Question:

Very exciting.  One of the best. Joel Axelrad **DFD**

Response:

Hmm, you know, I’m not sure I ever knew there WAS a professional football team in New England.  Has it been there long? Originally the Boston Patriots, I believe they were one of the original AFL teams, in the late 60’s.

Sheesh. You and George need a smiley every time? JR

Response:

Sheesh. You and George need a smiley every time?

There was an implied smily on my reply. {;-) George Adams "From the rockin’ of the cradle to the rollin’ of the hearse, the goin’ up was worth the comin’ down." ___Kris Kristofferson "The Pilgrim/Chapter 33"

Response:

And about time all the hype about how bad the Rams were going to beat the snots out of New England. I had faith in New England all along. Now we are singing that Queen song We Are The Champions. Just think if one had put a $1000  wager on New England in Vegas at odds of 75 to 1. I could buy that Hardy reel and Winston rod even if they are overpriced.       Handyman         Mike Handyman   Mike

Response:

Sheesh. You and George need a smiley every time? There was an implied smily on my reply. {;-)

Shoulda seen it.  Guess I thought "only since 1960," from someone probably also a Red Sox fan, could have been serious.  :) JR

Response:

John, your email addy keeps bouncing back to me. If it’s munged in some way please let me know. Now that I have your attention, this is an FYI that was sent to all the other fly swappers: I’m leaving at oh-dark-thirty tomorrow for Tampa, Florida. This is strictly a business trip so no fishing (dammit)  I will be back at the keyboard to answer all questions, complaints (wait a minute, I don’t take complaints) by Sat morning. Should your flies arrive in my absence I will acknowledge that upon my return. If you need my address, let me know now and send me a good email addy for you. Ye Olde Tired Gray Swapmeister

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – John Russell, your email addy keeps bouncing back to me. If it’s munged in some way please let me know. Now that I have your attention, this is an FYI that was sent to all the other fly swappers: I’m leaving at oh-dark-thirty tomorrow for Tampa, Florida. This is strictly a business trip so no fishing (dammit)  I will be back at the keyboard to answer all questions, complaints (wait a minute, I don’t take complaints) by Sat morning. Should your flies arrive in my absence I will acknowledge that upon my return. If you need my address, let me know now and send me a good email addy for you. Ye Olde Tired Gray Swapmeister

Response:

one for the books, Stan! Had to go to New England and see it in proper style, among good friends. Couldn’t have written a better script, nor a finer tribute to "team sports"                          Tom

Response:

one for the books, Stan! Had to go to New England and see it in proper style, among good friends. Couldn’t have written a better script, nor a finer tribute to "team sports"                          Tom

Cheers for NE, but I’ll always think Bellicek is a stiff.  I truly believe that Modell hired him to drive the Browns into the ground to quell the uproar when he announced they were leaving. Scott What, me pass on a conspiracy theory??  Never!!

Response:

testing

Response:

’nuff said.

Response:

’nuff said.

Hmm, you know, I’m not sure I ever knew there WAS a professional football team in New England.  Has it been there long?   Congratulations, all you Back Easters. JR

Response:

Hmm, you know, I’m not sure I ever knew there WAS a professional football team in New England.  Has it been there long?  

No, only since 1960. Congratulations, all you Back Easters.

Thank you. George Adams "From the rockin’ of the cradle to the rollin’ of the hearse, the goin’ up was worth the comin’ down." ___Kris Kristofferson "The Pilgrim/Chapter 33"

Response:

’nuff said. Hmm, you know, I’m not sure I ever knew there WAS a professional football team in New England.  Has it been there long?  

Originally the Boston Patriots, I believe they were one of the original AFL teams, in the late 60’s. Congratulations, all you Back Easters.

On behalf of the guys that deserve it, thank you. In the last week the local media had the whole New England area cranked to within a few points of a mass aneurism. In truth, just getting to the Superbowl was more than we could have hoped for, but to have this team pull off a stunning three game series of upsets was just amazingly exciting. These guys demonstrably brought all the best to the word "team". A class act, they deserve everything they got. Good for ‘em! /daytripper (Stayin’ up late with ESPN

Response:

Question:

No, not the muskie lure.  Over the years I’ve read many posts here extolling the virtues of spinner baits.  I never much liked them, preferring crankbaits, body baits and soft plastics. However, this year I decided to give them a serious try.  In deep dark water I have thrown a black/red with heavy single Colorado blade.  In the spring I was using a silver plated double willow leaf with pumpkinseed colored skirt.  Muddy, post-rain storm conditions on the river I switch to a chartreuse buzzbait.   Over the tops of slop and lily pads.  OK, I like them.  I’ve had good success with spinnerbaits all season. The coup de grace came yesterday. I was standing up on top of the boat, one foot on the gunwhale and one on the dashboard of my friend’s boat.  I had my wide brimmed hat and wrap around polarized sunglasses.  I was fly casting and wanted a high vantage point.  My friend told me that if I damaged his dashboard I’d be crawling back to shore on my hands.  Anyway, it was really slow going.  Suddenly I spotted a large isolated fish cruising in just inches of water.  It was well camouflaged and even with my glasses I could only pick out the silhouette of its dark back.  I wasn’t sure if it was a bass or some other fish.  I turned to my other friend and told him where the fish was.  He threw a chartreuse and white buzzbait just perfectly – ahead of and to the side of the fish in such a way that once retrieved it moves across the field of vision of the fish but also away from the fish, appropriate prey behavior.  The fish changed course once it saw the lure and slowly followed but wouldn’t take.  Finally he stopped retrieving and while it dropped, I saw the mouth opening and the silicone skirt disappear.  "He’s got it! Set the hook!" I yelled and the fish was on.  It was well over five pounds.  The whole episode was very exciting but it all happened so perfectly that we were left speechless for a few moments.  I put away my fly rod and picked up my casting rod which already had a spinner bait attached.  I soon caught a smallish pike. OK, so that was only one incident but it capped off a couple of weeks of good fishing with spinnerbaits and I have gained much more confidence in them.  I still don’t use spoons or jigs too often.   Mu

Response:

Excellent story, thanks for sharing. — Early to Bed, Early to Rise…    Fish all Day, Make up Lies    Shawn – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – No, not the muskie lure.  Over the years I’ve read many posts here extolling the virtues of spinner baits.  I never much liked them, preferring crankbaits, body baits and soft plastics. However, this year I decided to give them a serious try.  In deep dark water I have thrown a black/red with heavy single Colorado blade.  In the spring I was using a silver plated double willow leaf with pumpkinseed colored skirt.  Muddy, post-rain storm conditions on the river I switch to a chartreuse buzzbait. Over the tops of slop and lily pads.  OK, I like them.  I’ve had good success with spinnerbaits all season. The coup de grace came yesterday. I was standing up on top of the boat, one foot on the gunwhale and one on the dashboard of my friend’s boat.  I had my wide brimmed hat and wrap around polarized sunglasses.  I was fly casting and wanted a high vantage point.  My friend told me that if I damaged his dashboard I’d be crawling back to shore on my hands.  Anyway, it was really slow going.  Suddenly I spotted a large isolated fish cruising in just inches of water.  It was well camouflaged and even with my glasses I could only pick out the silhouette of its dark back.  I wasn’t sure if it was a bass or some other fish.  I turned to my other friend and told him where the fish was.  He threw a chartreuse and white buzzbait just perfectly – ahead of and to the side of the fish in such a way that once retrieved it moves across the field of vision of the fish but also away from the fish, appropriate prey behavior.  The fish changed course once it saw the lure and slowly followed but wouldn’t take.  Finally he stopped retrieving and while it dropped, I saw the mouth opening and the silicone skirt disappear.  "He’s got it! Set the hook!" I yelled and the fish was on.  It was well over five pounds.  The whole episode was very exciting but it all happened so perfectly that we were left speechless for a few moments.  I put away my fly rod and picked up my casting rod which already had a spinner bait attached.  I soon caught a smallish pike. OK, so that was only one incident but it capped off a couple of weeks of good fishing with spinnerbaits and I have gained much more confidence in them.  I still don’t use spoons or jigs too often. Mu

Response:

Mu, I got into spinner baits last year, blame it on Warren. Recently, my oldest son and I was out.  I picked up one of my rods pretied with a spinner bait.  He fishes mostly with natural looking lures, and gave me a odd look.  "You catch things on that?", he asked. When you think about it, a spinner bait looks nothing like what the Beauties normally forage on.  Can’t imagine what ran through the mind of the person who invented the first one! On my second cast, I hooked into a nice 2+ pound beauty.  "Sometimes," I said! —    Go Fishing.  And may your fish be as big as your tales.    Columbia, SC  Lake Murray – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – No, not the muskie lure.  Over the years I’ve read many posts here extolling the virtues of spinner baits.  I never much liked them, preferring crankbaits, body baits and soft plastics. However, this year I decided to give them a serious try.  In deep dark water I have thrown a black/red with heavy single Colorado blade.  In the spring I was using a silver plated double willow leaf with pumpkinseed colored skirt.  Muddy, post-rain storm conditions on the river I switch to a chartreuse buzzbait. Over the tops of slop and lily pads.  OK, I like them.  I’ve had good success with spinnerbaits all season. The coup de grace came yesterday. I was standing up on top of the boat, one foot on the gunwhale and one on the dashboard of my friend’s boat.  I had my wide brimmed hat and wrap around polarized sunglasses.  I was fly casting and wanted a high vantage point.  My friend told me that if I damaged his dashboard I’d be crawling back to shore on my hands.  Anyway, it was really slow going.  Suddenly I spotted a large isolated fish cruising in just inches of water.  It was well camouflaged and even with my glasses I could only pick out the silhouette of its dark back.  I wasn’t sure if it was a bass or some other fish.  I turned to my other friend and told him where the fish was.  He threw a chartreuse and white buzzbait just perfectly – ahead of and to the side of the fish in such a way that once retrieved it moves across the field of vision of the fish but also away from the fish, appropriate prey behavior.  The fish changed course once it saw the lure and slowly followed but wouldn’t take.  Finally he stopped retrieving and while it dropped, I saw the mouth opening and the silicone skirt disappear.  "He’s got it! Set the hook!" I yelled and the fish was on.  It was well over five pounds.  The whole episode was very exciting but it all happened so perfectly that we were left speechless for a few moments.  I put away my fly rod and picked up my casting rod which already had a spinner bait attached.  I soon caught a smallish pike. OK, so that was only one incident but it capped off a couple of weeks of good fishing with spinnerbaits and I have gained much more confidence in them.  I still don’t use spoons or jigs too often. Mu

Response:

I flat-out love spinnerbaits and fish them every chance I get. They are easy to use, extremely versatile, they seldom snag and they really catch fish. Interesting how the more I use them and the more things I try, the more I catch on them. I have probably used spinnerbaits about every way they can be used, except with a float (and that will probably happen someday). One of my favorite ways to use spinnerbaits is rapidly coming upon us; summertime deep water patterns. I particularly enjoy catching fish deep with my spinnerbaits while my boatmates are trying to unhang their crankbaits, and then rubbing it in as I land a nice one and promptly go back after another. A great method here is to jig a 3/8 oz. to 1/2 oz. crawfish-colored spinnerbait with a single small ( #3 Oklahoma or #5 Indiana) nickel blade, which I fish with a swift lift of 2′ to 4′ and follow with a slow controlled drop where the strikes take place. It can often be deadly and is always fun. — ~Bob Rickard Vote early and often this November; the country you save may be your own.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Mu, I got into spinner baits last year, blame it on Warren. Recently, my oldest son and I was out.  I picked up one of my rods pretied with a spinner bait.  He fishes mostly with natural looking lures, and gave me a odd look.  "You catch things on that?", he asked. When you think about it, a spinner bait looks nothing like what the Beauties normally forage on.  Can’t imagine what ran through the mind of the person who invented the first one! On my second cast, I hooked into a nice 2+ pound beauty.  "Sometimes," I said! —    Go Fishing.  And may your fish be as big as your tales.    Columbia, SC  Lake Murray No, not the muskie lure.  Over the years I’ve read many posts here extolling the virtues of spinner baits.  I never much liked them, preferring crankbaits, body baits and soft plastics. However, this year I decided to give them a serious try.  In deep dark water I have thrown a black/red with heavy single Colorado blade.  In the spring I was using a silver plated double willow leaf with pumpkinseed colored skirt.  Muddy, post-rain storm conditions on the river I switch to a chartreuse buzzbait. Over the tops of slop and lily pads.  OK, I like them.  I’ve had good success with spinnerbaits all season. The coup de grace came yesterday. I was standing up on top of the boat, one foot on the gunwhale and one on the dashboard of my friend’s boat.  I had my wide brimmed hat and wrap around polarized sunglasses.  I was fly casting and wanted a high vantage point.  My friend told me that if I damaged his dashboard I’d be crawling back to shore on my hands.  Anyway, it was really slow going.  Suddenly I spotted a large isolated fish cruising in just inches of water.  It was well camouflaged and even with my glasses I could only pick out the silhouette of its dark back.  I wasn’t sure if it was a bass or some other fish.  I turned to my other friend and told him where the fish was.  He threw a chartreuse and white buzzbait just perfectly – ahead of and to the side of the fish in such a way that once retrieved it moves across the field of vision of the fish but also away from the fish, appropriate prey behavior.  The fish changed course once it saw the lure and slowly followed but wouldn’t take.  Finally he stopped retrieving and while it dropped, I saw the mouth opening and the silicone skirt disappear. "He’s got it! Set the hook!" I yelled and the fish was on.  It was well over five pounds.  The whole episode was very exciting but it all happened so perfectly that we were left speechless for a few moments.  I put away my fly rod and picked up my casting rod which already had a spinner bait attached.  I soon caught a smallish pike. OK, so that was only one incident but it capped off a couple of weeks of good fishing with spinnerbaits and I have gained much more confidence in them.  I still don’t use spoons or jigs too often. Mu

Response:

Question:

Just one other point, a very wise man once said to me when I asked him if something was a good idea " If you have to think very long and very hard about it, and are still not sure, don’t do it".

Excellent point. Right now I’m leaning to getting the horses. It all depends on how my stock options pan out. Money can turn what otherwise would be a terrible idea into an excellent idea.

Response:

<equine opine snipped PS-Stay away from llamas, they are for grass maggot (sheep) herders and a major pain (attitudes).

Spoken like a true Montanan. Welcome, Warren. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Vaccinations twice a year are a good idea, and if you have the money (it sounds like you do), vet checks are a good idea. Have the vets come out and worm/vaccinate twice a year, and they’ll spot something early that you might not, especially as a beginner.

And DON’T forget to get a vet check BEFORE you buy a horse.  It can save you a ton of money in the long run.   Vaccinations are a good idea, but not necessary unless the horses are going to come into contact with tons of other horses.  I guess the main reason we don’t is that we have too many and it is easier to treat on an as needed basis. However, for two, better to be safe than sorry is a good philosophy.  It really isn’t that expensive to do it yourself. The key is keeping the vet away unless necessary.  So the more you learn and are able to do, the less reliance you will have on a vet to come out and give shots/worm. Worming is easy, just a tube that shoots out measured amounts of a paste based upon the body weight (you actually set the tube with the weight and it premeasures sort of).  Just have to make sure to get it way back in the mouth so they don’t spit it out. Most stuff is fairly easy and you will pick it up as you go.  It kind of helps you bond with the animal and the animal with you.  I can’t put into words how important the relationship is between a horse and a rider, but it involves lots of trust and patience.  It will eventually turn into a bond that will hopefully last a lifetime. I would also suggest that maybe you start taking riding lessons before you buy horses.  The instructor will be able to teach you many things about horse care and horsemanship that will be invaluable down the road. Warren

Response:

I’m partial to llamas in the backcountry. They can carry 100-120 lbs of gear (but not you), their padded feet are easier on the trails than a horse’s hoofs and they browse and eat their own food instead of grazing on scarce mountain grasses.

Llamas are out of the question. For one thing I need an animal to carry ME for one or two days, not 120 lbs of gear. For another thing, I’d be laughed out of Custer County.

Response:

I’m not, nor will I ever be, an equestrian. But I’ve known enough of them that I’m familiar with some of the potential pitfalls of horse ownership. The best way to sum it up is to say that on a cost/hour basis, horses don’t make much economic sense for the casual fisherman. I realize that boarding costs are highly variable, presumably driven by geography and relative cost of living, but the prospect of shelling out thousands of dollars annually for a couple months’ usage would certainly be a sobering prospect indeed for many of us. Another point to consider: ATV’s are replacing working horses on some ranches (for some jobs). I bet it’s because they’re ‘cheaper to keep’. Good luck.

ATVs aren’t allowed most places I want to go. They don’t even allow mountain bikes. Also, I’m not looking at this as a purely economic deal. I like horses and I like riding them. I’m mainly concerned about the learning curve because I’ve never kept them before.

Response:

Get the horses.  As a matter of fact buy some of my inlaws horses.  I already crash tested one. Seriously, horses are great for hunting and fishing trips.  You won’t need to ship them out to CA for the winter either.  We have over 40 head and keep them outside all winter long up here in Montana. As to feeding. That depends on how much room you have there.  You might get by with grazing them off the pasture if it is big enough and then feeding them hay in the winter.  Hay isn’t all that expensive really.  A horse needs about 2% of its body weight of feed a day.  A 1200 lb horse comes out to a wopping 24 pounds of hay.  Don’t know what the hay prices down there are, but up here it is about $60/ton of good alfalfa. As far as routine medications, just wormer once a year.  Maybe twice a year to be safe.  Want to be even safer?  Worm them or have them wormed before you bring them home.  Shouldn’t have to see a vet at all.  With 40 head we have had the vet out twice this year.  Both horses got caught in a fence.  One while rolling on the ground and got collicky because it was in the fence for several hours overnight and twisted (bad for horses intestines).  The other we think was kicking at a dog and got its legged stuck in a coral panel.  That one was pretty nasty. Try to find a book on horse care and read it for yourself and decide how much hassle it will be for you. Cost wise they are not too bad.  The big pain is in the beginning.  You can find a younger (5-10 year old horse) that is well broke for around $1,500. Then saddles and the other tack, well that depends on new or used.  Make sure you actually sit in the saddle before you buy one.  Ideally you want to sit in it on the horse to get a good feel for it.  Usually can’t though so just make sure you butt isn’t too big (or small).  You won’t need a fancy roping saddle or anything so used you can probably pick one up for about $400-500.  Shop around!  Read the classifieds, check out feed stores (sometimes they have bullentin boards with horses and tack for sale). Being on the high side, look to spend about $6,000 for 2 horses and tack and another $600 or so a year on hay. There are several things you can to do in taking care of horses to make them less at risk for disease, injury, and sickness so arm yourself with knowledge and make the decision afterwards. Happy Trails and Tight Lines. Warren PS-Stay away from llamas, they are for grass maggot (sheep) herders and a major pain (attitudes).

Response:

I’m not, nor will I ever be, an equestrian. But I’ve known enough of them that I’m familiar with some of the potential pitfalls of horse ownership. The best way to sum it up is to say that on a cost/hour basis, horses don’t make much economic sense for the casual fisherman. I realize that boarding costs are highly variable, presumably driven by geography and relative cost of living, but the prospect of shelling out thousands of dollars annually for a couple months’ usage would certainly be a sobering prospect indeed for many of us. Another point to consider: ATV’s are replacing working horses on some ranches (for some jobs). I bet it’s because they’re ‘cheaper to keep’. Good luck. Jeff

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The very best flyfishing in my area (central Idaho) is fairly inaccessible. There are excellent wilderness rivers and backcountry lakes that require some pretty heroic hiking to get to, if you’re not rafting. Once you get there, though, you have it all to yourself, aside from the odd backpacker or two. I’m thinking of getting a couple of horses. I have room for a nice paddock next to my cabin. It’s also a consideration that my older daughter adores horses, and I made the potentially serious mistake of mentioning this idea to her. It’s really, really tempting. The other day, while hiking out from a backcountry lake and sweating blood, a couple of horseback riders passed me going up the trail at a fast trot. They were like gods. It looked so wonderful. My problem is that I have virtually no experience keeping horses. Just a few pack trips. How difficult is it? I’m what you’d call an animal-oriented person. I’ve always had lots of dogs and cats and a multitude of other creatures, but no horses. I figure that at a minimum I’d have to build a fence for the paddock, buy all the gear (in addition to the horses), find a ferrier and a large-animal vet, get a two-horse trailer, and arrange for someone to take care of them for the short periods when I’m not around. Then there’s the question of what to do with them in the winter. I figure I could trailer them back to my home in northern California (Menlo Park) and board them at one of the many stables here. These stables mostly cater to Woodside billionaires, but what the heck. It can’t be that expensive for a few months. Is this a stupid idea? Will I regret it?

Response:

The very best flyfishing in my area (central Idaho) is fairly inaccessible. There are excellent wilderness rivers and backcountry lakes that require some pretty heroic hiking to get to, if you’re not rafting. Once you get there, though, you have it all to yourself, aside from the odd backpacker or two. I’m thinking of getting a couple of horses.

I’m partial to llamas in the backcountry. They can carry 100-120 lbs of gear (but not you), their padded feet are easier on the trails than a horse’s hoofs and they browse and eat their own food instead of grazing on scarce mountain grasses. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Sounds like a great idea to me. If you have the time and possibilities, and can afford it, do it, but check the prices at those stables etc first, you may be very unpleasantly surprised, also horses involve a lot of care and work, far more than one imagines. Trailering them is also a pain, for you and for the horses. Mountain bikes can be thrown in the cabin or garage when you are done with them, don’t eat, don’t crap, and don’t get ill apart from an occasional broken chain etc. They cost much less than horses, they are less likely to get stolen, or run away, they are not edible to any great degree, and can not be turned into sausage meat, they do not wear extremely costly handmade steel shoes which require frequent replacement,  do not require horrendously expensive injections and medications at regular intervals, and they also require no looking after when you are absent. They do not engender quite as much enthusiasm on the part of dutiful daughters ( dutiful at least until the first ton of horse manure has to be shovelled out of somewhere ! ) I know a couple of the aforementioned daughters ! Their parents own quite a few horses. Quite amazing how often they have "urgent appointments" when the novelty has worn off, and the animals have to be groomed or cleaned out etc etc. If your daughter wants to ride, rent a horse for her for a while until you are certain she will keep it up and it is worth it. I know all this because I help out ( which usually means I shovel horse shit ! ) for the chance of an occasional ride on one of my friends horses. Not trying to dissuade you in any way, just playing advocatus diaboli. Just one other point, a very wise man once said to me when I asked him if something was a good idea " If you have to think very long and very hard about it, and are still not sure, don’t do it". TL MC

Response:

The very best flyfishing in my area (central Idaho) is fairly inaccessible. There are excellent wilderness rivers and backcountry lakes that require some pretty heroic hiking to get to, if you’re not rafting. Once you get there, though, you have it all to yourself, aside from the odd backpacker or two. I’m thinking of getting a couple of horses. I have room for a nice paddock next to my cabin. It’s also a consideration that my older daughter adores horses, and I made the potentially serious mistake of mentioning this idea to her. It’s really, really tempting. The other day, while hiking out from a backcountry lake and sweating blood, a couple of horseback riders passed me going up the trail at a fast trot. They were like gods. It looked so wonderful. My problem is that I have virtually no experience keeping horses. Just a few pack trips. How difficult is it? I’m what you’d call an animal-oriented person. I’ve always had lots of dogs and cats and a multitude of other creatures, but no horses. I figure that at a minimum I’d have to build a fence for the paddock, buy all the gear (in addition to the horses), find a ferrier and a large-animal vet, get a two-horse trailer, and arrange for someone to take care of them for the short periods when I’m not around. Then there’s the question of what to do with them in the winter. I figure I could trailer them back to my home in northern California (Menlo Park) and board them at one of the many stables here. These stables mostly cater to Woodside billionaires, but what the heck. It can’t be that expensive for a few months. Is this a stupid idea? Will I regret it?

Response:

Question:

I am an avid fly fisher doin’ cold turkey in Hong Kong, but am planning a trip to New Zealand, Tauranga/Rotorua/Taupo area for about a week in a camper van at the end of October with my 2 young lads. Any info on locations, flies, tactics, anything would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Adam J. Marr

Response:

I am an avid fly fisher doin’ cold turkey in Hong Kong, but am planning a trip to New Zealand, Tauranga/Rotorua/Taupo area for about a week in a camper van at the end of October with my 2 young lads. Any info on locations, flies, tactics, anything would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Adam J. Marr

Adam: Check out Anglers Paradise in Turangi. John and Val  Milner have retired now, but the new owbners would help. Sporting Life in Turangi is THE place to get info and tackle. Graham has fished the Tongiriro all of his life.  ****  THE BEST **** guide in the Turangi area is Tim Mcarthy. His father was a guide (still is, I believe), but Tim is, in the opinion of MANY of the locals as well, THE BEST guide. Use his services for ONE DAY, and you will learn the pools and what catches fish. I spent 9 months fishing that river and Lake Taupo, and it’s a WONDERFUL experience. Don’t forget to bring your "winter woolies"; ice can form on the guides this time of year, but the fishing is SUPERB in June and August. After all, the NZ fish are transplanted Oregon WINTER STEELHEAD. Enjoy your trip. I wish I was going with you !!   Regards de Mikey !!

Response:

Question:

Anyone able to help with my problem?  Lately I have been finding it difficult to get my leaders to lay down reasonably straight no matter what size or kind of fly I am fishing.  At times I am able to accomplish this by timing my cast (by accident of course) so that the leader hits the water just as it unrolls from the forward cast.  This technique plays havoc with a soft presentation though! Jay Kidwell

Response:

Anyone able to help with my problem?  Lately I have been finding it difficult to get my leaders to lay down reasonably straight no matter what size or kind of fly I am fishing.  At times I am able to accomplish this by timing my cast (by accident of course) so that the leader hits the water just as it unrolls from the forward cast.  This technique plays havoc with a soft presentation though! Jay Kidwell

How does the leader land on the water ? What kind of leader are you using ? Does the line lay straight ? What kind of line do you use ? I have personally found knotted leaders to be better than tapered ones and braided leaders to be better than knotted ones as far as presentation goes. Also, depending on the stream, if you are fishing with dries sometimes you rally do not want a straight leader.   I read somewhere (in one of the famous books, of course I do not remember which) a technique that helps reducing significantly the drag problems that are very common when fishing spring creeks where the current differential on the surface can vary significantly thus making a perfect dead drift presentation rather hard, even when using the S cast. The author suggested to aim at the points of the trees on the opposite bank  and not at your level as one usually does.  As a result, the line will straighten in the air, then fall in the water and the leader will come down in loose coils.   Consequently the resulting drift is much longer than usual.  I have tried the technique in several occasions with very good results. Maybe you are aiming too high when you finish your cast. Or, maybe you finish your cast too soon, I find that when I am tired or lazy I tend not to perform the forward cast with too small of a movement, and as a result the leader does not straighten well.. Tight lines -Vittorio

Response:

Could be a number of things.  Begin with a new soft leader and then add plenty of tippet material and stretch that leader out.  Pause a touch longer on your back cast and they cast to a point a little higher than your normal cast.  Your line and leader should lay out parallel to the water and then gently float down.  If not, you either have an unballanced outfit our your technique may be slightly off.  In either case, have another experienced fly fisher help you out.  Try other outfits and that should tell you if it is you or your outfit. Don’t use your nymphing outfit to expect to lay a delicat #28 within a couple of inches of where you want it. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Anyone able to help with my problem?  Lately I have been finding it difficult to get my leaders to lay down reasonably straight no matter what size or kind of fly I am fishing.  At times I am able to accomplish this by timing my cast (by accident of course) so that the leader hits the water just as it unrolls from the forward cast.  This technique plays havoc with a soft presentation though! Jay Kidwell

Response:

Have you switched brands lately?                                           …Steven

Response:

Anyone able to help with my problem?  Lately I have been finding it difficult to get my leaders to lay down reasonably straight no matter what size or kind of fly I am fishing.  At times I am able to accomplish this by timing my cast (by accident of course) so that the leader hits the water just as it unrolls from the forward cast.  This technique plays havoc with a soft presentation though! Jay Kidwell

Hi Jay There are a lot of reasons your leader may not be straightening out but the most common is feeding slack line into the cast at the wrong time. Many casters develop a tendency to feed extra line just as they start the forward cast there by killing the transfer of energy from the rod to the line. This could be your problem. A couple of solutions: visit your local fly shop for a lesson or contact the Federation of Fly Fishers at 406-585-7592 and get the info on a club near you. Join the club and get help from a new friend. Good luck. — Tight Lines ….. Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products http://www.btsflyfishing.com

Response:

Anyone able to help with my problem?  Lately I have been finding it difficult to get my leaders to lay down reasonably straight no matter what size or kind of fly I am fishing.  At times I am able to accomplish this by timing my cast (by accident of course) so that the leader hits the water just as it unrolls from the forward cast.  This technique plays havoc with a soft presentation though! Jay Kidwell

Try stopping your rod on your forward cast,this will exert enough power for your tip to turn your line over. Practice false casting with a piece of yarn in lieu of a fly on your tippet and make an effort to stop your rod on the forward cast at about 10 o’clock-this will help. Fred

Response:

Question:

I have recently moved from Utah to Georgia.  Can anyone help with some good places to fish?

Hi Brett, Welcome to Georgia. Let me know what part of the state you’re in and the type of fishing that interests you, and I’m sure I can give you some suggestions. Dave — Visit Dave Teffeteller’s Fly Fishing Guides Home Page http://www.olfart.com

Response:

I have recently moved from Utah to Georgia.  Can anyone help with some good places to fish?

Response:

I have recently moved from Utah to Georgia.  Can anyone help with some good places to fish?

There are a number of places to FF for trout. Not the wide open streams and rivers of the West, but plenty of fishing. Try North Georgia Trout On-line at http://www.efh.com/~ngtrout That should put you on the trail….. -John Carney

Response:

Question:

I am new to the San Diego area and am looking for nearby fisheries.  Where can I find trout without driving for hours.  Any fly fishing streams? Thanks for the help.

Response:

I am new to the San Diego area and am looking for nearby fisheries.  Where can I find trout without driving for hours.  Any fly fishing streams? Thanks for the help.

I do not know of any local fisheries, and NO local fly fishing streams.  Some people fly fish at cuyamaca and Murray, but I don’t know how well those lakes work.   Good luck Dave

Response:

Try the surf for corvina.  I no they aren’t trout — but they are close and a challenge. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am new to the San Diego area and am looking for nearby fisheries.  Where can I find trout without driving for hours.  Any fly fishing streams? Thanks for the help. I do not know of any local fisheries, and NO local fly fishing streams.  Some people fly fish at cuyamaca and Murray, but I don’t know how well those lakes work.   Good luck Dave

Response:

Contact San Diego Fly Fishers org c/o Strouds Tackle, Morena Blvd, San Diego CA for info on the group and its meetings (7 pm first Monday ea month).  Some SDFF members (not me) speak of  wild trout streams in the county that have 11"-12" trout.  SDFF also stocks county streams with hatchery trout each year. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Try the surf for corvina.  I no they aren’t trout — but they are close and a challenge. I am new to the San Diego area and am looking for nearby fisheries.  Where can I find trout without driving for hours.  Any fly fishing streams? Thanks for the help. I do not know of any local fisheries, and NO local fly fishing streams.  Some people fly fish at cuyamaca and Murray, but I don’t know how well those lakes work.   Good luck Dave

Response:

Lake Poway has trout.. haven’t tried ‘em, but I guess I should — Bob Dobson RAD Solutions www.radsolutions.com

Response:

Question:

Hi, I’d like to get any input on Red Ball felt sole wading shoes. Good or bad. Thanks, Bob

We sold the high top lace up model this last year. They have a imitation leather look to them. They are good for the angler that will not be fishing much or very vigorously. If you are a powerful wader and fish much, I would buy the Weinbrener shoe, as it is very durable. William Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

Response:

Hi, I’d like to get any input on Red Ball felt sole wading shoes. Good or bad. Thanks, Bob

Response:

I’ve had a pair (the velcro closure type) for about two years and use them heavily. I fish almost every week, usually on water with lots of abrasive rocks. No problem yet except they are pretty heavy. The felf isn’t wearing down too badly. By the way, I bought them because they were on sale for $20. grendel

Response:

Hi, I’d like to get any input on Red Ball felt sole wading shoes. Good or bad. Thanks, Bob

Not bad shoes but if you can afford them the Weinbrenner or gary borger with Korkers inswerted in the felt are better. Last look aroun$80.00 a         Ancient Angller

Response:

Question:

Next week I’ll go fishing the skagit R. Someone have any idea on what kind of flies I should use?

I fish the Skagit on the Canadian side quite frequently. I believe that it opens July 1st though so check your regs. Also catch and release only now. I have had most of my success with basic Nymph patterns, and Mosquito immitations.Also had one great day using Royal Coachmen{hooked over 30 14-16" fish in a couple of hours fishing a back channel} never had another day like it there since though. But always do well.Try fishing with sink tip line as close to bottom as you can get in deeper runs, exspecially if water on low-clear side..                Good Luck!!

Response:

the skagit river flows from south west British Columbia… our Government is in constant battle with the U.S. over further damming of the river which would flood one of the most Beautiful valleys in the world.

We’re good at that. The Glen Canyon of the Colorado in northern Arizona, now Lake Powell, was by all accounts and the testimony of photographs, THE most beautiful canyon in the world. Good luck.

Response:

the skagit river flows from south west British Columbia,headwaters in the Manning Park area into a Man Made lake {Ross Lake} it is then Dammed in Washington State and then flows through Northern Washington into the Pacific.I fish it on the Canadian side only and our Government is in constant battle with the U.S. over further damming of the river which would flood one of the most Beautiful valleys in the world.

Actually, the various BC governments have *not* done battle with the US over the Skagit. The Skagit is close enough to Vancouver (which is very important politically in BC). When Seattle City Light wanted to raise Ross Dam and flood more of the Skagit, the BC government had a better idea – they built the Seven Mile Dam on the Pend d’Oreille (the Kootenays being of less importance politically), thus flooding the falls which kept coarse fish out of the Salmo River, and sold the power so SCL. — 3798 Woodland Drive     voice: (604) 368-9315 Trail, BC               data:  (604) 368-9341

Response:

  The dambuilding regieme [in particular the WAC Socreds] in British Columbia had an international reputation of "Profit first" environmentalism [comparatively, the present government is elligible for sainthood ]. One particular Rodderick H.Brown quote sets the way I used to feel about the rape of BC rivers at the expense of fish. "I hate practically everything British Columbia stands for today–the shoddy, uncaring devellopment of our natural resources, the Chamber of Commerce mentality which favors short-term material gain over all other considerations, the utter contempt for human values of any kind.  I hate and despise the trivial provincial mentality that denies Canada’s national heritage, which seeks petty advantage at cost to the common weal, which resists every vital Canadian concept and the whole range of modern knowledge and communication which can make the Canadian ideal a reality.  I apologize to the rest of Canada for this narrow lack of faith and vision."                        – Roderick Haig-Brown, June 21,1965. Actually, the various BC governments have *not* done battle with the US

over the Skagit. Water rights are pretty well Federal jurisdiction IF the despute is with a foreign country [in this case, the United States]. The Skagit is close enough to Vancouver (which is very important politically in BC). When Seattle City Light wanted to raise Ross Dam and flood more of the Skagit, the BC government had a better idea – they built the Seven Mile Dam on the Pend d’Oreille (the Kootenays being of less importance politically).

A lot of truth to this . . . When Seven Mile went in, the province was essentially being run from Howe Street in Vancouver [the financial backbone of B.C.]. Kryten// — @         0r

Response:

Woahhh! Before you all go off fishin’ the Skagit, be aware that the

Out of curiosity, where is the Skagit? Tim

Response:

 Out of curiosity, where is the Skagit? Tim the skagit river flows from south west British Columbia,headwaters in the Manning Park area

into a Man Made lake {Ross Lake} it is then Dammed in Washington State and then flows through Northern Washington into the Pacific.I fish it on the Canadian side only and our Government is in constant battle with the U.S. over further damming of the river which would flood one of the most Beautiful valleys in the world.

Response:

the skagit river flows from south west British Columbia,headwaters in the Manning Park area into a Man Made lake {Ross Lake} it is then Dammed in Washington State and then flows through Northern Washington into the Pacific.I fish it on the Canadian side only and our Government is in constant battle with the U.S. over further damming of the river which would flood one of the most Beautiful valleys in the world.

If you need a US partner in blowing those damned dams on the Skagit the hell out of there, let me know.  Those damn dams gag that river.  Sadly a common story though.  However, I would be surprised if further proposed dams would ever possibly be built these days.  Thanks to interest groups, the plight of fish etc. as it relates to dams on rivers seems to be more near the front of people’s minds.   -tgades —

Response:

Next week I’ll go fishing the skagit R.

The Skagit River in Washington state?  You know of course that your post is read all over the world.   Someone have any idea on what kind of flies I should use?

To catch what?  Steelhead?  Dolly Varden?  Cutthroat?   Are you fishing low or high on the river. It’d be easier to help if you answered some of these essential questions. -tgades —

Response:

Next week I’ll go fishing the skagit R. Someone have any idea on what kind of flies I should use?

        I’m assuming that you’re fishing the upstream Canadian stretch in southwestern BC, where there is a lovely flyfishing only C & R stretch.         For all necessary info, contact Ruddick’s Fly Shop in Vancouver, tel: 604-434-2420.         I’ve fished it twice and the usual nymph patters (PTN, GRHE, Prince) and a green bodied caenis (#16 or #18) and Adams work.         Tight lines…

Response:

Next week I’ll go fishing the skagit R. The Skagit River in Washington state?  You know of course that your post is read all over the world.  

The Skagit R. in British Columbia Someone have any idea on what kind of flies I should use? To catch what?  Steelhead?  Dolly Varden?  Cutthroat?   Are you fishing low or high on the river.

I’llbe fishing for Rainbows and also Dolly Varden.  I’ll be fishing at low river.                                                    Tks again                                                     Eric

Response:

Next week I’ll go fishing the skagit R. Someone have any idea on what kind of flies I should use? A reply would be appreciated since I’m a novice at this sport                                                    TKS.

Response:

Woahhh! Before you all go off fishin’ the Skagit, be aware that the river does not open on the Canadian side until July 1!!!! Even then there are C&R and other restrictions, so read the regs. My son and I were fishing there last year and I was approached by some very suspicous looking individuals who claimed they were just curious to see the fish. It was interesting to note they did not look like tourists and were carrying a net and wore waders. Can we say GAME WARDENs? My point is, check the regs and be aware that I believe the river is patrolled by officials who do not announce their intentions. On a positive note, the Skagit is beautiful and deserves all the respect it can get. I understand that over the years it has been threatened by dams and netting for meat. Fortunately there are people (Ted Peck included) who have managed to protect it for us and I think we should ensure its continued protection. The Skagit ‘bows are the most beautiful I have ever seen! The valley is a piece of paradise, especially when you work your way to the West side as far away from road access as possible. B.

: Next week I’ll go fishing the skagit R. : Someone have any idea on what kind of flies I should use? : A reply would be appreciated since I’m a novice at this sport   :                                                  TKS.

Response:

Question:

What do you folks out there make of this: A couple of weeks ago I went fishing on a blue ribbon stream that is notoriously difficult to catch fish on. On said stream there are two productive holes that are about 50 yards apart.  On different occasions I have caught fish out of either hole but never very many, although some were good sized.  The last time I went there I was in the upper hole and another guy was in the lower. I looked down and saw him catching huge fish on almost every cast. Now I am a pretty good fishman and have a good idea about what I’m doing but I wasn’t even gettting any bites.  Finally I got frustrated watching this guy catch fish after fish so I went and asked him what he was using.  He told me and I tied an identical fly and setup on my line. I didn’t get even a bit the rest of the day.  I was so pissed at myself that I just about threw my pole in the water.  Has anybody else had something like this happen?  

Response:

: What do you folks out there make of this: : I didn’t get even a bit the rest of the day.  I was so pissed at : myself that I just about threw my pole in the water.  Has anybody else : had something like this happen?   Was it a good pole?  Where is this hole? Seriously, though, I beleive that the action you give the fly is far more important than the pattern.  I’m beginning to believe that this is even truer for wet flies and nymphs than for drys.  What were you using? — Laboratory for Applied Logic    Dept. of Computer Science University of Idaho             www: http://www.cs.uidaho.edu/~foster

Response: