Question:

My friend just got back from Jasper and told me of some incredible dry fly Pike fishing near Edson. We are planning a trip next June but what I want to know is are there any good lakes in BC, a little closer to my home in Vancouver, BC.

Response:

I am pretty sure that pike in BC are restricted to the northeastern portion of the province. Tim Lysyk

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My friend just got back from Jasper and told me of some incredible dry fly Pike fishing near Edson. We are planning a trip next June but what I want to know is are there any good lakes in BC, a little closer to my home in Vancouver, BC.

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Question:

Im looking for any ‘how to tie’ freshwater jigs sites. Any recomendations? Jay Wirth Renaissance Ink Member GPA

Response:

The basic process is very similar to tying streamer flies. Do a search on "fly tying" and have at it. For ideas on patterns, etc. look at local fly fishing shops and copy some of their patterns, or try another search for pre-made jigs to give you some ideas. Hope this helps, John McCabe — How would you like to catch more fish? FREE tip sheet.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Im looking for any ‘how to tie’ freshwater jigs sites. Any recomendations? Jay Wirth Renaissance Ink Member GPA

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Question:

The real cowards of America today are two houses of government that need total replacement for allowing this fool occupy the highest office in this land.  Is there no way to stop this criminal and his hooligans?         of course, george:  capital punishment.  surely you have noticed that it has solved all our other problems. wayno

____  I’m on your side Wayne.  I’m not one of "those".  Preaching to the wrong dude.  How goes you and Anthony fly fishing? — — MrG/American Sportsman http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html http://www.gink.com/rod_facts/bastardjun00.html  LATEST BAMBOO FACTS "the saga continues"

Response:

                           Tom Littleton

I would rather have the chaos of Buchanan than the stupidity of Bush or the traitorship of Gore.  At least Buchanan would have our southern borders shut down by now and there would be a real war against narcotics.  I’d be willing to try just four years with that gentleman. At least he has Presidential stature and a moral ethnic that would clean house.  I mean, CLEAN HOUSE!  That alone will take four years.  Need a shit kicker that has some brains and a strong will that, as you complained about, "Thinks for Himself!" — — MrG/American Sportsman http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html http://www.gink.com/rod_facts/bastardjun00.html  LATEST BAMBOO FACTS "the saga continues"

Response:

What is "queer mongering?" Shawn,A Long Island Layabout

Response:

What is "queer mongering?" Shawn,A Long Island Layabout

I cetainly hope it’s not like fish mongering, but with queers. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

Mr.G/American Sportsman wrote  Is there no way to stop this criminal and his hooligans? No.  Give it up. —                                                       -dnc-

Response:

Flypaint wrote What is "queer mongering?"

Mongering in an unconventional fashion? —                                                       -dnc-

Response:

What is "queer mongering?" Shawn,A Long Island Layabout

Ask G, I’m sure he’s an expert on the subject. — Charlie…

Response:

At least he has Presidential stature and a moral ethnic that would clean house.  I mean, CLEAN HOUSE! MrG/American Sportsman

So just which "ethnic" will Mr. Buchannan be using to clean his house ? I can’t imagine any "ethnic" wanting to work for a man with his views. Bob Smith Before you buy.

Response:

Bob Smith writes: At least he has Presidential stature and a moral ethnic that would clean house.  I mean, CLEAN HOUSE! MrG/American Sportsman So just which "ethnic" will Mr. Buchannan be using to clean his house ? I can’t imagine any "ethnic" wanting to work for a man with his views. Bob Smith

Come on, Bob.  It’s those "moral" ethnics as opposed to those immoral ones. <g Jo and I flew from D.C. to Boston on a Sunday morning a few years ago. Buchannan and his wife were the only other passengers in first class.  They sat directly opposite us.  Every time I looked at him, he was staring at my wife and then me.  I never spoke or gave any indication that I knew who he was. Probably pissed off the nazi bastard.  His wife seemed very nice, however. Dave LaCourse

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Bob Smith writes: At least he has Presidential stature and a moral ethnic that would clean house.  I mean, CLEAN HOUSE! MrG/American Sportsman So just which "ethnic" will Mr. Buchannan be using to clean his house ? I can’t imagine any "ethnic" wanting to work for a man with his views. Bob Smith Come on, Bob.  It’s those "moral" ethnics as opposed to those immoral ones. <g Jo and I flew from D.C. to Boston on a Sunday morning a few years ago. Buchannan and his wife were the only other passengers in first class.  They sat directly opposite us.  Every time I looked at him, he was staring at my wife and then me.  I never spoke or gave any indication that I knew who he was. Probably pissed off the nazi bastard.  His wife seemed very nice, however. Dave LaCourse

You aren’t telling me "gasp" that you and your wife are of diferrent races or something are you ? That or he’s a perv who openly oggles another mans wife.I guess he’d glare at me and Liz. When Liz is tan her Cherokee ancestry really stands out. And she ain’t hard to look at ! It’s gonna be an interesting 4 months. A buddy of mine is moving to England and staying with family there if Gore gets elected. Says he couldn’t take 4 more years of the " Clinton Regime " and he has an option. Lucky bastard. Bob Before you buy.

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______  The problem is the American People are too stupid to realize that the Federal Reserve and the powers that be are presenting them two candidates that shouldn’t even be voted in as dog catchers!  You dumb shits! What you need to do is write in someone that loves guns and hates people sneaking into the United States illegally. Among other things, the Office needs a person of high moral standard. Kick the narcotic using bastards out! The rest of you need to get a life! — MrG/American Sportsman http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html http://www.gink.com/rod_facts/bastardjun00.html  LATEST BAMBOO FACTS "the saga continues"

Response:

You called it. By the way, most people are too stupid to realize the Mayans invented television and that Atlantis is in fact now Atlanta. Peace love and understanding…or not. Alex

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ______  The problem is the American People are too stupid to realize that the Federal Reserve and the powers that be are presenting them two candidates that shouldn’t even be voted in as dog catchers!  You dumb shits! What you need to do is write in someone that loves guns and hates people sneaking into the United States illegally. Among other things, the Office needs a person of high moral standard. Kick the narcotic using bastards out! The rest of you need to get a life! — MrG/American Sportsman http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html http://www.gink.com/rod_facts/bastardjun00.html  LATEST BAMBOO FACTS "the saga continues"

Response:

I’ve always been impressed with their cast-rate. alex

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What is "queer mongering?" Shawn,A Long Island Layabout I cetainly hope it’s not like fish mongering, but with queers. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

Or, the old old saying: ya can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Mr.G/American Sportsman wrote  Is there no way to stop this criminal and his hooligans? No.  Give it up. —                                                       -dnc-

Response:

Boy, this is a new twist. Queer mongering? I thought the problem was Clinton was hetero. Well slap me dumb and call me senseless, the whole thing makes sense now. Face it: Clinton’s problem is that he kicked the moribund Republican assholes out of office and managed the country into prosperity. He did it thru fiscal conservatism, fighting off the regulators, reforming welfare, giving high tech the freedom to blossom and giving the American working stiff half a break. Along the way a whole new segment of America’s creative people got rich. Its the old guard and their wanna-bees, and their campfollowers, who hate his ass the most. He had the audacity to steal the few good ideas the Rs had and it makes them furious. That, and of course his blowjob, and probably the fact that he is a Southern populist. They hated Carter too, as much for his accent as anything. Maybe someone can remind me just when  and who was the last R pres  who gave half a shit for working people in this country. The Rs had a chance with McCain. I would have overlooked some of his repub claptrap (I do it all the time with goofy Dem ideas) and voted for him just because he came off as honest and his own man. Instead the money boys gave the nomination to a clown that makes Gore look like a paragon of competence. So I’ll be voting "D" this year because , in spite of all their nonsense, at least their dime’s worth of difference is on the side of the working people and creative minds of this country. Dave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What is "queer mongering?" Shawn,A Long Island Layabout Ask G, I’m sure he’s an expert on the subject. — Charlie…

Response:

Face it: Clinton’s problem is that he kicked the moribund Republican assholes out of office and managed the country into prosperity. He did it thru fiscal conservatism, fighting off the regulators, reforming welfare, giving high tech the freedom to blossom and giving the American working stiff half a break. Along the way a whole new segment of America’s creative people got rich.

Nah. It was all due to Alan Greenspan. Maybe someone can remind me just when  and who was the last R pres  who gave half a shit for working people in this country.

Abraham Lincoln? — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

Boy, this is a new twist. Queer mongering? I thought the problem was Clinton was hetero. It was the military issue David.  

George is just upset because they let fruitcakes like himself into the military.      - Ken

Response:

Am I the only person in the United States that notices the many different colors of hair Bill Clinton wears from day to day?  It ranges from a dark sandy to regular sandy hair to light gray hair, until today when it suddenly turned totally WHITE!  Who are the makeup artists that are doing this whitewash job with a lame duck lying, two faced, queer mongering, dope smoking, draft dodging, traitor of the United States who gives China our military secrets, bastard?!   The real cowards of America today are two houses of government that need total replacement for allowing this fool occupy the highest office in this land.  Is there no way to stop this criminal and his hooligans? MrG/American Sportsman "the saga continues"

Response:

The real cowards of America today are two houses of government that need total replacement for allowing this fool occupy the highest office in this land.  Is there no way to stop this criminal and his hooligans?

If you find a answer/solution to this one, you got my vote.  A lot of people my age are fed up with the business as usual, self-serving, pork barrel politics that we have witnessed all of our lives.  Maybe in the near future the X’ers will clean house, who knows. I look at roff and I think at times I could build the perfect President by taking bits and pieces of people here.  At times I find the best of people here can match those found anywhere else.   Take a little of  Wayno’s diplomacy, ET1&2’s attitude, RW’s touchy feeling stuff (or his stock market knowledge, perhaps both), a little LaCourse for his arboriculture and knowledge of pets for the White House (baaa-d),  a lot of Mike C for his way with words, vast knowledge base and willingness to help, a little Dave S to say what needs to be said, a little Vern for his innocence and honesty, a little Opie for his sense of humor, and a little Mr G because we need someone who is crazy enough to actually do the things that need to be done. I could go on and on and on but this was too long as it is.  If I didn’t mention you, don’t worry because  I didn’t forget you.  I just wanted to make sure I didn’t put anyone to sleep as I made the list.  Frank, Wayne, Frank, Steve, Levi, Jon, John, Peter and the rest of you that I didn’t mention, I will some other time because you all have ingredients for the recipe. Warren X#-[

Trout Dwellers Unite! Western Conclave Guru For info: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/sp_ROFF_people/wclave/wclave.html

Response:

The real cowards of America today are two houses of government that need total replacement for allowing this fool occupy the highest office in this land.  Is there no way to stop this criminal and his hooligans?

        of course, george:  capital punishment.  surely you have noticed that it has solved all our other problems. wayno

Response:

Take a little of  Wayno’s diplomacy, ET1&2’s attitude,

        if you equip our candidate with the evil twins’ attitude, you are gonna need a helluva lot more diplomacy than i can summon to save the campaign from an early demise!         wayno, whose campaign slogan is "two pots for every garage"

Response:

George writes: The real cowards of America today are two houses of government that need total replacement for allowing this fool occupy the highest office in this land.  Is there no way to stop this criminal and his hooligans?

Given a 40 percent voter turnout for the last couple of Presidential elections, the houses that need to wake up would not seem to the houses of Congress, George. Look what apathy has given us for a field this year!  Two major party candidates who both seem incapable of independent thought, a Green party candidate that often seems unaware of his own party’s agenda and Buchanan(Nazi Lite). Yeesh!                            Tom Littleton

Response:

Am I the only person in the United States that notices the many different colors of hair Bill Clinton wears from day to day?  It ranges from a dark sandy to regular sandy hair to light gray hair, until today when it suddenly turned totally WHITE!  Who are the makeup artists that are doing this whitewash job with a lame duck lying, two faced, queer mongering, dope smoking, draft dodging, traitor of the United States who gives China our military secrets, bastard?!

Maybe he hired Ronald Reagan’s hairdresser. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

Maybe he hired Ronald Reagan’s hairdresser.

Krylon or Rustoleum? — Charlie…

Response:

if you equip our candidate with the evil twins’ attitude, you are gonna need a helluva lot more diplomacy than i can summon to save the campaign from an early demise!

I don’t know.  I think people are ready for something new.  Someone who will say what needs to be said instead of what they think we need to hear.  Besides, they have been pretty quiet lately and you have been very diplomatic <g Warren X#-[

Trout Dwellers Unite! Western Conclave Guru For info: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/sp_ROFF_people/wclave/wclave.html

Response:

Question:

As the proud single parent of the Virtual Flybox I was so excited to learn that the very successful, publically traded corporation, About.Com thought highly enough of my humble web offering to write a feature article touting it’s accomplishments. If you have a spare minute or two please visit…  http://flyfishing.about.com/sports/fishhunt/flyfishing/mcurrent.htm …and ponder the praises…and you of course are always welcome to stop by the VFB. Thanks everyone…it wouldn’t have happened without you! keep tyin’…byard * * * * * * * * *   V I R T U A L    F L Y B O X    * * * * * * * * *    Fly Tyers Worldwide * Hundreds of Patterns * Tying Instructions                     http://www.VirtualFlybox.com * * * *   F E A T U R I N G   *  9 6 2  *   P A T T E R N S   * * * *

Response:

Congratulations on your recent mention in About.com   I took a look at your link, are you on your way to commercial success? Making a web site is tough, even more so when you do it for fun… Have a great day!

Hi Adam… Thanks for the visit and the congrats! The Virtual Flybox was never or will ever be a commercial project. It was never my intent to profit from this venture. On the other hand, due to the mega-hours involved with the production of this website, some form of compensation had to be considered. So the institution of an advertising program was necessary as well as an appeal for financial support from the viewership. In the last year the VFB has served up over 1 million pages of information to flyfisherman worldwide. The hours involved in keeping abreast with this demand exceed 50 per week. My need for nutrition is the same as anyone elses…hence, what you may consider commercialism. BTW…you are doing a wonderful job with your Small Streams site…it has always been one of my favorites. keep tyin’…byard * * * * * * * * *   V I R T U A L    F L Y B O X    * * * * * * * * *    Fly Tyers Worldwide * Hundreds of Patterns * Tying Instructions                     http://www.VirtualFlybox.com * * * *   F E A T U R I N G   *  9 8 0  *   P A T T E R N S   * * * *

Response:

Question:

Slainte ! MC

Response:

If you had to list ten flies to fish Western North Carolina streams year round, what would you take- elk hair caddis(tan); royal wulff; female adams; kauffman’s royal stimulator; royal trude; parachute blue-winged olive; letort hopper; prince nymph; squirrel tail nymph; montana nymph; pheasant tail nymph. wayno

If I remember correctly (and it’s tough) PJ only used two.  A royal coachman and any old nymph as a dropper.   Makes life simple. Peter

Response:

BTW, I’ll do my best to raise a glass to your health this weekend when some roffizen probates are in town….hell, I’ll do my best to raise a glass to each and every roffizen –waldo…takin’ liver pills

thank you sir.  I’ll toast you as well from the far fields of PA. Mark Faulkner

Response:

If you had to list ten flies to fish Western North Carolina streams year round, what would you take-

Response:

If you had to list ten flies to fish Western North Carolina streams year round, what would you take-

elk hair caddis(tan); royal wulff; female adams; kauffman’s royal stimulator; royal trude; parachute blue-winged olive; letort hopper; prince nymph; squirrel tail nymph; montana nymph; pheasant tail nymph. wayno – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

No Lt. Cahill, hare’s ear or terrestrials? Can you explain your selection understanding ten is a short number. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If you had to list ten flies to fish Western North Carolina streams year round, what would you take- elk hair caddis(tan); royal wulff; female adams; kauffman’s royal stimulator; royal trude; parachute blue-winged olive; letort hopper; prince nymph; squirrel tail nymph; montana nymph; pheasant tail nymph. wayno

Response:

No Lt. Cahill, hare’s ear or terrestrials? Can you explain your selection understanding ten is a short number.

    fly selection is darwinian. wayno

Response:

If you had to list ten flies elk hair caddis(tan); royal wulff; female adams; kauffman’s royal stimulator; royal trude; parachute blue-winged olive; letort hopper; prince nymph; squirrel tail nymph; montana nymph; pheasant tail nymph.

Wayno, quit usin’ your toes to count to ten. That extra one down on the end gets you in trouble every time. A most excellent list, but some would make room in the top 10 for a yellow humpy. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Who? Darwin? You gonna’ listen to your friends or to the trout? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – No Lt. Cahill, hare’s ear or terrestrials? Can you explain your selection understanding ten is a short number.     fly selection is darwinian. wayno

Response:

If you had to list ten flies to fish Western North Carolina streams year round, what would you take-

An experts

Question:

Need info about fishing on the Pecos River above Cowles NM. Thank you

Response:

For dries – use a size 12 or so stimulator "mimics the grass-hoppers and stone-flies in the area, also an elk-hairs caddis works well. Nymphs – any of the bead-head nymphs will work. Best if you can fish it during/after the stone fly hatch with a stimulator. -Mike

Response:

I am planning a trip to NE New Mexico to do some fly fishing in early Aug.  Need help with camping, suggestions on where to fish, flies, etc.,etc.  Newbie to newsgroup and newbie to fly fishing. Hal

Response:

In article I am planning a trip to NE New Mexico to do some fly fishing in early Aug.  Need help with camping, suggestions on where to fish, flies, etc.,etc.  Newbie to newsgroup and newbie to fly fishing. Hal

Look at this website for reprts:  http://www.gmfsh.state.nm.us/ Other useful information may be found here:   http://www.thereellife.com/reellife/reports.htm Good Luck!

Response:

Question:

– Now booking Cape Cod, MA inshore fly fishing wading trips for stripers for the 97 season. I supply all tackle and flies as well as casting instructions if needed. If you don’t score stripers, I don’t get paid. Fair enough? $125/single $200/two anglers for a full day wading trip. Email me http://www.flyfishing-the-salt.com. Email references given upon request. Good fishing…Ted Bobetsky

Response:

– Now booking Cape Cod, MA inshore fly fishing wading trips for stripers for the 97 season. I supply all tackle and flies as well as casting instructions if needed. If you don’t score stripers, I don’t get paid. Fair enough? $125/single $200/two anglers for a full day wading trip. Email me http://www.flyfishing-the-salt.com. Good fishing…Ted Bobetsky

Response:

Question:

=2E. Struggle in Sedona .. Below is an editorial from Fred Johnson published last week in Sedona Red Rock News …

"It’s symbolic of his struggle agains reality!"  - John Cleese, Monty Python’s Life of Brian

Response:

=2E. Struggle in Sedona .. Below is an editorial from Fred Johnson published last week in Sedona Red Rock News … Fred is good man and has done an admirable job of defining the issues involved with our Struggle in Sedona. Let=92s carry Fred=92s concept of  community approval for USFS land trades one step further, send me email and register =93your two cents worth=94 so that we may provide your opinion (support of no more land trades) to the USFS at the next meeting.  Let=92s face it, when the USFS trades land, these trades affect not just Sedona — they affect the entire world. Let’s not loose one more trail or tree. Let’s not loose one more bit of scenery. Let’s not loose one more bit of open space. Our forests are Public land and should remain public — not condos, not minimarts, not resorts, not wastewater treatment facilities (the USFS gave the city a couple hundred acres for one of these a few months ago) … We have one more week before we submit our local/national/global opinion to the USFS. Send us your letter today.  Thank you for your email, your support and your time. Tell a freind … Fred=92s editorial follows … Forest Service Land Trades Fly in the Face of the Public                                 by Fred Johnson The Forest Service Ideas for the Future statement addresses some concerns about land trades with sympathetic and soothing words and limited accommodation to past issues. However, the Forest Service still persists in desiring land acquisition by exchanges, regardless if such exchanges results in commercial and residential development, environmental denudation of the area transferred and unhappy public reaction. The Forest Service statement misses three strong expressions of public concern: The Sedona Community Plan, which in effect aims for the end of land exchanges that result in commercial development; The Sedona Forum, which identified major conflicts centered around the rate of growth, management of that growth and the primary issue being land trades for private development; and The many vocal written testaments against land trades, made and given at meeting in preparation for this management plan and at public hearings involving past land trades. The Forest Service position for maintaining land trade decision authority flies in the face of all the above.  It is also out of step with the General Goals (pg 29 Ideas for the Future): =93We strive to make decisions that reflect the connection of the community with the forest – recognizing the importance of the forest to citizens for …. open space and scenery …=94 And later, reference to land patterns of private and public ownership that meets the needs of the community and the forest. And item 7 on page 32 involving =93maintaining lands as public lands where important for community natural opens space values. =93Where important community values exist, forest lands will not be considered for trade.=94 These latter statements strongly indicate the need and justification for a local =93say=94 in matters. These all indicate that not only is local voice in order, but local acceptance should be required when the local public and community are affected by the loss of nearby national forest lands, its denudation and development for commercial and private purposes. It must be realized that land trades can mean a loss of open space in communities. Also, the increase in the land development base is unpopular in a community that wishes to keep a =93small town=94 atmosphere. Our voices count.  We are part of the ecosystem, too. Accordingly, I inject my request for local, public approval of all land trades that result in National Forest land being made eligible for commercial and residential development. In such instances, scoping, public hearing, discussion and agreement by formal or informal referrendums hould be required prior to processing the trade. Do others share my opinion? If you could like, copy and email the letter of support below and I will forward your email to the USFS at the next meeting.  Thank you for your support. HELP US SAVE THE FORESTS! HELP US SAVE SEDONA If you support Hiking Opportunities, If you support Biking Opportunities, If you support Camping Opportunities, If you support Climbing Opportunites, If you support Fishing Opportunities, If you support Equestrian Opportunities, If you support any Outdoor Opportunity, If you like Sedona, If you like Arizona If you like the Forest, If you like Nature … Write your own letter or copy and mail the passage below  … Thanks for your help. Rama Dear Forest Service Folks, I am opposed to ALL land trades in and around the Sedona area.  Please register my opinion and take it into consideration as you construct your =93Ideas for the Future=94 …         Name …         Age …         State …         City …         Country …

Response:

Question:

Greg, sounds like you got some good advice from Gene. Would also like to throw in the name of a good guide in Sterling. John Lesterson PO Box 865 Sterling, AK 99673 907-262-7319 Has a Halibut boat, Dory boat for Kenai salmon fishing and does trips in remote areas for trophy sized Rainbows. Have a blast, Steve

Response:

I am looking for all the information I can find concerning the fishing & camping situation for the Anchorage(within 2- 3 hours) – Kenai area. I am looking for a day guide for three persons. Also I am looking for 2 – 3 different areas to camp with good fishing as well as good sightseeing there and on the trip to get there. Almost finally I am looking for specific information on what is working and where. Finally, I am looking for a book or guide covering any or all of the above info. P.S. I would also like crowd updates Our trip will cover AUG21 – AUG27 Thank you, Greg in GA

Response:

Greg,  August is one of the best times to be on the Kenai.  Most of the toursist crowd is gone, hunting is starting so the locals are changing sports and the Silver and Rainbow fishing is great. Some tent camp areas are the Russian River camp area (near the town of Coopers Landing), the Quartz Creek campground (on Kenai lake at the headwaters of the river), plus a whole series of campgrounds along the river at Jims Landing, Upper Skilak Lake & Lower Skilak Lake (if you are going to fish the middle section of the river), Centenial Park (in Soldotna – for fishing the lower river).  Russian is the nicest in my opinion because you can walk the river to the falls and sight fish rainbows and Silvers, plus you generally can see a bear or two. Flies to use are generally Flash Flies and bright flies for Silvers, Flesh Flies and Egg patters for the Rainbows and Dollies Some good books are "Fishing the Kenai Peninsula" by Dan Sisson, "Flyfishing Alaska" by Tony Route and "Fly Patters of Alaska" by AK Flyfishers Federation (for pattens).  Don’t get that fishing the road system of Alaska by Pederton (guy was a tourist, spent probally two weeks here and wrote a book by reading others). Some good guide companies are Freebird (Mike out of Sterling – have his number in the office.  Will E-mail), and Troutfishers in Cooper Landing – will send also by E -mail.   — Gene Dobrzynski, Eagle River, Alaska

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Question:

I bought my first float tube in the 60s and my first pontoon boat (a Leigh) three  months ago.  I’ll never get in a float tube again.  I have the oars setup and it sure gets me back to my truck in winds a lot easier than finning a tube.  Also, the chap that mentioned that getting in and out of a tube once a session so it doesn’t bother him either fishes short days or is considerably younger than I with a much strong bladder — and I don’t mean a tube bladder.

Response:

I’ve used both a tube and two other pontoon kickboats and would recomend the pontoon kickboats for the following reasons. Easier to get in and out of. You sit up higher and can see into the water better They’re faster than the traditional floatube With oar attachments they’re really faster! I use a JW Outfitters Backpacker that is easier to backpack into lakes than an inflated float tube. This one is made for backpacking. A group of us have been float tubing the boundary waters and Sylvania wilderness area for the last 7 years and live in our tubes 10 hours a day for a week, so I’m pretty peticular and have thought a lot about this. However, I’m now looking at the Hobie Float by Hobie Cat. It has roto molded pontoons and can be backpacked (24lbs). No more pumps and patches for the inflatable tubes!! Neat looking stuff. Local shop is getting a demo in and will probably fish it next week. As Dennis Miller says, " That’s just my opinion; I could be wrong." Good luck with your purchase. – Denny Redmond

Response:

tell me more about Leigh ppontoon boats-e.g. size, wt, price etc.does it spin a lot in the wind like a boat?

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Rook, I do not know about Leigh pontoon boats but do know about the water otter.  It is 6ft 6inches X 44inches x 12inches weights 23 lb dry and about 32 with everthing.  The capacity is 300lbs.  Made out of 32oz. PVC 11oo Denier and the frame is 1 inch square aluminum tube.  I have used this oar pontoon boat on the Big Horn, Green River and the lower Sac.  I would not suggest that you get a kick pontoon boat ( with out the ability to use oars) a Caddis pontoon kick boat was used in the unfortunte (SP) accident last weekend on the green river.  Man died. Email me direct if you want more infor. on Water Otter.  Good luck. Regards, Joe – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -tell me more about Leigh ppontoon boats-e.g. size, wt, price etc.does it spin a lot in the wind like a boat?

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]I’d welcome any and all comments and recommendations. Well, here’s more than you ever wanted to hear about float tubes… I own the U Boat from The Creek Company.  Having used both round and U tubes, and recommend the U boat heavily, mainly for the ease of getting in and out of it.  There are probably a myriad of ways to get in and out of these things, but when you have flippers on, stepping through the middle of a round tube, while avoiding the seat, and still keeping your balance, well, let’s just say it takes practice.  I’ve also heard from people who’ve used a round boat for awhile, that it actually starts to wear the knees of neoprene waders, from the rubbing when you’re kicking in the water. I’ve used the Buck’s U tube, and unless they’ve changed it, what I didn’t like about it was the heavy metal bar that goes across the opening of the "U".  This is what keeps the open ends of the U from collapsing on your legs while you’re in the water.  The U Boat uses straps along the backside of the U to keep the open end of the U open and it works well.  (You pull them tight after inflating it.)  I didn’t like the bar on the Buck’s tube, because it added weight, and didn’t allow you to roll up the tube tightly when deflated. I had a chance to briefly demo both the U Boat and Gliderider (at a flyfishing show), and it was strictly a personal choice that I picked the U Boat.  I like the Gliderider, it seemed make me slouch, almost like a recliner chair.  With the U Boat, I was more upright.   I ended up buying my U Boat at the show, and their salesman made a strong pitch (as you would expect from a salesman) about their lifetime guarantee with NORMAL use, and how their seems are so much better sealed than competitors.  Take that for what it’s worth. Any shop worth its salt should let you demo a tube.  There are so many of these out there (and even more now with variants of pontoons & other "personal floatation devices"), that I think it would be impossible to make a decision based on catalogue pictures and testimony from others. Whatever you choose, enjoy!  These things are the greatest invention since the fly rod/ ree, and they’ll open up access to more water than you could get to without.  – Bill Uyeki

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I’d recommend a pontoon style.  It’s easier to handle colder water because you have less body in the water.  It’s easier to get around in larger laker because you can use oars — and in smaller lakes it is just as easy to manuver as a regular float tube. Brian

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I’m about to buy my first float tube. I’ve ruled out the old round style and am leaning toward a u-shaped model although I have not ruled out a pontoon-type craft. I don’t want to spend more than $300. That puts me near the high end of u-boats. I’ve looked at the Buck’s Bullet and I’ve also received a recommendation for the Wood River Gliderunner. This is the low end for pontoon-style boats. I think Buck’s has one for $295. Don’t get me wrong, I would spend less than $300 but I want a good quality, well-designed product. Since this will be my only craft it must be versatile. My waters are large, potentially windy resevoirs and also small, walk-in lakes. I could conceivably also tube in the kelp beds off the coast here (So. Cal.) I’m 6′-4" and 190lbs. I’d welcome any and all comments and recommendations.

Hmmm…If/when you settle on a float tube, make sure that it’s sized appropriately. At 6′4" and 190 you may be riding low in the water with some of the tubes out there – especially the u-boats (speakin’ from experience – I’m 6′5", headin’ for 230 (ugh!) and I use a Buck’s Giant "old style" tube to keep me high on the water). Also, realize that while the u-boats are indeed easier to get in and out of, on a windy day the waves will be breaking on your chest instead of against the tube… Anyway…I’m partial to the tubes over the pontoons as the tubes are easier to pack into remote ponds up in the Maine/NH woods (of course, I do have a 12′ canoe for situations where I guess a pontoon would otherwise be used). Of course, this is all entirely subjective stuff… /dave <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< < Digital Equipment Corp.    Alpha Server Engineering  < <           "Read this and nobody gets hurt"           < <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

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   Well, not to be a party pooper, but I’ve been perfectly happy with my totally-basic-no-frills Caddis round tube…it’s as tough and sturdy as any other model they make…it just doesn’t have the Lay-Z-Boy recliner back and all the pockets.  Best of all, it only costs about $80.    Do you really need a "U-boat?"  Why?  I have no trouble getting in and out of mine (and I usually only need to do it once once I’m on the water).    Just my 2 cents’ worth. —         Scott Wilkinson         Montgomery County, Maryland

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I have both a round tube and a Gliderider.  The Gliderider is definitely easier to use and easier to handle in wind.  While not a necessity, the V style is great.  I find that in the round tube, I bang up against the front of the tube when trying to move through the water quickly and it becomes annoying.  I am 6′ and I would imagine that at 6′ 4" you will have this problem too.  I was also attracted to the Gliderider because of its weight and portability.  At 6 lbs 11oz you can deflate it and stuff it into a duffel when traveling.  It’s easy to blow up without a pump (something you can’t do easily with a truck tire).  These lightweight bladders are available for a round tube but they cost ~ 50 – 80 bucks. You can buy a bigger and lighter round tube, but the cost will approach the Gliderider.  My girlfriend likes my round tube much better than the V tube because it lets her get a tan much easier without getting too wet. At least she can have a good time while I get to go fishing. Steve

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I’ve had the Caddis Premier U-tube for the last 2 years and have been extremely happy.  Lots of pockets.  I especially like the spreader bar that goes across the front.  It keeps it spread open while setting in it, and removes easy for entry and exit.  Cabella’s have them advertized right now for I think $159 including a pair of flippers. I dont think you can beat the deal if you want a U tube.  I looked extensively 2 years ago and decided this was the one I liked best. Good luck, & tight lines. Don Albrecht Donald Albrecht

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I’m about to buy my first float tube. I’ve ruled out the old round style and am leaning toward a u-shaped model although I have not ruled out a pontoon-type craft. I don’t want to spend more than $300. That puts me near the high end of u-boats. I’ve looked at the Buck’s Bullet and I’ve also received a recommendation for the Wood River Gliderunner. This is the low end for pontoon-style boats. I think Buck’s has one for $295. Don’t get me wrong, I would spend less than $300 but I want a good quality, well-designed product. Since this will be my only craft it must be versatile. My waters are large, potentially windy resevoirs and also small, walk-in lakes. I could conceivably also tube in the kelp beds off the coast here (So. Cal.) I’m 6′-4" and 190lbs. I’d welcome any and all comments and recommendations. Thanks, Tim

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