more important where not to go. Tight lines! Inge Solberg Houston, Texas

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Can anybody give me recommendations on guides/lodges for bone fishing in the Bahamas.  We have a group of four that would like to go down there this spring.  What can we expect to pay for  a decent guide with our without lodging?  Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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<Can anybody give me recommendations on guides/lodges for bone fishing in <the Bahamas.  We have a group of four that would like to go down there <this spring.  What can we expect to pay for  a decent guide with our <without lodging?  Any help would be greatly appreciated. Try Andros Bonefishing Club or Cargill Creek on Andros. Fishing for a week with guides and room and food is about $1800-$2000. Good luck Dave

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Question:

I’ll keep this short & sweet.   We’re just learning to fly fish. We’d like to go somewhere and practice our casting and line handling skills in moving water in mid-May. We’d prefer not to need waders.  We’d prefer not to drive too far from the Bay Area. It’s not crucial that we actually Catch Fish, but it would be more fun if we thought we had at least some tiny chance of doing so. I thought about the American R. in Sacramento, but don’t know the shoreline. Is it possible to fish w/o waders?  Are there some clear, non-brushy areas where we won’t get too many snags on the back cast? I’d prefer not to go to the Russian R., because we drive north on 101 several times a year for wine tasting etc., and we’re just getting a little bored with it. I know a nice wide open gravel-banked stretch of the McCloud river, but that’s a pretty hefty drive. Any advice, tips, etc? Thanks Mark

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We’d like to go somewhere and practice our casting and line handling skills in moving water in mid-May.

Mark, The water’s not moving, and you surely won’t catch fish, but a good place to practice casting is at the casting pools in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. There are generally plenty of expert casters hanging around the pools who are willing to offer casting advice to beginners. It doesn’t take the place of actually being astream, but it’s quite convenient… Fred —         Fred L. Templin

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(Mark Hurwitz) writes: I’d prefer not to go to the Russian R., because we drive north on 101 several times a year for wine tasting etc., and we’re just getting a little bored with it

Weelll, isn’t that special?:) I’m so happy Mark and his friend are adding flyfishing to their collectoin of really cool things to do. I don’t suppose Mark will be arriving at streamside in a late model BMW now will he? It’s FISHING, Mark, you’re supposed to get wet, and tangled up in "brushey areas which snag the backcast".  All I can say is: good luck, and don’t leave home w/out your american express card. P. Dundon

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