Question:

"LAST GAS BEFORE YOSEMITE.  NO GAS IN YOSEMITE VALLEY!"  Their regular unleaded was $2.309.  Both statements were absolutely true – they were the last station before the Yosemite West entrance and there is no gas in Yosemite Valley.   What they

didn’t mention was that about 10 miles inside of the gate, at Crane Flats, there is a gas station selling unleaded regular for $2.019. This reminds me of something I learned the hard way….. on I-95 heading north in Florida there’s a billboard…. LAST CHANCE TO BUY GAS IN FLORIDA… Oh, I think to myself… better buy now. So I did. Then I crossed into Georgia and gas is much much cheaper…. oops. Hunter

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – "LAST GAS BEFORE YOSEMITE.  NO GAS IN YOSEMITE VALLEY!"  Their regular unleaded was $2.309.  Both statements were absolutely true – they were the last station before the Yosemite West entrance and there is no gas in Yosemite Valley.   What they didn’t mention was that about 10 miles inside of the gate, at Crane Flats, there is a gas station selling unleaded regular for $2.019. This reminds me of something I learned the hard way….. on I-95 heading north in Florida there’s a billboard…. LAST CHANCE TO BUY GAS IN FLORIDA… Oh, I think to myself… better buy now. So I did. Then I crossed into Georgia and gas is much much cheaper…. oops. Hunter

You forgot the "<g", right? Tell me you forgot the "<g". — bill Theory don’t mean squat if it don’t work.

Response:

You forgot the "<g", right? Tell me you forgot the "<g".

Nope, It was my first visit driving to Florida….. and driving back out of Florida.  I wasn’t pulling the trailer, I was in my 1996 Suburban.  I didn’t know about the price difference, I hadn’t bought gas in GA on the way down. /-: I thought it was funny that they had that LAST CHANCE TO BUY GAS IN FLORIDA sign….. it cost me, but it was funny. Hunter

Response:

You forgot the "<g", right? Tell me you forgot the "<g". Nope, It was my first visit driving to Florida….. and driving back out of Florida.  I wasn’t pulling the trailer, I was in my 1996 Suburban.  I didn’t know about the price difference, I hadn’t bought gas in GA on the way down. /-: I thought it was funny that they had that LAST CHANCE TO BUY GAS IN FLORIDA sign….. it cost me, but it was funny. Hunter

I have successfully restrained myself from commenting further. — bill Theory don’t mean squat if it don’t work.

Response:

FWIW, we drove through portions of NC, VA, WV, MD, PA, NY, CT, MA, and VT. (We didn’t hit NJ, RI, NH, or ME.) The highest prices we saw were in CT and NY.

I probably should have posted a link in my previous message. Here it is: http://www.taxfoundation.org/variousrates.html — Don Bradner www.arcatapet.net

Response:

FWIW, we drove through portions of NC, VA, WV, MD, PA, NY, CT, MA, and VT. (We didn’t hit NJ, RI, NH, or ME.) The highest prices we saw were in CT and NY. I probably should have posted a link in my previous message. Here it is: http://www.taxfoundation.org/variousrates.html

        I assure you those tax rates are *way* wrong- heck, we have a $.05/gallon *county* tax. The table at http://www.eia.doe.gov/oil_gas/petroleum/data_publications/wrgp/gasol… (which is from a little more than a year ago) give the Florida state gas tax as $.136/gallon-($.259 for diesel)  with a footnote that various other taxes add an average of $.123/gallon.         That said- Florida has no income tax, so gas taxes are, IMHO, the best way to charge the user for the service. — Chris Bryant Bryant RV Services- http://www.bryantrv.com

Response:

I saw a clever gimmick when we were in California in July.  We were staying just outside of the west entrance to Yosemite and there was a gas station there with a big sign – "LAST GAS BEFORE YOSEMITE.  NO GAS IN YOSEMITE VALLEY!"  Their regular unleaded was $2.309.  Both statements were absolutely true – they were the last station before the Yosemite West entrance and there is no gas in Yosemite Valley.   What they didn’t mention was that about 10 miles inside of the gate, at Crane Flats, there is a gas station selling unleaded regular for $2.019.On the other side, at Wawone, there is also a station selling for the same price – just nothing in the valley.

Response:

Last year when prices took a big jump some here posted that they were going to have to cancel their vacations.  I remember pointing out that for the trip they planned the extra cost would be less than $20.  All they would have to do is pass up one of the T-Shirt counters.

Well, that works for folks who routinely hit the T-shirt counters. But what about those of us who already pass them up? Does this mean we can no longer afford to travel? <g WalMart might figure they can charge $10 a night for parking!

Can’t do it. If they did, they’d be in the campground business, which is not what their zoning and business licenses would permit (I’d bet). And the local campground owners would then have a legitimate complaint. Wal-Mart can give it away, but they can’t charge for it… GB in NC

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Last year when prices took a big jump some here posted that they were going to have to cancel their vacations.  I remember pointing out that for the trip they planned the extra cost would be less than $20.  All they would have to do is pass up one of the T-Shirt counters. Well, that works for folks who routinely hit the T-shirt counters. But what about those of us who already pass them up? Does this mean we can no longer afford to travel? <g WalMart might figure they can charge $10 a night for parking! Can’t do it. If they did, they’d be in the campground business, which is not what their zoning and business licenses would permit (I’d bet). And the local campground owners would then have a legitimate complaint. Wal-Mart can give it away, but they can’t charge for it… GB in NC

I’m sure most people do the same as we do.  If traveling gas is higher than expected, we just cut back in other areas, usually dining out.  Too bad for the restaurants but we allot a certain amount for traveling and we would rather cut back on dining out than miss some side trip.  We’ll remember the scenery long after we would have forgotten the meal. LZ

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Last year when prices took a big jump some here posted that they were going to have to cancel their vacations.  I remember pointing out that for the trip they planned the extra cost would be less than $20.  All they would have to do is pass up one of the T-Shirt counters. Well, that works for folks who routinely hit the T-shirt counters. But what about those of us who already pass them up? Does this mean we can no longer afford to travel? <g WalMart might figure they can charge $10 a night for parking! Can’t do it. If they did, they’d be in the campground business, which is not what their zoning and business licenses would permit (I’d bet). And the local campground owners would then have a legitimate complaint. Wal-Mart can give it away, but they can’t charge for it… GB in NC

Wail, down here WM’s gone into the used car business – put up a building in the parking lot for a sales office, roped off a couple of lanes, and installed a heavy-duty turntable. Of course, if the CGs in the area are getting $10 for full hookups, WM might only charge $3 for dry camping and $7 for full … (c8

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Took a day trip up to the Detroit Lakes area of Minnesota yesterday to spend a day fishing with two of the kids and their families. They have a cabin rented for a week but we had some appointments so didn’t want to take the motorhome up for just a day or two. Gas prices vary quite a bit in only 50-60 miles.  The entire Detroit Lakes area has gas at 1.33 which is not bad for Labor Day weekend.  As you get closer to the Koch refinery at St. Paul, the price goes up instead of down.  Half way there you are up to 1.50 a gallon. You will never convince me that local cabals don’t huddle and set gas prices.  That hogwash about transportation costs just doesn’t fly.  If that were true, the gas stations near refineries would have half price gas. LZ Gas prices are set by one criteria: "What the market can bear."  I see this all the time where I live. The places closest to me always have matching prices which are some of the highest in the area. Price drop by as much as ten cents/gal on down the road, and can vary more greatly between the stations. I almost never fill up locally because of that. Yep, and everything else we buy.  How come we don’t get big posts about what hamburger, milk and other stuff costs all over the country?  I would guess one reason is because the stores don’t post their prices on big billboards outside the supermarkets.

Nope.  It’s because there are alternatives and therefore competition. If beef is high, you buy pork or chicken and soon beef comes down.  If you need gas to go to work, you jolly well pay the price.  I appreciate those who stop traveling when gas prices go up, as it takes the pressure off those who still want to travel. The part about what the market can bear is only partly true where food is concerned.  Many foods are seasonal in nature, so you eat your fill when they are cheap and pass them by when they are expensive.  Freezers allow you to take advantage of sales and stockpile food but it is not easy to stockpile gasoline and still have it with you on the road.   It’s true our gas is cheap compared to most other countries but we don’t tax gasoline to pay a good share of our social welfare costs as these countries do. LZ

Response:

How come we don’t get big posts about what hamburger, milk and other stuff costs all over the country?  I would guess one reason is because the stores don’t post their prices on big billboards outside the supermarkets.

True, they don’t. But gas stations need to post only four prices to cover just about everybody. Anyway, to answer your question, assuming you were serious (and maybe you weren’t): RVers are probably more aware of fuel prices than food prices, because we have lifestyles that can be directly affected by fuel prices (over which we really have no control) — and while everybody has to eat, on the road and at home, there are food choices to suit every budget and taste. GB in NC

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How come we don’t get big posts about what hamburger, milk and other stuff costs all over the country?  I would guess one reason is because the stores don’t post their prices on big billboards outside the supermarkets. True, they don’t. But gas stations need to post only four prices to cover just about everybody. Anyway, to answer your question, assuming you were serious (and maybe you weren’t): RVers are probably more aware of fuel prices than food prices, because we have lifestyles that can be directly affected by fuel prices (over which we really have no control) — and while everybody has to eat, on the road and at home, there are food choices to suit every budget and taste. GB in NC

Yeah, I do the same thing.  I buy where I get the best price.  Always have.  And it is not just RVers that complain about the prices.  I used to commute 35 miles to work.  Fuel price was pretty important to me then too.  But when you get down to it the extra cost for gasoline is not as much as one might expect.  Of course it depends on how much travel you do.  Assuming 20K miles per year and if you get 10 MPG = 2000 gallons. If you pay as much as 20 cents extra that is $400 a year.  A little over a dollar a day.   10K miles per year would probably be more reasonable = $200 a year extra.   Last year when prices took a big jump some here posted that they were going to have to cancel their vacations.  I remember pointing out that for the trip they planned the extra cost would be less than $20.  All they would have to do is pass up one of the T-Shirt counters. But as with any commodity you charge what you can get.  The like the hotels the RV parks would charge $100 a night if they thought they could get the customers.  Watch out!!  WalMart might figure they can charge $10 a night for parking!  I guess they figure the goodwill is worth that much.

Response:

   I assure you those tax rates are *way* wrong- heck, we have a $.05/gallon *county* tax.

I see that, and that some counties are over 10 cents. It is clear that Florida is grossly represented in the table I pointed to, but many other states are right on or very close. It is probably impossible to compile a simple table that takes everything into account, since some states tax only on dollar amount (fuel-specific, not referring to the general sales taxes), and many add sales tax, including tax on the other taxes. The net effect, though, is that with only a couple of exceptions, most states have "final" rates in the 15-30 cent range, with the point being that it does not come close to explaining the 70-80 cent range typically found around the country. — Don Bradner www.arcatapet.net

Response:

You will never convince me that local cabals don’t huddle and set gas prices. I believe you.  That is, I believe you’ll never be convinced to anything about which you’ve made up yer mind.  It is, of course, foolhardy to believe there are NO "local cabals", but what some folks perceive as conspiracy is more often snooping around to see what the market will bear. Not illegal OR immoral. Will KD3XR

In that case I need to hang a big sign on the side of a truck and park it near the freeway.  I could let people know that gas is 15 cents per gallon cheaper not too many miles down the road. Wonder how they would like THOSE apples?  Think gas prices would come down?  I bet they would. LZ

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Took a day trip up to the Detroit Lakes area of Minnesota yesterday to spend a day fishing with two of the kids and their families. They have a cabin rented for a week but we had some appointments so didn’t want to take the motorhome up for just a day or two. Gas prices vary quite a bit in only 50-60 miles.  The entire Detroit Lakes area has gas at 1.33 which is not bad for Labor Day weekend.  As you get closer to the Koch refinery at St. Paul, the price goes up instead of down.  Half way there you are up to 1.50 a gallon. You will never convince me that local cabals don’t huddle and set gas prices.  That hogwash about transportation costs just doesn’t fly.  If that were true, the gas stations near refineries would have half price gas. LZ Gas prices are set by one criteria: "What the market can bear."  I see this all the time where I live. The places closest to me always have matching prices which are some of the highest in the area. Price drop by as much as ten cents/gal on down the road, and can vary more greatly between the stations. I almost never fill up locally because of that.

Yep, and everything else we buy.  How come we don’t get big posts about what hamburger, milk and other stuff costs all over the country?  I would guess one reason is because the stores don’t post their prices on big billboards outside the supermarkets.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Took a day trip up to the Detroit Lakes area of Minnesota yesterday to spend a day fishing with two of the kids and their families. They have a cabin rented for a week but we had some appointments so didn’t want to take the motorhome up for just a day or two. Gas prices vary quite a bit in only 50-60 miles.  The entire Detroit Lakes area has gas at 1.33 which is not bad for Labor Day weekend.  As you get closer to the Koch refinery at St. Paul, the price goes up instead of down.  Half way there you are up to 1.50 a gallon. You will never convince me that local cabals don’t huddle and set gas prices.  That hogwash about transportation costs just doesn’t fly.  If that were true, the gas stations near refineries would have half price gas. LZ You might check on variance in local taxes. Some Metro areas include extra taxes for mass transit or anything the govmint decides.

Not applicable in this case.  I don’t know where Detroit Lakes is, but seem to remember lots of Indian Reservations in Manysoda.

The White Earth reservation is not far north of there but I doubt that is the reason.  Last week I took the same roads and bought gas for $1.30 only 45 miles up the road, at least a hundred miles from the nearest res.  We have one in East Texas selling gas with no taxes, so much cheaper.

We travel through many Indian reservations and I have never seen a significant difference.  A few cents at most. LZ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – MTV — "MTV" Reply needs modification to work, or in Outlook Express send New Norton AV for any virus.

Response:

Prices over here vary by state, largely due to variations in the state gas taxes. That is commonly mentioned, but hard to work out in reality.

Okay, I bow to your greater wisdom. I haven’t bothered to check tax rates — I just watch the prices as I drive. You saw a variation of 26 cents per gallon. As of December 31, 2001, only two states had rates less than 4 cents per gallon, Florida and Alaska, neither on your route. North Carolina was 24.3 cents, and Vermont was 19 cent.

That’s interesting. Gas at stations throughout VT was a nickel to a dime more than at comparable stations that I know about in NC. And while of course I didn’t encounter GA or FL on this trip, GA always has *far* lower prices than FL. I would have assumed the tax to be lower in GA. (I know — that’s what I get for assuming.) I don’t know your route, but the highest I can find in states you might have passed through was Rhode Island at 28 cents (highest state of all). Connecticut was 25 cents per gallon. At the other end, the lowest would be New Jersey at 10.5 cents.

FWIW, we drove through portions of NC, VA, WV, MD, PA, NY, CT, MA, and VT. (We didn’t hit NJ, RI, NH, or ME.) The highest prices we saw were in CT and NY. We paid the most in CT and MA and the least in VA — but of course we didn’t buy gas in every state. We have a range of "up to" <g 500 miles, but I usually refuel at between 250 and 400. GB in NC

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Took a day trip up to the Detroit Lakes area of Minnesota yesterday to spend a day fishing with two of the kids and their families. They have a cabin rented for a week but we had some appointments so didn’t want to take the motorhome up for just a day or two. Gas prices vary quite a bit in only 50-60 miles.  The entire Detroit Lakes area has gas at 1.33 which is not bad for Labor Day weekend.  As you get closer to the Koch refinery at St. Paul, the price goes up instead of down.  Half way there you are up to 1.50 a gallon. You will never convince me that local cabals don’t huddle and set gas prices.  That hogwash about transportation costs just doesn’t fly.  If that were true, the gas stations near refineries would have half price gas. LZ

Gas prices are set by one criteria: "What the market can bear."  I see this all the time where I live. The places closest to me always have matching prices which are some of the highest in the area. Price drop by as much as ten cents/gal on down the road, and can vary more greatly between the stations. I almost never fill up locally because of that.

Response:

We drove 2600+ miles in nine days and averaged 15+ mpg — using mostly secondary roads and driving more slowly than usual. We paid anywhere from $1.199 to $1.459. (Prices over here vary by state, largely due to variations in the state gas taxes.)

That is commonly mentioned, but hard to work out in reality. You saw a variation of 26 cents per gallon. As of December 31, 2001, only two states had rates less than 4 cents per gallon, Florida and Alaska, neither on your route. North Carolina was 24.3 cents, and Vermont was 19 cent. I don’t know your route, but the highest I can find in states you might have passed through was Rhode Island at 28 cents (highest state of all). Connecticut was 25 cents per gallon. At the other end, the lowest would be New Jersey at 10.5 cents. Out here where I am in California, the state gas tax is 18 cents. Prices locally vary between 1.839 and 1.859, down about 4 cents over the past 3 months. Reason given is the cost of barging it into Humboldt Bay is high. There are only two distributors (regardless of the brand of station you go to, you will find the same plain silver tankers filling them up). The argument falls apart, though, when you visit smaller communities 50 miles away serviced by the same tankers filled from the same barges, and the price will be lower. Presumably, as Will says, the demand/supply ratio is higher here in the population centers around the bay, so we pay more because they can get more. — Don Bradner www.arcatapet.net

Response:

Hi from a newbie,

Hi, Andy, and welcome. $1.50 a gallon, makes me wish I lived in America, prices over here in UK are

Question:

For August, I’m hoping to put together a trip to fish the areas around Fordyce lake.. and this time, backpack required!

Generally I find that if fish refuse in those high lakes, try going smaller like 18 or 20.  Most times for hungry wild trout you figure size 14 will do but for some reason those high country fish can get skittish. Mu

Response:

I tried the 18’s I had, including caddis, mosquito, adams, etc.. I agree, in the high lakes I’ve fished smaller is often better. I think some of it had to do with my casting technique, which make me work harder to get a nice soft landing to the fly… when I laid it down softly, the success ratio was definitely higher, though still not that high. Thanks for the suggestion… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – For August, I’m hoping to put together a trip to fish the areas around Fordyce lake.. and this time, backpack required! Generally I find that if fish refuse in those high lakes, try going smaller like 18 or 20.  Most times for hungry wild trout you figure size 14 will do but for some reason those high country fish can get skittish. Mu

Response:

This was supossed to be a backpacking trip for seven… we all got packs, bear cannisters, portable stoves, lots of dried food, and a bota bag filled with wine.  Well, it didn’t turn out to be a backpacking trip, but it still was a good weekend. We headed to Leavitt Lake in California, off Highway 108 on the east side of the hill.  Our plan was to drive to Leavitt (need a 4wd vehicle to get there which my friend Jim provided), and then put the packs on and head up to one of the wilderness lakes in those parts, of which there are three in reasonable proximity (that is, a short enough hike for the nine year old that Jim brought along).  Well, once they realized that campfires were out of the picture for any of the wilderness lakes, it was me versus everyone else… I lost. Leavitt is a nice enough lake… 9k feet up, so not much tree cover, but picturesque in its own right.  It’s stocked with Rainbow trout, but evidently has a self sustaining population of brookies.  We were warned about the big mosquito population by the ranger, but it turned out NOT to be a problem. After setting up camp, we rigged the kids and Brent’s wife up with Power Bait, and headed the 100 feet to the lake.  Jim, Brent and I tied on a Caddis, and I hooked up pretty quick with a 4" brookie.  I thought that was a pretty good sign… at the time. Brent’s wife Amber hooked up pretty quickly with a nice rainbow, and soon the kids followed… but with the exception of the (now 2) little 4" brookies I caught, the flies were getting their butts kicked by the bait dunkers.  Thankfully, they brought in enough trout to fill up the fry pan, so we had a great dinner. Day 2 found us hiking up to Ski lake to try our hand at Golden Trout.  A group of flyfishermen passed us on the way up the trail and didn’t have much good to say about the fishing… skunked.  Well, the lake is pretty… she had a good personality, I guess. Well, pretty much the same story as Leavitt… bait 4, flies 0.  I tried everything in my fly box with no success.  I couldn’t tell what the trout were rising for, but it didn’t matter.  I did manage a strike on a mosquito, but missed the set, that’s it. We did notice the lightening off to the east after an hour or so of fishing, but everything seemed to be avoiding our little valley, and you know how those sierra storms are… most of the time they don’t amount to much.  Except this time.  Brent must have had some kind of premonition, because he announced it was time to go… I didn’t see the point as the other storms had passed us by, but good thing we followed his instincts, as lightening, rain, wind, and then the hail followed.. yea, hail.  Since it was beautiful when we left, nobody had anything but t-shirts and shorts, so the hail was quite.. er… entertaining.  The race back to camp was on. Well, remember back to the beginning… this was to be a backpacking trip.  Sometimes camping by a vehicle is a good thing, in an electrical storm, for example… I guess some things just work out. Back at Leavitt, post-storm, the little brookies (again, 4" tops) were still willing, but only for me it seemed… but the rainbows were more than happy to chomp on some power bait, so dinner again featured trout with the pasta. Day three was to be spent at Koenig lake, another short hike… yea, was.  On the way, from above, we hear calls for "Dad" and then calls for "help."  It turns out a 15 year old kid decided to take a break from fishing to climb the 1k foot ridge behind Leavitt Lake, and got himself stuck… couldn’t get higher or lower.  As much as I wanted to run by with my fingers in my ears saying "I can’t hear you, I can’t hear you" I knew we would end up involved in this, and sure enough we did.  Jim and Brent went up the hill to try and help the kid out of the situation, and I stayed below with the motorla FRS radio.  To make a long story a little shorter, an ex marine named Mike came out of nowhere and helped the kid out just before the hail and thunderstorm came, again, while the official Search and Rescue team of six marines were heading up the hill.   The marines turned back and left, but not before I got to check out the set of binoculars the leader had.  Auto focus, serious power, do you think they’d notice if they were missing??  Anyway, the end result was no side trip for the day, and lots of non fishing activities, including me driving the truck out to the road for cell phone reception to call in the problem to the rangers. Leavitt once again cooperated with some rainbows and tiny brookies once the excitement was over, so again we had fresh trout for dinner.  Jim and Brent were both fishless on the fly, though Brent did catch a couple on bait.  Jim wanted to be the purist so he kept plugging away at the flies with no luck. Final morning, heading out around noon, so there’s plenty of time for more fishing at Leavitt.  Same story, except Amber casually grabs Brent’s flyrod while he’s bait dunking, and after missing several strikes, connects with a nice 10" brookie.  She’d never flyfished before, yea, you know the story.  She caught the nicest golden, the nicest brookie, and had no trouble connecting with rainbows.  Maybe next time I’ll go with no rookies…  Jim had his chance to connect too, but missed the set on a couple of brookies… ended up getting skunked for the trip, he’ll get his next time. Over all, a great trip, but on the way back the highway parallels the middle fork of the Stanislas River… no time to stop, but I made a mental note, I’m definitely coming up there to fish the river.  Maybe next time… For August, I’m hoping to put together a trip to fish the areas around Fordyce lake.. and this time, backpack required! Thanks for reading…

Response:

Question:

This past few days I have been fishing the Sage SLT 5 weight 8′6. At 3 ounces it is a dream to cast and it turns over a dry fly so nicely. It performs consistently on long and short casts. but I think it’s the simple comfort it provides (smoothness, forgiveness, lightness) that impressed me. I also nymphed with it, but found it not as good as the Scott for lifting 3 AB shot, 2 #8 nymphs and a waterlogger strike indicator. The last rod I purchased was 4 years ago, a Scott SES. This is the first rod I have tried where I can really feel something worthy of calling a technological advance. I think it just made the Xmas list. — Gary M

Response:

Yes a very good rod with plenty or reserve power, smoothness and light weight in hand. Beats every other 5 weight i’ve ever cast.

Response:

Interesting comments. At our fishing clubs "Tackle Night" the Sage rep was there–so I had the opportunity to cast both the SLT and the XP. I found the SLT to be not to my liking at all. I use a Scott STS 905-4; aqnd again IMO, the SLT couldn’t hold a candle to the Scott., THe XP, however, was an absolute *dream* to cast. Since the Freshwater Scott STS series has been (stupidly IMO) discontinued–if I break the one I have I se an XP 905-4 in my future.   Dave M

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This past few days I have been fishing the Sage SLT 5 weight 8′6. At 3 ounces it is a dream to cast and it turns over a dry fly so nicely. It performs consistently on long and short casts. but I think it’s the simple comfort it provides (smoothness, forgiveness, lightness) that impressed me. I also nymphed with it, but found it not as good as the Scott for lifting 3 AB shot, 2 #8 nymphs and a waterlogger strike indicator. The last rod I purchased was 4 years ago, a Scott SES. This is the first rod I have tried where I can really feel something worthy of calling a technological advance. I think it just made the Xmas list. — Gary M

Response:

Question:

Hi, Due to a disability, I need a fly reel (freshwater) with as large of a diameter as possible.  My budget is small – less than $100.  Can anyone recommend an affordable one with an adjustable drag.  If so, maybe even a web site where I can see it and order it online…… Thank you very much, Bruce

Response:

Hi, Due to a disability, I need a fly reel (freshwater) with as large of a diameter as possible.  My budget is small – less than $100.  Can anyone recommend an affordable one with an adjustable drag.  If so, maybe even a web site where I can see it and order it online…… Thank you very much, Bruce

Bruce, the Okuma Integrity 5/6 may fit your needs…. http://www.ezflyfish.com/okin56flyree.html Tight Lines, –Walt Fly Fishing NC & more… http://www.ezflyfish.com http://www.wilsoncreekoutfitters.com

Response:

Yeah I know.  Sorry for the slight "brain fart"…..lol – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Just FYI, that is large *arbor*, not large *diameter* – not sure if that’s exactly what Bruce meant.

Response:

Hi Bruce, Go to the Orvis web site:    www.orvis.com Click on "FLYFISHING" Click on "FLY REELS" Take a look at the Orvis Rocky Mountain Large Arbor fly reel that is around $75US and made in England.

Just FYI, that is large *arbor*, not large *diameter* – not sure if that’s exactly what Bruce meant.

Response:

Hi Bruce, Go to the Orvis web site:    www.orvis.com Click on "FLYFISHING" Click on "FLY REELS" Take a look at the Orvis Rocky Mountain Large Arbor fly reel that is around $75US and made in England. — Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento, CA, USA www.kiene.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, Due to a disability, I need a fly reel (freshwater) with as large of a diameter as possible.  My budget is small – less than $100.  Can anyone recommend an affordable one with an adjustable drag.  If so, maybe even a web site where I can see it and order it online…… Thank you very much, Bruce

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Hi, Due to a disability, I need a fly reel (freshwater) with as large of a diameter as possible.  My budget is small – less than $100.  Can anyone recommend an affordable one with an adjustable drag.  If so, maybe even a web site where I can see it and order it online…… Thank you very much, Bruce

A Campbell’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Can.  Cost:  .69 Cents. : )

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Question:

The weather has finally warmed, water temps are up, ospreys are feeding chicks, bass are close in, panfish are feeding, the lake and river are full of gators vying for mates. On the beaches the salts are moving in close, sharks are biting, herons are stalking the water again with purpose. Starlings and robins have moved through. All is green (though dry) with the smell of magnolias, honeysuckle , confederate jasmine and citrus blossoms. In the cool damp mornings I wonder how anyone could live without the soothing of the senses in the south. Now if we could just get some rain paradise would be revived. — John Popp in Sanford Fl.

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John, as much as I disliked my short residence in Orlando, you write of all the things I DID love about being there.  Nothing like my little weekend jaunts into the swamps around Hunters Creek for bluegill, bass, gator dodging, wildlife watching, solitude, silence….or the occasional drive to Canaveral Seashore for a little surf fishing with a fly. Ohhhhh, sweet memories…. Bruce Thomsen

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Question:

I just bought my first fly rod , And went out fishing with it the other day, Wow was i missing the whole sport of fishing! I caught some Largemouth Bass , Rock Bass and Sunnys. Any advice would be greatley appreciated.

Response:

I just bought my first fly rod , And went out fishing with it the other day, Wow was i missing the whole sport of fishing! I caught some Largemouth Bass , Rock Bass and Sunnys. Any advice would be greatley appreciated.

Advice on what?  Sounds like you are doing fine.      - Ken

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I just bought my first fly rod , And went out fishing with it the other day, Wow was i missing the whole sport of fishing! I caught some Largemouth Bass , Rock Bass and Sunnys. Any advice would be greatley appreciated.

    become more literate. wayno – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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I just bought my first fly rod , And went out fishing with it the other day, Wow was i missing the whole sport of fishing! I caught some Largemouth Bass , Rock Bass and Sunnys. Any advice would be greatley appreciated.

Well, if you’re having fun and getting into fish then it sounds like you’ve gotten the important parts down pat. I personally tend not to care too much beyond that. That being said…what do you need advice about in particular? I’ve only been flyfishing 18 months and plan to be the eternal newbie, but give me some ideas what you want help with and I’d be glad to. Vegetables aren’t food. Vegetables are what the food eats.

Response:

I just bought my first fly rod , And went out fishing with it the other day, Wow was i missing the whole sport of fishing! I caught some Largemouth Bass , Rock Bass and Sunnys. Any advice would be greatley appreciated.

Walk away while you still can. — Rusty Hook Laramie, Wyo Before you buy.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just bought my first fly rod , And went out fishing with it the other day, Wow was i missing the whole sport of fishing! I caught some Largemouth Bass , Rock Bass and Sunnys. Any advice would be greatley appreciated.

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Bring your own Scotch. Bring enough for everybody. Bring 24 year old Macallan. Bring a tall glass for me. — Wayne To Fish is Human…To Release Divine!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Any advice would be greatley appreciated.

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I just bought my first fly rod , And went out fishing with it the other day, Wow was i missing the whole sport of fishing! I caught some Largemouth Bass , Rock Bass and Sunnys. Any advice would be greatley appreciated.

Ummmm, please tell US how you did it! Regards, Jeff

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I just bought my first fly rod , And went out fishing with it the other day, Wow was i missing the whole sport of fishing! I caught some Largemouth Bass , Rock Bass and Sunnys. Any advice would be greatley appreciated.

Gear, gear and more gear!  And when you think you have enough, buy more! Now where’s that damn Orvis catalog?

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Well, if you’re having fun and getting into fish

How the hell does one get into a fish??? That must be ONE BIG FISH!!! <laugh then it sounds like you’ve gotten the important parts down pat. I personally tend not to care too much beyond that. That being said…what do you need advice about in particular? I’ve only been flyfishing 18 months and plan to be the eternal newbie, but give me some ideas what you want help with and I’d be glad to.

Can we make a club for that? I’ve been at it for 10 Months and have yet to figure out if I am doing ANYTHING right… Oh I do catch fish but I tend to think that it more the fish feeling sorry for me. Vegetables aren’t food. Vegetables are what the food eats.

There goes my theories on the food chain! — Michael Era

Question:

Will be there in December.  Any recommendations re: guides, flies or locations would be appreciated.

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Will be there in December.  Any recommendations re: guides, flies or locations would be appreciated.

i was there on my honeymoon in 94…one day of bonefishing w/ a guide named Nacho..nice fellow..booked him through my hotel.  fished the north end of the island…caught mostly small bones, but i did cast to a couple that might have gone 5 lbs. used a local pattern…green red and gold, crazy-charlie type, size 6. area was very pretty…isolated mangrove flats…never saw another angler all day. good luck

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Question:

The show is scheduled for September 11-14. In years past, Organizers, Etc. (800 283-2754) have helped attendees with travel and lodging reservations. You might give them a call for details.

Response:

Hello Simon: Contact the staff of the International Fly Tackle Dealer Show at: PO Box 370 Camden, ME 04843 Clay

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I am very keen to attend the Denver Fly Fishing Trade Show in September. Could someone please furnish me with details.

The organization behind the promotion of this show is Fly Rod & Reel Magazine.  Their address is:         Fly Rod & Reel              PO Box 370              Camden, Maine 04843 You can also send E-Mail from their home page at: http://flyfishers.com/fly-rod-reel.html Regards, Trent P Roberson          Rx F Fish "For Your Good Health, Fly Fish" URL=http://www.xnet.com/~rxffish

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I am very keen to attend the Denver Fly Fishing Trade Show in September. Could someone please furnish me with details.

You can write Fly Tackle Dealer Magazine at Box 370 Camden, Maine 04843. You can probably e-mail Fly Rod and Reel (same group) through their web site (sorry, don’t know the Domain Name).    -Ralph Ralph Cutter, California School of Flyfishing. http://www.flyline.com

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Question:

bc, we have got to get out on the Provo some time so you can show me your waters.  Just tell me when you are able to go and I’ll see what I can do. Vern – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – <snipped I love fishing Utah. However, don’t go fishing where the out of state fly-fishermen go. You need to ask some of the local fly-fishermen to tell you where to go. Vern, And there are some local people that don’t fly fish that will be more then happy to tell you where to go bc. — Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. -Benjamin Franklin

Before you buy.

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I plan of fishing in Northern Utah this year.  It’s just farther from me than Southern Utah.  Therefore, I can get out to Southern Utah a lot more. Vern Actually, Northern Utah fishing is great, and there are a lot of places where you can get out without the crowds, and still enjoy a day out. You should give it a try some time. Also, check out http://www.fishwest.com/Utah. You can get a lot of info on northern UT fishing.

Before you buy.

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Keep your eyes open, though.  My son came tearing back up the trail looking like he’d seen Satan himself. Satan living in Utah?? I don’t think so. Every conservative christian knows Satan lives in Oregon.

Visits here in WI pretty often though.  Seems to like the weather, mosquitos, deer flies, horse flies, black flies, ticks, Miller beer, and those adorable foam rubber cheese hats!        :)

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As long as the snake has not drawn its pistol you are relatively safe ! TL MC — "In order to achieve what is possible, one must constantly attempt the impossible" http://www.mikeconnor.de

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Steve Oregon churches send missionaries to heathen Washington state. We have the rep as the most "unchurched" state in the union. ET2 would feel right at home in this respect. I only know one person who is into their church. On the other hand, I know 3 mail order ministers, 2 witches, 2 shaman, and many just plain pagans, and Im no fringy. Winter solstice is a major event, and July 4th has many aspects of an emerging religious holiday. Mostly the local christians adapt and rarely push things. And they do make themselves useful for weddings and burials, although, in our circle I think the mail order ministers handle about 50% of the business. One of the best is a Jewish guy. Folks like the mix of Hebrew/Native American stuff. Dave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Keep your eyes open, though.  My son came tearing back up the trail looking like he’d seen Satan himself. Satan living in Utah?? I don’t think so. Every conservative christian knows Satan lives in Oregon. –Steve

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Mike Connor wrote As long as the snake has not drawn its pistol you are relatively safe !

Snakes that shoot?  Well I suppose I could believe that. But snakes that draw?….Methinks you’ve been a bussin’ the famous stone, Michael me boyo. —                                                       -dnc-

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ET1 I can’t remember the last marriage that was held in a church. Opps take that back, about three years ago, mail order minister and a pickup with half a load of Alaska crab. Best one I saw recently was conducted by the Church of Elvis (HQ in Portland I believe) on the Winslow ferry. Oregon is wierd mix. I get a kick out of their public access cable. Do they still have that old guy doing the live sex shows from various blue venues? Dave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Oregon has a very interesting mix of liberal and conservative folks. There are quite a few religious people, but any place where medicinal mariuana and euthanasia are legal has a good portion of liberals. On the side, when I got married last summer, I literally had to interview all the "nondenominational ministers" since there were so many.  Got to hear all sorts of interesting stories, marriages in the nude, people consecrating their wedding immediately afterwards, etc. I suddenly felt quite…..normal.    - Ken — "During my service in the United States Congress, I took the initiative in creating the Internet."  - Al Gore

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Utah, fishing, it sucks.  Too many people on the water and just try and get a parking spot within a mile and a half of Little Hole.  Better fishing and less people in Oregon. Al – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Have you ever fished in Utah? no What did you think? not much. waldo

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Utah, fishing, it sucks.  Too many people on the water and just try and get a parking spot within a mile and a half of Little Hole.  Better fishing and less people in Oregon.

No, no, no, don’t let them fool you.  It rains constantly in Oregon, better fishing in Colorado.      - Ken — "During my service in the United States Congress, I took the  initiative in creating the Internet."  - Al Gore

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Have you ever fished in Utah? What did you think?

I love fishing Utah.  However, don’t go fishing where the out of state fly-fishermen go.  You need to ask some of the local fly-fishermen to tell you where to go. My favorite secret fishing spot is in Southern Utah.  However, don’t ask me where it is.  I won’t tell you.  I’ve only seen one other fly- fisherman there.  That’s the way I want to keep it.  Most people want to go to Northern Utah.  I don’t know much about that area. Here is a url with photos of my favorite spot in Utah.  The waters are calm and clear with fish that are hard to catch.  Though it says it was my last trip, it was not.  I have not had a chance to update my web- site yet.  Here’s the url: http://msnhomepages.talkcity.com/ResortRd/v_deloy/NEWS1.html — Vern My ROFF page: http://msnhomepages.talkcity.com/ResortRd/v_deloy/ROFFintro.html Before you buy.

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<snipped I love fishing Utah.  However, don’t go fishing where the out of state fly-fishermen go.  You need to ask some of the local fly-fishermen to tell you where to go.

Vern, And there are some local people that don’t fly fish that will be more then happy to tell you where to go bc. — Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. -Benjamin Franklin

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<snipped Ah come on Al – fly fishing is great at little hole.  Last year, I think I made 4 trips up there and had no problem parking.  How often did you fly fish it? bc. — Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. -Benjamin Franklin

Response:

Have you ever fished in Utah? What did you think?

I used to fish some little canyons around Dinosaur. Most places were pretty remote but were very enjoyable hikes and nice fishing. — Charlie…

Response:

Actually, Northern Utah fishing is great, and there are a lot of places where you can get out without the crowds, and still enjoy a day out. You should give it a try some time. Also, check out http://www.fishwest.com/Utah. You can get a lot of info on northern UT fishing.

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Vern,    That looks like the Southwest corner of Utah down by Four Corners, some beautiful country there. Ernie

<snip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -My favorite secret fishing spot is in Southern Utah.  However, don’t ask me where it is.  I won’t tell you.  I’ve only seen one other fly- fisherman there.  That’s the way I want to keep it.  Most people want to go to Northern Utah.  I don’t know much about that area. Vern

Response:

Have you ever fished in Utah?

Only once, about 6 years ago. What did you think?

Loved it! Our destination was the Green River, below Flaming Gorge dam.  We stayed in Vernal — one of those rare places where residents don’t bother to lock their doors.  Rooms at the Best Western were $20!  We stayed there for a week for what one night at the "fishin’ resort" would have cost. Fishing the Green was great, but we also explored and fished smaller, lesser known streams.  One that was a lot of fun (don’t know its name) crosses the road from Vernal to Flaming Gorge — and is about 2/3 of the way to the dam.  We followed it downstream from the road and, although a small stream, caught many fish in the 14 – 16 inch range. Keep your eyes open, though.  My son came tearing back up the trail looking like he’d seen Satan himself.  He’d almost stepped on a fat rattler. When it started buzzing right at his feet, he ’bout lost it. Unlike the Green (which is host to hordes of fiishers), nobody else was fishing the "little stuff." Been hoping to go back ever since, but have recently fallen in love with the Jackson Hole area and been spending my limited "out of state" time around there. Wes Peterson

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Keep your eyes open, though.  My son came tearing back up the trail looking like he’d seen Satan himself.

Satan living in Utah?? I don’t think so. Every conservative christian knows Satan lives in Oregon. –Steve

Response:

Keep your eyes open, though.  My son came tearing back up the trail looking like he’d seen Satan himself. Satan living in Utah?? I don’t think so. Every conservative christian knows Satan lives in Oregon.

And they should run, flee, flee I tell you, all you conservative christians flee back to Utah….HA HA HA!!!      - Ken — "During my service in the United States Congress, I took the  initiative in creating the Internet."  - Al Gore

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Al Simpson wrote Utah, fishing, it sucks.  Too many people on the water and just try and get a parking spot within a mile and a half of Little Hole.

I go to the Green every May.  There’s always plenty of parking at Little Hole.  However, most of the browns you catch in that section of the river do lack a certain amount of enthusiasm when hooked. —                                                       -dnc-

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Have you ever fished in Utah? What did you think?

Response:

Have you ever fished in Utah? no What did you think? not much. waldo

Hey, pal, you got a problem with Utah? <g –Steve

Response:

Have you ever fished in Utah? What did you think?

The state-run liquor stores closed way too early. — Rusty Hook Laramie, Wyo Before you buy.

Response:

Have you ever fished in Utah?

no What did you think?

not much. waldo

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From Rolly & Wells column in today’s Slat Lake Tribune:    Kathy Lambert of Salt Lake County reports that an acquaintance    visiting Utah recently was dining at Applebees in Salt Lake City and    asked the waitress what kinds of merlot and chardonnay wines were    available. The waitress gave the group a puzzled look, then said she    would find out. A few minutes later she came back with a triumphant    look on her face and proudly proclaimed: "The merlot is red and the    chardonnay is white." Only in Utah! Chuck W – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Have you ever fished in Utah? What did you think? The state-run liquor stores closed way too early. — Rusty Hook Laramie, Wyo Before you buy.

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Have you ever fished in Utah? no What did you think? not much. waldo Hey, pal, you got a problem with Utah? <g –Steve

yeah, what’s the deal with all that salt? walt, who loves western americana

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: I will be in Utah around SnowBird and Alta ski resorts in Mid Feb. Can : someone recommend somewhere? Yeah, a grass hut on the beach of Bora Bora!  

Response:

: I will be in Utah around SnowBird and Alta ski resorts in Mid Feb. Can : someone recommend somewhere? For fishing? Serious?  I would guess a pot of water suspended over a large campfire might be your only bet.   — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Assistant professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    | ad hominem University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    | ad hominem Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. | ad hominem

Response:

: I will be in Utah around SnowBird and Alta ski resorts in Mid Feb. Can : someone recommend somewhere?

You guys don’t know Utah to well some of the best fishing of the year is right on the doorstep of the ski areas in February –hint bring #16 and #18 pheasant tail nymph,9ft.4X leaders, Talk to a guide name Chris – tell him Pete B. sent you  

Response:

I live in Provo and fish the Provo river at least once a week.  Last time I checked there wasn’t ten feet of snow, and if there were river access is easy enough to get around the snow.  In fact, we had a blast hooking into big fish using some small midge patterns on top just a few days ago.  Granted there is the ugly avalanche that’s 60′ deep and a half a mile wide, but that’s quite far from where the good fishing is on the Provo.     So if you’re going to be in Utah for a while check out my Utah fly fishing page for the latest on the conditions.   http://www.et.byu.edu/~fryc Curtis Fry

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I will be in Utah around SnowBird and Alta ski resorts in Mid Feb. Can someone recommend somewhere?

Response:

Question:

I just finished John Judy’s book on slack line presentation. It was reviewed in the lastest Fly Fisherman.  He talks about hinged nymphing and uses a 4′ft leader that he cuts from old tapered leaders.  Does anyone have a formula for putting one of these things together?  I build all my leaders and don’t have any old knotless leaders hanging around. Any comments on this type of nymphing?  Sounds interesting and I’m an awful nymph fisherman. dennis aebersold

Response:

: Any comments on this type of nymphing?  Sounds interesting : and I’m an awful nymph fisherman.         I haven’t used the type of nymphing that you are talking about, but if you are really a horrible nymph fisherman, you might try a short-line technique like we typically use on teh the South Platte here in CO.         The line is weighted about a foot above the fly with a small piece of lead and the rod is held straight out. You can use strike indicators on the leader to increase the probability of detecting a strike.  This makes its a lot easier to detect the little nibbles, and you end up catching a lot more fish…

Response:

Briefly, the leader is tapered similarly to the normal leader but the tippet is fairly long.  The real issue here is the technique for working the fly.  It involves stacking.  After you cast the fly you ’snap’ what I call a micro mend that sends a small loop up your fly line and jerks indicator up stream.  This insures that the fly and weight are directly down stream from the indicator and line to insure that the drift is effected as little as possible by cross currents.  Then you shoot another series of two or three mends which should drop down right around the indicator.  This works similar to a birds nest in that it protects the indicator from dragging.  You then continue to shoot these mends to keep several with the indicator. This system is absolutely deadly when you are fishing water like the Big Horn or the Missouri where there are long glides.  Using this technique you can fish very small flies with relatively little weight.  You can fish these flies well away from you under high visibility conditions where a short line won’t work.  You can also get seventy foot plus drifts.  This is also important when fishing small flies where the current is not terribly fast.  Under these conditions short lining is a problem because aside from the problem of crowding the fish, you cannot get a long drift. I learned this technique from John Beard who is a master of this technique.  The secret is really all involved with sending those special mends.  It is really hard to describe and the best way to learn is to watch someone.  Also it is much easier to do this with heavier lines.  The heavier the easier having something to do with the lack of mass in smaller lines and air resistance. This is deadly on steelhead as well as trout.

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