Question:

I tried it this weekend.. Not that great and, actually, I thought it was unremarkable..  I’ll stick to Thomas Kemper Big Fat Tuba as my fav.. Ben Perhaps it lived up to its name? Wade

Surprisingly, yes..  IMO.. Ben

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ah, yes… Castle Creek!  A lovely little run of water with great fishing, but you have to fish it right.  Honestly, if you don’t really sneak up on the creek, you’ll catch nothing.  Even the vibration of footsteps will give the brookies a severe case of lockjaw.  If you’re still in the area, find Ditch Creek Campground, south of Deerfield Lake and fish the stream between the campground and the lake.  Same stealth approach applies here. Man, good memories of camping, fishing and general exploring in these parts in the early ’70s.  Wish I was there! Greg Please tell us you have a web cam set up in the area so we can watch this as it takes place.  Kinda reminds me of snipe hunting when I was a

kid. Sorry, no web cam, but I’m not pulling your leg on the "sneak up on ‘em" approach for these brookies…. You could stand way back and try to cast to them, but the streams are narrow enough with trees, brush and shrubs that you’ll leave a lot of hardware hanging in the trees before you put a fly in the water (or at least that’s my experience).  BTW, did a lot of snipe hunting as a kid, too! Greg

Response:

While were on the subject.  Does anyone know if Big Rock Brewery in Calgary is still brewing Grasshopper.  It’s a great wheat ale that I haven’t been able to find here in Seattle for a while. Rich

They do make the Grasshopper, and they are also located in Vancouver as well as Delta BC. Wade

Response:

Welcome to the world of Northwest and Mountain states beer.  Along with Moose drool you may also like Mirror Pond Pale Ale, and Fat Tire Amber. While were on the subject.  Does anyone know if Big Rock Brewery in Calgary is still brewing Grasshopper.  It’s a great wheat ale that I haven’t been able to find here in Seattle for a while. Rich

Fat Tire Amber Ale is what I started out the trip with.  I bought it at Sam’s in Round Rock, Texas.  Good stuff. Bob, sitting in front of the Post Office, in Lead, SD

Response:

That’s a catchy name yuk. wade I tried it this weekend.. Not that great and, actually, I thought it was unremarkable..  I’ll stick to Thomas Kemper Big Fat Tuba as my fav.. Ben

Perhaps it lived up to its name? Wade

Response:

That’s a catchy name yuk. wade

I tried it this weekend.. Not that great and, actually, I thought it was unremarkable..  I’ll stick to Thomas Kemper Big Fat Tuba as my fav.. Ben

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Deerfield Lake, South Dakota 08/28/02 snip Not much luck on the fish.  I think that ranger guy was having a little fun with me about "Castle Crick".  It turns out to be a stream about 2 feet wide where it dumps into Deerfield Lake.  Small pickings. ah, yes… Castle Creek!  A lovely little run of water with great fishing, but you have to fish it right.  Honestly, if you don’t really sneak up on the creek, you’ll catch nothing.  Even the vibration of footsteps will give the brookies a severe case of lockjaw.  If you’re still in the area, find Ditch Creek Campground, south of Deerfield Lake and fish the stream between the campground and the lake.  Same stealth approach applies here. Man, good memories of camping, fishing and general exploring in these parts in the early ’70s.  Wish I was there! Greg

So that’s what the matter was.  I wasn’t sneaky enough.  Well, let that be a lesson to me. Bob

Response:

And wooly boogers?  Those things are HUGE.  The only action I got was on smaller stuff.   Not that it makes much difference Bob, but I think the fly was invented as a ‘Wooly Bugger’, not Booger.

If it is a 2 foot wide creek, chances are it has nothing bigger than 8 inch brookies.  A big bait would scare them off. LZ

Response:

Welcome to the world of Northwest and Mountain states beer.  Along with Moose drool you may also like Mirror Pond Pale Ale, and Fat Tire Amber. While were on the subject.  Does anyone know if Big Rock Brewery in Calgary is still brewing Grasshopper.  It’s a great wheat ale that I haven’t been able to find here in Seattle for a while. Rich

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Deerfield Lake, South Dakota 08/28/02 You know, as a matter of design, I’ve always disliked floor vents for heaters.  They’re a weak point in the floor, and they collect dirt and small dust bunnies that are hard to remove.  But after 2 hours wading up a cold stream in a pair of sneakers, it sure feels good to rest your blue toes right on top of that vent. Aaaaaahhhhhhh. Yeah, I know.  I have waders.  But I didn’t have them WITH me.  :o( Not much luck on the fish.  I think that ranger guy was having a little fun with me about "Castle Crick".  It turns out to be a stream about 2 feet wide where it dumps into Deerfield Lake.  Small pickings. And wooly boogers?  Those things are HUGE.  The only action I got was on smaller stuff. Most of the fishing here is done on the lake.  You can see the big ones rising in the morning, flop and flash.  I need to find or fashion a light pontoon for the kayak, to make it more stable for fishing. Perhaps a yoke and a couple pieces of conduit, with inflatable bags on the ends.  I’m not able to search the web right now, but I’ll bet somebody already makes something like that. There are a couple of special purpose fishing platforms being used here that are small and light enough to be carried in an RV compartment.  One is the inner tube with straps and waders contraption, which strikes me as an elaborate way to drown.  More promising are the 6-8 foot pontoon boats, with oars, that skitter around out there like waterbugs. They are very light, all aluminum tubing and air.  Maybe 40 lbs.  I saw a smallish man lift one easily from the back of his pickup, carry it upside down over his head 40 or 50 feet down a hill, and set it lightly in the water.  It rides high on the pontoons, which are inflated bladders zipped up in sturdy rubberized nylon covers.  It would take a lot to poke a hole in one. The neat thing is the way they break down flat for storage.  The frame snaps together, the pontoons deflate and fold up, and the biggest single piece is maybe 2′ x 3′ x 6 inches.  You could store it under your bed.  They cost anywhere from $400-$800.  At that price you could sell it if you didn’t like it, and not lose much.  The one I looked at was sold by "Buck’s Bags".  I think they have a website. Of course if you’re going out on Lake Superior, you need a kayak.  Or an ocean liner.  I’d rather have my kayak for speed and exploring. But for just getting out on the reservoir and having a stable place to cast from, these things are the Cat’s Meow.  They’ll take a trolling motor and battery if you’re feeling lazy.  There’s even room for a small cooler of Moose Drool. O yeah.  Moose Drool.  That’s the name of my favorite new beer, a brown ale made in Missoula.  Something like Bass ale.  When I first saw it down in Hill City, I thought: "That stuff has to be good, or they couldn’t stay in business". Believe me.  I have seen Moose drool.  It is not a pretty sight. Bob

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Not much luck on the fish.  I think that ranger guy was having a little fun with me about "Castle Crick".  It turns out to be a stream about 2 feet wide where it dumps into Deerfield Lake.  Small pickings. And wooly boogers?  Those things are HUGE.  The only action I got was on smaller stuff. Most of the fishing here is done on the lake.  You can see the big ones rising in the morning, flop and flash.  I need to find or fashion a light pontoon for the kayak, to make it more stable for fishing. Perhaps a yoke and a couple pieces of conduit, with inflatable bags on the ends.  I’m not able to search the web right now, but I’ll bet somebody already makes something like that. Bob

FWIW unless you’re flyfishing, I found that the following worked well on trout in small, shallow AZ Mountain streams: Light or ultralight spinning outfit with 2-lb monofilament and 1/16 oz spinners. Walk/fish upstream, and reel in the lure at – or slightly faster than – the speed the stream is carrying it toward you. When the trout didn’t want to bite Z-rays in AZ lakes, we switched to sliding sinkers with terminal tackle of a foot or two of 1-lb monofiliment with a 12 or 14 treble hook barely hidden in a wad of Velveeta cheese. — bill Theory don’t mean squat if it don’t work.

Response:

ah, yes… Castle Creek!  A lovely little run of water with great fishing, but you have to fish it right.  Honestly, if you don’t really sneak up on the creek, you’ll catch nothing.  Even the vibration of footsteps will give the brookies a severe case of lockjaw.  If you’re still in the area, find Ditch Creek Campground, south of Deerfield Lake and fish the stream between the campground and the lake.  Same stealth approach applies here. Man, good memories of camping, fishing and general exploring in these parts in the early ’70s.  Wish I was there! Greg

Please tell us you have a web cam set up in the area so we can watch this as it takes place.  Kinda reminds me of snipe hunting when I was a kid.

Response:

Check out www.bigskybrew.com for a list of items with Moose Drool  and others on them. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – O yeah.  Moose Drool.  That’s the name of my favorite new beer, a brown ale made in Missoula.  Something like Bass ale.  When I first saw it down in Hill City, I thought: "That stuff has to be good, or they couldn’t stay in business". I saw this beer at the store the other day..  Was tempted to try it..  Catchy name..  Maybe I’ll give it a go and bring a 6 pack to the PNWCO so we can say we drank Moose Drool at the PNWCO.. <g Ben Believe me.  I have seen Moose drool.  It is not a pretty sight. Bob

Response:

Believe me.  I have seen Moose drool.  It is not a pretty sight.

Don’t they drool only when in rut? It could be pretty to other moose (meese?)

Response:

Deerfield Lake, South Dakota 08/28/02

snip Not much luck on the fish.  I think that ranger guy was having a little fun with me about "Castle Crick".  It turns out to be a stream about 2 feet wide where it dumps into Deerfield Lake.  Small pickings.

ah, yes… Castle Creek!  A lovely little run of water with great fishing, but you have to fish it right.  Honestly, if you don’t really sneak up on the creek, you’ll catch nothing.  Even the vibration of footsteps will give the brookies a severe case of lockjaw.  If you’re still in the area, find Ditch Creek Campground, south of Deerfield Lake and fish the stream between the campground and the lake.  Same stealth approach applies here. Man, good memories of camping, fishing and general exploring in these parts in the early ’70s.  Wish I was there! Greg

Response:

And wooly boogers?  Those things are HUGE.  The only action I got was on smaller stuff.

  Not that it makes much difference Bob, but I think the fly was invented as a ‘Wooly Bugger’, not Booger.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – O yeah.  Moose Drool.  That’s the name of my favorite new beer, a brown ale made in Missoula.  Something like Bass ale.  When I first saw it down in Hill City, I thought: "That stuff has to be good, or they couldn’t stay in business". I saw this beer at the store the other day..  Was tempted to try it.. Catchy name..  Maybe I’ll give it a go and bring a 6 pack to the PNWCO so we can say we drank Moose Drool at the PNWCO.. <g Ben

That’s a catchy name yuk. wade

Response:

Deerfield Lake, South Dakota 08/28/02 You know, as a matter of design, I’ve always disliked floor vents for heaters.  They’re a weak point in the floor, and they collect dirt and

<<some good story snipped Most of the fishing here is done on the lake.  You can see the big ones rising in the morning, flop and flash.  I need to find or fashion a light pontoon for the kayak, to make it more stable for fishing.

On the kayak stabilization, they are called Sponsons.  Don’t ask about them in the paddling newsgroups cause we had a Craig the hitch guy, type spamming the groups about how everyone needs these or they will die.  But for your application they are pretty much perfect.  You can even deflate them for the paddle home if you choose.  Search the web for "sponson" <<some more really good story snipped Believe me.  I have seen Moose drool.  It is not a pretty sight. Bob

Snoball

Response:

O yeah.  Moose Drool.  That’s the name of my favorite new beer, a brown ale made in Missoula.  Something like Bass ale.  When I first saw it down in Hill City, I thought: "That stuff has to be good, or they couldn’t stay in business".

I saw this beer at the store the other day..  Was tempted to try it..  Catchy name..  Maybe I’ll give it a go and bring a 6 pack to the PNWCO so we can say we drank Moose Drool at the PNWCO.. <g Ben – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Believe me.  I have seen Moose drool.  It is not a pretty sight. Bob

Response:

Deerfield Lake, South Dakota 08/28/02 You know, as a matter of design, I’ve always disliked floor vents for heaters.  They’re a weak point in the floor, and they collect dirt and small dust bunnies that are hard to remove.  But after 2 hours wading up a cold stream in a pair of sneakers, it sure feels good to rest your blue toes right on top of that vent. Aaaaaahhhhhhh. Yeah, I know.  I have waders.  But I didn’t have them WITH me.  :o( Not much luck on the fish.  I think that ranger guy was having a little fun with me about "Castle Crick".  It turns out to be a stream about 2 feet wide where it dumps into Deerfield Lake.  Small pickings. And wooly boogers?  Those things are HUGE.  The only action I got was on smaller stuff. Most of the fishing here is done on the lake.  You can see the big ones rising in the morning, flop and flash.  I need to find or fashion a light pontoon for the kayak, to make it more stable for fishing. Perhaps a yoke and a couple pieces of conduit, with inflatable bags on the ends.  I’m not able to search the web right now, but I’ll bet somebody already makes something like that. There are a couple of special purpose fishing platforms being used here that are small and light enough to be carried in an RV compartment.  One is the inner tube with straps and waders contraption, which strikes me as an elaborate way to drown.  More promising are the 6-8 foot pontoon boats, with oars, that skitter around out there like waterbugs. They are very light, all aluminum tubing and air.  Maybe 40 lbs.  I saw a smallish man lift one easily from the back of his pickup, carry it upside down over his head 40 or 50 feet down a hill, and set it lightly in the water.  It rides high on the pontoons, which are inflated bladders zipped up in sturdy rubberized nylon covers.  It would take a lot to poke a hole in one. The neat thing is the way they break down flat for storage.  The frame snaps together, the pontoons deflate and fold up, and the biggest single piece is maybe 2′ x 3′ x 6 inches.  You could store it under your bed.  They cost anywhere from $400-$800.  At that price you could sell it if you didn’t like it, and not lose much.  The one I looked at was sold by "Buck’s Bags".  I think they have a website. Of course if you’re going out on Lake Superior, you need a kayak.  Or an ocean liner.  I’d rather have my kayak for speed and exploring. But for just getting out on the reservoir and having a stable place to cast from, these things are the Cat’s Meow.  They’ll take a trolling motor and battery if you’re feeling lazy.  There’s even room for a small cooler of Moose Drool. O yeah.  Moose Drool.  That’s the name of my favorite new beer, a brown ale made in Missoula.  Something like Bass ale.  When I first saw it down in Hill City, I thought: "That stuff has to be good, or they couldn’t stay in business". Believe me.  I have seen Moose drool.  It is not a pretty sight. Bob

Response:

Question:

Mike Connor: <<Is it my imagination, or is there more bitterness and acrimony than usual on ROFF tonight ? It ain’t your imagination, Mike.  I have let me feud with George Gehrke bleed onto these pages and for that I am sorry.  My apologies to you and to all of ROFFdom. Dave LaCourse

Response:

My father told me a long time ago, "If you cant say something good about somebody, then keep your mouth shut", my father was a very wise man. Unfortunate indeed that I was never able to follow his advice to the letter. However this may be, anybody fancy a try ?  We are a common interest group, with an extremely broad base, but we ought to be able to agree on something. What is it ? Any suggestions ? Why are we here ? What do we wish to achieve

You’re right Mike, lifes too fricking short and time astream is not enough…. So I’ll start…. George, I’ll say this for you positively , you’ve got balls and I admire that quality in you. Wayne Knight (remove nospam to respond via mail) Expert in the creation of  wind knots and tailing loops.

Response:

I’m up for it Mike. Tim Apple — "Bamboo is Better"

Response:

I like this idea! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I would make an alternative proposal: That each and every single one of us just shuts up and goes fishing for a few days. That’s right.. starting, say Wednesday night (Greenwich time, minus five hours) nobody posts to ROFF until they’ve spent at least two consecutive days fishing.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is it my imagination, or is there more bitterness and acrimony than usual on ROFF tonight ? You know, one of the main reasons I am more or less hopelessly addicted to this place, is that it removes me from my not inconsiderable everyday problems and worries, much as fishing itself does, although in a different way.  I feel I know many of you, far more intimately than one might imagine, given the intrinsic limitations. This is a very strange medium, and I wonder what exciting new aspects of humanity will arise from it. Hopefully not just negative ones. At the moment the medium is restricted to those with the wherewithal and intelligence to participate, this is however increasing daily, and will hopefully result in considerably improved communications on a wide scale.  It seems almost sacrilegious to waste such an opportunity with petty personal feuds. When  I see you kicking the verbal shit out of each other, however justified this may seem to be to the one or the other at the time, it actually hurts me personally, to my own surprise and consternation. I would dearly love to know the reason. Distance and lack of personal knowledge are not sufficient to explain this. Whatever,  I would like to propose a "be nice on ROFF week ". This does not even require any positive effort on the part of the participants. My father told me a long time ago, "If you cant say something good about somebody, then keep your mouth shut", my father was a very wise man. Unfortunate indeed that I was never able to follow his advice to the letter. However this may be, anybody fancy a try ?  We are a common interest group, with an extremely broad base, but we ought to be able to agree on something. What is it ? Any suggestions ? Why are we here ? What do we wish to achieve ? I am genuinely interested, what keeps us here ? Why do we continue in the face of sometimes frightful insults and aspersions ? Things that in normal life would result in at least a riot ? Give it some thought. Tight lines ! Mike Connor

What keeps me coming back as a newbie is I’m addicted to flyfishing and this is my fishing when I can’t be on the water (which is most of the time .) I love this sport and I enjoy reading this ng. I’ve learned quite a bit in the short time that I’ve been here and I hope to learn a hell of a lot more. I plan on being here for a long time. I’ve also really enjoyed your stories too Mike, I actually sit down here and wonder what you’ve written this time. Thanks and keep up the great stories. Tight lines, Darin

Response:

Thanks Darin, my pleasure, glad you enjoy them. TL MC

Response:

I think if you re-sort the list by sender (or by thread, for that matter) you’ll see the vocal "WE" are small in number and the frequent posters are repetitive in nature, especially on certain subjects. I attempt to limit myself to the threads of genuine interest to me, reviewing the new posts by: 1) Topic 2) Sender 3) Lines and then determine what I really want to read…after reading those, I then choose "MARK ALL READ" and go away until some later time. What keeps me here?  About 3% of the posts….. Larry #:)# Enjoy the eclipse, those of you that get to see it live….for us on the West Coast of the US, it’s on www.exploratorium.edu beginning at 3am PST. Hey Mike….do you get TWO evening hatches today????  =8^0

Response:

Is it my imagination, or is there more bitterness and acrimony than usual on ROFF tonight ? You know, one of the main reasons I am more or less hopelessly addicted to this place, is that it removes me from my not inconsiderable everyday problems and worries, much as fishing itself does, although in a different way.  I feel I know many of you, far more intimately than one might imagine, given the intrinsic limitations. This is a very strange medium, and I wonder what exciting new aspects of humanity will arise from it. Hopefully not just negative ones. At the moment the medium is restricted to those with the wherewithal and intelligence to participate, this is however increasing daily, and will hopefully result in considerably improved communications on a wide scale.  It seems almost sacrilegious to waste such an opportunity with petty personal feuds. When  I see you kicking the verbal shit out of each other, however justified this may seem to be to the one or the other at the time, it actually hurts me personally, to my own surprise and consternation. I would dearly love to know the reason. Distance and lack of personal knowledge are not sufficient to explain this. Whatever,  I would like to propose a "be nice on ROFF week ". This does not even require any positive effort on the part of the participants. My father told me a long time ago, "If you cant say something good about somebody, then keep your mouth shut", my father was a very wise man. Unfortunate indeed that I was never able to follow his advice to the letter. However this may be, anybody fancy a try ?  We are a common interest group, with an extremely broad base, but we ought to be able to agree on something. What is it ? Any suggestions ? Why are we here ? What do we wish to achieve ? I am genuinely interested, what keeps us here ? Why do we continue in the face of sometimes frightful insults and aspersions ? Things that in normal life would result in at least a riot ? Give it some thought. Tight lines ! Mike Connor

Response:

—–BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE—– When  I see you kicking the verbal shit out of each other, however justified this may seem to be to the one or the other at the time, it actually hurts me personally, to my own surprise and consternation. I would dearly love to know the reason.

I don’t know about how things have been where you are, but for the last few weeks it’s been unbearably hot in parts of the US. Hot weather for long stretches tends to shorten tempers, I’ve noticed. It might also be that you’re normally a peacemaker type and thus more likely to notice such things. It could be multiple threads going on about topics that are controversial here, such as C&R or dam breeching, or unpleasant ones such as the guy who won’t shut up about the Hardy reel on ebay. Whatever,  I would like to propose a "be nice on ROFF week ". This does not even require any positive effort on the part of the participants.

I’m game. Of course, I’m going to be offline for a few weeks with dreams of wetting a line in the St. Joseph river than the Florida Intracoastal Waterway, so it won’t be hard for me to refrain from online rudeness. I am genuinely interested, what keeps us here ? Why do we continue in the face of sometimes frightful insults and aspersions ? Things that in normal life would result in at least a riot ?

I can think of a couple of reasons. For one thing, we’ve a swarm of curmudgeonly bastards here. Old-fashioned gentlemen, and young folks who aspire to be old curmudgeonly bastards someday. In crowds like that, a certain amount of shit-slinging is practically background noise in that you notice it only when it stops. The reason why several of us have Golden Retrievers is that few of us are like them. Not to mention, we do have that common interest: fishing. Fishing is pretty fundamental, and helps to moderate the worst of the virtual carnage. At any rate, I don’t see ROFF becoming a love-in. If nothing else, I would dearly like to not see any single one of you naked. I’m sorry, but my tastes are limited to women within four years of my ripe old practically senile 23. I doubt that any of you qualify. I would make an alternative proposal: That each and every single one of us just shuts up and goes fishing for a few days. That’s right.. starting, say Wednesday night (Greenwich time, minus five hours) nobody posts to ROFF until they’ve spent at least two consecutive days fishing. Look at it this way: We’re all either abrasive old bastards or abrasive young bastards. How do you thing George picked the name for his fly rod project? You can’t stuff twenty of them into one newsgroup without at least a little friction. And yet, when you got a bunch of them into the same room, what did they do? They drank, laughed, went fishing, and drank some more. And if we ever decide to have one in the midwest or the Rockies (or I can figure out travel to NC), I’d be there in a heartbeat. Even after having friction with some of the other people likely to be there, what’s the worst that could happen? That I’d have to drink with fellow fishermen? Please don’t throw this here po’ b’rer rabbit inta that mean ol’ briar patch! —–BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE—– Version: 2.6.2 iQCVAwUBN7E52ckBcsCVVLK5AQFlxwQAib10NUq3IcFIDOofXN3xhP77O63ihWXB LBNuADgWBCyJboFoY6/yzLwmRA+g8IOlPPeW5UGIzxJGmD3ebHiE47+oGNrtdLtN v4v2E1ouzd6Fkf4ybdLtam9J2bmll7iit8ylAChDfQ2wmEN6KWdAyUc4I+oJ44KS QSaCeykGu8Q= =QnA3 —–END PGP SIGNATURE—– God invented beer and fishing so that 20-something Kansas Jayhawkers wouldn’t take over the world -me

Response:

Question:

I’m considering getting a spey type rod for SW fishing in Maine.  I fish a lot of tidal rivers.  Any suggestions on types of lines to consider (shooting heads or just a plain floating line ?)  My main reason for considering a 2 handed rod is to not get so worn out flailing the water with my conventional 9 wt rod.   I’ve never used a 2 handed rod but understand that it can be more efficient. Or should I just sit down and smoke a cigarette instead of beating the water to a froth when the fish aren’t biting ; ^). Thanks John

Response:

I’m considering getting a spey type rod for SW fishing in Maine.  I fish a lot of tidal rivers.  Any suggestions on types of lines to consider (shooting heads or just a plain floating line ?)  My main reason for considering a 2 handed rod is to not get so worn out flailing the water with my conventional 9 wt rod. I’ve never used a 2 handed rod but understand that it can be more efficient. Or should I just sit down and smoke a cigarette instead of beating the water to a froth when the fish aren’t biting ; ^). Thanks John

John, Spey rods can work great in northeast saltwater. Doug Jowett, a well-known and respected guide in the Brunswick, Maine area recommends them. I haven’t used one yet, but I know what you mean about wearing out your shoulder on the 9 wt.

Response:

Hi ! PFMJI, but the theme touches me too. I just ordered a two-handed rod, that felt very easy to throw and is a good overhead casting machine, but I doubt it’ll be a good Speycasting device, nor I expect it to be good at windy conditions. Mine will be a G.Loomis GLX 11′ 6" 8/9 wt. Does anybody have expierience with casting such short 2-handed sticks? Isn’t, for Speycasting in particular, a longer Doublehanded rod nesseccary ? Thus, I doubt, a twohanded rod is a _good_ SW-Rod because of it’s _average_ length linked with the mostly windy conditions. So I expect it to be more tiring than a shorter rod. Any expieriences ? Thanks for your time

Response:

Just bought an Orvis Silver 15′  10 wt. fast action for sw use in Florida, both for shore fishing fast tide water in passes and for casting to Tarpon, Redfish and Snook from a boat. Neat thing of the two hander is the ability to throw 60′ to 80′ with no backcast ( a modified roll cast) thereby not jeprodizing beach walkers and others on board when fishing from a boat. Have spent 4 to 5 hours at a time blind casting with a conventional 9 ft.12 wt. for Tarpon and a 9 ft. 9 wt. for Snook and Reds and can verify that the two hander, while a bit unwieldy to store and handle aboard a small boat, is sure a lot less tiring to use for extended periods. Largest fish so far was a 25# Sting Ray(ugh) on a 12# tippet which was beached and released in about 10 minutes, and a long line release of a Tarpon (50#??) after two jumps and about 10 minutes. I’m sold on it for certain conditions.

Response:

Just bought an Orvis Silver 15′  10 wt. fast action for sw use in Florida, both for shore fishing fast tide water in passes and for casting to Tarpon, Redfish and Snook from a boat. Neat thing of the two hander is the ability to throw 60′ to 80′ with no backcast ( a modified roll cast) thereby not jeprodizing beach walkers and others on board when fishing from a boat. Have spent 4 to 5 hours at a time blind casting with a conventional 9 ft.12 wt. for Tarpon and a 9 ft. 9 wt. for Snook and Reds and can verify that the two hander, while a bit unwieldy to store and handle aboard a small boat, is sure a lot less tiring to use for extended periods. Largest fish so far was a 25# Sting Ray(ugh) on a 12# tippet which was beached and released in about 10 minutes, and a long line release of a Tarpon (50#??) after two jumps and about 10 minutes. I’m sold on it for certain conditions.

Hi Jay, We will be using two handed, 14′ rods for Shad in the American River this spring. I think it will be good practice for Steelhead and Atlantic Salmon fishing. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY www.kiene.com

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Question:

I need to buy some new DT, #6 fly line to replace my old, green double taper.  There are so many different colors available now:  fluorescent orange or mint green, Hi-Vis Chartreuse, moon glo, etc.  Any pros or cons on the high visibility lines?  I like the idea and am kind of partial to the fluorescent orange but I’m not sure how the fish feel about it.   Please respond by e-mail as well as to the group as my news server is not reliable. Thanks, — To reply, remove one "bs" from E-mail address

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A fish looking up at a floating fly line will see it as a black outline against the sky regardless of what colour it is. Buy the colour that you will be able to see best in your fishing environment. I suspect you will now be inundated with people telling you otherwise, such is life! — Regards Peter (Remove "nospam"to email)

:I need to buy some new DT, #6 fly line to replace my old, green double :taper.  There are so many different colors available now:  fluorescent range or mint green, Hi-Vis Chartreuse, moon glo, etc.  Any pros or cons n the high visibility lines?  I like the idea and am kind of partial to :the fluorescent orange but I’m not sure how the fish feel about it. :  Please respond by e-mail as well as to the group as my news server is :not reliable. : :Thanks, : :– :To reply, remove one "bs" from E-mail address

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I would have to agree with the other post.  If the flyline is close enough to get noticed by the fish you’ve got problems no matter what color it is. Good Fishing C. Segina

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Another trick I’ve employed (I think) successfully is to "camoflage" the last 20 feet of fly line by marking it up with olive and brown Prismatic waterproof markers. Not only does this eliminate (or at least reduce) the appearance of a solid line in the water, the tiger-stripe type markings let you gauge very accurate which part of the line is drifting faster or slower to help you make appropriate mends and achieve longer draft-diminished drifts. Dave McCarty

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Peter,   Thanks for the response.  I didn’t suppose that color of the line must make much difference or they wouldn’t offer so many color combinations.  It’s kind of funny that most fly tying instructions seem very specific about certain materials and colors and   if you don’t use the proper combination you won’t catch fish but you can plop  any color fly line on the water and it will be OK.  I guess the leader puts enough distance between fly and line so that the line is not noticed.   It seems like the bright orange line would be like a giant strike indicator and would come in handy for fishing nymphs. Thanks, – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – A fish looking up at a floating fly line will see it as a black outline against the sky regardless of what colour it is. Buy the colour that you will be able to see best in your fishing environment. I suspect you will now be inundated with people telling you otherwise, such is life! — Regards Peter

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Peter,   Thanks for the response.  I didn’t suppose that color of the line must make much difference or they wouldn’t offer so many color combinations.  It’s kind of funny that most fly tying instructions seem very specific about certain materials and colors and if you don’t use the proper combination you won’t catch fish but you can plop  any color fly line on the water and it will be OK.  I guess the leader puts enough distance between fly and line so that the line is not noticed.   It seems like the bright orange line would be like a giant strike indicator and would come in handy for fishing nymphs. Thanks, A fish looking up at a floating fly line will see it as a black outline against the sky regardless of what colour it is. Buy the colour that you will be able to see best in your fishing environment. I suspect you will now be inundated with people telling you otherwise, such is life! — Regards Peter

      It do, It do. So must be highly visible to the fisherman.                                                          John Popp                                                       in Sanford Fl.

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I have flyfished nearly daily (at least 6 months of the year) for the past 7 years or so, and part time for most of the last 30+ years. During that time I have worn out at least one line per season. I have tried many colors during that time, and experience tells me that color does make a difference. Two years ago, a hunting friend related to me how his bowhunting had improved dramatically after using special treatments to kill the Ultra Violet rays in his hunting clothes (both regular camo and hunter orange) claiming that game animals, many birds, and some fish react badly to clothing reflecting these light spectrums. Without getting too technical, their eyes have adopted and evolved over time to work in the very low light conditions of dawn and dusk when UV light is about all of the spectrum still present. Studies in the last 3 or 4 years have pretty well documented that these portions of the spectrum are far more visable to many other creatures than they are to humans. I read a good deal about it, and gave it a skeptical try. I was shocked to see my good camo glowing like crazy under a blacklight test. On the other hand, my Filson bright red & black checkered wool double mack cruiser(worn for about 100 years by some of the best guides in the world) was practically invisible. I learned that I could not guess before turning out the lights, which fabrics would glare bright purple(to me..) and which turned from colorful to dead black(no reflection). After spraying my clothes and a repeat of the tests under blacklight, the difference was astounding. But flick the light back on, and they look the same as they always have! The product I used is called U.V. Blocker. It’s made by the Atsko Company (Snow Seal, etc.) and they put out an excellent publication regarding this subject that is provided free with their Sport Wash/UV Blocker combo package (about $11 for both products and the book). They may even have a web site as it is a large company. I haven’t tried the UV blocker on my fly line, but I am tempted! Anyway, the increase in my hunting success was trmendous, and I no longer assume animals, birds, or fish see the same colors as we do. I now stay away from anything that flouresces under a black light. Unbeknowst to me, my forest color untreated camo was as visible to the game animals as a ripe tomatoe is to you on a bright green bush, especially at the most important hunting times of dawn and dusk. As a bow and rifle hunter for almost three months of the year, my field tests are not very scientific, but they are numerous, and I can assure you that there is a difference. The discoveries being made in these areas are still in their infancy. My vote would be to take a chance with the bright line if you are new to the sport and need the brightly colored line to aid in watching your backcast, mending, or detecting strikes. Otherwise, go as far away from the UV colors as you can get. Oddly enough, manufacturers of hunting camo for the most part still intentionally add UV brighteners to their fabrics even though they are aware (or should be)of the detrimental effect they have on game. Their product does appear slightly "brighter" to the human eye on the store shelf and I suppose they are more interested in selling it to you than in your success afterwards. It is possible that line manufacturers know the same thing. That bright orange sure looks better in the box than what I have on MY reel. Trust your initial observations regarding fly color being important… And yes, I am fully aware that people I respect and admire will disagree. All I can tell you about that is that I catch more trout than they do The Tortoise   Thanks for the response.  I didn’t suppose that color of the line must make much difference or they wouldn’t offer so many color combinations.  It’s kind of funny that most fly tying instructions seem very specific about certain materials and colors and if you don’t use the proper combination you won’t catch fish but you can plop  any color fly line on the water and it will be OK.

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– Regards Peter (Please also reply by email, my server "loses" posts. Remove nospam to email) 9:10:28 PM     Friday, April 24, 1998 I am a big fan of grey lines.  Not very good for photographs, awesome for fishing!

 Presumeably then the new breed of clear fly lines are going to put all the others out of business? I don’t doubt that grey/clear lines have their uses, as you say, in clear shallow water, but certainly for most of the fishing we do in the UK, no difference for the reasons I have already mentioned. That is a great topic!  Awesome, this is what the news groups are for,

I agree! learning.  The cat that said fly line color doesn’t matter is probably fooling himself.

No, see previous comments. I actually use an Airflo 7000 Glass which is almost translucent pale blue and generally fish a 18-20 ft leader. Why then am I sometimes outfished by people with bright orange hi viz lines? Probably because they can see delicate takes that I am missing. Very difficult to see gentle takes at 25 yards + with a pale line in ripple. The fly color, shot color and fly line along with the flash of a bright object over head of the fish all come to play while fly fishing.  Thanks for the tip on the camo, I plan to invest in some better fishing clothes, nee on the bright stuff I always say.  Stealthy presentation! So, I make a Internet magazine about small stream fly fishing.

Perfect conditions for light/clear lines.  I invite – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -anyone to make a article about this topic, I will post the article.  I am sure that there will be a tremendous debate over it… Thanks all, adam Small Stream Fly Fishing http://www.smallstreams.com

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Bob When you use a fly, it is generally IN the water with the trout which do have colour vision. Even dry flies need to be at least an approximation of the natural as they are open to very close inspection by the fish as you will know if you have watched them swim up and then swim away like I have!! Fly line on the other hand, is only seen in silhouette and not closely inspected, so no problem. — Regards Peter (Please also reply by email, my server "loses" posts. Remove nospam to email) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Peter,  Thanks for the response.  I didn’t suppose that color of the line must make much difference or they wouldn’t offer so many color combinations.  It’s kind of funny that most fly tying instructions seem very specific about certain materials and colors and if you don’t use the proper combination you won’t catch fish but you can plop  any color fly line on the water and it will be OK.  I guess the leader puts enough

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9:10:28 PM     Friday, April 24, 1998 I am a big fan of grey lines.  Not very good for photographs, awesome for fishing!   Lee’s Ferry, a tailwater in North Central Arizona is my test bed.  My fishing partner, new to Lee’s Ferry brought his BRIGHT HI VIS ORANGE fly line.  While dead drifting nymphs on a 9 foot leader in gin clear water, he just could not seem to catch trout.  I thought it was his technique.  I am catching fish left right and center, my buddy, zip.  He gets a big tangle in his leader, and starts cursing because he doesn’t have another one (second mistake).  I give him my rig to fish while I rig a new leader for him. First cast with my rig, he is into a big rainbow (grey line).  We laugh, so with his rig ready (ORANGE fly line) I start to fish it.  Nothing, not one fish!  He is now catching fish with my rig and I have the same leader and shot/fly combo and I am not catching with the ORANGE fly line. I agree with the fellow about the UV spectrum.  My favorite fishing times are in low light conditions, seems the fishing is better then, and that is the nature of things, UV spectrum development. That is a great topic!  Awesome, this is what the news groups are for, learning.  The cat that said fly line color doesn’t matter is probably fooling himself.  The fly color, shot color and fly line along with the flash of a bright object over head of the fish all come to play while fly fishing.  Thanks for the tip on the camo, I plan to invest in some better fishing clothes, nee on the bright stuff I always say.  Stealthy presentation! So, I make a Internet magazine about small stream fly fishing.  I invite anyone to make a article about this topic, I will post the article.  I am sure that there will be a tremendous debate over it… Thanks all, adam Small Stream Fly Fishing http://www.smallstreams.com

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Question:

Too All: Take the time too see the NEW added links and fresh info for Jersey fishermen. All my links are for All fishermen Fresh, Fly and Salt … As A member of the International Fishing Ring NOW you can access over 900 fishing sites US & International At the bottom of the site in the counter logo you can leave me a message if you care too, What the heck just say HELLO< Jersey Fishin’     http://members.aol.com/trout26805/index.htm Please bookmark this site Tight lines, ANDY

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looking for a place to do fresh water fishing  need to rent a boat too any ideas                thanks              wolforman

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Question:

Happy New Year to all my fellow Fisher-people. This light spinning tackle inshore salt water fisherman is ready to learn how to fish with a fly rod. I am looking for a 9ft 8wt fly rod that will be my learning rod. My question then is… How good are Cabela’s saltwater Fly rod blanks? How Bout the SL or FT blanks? How would these compare to the GLoomis GL3 blanks? Or is there a better route to take, maybe a fly rod combo set-up for saltwater. What do I need to look for when picking out a fly reel? Is there one type/model/construction/drag that would be advantageous over another? Thanks, Jay

Jay I can’t talk about Cabela’s, I don’t use their stuff, but I have used a Loomis GL3 8/9 weight 9 foot megataper saltwater rod for the past two years.  Unlike other salties, it has a soft tip that makes it useful for salmon, steelhead, bass, pike etc. (my type of fishing.) The usual salty is a broomstick, designed to put a lot of leverage on a fish.  Generally, they are brute force canons capable of great distances but pathetic to cast with any finesse.  They don’t really begin to load until you’ve got 30-40 foot of line beyond the tiptop. The GL3 8/9 is an exception, capable of delicate short casts, yet can match distance with any of them. Good diameter butt section for strength.  Very light, which is very important at the end of a long day.  At 3.85 ounces, there are 6 and 7 weights that weigh more. I was recently fishing for steelhead with another fishermen who was using an Orvis Trident salty.  He fishes salt frequently, and he made the same comments to me, as we compared rods.  I found his rod difficult to cast well, probably would be very difficult for a beginner.  On the other hand, my GL3 8/9 feels like a nice trout 6 weight, very easy to cast. A good reel match for the GL3 8/9 is the Lamson 3.5.  Tough reel, good drag, balances out the GL3 8/9 beautifully, tons of room for backing. Peter

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Happy New Year to all my fellow Fisher-people. This light spinning tackle inshore salt water fisherman is ready to learn how to fish with a fly rod. I am looking for a 9ft 8wt fly rod that will be my learning rod. My question then is… How good are Cabela’s saltwater Fly rod blanks? How Bout the SL or FT blanks? How would these compare to the GLoomis GL3 blanks? Or is there a better route to take, maybe a fly rod combo set-up for saltwater. What do I need to look for when picking out a fly reel? Is there one type/model/construction/drag that would be advantageous over another? Thanks, Jay

I know I’ll eat some flames for this but I would recommend getting one of the Orvis Clearwater combos.  I think the 8wt goes for about $180.00 and it is ready to fish.  I own one and it casts nice, and can double as a steelhead/salmon rod when you are in the mood. -John —        My Policy is to ALWAYS Blame the Computer

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Anything Cabela’s sells is usually very good and they give you a 100% satisfaction guaranty.   Joel Axelrad

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Happy New Year to all my fellow Fisher-people.  This light spinning tackle inshore salt water fisherman is ready to learn how to fish with a fly rod. I am looking for a 9ft 8wt fly rod that will be my learning rod. My question then is… How good are Cabela’s saltwater Fly rod blanks? How Bout the SL or FT blanks? How would these compare to the GLoomis GL3 blanks? Or is there a better route to take, maybe a fly rod combo set-up for saltwater. What do I need to look for when picking out a fly reel? Is there one type/model/construction/drag that would be advantageous over another? Thanks, Jay

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Question:

April is one of the peak months to fly fish for the large rainbows in the lower Sac from above Redding down to below Red Bluff. There is a giant hatch of caddis in the river at this time. If the flow is somewhere between 3,000 and 7,000cfs it should be ideal. If you need a good guide we can recommend one, as a drift boat is the best way to get around and fish the river. Fish over 5 pounds are not uncommon. Again, I hope that most of us understand the value of catch and release fishing in these wild fisheries. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

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April is one of the peak months to fly fish for the large rainbows in the lower Sac from above Redding down to below Red Bluff. There is a giant hatch of caddis in the river at this time. If the flow is somewhere between 3,000 and 7,000cfs it should be ideal. If you need a good guide we can recommend one, as a drift boat is the best way to get around and fish the river. Fish over 5 pounds are not uncommon. Again, I hope that most of us understand the value of catch and release fishing in these wild fisheries. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

          Hey Billy,    Been there done that.  Every one should experince the cadis hatch at least once in their life.                          Your Bud,                                     Harv

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April is one of the peak months to fly fish for the large rainbows in the lower Sac from above Redding down to below Red Bluff. There is a giant hatch of caddis in the river at this time. If the flow is somewhere between 3,000 and 7,000cfs it should be ideal. If you need a good guide we can recommend one, as a drift boat is the best way to get around and fish the river. Fish over 5 pounds are not uncommon. Again, I hope that most of us understand the value of catch and release fishing in these wild fisheries. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop

Thanks Bill, In the Redding area we can all agree to fish C&R only, because the fish are toxic with mercury from mine tailings runoff. Check your regulations for the warning.  These fish really give a good pull and use the current; a 15 inch fish can get into your backing. In Redding some of the locals might be eating them, or maybe there is some other explanation for the detritus one finds there. Mark Vinsel — http://www.lanminds.com/local/vinnie/gallery.html

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In the Redding area we can all agree to fish C&R only, because the fish are toxic with mercury from mine tailings runoff. Check your regulations for the warning.  These fish really give a good pull and use the current; a 15 inch fish can get into your backing. In Redding some of the locals might be eating them, or maybe there is some other explanation for the detritus one finds there.

I don’t know what you mean by detritus (I hope not our fellow human beings!), but I will second you on the toxicity of the water and food chain there.  No river I’ve ever encountered will bleach your waders like the lower sac.  I favor Double Tapers for the type of fishing I do on that water, and the first time I flip the line around I’m always amazed at the difference in color.  Scary!  And yes, sadly, people there do consume the fish.   Phil

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Question:

These references to the periodic cicada have me excited for the next time I stumble on the emergence of a cicada "brood".  There are two types of periodic cicadas (as opposed to the few annual cicadas that emerge each year), the 17 year and the 13 year cicadas.  I encountered one of them in 1991 in central PA.  An extraordinary number of cicadas filled the stream valley in late may.  The zip zip sound of the few annual cicadas in the back yard was replaced by a constant whirrring sound as literally millions emerged.  Those that fell onto the water dissapeared in a swirl as the largest of the trout (those only brought to the surface by the Green Drakes) sucked them under with no problem.  Our hearts pounded as we tried our largest floating flies to attract them.  In the end our imitations were not good enough, but my new spun deer hair bodied flies with red squirrel tail wings will always be somewhere in my fly box – just in case….   As for emergence throughout the Eastern U.S., I believe that each individual brood (covering some limited geography) has its own cycle.  My fishing buddy and I are in the process of writing to Penn State University to learn whether a brood chart is available for PA. Jeff Shafer – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –   An article in today’s paper discusses the imminent hatch in the Eastern   U.S. of billions of cicadas in their 17 year cycle. They are huge, winged   insects and I was wondering if anyone could shed some light on what it   was like during the last hatch in ‘79 ? Any suggested strategies or fly   patterns we can use ? Do the trout readily take them ?  They do have a tendency to fall in the water.  I’ve seen trout take them on  the Gunpowder but you could probably count on catfish, bass, and just about  anything big enough to eat them taking one.  A large unweighted muddler should  have a passable contour and when properly presented should make the necessary  ’plopping’ sound to initiate a strike.  It make take a few days for the fish  to realize that the cicadas are food since they are big enough to scare off the  less aggressive fish.    –      David J. Ebinger                     330-453-5180      Ebinger Equipment Co.                Fax 453-7113      http://www.bright.net/~ebco/

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writes: Spent the summer on Cape Cod in 79 and the Circadia hatch was wild. Dark brown beetle looking creatures if I remember. But hey it’s been a while. The hatch is incredible as it matures in about three days. They don’t stay around too long. About a week was the total duration. I’m sure the trout take them but for the short period ot time the hatch is around it’s not worth tying for.

No way! I was in Mashpee in 79 and the browns on Mashpee-Wakeby killed the Cicadas during the entire hatch and could be fooled long afterward. I ran the 4-H camp there and fished nearly every day. Smallmouth were especially suseptable to any large bodied fly during that hatch. Bill — Bill Fling                     Tel. (315) 298-3044 SALMON RIVER ANGLERS LODGE     FAX  (315) 298-2619 P.O. Box 353                   Rt. 13, Rome Road Pulaski, NY 13142-0353   ‘SALMON RIVER/LAKE ONTARIO SPORTFISHING REPORTS’             ‘http://www.salmon-river.com’

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An article in today’s paper discusses the imminent hatch in the Eastern U.S. of billions of cicadas in their 17 year cycle. They are huge, winged insects and I was wondering if anyone could shed some light on what it was like during the last hatch in ‘79 ? Any suggested strategies or fly patterns we can use ? Do the trout readily take them ?

They do have a tendency to fall in the water.  I’ve seen trout take them on the Gunpowder but you could probably count on catfish, bass, and just about anything big enough to eat them taking one.  A large unweighted muddler should have a passable contour and when properly presented should make the necessary ‘plopping’ sound to initiate a strike.  It make take a few days for the fish to realize that the cicadas are food since they are big enough to scare off the less aggressive fish.   —     David J. Ebinger                     330-453-5180     Ebinger Equipment Co.                Fax 453-7113     http://www.bright.net/~ebco/

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Spent the summer on Cape Cod in 79 and the Circadia hatch was wild. Dark brown beetle looking creatures if I remember. But hey it’s been a while. The hatch is incredible as it matures in about three days. They don’t stay around too long. About a week was the total duration. I’m sure the trout take them but for the short period ot time the hatch is around it’s not worth tying for.

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An article in today’s paper discusses the imminent hatch in the Eastern   U.S. of billions of cicadas in their 17 year cycle. They are huge, winged insects and I was wondering if anyone could shed some light on what it was like during the last hatch in ‘79 ? Any suggested strategies or fly patterns we can use ? Do the trout readily take them ?

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Question:

Hello, Read "Pike on the Fly" by Renyolds and Berryman.  It is a good book. I personally like the Whistler and the Bunny Fly. Thanks for the In Fisherman news, but Al Linder doesn’t know or care about fly fishing.  That is why Larry Dahlberg left In Fishing.

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You might try InFisherman Magazine for some further info on fly fishing for Pike.  They are on CompuServe at 74631,3654. Flag Al Lindner and let him know … Additionally, they did an excellent article back in ‘90.  It was their 15th Anniversary issue and was in the month of March.  The article is about the Dahlberg concepts of flies bearing his name. It’s one of the best no-nonsense articles ever written in laymen’s terms.  To some extent, it goes into Pike fishing also.  If you request it, they might send you a copy. I wanted to feature it on my page but since it is copyrighted, I had to pass.

Make that the February 1990 issue – I just looked it up.  

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 Thanks Jon, Have you tried any of these ?.  Also where would I find the patterns – most of them are foreign to me Thanks again Rod

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Hi, I missed the original post, but have fished extensively for Pike in my travels, and we have pickerel right here in Nova Scotia. I’ve found that leech imitators and large muddler minnows work well, as well as some of the bass flies out that are supposed to imitate frogs. If this helps, let me know and I could give you the exact names. Bill

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You might try InFisherman Magazine for some further info on fly fishing for Pike.  They are on CompuServe at 74631,3654. Flag Al Lindner and let him know you received this information from RxFFish. They have a video featuring Larry Dahlberg fly fishing for Pike.  The video also goes into great detail about tying flies for them. It ranks as one of their all time best sellers.   Additionally, they did an excellent article back in ‘90.  It was their 15th Anniversary issue and was in the month of March.  The article is about the Dahlberg concepts of flies bearing his name. It’s one of the best no-nonsense articles ever written in laymen’s terms.  To some extent, it goes into Pike fishing also.  If you request it, they might send you a copy. I wanted to feature it on my page but since it is copyrighted, I had to pass. Hope this adds some additional good information for your interests. Regards, Trent Roberson URL=http://www.xnet.com/~rxffish Thanks Jon, Have you tried any of these ?.  Also where would I find the patterns – most of

them are foreign to me – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Thanks again Rod

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Question:

Re: Raines’s Midlife Crisis book..I read it just after publication. was not all that impressed with most of it. However, got a copy of a tape where he reads his own stuff and enjoyed that!! Maybe it was his deep southern drawl that sold me or just hearing his stories spoken rather than on cold paper.   Heck, even Jimmy Carter refered to "threading the fly line though the ferrels" of the rod. I fish wyoming and montana during my vacations and realized that the Gallatin is in Wyoming, so he was right to small degree.   Hell, every one becomes a preacher once he has "found the light" of catch and release!!

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Well, OK, so this guy Howell Raines isn’t a genius in geography.  (I have fished the Gallatin inside the Park and in Wyoming, and it ain’t bad.) It’s always easier to visualize when someone writes about rivers or areas you’ve fished, so his many stories about the rivers of Virginia or Pennsylvania did require some persistence for a Westerner to get through. However, I benefitted greatly from the book, as even though I started flyfishing back when I was 13, I’ve also had the "20 crappie on a stringer" mindset that Raines abandons.  I would think there would be countless other flyfisherman who have gone through a similar metamorphosis, and the world’s a better place for it. His descriptions of guide Dick Blaylock, who was bigger than life itself, were so vivid I felt I knew him. The way I look at it, reading this book at 40, and keeping up my flyfishing, I’ll avoid a midlife crisis…Bill Uyeki

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I read this book and generally did not enjoy it, but I have a three questions that I would like answered: Raines says that the three most famous rivers of *Wyoming* are the Madison, the Gallatin, and the Yellowstone.  He also says that the Snake "becomes even better when it crosses into Idaho and becomes the Henry’sFork."  My questions are: (1) Does anyone think of the Madison, Yellowstone and Gallatin as great rivers of WYOMING?  Not to my knowledge.  Montana maybe, but not Wyoming (even though the Madison and Yellostone form in the park which is, of course, federal land within the boundaries of Wyoming).  Can anyone even find the Gallatin in Wyoming?  Its a nice river, but is not located in Wyoming! (2) Has anyone ever heard of the Wyoming Snake "becoming" the Henry’s Fork?  Give me a break! (3) Has Hal Raines ever been west of the beltway? (I think I know the answer to this one.) When I wrote and asked Raines about the first two questions (I didn’t think he’d like the third one), he sent me a snippy letter suggesting I consult some book that he (may have) read.  I could not find it in any library. Lyman Hughes Ennis, MT Dallas, TX                                               Dallas, TX                                               Ennis, MT

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  Raines says that the three most famous rivers of *Wyoming* are the   Madison, the Gallatin, and the Yellowstone.   (1) Does anyone think of the Madison, Yellowstone and Gallatin as great   rivers of WYOMING?  Not to my knowledge.  Montana maybe, but not Wyoming   (even though the Madison and Yellostone form in the park which is, of   course, federal land within the boundaries of Wyoming).  Can anyone even   find the Gallatin in Wyoming?  Its a nice river, but is not located in   Wyoming!   (2) Has anyone ever heard of the Wyoming Snake "becoming" the Henry’s   Fork?  Give me a break! Well, technically speaking, he’s partially correct. The headwaters of the Gallatin are found in the Gallatin

Range in the NW corner of Yellowstone Park, which technically is in the state of Wyoming. Also, the South Fork of the Snake leaves Wyoming and joins the Henrys Fork in Idaho. But, for the most part, you are correct. I have read his book too, and I gather that Mr. Raines doesn’t have a clue as to life in the West. Gary W. Godden                  "They call it Paradise……I don’t know why. Denver, Colorado        - The Eagles

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I read this book and generally did not enjoy it, but I have a three Lyman Hughes Ennis, MT Dallas, TX I agree with you, Lyman. Raines spends the whole book claiming he is not elitist at the beginning of each chapter, then goes on to prove himself wrong again and again.  I came away from his book with the idea that Raines considers anyone who does not embrace his politics (in-your-face liberalism) or does not have a college degree is a raving barbarian, useful only as an amusing diversion to the intelligensia (ie him and his colleagues). All the psychobabble about the men’s movement and his so-called "Redneck Way" put me off as well. Someone out there posted that he/she enjoyed this book more than Nick Lyons’ writing; how on earth can this be?! Paul DiConza         NY Capital District Angler

    I wasn’t the poster mentioned, but I enjoyed the book for the reasons     you didn’t… Besides, in your heart you know Raines is right.     Hap —                 <<<<< OMNIA EXTARES                              

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I read this book and generally did not enjoy it, but I have a three Lyman Hughes Ennis, MT Dallas, TX

I agree with you, Lyman. Raines spends the whole book claiming he is not elitist at the beginning of each chapter, then goes on to prove himself wrong again and again.  I came away from his book with the idea that Raines considers anyone who does not embrace his politics (in-your-face liberalism) or does not have a college degree is a raving barbarian, useful only as an amusing diversion to the intelligensia (ie him and his colleagues). All the psychobabble about the men’s movement and his so-called "Redneck Way" put me off as well. Someone out there posted that he/she enjoyed this book more than Nick Lyons’ writing; how on earth can this be?! Paul DiConza     NY Capital District Angler

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Is it perhaps that fly fishing is elitist and Westerners more so than most.  If you’ve ever seen Steinberg’s New Yorker’s view of America, you can understand Raines’ pitiful ignorance of Western geography. Give the guy a break!  His book extols what’s good about flyfishing and conservation, and explains the maturation from killer to sportsman.  Where certain rivers are in Wyo/Mont are immaterial to this story.  Maybe he’s doing you a favor.  Just think of all the other Eastern elitists getting lost trying to find them. Lighten up– Crashjibe

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Re: Raines’s Midlife Crisis book..I read it just after publication. was not all that impressed with most of it. However, got a copy of a tape

I just finished this book and enjoyed it throughly.  It’s well written, good Southern story telling.  It is not so much about fishing as it is about growing up.  Some sensitive, thoughtful, 90s sort of guy stuff.  Some good stories about President’s and fishing.  George Bush was kind of pathetic. John Dobbs

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WOW!! I have read your repy to  Flyfishing  Through MIid – Fife  Crisis!!  The Fish  will not know they have  reached  Mid- Life before you put them                                                   FISHING FLY FISHING IS FOR LIFE111111111 OR LIFE IS FOR FLYFISHING111 BBlewett

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